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by Mike Barwell Dartmouth-Hitchcock (D-H) is among 100 leading employers named by the White House and US Department of Labor committed to helping millions of front-line workers climb up the career ladder and earn higher wages. The announcement was made Friday at the White House Upskill Summit.

The Obama Administration announced new steps to help realize the full potential of America’s workforce by empowering workers with the education and training they need to develop new skills and earn higher wages. During his State of the Union address earlier this year, the President launched a new Upskill Initiative, calling on businesses to help workers of all ages earn a shot at better, higher-paying jobs, even if they do not have a higher education.

Vermont was first in the nation to deliver supplemental food to young families through the Health Department's WIC (Women, Infants & Children) program, and for years was last in the nation to keep making home deliveries. Beginning in July in Rutland, WIC families will choose their foods at major supermarkets and smaller grocery stores using a new, gold WIC debit card. Between October 2015 and March 2016 the WIC card will roll out to families statewide.

"Being able to shop throughout the month, when families need food, provides more flexibility for families," said Health Commissioner Harry Chen, MD. "The card is about convenience, choice and control."

WIC, the federal special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. WIC has helped pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well, learn about nutrition and stay healthy.

Vermont Federal Credit Union was recently honored with a Governor’s Excellence in Worksite Wellness Award. In recognition of their efforts to promote the health and wellness of employees over the past year, Vermont Federal Credit Union received a Governor’s Excellence in Worksite Wellness award. The award was presented at the 2015 Worksite Wellness conference at the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center in Burlington. There to accept the award on behalf of the Credit Union were Kellie Oliver, Human Resources Specialist, and Cynthia Turner, Vice President of Human Resources at the Credit Union.

Merchants Bancshares, Inc (NASDAQ: MBVT), the parent company of Merchants Bank, today announced net income of $3.34 million, or $0.53 per basic and diluted share for the first quarter of 2015. This compares to net income of $3.40 million, or $0.54 per basic and diluted share for the first quarter of 2014. The return on average assets was 0.78% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to 0.81% for the same period in 2014. The return on average equity was 10.56% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to 11.31% for the same period in 2014. Merchants Bancshares' Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.28 per share, payable May 25, 2015, to shareholders of record as of May 11, 2015.

Vermont Public Radio has won three regional Edward R Murrow Awards, including recognitions for Continuing Coverage, Writing and Website from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA).

“As a public broadcaster, we are accountable to the community we serve,” said VPR News Director John Dillon. “We are honored to receive these awards because they go to the heart of VPR’s mission to provide an essential and trusted independent voice for news and information in our region.”

The winning coverage includes:

Continuing Coverage of drug addiction in Vermont.

Website, for VPR.net’s overall news content.

Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce today released a report that documents a long-term process of constructive engagement efforts to address environmental, social and governance issues related to climate change. The report details actions taken and planned next steps in the administration of state funds and pension fund investments under the custody of the Treasurer’s office.

“As State Treasurer, it’s important to me that we meet our investment targets while ensuring that our partners live up to the Vermont values of corporate and social responsibility,” said Pearce. “The report released today demonstrates how Vermont has used its position as an investor to engage with national and global businesses on the critical issues related to climate change. My hope is that this report will stimulate further discussion of ways Vermont may constructively engage with our partners.”

United Way of Chittenden County notified 27 agencies that the United Way grants supporting their local community programs will be sustained for FY2015. This continued funding commitment begins the second year of a new three-year funding cycle that United Way launched last year. The announcement is a result of a successful 2014 Community Campaign that raised $3.85 million from which United Way is investing $1,845,615 to support local programs in 2015. United Way leverages program funding with advocacy, volunteer recruitment and management and by uniting nonprofits, businesses and community leaders to collaborate.

Norwich University’s graduating future officers will hear remarks from a fellow alum at this spring’s joint services commissioning ceremony. Brigadier General Raymond R. Descheneaux ’87, United States Marine Corps Reserve, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Aviation (Mobilization), returns to the Norwich campus to speak to ROTC commissioning officers during a formal ceremony to mark the occasion on Sunday, May 10 at 9 am.

Descheneaux will speak about the value of Norwich leadership in its unique setting, which embraces all four ROTC branches plus civilian students.

“The Norwich experience uniquely prepares future officers for joint, coalition, and inter-agency operations in the 21st century” says Descheneaux.

Fairfield maple sugarer Harvey Bushey is planting a new crop on his farm, a community solar array. A longtime resident of Franklin County, Bushey has meticulously tended to his sugarbush by boiling sap every spring for his business, Log Cabin Maples. On a recent afternoon, Bushey and his wife, Mary, were found enjoying the bucolic Vermont tradition alongside the state’s promising new future of solar energy. As Bushey stoked the fire and drew the syrup from this year’s maple crop, a SunCommon solar install crew planted a 150kw community solar array in the field just outside the sugarhouse window.

Political commentator and critically acclaimed author David Brooks will deliver the main address at Dartmouth’s 2015 Commencement exercises on Sunday morning, June 14, on the Green. Since September 2003, Brooks has written an op-ed column for The New York Times that has helped shape important conversations of the day, from the future of the Republican Party to the dangers of what he sees as the moral relativism of modern society.

The Vermont Arts Council is accepting applications for three grant programs: Cultural Facilities, Creation, and Project Grants. Artists, cultural/community organizations, and municipalities throughout Vermont are encouraged to apply.

Cultural Facilities Grants help Vermont nonprofit organizations and municipalities enhance, create, or expand the capacity of an existing building to provide cultural activities for the public. The deadline for Cultural Facilities Grant applications is May 1.

Creation Grants help Vermont artists purchase materials, rent equipment or space, and compensate for time in order to create new work. The deadline for Creation Grant applications is May 8.

Burlington College has announced that award-winning film director, producer, and writer Jay Craven will be the speaker and honorary degree recipient during the 34th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 16, 2015.