Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Representatives of the Vermont Farm to Plate Network and staff at the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund presented the 2018 Farm to Plate Annual Report to the Vermont Legislature’s House and Senate Agriculture Committees, requesting the Legislature reauthorize the Vermont Farm to Plate food system plan beyond 2020 to continue the work of growing the local food economy. 

Vermont Business Magazine Representative Peter Welch (D-Vermont) has been reappointed to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. The committee has broad jurisdiction over executive branch programs and activities. Welch has served on the committee since he was first elected to Congress in 2006. 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Federal Credit Union has been named the top overall performer of 2018 with staff member Patricia Boyce ranked as the top Mortgage Originator. Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) “Top Performers” recognizes organizations and individuals who had the highest VHFA production from January 1^st through December 31^st, 2018. Vermont Federal Credit Union was ranked first among all 18 Vermont participating lenders, which includes Credit Unions, Banks, and Mortgage Companies.

Patricia Boyce

Patricia Boyce, one of Vermont Federal Credit Union’s Mortgage Originators, was ranked first among all participating Mortgage Originators.

Vermont Business Magazine After four years of organizational discussions and capacity building, the Upper Valley Trails Alliance (UVTA) executed its first trail easement on January 14, 2019. Working with Carol and Ollie Boles, the trail easement permanently protects that final segment of a proposed 3 mile trail off Robinson Road in Strafford.

Vermont Business Magazine Hunger Free Vermont has received a $25,505.83 grant from Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation from their "Hunger Is" initiative to eradicate childhood hunger. The funds will be used to help schools and communities across the state to understand and make the best use of the federal nutrition programs that provide opportunities for children from low-income and food-insecure families to gain access to healthy breakfasts in schools, summer meals programs and early childhood care.

by Peter Stromgren of Bennington and Bill Schubart of Hinesburg In a recent VTDigger piece, Secretary of Commerce and Community Development, Mike Schirling, highlighted actions his agency has taken to make a positive impact on Vermont’s previously lackluster economic development program: “focusing on fundamental activities, supporting economic growth, and affordability.”

Vermont Business MagazineJim Brown, President of The Bank of Bennington, has announced that the bank has donated $10,000 to Second Chance Animal Center in Arlington. In doing so, the bank joins nine other prominent area businesses and becomes one of “Ten for Ten”—local companies each donating $10,000 to the animal shelter’s capital campaign.

“We are so pleased to support this local community resource that helps our four-footed friends with such amazing service. This is an outstanding non-profit that assists both pets and pet owners in our community and as such, is deserving of our support.” said Jim Brown, President of The Bank of Bennington.

Green Mountain College President Robert W Allen, January 23, 2019, Poultney: I regretfully announce that after a 185-year legacy, Green Mountain College will be closing. Although the Trustees of the College have not yet set a specific closing date, we anticipate cessation of operations after the Spring 2019 semester. The Board of Trustees has concluded it is in the best interests of our students, prospective students, faculty, and staff to notify them of this decision at this time, so they can make informed choices for their future. Our most important concern is supporting all members of the GMC family in this difficult time.

Vermont Business Magazine Castleton University, part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS), announced Wednesday that it has reached a teach-out agreement with Green Mountain College that ensures many of the students impacted by Green Mountain's impending closure will be able to complete their degrees at nearby Castleton. Castleton will match tuition, waive application fees, and host information sessions. GMC is located in Poultney, just south of Castleton.

"It is our intention to help as many students as possible fulfill their goals and complete their degree requirements without leaving Vermont," said Castleton University President Dr. Karen M. Scolforo. "We are saddened to see Green Mountain College close its doors and our hearts go out to all of the impacted faculty, staff, and students. By making this opportunity affordable and accessible for the students, we can help them remain on track and offer a measure of hope."

Vermont Business Magazine University of Vermont president Tom Sullivan has been appointed to the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions. He will begin serving immediately and continue through August 31, 2021. The committee is an independent administrative body charged with deciding infractions cases involving NCAA member institutions, their employees and their students. Its membership includes volunteers from NCAA member institutions and conferences and individuals from the general public who have legal training.

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington International Airport (BTV) announced today new and low-cost direct service to Denver starting in May 2019, provided by Frontier Airlines. According to officials, this announcement builds on the successes of 2018, which was one of BTV’s most successful years to date.