Current News

by Scott Waterman, Agency of Agriculture What makes maple season special besides being out on the land, cold nights and warm days, a good boil and a lot of sweet maple syrup? Certainly, tradition plays a big role. For decades, governors have highlighted the importance of maple to Vermont’s heritage and economy, with the annual tapping of the tree.

Vermont Business Magazine Laura McKenna, owner and operator of Sunup Bakery, of Killington, was recently presented with the US Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award. David Wheel, representing Vermont Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, presented the award for the outstanding support that McKenna has given to her employee and citizen-service member, Taylor Curtis, of Rutland, VT. Curtis is a Private First Class in the Vermont Army National Guard and serves as a combat engineer with Alpha Company of the 572 Brigade Engineer Battalion in Bradford, VT. She works full-time for Sunup Bakery as an assistant baker.

Laura McKenna, award recipient and Taylor Curtis, the Vermont Army Guard soldier who requested the award for her boss. ESGR photo

by Timothy McQuiston Vermont Business Magazine Vermont is likely to lose one component of its rural cell phone coverage. CoverageCo, which runs the micro cell radio service along the state’s remote highways, has been looking for a buyer to avoid going out of business. So far, it's been unsuccessful in finding one. The Department of Public Service Thursday night warned legislators that the service could terminate at any moment, and along with it the 911 service it provides, but it does not know when.

CoverageCo won a contract from the Vermont Telecommunications Authority in 2012 to set up 357 micro cell sites that use proprietary radio signals to allow for cell service in rural areas of the state. But only 160 sites were ever operational, according to Clay Purvis, the Telecommunications chief for the DPS.

Vermont Business Magazine The House today passed the Beer and Wine Franchise Bill, H710, on a vote of 124-11. The bill proposes to create an exception to the beer and wine franchise law for manufacturers of malt beverages that manufacture or distribute not more than 300,000 barrels of malt beverages or 100,000 gallons of vinous beverages per year.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Thomas J Donovan announced today that his Office has reviewed the police-involved shooting incident that occurred on January 2, 2018, in St Albans. The AG said in a press release that he is declining to prosecute St Albans police officers Corporal Michael Malinowski and Corporal Jason Lawton for charges related to discharging their firearms at Jack Laplant. In reaching this decision, the AG reviewed all the materials provided by the Vermont State Police, who conducted the investigation.

Franklin County State’s Attorney Jim Hughes has also conducted an independent review and declines to file criminal charges against Corporal Malinowski and Corporal Lawton.

Vermont Business Magazine During the last quarter, the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) approved $8.6 million in loans to help support commercial, agricultural, and small business projects throughout Vermont. Financing in this round will assist: LEDdynamics, Inc., Randolph; Buttermilk, LLC, Richmond; Seedsheet, Middlebury; Champlain Orchards, Inc, Shoreham; TimberTiger, LLC, Underhill; Liambru Tasty, LLC, Proctor; and Bethel Central Market, Bethel.

Included among the projects approved for VEDA direct commercial financing are:

Vermont National Guard Two of the five soldiers admitted at UVM Medical Center as a result of the avalanche yesterday have been discharged. Two of the three remaining soldiers are in good condition and one is in fair condition. Six US Army Soldiers were reported injured during an avalanche while performing advanced mountaineering training in Easy Gully, Smugglers Notch at approximately 1 p.m. Wednesday. Five were hospitalized after they were carried approximately 300 meters down the slope.

Source: CAMP JOHNSON, Vt. — Vermont National Guard 3.15.2018

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan announced a settlement today with major tobacco companies in connection with the “Master Settlement Agreement” (MSA) that will bring approximately $28 million to Vermont. The Attorney General was joined by Governor Phil Scott, State Treasurer Beth Pearce, House Speaker Mitzi Johnson and President of the Senate Tim Ashe. Vermont lawmakers also announced their intention to use half of the settlement funds to combat the opioid epidemic in Vermont.

Vermont AG TJ Donovan announces $28 million coming to #Vermont from tobacco arbitration settlement and commitment from legislative leaders that $14 million will go towards addressing the opiate crisis. VT AG photo.

Vermont Business Magazine In spite of snowy weather conditions Wednesday evening, over 150 local community members and luminaries gathered together for Rutland Regional Medical Center’s 2018 Annual Corporators Meeting and Retirement Celebration for President and CEO Tom Huebner. Following the regular board business and remarks by Vermont Governor Phil Scott, bigger news emerged. Rutland Regional Health Services and Rutland Regional Medical Center Board Chair John W Casella announced that in honor of Tom’s 28 years of unwavering leadership, vision, and dedication, they would name Rutland Regional’s newest facility-The Thomas W Huebner Medical Office Building.

by Timothy McQuiston Vermont Business Magazine Administration Secretary Susanne Young is cautiously optimistic that tax revenues will stay ahead of expectations. The caution comes from uncertainty from both technological and federal policy changes. General Fund revenues collected for the month of February totaled $106.46 million, -$0.80 million below the consensus cash flow expectation of $107.26 million for the month. The Transportation Fund collected $18.44 million for the month of February, +$0.52 million ahead of its $17.91 million target. The Education Fund collected $15.12 million for the month, $1.13 million ahead of the consensus target of $13.99 million.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott recognized the recipients of 16 State Historic Preservation Grants and 17 Barn Preservation Grants at a ceremony held at the State House Thursday. The 33 grants, totaling $461,899 were awarded to municipalities, non-profit organizations and private barn owners in 13 Vermont counties to repair and rehabilitate public buildings and agricultural landmarks.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott on Wednesday issued the following statement in response to the House passing H906, an act relating to professional licensing for service members and veterans: “In my State of the State Address, I outlined a legislative package that would help grow our economy, make Vermont more competitive with other states and expand our workforce, while supporting the Vermont National Guard and honoring those who have bravely served our country in the armed forces."