Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Shelburne Farms announced today that Robin Turnau, former CEO of Vermont Public Radio, has joined the Farm as its Chief Advancement Officer. In this new position, she will be responsible for raising resources for and awareness of Shelburne Farms and its educational mission, overseeing development, communications, marketing, and public relations.

Vermont Business Magazine Runamok Maple, a maker of all-natural, organic maple syrup that is produced from maple trees located along the northwest slopes of Vermont’s Mount Mansfield, was named an honoree in Yankee magazine’s sixth annual Editors’ Choice Food Awards and featured in a multipage Holiday Food Special in the November/December issue. Also from Vermont, V Smiley Preserves of New Haven Mills won for its Red Currant, Raspberry, and Geranium Jam, and Consider Bardwell Farm in Pawlet won for its Pawlet Cheese.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday the selection of nine recipients for the Above and Beyond Awards, a new award category designed to showcase the inspiring workforce shaping Vermont today. The Above and Beyond Awards will be given annually to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their job, industry, or community work thus contributing to a more vibrant state for Vermonters to live, work, and play.

Special recognition for their outstanding qualities and achievements will be showcased during the annual Vermont Chamber Citizen of the Year & Above and Beyond Awards Dinner on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Burlington (formerly known as the Sheraton).

2018 Above and Beyond Award Recipients:

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced he’s appointed 19 Vermonters to State boards and commissions during the month of October. Boards and commissions serve an important role in state government, giving Vermonters numerous opportunities to serve their state and communities. The governor’s office is currently soliciting applications to fill vacancies and upcoming term expirations. All those interested in serving on a board or commission should visit the governor’s website to apply.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Incumbent Republican Governor Phil Scott beat challenger Democrat Christine Hallquist 54.4 to 39.7 percent, according to unofficial results posted by the Secretary of State. Hallquist congratulated Phil Scott in her speech Tuesday night and said they "sparred well" during the campaign. She said, "I think we showed what good Democracy looks like." For his part, Scott thanked Hallquist "for energizing and running an historic campaign. While we didn't agree on many issues, we did agree from the start that this race would be about things we felt mattered to most of the people of Vermont." While other races in other states turned negative, Scott said, "We rose above it."

Vermont Business Magazine iSun Energy LLC has announced the opening of its first US office in Burlington, Vermont. The Canadian solar technology developer said in a press release that it selected Vermont for its proximity to the border, as well as its innovative and environmentally-conscious public policy and support for startups. The Montreal-based company designs and manufactures solar energy canopies and carports.

“We are pleased to welcome another great Canadian company to Vermont,” said Governor Phil Scott. “My Administration looks forward to a continued partnership with our neighbors to the North in strengthening both of our economies.”

iSun Energy photo of an Oasis canopy.

by Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts From time-to-time, folks will ask our Agency, “how safe is the milk we buy in our stores?”. The simple answer is, “very safe.” Let’s dig a little deeper. Caring for cows and all farm animals in Vermont is a top priority. It starts with our dairy farmers monitoring the health of their animals. If an animal is thought to be ill and requires medical treatment, the farmer immediately removes it from the routine process of gathering milk for distribution. This protects the milk supply and consumers. The cow is given time to recover while being treated by a veterinarian or the farmer. This recovery period is essential to protecting the cow and the consumer. Farmers are well aware of the risks if they do not follow well established rules.

Vermont Business Magazine The snow guns stand at the ready, set to blast Vermont’s ski and snowboard season into full swing. According to Ski Vermont, the state is entering the prime date range for ski areas to open; most have a day circled on their calendars for spinning their first chairs of the season. Along with Killington and Mount Snow, which have already celebrated their first days, the other big resorts are expected to be opening by or around Thanksgiving.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) has announced a partnership with the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS), a program led by The Sphinx Organization of Detroit. With a mission to transform lives through the power of diversity in the arts, NAAS provides mentoring, audition preparation, financial support, audition previews and more.

“Women and people of color have been mostly excluded from classical music throughout history because of a structure that favors white men,” says VSO Executive Director Ben Cadwallader. ”Our partnership with Sphinx continues the hard work of shifting long-held systemic structures and beliefs as the VSO creates new conditions throughout our organization where people from all different perspectives and identities are welcomed and musically celebrated.”

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health and officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working with the Wake Robin retirement community in Shelburne to respond to an outbreak of extensively drug resistant (XDR) Shigella sonnei infections. Shigella is a type of bacteria that can make people sick with diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes a fever. As of November 6, 22 cases have been confirmed by testing at the Health Department Laboratory, and an additional 44 probable cases have been reported, all among Wake Robin staff, residents, and visitors.

Vermont Business Magazine As Tom Petty often sang, “The waiting is hardest part.” But when making whiskey, waiting isn't just part of the game, waiting is the game. For Northeastern whiskey and craft beer fanatics, that wait is almost over, as Mad River Distillers of Warren, Vermont and 14th Star Brewing Company of St. Albans, Vermont have teamed up for the third annual release of Mad River's Hopscotch Vermont Single Malt Whiskey.

Vermont Business Magazine Ledyard Financial Group (ticker symbol LFGP), holding company for Ledyard National Bank with a branch in Norwich, Vermont, has announced that Mark Beliveau has joined their Board of Directors effective October 23, 2018. Mark is a partner at South Burlington-based Gallagher, Flynn and Company, LLC, a regional tax, auditing, and consulting firm providing services to clients throughout the Northeast.