Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Community Bank N.A. recently presented Special Olympics Vermont with an $11,154 donation, which included $6,154 raised by New England-area employees and a $5,000 sponsorship for the Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge. Nearly 30 Community Bank N.A. employees participated in the event on the bank’s CBNA Super Hero Team. Prior to the event, the team raised money for the causes through personal donations, candy bar fundraisers and bake sales. More than 30 branches participated in the fundraisers.

Vermont Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson’s Statement on Vermont School Shooting Threat: Two days ago, America was once again shaken by a massive act of violence against innocent children and educators. Yesterday, we learned that even in Vermont, a state looked to as a beacon of safety, hope, and the promise of goodness in America, we faced a similar threat against a school. Thanks to the hard work of our local and state police, the threat was intercepted before tragedy could strike.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today delivered the following remarks at a press conference with leadership from the Agency of Education, Department of Public Safety and the Vermont State Police. The Associated Press reported that Jack Sawyer, 18, is being held without bail for threats made regarding Fair Haven High School.

Vermont Business Magazine A new USDA grant of approximately $389,000 will enable the new Northern Vermont University (the official name of Johnson State College and Lyndon State College as of July 1, 2018) to develop a distance-learning network that will increase live course offerings and delivery methods for students throughout Vermont and the country. With both mobile and fixed videoconferencing technology, the one-year grant will fund delivery of a range of courses and connect NVU and its two campuses, Johnson and Lyndon, to Vermont Technical College, and Vermont high schools and adult learners around the US.

Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims are nearly unchanged over the last several weeks, after the tumult of the holidays subsided. For the week of February 10, 2018, there were 475 claims, 7 more than than they were the previous week and 79 fewer than they were a year ago. Altogether 6,040 new and continuing claims were filed, a decrease of 12 from a week ago, and 741 fewer than a year ago. For most weeks of 2017, including the last several months, claims have registered below the year before.

Vermont Business Magazine Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) issued the following statements Thursday after the Senate voted on four immigration proposals. A bi-partisan bill failed to gather the 60 votes needed to advance (54-45). It would have provided a pathway for 1.8 million children of undocumented immigrants to gain citizenship, while also providing $25 billion for the Mexican border wall. Meanwhile, President Trump, who vehemently opposed the compromise bill, had his White House-supported bill defeated (39-60).

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott on Thursday signed Executive Order No. 02-18, which directs the Agency of Administration to ensure that all state contracts with internet providers include net neutrality protections.The Democratic leadership welcomed with reservation the governor's order, but will continue to push for a more comprehensive net neutrality law. Their response issued Thursday evening is below.

Vermont Business Magazine The Burlington Department of Public Works (DPW) is expanding its 2018 paving list to repair road damage to North Avenue, Pine Street, Colchester Avenue and other severely weather-degraded major roadways. DPW has issued an addendum to its paving contract to address segments of impacted arteries and will begin the work as soon as weather conditions allow the asphalt plants to reopen (typically in April or early May). The Sustainable Infrastructure Bond, approved by voters in November 2016, doubled DPW’s annual paving contract. By reallocating existing resources, DPW will expand beyond this already increased scope of paving work for the 2018 construction season and repave well more than double the amount of roadway that the City typically fixes in a year.

Vermont Business Magazine February is shaping up to be a snowy month in Vermont, and Ski Vermont is reporting that ski and snowboard resorts are looking forward to an activity-packed Presidents’ Week. Pair the extensive snowmaking coverage at Vermont resorts with Mother Nature, and the slopes will be in top condition for one of the most popular vacation periods of the season. Off-slope activities will be equally exciting during Presidents weekend with plenty of free live music, great food, parades, games and family activities.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard resort in eastern North America charges into spring with the NOR’BEASTER Spring Pass and a jam-packed event series as the longest season in the East extends towards Memorial Day and beyond. The 2018 NOR’BEASTER Spring Pass is available for $199*, providing skiers and snowboarders of all ages with unlimited spring skiing and riding from March 16 through June, or as far as Mother Nature will allow. The Spring Pass also unlocks access to live music, events and a 20% discount on Killington managed lodging beginning March 16 through the remainder of the 2017-18 winter season.

Vermont Business Magazine Camp Ta-Kum-Ta in South Hero has announced the appointment of four new members of its Board of Directors. Joining the Board of Directors are Jane Donahue-Davis, Bob Lawrence, Meaghan Cormier and Tom Wyand. “All four of our newest Board members embody the spirit of community and bring talent, expertise and energy to the table. We are very fortunate to have them by our side as we continue to offer year-round programs to children who have or have had cancer and their families.” Hattie Johnson, Executive Director.

Vermont Business Magazine Global Finance selected Citizens Bank, with branches in Vermont, as best Treasury and Cash Management provider for the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions in its 18^th annual provider rankings -- a trio of honors that makes Citizens the most celebrated U.S. regional bank. Citizens has made significant investments in Treasury Solutions over the past several years. The Citizens’ team is growing and dedicated to delivering a superior client experience while also working to continuously improve its product suite to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Citizens will be recognized for its top rankings on Oct. 24 in Sydney during the annual Sibos conference, which is organized by SWIFT for the financial industry and brings together 8,000 business leaders and experts.