Expert: David Beckett - 4/4/2008

Question
Hi David,

My boyfriend and I are moving from NYC to Burlington, within the next month. I've never made such a drastic move before and I really want to immerse myself into the culture/community, make friends, etc. He already has a base of friends in Burlington, but I'd like to branch out and make my own friends. I thought that I might start out by finding some clubs (book clubs, wine clubs, etc.) around the area that I could join, but I'm having some difficulty tracking anything down. I also thought that volunteering might be a good idea. Any thoughts?
Also, I have a marketing background and have just recently started looking for work around the Burlington area. Do you know anything about the marketing firms in town? KSV, JDK, Burton....
Any answers to the questions above would be appreciated.

Thanks,
L.

Answer
Hello Lara -

I think looking to make friends and build community - even before you arrive - is a terrific idea! Here are some ideas for you:

First - the local news and arts weekly, called 7 Days, is essential. I have to look at the big daily paper every day, but it's an obligation - reading 7 days is more of a pleasure
http://www.7dvt.com/ The articles are often interesting, and the events callendar is very helpful.

Then - There's a guy I met the other day, and invited to a group I help run. I really enjoy his neighborhood email list, which he's started to win awards for http://frontporchforum.com/ I read it every day and enjoy it a lot.

You mentioned Marketing. I help run a chapter of BNI, and international organization which has thousands of chapters which meet for one purpose: to creat referral business. 4 years ago there wasn't a single chapter within a hundred miles - now there are 8 in various stages of organization. We welcome visitors - a bit of notice lets us make sure you can find our present location...
http://www.bnivt.com/chapter_locations.php?dosearch=1&c=25
As it happens, we have a sub-group within our chapter, which is various people involved in marketing. They send business to eachother, when it's appropriate, and collaborate on projects.

When you get here, I'd be happy to have you come to visit us at Champlain Valley BNI. It's a terrific group of people, and perhaps the best use of time I'm aware of for meeting professionals and making connections.

Volunteering? The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival needs dozens of volunteers every year. We'll have our Press Conference on April 9th at noon and we'll be announcing the lineup and rolling out our posters and brochures on that day (speaking of marketing...). It's become a favorite event every year, spread over 10 days. www.discoverjazz.com

The Flynn offers volunteer "spirit" (ushering etc.) positions every autumn. www.flynncenter.org The Burlington City Marathon uses a lot of volunteers too. So does The Red Cross. The Committee On Temporary Shelter (COTS) has a big benefit walkathon every year. This is just the beginning of a list... There are literally dozens of small organizations which offers events every year, centered around Downtown Burlington...too many to list, really. Seven Days will have information on them.

Not only are there book groups in the area, but did you know there are wineries here in VT? At least one of them hosts live music for picnicing regularly throughout the Summer Months...

Let me know how else I can help, will you?

Best,
David Beckett
david@askdavidbeckett.com