Excerpts from testimonial letters
Jill Adams Mancivalano, Adams Family Farm
"How we miss working with you since you and Alan returned to England. It’s having working relationships with other business owners that makes living in a rural area successful... you and Alan certainly understood the importance of networking... Without a doubt the World Wide Web is our best marketing tool! Agriculture and Tourism... combining the two industries makes a perfect marriage for us."
Helen Robb, Robb Family Farm
"Several years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Heléne Leichter-Saxby who with her husband was the owner of a lovely Bed and Breakfast called Beckwood Pond. As we spoke, it became very clear that we could help one another and both of our businesses would grow. I own and operate a dairy farm with my husband and son. Because of the falling milk prices in the U.S., we have had to diversify – milking cows isn't hard enough! We sell our maple syrup in our gift shop and offer seasonal hayrides and sleigh rides as well as farm tours. There is an excellent synergy between bed and breakfasts and the agricultural community."
Kate and Charles Dodge, Putney Mountain Winery
"Dear Heléne, It was terrific to work with you during your years at Beckwood Pond. You and Alan were so supportive of our wine and assisted us in many ways! It is wonderful when small rural businesses support one another so that everyone prospers. It was lovely seeing the way the visitors responded to the unity we all shared. Thank you for being such a strong advocate for rural enterprise! Good luck in your new venture!"
Susan and Greg Worden, Vermont Artisans
"Our customers are often looking for a place to stay or have a meal. We’re always happy to help them find a good solution to their needs... It is a process that makes our visitors feel special and think of our community as a place where they feel at home, a place where they are always welcome."
Mark Conde, Max’s Restaurant
"Thank you for allowing us to play a part in your wonderful and important new venture. As we worked so closely together in the past, it was great to hear from you now that you have returned to England.
You are someone who knows and values the importance of helping businesses in the communities and respect the need for us to all pull together in promoting one another to form a support network that benefits us all. I feel certain that the small business owners who work with you in England will enjoy the same success and benefits as all of us have here in Vermont. I am very pleased to know that you are continuing to share your beliefs and values; small businesses and producers must support one another!"
Lucia and Debbie, Meadowlark Inn
"In 2002 when we first took ownership of the Meadowlark Inn we quickly realized how isolated we could become... veteran innkeepers Heléne and her wonderful husband Alan welcomed us warmly and discussed with us the benefits of working together instead of all on our own. We immediately saw their wisdom! There is great strength in numbers! We will always be grateful to our wonderful friends and mentors Alan and Heléne, they gave us valuable advice and guidance during the time we worked together and those of us in our group continue to grow."
Lowell and Lindsay Hanson, 40 Putney Road
"The few B & B's and Inns around the Brattleboro, Vermont area formed an association where we held regular meetings to discuss common problems, troubleshoot solutions, and share ideas for better promotion of our Inns. It was wonderful to get to know the other innkeepers and see their properties. Each of the Inns (and innkeepers) was truly unique and offered something special and unique to their guests. The camaraderie and cooperation made the job seem more fun and less lonely. Plus, it was great to share the horror stories of innkeeping!"
William Hays, Artist’s Loft
"From 1999 through 2005 I was acquainted with Helene during her time as owner of Beckwood Pond. Our relationship developed both professionally and socially through many shared dinners with fellow innkeepers in our area. Provided opportunities to share ideas and to create a closer sense of community among business owners who may formerly have seen each other as competitors. Cooperative attitude, long-term gain in business... lasting personal relationships that are greatly valued."
Lynn Kuralt, Crosby House
"We learned that each personality and business had something special and unique to offer guests, that we needn’t feel competitive, but cooperative with one another and that the relationship helped our individual businesses, rather than hinder it! This attitude alone impressed many of my guests as I described our friendly relationships with one another and our efforts at helping one another provide a positive, pleasant experience for people visiting the area."
Michael and Ellen Tenney, Brattleboro Books
"Your new venture in England sounds perfect and we are delighted to be a part of it from the very beginning. We want to share our own personal experiences and the benefits from your help when you and Alan owned Beckwood Pond... It all seems to work out so well. Together we make customers happy that they came to our town. In theory this will generate a lot of repeat business, which in practice does seem to be the case . . . will succeed or fail based upon how people see us. Are we helpful? Do we seem genuinely concerned about our customers needs? Do we realize we are all in this together? If every day we open up we can sincerely answer yes to these three questions, our chances for success, or at least longevity, will increase."