Are You Obsessed With Being First?

A fresh batch of first thank yous
that went out in today's mail.

Are you obsessed with being first?

You know...first in line, first to arrive at an event, first in, well....everything?

One of the most important parts of a membership drive happens long before we turn on the microphones and ask for your pledge of support: We call it, "pre-drive."

Pre-drive starts many weeks before a membership drive actually begins. We send out letters (and an email or two) to remind listeners why they should support Vermont Public Radio and why it helps to be first.

One of the benefits of being first is that the earlier you make your pledge, the greater your chances of winning one of our awesome drawing prizes. You can see the full list here.

Thanks to these "first folks," we can keep the drive as short as possible because we get a head start on reaching our overall membership drive goal.

So here's a special shout-out to the more than 800 listeners who contributed more than $65,000 before day one of our winter membership drive.

Thanks for being first!

Introducing The Daily Drive Report!

We understand that membership drives are not necessarily a VPR fan favorite.

But, believe it or not, some listeners have actually asked us for more information about membership drives, including how and why they are an important part of our overall fundraising efforts.

That's me, Brendan, on the left with VPR colleagues Lesli Blount
and Michelle Jeffery (conducting product research).

So, for the duration of this winter membership drive (which started today!) I'll post daily updates to the VPR Blog.

These reports will include things like: progress toward the overall goal, information about prize drawing winners, the results of challenges, and a few charts and graphs to satisfy the statisticians in our audience!

I'll also share some "behind the scenes" details of the membership drive, through photos and possibly a video or two.

One question that we frequently receive is, "How do you decide on the goal for a membership drive?"

As you can imagine, we have to consider a number of factors. History can help us determine reasonable goals for each drive. We take a look at how membership drives have contributed to our fundraising success in prior years and how they might perform in the year ahead.

We also examine how other factors might influence the size and scope of our drives. For example, we know that an increase in sustaining memberships has had an impact on our drives. With more people making automatic monthly gifts to VPR, participation in membership drives may decrease over time.

Over the past three years (partially as a result of  increases in our sustaining membership program!) we've been able to consistently lower the goals for our membership drives. For example, this year's winter membership drive goal is $500,000, compared to last year's goal of $520,000.

I hope you'll participate in this experiment by asking questions throughout the drive (or making suggestions in general). Use the comments section below to join the conversation!

We've Got Heart!

"I love you."

"I need you."

"I can't live without you."

These are just a few of the sentiments our listeners tell us about VPR. And hey, we love you right back! To prove it, when you become a sustaining member or make a pledge of $35 or more today, we’ll send you a big chocolate-caramel heart from Lake Champlain Chocolates as our way of saying "we heart you," and thanks for supporting VPR. 

It will arrive at your door just in time for Valentine’s Day, so you can give it to your sweetie…or keep the 2.2 ounces of chocolatey goodness all to yourself!

This offer is only available today, the first day of VPR's membership drive. You'll be helping us meet our overall goal of $500,000, which will keep the news, music, and conversation you love going strong. 

If you prefer, you can always phone in your pledge. Just call 1-800-639-6391!

VPR Named One Of The "Best Places To Work In Vermont"

Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce have named VPR one of the 21 Best Places to Work in Vermont 2013!

And we can't for the life of us figure out why.

Just kidding! And thank you! All of us here at VPR feel so very lucky to be part of this team, and that we get to make public radio happen in Vermont every day. 

Congratulations to all the companies who were selected. You can find the full list here.

Support VPR And Win

With so many choices, why do you listen to and support Vermont Public Radio?

Because it gives you topics for dinner conversation?

Because Walter Parker’s voice soothes your young children?

Because you’re convinced Terry Gross is a mind reader by always asking just the right question?

Because you could win lots of prizes?

Okay, that last one is more of a bonus. VPR's membership drive begins next week, and whatever your reason for listening, we hope you will make a pledge today to support this essential service. Plus, when you make a pledge now you’ll be entered to win:

• Two pairs of round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the continental U.S. from Milne Travel 
• A $1,000 gift certificate to Small Dog Electronics
• $1,500 in gift cards to Phoenix Books
• A trip for two to see Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me in Chicago
• A $2,000 gift card to Onion River Sports
• A $2,000 gift card to Gardener's Supply 

The sooner you pledge, the more chances you have to win – a no-brainer, right?

Thanks in advance for your support. And remember, if you’re a sustaining member, you’re already entered in all of the drawings. Good luck!

Contest Rules

Bob Kinzel Reviews Legislative News On Saturday Mornings

We're only a few weeks into the new legislative session, but lawmakers in Montpelier are already generating headlines. Governor Peter Shumlin has been sworn in for a second term, and his inaugural address focused on Vermont's education system. In his budget address, he outlined spending priorities for the state. Senator Philip Baruth submitted and then withdrew gun control legislation. And we're just now getting into the debate about transportation funding and new taxes on break open tickets.

The goings-on in Montpelier can get pretty complicated. That's why I'm pleased to be speaking with VPR's Bob Kinzel every Saturday morning for insight on the week's legislative news. Bob's many years of experience as a reporter in Montpelier will inform his comments and provide us with the context we need to understand what's going on. It's a perfect fit for Weekend Edition Saturday.

Join us for these conversations Saturdays at 9:35, and listen to the conversations we've had so far.

Get Your New VPR Euro Sticker

We've updated our Euro sticker with a fresh new green! All you have to do to get yours is become a sustaining member or make a pledge in any amount to VPR today!

Show everyone on the road that you're a proud VPR listener - and supporter. You'll help VPR meet its goal for the upcoming membership drive and keep the news, music, and conversation you love going strong. Thanks!