Randolph Area Chamber Of Commerce
Bi-Annual Initiatives - June 2009

Permitting

The Chamber recognizes the need for clear zoning rules, and that the consistent and fair application of these rules are fundamental to a healthy community and business climate. This year the Chamber plans to highlight permitting as a key initiative. In order to make informed recommendations to the Town and its members, the Chamber will observe and evaluate the zoning and permitting process in the Town of Randolph and surrounding Towns. By being more familiar with the current plans and rules and how they are used in permitting, the Chamber will be able to better assist businesses in understanding the permitting process and serve as an ombudsmen to member businesses to ensure consistency and efficiency throughout the application procedure.

This will be done by:

  • Interviewing key persons involved in planning and permitting. This would include but not limited to Development Review Board members, Planning Commission members, zoning board administrators, town planners, regional planners, regional Act 250 ombudsmen and regulators, Agency of Natural Resources representatives, and surveying business owners who have been through or are contemplating going through the permitting process.
  • Reading key documents. Documents relating to planning and regulation would include the Town Plan, Subdivision and Zoning Regulations, Act 250 Regulations, and the Regional Plan.
  • Attending meetings. In order to observe and evaluate the process, it will be necessary to attend meetings of planning commissions, development review boards, select boards, and town planning sessions.
  • Assisting business. Member businesses asking for assistance will have the opportunity to have Chamber representatives sit in on meetings, identify permitting resources, and to anticipate information needed to facilitate a fair and efficient permitting process.

    • Promotion

    The Chamber plans to increase the visibility of the region and its products, especially agricultural product sales. Currently the region lacks a consistent and strong market presence. Although geographically central in the State of Vermont, the area lacks the visibility and economic benefit from such an advantage. Moreover, although the area is identified for its rolling hills, winding rivers, and pastoral beauty easily viewed from I89 and Amtrak trains, the non-agricultural business and agricultural communities are not unified. The Chamber is uniquely positioned to provide the bridge to create a more intentional dialogue between the non-agricultural and agricultural business environments and to promote this collaboration on a regional basis.

    This will be done by:

    • The Chamber plans to expand the visibility of the 11 town region it serves by marketing the region as a whole more aggressively by creating a Randolph Region Area Guide, circulating the guide throughout the state, and uploading it to the Chamber website. This guide will feature attractions, fairs, and festivals -- many of which are agriculturally based. It will provide advertising opportunities, maps, and listings for activities, lodging, dining, and retail opportunities. CSA’s, farmers markets, and maple sugar makers as well as farms that offer a lodging/farm experience.
    • The Chamber will need to become more familiar with regional agricultural businesses and learn about their unique business challenges.
    • The Chamber will serve to assist networking opportunities for both agricultural and non-agricultural businesses.

      • Unique Small Business Challenges

      Although addressing the needs of small business is always a priority for the Chamber, the unique climate of the current economy calls for extraordinary efforts by the Chamber to address the unique challenges businesses are facing. Small business is the backbone of the region’s economy, but small business owners are seldom able to press their issues at the state or federal level. The Chamber can assist by providing information and, in some cases, influence for small businesses.

      This will be done by:

      • The Chamber will seek out information on the challenges faced by small business, and advocate for measures which address these challenges.
      • The Chamber will provide informational opportunities via the e-newsletter, seminars, and targeted emails to area businesses.
      • The Chamber will assist businesses wishing to discuss their issues with legislators with gaining access and by adding the influence of the Chamber.