Current News

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc., today announced the Company has reached tentative agreements with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 2320, 2326 and 2327 and the Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 1400 Unions, representing approximately 1,200 workers in Northern New England.

The three-year agreements, which would expire Aug. 7, 2021, are subject to ratification by the members of the CWA and IBEW. The current labor agreements expire on August 4, 2018.

Vermont Business Magazine Following a highly successful six-year tenure as The University of Vermont’s 26th president, Tom Sullivan today announced that, after one more year, he will step out of the presidency in the summer of 2019. “When the Board of Trustees extended an offer to serve as UVM’s president in February 2012, I was asked the length of time I could envision for this presidency. I knew the University was planning a major comprehensive fundraising campaign and the Board wanted its next president to lead a successful campaign,” said Sullivan. “Now with the University’s comprehensive campaign crossing over its campaign goal of $500 million, one year ahead of schedule, UVM is poised for its next era of reaching even greater academic expectations and aspirations. The time is right!”

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is encouraging members to conserve energy tomorrow, Monday, August 6, and Tuesday, August 7 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. each day. This is when demand for electricity is expected to spike as a result of high temperatures throughout New England.

Here is what people can do to help “beat the peak” during those hours:

• Turn off all unnecessary lights.

• Delay the use of major appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers until after the alert time has passed.

• Reduce use of air conditioning as much as safely possible.

During a peak period, VEC asks members to be generally conservative in their electricity use.

Vermont Business Magazine By Governor Phil Scott Every village, town and city in Vermont can have a thriving economy. We can have an economy consistently growing faster than the costs of living, so our state is more affordable, and each year families can be more secure. We can have the best education system in the nation, where every school offers a full range of 21^st Century educational opportunities and every child graduates prepared to compete and succeed. And with a thriving economy, we can invest in a cleaner environment, safer neighborhoods with fewer suffering from addiction, and meet our obligation to the most vulnerable.

Encourages Community to Reduce Energy Usage from 4:00-6:00pm

Vermont Business Magazine The Burlington Electric Department issued a peak day alert for today as part of its Defeat the Peak program launched last summer (view news release here), encouraging members of the Burlington community to reduce their energy usage today from 4:00-6:00pm. Burlingtonians can lend a hand by taking the following steps on what is projected to be an unusually hot summer day:

Vermont Business Magazine The purpose of the State of the Commerce Survey distributed on June 15th, 2018 by the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce to its membership was to hear from local businesses about how they are doing in the current economy, their needs and trends they see emerging.

Vermont Business Magazine AARP has announced the awardees for its 2018 AARP Community Challenge grant program, including 3 recipients right here in Vermont. A total of $1.3 million will be distributed to fund 129 “quick action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages. Nearly 1,600 applications were received from non-profits and government entities for the program, now in its second year. Each of the projects, which must be completed by November 5, is designed to achieve on one or more of the following outcomes:

Vermont Business Magazine Brian Preston, General Manager at The Autosaver Group’s Capitol City Kia loves putting people in new and pre-owned vehicles but, on August 12^th from noon to 4, he’ll clear the lot at the dealership on route 2 East of Montpelier to make way for The Back To School Cool Kids Carnival.

by Secretary of State Jim Condos The August 14^th Vermont Primary Election is just two weeks away. While there has been some indication of lower voter turn-out, I hope that as Vermonters, we can make sure that’s not the case in our state.

Voting is the foundation of our democracy. When you go to the polls on Primary Day and Election Day, you’re helping shape the future of our towns, our state and our country. Mark your calendars today – August 14 and November 6 – and be sure to vote!

Early voting is also a great way to increase voter participation. You can vote early for the August 14^th Primary right now, either in-person at your local Town/City Clerk’s Office, or by requesting a ballot be mailed to you. Requests can be made by phone, email, walk-in or online at https://mvp.sec.state.vt.us.

Vermont Business Magazine With just shy of 500 square miles of water, Lake Champlain is what a boater’s dreams are made of. Yet, boat traffic can result in pollution from sewage, fuel and other contaminants. Burlington Marina is joining the effort to do its part for the Lake all boaters enjoy. In August, Burlington Community Boathouse Marina will become the Vermont Green Business Program’s newest member, after having achieved environmental standards that protect Lake Champlain. The Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation will present Burlington Boathouse Marina with their certificate of achievement on the docks of the Marina on August 10, 2018.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont joins states across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 5-11. Featuring blueberry festivals and other events with live music and kid friendly “Power of Produce” activities, there’s something special for everyone at your local farmers market this harvest season!

Vermont Business Magazine Hunger Mountain Co-op in Montpelier is now accepting grant applications in support of local businesses and organizations whose work enriches the central Vermont community and furthers the Co-op’s mission of building a dynamic community of healthy individuals, sustainable local food systems, and thriving cooperative commerce.

Hunger Mountain Co-op began its community fund endowment in 2005. With support from Co-op member-owners, Twin Pines Cooperative Community Fund, and the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, the fund has grown steadily. Since 2011, the Co-op has awarded grants annually, with a current total of $45,302 to 36 different recipients. Last year’s grants totaled just under $7,000 and benefited NOFA-VT, Good Food Good Medicine, The Growing Peace Project, Just Basics, Inc., Barre Area Senior Center, Vermont Foodbank, Capstone Community Action, Calais Agricultural Committee, and Northfield Community Development Network.