Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Castleton University has received a $100,000 grant from the Bowse Health Trust to support the Early Childhood and Special Education Initiative. The initiative pairs Castleton's new Bachelor of Arts and dual major in Early Childhood Education and Special Education with a public childcare center and learning lab, which will launch in July 2020.

Vermont Business Magazine During this year’s open enrollment season, many older Vermonters will be seeing and hearing more radio and internet ads than ever with offers of various kinds of “Medicare” coverage. The department issued a Consumer Alert that explains the varying types of Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplemental insurance.

“Our goal is to help older Vermonters protect themselves against scams and deceptive advertising when determining the health insurance coverage that is best for them,” said Commissioner Michael Pieciak.

Vermont Business Magazine Nothing is more powerful than love, especially when it’s given away. The Subaru Share the Love event is back, and Rutland Subaru is excited to be one of the many retailers participating nationwide.

Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) and Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) are proud to announce that each of its five primary care practices in Vermont—SVMC Deerfield Valley Campus in Wilmington, SVMC Internal Medicine in Bennington, SVMC Northshire Campus in Manchester, SVMC Pediatrics in Bennington, and SVMC Pownal Campus in Pownal—have achieved recognition for providing personalized, effective, and efficient primary care. The medical practices have been re-designated as Patient Centered Medical Homes by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Miro Weinberger announced today the appointment of Fire Chief Steven Locke as the acting Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Chief Locke has served as the Burlington Fire Chief since February 2016 and prior to that appointment, served as the Interim Town Manager of Hartford, Vt. Mayor Weinberger has asked Chief Locke to serve in this role through January 2020 while the City searches for a permanent CAO. Chief Locke will continue to serve as Fire Chief during this period.

Burlington Chief Steven Locke

Vermont Business Magazine Kevin M Eschelbach, of Barre, has been elected president of the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The appointment was announced today by board chair Joseph L Choquette III. Eschelbach is currently a senior district executive in the northeast quadrant of Vermont for the Boys Scouts of America. He will officially join the Chamber on December 9.

“We talked to qualified candidates from throughout the country, but we found the right candidate in our own back yard,” Choquette said. “Kevin’s strengths include leadership, working with volunteers and organizing events. He grew up in Vermont and knows the people and issues well. We think this is the right combination to guide the Central Vermont Chamber into the 2020s.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the business and professional community in central Vermont,” Eschelbach said. “There’s a lot we can do together. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Vermont Business Magazine Sugarbush Resort will host the Swiss Alpine Ski National Team Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning for training sessions ahead of the Audi FIS Women's Ski World Cup at Killington this weekend.

Vermont Business Magazine Today Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos called upon members of Congress to pass comprehensive voting rights legislation. The U.S. House of Representatives may vote soon on the Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would restore the 1965 Voting Rights Act protections that were stripped from law by the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder. Senator Patrick Leahy authored and led 46 senators in introducing the Senate version of the Voting Rights Advancement Act earlier this year.

“The right to vote is a sacred right enshrined in our Constitution,” said Condos. “In the last decade we have seen a renewed assault on voting rights in states across the country. It’s time for Congress to step up and ensure that every eligible American can access their right to register and vote.”

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Kathy Lavoie of Swanton to the State Board of Education. Lavoie is currently the program manager for the Franklin Grand Isle Restorative Justice Center. From 2000-2008 she served in the Vermont House of Representatives, and previously served as executive director of Franklin Grand Isle Workforce Investment Board.

Vermont Business Magazine The US Department of Transportation has approved $500,000 in emergency relief funding following the Halloween rainstorm that left widespread damage throughout Vermont. These emergency funds will assist the Vermont Agency of Transportation in repairs to roads on the federal highway system damaged during the October 31-November 1 storm event. The severe storm and flooding are estimated to have caused more than $5 million in damages to state, local, and federal roads in Vermont. Vermont Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn requested emergency funds from the Federal Highway Administration, and the state has been granted a quick release of $500,000 for VTrans to begin emergency repairs to the federal system. Remaining federal highway funds will likely be released as the work is completed. Repairs on some of the most heavily damaged infrastructure may extend out 24 months.

Vermont Business Magazine Subaru of America, Inc (SOA) and Subaru of New England, Inc. (SNE) announced today that in the spirit of their adventure-seeking owners, Subaru has been named the official vehicle of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, both part of POWDR. Subaru owners headed to these Vermont ski destinations this winter will enjoy exclusive resort benefits, including Subaru VIP Parking, Subaru concierge, shuttle vehicles, and surprises throughout the season designed specifically for the Subaru brand’s intrepid owners. The partnership with Killington also includes the New England debut of Subaru WinterFest, the Subaru brand’s winter lifestyle event series and concert tour.

Vermont Business Magazine PC Construction has donated $5,000 to Common Roots, a local nonprofit organization committed to food education and food access. Common Roots, founded in 2009, is based in South Burlington, Vermont, with a dynamic mission to foster relationships among farmers, educators, youth, families, and the wider community through place-based education and service programs.

Said PC Construction President and CEO Jay Fayette, “Common Roots is such an important organization for our community. Not only do they provide children and families in need with quality food and vegetables – particularly during school breaks when meals aren’t readily available – but they also support local farmers by educating the community about our food system. PC’s employee-owners understand the importance of supporting basic needs in our community and we are proud to partner with organizations doing great work to help our neighbors in need of the essentials.”