Archived Meeting

And on the Seventh Day,
She Started Her Own Paper

Main Speaker

Pamela Polston and Paula Routly, Seven Days Plenty of people didn't think Seven Days would last longer than its name: a week. It seemed like political suicide to go up against a Gannett-owned daily and two weeklies -- one of which Seven Days founders Pamela and Paula had created -- in a small, media-saturated market. At the news-oriented Vermont Times, they created the arts paper Vox, only to discover five months later that both papers were for sale. These two women decided to start over and create their own paper, convinced that Vermonters would embrace a smart, edgy -- and locally owned -- alternative to the mainstream media. On September 6, 1995, the debut issue of Seven Days hit the streets. Two months later, Peter Freyne brought his popular column, "Inside Track" to Seven Days, making the paper a must-read for Vermont's political junkies in and out of the Statehouse. The first frantic five years now seem like a blur, perhaps due to working long hours Seven Days a week! But the founders say being on the edge also made them more creative -- both in the way they grew the business and the way they presented stories about the communities they serve. A past recipient of the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce's "Business of the Year" Award and other numerous awards in writing, design and customer service, Seven Days has continued to grow while remaining dedicated to quality. Come hear this dynamic duo share their mishaps, milestones, great moments in history (including the intro of: Seven Daysies Awards, 7 Nights and www.sevendaysvt.com) and breaking news (like their web updates that have yet to be unveiled!)...

Growth Company Showcase David Howe, Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies Located in Farrell Hall on UVM’s Trinity College campus, VCET is a targeted small business development program affiliated with UVM designed to foster the success of new high-growth, high technology firms in Vermont. The initiative leverages UVM technology and specialty laboratory facilities and equipment; link client companies to key faculty, staff, and student interns from UVM and other academic institutions; and connect clients to an extensive network of private sector mentors and advisors and private investment capital resources. Recent "alumni" of the Center include ElectroCell Technologies and Bulldog Entertainment. Learn what these companies are up to now and who has taken their place on the hill.