Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan joined 15 other attorneys general in filing an amicus brief arguing that employment discrimination based on sexual orientation violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In the brief filed with the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Horton v. Midwest Geriatric Management, LLC, the attorneys general urge the court to join a growing number of federal appellate courts in recognizing that Title VII’s workplace protections extend to sexual orientation.

Vermont Federation of Sportsman's Clubs The coalition of Vermont-based firearms groups which is comprised of the Vermont Federation of Sportsman's Clubs (VTFSC), the Vermont Traditions Coalition (VTC) and the Gun Owners of Vermont (GOVT), have all noted several issues which we bring to your attention.

Leonine Public Affairs This week marked the resumption of the legislative session after a one week break. Since crossover for policy bills was the Friday before break the returning legislators faced long floor sessions as each chamber considered and acted on the large number of policy bills that met the crossover deadline. Those bills run the gamut and cover subjects ranging from the use of drones near correctional facilities to changes to the state’s franchise law for the distribution of beer. The activity on each chamber’s floor then began driving the activity in the committees, as they all began to size up the bills that came to them from the other chamber and think about which ones they want to work on when.

Vermont Business Magazine There's just something about a s'more. Maybe it's smooshing the graham crackers around the toasted marshmallow or wiping melting chocolate off your face after taking a big bite. To harness the deliciousness of this campfire favorite, Ben & Jerry's created Gimme S'more, an ice cream take on a classic dessert experience. Join Ben & Jerry's via FACEBOOK LIVE for a flame-worthy digital launch unlike any other. Tune in by visiting Ben & Jerry's Facebook page on 3/15.

Vermont Business Magazine Five prominent alumni and one former faculty member joined the VSCS Hall of Fame at the third annual celebration at Montpelier’s Capital Plaza last night. Three hundred guests included Governor Scott, former Governor Douglas, legislative leaders and members, VSCS Trustees and Presidents, students, faculty and staff. The event raised nearly $100,000 for scholarships.

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