Burlington has been honored as one of America’s most livable cities innumerable times, making Top 10 lists for bicycling and walking, health and happiness, art and historic preservation, visiting and living. *

We’re “hip” and “enlightened” and a great place to raise children.  And once in awhile we’re recognized for being a great place to do business.

In 1991 Burlington was voted “Best in the Northeast” by  Inc Magazine as one of the top five cities in the nation to grow a successful business. In 2002 Ladies Home Journal ranked Burlington 10th for economy, and number one for jobs.

How do we rank ourselves? 

It’s easy to fall into the habit of worrying about the competition and taxes and city policies.  But when you get right down to it, people love working in Burlington, and locating their businesses here, and being part of this vibrant place. 

Why is that?  What are your “top ten” reasons for doing business in Burlington? 

I’ve taken a stab at making a list—just to get the conversation going.  Let me know if you agree,  how you would rank these, and what other reasons you would add . 

* For the list of Burlington’s honors go to www.churchstmarketplace.com/accolades.html

The Ten Best Things About Doing Business in Burlington

In no particular order….

¨ Quality office and retail space

¨ Beautiful environment—What a view coming down Main & College Streets!

¨ “On the ready” safety services, including fire, rescue and police a few blocks away

¨ Critical mass of support services nearby—banks, law offices, accountants, ad agencies, graphics

¨ Lunch! Breakfast! Dinner!

¨ Tax breaks through the State’s Downtown Designation Program and Burlington’s Renewal Community

¨ Two hours of free parking in downtown garages, protected from the elements

¨ Take a break and recreate—bike path, YMCA, yoga, pilates, Waterfront Park

¨ Low electric rates and public transportation

¨ A supportive community of business leaders who care enough to volunteer their time and talents to keep our economy strong.

 

What else? Send me your list!   - Nancy

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description of the “key to our downtown’s success: first you take a stunning lake and drag it to the bottom of a hill, then you put a major university and hospital on the top of the hill, then in the middle you connect the two with a downtown. And, for the final ingredient, you populate the place with active, creative, city-loving people.”

Next steps proposed by participants included establishing a Marketing Council and supporting a branding process. Resources desired include a photo bank and portal website.

The Tourism Committee of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce is reviewing proposals for branding the region, an effort that BBA is supporting.  Let us know if you’d like to get involved.

Marketing Summit is first step in branding process