Current News
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine VEC crews are out working to restore power across VEC territory after high winds hit the region overnight. As of 5:30 a.m. this morning, over 1,600 VEC members in 26 different towns were without power. Another more significant wind event is expected later this morning with up to 60 mph winds anticipated in some places. New outages are expected.
Saturated ground, heavy rain, and high winds all combined to contribute to a significant number of outages all across the state. Power restoration efforts are underway but will be slowed by downed trees and flooded roads. VEC is well prepared to restore power as soon as safely possible. We have mutual aid crews lined up if needed and are prepared to offer assistance to other utilities when we are able.
VEC urges members who are without power to stay safe and keep the following in mind:
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking steps to address the dangers of lead paint in Vermont, and throughout 2019, EPA has undertaken several efforts to reduce the public health risks associated with exposure to lead paint and dust that contains lead in communities across Vermont. Through compliance inspections and assistance, outreach to daycare centers and online trainings, EPA has been working to address lead in a state with many older homes, which are more likely to contain lead-based paint and can pose serious health impacts to children.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine On October 31, 2019 the Federal Register published the interim final rule establishing a Domestic Hemp Production Program. Upon its release, this interim final rule becomes effective for all states without hemp pilot programs. Vermont continues to operate under its pilot program enabled under the 2014 Farm Bill. This interim rule represents the beginning of the development of the final rule that addresses testing and recordkeeping requirements, acceptable THC levels, crop disposal, and the general authority for states to obtain primary regulatory authority over hemp production.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine Norwich University will observe Veterans Day by conducting a Corps of Cadets review in honor of all veterans, past and present. The reviewing officer and guest speaker is Brigadier General John Lawlor, U.S. Army Reserve, Norwich Class (Master’s) of 2010, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.
Honored guests at the event will include the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston, Massachusetts, the oldest chartered military organization in the western hemisphere, and will feature remarks by Captain Nicholas Schiarizzi, the 311th Captain Commanding.
Veterans, their guests, and community members are cordially invited to attend the Veterans Day Observance on the Upper Parade Ground at Norwich University on Friday, November 8, 2019, at 3:15 p.m.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced Thursday that Vermont organizations will receive 10 grants totaling nearly $8.8 million from the U.S. Department of Justice to support crime victims and strengthen services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
The announcement comes as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month draws to a close. Leahy worked to introduce a Senate resolution this week “expressing the sense of the Senate that Congress should continue to support efforts to end domestic violence, provide safety for victims of domestic violence and their families, and hold perpetrators of domestic violence accountable.”
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine The new Quantitative Assay Apps from BioTek Instruments, Inc. provide convenience and simplicity for researchers performing four commonly used detection-based applications: absorbance-based BCA, Bradford, Lowry protein assays, and fluorescence-based DNA assays. These easy-to-use Apps are powered through Gen5™ Data Analysis Software and are compatible with BioTek microplate readers equipped with the relevant detection mode, including the popular Cytation™ and Synergy™ multi-mode readers.
by katie
PROJECT TYPE: Drawbridge Replacement
LOCATION: US Route 2, drawbridge connecting North Hero and Grand Isle
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power (GMP) is urging safety as forecasters call for an intensifying storm just as families may head out to trick-or-treat for Halloween. As much as three inches of rain is predicted this evening through Friday, and winds could reach 55MPH according to meteorologists, who say scattered outages are possible. GMP will respond as quickly and safely as possible.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 109th annual dinner on October 24. Five awards recognized businesses and business leaders for their accomplishments and contributions to our community. The Chamber also welcomed its incoming Chair of the Board of Directors Kurt Gruendling. Gruendling is Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom. Governor Scott, Congressman Welch and Burlington Mayor Weinberger delivered remarks to the 450 plus person crowd.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine Just in time for opening day at mountains across the US, Darn Tough Vermont, the fastest growing American manufacturer of premium performance outdoor and lifestyle socks, is adding big-mountain skier Michelle Parker and snowboarder Jake Blauvelt to the brand’s athlete team. These highly respected and accomplished professionals bring their unique talents and perspectives to the sock maker as winter begins and Darn Tough’s 2019 Snow collection appears online and in store.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) is thrilled to announce the 2019 Crystal Family New Hope Award Recipients. This year’s two awards of $500 will be granted to Gita Dhakal, a Community Ambassador in CVOEO’s Financial Futures Program, and Lulé Aden, Program Coordinator for Leadership & Social Change at the University of Vermont. The awards will be presented at festivities to be held at the Community Room, City Market, 207 Flynn Avenue in Burlington on November 20th at 5 pm. The public is invited.
Born in Bhutan, Gita Dhakal and her husband found themselves as teachers and refugees in Nepal. Gita, her husband, daughter and son began their new lives in Burlington in 2011, believing in America as the land of opportunity, and seeking a better quality of life.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine Once again, the University of Vermont ranks among the Top Green Schools, according to the Princeton Review, coming in at No. 4.
The Princeton Review’s annual guide profiles 413 colleges with strong commitments to green practices and programs, all “outstanding institutions for students seeking to study and live at a green college,” says Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s Editor-in-Chief. The ranking looks at criteria including academic offerings and initiatives, campus policies and practices, and green-career preparation for students.