Current News

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Auditor of Accounts Douglas R Hoffer released today a largely negative account of the state’s Remote Worker Grant Program. The program, which always had a limited scope with limited funding, received national publicity, whose branding value the auditor did not address. Hoffer notes that this is a report not a traditional audit.

Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Miro Weinberger today announced the appointment of Kara Alnasrawi as Executive Director of the Church Street Marketplace (CSM), making her the fourth director in the Marketplace’s nearly 40-year history. She will take over from the long-serving Ron Redmond. Alnasrawi brings extensive experience to the position as a downtown small business owner and actively engaged downtown stakeholder.

Vermont Business Magazine The Special Needs Support Center (SNSC) based in Lebanon, NH, has received a $10,000 grant from the Lane and Elizabeth C Dwinell Charitable Trust, Bank of America, NA, Trustee. The grant will help SNSC further their mission of co-creating a community where people with special needs, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, can live their best lives.

Vermont Business Magazine As the nation recognized service members on Veteran’s Day, the Vermont Department of Labor wishes to highlight the workforce training and education opportunities, and resources available to veterans transitioning from a military to civilian career. At each of Vermont’s 12 local Career Resource Centers, veterans, and qualifying spouses, are given priority status. Veterans Service Specialists, who are veterans themselves, are made available to provide further information and assistance for veterans looking to take advantage of the opportunities offered at the centers.

One such opportunity is apprenticeships, or on-the-job training programs, which serve as an effective way to prepare veterans for civilian employment. The Vermont Registered Apprenticeship Program links job seekers and employers to provide opportunities for Vermonters to start a new career and gain skills while also earning a living wage.

by Jeff Tieman, President and CEO, VAHHS Open Enrollment for Vermont’s health insurance market began on November 1 and runs through December 15. This means that now is the time for individuals and families to obtain or change health insurance plans. Next year, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will turn 10 years old. The law has had its fits and starts, but overall has dramatically expanded coverage and access throughout the US. I was privilged to work on passing the ACA, which has become a key piece of our coverage and delivery systems. 

Thanks in part to the availability of qualified health plans (QHPs) on Vermont Health Connect—our state’s health insurance marketplace—Vermont’s uninsured rate is just 3.2 percent. While this is something our state should be proud of, it is not true elsewhere: the overall uninsured rate in the US continues to grow. At 13.7 percent, it is creeping up toward the 18 percent mark, where it stood before passage of the ACA. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Main Street Alliance of Vermont (MSA-VT) announced today that Morgan Nichols has been named State Director. Nichols, a Vermont native, Emerge VT graduate, Stowe Selectboard Member and Vice President of Stowe Vibrancy, comes to the organization with first-hand knowledge of local politics and community development. With a wide-ranging background including education, public-service, event production, and most recently in the field of leadership development, Nichols brings a breadth of skills along with a tenacious, creative, and curious mindset.

Vermont Business Magazine In honor of National Rural Health Day, the Rural Health Services Task Force will be holding a meeting in the Northeast Kingdom at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. National Rural Health Day was founded to showcase rural America; increase awareness of rural health-related challenges; and promote the efforts of those addressing those challenges.

The task force will be having a listening session to hear from the public and local providers about the challenges facing rural health care in Vermont. “I am pleased that the Rural Health Services Task Force can celebrate National Rural Health Day in the Northeast Kingdom – one of Vermont’s most rural communities – by hearing from Vermonters,” said Robin Lunge, a member of the Green Mountain Care Board and Chair of the Task Force.

Vermont Business Magazine WellCare Health Plans, Inc (NYSE: WCG) is offering a number of new plan options to its already extensive, high-quality, low-cost Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan offerings during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) including some in Vermont running now through December 7, 2019.

Vermont Business Magazine The makers of Hormel Cure 81 ham has launched its all-new Vermont Maple Spiral Sliced Half Ham, a bone-in, premium ham made with real Vermont maple. "The new Hormel Cure 81 Vermont Maple Spiral Sliced Half Ham is fully-cooked and perfect for that special occasion, family get-together, or holiday meal," said Megan Elliott, brand manager at Hormel Foods. "You can trust the Hormel Cure 81 brand to help you deliver an irresistible ham we're sure everyone will love!"

Vermont Business Magazine With cases already reported in the state, flu season is upon us and Vermont health officials say now is the time for everyone 6 months and older to get their annual flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks for full protection from the vaccine to kick in, making it a just-in-time step as people prepare for holiday travel and family gatherings.

by Bruce Edwards Vermont Business Magazine When the talk turns to economic development, industrial and commercial development top the list. But higher education is a significant economic driver in its own right.  Just ask Richard Schneider, president of Norwich University.

by Bruce Edwards Vermont Business Magazine Over the years, Vermont has garnered a well-earned reputation for its quality products. At or near the top of that least is one of the state’s oldest companies – Cabot Creamery and its award winning cheeses. This year Cabot is celebrating its 100th anniversary, a milestone that eludes most businesses.