Current News

by Amy Fela, Director of Operations at United Counseling Service, Bennington As a Designated Agency for the State of Vermont and a Certified Center of Excellence, UCS strives to attain the value of Easy Access, which is simply defined as providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place with the right provider. Access to mental health care services is a priority focus area of UCS’ strategic planning. Individuals who are seeking mental health treatment are often waiting six to eight weeks for an intake appointment, followed by an extended wait time for clinical services.

Emergency Departments across the State of Vermont have seen an increase in utilization rates by people experiencing a mental health crisis, both children and adults, including our very own Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC). Often patients who are seen in the Emergency Department are discharged back into the community to receive community-based supports. 

by John McClaughry On June 21 the US Supreme Court issued its opinion on a case with enormous consequences for landowners facing takings of their property by government. In doing so the conservative majority overrode both the liberal Justices and the Trump Administration. Rose Mary Knick’s Pennsylvania property included a small private cemetery, allegedly the last resting place of generations of her ancestors. Scott Township adopted an ordinance to enforce a state law that cemeteries on private land shall be open to the public during reasonable hours. Rose Mary objected that by creating a public thoroughfare to her family property, the township and state had taken her property rights.

The position of the township and the State, backed by the Trump Justice Department, was that an actual “taking” of her property did not occur until after the plaintiff had litigated or settled the required payment of compensation in a process under state law.

Vermont Business Magazine The Cancer Center Community Crusaders, known as the 4Cs, hosted their 6th Annual Day of Celebration in coordination with Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s National Cancer Survivors Day on Saturday, June 1 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Campus in Bennington.  Eight crews and more than 400 attendees at the event helped the group raise a total of $54,158 for the year. This amount contributes to nearly $300,000 in support the group has raised for local cancer patients in its 6-year existence.

Vermont Business Magazine Following months of tile art creation by local students, glazing, kiln firing, and installation, Ottauquechee Health Center (OHC) in Woodstock has unveiled a large mosaic mural on the wall facing Pleasant Street. The unveiling took place at a brief public ceremony on May 20 held outside of OHC, which is part of Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHHC).

UVM President Suresh Garimella I write on this my first day on the job with a great sense of honor and gratitude to be joining you at this storied university. Since the day I was announced as president, I have heard from so many colleagues at Purdue and elsewhere about their UVM connections. About having attended UVM, or taught here, or spent sabbatical terms here. And without exception, their recollections were fond and nostalgic. Many seemed to wish (did I detect an undertone of envy?) that they could still be here in Burlington.

Vermont Business Magazine Castleton University was recently awarded a J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation grant to support the development of its new undergraduate Early Childhood and Special Education program. The University is one of nine Vermont educational institutions and organizations to receive a competitive grant from the McClure Foundation for the 2019-2020 year.

Vermont Business Magazine Most small businesses, which are too small to have a Chief Financial Officer on staff, could benefit tremendously from the expertise a CFO provides. Medium sized businesses, which have accounting or financial staff, may also find a great advantage in seeking an outside CFO’s perspective. The Lamoille Economic Development Corp is beginning a new, free of charge, program called, “CFO for Rent.” 

Vermont Business Magazine Community College of Vermont (CCV) has been approved by the State Apprenticeship Council as a new apprenticeship sponsor. The College will offer registered apprenticeships in Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, and Manufacturing Production Technician beginning in fall 2019.

The new programs are supported by an Apprenticeship Expansion Grant, which seeks to increase the number of apprenticeships statewide into industries and positions not traditionally seen as occupations for apprenticeship. All three offerings will include credit-bearing courses, along with a connection to industry-recognized credentials. Most significantly, apprenticeships at CCV will give Vermonters the opportunity to earn while they learn.

by Matt Cota While few people are thinking about heating fuel on July 1, today marks an important change in the Vermont tax code. Since 1990, the Vermont Low Income Weatherization Program has been funded by a tax on heating oil, kerosene, dyed diesel, propane, natural gas and electricity. In 2016, the portion of the tax paid by heating oil, kerosene, dyed diesel, and propane providers was converted from a tax based on gross sales to a tax based on gallons. The rate was set at 2-cents per gallon. This change also allowed the itemization of the Fuel Tax, much like the efficiency charge on Vermonter’s electric bill.

Vermont Business Magazine Bennington Superior Court Judge William Cohen has upheld Vermont’s recently enacted large-capacity magazine ban, 13 V.S.A. § 4021. In a decision released on June 28, 2019, the Court rejected a constitutional challenge brought by criminal defendant Max Misch and declined to dismiss the case. The magazine law generally prohibits long-gun magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition and handgun magazines that can hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. The law was part of the gun safety legislation enacted in April 2018. The magazine law aims to protect public safety by reducing the likelihood and harm of a mass shooting in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) has named Peter Samson its Chief Lending Officer (CLO), effective July 1, 2019. He will lead the Authority's Commercial, Agricultural and Loan Resolution lending departments. Samson joins VEDA from Berkshire Bank, where he held the position of Connecticut Region Executive, responsible for direct commercial lending and business development for small and middle market businesses. He also worked closely with the many regional economic development entities across the state.

Peter Samson, VEDA, Chief Lending Officer

Vermont Business Magazine Over 400 mental health and substance use practitioners, educators, and interested members of the public recently attended Howard Center’s day-long conference and sponsor exhibition at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Burlington on June 3 to listen to international speakers Charles Blow, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Johann Hari, Sandy Steingard, and Andrew Solomon discuss “Overcoming Adversity: Bold Perspectives on Mental Health and Addiction.”