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September is Vermont's first Independent Country Store Month. Proclaimed by Governor Jim Douglas, the month is dedicated to picnics, gatherings, parades, and celebrations of the diversity of Vermont products, all surrounding Vermont's historic country stores.

The Vermont Alliance of Independent Country Stores is Vermont's elite store group, consisting of individual businesses that meet historical and business criteria and high standards of service.

The Alliance, which led the call for the proclamation by writing the document and gathering support from it far and wide, is also celebrating the start of its third successful year.

Kicking off Independent Country Store Month on Labor Day will be the presentation of the proclamation and parade floats highlighting the character of country stores in Vermont. The Alliance's more than 50 member stores will then hold four weekends of product tasting, including cheese, honey, syrup, ice cream, and chocolate milk, and celebrate with balloons, banners, artwork contests, picnics and barbecues.

There is a lot to celebrate, according to Jayne Nold-Laurendeau, co-chair of the Alliance. "Country stores are back," she said, "and they're better than ever." Speaking of the Alliance's recent award of the Vermont Seal of Quality, Nold-Laurendeau said, "Every one of our members is a Farm Heritage Partner now, and we expect to lead the way in providing Vermont products."

Nold-Laurendeau explained, "We're also active with the Tourism Board. In fact, we are Vermont's real welcome centers." Pointing out that Vermont's country stores have long filled the gap in Vermont's official Welcome Center program, she continued, "You can ask anything at a country store-and get a good answer!"

Already a leader in offering home-grown goods, the Alliance is also launching its new product label during September's Independent Country Store Month, including quality items such as salsa and glazes and beans, and later soaps and sodas, which will only be available through member stores.

The group's already popular website will get a facelift, and new projects will get underway during September, such as virtual and printed guided tour maps, a products and services database, and historical and promotional videos.

The Alliance, an arm of the Vermont Grocers' Association, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and enhance country stores, while preserving their unique heritage and contributions to their communities. The Alliance is supported by member store dues, a host of associate members, and grants from the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Funds, the Windham Foundation, the Vermont Country Store, and the Vermont Preservation Trust.

For more information on participating in Independent Country Store Month, or for an application to be an Alliance member, contact Jayne Nold-Laurendeau at 802-485-8044 or [email protected], or visit the Alliance website at vaics.org.