Current News

by Representative Lynn Dickinson The Vermont State College System has embraced a revolutionary, system-wide transformation so we can continue serving our students, the Vermont economy, and the Vermont communities that host our vibrant rural campuses. This is a big improvement from just last year when the pandemic hit, amplifying our budget challenges and forcing the VSCS to make an untenable decision: close campuses or face insolvency.

Vermont Business Magazine Torben Orla Nielsen, consular officer and science/technology attaché in Denmark’s Boston Consulate, met last Thursday with University of Vermont researchers and key leaders in Vermont’s energy sector at the university’s Davis Center. Nielsen said he came away impressed by the resourcefulness of business, government and non-profit leaders he met.

Vermont Business Magazine Omega Optical Holdings, LLC, a leading precision optics platform based in Brattleboro, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Spectral Systems, LLC. Spectral strengthens and expands Omega's existing thin-film optical capabilities into a range of infrared applications and complements Omega's strategic focus on serving the most challenging applications in high-growth markets – primarily life sciences, aerospace, defense, and industrial technology. Spectral will continue to operate from its existing facilities in Hopewell Junction, NY, Danbury, CT and Jaffrey, NH, as a business unit of the newly-formed Omega Infrared division.

by Jeff Tieman, CEO of VAHHS One of the best parts of my job leading the hospital association is seeing members at our annual meeting. Each year we gather to share ideas and information, network with one another, meet new colleagues and spend some thoughtful time away from our daily work lives. Last year, we lost that important opportunity because of COVID-19. Over the past 18 months, we have accomplished so much as a community of hospitals but we have done it largely on Zoom screens and phone lines.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is announcing celebratory events at all Amtrak stations in Vermont to welcome back the state's two Amtrak trains on Monday, July 19, when the Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express resume service. Congressman Peter Welch will speak at the 8:30 am event at the St Albans Station to celebrate the return of the Vermonter. Also scheduled to speak are Chair of the House Transportation Committee Representative Diane Lanpher, Amtrak Vice President Ray Lang, Vermont Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn, St. Albans Mayor Tim Smith, and Village of Essex Junction Board of Trustees President Andrew Brown, among others.

​Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) is initiating a survey to collect information about Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening. The goal of the survey is to understand barriers to screening so SVMC can address those barriers to increase patients’ CRC screening rates and lower mortality due to colorectal cancer.

by Don Turner 26,000, $500, and 2. 26,000 represents the number of Vermonters who remain uninsured—most of whom find health care coverage here unaffordable. $500 represents the approximate premium a 40-year-old Vermonter will pay per month to afford the cheapest health care plan on the market. And 2 represents the number of major health insurance companies left in Vermont—Blue Cross Blue Shield and MVP.

Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s (SVHC) Medical Matters Weekly with Dr Trey Dobson, a weekly interactive, multiplatform medical-themed talk show, will feature Jeffrey Parsonnet, MD, an infectious disease physician at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and the leader of a clinic designed to help people with enduring COVID symptoms, on its July 7 program. The show will air live at noon.

​Vermont Business Magazine The Community College of Vermont (CCV) has partnered with workforce retraining and education provider Upright Education to help Vermonters develop the skills they need for careers in tech. Through the unique new partnership, CCV will offer technology bootcamps designed to help adults land their first tech job.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Family Network (VFN) has announced the election of 6 new members to its Board of Directors at the organization’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 10. As Vermont’s federally designated Family to Family Health Information Center and Parent Information Center, as well as Vermont’s Family Voices and Parent to Parent USA national affiliate, our Board requires a parent majority. With the election of these new members VFN has a Board of Directors of 15; a 73% parent majority.

Vermont Business Magazine Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) and Flek Inc have received two Bronze awards from the 38th Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards and one Gold award from the Aster Awards Program. The Bronze awards are for the hospital’s 2020 Annual Report, Resilience in a Global Pandemic, and the COVID-19 ad series. The Gold award is for the COVID-19 Vaccine ad, Be The Herd.

Vermont Business Magazine As a part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Windham World Affairs Council, WWAC presents Sisters Rising which tackles the global issue of violence against indigenous women in a powerful feature documentary about six Native American women reclaiming personal & tribal sovereignty. Q&A with the filmmakers will follow the screening.