Current News

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Public Service has created an interactive map that shows the results of a drive test of mobile wireless coverage in the state. After reviewing providers’ maps that purport to show the extent of their coverage, the Department undertook a drive test of all major roads in the state to collect data and assess where mobile wireless service is actually available from a consumer perspective. The interactive map shows considerably less service than providers claim, which could result in more money for carriers to expand service in Vermont.

Detail of drive test map showing wireless coverage in western Vermont from Poultney to Vergennes along major routes. Green is good and red is bad.

Leonine Public Affairs Week four was defined by a fast tax and slow political wrangling over Act 46 forced school district mergers. The House Ways and Means Committee approved a 92 percent wholesale tax on e-cigarettes on Tuesday with minimal deliberation. Emboldened by Governor Phil Scott’s support of the tax the House approved the proposal on Friday.

by Robert Zulkoski, Social Entrepreneur Spending $10,000 to entice a small handful of people to move to Vermont is eye-catching press…but not an effective solution to the State’s challenges in creating living wage jobs and bending our demographic curve in a more promising direction. Let me say it – It’s a short-term gimmick lacking long term value from our tax dollars.  I respect that some will argue a different view.  For me, where is the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom? This is another example of piecemeal policy rather than comprehensive vision or strategy.  As an investor, I think in terms of “return on investment”.  This is a low ROI.

Building on the regional marketing campaign and grassroots efforts to help people move to Vermont, Rutland’s Regional Marketing Initiative (RMI) is “rolling out the red carpet” to prospective new Rutland County residents.

The RMI today announced the creation of “Rutland Red Carpet,” a program to provide a local “concierge” to help people considering a move make a host of connections and facilitate the transition.

Killington Resort is pleased to announce it will expand its partnership with Castleton University to deliver its new cooperative education program in Resort Hospitality Management starting this fall. For 18 years, Killington delivered a similar program through Green Mountain College (GMC), offering students the opportunity to get hands-on experience while earning their bachelor’s degree. With the impending closure of GMC this summer, Killington was able to secure Castleton as its educational partner.

Today, the House gave unanimous approval to H.3, the Ethnic Studies Bill.  This bill creates an Ethnic and Social Equity Standards Advisory Working Group that will set standards and review student performance in order to accurately represent various ethnic and social groups in Vermont schools.

Vermont Business Magazine Yankee Farm Credit announces organizational enhancements effective January 1, 2019 that will allow continued sustainable growth for the organization, which provides industry specific products and services to the agricultural community in Vermont and parts of New York and New Hampshire. 

Matthew Senter has joined the Middlebury branch as Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending and High Risk Asset Management. Matt has more than 20 years experience as a commercial lender and leader within the Farm Credit System. The addition of Matt has allowed us to take a fresh look at how we manage our commercial accounts, complex loans and high risk assets. 

Construction employment increased by 52,000 jobs in January and by 338,000 jobs, or 4.7 percent, over the past year, while the latest reading on construction spending showed moderate increases in all major categories, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged government officials to strengthen career and technical education programs and facilitate immigration for workers with construction skills before a worker shortage stalls completion of needed infrastructure.

Vermont Business Magazine This week, the Vermont Department of Human Resources and the New Hampshire Department of Insurance issued coordinated Requests for Information (RFI) in connection with Governor Phil Scott’s and Governor Chris Sununu’s proposed Twin State Voluntary Leave Plan.

The Governors’ plan proposes incentivizing the development of an insurance product for paid family and medical leave that is not currently offered in either state. To launch the initiative, each state would cover the full costs of providing Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) coverage to its state employees through an insurance carrier.

Vermont Business Magazine For many businesses in Vermont, protecting the environment is a key aspect of daily operations. To support companies interested in becoming more sustainable, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Community College of Vermont (CCV) are teaming up to offer a free class focused on green manufacturing and production.

Vermont Business Magazine Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement Thursday on the amendment introduced by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) regarding the withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan: 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Dairy Industry Association (VDIA) was proud to recognize many significant achievements in the dairy industry at the Dairy Farmers’ Appreciation Banquet during the 2019 Vermont Farm Show.  The 100^th anniversaries were highlighted for Cabot Creamery Cooperative and St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, awards were given for dairy farm of the year, highest milk quality awards and the Finley Award.