Current News

by John McClaughry Governor Phil Scott and the Democratic-controlled legislature are well into crunch time over the FY2019 state general fund budget and the related education finance bill. The governor obviously takes very seriously his 2016 campaign pledge to hold state General Fund spending to a growth of 2.36 percent a year, and to oppose – and veto – any increase in tax rates. However the actual homestead school property tax rates are not set each year by the Legislature and the governor. They are determined district by district based on each district’s spending per equalized pupil. The total tax dollars thus raised, when added to other specified revenue sources, must add up to the sum of all the voter-approved school budgets.

Data reveals persistent health disparities among young Vermonters based on race, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity

Vermont Business Magazine New data from the 2017 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) shows that, on average, Vermont middle school and high school students are more likely to have tried electronic vapor products like e-cigarettes in 2017 compared to 2015, increasing from 7% to 9% for middle schoolers and from 30% to 34% for high schoolers. While the number of high school students who have ever used marijuana has been stable over the last two years (37%), the number of students who currently use marijuana has increased from 22% to 24%. Compared to 2015, more high school students report ever drinking alcohol (56% vs. 58%), as well as drinking in the last 30 days (30% vs. 33%). LGBT students tend to have higher risk behaviors than other students across the board.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) announced today that later this year Sarah Carpenter, Executive Director, will be retiring, after twenty years at the agency’s helm. “As a result of Sarah’s vision and skill thousands of Vermonters have moved into decent, affordable homes since she arrived at VHFA in 1998,” said Randy Amis, chair of VHFA’s Board of Commissioners. “She has expertly led VHFA’s financial activities and programs, built strong partnerships and shared her deep expertise with state and federal policy makers. Vermont is a better place to live thanks to Sarah’s impact.”

Vermont Housing Finance Agency Executive Director Sarah Carpenter. VHFA photo.

Vermont Business Magazine With support from the Vermont Community Foundation, the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board has invited leaders representing 25 non-profit organizations and state agencies to participate in the VHCB Leadership Project. VHCB’s Leadership Project aims to build and strengthen collaboration among those leading the future of housing and conservation work in Vermont. Four day-long events over the next 18 months are designed to create a learning community and provide training on topics including social justice, equity, intergenerational communication, the legislative process, and leadership.

Vermont Business Magazine The Paramount Theatre announced today that work has been completed to address stabilization of the damage discovered during a routine inspection of the building. A certificate of occupancy has been issued by Vermont Fire and Safety and The Paramount will re-open for the Vermont Center for Dance Education presentation of “Alice in Wonderland” on June 10^th, the subsequent annual spring residency of Rutland Youth Theater and their production of “Honk” on June 15^th and 16^th and all Paramount Theatre programming going forward.

by Dr Fred Kniffin, President/CEO UVM Health Network—Porter Medical Center During my two years as the President of UVM Health Network/Porter Medical Center, I have learned a great deal about our organization, our role in this community and about the people who depend on us for care. Here are some of my key take away lessons: Porter is a valued community asset. We belong to our community. We exist to serve our community.

I feel a strong ongoing responsibility, and a sincere desire, to communicate openly and transparently with our community, to keep you all – our stakeholders – informed about the status and direction of this important, cherished institution. I am writing today to update you about our progress in the important and transformational work of healthcare reform here at the local level.

Vermont Business Magazine Berkshire Bank is excited to announce that it will once again close all locations at noon on Tuesday, June 5 for its Third Annual Xtraordinary Day, The Power of Giving Back. In Vermont, employees will be in Rutland to help out Housing Vermont. Xtraordinary Day provides all Berkshire Bank employees the opportunity to volunteer in communities the Bank and its affiliates serve. This year’s Xtraordinary Day is set to focus on more than 70 community projects with approximately 90% employee participation across the country. Last year, employees helped 75 different nonprofit organizations through 65 service projects and directly impacted more than 400,000 individuals.

Fuse LLC One of the most common questions we get – even from brands who have enjoyed social media success – is what they can do right now to improve their social engagement. So, without diving deep into strategy, tactics, budgets, and other realities, our response is often to start with the following three questions.

Vermont Business Magazine Howard Center recently received a $5,000 grant from the National Life Foundation to produce and distribute a free resource guide, “Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan.” The publication complements other suicide prevention initiatives that are offered through Howard Center’s First Call for Chittenden County, a crisis intervention program that offers help 24/7/365.

Vermont Business Magazine Florida has the highest rate of skin cancer in the nation. While this might not be surprising, Vermont ranks fourth overall, according to a new report released by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Meanwhile, dangerous melanoma diagnoses in the US increased 7 percent over a four-year span, according to information released in BCBSA’s Health of America Report. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, people who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent. “Skin exposure to ultraviolet light is as likely to cause cancer as smoking cigarettes,” said Dr. Trent Haywood, senior vice president and chief medical officer for BCBSA. “Americans should enjoy the sun, but also use the proper precautions to avoid too much exposure to ultraviolet light. Tanning beds should be avoided altogether in light of research documenting the strong correlation to skin cancer.”

Vermont Business Magazine Imagine having access to quality health care without an appointment, seven days a week. Yes, even on Sunday! Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region (CHCRR) has opened Express Care centers in Rutland and Castleton where a team of doctors and care providers will handle your minor injury or illness, a cold or the flu, a minor strain or sprain any day of the week.

Vermont Business Magazine Matthew P. Haag has been named the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations for Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health and the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Haag, who previously served as the Associate Vice President of Clinical, Research and Academic Development for the University of Rochester, University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), in Rochester, NY, was selected after a national search. He begins his new role on September 10^th.