OMYA Inc.
61 Main Street
Proctor Vermont 05765
802 459 3311
fax 802 459 2125

January 11, 2001

Mr. John Kessler
General Counsel
Agency of Commerce & Community Development
National Life Building - Drawer 20
Montpelier
VT 05620-0501

Dear Mr. Kessler:

Thank you for attending [word is circled, hand-written note: I didn't attend] OMYA's transportation brainstorming session on December 1st. I hope that you will look back on that afternoon and believe, as I do, that it was time well spent. Many good ideas came from the session.

Before coming to Vermont in May, I was President of OMYA California, OMYA Arizona and OMYA Quincy, Illinois. While out West I made it a priority to meet regularly with environmentalists, community leaders, and representatives from every area of government. Over the years we tackled many difficult problems. We learned that not every impact can be mitigated to the satisfaction of all concerned. However, we can come a long way by talking and collectively looking for solutions, such as the "Roll-Aid" idea that came from the brainstorming session on December 1st.

I am especially grateful to both the trucking and rail folks for your willingness to work together -- not as competitors but as community problems solvers. Your group produced the "Roll-Aid" idea that combines the flexibility of trucking and the efficiency of rail.

The "Common Vision" and the "Roll-Aid" groups identified tangible steps that could benefit both communities and companies. For example, the "Common Vision" group recommended researching the attitudes of decision-makers. Since the brainstorming session, we have been discussing the ideas with elected officials and business leaders. The initial discussions have been very positive. Much more research needs to be done in the business community. During January, we will be holding meetings with large employers in Rutland County to determine what other future transportation needs might be met by a "Roll-Aids" initiative. In addition, we plan to survey small and medium businesses in the region to determine their willingness to support a "Roll-Aid" solution. Parallel to the discussion with other businesses, we are having internal meetings to determine how we might quickly adapt our transportation plans to a "Roll-Aid" idea.

Should we find that a "common vision" is possible, both internally and within the community, we will begin to assemble a public private partnership to advance the Roll-aid initiative. With each conversation new ideas and roadblocks come forth. It appears we are building the foundation of a still evolving Route 7-corridor transportation plan. It will include many partners and require supportive legislation with adequate and timely funding if it is to be successful.

Many foundations throughout the region have a cornerstone of marble. Hopefully, we will be able to add our cornerstone to the stones that many of you have already laid in the transportation arena. Our plan at this time is to reassemble this brainstorming group in February for a briefing on our transportation studies, an update on partnership activities, and a tour of the plant.

I have attached the list of ideas from the brainstorming session, their ranking according to the votes cast, and a brief summary of the discussions from the two working groups.

Please don't hesitate to give me a call if you have additional suggestions: (802)770-7123.

Best wishes,

Jim Reddy
Executive Vice President

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