Promoting Route 100 businesses in the Mad River Valley

Vermont Business Magazine Three organizations team up to promote Route 100 region with Restart Vermont grant Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce, Revitalizing Waterbury and the Stowe Area Association have received $30,000 in Restart Vermont Regional Marketing and Stimulus Grants to promote the best of Route 100. The communities of Stowe, Waterbury, and the Mad River Valley are linked by the legendary Vermont Route 100. This rugged, mountain corridor in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains offers world-class outdoor recreation, lodging, dining, shopping and events year-round.

“When faced with the challenges of the pandemic, we came together to help area businesses navigate the ever-changing landscape,” said Karen Nevin, Executive Director of Revitalizing Waterbury. “We did so because we had a strong, existing relationship and the communities we represent are intertwined in so many ways. Realizing that we are stronger together, we saw collaboration as a way to aid our business communities in the most efficient and effective way possible.”

The new collaboration presents the Route 100 Corridor as a travel destination with offerings that cover a wide variety of interests, including hiking, biking, other recreational activities, dining, shopping, craft beverages, scenic drives, arts and culture, and more. The Restart Vermont grant will promote the “Best of Route 100 Holiday Experience” emphasizing holiday shopping, dining and lodging in all three communities. Our communities have come together in an effort to encourage visitors to explore all our region has to offer. Through the collaborative promotions, we invite visitors to travel our stretch of Route 100 to discover the unique facets of "our neck of the woods".

“Our partnership sees the Restart Vermont Grants as an opportunity to strengthen our bond while creating a new way to reach consumers and get much-needed funds in the hands of local businesses at a critical time of year,” said Carrie Simmons, Executive Director of Stowe Area Association. “Our plan involves creating and implementing a coordinated marketing strategy that promotes spending along the renowned Route 100 corridor from the Mad River Valley, through Waterbury and up to Stowe.”

“The communities of the Mad River Valley, Stowe, and Waterbury are connected by Vermont's beautiful Route 100 in a very literal way,” said Eric Friedman, Executive Director of the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce. “This stretch of Vermont's Green Mountains also share many common experiences that help to provide a palpable sense of place that epitomizes Vermont's iconic landscape and ethos.”

The collaboration has launched a new website, www.bestofvtroute100.com and is sharing on social media with the hashtag #bestofroute100. For more information contact Carrie SImmons, Executive Director of the Stowe Area Association ([email protected]), Karen Nevin, Executive Director of Revitalizing Waterbury ([email protected]) or Eric Friedman, Executive Director of the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce ([email protected]).