The competition came to a grand finale at 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at the Marlboro College Technology Center, where awards were presented by Chuck Ross, Vermont Secretary of Agriculture, Food, and Markets, and by Pat Moulton-Powden, Vermont Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Community Development.

Thanks to the new collaboration this year between BDCC and Strolling of the Heifers, four categories were featured in the 2011 competition: General Business Existing Business, General Business New Business, Food/Farm Existing Business, and Food/Farm New Business.

Also for the "General Business Existing Business" category, the second-place prize of $6,000 was awarded to Saxtons River Distillery, LLC, owned by Christian Stromberg of Saxtons River. Stromberg's distillery makes and distributes an award-winning maple liqueur called Sapling. He is moving his operations to Brattleboro, where he will have a retail location and will develop a new Piste Vodka to add to the company's Vermont-made line.

Three runners-up in the "General Business Existing Business" category received $2,000 each: Dreamcatcher Entertainment owned by Bill Forchion of Brattleboro; Kaye Audio, Inc., owned by George Kaye of Brattleboro; and Spirit Hill Farm Back Roads Granola owned by Virginia and Peter Vogel of Brattleboro.

For the "General Business New Business" category, the top prize of $6,000 was awarded to Pinewood TMS, LLC, owned by Julie Plummer of Newfane. TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is an FDA-approved form of neuro-modulation used as an alternative for the treatment of depression. Plummer will offer this form of treatment in the local area.

Also for the "General Business New Business" category, the second-place prize of $3,000 was awarded to Student Cultural Exchange, LLC, owned by Peter and Jesse Friedman of Brattleboro. The Friedmans' business will arrange historic tours and in-depth community service programs for a growing population of international high school boarding students, who have no place to go during short school breaks. The program will expose the students to U.S life while relieving the schools of responsibility.

Three runners-up in the "General Business New Business" category received $1,500 each: Muse Tec owned by Daniel Kasnitz of Brattleboro; Next Step Sustainable Business Consultancy owned by Ben Griffin and Bonnie Sigwalt of Brattleboro; and Rock River Studio owned by Christine Triebert of Newfane.

For the "Food/Farm Existing Business" category, the top prize of $10,000 was awarded to Side Hill Farm owned by Kelt and Kristina Naylor of Brattleboro. The Naylors are expanding their product offerings to include a line of jams, jellies, and cheese paste based on underutilized fruit from local farms. These new products will join their current award-winning product lines and be sold to farmstands region wide.

Also for the "Food/Farm Existing Business" category, the second-place prize of $5,000 was awarded to High Meadows Farm's "Good Roots" owned by Howard Prussack of Putney. High Meadows is a successful all-organic farm that will offer a new service for fall storage crops, such as carrots, beets, and Chinese cabbage. This will require an appropriate storage facility to prevent freezing and will serve existing local customers.

Three runners-up in the "Food/Farm Existing Business" category received $1,500 each: Downstreet Cafe owned by Adreana Porteur of Bellows Falls; New Leaf CSA owned by Elizabeth Wood of Dummerston; and Putney Mountain Winery owned by Kate and Charles Dodge of Putney.

For the "Food/Farm New Business" category, the top prize of $5,000 was awarded to Big Picture Farm owned by Louisa Conrad and Lucas Farrell of Townshend. Their business is a start-up farm featuring delicious farmstead caramel using fresh goat's milk. They operate a "farm within a farm" based on an agreement with the base farm owners, Ann and Bob Works of Peaked Mountain Farm. Conrad and Farrell distribute their wrapped caramels through farmers markets, selected regional gourmet stores and cheese shops, and online.

Also for the "Food/Farm New Business" category, the second-place prize of $2,500 was awarded to Whetstone Cider Works, LLC, owned by Jason and Lauren MacArthur of Marlboro. The MacArthurs produce craft hard ciders combining respect for the long history of cider production with regional fruit yielding cider that could not be created anywhere else.

Three runners-up in the "Food/Farm New Business" category received $1,000 each: Entera Artisanal Catering owned by Tristan Toleno of Brattleboro; Just Pies owned by Andrea Waisman of Brattleboro; and The Fox Stop owned by Cindy Logan of the Red Fox Inn in Bondville.

The four first-place winners, four second-place winners, and 12 runners-up were among 39 original candidates who entered the competition by submitting an executive summary by April 11. Judges evaluated each submission based on such criteria as: likelihood of success, potential for job creation, impact on the local economy, leadership quality, and financial clarity. The premise behind the Business Plan Competition is to help raise awareness in the community about small business and entrepreneurship, and to encourage new business development by helping interested community members develop viable business plans, gain public attention, and earn financial rewards.

The judging panel consisted of these community members: Roger Allbee (former Vermont Secretary of Agriculture, Foods and Markets), William Ames (Strolling of the Heifers Board), Laura Batcha (Organic Trade Association), Cheryl Bedard (Vermont Circuits), Debbie Boyle (People's United), Nancy Cain (Against the Grain), Bill Daley (Vermont Country Deli), Dart Everett (Everett Real Estate Services), Arne Hammarlund (People's United), Benjamin Johnson (Commonwealth Dairy), Pat Mangan (Merchants Bank), Thomas Moffitt (Commonwealth Dairy), Greg Moschetti (Strolling of the Heifers' Slow Living Steering Committee), Jon "Max" Muise (Vermont USDA Rural Development), Dan Normandeau (The Windham Foundation), Tom Nunziata (Brattleboro Food Co-op Board), Drew Richards (The Richards Group), Tammy Richards (Pieciak & Co., P.C.), Phil Steckler (Country Business, Inc.), Ross Thurber (Lilac Ridge Farm), Dwight Williams (Key Bank), Dan Yates (Brattleboro Savings and Loan), and Jill Zachery (ROV Technologies).

More information about the Business Plan Competition can be found online at the BDCC website http://www.brattleborodevelopment.com or by contacting BDCC at 802-257-7731.

BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in southeastern Vermont. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity, and improves the quality of life of all its residents. Founded in 1954, BDCC owns and manages the Cotton Mill industrial park/incubator and the new Business Park at the former Book Press building, among other facilities, and is one of 12 Vermont Regional Development Corporations.

Strolling of the Heifers, based in Brattleboro, Vermont, was founded in 2001 with the goal of helping to save and sustain family farms by connecting people with healthy local food. Annually in June, it presents the Strolling of the Heifers Parade, in which heifer calves and other farm animals, bedecked with flowers, are led up Brattleboro's Main Street. When it's over, the crowd follows the parade to the Live Green Expo for food, entertainment, education and fun. As part of its 10th anniversary in 2011, Strolling is also presenting the first Slow Living Conference, the first Tour de Heifer bicycle fund-raising event, and the first Farm/Food Short Film Festival. A summer internship program placing youth on family farms, developed and piloted by Strolling of the Heifers, will become part of the Windham Regional Career Center's new agricultural curriculum.

Finalists in the "General Business New Business" category are (in alphabetical order): (1) Muse Tec by Daniel Kasnitz; (2) Next Step Sustainable Business Consultancy by Ben Griffin and Bonnie Sigwalt; (3) Pinewood TMS, LLC, by Julie Plummer; (4) Rock River Studio by Christine Triebert; and (5) Student Cultural Exchange, LLC, by Peter and Jesse Friedman.

Finalists in the "Food/Farm Existing Business" category are (in alphabetical order): (1) Downstreet Cafe by Adreana Porteur; (2) High Meadows Farm by Howard Prussack; (3) New Leaf CSA by Elizabeth Wood; (4) Putney Mountain Winery by Kate and Charles Dodge; and (5) Side Hill Farm by Kelt and Kristina Naylor.

Finalists in the "Food/Farm New Business" category are (in alphabetical order): (1) Big Picture Farm by Louisa Conrad and Lucas Farrlell; (2) Entera Artisanal Catering by Tristan Toleno; (3) Just Pies by Andrea Waisman; (4) The Fox Shop by Cindy Logan; and (5) Whetstone Cider Works, LLC, by Jason MacArthur.

The finalists' full business plans are due at BDCC by 4 p.m. May 23. Final presentations, lasting up to 12 minutes per finalist with an additional 10 minutes for questions, will take place on the morning of June 1 at the Marlboro College Graduate School. Winners will be announced that afternoon, and Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin has been invited to present the awards.

For the General Business division, the top prize in the "Existing Business" category will be $12,000, the second-place prize will be $6,000, and the prizes for up to three runners-up will be $2,000 each. For the General Business "New Business" category, the top prize will be $6,000, the second-place prize will be $3,000, and the prizes for up to three runners-up will be $1,500 each.

In the Food/Farm division, the top prize in the "Existing Business" category will be $10,000, the second-place prize will be $5,000, and the prizes for up to three runners-up will be $1,500 each. For the Food/Farm "New Business" category, the top prize will be $5,000, the second-place prize will be $2,500, and the prizes for up to three runners-up will be $1,000 each.

More information about the Business Plan Competition can be found online at the BDCC website http://www.brattleborodevelopment.com or by contacting BDCC at 802-257-7731.

BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in southeastern Vermont. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity, and improves the quality of life of all its residents. Founded in 1954, BDCC owns and manages the Cotton Mill industrial park/incubator and the new Business Park at the former Book Press building, among other facilities, and is one of 12 Vermont Regional Development Corporations.

Strolling of the Heifers, based in Brattleboro, Vermont, was founded in 2001 with the goal of helping to save and sustain family farms by connecting people with healthy local food. Annually in June, it presents the Strolling of the Heifers Parade, in which heifer calves and other farm animals, bedecked with flowers, are led up Brattleboro's Main Street. When it's over, the crowd follows the parade to the Live Green Expo for food, entertainment, education and fun. As part of its 10th anniversary in 2011, Strolling will also present the first Slow Living Conference, the first Tour de Heifer bicycle fund-raising event, and the first Farm/Food Short Film Festival. A summer internship program placing youth on family farms, developed and piloted by Strolling of the Heifers, will become part of the Windham Regional Career Center's new agricultural curriculum.

Contacts:

• Jeffrey Lewis, BDCC Executive Director, jlewis@brattleborodevelopment.com, 802-257-7731


• Bruce Gardner, BDCC Senior Director, bgardner@brattleborodevelopment.com, 802-246-0151


• Orly Munzing, Strolling of the Heifers Executive Director, orlymunzing@gmail.com, 802-258-9177


• Donna McElligott, BDCC Marketing/PR Rep, donna@howardprintinginc.com, 802-254-3550 (work), 802-579-8579 (cell)


• Martin Langeveld, Strolling of the Heifers Marketing Director, langeveldvt@comcast.net, 802-280-0226

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- MARCH 14, 2011

Contacts:
- Jeffrey Lewis, BDCC Executive Director, jlewis@brattleborodevelopment.com, 802-257-7731
- Orly Munzing, Strolling of the Heifers Executive Director, orlymunzing@gmail.com, 802-258-9177
- Donna McElligott, BDCC Marketing/PR Rep, donna@howardprintinginc.com, 802-254-3550 (work), 802-579-8579 (cell)
- Martin Langeveld, Strolling of the Heifers Marketing Director, langeveldvt@comcast.net, 802-280-0226

BDCC and STROLLING OF THE HEIFERS partner in expanded business plan competition with $67,500 in prize money

BRATTLEBORO, VT -- The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) and Strolling of the Heifers have teamed up to relaunch BDCC's Business Plan Competition with the addition of a new Food/Farm category and multiple prizes totaling $67,500.

From 2006 to 2009 BDCC offered the competition with two categories: existing businesses and startups or new businesses. After a hiatus in 2010, the contest's 2011 edition will feature two divisions -- one general businesses excluding agriculture and food, and one specifically for agricultural or food-related enterprises -- the Strolling of the Heifers Farm/Food Business Plan Competition.

In the Strolling of the Heifers Farm/Food division, the top prize in the "Existing Business" category will be $10,000, the second-place prize will be $5,000, and the prizes for up to three runners-up will be $1,500 each. For the Farm/Food "New Business" category, the top prize will be $5,000, the second-place prize will be $2,500, and the prizes for up to three runners-up will be $1,000 each.

"We're excited to be running the competition again this year, and especially excited about partnering with Strolling of the Heifers, which allows us to greatly increase the available prize money and help jumpstart more businesses," said Jeffrey Lewis, BDCC executive director.

For the past three years, Strolling had operated its Microloan Fund for New England Farmers in partnership with The Carrot Project of Somerville, Mass. This year, while the microloan program will be continued by The Carrot Project in Vermont and Massachusetts, with plans to expand it to other states, "Strolling of the Heifers has decided to move in a new direction by making direct grants to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship on our region's farms," according to Orly Munzing, the Stroll's executive director.

The Stroll board redirected a portion of the microloan fund, raised in a series of annual benefit concerts by artists including Pete Seeger, Paul Winter, and John Sebastian, into the new farm and food entrepreneurship initiative. In addition, Strolling has received a grant of $20,000 from the John Merck Fund to support the Farm/Food portion of the competition and to help introduce similar efforts in other parts of the state.

"The premise behind the Business Plan Competition is to help raise awareness in the community about small business and entrepreneurship, and to encourage new business development by helping interested community members develop viable business plans, gain public attention, and earn financial rewards," Lewis said.

To enter the competition, candidates must first register by going to the BDCC web site (www.brattleborodevelopment.com), or by visiting the BDCC office at Cotton Mill Hill, Brattleboro, in person. Once registered, contestants must submit an Executive Summary consisting of a two-page business plan and one-page financial summary no later than 4 p.m. April 11, 2011.

Finalists for each category will be announced by April 18. Final Business Plans will be due at BDCC no later than 4 p.m. May 23.

Final presentations, lasting up to 12 minutes per finalist with an additional 10 minutes for questions, will take place on the morning of June 1 at the Marlboro College Graduate School. Winners will be announced that afternoon, and Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin has been invited to present the awards.

Following the final awards presentation, finalists in all categories will have an opportunity to network with investors, entrepreneurs, bankers, educators and others who are attending the Strolling of the Heifers Slow Living Summit, scheduled for June 1-3.

All applicants will be offered access to various sources for free assistance in formulating and formatting their executive summaries, and finalists will have additional help in preparing their full business plan, presentations and "elevator pitches."

To be eligible for the competition, the existing or new business must be physically located within BDCC's designated region of Windham County plus the towns of Readsboro, Searsburg, and Weston, Vermont; and must have an annual gross revenue of $500,000 or less. Farms and enterprises engaged in food processing, distribution, packaging or retailing (including restaurants) should apply in the Farm/Food division; all others should apply in the general business division.

Since the intent of the competition is to help create and retain jobs, foster economic growth, and improve the quality of life in southeastern Vermont, each submission will be reviewed and judged based on such criteria as: likelihood of success and job creation (direct or indirect). For instance, will the proposed business or expansion create new jobs opportunities, or positively affect other businesses such as suppliers or distributors, or make an ancillary impact such as drawing tourists to the area.

In each division, the judging panel consists of 10 new or returning members who represent the business community. In the Farm/Food division, there will be judges with particular expertise in agriculture and food-related enterprises.

Recognizing that some entrepreneurs wish to keep their plans confidential, the competition is run privately, with materials kept secure and confidential; judging sessions are not open to the public, and only the business names of finalists and winners will be disclosed.

When last held in 2009, in the existing business category, there was a three-way tie between Concrete Detail owned by Richard Holschuh, Vermont Slate Art owned by Noela and Michael Sullivan, and Vermont Stone Composite owned by Tyler Maas and Peter Welch. They shared a combined grand prize of $20,000. In the new business category, Wahoo's Eatery owned by Adam and Karen Grinold, and Envelope owned by Bryan Loiselle, shared a combined grand prize of $9,000. Concrete Detail designs, manufactures, and installs custom artisan floors and kitchen counters from concrete. Vermont Slate Art manufactures and sells switchplates from recycled slate, and Vermont Stone Composite manufactures insulated stone-faced panels for building exteriors.

To assist applicants, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be hosting two sessions focusing on "How to Create an Effective Executive Summary" at the BDCC.

• March 24, 2011, from 9 to 11 a.m.
• March 28, 2011, from 5 to 7 p.m.

To register for these sessions, call 802-257-7731, and speak with Sandy Otero or Bruce Gardner, mentioning the business plan competition.

BDCC offers additional free Resources to help in the process of preparing your Executive Summary for the competition and, for the selected finalists, your Business Plan. Applicants can find these at the BDCC web site and should contact BDCC with any questions about eligibility or the application process.

One piece of advice Lewis offered to existing business owners who are considering entering the contest is "clear your slate ahead of time as much as possible so that the impact on your business from lost time [working on the business plan] is kept to a minimum."

More information about eligibility, rules, registration, judging, and other details can be found online at the BDCC website www.brattleborodevelopment.com or by contacting BDCC at 802-257-7731.

BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in southeastern Vermont. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity, and improves the quality of life of all its residents. Founded in 1954, BDCC owns and manages the Cotton Mill industrial park/incubator and the new Business Park at the former Book Press building, among other facilities, and is one of 12 Vermont Regional Development Corporations.

Strolling of the Heifers, based in Brattleboro, Vermont, was founded in 2001 with the goal of helping to save and sustain family farms by connecting people with healthy local food. Annually in June, it presents the Strolling of the Heifers Parade, in which heifer calves and other farm animals, bedecked with flowers, are led up Brattleboro's Main Street. When it's over, the crowd follows the parade to the Live Green Expo for food, entertainment, education and fun. As part of its 10th anniversary in 2011, Strolling will also present the first Slow Living Conference, the first Tour de Heifer bicycle fund-raising event, and the first Farm/Food Short Film Festival. A summer internship program placing youth on family farms, developed and piloted by Strolling of the Heifers, will become part of the Windham Regional Career Center's new agricultural curriculum.

BRATTLEBORO, VT -- For the first time in its four-year history, the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) Business Plan Competition ended in a tie -- in both the Existing Business and New Business categories.

The culmination of BDCC's fourth annual competition occurred on April 30 at the Marlboro College Graduate Center, where Governor Jim Douglas gave a repeat performance bestowing the awards.

The winners and finalists were culled from an original pool of 36 candidates -- 16 in the New Business category and 20 in the Existing Business category.
For the Existing Business category, there was a three-way tie between Concrete Detail owned by Richard Holschuh, Vermont Slate Art owned by Noela and Michael Sullivan, and Vermont Stone Composite owned by Tyler Maas and Peter Welch. They shared a combined grand prize of $20,000.

Vermont Slate Art manufactures and sells switchplates from recycled slate.

Vermont Stone Composite manufactures insulated stone-faced panels for building exteriors.

Envelope designs and fabricates architectural panels for total space design.

Wahoo's Eatery is franchising its successful, casual, food service business with fully equipped, carefully designed production facilities in trailers.
The four Existing Business finalist prizes of $2,000 each were presented to: Cedar Satyr Enterprises, DBA Bingo Granola, owned by Lisa Kuneman and Chris Zappala to manufacture and distribute locally sourced granola and other fruit-based snack foods; Everyone's Drumming owned by Nathaniel Hall to manufacture drums and percussion instruments; Moscode, Inc., owned by George Kaye (a 2008 finalist) to produce high-end audio amplifiers; and The Timberframe Shop, owned by Monica MacNeille, to design and build timberframe constructions including garden pieces like gazebos and pergolas.

The four New Business finalist prizes of $1,500 each were presented to: Guitar for Adult Beginners owned by Lisa McCormick to provide private guitar lessons for adult beginners, delivered online; Thyme to Cook owned by Lisa Dufresne and Leslie Marston to offer a new kitchen store located next to Leslie's Restaurant; DC Design owned by Dede Cummings to provide design and project management for self-publishing books; and English CPO owned by Eric Strickland to provide online English teaching for Koreans.
Each submission was reviewed and judged based on such criteria as: likelihood of success, potential for job creation, impact on the local economy, leadership quality, and financial clarity.

The judging panel consisted of these community members: Cheryl Bedard (Vermont Circuits), Debbie Boyle (Chittenden Bank), Dart Everett (Everett Real Estate Services), Steve Jones (CPA), Ed Kunttu (Brattleboro Savings & Loan), Ralph Meima (Marlboro College Grad Center), Tammy Richards (Pieciak & Co., P.C.), Phil Steckler (Country Business, Inc.), Dwight Williams (Key Bank), and Jill Zachery (ROV Technologies).

The premise behind the Business Plan Competition is to help raise awareness in the community about small business and entrepreneurship, and to encourage new business development by helping interested community members develop viable business plans, gain public attention, and earn financial rewards.

BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in southeastern Vermont. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity, and improves the quality of life of all its residents. Founded in 1954, BDCC owns and manages the Cotton Mill industrial park/incubator and the new Business Park at the former Book Press building, among other facilities, and is one of 12 Vermont Regional Development Corporations.

CONTACT: Chris Lenois, 802-251-7644 or pr@marlboro.edu

Brattleboro, VT - (April 10, 2009) - Marlboro College, WTSA radio and the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation have announced a series of a panel discussions with members of local banks, colleges and other institutions to help citizens and small businesses in southern Vermont get answers during the current economic downturn.

Senator Leahy said in support of the series: "Despite the economic downturn facing our country, there are many innovative Vermonters who have great business ideas that could succeed in any business climate. I'm proud of the Vermonters working to develop new ideas and create new jobs here in Vermont and commend the participants of this year's business plan competition as well as the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation for finding a few bright spots in today's economy."

Each session will include a 60 minute panel discussion, followed by a 45 minute breakout session. All panels are free and open to the public and will take place at the Marlboro College Graduate Center, located at 28 Vernon Street in Brattleboro. Interested participants can register at gradcenter.marlboro.edu.

In addition, a public forum will be held at the River Garden on Main Street on Thursday, April 16 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Most of the bank representatives from the first panel session will also participate in this event.

The first session, running 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm on Thursday, April 16, focuses on lending to consumers and small businesses. Panelists include bank presidents Dan Yates of Brattleboro Savings & Loan, Jeff Morse of River Valley Credit Union, and Michael Seaver of Chittenden, as well as TD Banknorth representative Phil Daniels and state SBA coordinator Darcy Carter.

David Dunn, a former banker and current counselor from the Small Business Development Center will lead a discussion panel about cash management for small businesses and individuals from 9:30 am to 12 noon on Saturday, April 18.

"Re-tooling with Education" is the title of the third panel, scheduled for 9:30 am to 12 noon on Saturday, April 25. Marlboro College president Ellen McCulloch-Lovell will be joined by representatives from the Marlboro College Graduate School, Keene State College, World Learning, the Howard Dean Education Center and the Windham Regional Career Center.

The series closes with a consumer strategies panel on Saturday, May 2, from 9:30 to 12 noon. Panelists will include Vermont Commissioner of Labor, Pat Moulton-Powden), Jim Brooks of Consumer Credit Counseling, Helen Daly from the Brattleboro Retreat, Bill Lax from the Union Institute and Mike Mandrachia of Richards Insurance Group.

Jeff Lewis, BDCC Executive Director, said of the series: "We know that everyone, businesses and individuals, is concerned about the economic crisis and how it affects them. President McCulloch--Lovell and I wanted to give people an opportunity to ask the questions and gather information that will help them survive this very hard time. Everyone will have their own concerns and will want to develop their own strategies; for that reason we have involved everything from banks to mental health. We are very appreciative of WTSA's support in producing and promoting these events. They have extended the reach to people who could not attend in person."

For more information, please contact the Marlboro College public relations office at 802-251-7644 or pr@marlboro.edu. To register for the series, please go to http://gradcenter.marlboro.edu/news/surviving_crisis

BRATTLEBORO, VT -- The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) announces the finalists for the 2009 Business Plan Competition. From the 36 submissions received last week, the selection committee chose seven in the Existing Business category and six in the New Business category.

Finalists in the New Business category are (in alphabetical order): (1) Bryan Louiselle Design for product design and development of new interior surface interlocking construction pieces; (2) DC Design to develop a new business for an established book designer to serve the self-publishing market; (3) English CPO to develop an innovative business teaching English to native Koreans through the Internet; (4) Guitar for Adult Beginners to extend a well-known performer's teaching reach through recorded lessons as well as Internet distribution and interaction; (5) Rolling Pin to develop a new business activity for an existing restaurant/gift shop selling kitchen supplies and tools; and (6) Wahoo's to support a new business direction for an established summer eatery to develop branded, fully equipped food trailers, menus, and training.

Full business plans are due at BDCC by 4 p.m. April 20. Final presentations will be conducted on April 30 starting at 9 a.m. at the Marlboro College Tech Center in Brattleboro, with awards presented by Governor Jim Douglas at 3 p.m. that day.

Jeff Lewis, executive director of BDCC, said, "This year's plans were all very well presented. The finalists are all interesting and viable business ideas. The selection committee worked hard to select from a very capable pool of entries. We look forward to seeing the final presentations."

Lewis added, "The level of interest and quality even in this very challenging economy speaks well of Vermonters' strong sense of entrepreneurship and creativity."

Founded in 1954, BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in southeastern Vermont. More information about can be found online at BDCC's website, Business Plan website or by contacting BDCC at 802-257-7731.

BRATTLEBORO, VT -- The deadline is 4 p.m. March 2, 2009, for interested candidates to submit a three-page Executive Summary to enter the 2009 Business Plan Competition offered by the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC).

The premise behind the Business Plan Competition is to help raise awareness in the community about small business and entrepreneurship, and to encourage new business development by helping interested community members develop viable business plans, gain public attention, and earn financial rewards.

According to Randi Solin of Fulcrum Arts, the 2007 grand-prize winner in the Existing Business category, "I would definitely encourage everyone who is serious about starting or expanding a business to apply to the competition. I found having to talk to the judges and answer pointed questions to be the most valuable aspect. We used the money we won as valuable seed money to pay the architect and further our vision. Winning has also given us validity with the town of Brattleboro. We will forever be indebted to the BDCC for believing in our dream of Fulcrum Arts and hope to make all involved proud when we see our project come to fruition."

In the summer of 2008, Fulcrum Arts was awarded $190,000 in Vermont tax credits as part of a $1.6 million statewide initiative to assist in the revitalization of buildings in downtowns and village centers. Owned by Solin of Solinglass and Natalie Blake of Blake Ceramics Studio, Fulcrum Arts integrates and extends their two successful crafts businesses with a shared building, public demonstration area, gallery, and teaching facility. Fulcrum will use the credits to help renovate the former Brattleboro Machine Works/Tri State Auto Parts building at 47 Elm Street in order to create an arts destination in downtown Brattleboro.

To enter the competition, candidates must submit an Executive Summary consisting of a two-page business plan and one-page financial summary no later than 4 p.m. March 2, 2009. Finalists for each category will be announced on March 9. Final Business Plans will be due at BDCC no later than 4 p.m. April 20.

Final presentations, lasting up to 12 minutes per finalist with an additional 10 minutes for questions, will take place on April 30 at the Marlboro College Technology Center. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m. that day. Vermont State Governor Jim Douglas has been able to present the awards for the first three competitions, and it is hoped he will be able to continue that tradition this year.

To be eligible for the competition, the existing or new business must be physically located within BDCC's designated region of Windham County plus the towns of Readsboro, Searsburg, and Weston, Vermont; and must have an annual gross revenue of $500,000 or less.

More information about eligibility, rules, registration, judging, and other details can be found online at the BDCC website http://www.bdccbusinessplancompetition.com or by contacting BDCC at 802-257-7731.

Founded in 1954, BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in southeastern Vermont. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity, and improves the quality of life of all its residents.

BRATTLEBORO, VT -- The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) announces its fourth annual Business Plan Competition, which again will include two entry categories and multiple prizes totaling more than $40,000.

The premise behind the Business Plan Competition is to help raise awareness in the community about small business and entrepreneurship, and to encourage new business development by helping interested community members develop viable business plans, gain public attention, and earn financial rewards.

Last year's grand-prize winners were two Windham County manufacturing businesses using Vermont-based raw materials to create products for sale in the USA and beyond. For the "Existing Business" category, the top prize was awarded to Linda and Tom Diak, the owners of Grafton Fibers, a Saxtons River company that produces Vermont-crafted needle-art tools and fibers. For the "New Business" category, the top prize was awarded to Ed Metcalfe, the owner of Vermont Distillers, a micro-distillery in Marlboro that will be manufacturing and selling premium Vermont-based liquors and liqueurs.

Linda Diak says just about any business could benefit from the introspection provided by participating in the Business Plan Competition. "We found it to be most helpful in bringing clarity to our operations, allowing us to see our business through different lenses," says Diak. "It brought issues to light we did not realize existed and highlighted strengths we were not truly aware we possessed."

Runners-up in last year's "New Business" category were: AMPress, owned by Archer Mayor of Newfane; EcoFuels, owned by Tad Montgomery and Owen Dodge of Brattleboro; The Timber-Frame Shop, owned by Monica MacNeille of Brattleboro; Vermont Stone Composite, owned by Tyler Maas and Peter Welch of Brattleboro; and Windham Country Magazine, owned by Lynn Barrett of Dummerston Center.

Runners-up in last year's "Existing Business" category were: Big Wally's Adhesives, owned by Rory Brennan and Laurie Klenkel of Brattleboro; Concrete Detail, owned by Richard Holschuh of Brattleboro; Ironwood Brand, owned by Eli Gould of West Brattleboro; Moscode, Inc., owned by George Kaye and Gage Rommel of Brattleboro; and True Vector Technologies, owned by Sandy Fitchet and Mark Spivak of Wilmington.

"I recommend this endeavor to anyone starting or nurturing a small enterprise in the Windham County area," says Holschuh of Concrete Detail. "Armed with the knowledge and vision derived from my participation in this competition, I have been able to operate more efficiently and plan more effectively for the many challenges faced by a small business, especially in these times. BDCC's continued commitment to the economic vitality of our area is implemented in a very practical manner by their sponsorship of this innovative event."

According to Nancy Cain of Against the Grain Gourmet, a runner-up in the 2006 competition, "I think the Business Plan Competition is one of the most creative ways to encourage new business development that I have heard of. There are so many potential entrepreneurs in Southern Vermont who need guidance, direction, and financial support. Operating much like a neural net, these entrepreneurs could have a major impact on Brattleboro's economy. BDCC and the Business Plan Competition seem to me to be the ideal vehicles for making that happen."

To enter the competition, candidates must submit an Executive Summary consisting of a two-page business plan and one-page financial summary no later than 4 p.m. March 2, 2009. Finalists for each category will be announced on March 9. Final Business Plans will be due at BDCC no later than 4 p.m. April 20.

Final presentations, lasting up to 12 minutes per finalist with an additional 10 minutes for questions, will take place on April 30 at the Marlboro College Technology Center. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m. that day. Vermont State Governor Jim Douglas has been able to present the awards for the first three competitions, and it is hoped he will be able to continue that tradition this year.

To be eligible for the competition, the existing or new business must be physically located within BDCC's designated region of Windham County plus the towns of Readsboro, Searsburg, and Weston, Vermont; and must have an annual gross revenue of $500,000 or less.

Since the intent of the competition is to help create and retain jobs, foster economic growth, and improve the quality of life in southeastern Vermont, each submission will be reviewed and judged based on such criteria as: likelihood of success and job creation (direct or indirect). For instance, will the proposed business or expansion create new jobs opportunities, or positively affect other businesses such as suppliers or distributors, or make an ancillary impact such as drawing tourists to the area. The judging panel consists of 10 new and returning members who represent the business community.

Preparing for and participating in the Business Plan Competition is an intensive process. With that in mind, BDCC will be providing a free information session for interested contestants on February 12, 2009, at 3:30 p.m. in Room 2 East at the Marlboro College Technology Center.

In addition, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be hosting a "Start Your Own Business" seminar covering business plans and financials on February 25, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at BDCC. To register, go online to http://www.vtsbdc.org and click on the link for "statewide training opportunities." The seminar is a valuable resource for people who are uncertain about how to approach the executive summary and financials for the first phase of the competition.

One piece of advice Diak offered to existing business owners who are considering entering the contest is "clear your slate ahead of time as much as possible so that the impact on your business from lost time [working on the business plan] is kept to a minimum."

More information about eligibility, rules, registration, judging, and other details can be found online at the BDCC website, http://www.bdccbusinessplancompetition.com or by contacting BDCC at 802-257-7731.

BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in southeastern Vermont. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity, and improves the quality of life of all its residents. Founded in 1954, BDCC owns and manages the Cotton Mill industrial park/incubator and the new Business Park at the former Book Press building, among other facilities, and is one of 12 Vermont Regional Development Corporations

BRATTLEBORO, VT -- The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) will be providing a free information session at 3:30 p.m. February 12 for anyone interested in participating in the fourth annual Business Plan Competition. The event will take place in Room 2 East at the Marlboro College Technology Center on Vernon Street in Brattleboro.

The competition will again include two entry categories and multiple prizes totaling more than $40,000. For the "Existing Business" category, the top prize will be $12,000, the second-place prize will be $6,000, and the prizes for up to four runners-up will be $2,000 each. For the "New Business" category, the top prize will be $6,000, the second-place prize will be $3,000, and the prizes for up to four runners-up will be $1,500 each.

To be eligible for the competition, the existing or new business must be physically located within BDCC's designated region of Windham County plus the towns of Readsboro, Searsburg, and Weston, Vermont; and must have an annual gross revenue of $500,000 or less.

To enter the competition, candidates must submit a three-page Executive Summary no later than 4 p.m. March 2, 2009. Finalists for each category will be announced on March 9. Final Business Plans will be due at BDCC no later than 4 p.m. April 20. Final presentations will take place on April 30 at the Tech Center, with winners announced at 3 p.m.

Founded in 1954, BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in southeastern Vermont. More information about can be found online at BDCC's website, http://www.bdccbusinessplancompetition.com or by contacting BDCC at 802-257-7731.

BRATTLEBORO, VT -- Two Windham County manufacturing businesses using Vermont-based raw materials to create products for sale in the USA and beyond are the grand-prize winners of the third annual Business Plan Competition, offered by the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC). The competition came to a grand finale at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at the Marlboro College Technology Center, where Vermont Governor Jim Douglas presented the awards to this year's two winners and 10 finalists.

For the "New Business" category, the top prize of $10,000 was awarded to Ed Metcalfe, the owner of Vermont Distillers, a micro-distillery in Marlboro that will be manufacturing and selling premium Vermont-based liquors and liqueurs. His prize money will go toward start-up costs and the initial purchase of equipment.

The five "Existing Business" finalist prizes of $1,000 each were presented to:

1. Big Wally's Adhesives, owned by Rory Brennan and Laurie Klenkel of Brattleboro, to create and manufacture an innovative plaster repair product;


2. Concrete Detail, owned by Richard Holschuh of Brattleboro, to produce custom artisan concrete countertops, sinks, and other architectural surfaces for homes and businesses;


3. Ironwood Brand, owned by Eli Gould of West Brattleboro, to offer construction management and custom wood products manufacturing;


4. Moscode, Inc., owned by George Kaye and Gage Rommel of Brattleboro, to produce high-end audio amplifiers; and


5. True Vector Technologies, owned by Sandy Fitchet and Mark Spivak of Wilmington, to provide high-end data visualization and interactive mapping tools to businesses.

1. AMPress, owned by Archer Mayor of Newfane, to publish his out-of-print mystery novels featuring the fictional Brattleboro Detective Joe Gunther;


2. EcoFuels, owned by Tad Montgomery and Owen Dodge of Brattleboro, to collect waste vegetable oil from local restaurants and sell filtered oil to local homes and businesses as an alternative to petroleum-based heating fuels;


3. The Timber-Frame Shop, owned by Monica MacNeille of Brattleboro, to offer custom timber-framing, timber-framing workshops, and Gothic Revival and Art Noveau-inspired garden structures;


4. Vermont Stone Composite, owned by Tyler Maas and Peter Welch of Brattleboro, to produce custom-built Vermont stone insulated masonry panels, using a patent-pending system; and


5. Windham Country Magazine, owned by Lynn Barrett of Dummerston Center, to publish a quarterly magazine promoting the people and life in Windham County.

Judges this year included: (for the Existing Business category) Cheryl Bedard of Vermont Circuits, Jill Zachery of ROV Technologies, Kevin Meyer of Mary Meyer Toys, and Ed Kuntuu of Brattleboro Savings and Loan; and (for the New Business category) Phil Steckler of Country Business, Marjorie Sayer of SCORE, Debbie Boyle of Chittenden Bank, Dwight Williams of Key Bank, and Ralph Meima of the Marlboro College Graduate Center.

BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in southeastern Vermont. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity, and improves the quality of life of all its residents. Founded in 1954, BDCC owns and manages the Cotton Mill industrial park/incubator and the new Business Park at the former Book Press building, among other facilities, and is one of 12 Vermont Regional Development Corporations.

For more information about the Business Plan Competition, visit http://bdccbusinessplancompetition.com/ or contact BDCC at 802-257-7731 or bdcc@sover.net.

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — January 7 was the deadline for entries in Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s 2008 Business Plan Competition, and 28 Windham County entrepreneurs submitted their business plans. Seventeen of the applicants entered in the Existing Business category and 11 in the New Business category.

The pool of business ideas submitted hints at the wide range of talents and interests of the people in Windham County. Enterprises related to art, food, high technology, construction, publishing and health represent just a few of the business plans BDCC received in this, its third annual, competition. Entries came from Brattleboro, Dummerston, Dover, Londonderry, Newfane, Putney, Saxtons River, Whitingham and Wilmington.

Among the existing businesses entering the competition are a Mexican restaurant in West Dover, an art gallery in Brattleboro, a company in Dummerston making natural home insulation, an herbal remedies producer in Bellows Falls and a developer of data visualization technology in Wilmington.

Plans for creating new businesses include a publishing company, a disc jockey service, a micro distillery, a timber framing shop and a recycler of waste vegetable oil for fuel.

A detailed schedule for the competition and a list of its rules can be found on the website http://bdccbusinessplancompetition.com, or by a link from the BDCC website, www.brattleborodevelopment.com.

BDCC’s annual Business Plan Competition has become a successful entrepreneurial event. Its purpose is to help raise awareness in the community about small business and entrepreneurship, and to encourage new business development by helping interested community members develop viable business plans, gain public attention and earn financial rewards.

BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in Windham County. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity and improves the quality of life of all the county’s residents. Founded in 1954, BDCC is one of 12 Vermont Regional Development Corporations. It owns and manages the Cotton Mill industrial park/incubator and the new business park at the former Book Press building, among other facilities.

For more information about BDCC, call 802-257-7731 or e-mail bdcc@sover.net.

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. -- Ten community businesspeople have agreed to serve as judges for Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation's 2008 Business Plan Competition. Six of them have participated in previous years' competitions.

First-time judges this year are Debbie Boyle, of Chittenden Bank; Jill Zachery, of ROV Technologies; Kevin Meyer, of Mary Meyer Toys; and Ralph Meima, of the Marlboro College MBA program.

The judges will evaluate the preliminary entries and select the finalists in each category, Existing Businesses and Start-up Businesses. Once the finalists are chosen and announced on January 14, 2008, five of the ten judges will be assigned to each category. They will then hear the final presentations and announce the winners on March 12.

The purpose of BDCC's annual Business Plan Competition is to help raise awareness in the community about small business and entrepreneurship, and to encourage new business development by helping interested community members develop viable business plans, gain public attention and earn financial rewards. More information, including a detailed schedule and list of rules, may be obtained on the website http://bdccbusinessplancompetition.com, or by linking to Entrepreneurial Support.

BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in Windham County. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity and improves the quality of life of all the county's residents. Founded in 1954, BDCC is one of 12 Vermont Regional Development Corporations. It owns and manages the Cotton Mill industrial park/incubator and the new business park at the former Book Press building, among other facilities.

For more information about BDCC, call 802-257-7731 or e-mail bdcc@sover.net.

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — At its annual meeting on October 23, 2007, the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) announced its 2008 Business Plan Competition. Now in its third year, the competition runs from late October 2007 until winners are announced in mid-March 2008. Each year the competition has drawn more than 40 entries.

Contestants may enter a business plan in one of two categories, Existing Businesses or Start-up Businesses. The top prize in the Existing Business category is $20,000, and the finalists will be awarded $1,000 each. In the Start-up Business category, the winner will be awarded $10,000, with the finalists each receiving $1,000.

Businesses and start-ups entering the competition must be located in Windham County, Vt. Finalists will present their business plans to the panel of judges, who will select the winners and runners-up in each category. This year Gov. Jim Douglas made a special visit to award the prizes and congratulate the winners and finalists.

BDCC’s annual Business Plan Competition has become a successful entrepreneurial event. Its purpose is to help raise awareness in the community about small business and entrepreneurship, and to encourage new business development by helping interested community members develop viable business plans, gain public attention and earn financial rewards.

BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in Windham County. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity and improves the quality of life of all the county’s residents. Founded in 1954, BDCC is one of 12 Vermont Regional Development Corporations. It owns and manages the Cotton Mill industrial park/incubator and the new business park at the former Book Press building, among other facilities.

For more information about BDCC, call 802-257-7731 or e-mail bdcc@sover.net.

BRATTLEBORO, VT — The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) hosted its Annual Meeting of Trustees on October 23, 2007, at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. In addition to reports from the president, the executive director, and the treasurer, the meeting featured the election of 11 new members and the election of officers.

Peter Van Oot (Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC) was elected president, Hugh Barber (SVE Associates) was elected vice president, and Tammy Richards (Pieciak & Co., P.C.) was elected Assistant Treasurer. John V. P. Meyer (also of Pieciak & Co.) is Treasurer, and Richard Carroll and Stephen Phillips (both of Kristensen, Cummings, Phillips & Carroll, PC) are Clerk and Assistant Clerk, respectively.

Stephan Morse, president and CEO of the Windham Foundation, was presented with the 2007 BDCC Founders Award. Morse, a longtime resident of Newfane, was lauded as “a politician, businessman, and philanthropist” by Mark Richards of The Richards Group, who introduced him and presented the award.

Morse was elected to the Vermont legislature in 1977, and in 1981 became the youngest-ever Speaker of the House. For the past 24 years he has led the Windham Foundation, a nonprofit development and grant-making organization serving Windham County and Vermont. He also leads the Foundation’s four separate business units, Grafton Village Cheese, The Old Tavern at Grafton, the Retreat Farm and Grafton Village Nursery.

BDCC’s Founders Award is bestowed on community members whose actions have helped to make a positive difference in our area, particularly in its business climate. They are known for creating value-added jobs and for promoting the economic vitality of the region.

The annual meeting’s guest speaker was Kevin Dorn, secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development. With a background in legislative politics and business economics, he is responsible for activities ranging from attracting tourists, to fostering business growth and creating jobs for Vermonters, to preserving historic buildings. He spoke about the aging population of Vermont, the need to draw younger workers to the state to help revitalize the economy, and the core need for affordable housing.

BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in Windham County. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity and improves the quality of life for all the county’s residents. Founded in 1954, BDCC owns and manages the Cotton Mill industrial park/incubator and the new business park at the former Book Press building, among other facilities, and is one of 12 Vermont Regional Development Corporations. It also sponsors an annual Business Plan Competition from late October to mid-March, awarding cash prizes to help encourage local entrepreneurship.

For more information about BDCC, call 802-257-7731 or email bdcc@sover.net

BRATTLEBORO, VT --  The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) has launched a brand new website at BrattleboroDevelopment.com. Designed to be informative, comprehensive, and easy to navigate, the site is geared for two general audiences: (1) current Vermont residents, workers, and business owners who are looking to create or grow a business in southeastern Vermont and need assistance, guidance, expertise, relationships, and networks; and (2) nonresidents who are looking to relocate an existing business to Vermont or to move to Vermont to create a new business.

The website was developed by Vermont Technology Partners (VTP), which offers Website Development, Technology Consultations, Programming and Database Development, and Website Hosting. VTP's partial client lists includes: the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Omega Optical, Retreat Healthcare (web application consultation), Borter's Jewelry, High Five Adventure Learning, the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont, and the Vermont Jazz Center. VTP is located on Main Street in Brattleboro and can be visited online at vttechpartners.com.

Website content and most photographs were provided by freelance marketing consultant Donna McElligott of Brattleboro.

BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in Southeastern Vermont. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity, and improves the quality of life of all its residents. BDCC's services are available to start-up companies, growing companies, and global businesses alike in the region of Windham County and the towns of Readsboro, Searsburg, and Weston. Founded in 1954, BDCC owns and manages the Cotton Mill industrial park/incubator, the Act 250-approved Exit One Industrial Park, and the new Brattleboro Business Park at the former Book Press building. It is one of 12 Vermont Regional Development Corporations.

For more information, please contact BDCC at 802- 257-7731 or email bdcc@sover.net.