US Capitol Christmas Tree

VERMONT - Bringing an Old Fashioned
Holiday to the Nation

 Vermont

Sponsorship

 

May 15, 2007

Dear Vermont Businesses,

In 2007 Vermont is providing our nation's capitol with a 60' Balsam Christmas Tree from the Green Mountain National Forest. The Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be actively coordinating much of the event with the National Forest Service and many government and corporate volunteers. This is a huge undertaking. It is also a wonderful opportunity to show the country what Vermont is all about. We want you to be part of it.

In addition to the Capitol Tree we are taking around 80 Companion Trees for various dignitaries in DC and to give out along the route. We are also required to provide 6,000 ornaments. The Orvis Company and Bennington Potters are some of the Vermont companies who are helping us get off to a good start. Vermont Life will be running a feature story on our project in their Winter Issue. We would like to provide a chance for other manufacturers statewide to get into the project.

Corporations are invited to join this project as a Sponsor. The levels of Sponsorship include:
$5,000 and over - Morgan Horse Sponsor
$1,000 to $4,900 - Catamount Sponsor
$500 to $999 - Hermit Thrush Sponsor
$499 & under - Red Clover Sponsor

These Sponsor levels are all important.
The Morgan and Catamount Sponsors will receive a special engraved wood plaque, thank you letter, business name on a banner traveling to DC, invitation to the DC Lighting Ceremony Reception, listing and logo on our Sponsor Web Page, and linking opportunities.

You can achieve the Sponsor Level through cash donations, in-kind services, product donations, outside fundraising efforts, or any combination of the above.

Sponsors who wish to help with a gift of money should send it to:
"Town of Bennington, US Capitol Christmas Tree 2007"
c/o Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce
100 Veterans Memorial Drive
Bennington, VT 05201

With our many Sponsor Benefits including links and presence on our website, banners, etc. and this is a great marketing venue. By helping to fund the project you will help us carry the message of Vermont's resources, beauty and products across the nation.

In addition, we have a caravan planned to deliver the tree. Along the route we make stops and generally spread the good word about Vermont. This is where we need Vermont Products. What a great way to get their message to the public. This trip goes right through some of our top communities who send us many visitors each year. Going through Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland in late November/early December is the perfect reminder that we are a fabulous winter get away destination.

I know about obvious companies like Cabot. There are probably other manufacturers or resorts who would love this chance to share in the seasonal spirit and help carry the Vermont Party to our nation's capitol.
Following the Lighting Ceremony on the Capitol Lawn with Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, we are hosting a reception at the Botanical Gardens for over 600 people. This is a tremendous showcase for our Vermont Style. Send me the contacts for your company so you can get involved. If you can supply a product line to give out or use at receptions it will be fantastic exposure for your company.

One of the special features of this year's gift of a tree to the nation is that we are including our wounded veterans. Our Kick-off from Vermont will be from our Vermont Veterans Home. Along the route we will stop at VA hospitals, ending with Walter Reed Army Hospital and the Bethesda Naval Hospital. So we are bringing cheer not only to our governmental representatives but to those who have served and paid the highest price for us. Please help us by getting your business involved.

You may contact me at:
director@bennington.com or by phone at 802-447-3311

All the best
Joann Erenhouse,
Executive Director, Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce
Capitol Christmas Tree at Night, photo by Lee Krohn