2008 VAPH Annual Winter Meeting
February 12, 2008 - Tuesday
Holiday Inn
Rutland, VT
8am - 4pm
Agenda and Program Highlights
8:00 am- 9:00 am
Registration ♦ Trade Show ♦ Networking
8:00 am - 10:30 am
VCH Exam
9:00 am—Keynote Address
“Business Development-Long Term Planning”
Linda Rossi, Vermont Small Business Development Center
Linda will address the following business development issues: evaluating a vision and desired growth for your business; identifying current strengths and characteristics of your business; adapting to the changing marketplace; and how to implement a plan to achieve your business goals.
10:00 am
Trade Show and Break
10:30 am
VAPH Annual Business Meeting
Election of VAPH Board and Officers
11:30 am
Dr. Leonard Perry
A presentation on research the VAPH helps fund.
12:00 pm
Lunch ♦ Trade Show ♦ Networking
1:00 pm
“Finding, Training and Keeping Excellent Employees”
Mary Peabody, Women’s Agricultural Network
Mary will cover tips and techniques to attract and retain high-quality employees. Mary will talk about how and where to recruit employees, writing good job descriptions, the importance of training and evaluation, and how to create attractive benefit packages that don’t break the budget. Come prepared to share your successes and your challenges.
OR
“Pest Issues”
Tim Schmaltz, VT Agency of Agriculture
Tim will cover the pests of 2007 as well as what to expect in the growing season for 2008. (Earns 1 pesticide re-certification credit)
2:00 pm
Trade Show and Break
2:30 pm
“Growing and Greening Your Business”
Brian Jerose, Composting Association of Vermont
Brian will speak about the economic benefits of using compost, how it can help you “green” up your business and share field trial results.
OR
“How My Business Works—An Interactive Panel Discussion”
Beth Holtzman, Womens Agricultural Network
Join Beth and three VAPH member businesses: The Inner Garden, Rugg Valley Landscaping and Rocky Dale Gardens for an exchange of ideas, experiences and future plans for their businesses and yours.