Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan is supporting efforts to combat the gender pay gap. AG Donovan joined an amicus brief in support of the City of Philadelphia in a lawsuit regarding a statute aimed at addressing the gender pay gap. The brief was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The challenged ordinance prohibits employers from either asking a prospective employee about salary history (known as “the inquiry provision”) or relying on salary history in determining future salary (known as “the reliance provision”).

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Public Radio and Vermont PBS have announced the VPR – Vermont PBS Debates, a new collaboration to broadcast four live candidate debates leading up to the General Election on November 6. The debates will be moderated by Bob Kinzel, Peter Hirschfeld and Jane Lindholm during VPR’s program Vermont Edition and broadcast by Vermont PBS. They will include the major candidates for governor, lieutenant governor US Senate and Congress.

Vermont Business Magazine Smugglers’ Notch Distillery has purchased a 14,000-square-foot facility on a 10-acre campus along the Lamoille River in the heart of Jeffersonville. A ribbon-cutting and cocktail party to launch site renovations will be on Thursday, October 4 from 2 -4 PM with Governor Phil Scott and US Representative Peter Welch to speak at the ribbon cutting ceremony at 3 PM.

State Senator Richard Westman said, “Vermont distilleries are expanding and thriving in Vermont! Smugglers’ Notch Distillery has been a leader in this movement and this latest expansion with their new building is exciting news! All of Vermont is benefiting from the expansion of these businesses. We in Jeffersonville and the Smugglers’ Notch area are thrilled with the success of Smugglers’ Notch Distillery.”

by Betsy Bishop Despite the reported rancor around the budget in the 2018 legislative session, the Vermont Chamber had a very successful year, proving that the Republican Administration and the Democratic leaders of the Legislature can work together for the betterment of Vermont’s economy. It’s important that our elected leaders continue to find progress in this area because according to the recent VPR/PBS poll, the economy is the top issue for Vermonters. That means they want better job opportunities with competitive wages and flexible benefits as well as a place they can afford to live, increasing their purchasing power. Our elected leaders joined forces this past session resulting in the following successes for business.

Economic Development & Workforce

Vermont Business Magazine Funding is now available from the Spark! Connecting Community grants program at the Vermont Community Foundation. One of a number of competitive grant rounds at the Foundation, this program awards grants up to $3,000 aimed at reducing the opportunity gap by cre­ating stronger social connections. This is the final of three rounds of Spark! Connecting Community in 2018 with a deadline at 5 pm on October 16.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Miro Weinberger announced the appointment of Darren Springer as General Manager of the Burlington Electric Department at a press conference Tuesday morning at BED. Springer brings extensive experience in the energy field to the position, including at the federal, state, and local levels of government. Effective immediately, Springer will serve as acting GM, and Weinberger will ask the City Council to consider confirmation of the appointment at its October 15 meeting.

Vermont Business Magazine Dr Bernard Bull as Goddard College’s next president, the trustees announced on Monday. Dr Bull most recently served as Chief Innovation Officer, Vice Provost of Curriculum and Innovation, and Professor of Education at Concordia University Wisconsin. There he led a University-wide effort to refine and expand low-residency and online learning opportunities for adult and post-traditional learners.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced Wanda Minoli, of Montpelier, as the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Minoli has served as interim commissioner since December. “I feel privileged to have this opportunity to lead our Department forward. I am excited to work with our team to modernize operations and improve service, so we can provide the best possible experience to Vermonters at the most affordable price,” said Minoli. “To that end, I have asked the team at DMV to ensure that we prepare for upcoming changes through increased communication and outreach to Vermonters and businesses.”

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.