Current News
by tim
The US House on Thursday passed bipartisan, job-creating legislation that will help three million families refit, renovate and insulate their homes, while putting 170,000 Americans to work. Authored by Representative Peter Welch (D-Vermont), the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act (H.R. 5019) passed the House by a vote of 246 to 161. The bill, which provides direct incentives to consumers to make their homes more energy efficient, received key endorsements from supporters ranging from President Obama to the US Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.
by tim
During a meeting with business leaders in Johnson on Wednesday morning, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez announced that the Vermont Electrical Cooperative (VEC) will receive an $11.2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant. Dave Hallquist, CEO of VEC, said the new investment would improve electricity reliability and telecommunications access in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
“This grant award provides VEC with the opportunity to improve reliability and expand the broadband infrastructure for Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom,” said Dave Hallquist, CEO of VEC. “This project will make the region more attractive to new businesses, while strengthening the economic climate for existing businesses, like the furniture industry. Additional benefits will include increased border security and improved service in northern New Hampshire.”
by tim
Major improvements planned for East Pittsford Station, a Central Vermont Public Service hydroelectric facility, will require slightly lower water levels on Chittenden Reservoir throughout the summer and into the fall.
“The water levels will be about 4 feet lower than average, but within the low end of our normal operating range,” CVPS spokesman Steve Costello said. “The reservoir will remain open and accessible for boating, fishing and swimming, but boaters are reminded to use caution when putting in boats and on the water given the natural rock formations scattered throughout the reservoir.”
Costello noted that the water levels sometimes fluctuate dramatically at the reservoir, as an inch of rain can quickly raise the water level by a foot. About 17 square miles of mountainous terrain drain into Chittenden Reservoir.
by tim
Attorney General William H Sorrell announced today that Vermont has joined with other states and the federal government and reached an agreement in principle with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, to settle allegations it engaged in an off-label marketing campaign that improperly promoted the antipsychotic drug, Seroquel. AstraZeneca will pay the states and the federal government a total of $520 million in damages and penalties to compensate Medicaid and various federal healthcare programs for harm suffered as a result of this conduct. Vermont s federal and state share of the settlement is approximately a half million dollars.
by tim
The Burlington Country Club recently celebrated the grand re-opening of its newly renovated clubhouse. TruexCullins Architecture and Interior Design has been working with the Club through the fall and winter on the renovations, and the project was substantially complete enough that the first group of members and guests could enjoy the inaugural ‘happy hour’ of the season.
by tim
Allen J Hinkle, MD, who has developed acclaimed medical quality and cost management programs for several of the region’s largest and most respected health plans, has joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont as it Chief Medical Director. Dr. Hinkle has responsibility for the Plan’s Medical Services Division, and will lead its overall medical cost management programs.
“Allen is recognized across the industry as an innovator in helping health plans and employer groups manage their medical costs and improve the overall quality of health care,” said Don George, BCBSVT’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are delighted that he has agreed to bring his experience and his leadership skills to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont.”
by tim
GetEducated.com, LLC, an online education research firm that reviews and ranks accredited online university degree programs, has released its 2010 Rankings of Best Buys in Online MBAs, Regionally Accredited. According to GetEducated's online university rankings, graduate students should be prepared to pay as little as $6,750 or as much as $68,400 for a regionally accredited graduate degree in business administration (MBA). Average cost for a regionally accredited online MBA: $22,924. GetEducated.com found 51 regionally accredited online MBA programs charging less than the average cost. Its top 10 Best Buys all charged below $14,000.Which schools charged the most for a distance MBA? Which charged the least? What other online MBA trends are notable? Click here for more information about GetEducated.com's 2010 Online MBA (Regionally Accredited) rankings.
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About GetEducated.com, LLC
by tim
Today, more than 30 organizations and individuals participated in a press event at the Vermont State House to emphasize the importance of sound tax policy for Vermont’s job creators. Businesses are making tough choices each and every day about how they will continue to make payroll and keep their doors open in this economy.
According to one study, Vermont has the 2nd highest cumulative tax burden in the nation. Small business owners across Vermont continue to trumpet their desire for Vermont to get on a sound fiscal path; while resisting unsustainable spending and punishing tax increases.
Last year, this business group opposed:
· the income tax proposal that shifted more than $5.5 million onto family farms and small businesses because most small business owners report their business income on their personal income tax;
by tim
Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin and Majority Leader John Campbell today announced passage of legislation that will curb predatory practices by credit card companies and protect both Vermont businesses and consumers.
“Almost every Vermont family and store owner has a story to tell about one of the major credit card companies charging them exorbitant and unfair fees or leveraging unjust fines,” said Senator Peter Shumlin. “This legislation will help the Vermont consumer and store owner by prohibiting these abusive practices.”
The legislation will allow merchants to set a minimum amount for credit card purchases and offer discounts for cash payments, and prohibit credit card companies from fining merchants for their pricing displays.
by tim
Vermont Public Television (VPT), the statewide public television network, received a My Source Education Innovation Award from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) recently. VPT was honored for an extensive educational initiative related to the project Lake Champlain Voyages of Discovery: Bringing History Home and the documentary “Champlain: The Lake Between,” part of the 2009 Champlain Quadricentennial observance. Focusing on the history of regional Native nations as well as early French heritage, the educational component included public screenings, question-and-answer sessions with the filmmaker, Caro Thompson of Broadwing Productions, teacher training workshops, a companion website and a CD-ROM with extensive teaching materials.
by tim
Citizens Bank Foundation recently made a major investment in Lund Family Center s work to improve the educational outcomes for pregnant or parenting young women. The Foundation issued a $5,000 grant for Lund s New Horizons Education program, which annually offers high school, G.E.D. education and college support to more than 40 pregnant or parenting young women ages 12 to 27.
Cathleen Schmidt, President of Citizens Bank in Vermont, commented on the grant saying, The Lund Family Center is a vital part of our community. The New Horizons Education Program provides women with a flexible classroom atmosphere helping build a new beginning for themselves and their children. We at Citizens Bank are proud to support Lund and the New Horizons program.
by tim
The Mount Family Group (MFG), operator of Westaff offices in Burlington,
St. Albans, St. Johnsbury and Barre was named Franchise Business of the
Year by the Westaff Franchisor, The Select Family of Staffing Companies.
MFG also operates Westaff branches along the Connecticut River Valley in
New Hampshire and in New York and southern New England.
In presenting the award, Irwin Much, President of the Select Franchise
Division cited the group s sales level and its expansion during the
recent economic downturn. The award was presented at the Select Managers
Meeting in Newport Beach, California.
Accepting the award were David Mount, James Mount and Karen Mount. This
award is really accepted on behalf of all of the employees of our company
both our full-time staff and our temporary associates. It is a great
honor for us and for them and we thank them for all that they do, said
David Mount.