Vermonters profit from equality.

When Burlington, Vt, residents Christopher Tebbetts and Jonathan Radigan set out several months ago to purchase rings to exchange at their September 17 civil union ceremony, they had two criteria for choosing a merchant: cost and comfort. Prices, they found, were roughly equal at the four shops they perused. "So we chose the place we felt most warmly received," Tebbetts said.

Many companies in Vermont's wedding industry are learning from couples like Tebbetts and Radigan that the civil unions law is more than good public policy--it's good business.

The couple returned to Burlington's Grannis Gallery to buy their bands because of the welcome they received on their initial visit. When they told shop assistant Karen Klinefelter that they were hunting for civil union bands, "her face lit up," Tebbetts recalled.

"You're my first ones!" she smiled, excited about her first gay customers taking advantage of Vermont's sweeping civil unions law that went into effect July 1. "Chris and Jonathan were the first to come right out and say they were looking for civil unions bands," Klinefelter said. "It can be a delicate issue."

To alert gay and lesbian shoppers that the store is eager to serve them, the owners of the Grannis Gallery posted on the shop's front door a five-inch-square sticker decorated with a black-and-pink triangle, emblazoned with the message GLBT SAFE SPACE. The sign appears to be paying off. Klinefelter said that since July one in four couples shopping for rings have been gay or lesbian.

Traditional wedding businesses, including caterers, photographers, and florists, are finding eager new clients in gays and lesbians, who are flocking to Vermont to have civil unions.

In mid October, Kathy Bouton, co-manager of the Peace & Justice Store in Burlington, found herself low on one of the store's newly most popular items: $10 cake decorations depicting two brides or two grooms. Since July the store had sold 50. Bouton has put in an order for 50 more, which she estimates will last through Christmas.

Perhaps no business has felt the windfall from civil unions more than inns that cater to gay and lesbian couples. Nearly 75% of civil unions have been for out-of-state couples--most of whom need places to stay and romantic settings for their ceremonies.

"Our revenues are up 60% over last year," said Willie Docto, who owns the Moose Meadow Lodge in Waterbury with his partner, Greg Trulson. Docto said the proportion of gay and lesbian guests has nearly doubled, from about 30% to 50%, since July. Of the 15 civil union ceremonies hosted at the inn, only two were for Vermont couples.

Similarly, Randy Guy and Paul Anderson, owners of the Chester House Inn in Chester, said that in the past four months they have grossed enough to raise their income by 10% this year. "I can directly attribute that to civil unions," said Guy, who noted that since July the inn has accommodated 17 couples seeking civil unions. All of them have been out-of-staters. To help guests find gay-friendly vendors, Guy has set up an online listing of services.

Even businesses that have not yet profited from the influx of gay and lesbian lovers are expecting to see additional cash flow soon. In October, Kate Hays quoted prices to several gay and lesbian couples planning parties for next year. Hays and her husband, Charlie, run the Global Bite catering company in Burlington. While they have catered unofficial gay and lesbian commitment ceremonies in the past, Kate sayas the civil unions law has changed the landscape for caterers who court gay customers.

"The influx of a lot of out-of-state couples has people in the catering industry hustling to pick up the extra business," she says. "[Gay and lesbian couples] are now seen as a clientele that's really worth gunning for."

Find more on services for civil unions at www.advocate.com