Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Board of Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) announced today the selection of Maura Collins of Essex Junction for the position of Executive Director. Collins will step into her new role on the first of the year when Sarah Carpenter, the agency's Executive Director for the past 20 years, retires. Since joining VHFA in 2002, Collins has held several positions at the agency, most recently as Deputy Director. After an extensive national search, with over 45 applicants, the Board unanimously approved Collins.

"The Board was pleased to discover that the best candidate was so close to home... It's affirming of Sarah's legacy and points to VHFA's promising future," said Randy Amis, Chair of VHFA's Board of Commissioners.

VHFA photo of Maura Collins.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced he’s appointed 33 Vermonters to State boards and commissions during the month of September. 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 at governor.vermont.gov/boards-commissions to apply

Vermont Business Magazine President Trump, President Peña Nieto of Mexico and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have agreed on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Vermont potentially could benefit, including in auto parts manufacturing and dairy exports. Mexico is Vermont's largest dairy export partner. Canada has production quotas and price guarantees for its dairy industry, which is much prized in Quebec, but would have to open up its markets to some degree.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) has provided $350,000 in financing through the Windham County Economic Development Program (WCEDP) to Saxtons River Distillery. The loan will provide for a portion of the funding to purchase real estate at 155 Chickering Drive in Brattleboro. This acquisition will allow the owners of Saxtons River Distillery to move production out of a leased location and into space four times bigger than they currently occupy. The larger location will allow the business to expand capacity and provide for a more welcoming tasting/retail facility, including accommodating indoor and outdoor events.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Tech student Cody Bryan from North Clarendon finished third overall in the 2018 edition of the TMC Futuretech National Student Technician Competition held in Orlando Florida September 17th and 18th. Futruretech is a competition for post-secondary student technicians held by the Technology and Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Association during their annual fall meeting.

Vermont Tech student Cody Bryan holds awards at TMC Futuretech. VTC photo.

In a field of 33 contestants, Cody also won one skill station. Cody, a VAST graduate and a second year Diesel technology student, received a new tool storage unit and many other prizes worth approximately $5,000.

A second VTC student, Isaac Miles from Acton, ME, placed 21st in the contest.

Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is partnering with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health (D-HH) to provide doctor visits in Bennington using telemedicine. The program will alleviate the significant travel required for some patients to see certain specialists. The first specialty to become active will evaluate and treat patients with multiple sclerosis.

Andrew (Trey) D. Smith III, MD, a neurologist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, will meet with multiple sclerosis patients initially in person at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. Second and subsequent visits may be conducted at SVMC in Bennington over a live, two-way, secure video connection on a large format, high-definition monitor. The arrangement allows Dr. Smith to interact with SVHC patients and local medical care teams in Bennington.

Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is pleased to announce that Charlene Ives, MD, has accepted the role as the medical director of the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center (SVRCC). “I am excited to provide leadership for the Cancer Center,” said Dr. Ives. “We have a dedicated team of experts committed to providing excellent and compassionate care, and it is a privilege to care for cancer patients and their families, who are our friends and neighbors.”

Dr. Ives received a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York’s Binghamton University. She studied medicine at the Medical College of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency at Boston University Medical Center in Massachusetts. She is board certified in medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has been a member of the medical staff at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) for 16 years.

Vermont Business Magazine On September 18, 2018 the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition (VAHC) and the Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness (VCEH) held their joint annual meeting at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Randolph. About 90 advocates, policy makers, and local leaders on housing and homelessness from across the state were in attendance. Invited speakers included Senate Pro Tempore Tim Ashe, House Speaker Mitzi Johnson, and Democratic Nominee for Governor Christine Hallquist. Governor Scott was invited but unfortunately unable to attend.

The meeting also saw presentations from Gus Seelig, Vermont Housing Conservation Board; Elizabeth Bridgewater, Windham & Windsor Housing Trust, Josh Davis, Groundworks Collaborative; and Bethany Pombar, Vermont Coalition of Runaway & Homeless Youth Programs.

Outstanding young leaders chosen for contributions to the Vermont economy and their communities. VBM file photo of previous award ceremonies.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Business Magazine is proud to announce the winners of its Rising Stars recognition award. The list is comprised of 40 winners under the age of 40. Award recipients were selected by a panel of judges for their commitment to business growth, professional excellence and involvement in their communities.

Vermont Business Magazine Over the years, the Billings Library, the University of Vermont’s most architecturally important building, has been home to a variety of university functions, some more suited to the cathedral-like grandeur of its interior than others. Designed by HH Richardson, the great 19th American architect, the building began life in 1885 as the university’s library.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation has recently launched online applications for women and minority residents of Vermont interested in obtaining training programs, employment opportunities, and support services in highway construction. Employment Diversity in Highway Construction (EDHC) provides several programs to assist Vermont residents in workforce training and job placement. The new online format allows applicants to submit applications from their home computer or smartphone for On the Job Training, Commercial Driver Training Funding, and Highway Construction Training Subsidies.

Vermont Business Magazine Over 500 Vermonters from over 130 different towns gathered at Castleton University today to hear from 90 different presenters and to continue a statewide conversation about how we can nurture great leaders in our local communities. Vermont Council on Rural Development’s “Making It Happen! Local Leadership for the Future of Vermont Communities” features skills workshops, case studies of success, and facilitated conversations about recruiting and supporting great leaders. As part of the day’s events, VCRD presented its Lifetime Achievement Award and Community Leadership Award.