Stowe Area Association's how're-we-doing survey drew only 186 responses (65% from members) which is pretty thin.

98% said they think Stowe brand is "strong" - but 54% also said their business would do fine without the Association's help. On the other hand, 89% of members said they're happy with their membership.

That's a very mixed bag of results. (But remember how small the sample is.)

And as is often the case with regional DMOs, the Stowe Association isn't the only organization operating in that space.

Stowe Vibrancy is a non-profit that focuses on organizing events, and would prefer that the Stowe Association do the marketing of the town. But 87% of survey respondents said Stowe Area Association should be procuring more events.

Premature departure of Stowe Area Association executive director Ed Stahl presents an opportunity for getting everyone in Stowe pulling in the same direction, with a new leader with a fresh perspective and hopefully no local baggage. Maybe then the interested parties will be able to set aside their differences and make the necessary compromises right now. Ski season is coming up fast.