Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The 2019 SKI Magazine Readers Survey has awarded highest honors to Smugglers’ Notch Vermont, declaring the Resort “Best in the East.” The debut award takes a “whole package” approach toward determining the best resort in the East, citing Smugglers’ as a unique standout based on their combination of family-friendly offerings on and off slope, as well as some of the most challenging terrain in the East.

Smugglers’ owner and managing director, Bill Stritzler said: "The efforts put forth by Smugglers’ staff are terrific. The members of our team are committed to providing a level of service which exceeds the expectations of our guests, constantly working to improve upon our current offerings, and developing new and exciting programs to provide many options for the diverse range of families we serve."

Vermont Business Magazine The Burlington Electric Department, joined by Mayor Miro Weinberger, Burlington homeowner Brett Roeser, contractors, credit union representatives, and other community partners, today invited the community to the second annual Burlington Home Energy Tour, taking place tomorrow, Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 10:00am-1:00pm featuring five Burlington homes. The goals of the self-guided tour are to offer inspiration on how to reduce home heating and cooling costs while living comfortably, and provide participants with opportunities to learn from Burlington homeowners who are using solar, cold climate heat pump technology, and energy control devices, as well as enhanced weatherization, to keep their homes warm in winter and cool in summer. Mr. Roeser shared details of the recent weatherization work performed on his home.

Vermont Business Magazine On October 1, 2018, the Vermont Public Utility Commission will hold a workshop as part of its investigation into promoting the ownership and use of electric vehicles in Vermont. The workshop will begin at 9 am in Room 11 at the Vermont Statehouse, 115 State Street, Montpelier. The workshop is open to the public, and everyone interested is encouraged to attend.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine There was no honking, slogans, cheering, sign waving or epithets this morning, as there was back in July when nurses at The University of Vermont Medical Center announced they would go on strike. Instead, lead nurse negotiator Molly Wallner, backed by a few colleagues, quietly read a statement saying that about 70 percent the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals had ratified a new three-year contract. Nearly 1,100 of the 1,800 nurses had cast votes, she said.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) has received a grant to provide Lean Manufacturing and Leadership Skills workshops to manufacturing companies in Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties at 50 percent off the standard fees. Multiple Lean Manufacturing and Leadership Skills workshops are planned to be held at locations in Newport and St Johnsbury.

This workforce development opportunity for Northeast Kingdom manufacturers is made possible through a recently-awarded Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) grant, through the Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA) and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce (LCRCC) through the Vermont Quebec Enterprise Initiative.

Vermont Business Magazine US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) issued the following statement Thursday after Judge Brett Kavanaugh and Dr Christine Blasey Ford testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee: "I listened to Dr Ford, and I listened to Judge Kavanaugh. I believe Dr. Ford. Brett Kavanaugh does not belong on the Supreme Court.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement Thursday afternoon: “As the U.S. Senate continues to consider the appointment of Judge Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, I urge them to require a thorough, independent and non-partisan FBI investigation into the accusations that have been brought against the Judge and take the appropriate time necessary to do so.

Vermont Business Magazine On Thursday, September 20, the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board awarded $5,838,948 in state and federal funds to create and preserve 146 affordable homes and to conserve 577 acres of forestland with provisions for public access and water quality protection. VHCB Executive Director Gus Seelig said, “We are excited to support investment in nine towns that will result in new affordable housing options, increased recreational opportunities, improved water quality and support for agriculture. The projects funded this month are made possible by the Housing Revenue Bond and other public resources that leverage private investment in order to improve Vermont’s communities, our economy, and our quality of life.”

Vermont Business Magazine Vail Resorts, Inc (NYSE: MTN) today announced that the Company has closed on its acquisition of Triple Peaks, LLC, the parent company of Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont, Mount Sunapee Resort in New Hampshire and Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado. The Company purchased Triple Peaks from the Mueller family for a final purchase price of approximately $74 million (originally listed at $82 million), after adjustments for certain agreed-upon terms. As part of the transaction and with funds provided by Vail Resorts, Triple Peaks paid off $155 million in leases that all three resorts had with Ski Resort Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Oz Real Estate.

Vermont Business Magazine Former Vermont Governor Madeleine Kunin and House and Senate Majority Leaders, Representative Jill Krowinski (D-Burlington) and Senator Becca Balint (D-Brattleboro), called on Governor Phil Scott in a statement issued today to stand with other Republican governors who have demanded that the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination be delayed.

Larry Hogan of Maryland, Charlie Baker of Massachusetts and John Kasich of Ohio have all called for independent probes to investigate the three sexual assault allegations that have come to light since Kavanaugh was first nominated in July. Kunin, Balint, and Krowinski want Scott to call for similar action. They say Vermonters want a thorough investigation of Kavanaugh before any vote to confirm him for a lifetime appointment.

Vermont Business Magazine Douglas R Horne, Director of the Board of Trustees of the Woodstock Foundation and Chairman of the Woodstock Resort Corporation, today announced the formation of a senior management team to lead future development and enhancement of guest services of the Woodstock Inn & Resort. In making the announcement with Ellen R.C. Pomeroy, Chairman of the Woodstock Foundation, Horne detailed the executive team at the Woodstock Inn & Resort, which includes the appointment of John T Hallowell as President and Managing Director.

Vermont Business Magazine Keurig Dr Pepper (NYSE: KDP) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CORE Nutrition LLC at a value of $525 million, or approximately $435 million net of anticipated tax benefits. Founded in 2015, the rapidly growing Core Nutrition portfolio includes CORE Hydration, a premium, nutrient-enhanced bottled water, and CORE Organic, USDA-certified organic enhanced fruit hydration, both currently distributed by KDP.