Retail Council Update: Building Momentum Together
The Mad River Valley Chamber’s Retail Council met on the morning of April 30, bringing together local business leaders to strengthen collaboration and build on shared momentum. Representatives from The Collection, Valley Meade Dispensary, Quayle’s Chocolates, Product Think Tank, The Local, von Trapp Farmstead, 5th Quarter Butcher + Provisions, and the East Warren Community Market joined the conversation.
Here’s what we covered:
📣 Monthly Marketing Workshops Continue Strong
One of the standout successes from our initial Retail Council gatherings has been the launch of our monthly Marketing Workshops. Held on the second Tuesday of every month, these sessions have been a hit—and they’re all available to revisit anytime.
🎥 Watch past workshops on the Chamber’s YouTube Marketing Playlist
📘 Download e-books that capture the highlights of each session
Coming Up Next:
🗓 Tuesday, May 13 at 9:30 AM (remote)
🎯 Topic: The Art of the Event Promo: Get More Eyes, More Attendees
No need to register—just tune in!
🧑🤝🧑 Let’s Meet Weekly
Several attendees expressed interest in hosting a weekly remote Retailer Check-In to build relationships, share ideas, and maintain momentum.
🕘 Proposed time: Tuesdays at 9:00 AM
💬 Let us know if this time works—or suggest an alternative!
📆 Use the Retail Planning Calendar
The group enthusiastically endorsed the Chamber’s new Retail Event Planning Calendar, which aims to:
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Help businesses plan ahead
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Encourage cross-promotion and collaboration
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Boost retail vibrancy year-round
Retailers are encouraged to add their events and look for opportunities to align with others. It’s all about working smarter—together.
🗺 Organizing by “Neighborhood”
We discussed the potential to structure the MRV retail scene into informal “neighborhoods” such as:
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Bridge Street
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Mad River Green
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Irasville Common
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Warren Village
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Middlesex
Each would have a “Neighborhood Lead” to coordinate local efforts and serve as a communication hub. Interested in taking the lead in your zone? Let us know!
💬 Who’s on the Retail Group Email List?
You asked, we listened! A current list of email group members is now available here.
🧳 New Rack Card Featuring the MRV Itinerary Builder
A new rack card with a QR code to the MRV Itinerary Builder is in the works. This will be a handy resource for:
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Event and wedding planners
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Local lodging hosts
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Welcome packets and front desks
The QR code will also appear in Chamber emails and is available for businesses to share with their networks.
🚩 MRV-Branded “Open” Flags?
Imagine a wave of matching “OPEN” flags across the Valley’s businesses—a simple way to boost brand recognition and present a unified front. The Chamber is exploring design options. Interested in getting one? Drop us a line at [email protected].
We’re thrilled by the energy and ideas coming from our retail community. With your continued participation, we’ll keep building the MRV into a thriving retail destination—together.
Questions or suggestions? Reach out to Eric at info@madrivervalley.com
