The Ravens lost their championship game. The Frost Heaves won theirs. The Mountaineers have two championships. Thunder Road awards multiple trophies every week, but has none of its own. So who's the big winner? Central Vermont, that's who.
Home to these four family-oriented sports productions, Central Vermont's businesses and residents are the big winners.
Local sports bring Central Vermont great entertainment, national exposure, and cold hard cash.
During the business meeting, Chamber President Bill Cody was elected to a second term at the helm just minutes after the organization installed five new board members.
Eric Michaels of WDEV guided panel discussion, and several themes were common to the stories relayed by Tom Curley of Thunder Road, Mike Salmon of the Ravens, Michael Healey of the Frost Heaves and Richard Angney of the Mountaineers.
All are focused on providing a family atmosphere. Curley noted specifically that in its earlier heyday Thunder Road was "pretty rowdy," and he made a conscious effort to resurrect it as a place parents would bring their kids. The Mountaineers and Frost Heaves invite children to participate in mid-game entertainment.
All provide the region with a solid economic boost. Besides spending most of their revenue locally, each organization spurs additional trade. The Mountaineers bring players' families and friends for vacations. The Frost Heaves and Thunder Road bring significant statewide followings to Barre before and after events. The Ravens hope to do the same in seasons ahead. Thunder Road also triggers millions of dollars in automobile parts and service sales.
All have breathed new life into under-utilized facilities. A decaying racetrack was bought out of bankruptcy. The Mountaineers have spent $500,000 improving the Montpelier Recreation Field. The Frost Heaves brought screaming fans to the auditorium for more than the high school finals. Healey suggested that the aging auditoriums in Barre and Burlington were a major influence on club owner Alex Wolff who said they added a "Hoosiers feel" to the games.
The Ravens are looking to assist Spaulding High School in an upgrade of Pendo Field, the key to holding all of its home games in Barre and a critical component for successfully marketing their product, Salmon said.
Triggered by a question from Chamber member John Fricke, all four panelists praised the coverage they receive from local media, newspapers, radio and television. Clearly the media is a glue that binds the teams to their fans. As they praised the media response to their sports, Michaels quipped that his station - like others - responds to what the audience wants.
The question of which came first: extensive coverage or a large fan base was left unanswered. To Central Vermont's good fortune, the region's sports venues currently enjoy both, and the combination serves everyone very well.
Cody thanked the business community for its sponsorships of the teams as well as the Chamber meeting.
He welcomed new directors James Bressor of Norwich University, Steve Gilman of Builder Specialities, Jim Kurrle of Kurrle Fuels, Neal Meier of Union Institute, and Tim Ross of Northfield Savings Bank to the board.
The president cited retiring directors Walter Oakes of Green Mountain Power, Joe Preddy of Community National Financial Services, and Paul Brown of Cold Hollow Cider Mill for their service to the organization, and welcomed Bonny Downing of Kelly Services, Chuck Karparis of Vermont State Employees Credit Union and Robert Lord Jr. of E.F. Wall & Associates as officers for 2008.
