We recently hosted 25 business and community leaders from the Saratoga Springs region of New York. It was the first half of a collaboration with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce that will have us travel to Saratoga in August. During their time in Burlington they heard from Mayor Miro Weinberger about Burlington's recent parking changes; housing leaders like Erik Hoekstra with Redstone, Rita Markley with COTS and Michael Monte with the Champlain Housing Travel; business leaders like Scott Johnstone and Liz Gamache at VEIC, Melissa Dever at C2 and a host of other members that engaged in great conversations. There's nothing like an outside perspective to make things clear. So what struck us about hosting these leaders and showing them a bit about what makes our region tick? That while we have our challenges, our shared commitment to making our region the best place to live, work and do business is an enormous opportunity.

We are excited to learn more from our friends in Saratoga in August. If you're interested in being a part of the trip, let us know!

The American Meteorological Society is holding their Mountain Meteorology Specialty Meeting at the Hilton Burlington from June 26th to July 2, 2016. This group was brought to the Hilton by the Vermont Convention Bureau and represents an economic impact of $$106,500 for the state of Vermont. This is the second time the Vermont Convention Bureau has brought the American Meteorological Society to Vermont, the group met back in 2006 in Stowe.

The Uniform Law Commission is holding their 2016 Annual Meeting at Stowe Mountain Lodge July 6th to July 14, 2016. This group was brought to Stowe Mountain Lodge by the Vermont Convention Bureau and represents an economic impact of $590,000 for the state of Vermont. The Uniform Law Commission provides states with non-partisan, well conceived, and well drafted legislation that brings clarity and stability to critical areas of state statutory law. 275 meeting participants plus spouses will attend this program in Stowe. 

The VCB is a division of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce that works to bring meetings and events to Vermont.  To learn more about the VCB visit their website.

10 teams will once again battle it out for the Golden Cleat! Burlington Young Professional's 7th Annual Kickball tournament will take place on August 12th at Oakledge Park (lower shelter). We will be grilling at 4:00PM; games will start at 5:30PM. BYOB! Get your co-workers together or join up with another business.

Creative uniforms are strongly encouraged. Don't have a team but still looking to network? If you're new to the area and want to meet people, there's no better way than an old fashioned kick ball game and BBQ. Feel free to come cheer on the teams. A percentage of the proceeds will go to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta.  The cost per team is $125. Teams can have 10 to 20 players. This cost also includes the BBQ. Click here to register your team.

Just want to come watch the fun and enjoy some BBQ? Bring $5! 

Burlington Young Professionals is a program of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce focused on providing up and coming professionals with professional development, community engagement and social opportunities. To learn more about the BYP visit their website. 

Celebrate summer with fellow Chamber members on  August 18th  from  5:30PM to 7:30PM  in the newly restored Garden Barn at The Barns at Lang Farm. It is the perfect time to catch up with your fellow members and friends and enjoy the beautiful perennial garden right outside the Barn. The Garden Barn is newly restored to welcome conferences, weddings, parties, and much more!  We look forward to a beautiful evening in this tremendous new space.  Register here.

Thank you to our sponsors:

 

Sonesta ES Suites in Burlington, Vermont has been refreshingly re-imagined! Perfect for overnight guests and business travelers, their all-suite hotel offers a surprisingly different stay that sets them apart.

 

Guests will be treated to bigger, cozier beds, large flat screen TVs, fully updated kitchens and thoughtfully redesigned work areas offering a homey place where you can settle in, spread out and be productive - or just relax after a day of exploring. The convenience doesn't stop there, our warm and friendly staff, complimentary daily breakfast, evening socials and Wi-Fi plus added amenities such as a heated indoor pool, onsite laundry facilities and fitness center offer a unique experience they think you're sure to enjoy. The comforts of home are blended with the things you've come to love about Sonesta for a fun and relaxing mix that will leave you pleasantly surprised. To learn more or to book a room at Sonesta, visit their website.