Current News

by Timothy McQuiston Vermont Business Magazine According to The University of Vermont Medical Center and the Vermont Federation of Nurses & Health Professionals, the union representing nurses, a third bargaining session has been scheduled for Friday evening. Two sessions recently concluded between the union and management, including one Thursday night, in an effort to hammer out a new contract. The union represents1,800 nurses. The union said in a statement Friday morning that over 200 people lined Colchester Avenue Thursday in a "honk & wave" rally for a good nurses' contract at UVM Medical Center. Much of the union argument is focused on staffing. The VFNHP has already authorized a strike if a deal can't be reached by the time the current contract expires July 9. The hospital and union went through the same process three years ago.

Vermont Business Magazine A public meeting to consider legislative proposals to protect the privacy of Vermonters is being rescheduled by the Attorney General and the Department of Public Service. The public hearing set for Thursday, July 12, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm is canceled. The new meeting date and time is Monday, August 6, 2018 from 9:00 am to noon at 29 Church Street, 3rd Floor in Burlington, Vermont (best entrance for the public is located at 110 Cherry Street). Citizens, industry representatives, businesspeople, and members of academia are invited to attend and provide their insights. The meeting date is being moved to allow more time for citizens and interested parties to plan for and attend the event.

Vermont Business Magazine Secretary of State Jim Condos has announced that the early voting period for the 2018 August Primary Election begins officially today – Friday, June 29th. Vermont voters may request a ballot to vote early any day leading up to the August 14^th Primary Election day. Ballot requests can be made with local Town and City Clerks by phone, email, walk-in or online at https://mvp.sec.state.vt.us/.

“Voting early is a great way to participate in our democratic process, and to ensure that you have cast your ballot before Election Day” said Secretary of State Jim Condos. “Ensuring access to the ballot box for homebound voters with disabilities, military and overseas voters, and Vermonters who may have challenges getting to the polls on Election Day isn’t just important, it’s fundamental to our democratic values.”

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott is urging Vermonters to stay cool and safe ahead of multiple 90-degree days. Forecasters say heat indices into the 100s are likely, with the heat wave beginning on Saturday and continuing into Independence Day. Meanwhile, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger has set up "cooling stations" at various locations in the city.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott yesterday signed special session bills S4, an Act Relating to Miscellaneous Judiciary Procedures, and S5, an Act Relating to Racial Equity in State Government. He said these Special Session bills addressed concerns that previously led him to veto similar bills during the regular session.

Scott issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to sign these bills today and appreciate the Legislature’s work in passing legislation that aims to enhance racial equity in state government and update and clarify certain judicial procedures.

Vermont Business Magazine This morning at Burlington’s City Market electric vehicle charging station on Flynn Avenue, Representative Peter Welch (D-Vermont) unveiled legislation he authored to make electric vehicles more affordable, easier to purchase, and easier to charge. Currently, a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 is available for buyers of electric vehicles. However, the number of credits is capped at 200,000 vehicles for each manufacturer. That cap is expected to be hit by manufacturers as early as this year, rendering the credit unavailable to buyers.

Welch’s legislation makes three important changes to the credit:

First, it eliminates the per manufacturer cap, allowing manufacturers and dealers to offer the credit to an unlimited number of buyers for the next 10 years.

Vermont Business Magazine Énergir (formerly Gaz Metro), the parent company of Vermont Gas Systems and Green Mountain Power, has joined an international effort to increase use of renewable natural gas. Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), along with Énergir, a Canadian natural gas utility, and French utilities GRDF and GRTgaz announced today a new collaboration aimed at advancing the research and development of renewable natural gas and technologies such as power-to-gas. The collaboration will focus on research and development, public policy, and outreach. For instance, power-to-gas uses otherwise wasted wind and solar power to create renewable (synthetic) natural gas which then supplies the pipeline.

Vermont Business Magazine Lyft, the fastest growing ridesharing service in the U.S., today announced that as of this Sunday, July 1st, it will be operating statewide in Vermont. Lyft has been available in Burlington and other areas since May of 2017, and is now expanding to the Rutland and Barre areas. To celebrate Lyft’s arrival, new passengers can use the code LYFTLOVE18 to receive $5 off their first ride. Users can enter the code in the “promos” section of the app.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott announced he will oversee the drawing of the winning raffle ticket for a 2017 Harley Davidson motorcycle on Saturday, June 30 at Green Mountain Harley Davidson in Essex Junction. Scott purchased the motorcycle using funds raised at his inaugural gala through Vermonters United to Help, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization of which he is a board member.

Vermont Business Magazine On Saturday, June 30, the nineteen-member delegation from Special Olympics Vermont will be on their way to Seattle for the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games. From July 1-6, Team Vermont will join thousands of Special Olympics athletes and coaches from across the nation, along with tens of thousands of volunteers, family members and fans, for a week of special events and competitions in 14 team and individual sports.

“We are so proud of Team Vermont and the hard work they have put in to prepare for the USA Games,” says Sue Minter, President and CEO of Special Olympics Vermont. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these athletes to compete on the nation stage and be at the center of a fifty-year-old movement that has grown into an inclusion revolution.”

Vermont Business Magazine Brett Smith, President and CEO of One Credit Union, announced the winners of the 2018 Scholarship Awards. To qualify applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better, demonstrate financial need, and be eligible for membership at One Credit Union, as well as submit a 300 word essay explaining their experience with teamwork and community building.

Nicole Ashe is graduating from Williamstown Middle High School with plans to study at the University of Maine Business School. Nicole has maintained more than one job at a time while achieving high honors. Beyond her academic commitments, her community work through the National Honor Society demonstrates an enduring commitment to help others.

Vermont Business Magazine On September 14, 2018, Peter E Randall Publisher will release: The Best Is Yet to Be–written by Larry Sudbay, Vermont businessman and co-founder of SymQuest Group. The Best Is Yet to Be is a unique collection of inspiring stories, some found and some authored, by a visionary entrepreneur. Sudbay shares the lessons he’s learned while also revealing his inspirational secrets to success. This insightful narrative offers an excellent platform to professionals, managers, and speakers seeking motivational anecdotes to show that the best is truly yet to be. Award winning illustrator Steven Kellogg’s charming paintings lend a sense of levity and delight. This reflective book is an intimate rendering of a dynamic life well lived.

Excerpt from the story “Giuseppe’s Outlook,” condensed for clarity: