Current News

Montpelier--There were 1,306 new regular benefit claims for Unemployment Insurance for the week ending January 24th, a decrease of 338 from the week before. Altogether 15,905 new and continuing claims were filed, 505 less than a week ago and 5,551 more than a year earlier. In addition, the Department processed 1,808 claims for benefits under Emergency Unemployment Compensation, 2008, a decrease of 234 from last week.
The Unemployment Weekly Report can be found at: http://www.vtlmi.info
Previously released Unemployment Weekly Reports and other UI reports can be found at:
http://www.vtlmi.info/lmipub.htm#uc

Burlington--Due to popular interest in the Fall Professional Certificate in Leadership & Management program, The Vermont Business Center has added a Spring Professional Certificate program starting March 13th. The Vermont Business Center's Leadership and Management Professional Certificate Program is designed to provide participants with a management "toolkit," including key concepts, vocabulary and analytical tools essential for effective management and strategic decision making.
For those who work in Manufacturing, Information Technology, Heathcare, Telecommunications, or Environmental Technology, The Vermont Deptaremtn of Economic Development offers a 50% discount toward a University of Vermont Leadership & Management Certificate, and 50% toward individual clas ses.
This certificate program is designed for participants to attend 9 classes over a 9 week period.
As a participant you will:

Burlington--Champlain College s innovative international initiatives have earned the college a prestigious award from the Institute of International Education (IIE). The college will receive the 2009 IIE Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education on March 19 at a ceremony at the United Nations in New York. The awards, now in their eighth year, were established to promote and honor outstanding initiatives in international higher education among the members of IIE s association of more than 1,000 institutions.
By recognizing excellence and innovation, the Institute hopes to promote a comprehensive range of efforts to make college campuses more international, explained IIE President Dr. Allan E. Goodman. The award-winning programs represent the best practices in internationalization. We hope these will encourage and inspire other campuses to better prepare their students to be active global citizens.

Montpelier Statewide assessment results for Fall 2008 were released by the Vermont Department of Education today. The results are from the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) exams, given to Vermont public school students in grades three through eight and 11. Students were tested in reading and mathematics in all seven grades, and in writing at grades five, eight and 11 only.
The following table illustrates the percent of Vermont students proficient in the content area by grade span:

Reading

Math

Writing

Elementary School

71%

65%

55%

High School

71%

35%

43%

While the exact number of lay offs at IBM s Essex plant was not known at press time, the total number was expected to be under 500. If it were more than 499, IBM would have been required by federal law to notify state officials before the action, which it did not. According to Vermont Department of Labor Commissioner Pat Moulton Powden, she was not informed ahead of time of the layoffs. She confirmed that IBM had laid off less then 500 of its roughly 5,200 employees Tuesday, January 27.

Montpelier -- The Vermont Department of Labor announced today that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December 2008 was 6.4 percent, up seven-tenths of a point from the revised November rate and up 2.5 points from a year ago.
The nation s job market deteriorated sharply in the fourth quarter and especially in December, said Patricia Moulton Powden, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Labor. New estimation procedures indicate that Vermont s job market followed those national trends.

In 1982, a group of concerned community members and organizations came together to address the needs and concerns of Burlington s homeless population. On December 24, 1982, the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) opened its doors for the first time providing overnight shelter to people without homes during that winter season. In 1983, the organization incorporated as a non-profit and began a year round operation. COTS has become a valuable resource in Chittenden County for individuals in need of shelter, a place to sleep, healthcare, job training and counseling services.
As we begin to enter the colder months, the need for shelter becomes even more critical. Unfortunately, during these hard economic times, homelessness is affecting many Vermonters. COTS continued ability to address homelessness is invaluable and we are proud to support their efforts to provide shelter to individuals and families, said Kathy Schirling, Senior Vice President Chittenden Bank.

Montpelier, VT - The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) approved $2.2 million in business development financing, leveraging another $2.8 million in private financing for projects throughout the state.
"VEDA is pleased to offer financing assistance that will help a Colchester business expand, and bring new jobs to St. Albans through establishment of a new manufacturing plant there," said Jo Bradley, VEDA's Chief Executive Officer.
Approved for VEDA financing assistance are:

Montpelier, VT. - The administration of Governor Jim Douglas has called the first meeting of a group of officials from state government, business, and non-government organizations that will provide a rapid response to Vermont companies facing difficulties.
The Economic Response Team, a collaborative effort of the state's economic development partners proposed by the Governor as part of his Inaugural Address, will meet Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at the Pavilion Building in Montpelier from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
"As we did with the Fuel and Food Partnership, the Economic Response Team will bring together the private and public sector to help Vermont companies at risk due to the current economic downturn," Governor Douglas said. "By cutting through red tape and bringing all of our combined resources to bear, we can help preserve and even grow jobs."

Rep. Peter Welch hailed President Obama's decision Monday to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider a waiver requested by California, Vermont and 12 other states that would allow them to set strict, new vehicle emissions standards.
Obama today reversed a December 2007 ruling by the Bush administration which denied states the right to demand tougher fuel efficiency standards than those set by the federal government. The president was also expected to direct the Department of Transportation to require a nationwide average fuel efficiency increase to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

Managing Director William P. Stritzler of Smugglers' Notch Resort in Jeffersonville has been elected chair of the Vermont Business Roundtable, and five Vermont CEOs are newly-elected to three year terms on the board of directors. The new directors and officers assumed their roles during the Roundtable's annual membership meeting on Jan. 14. Stritzler takes over the position from Timothy R. Volk, president of Kelliher Samets Volk, a Burlington-based marketing firm. Upon taking the helm Stritzler said, "There is much work to be done and the Roundtable is in a unique position to provide leadership on critical issues."Other newly elected officers include Steven P. Voigt, president and chief executive officer of King Arthur Flour Company, Inc.(Norwich) as vice chair, Douglas H. Griswold, president of S.T. Griswold & Co., Inc. (Williston) as secretary, and Mark R. Neagley, president of Neagley & Chase Construction Co. (So.

Heritage Flight, which has been in business since 1984, has just been granted IS-BAO (International Standard of Business Aviation Organization) certification. They are also AR/GUS platinum rated and Wyvern recommended. This remarkable accomplishment has been achieved by only 4 charter operators in the nation. This recognizes Heritage Flight's continued commitment and emphasis on safety.
In addition, Heritage Aviation, a subsidiary of Heritage Flight, is set to open in the fall of 2009. Located at the Burlington International Airport adjacent to Heritage Flight, Heritage Aviation will provide full FBO, maintenance, and fueling services. This 79,300 square foot state of the art LEED facility will be one of the first of its kind in the country and will feature not only a first class lobby and reception area, pilots lounge, quiet rooms, weather and briefing areas, but a cinema, fitness center, conference rooms, dining facility, and an observation deck.