Current News

Vermont Business Magazine A new Progress Report released today by Energy Action Network (EAN) highlights how meeting Vermont’s energy and emissions commitments will require state action far beyond what is already occurring, with major benefits awaiting Vermonters and the state economy. EAN, a Montpelier based non-profit, works with state and federal partners to compile the comprehensive total energy and emissions progress report for Vermont each year.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan today announced his intent to file a lawsuit against the federal government over a new Title X funding regulation. Title X is the only national federal grant program that is dedicated solely to providing comprehensive family planning and preventative health care. In Vermont, 10,000 people rely on Title X for their healthcare. The new rule includes a “gag rule” that limits providers’ ability to give neutral, factual information to their patients about abortion, and prohibits abortion referrals. The new rule also redirects funding priorities from the CDC’s birth control recommendations to only “natural family planning methods.” In Vermont, the only recipient of Title X funds are the 10 Planned Parenthood health care centers located around the state.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Student Assistance Corp is joining a 27-state effort to teach families the power of saving for education and training after high school.   The national campaign, launching today, dubbed “For Their Future” is led by College Savings Plan Network, part of the National Association of State Treasurers, with the goal to reduce college debt for new generations.

“Every dollar saved is a dollar you don’t have to borrow,” said Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce, who is the immediate past president of NAST. “Investing in education is the most important financial advantage you can provide for future generations. “On March 4 we start our march forth, joining together to set our kids and grandkids on a better path with 529s.”

Vermont Business Magazine In a statement Southern Vermont College President, David R Evans announced the decision by the college's board of trustees to close the college this summer after the New England Commission of Higher Education hearing on February 28. The commission was concerned about the financial viability of the college. SVC is based in Bennington. This is the second college closing announced in Vermont this year and also in southwestern Vermont. Green Mountain College in Poultney announced in January that it also would close at the end of this semester.

Leonine Public Affairs Lawmakers approached the unofficial halfway point of the legislative session with a flurry of activity in the committee rooms and on the House and Senate floor. It was the final week before the Town Meeting Day break, when lawmakers will return home to meet with constituents and attend Town Meeting Day festivities. When lawmakers return on March 12 they will have four days until the crossover deadline for policy bills on March 15. The crossover deadline for money bills is March 22.

Vermont Business Magazine Randolph officials have announced the hiring of Joshua Jerome as their new Director of Economic Development. Jerome will oversee economic development initiatives such as business recruitment, assessing work force housing, zoning regulations, infrastructure investments to allow growth and streamlining the permitting process. Jerome will also work to capitalize on existing successes that have brought new life and job opportunities to Randolph: expansion of LEDdynamics, which will bring an additional 40 jobs to the region; creation of the Randolph Region Re-Energized (R3) community group; coordination of skill needs by local businesses with education providers; and addressing the need for lodging for visitors by local businesses and others within our community.

Vermont Business Magazine The UVM Medical Center reached a tentative agreement late Friday on a new three-year contract for the 340 technical employees represented by the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals. This is the same union that represented nurses in bitter negotiations last year, but which also resulted in a new contract last September.

Vermont Business Magazine Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health CEO and President Joanne M Conroy, MD, has been named to Modern Healthcare’s inaugural listing of Women Leaders Luminaries. These are executives whose careers have been defined by reshaping the industry. They’re perennial figures in Modern Healthcare’s recognition programs. The profiles of all the winners are featured in the February 18, 2019 print issue of Modern Healthcare and at https://www.modernhealthcare.com/community/top-25-women/2019/.

In its either year, the biennial recognition program honors the top women healthcare executives who are influencing the policy and care delivery models across the country. In doing so, they are also highlighting the continued need to nurture diversity in our organizations.

Vermont Business Magazine Bernie will run for president; Vermont Gas wants to cut rates; PUC gives new Burlington Telecom CPG, but opponents vow to appeal to Supreme Court; Knight to lead Vermont Guard; Chittenden County sees 50% decline in opioid-related overdose fatalities; January tax revenues beat expectations; Cassie Polhemus named as VEDA's new CEO, and more...

Vermont Business Magazine Union Bank has been selected to participate in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s Equity Builder Program, which assists local homebuyers with down-payment and closing costs as well as homebuyer counseling and rehabilitation assistance. The $3.6 million program provides grants to financial institutions to assist households at or below 80 percent of the area median income. Borrowers are eligible to receive up to $15,000 in assistance on a first come first serve basis. Buyers must also complete a homebuyer counseling program.

“Homeownership is not easily attainable for many households, so we are pleased to offer this assistance to help individuals and families purchase a home. Homeownership helps build wealth and create financial stability, and programs that assist homebuyers can be effective in adding to the vibrancy of our communities,” said David Silverman, President and CEO of Union Bank.

Vermont Business Magazine In celebration of its 60^th Anniversary, Sugarbush is bringing back a number of old historic events from the “March Madness” days of the resort.

UVM Center for Research Only one in three Americans (36 percent) can pass a citizenship test, according to a recent survey conducted by the Woodrow Wilson Foundation—and Vermont was the only state that was able to pass as a group. Just 27 percent of those surveyed under 45 were capable of demonstrating a basic understanding of US history. The poll emphasizes that the memorization-based teaching methods that are common throughout the country have not been effective in producing informed and engaged citizens.