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Vermont Business MagazineVermont Attorney General TJDonovan announced that he joined a coalition including 12 other state attorneys general and state agencies to oppose a proposed USDepartment of Energy (DOE) rule to subsidize coal and nuclear power plants. The coalition argues that DOE’s proposed rule would undermine state energy laws and policies, burden customers with additional costs and risks, and threaten the progress states like Vermont have made in reducing emissions.

Vermont Business Magazine Darn Tough Vermont, the fastest growing American manufacturer of premium performance outdoor and lifestyle socks, continues to outpace forecasts with profound growth across all categories. The brand claims a 32 percent increase for the third quarter, year-over-year, spurred by the addition of nearly 100 new retail partners, increased brand awareness nationwide and product development within key categories. In anticipation of strong winter and holiday season, preseason bookings have the brand poised for a vigorous year-end.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to assist towns, utilities, and others in storm recovery. Representatives from state agencies, the Vermont National Guard, Red Cross, Green Mountain Power, and others are staffing the EOC and will continue into the night. More than 70,000 customers are or have been without electrical service from last night into this morning. Utilities note that some customers could be out for several days.

“The state is working to provide resources to towns and our utility partners,” Governor Phil Scott said. “About a third of Vermont customers are without power right now and several roads are blocked by trees and debris. I encourage everyone to be safe and listen to state and local responders as we work to address damage and restore services throughout the state.”

Vermont Business Magazine Touchstone Investments announced the completion of its acquisition of Sentinel mutual funds, formerly managed by a subsidiary of National Life Holding Company in Montpelier. The addition of these funds brings Touchstone's total fund lineup to 39 and assets under management to$19.5 billion. The planned acquisition was announced in April.

Vermont Business Magazine Logic Supply, a South Burlington-based computer hardware company, has received a Vermont Employment Growth Incentive Award by the Vermont Economic Progress Council and approval for a Vermont Training Program grant to support its expansion of facilities and new jobs in Vermont.Conditioned on creating 83 net new jobs by the end of 2020 and the completion of an $8.5 million capital construction project for a brand new Manufacturing & Warehousing facility, up to $757,000 will be earned by Logic Supply over five years, provided annual performance requirements are met. Logic Supply plans for the permitting and construction process to begin in the fall of 2018 and will immediately begin recruiting for new roles with the company.

Vermont Business MagazineSevere winds with gusts up to almost 80 MPH late Sunday and early Monday morning hit the east coast, including Vermont, very hard, causing broken poles and knocking down trees and branches onto lines all across the state. GMP has approximately 45,000 homes and businesses without power, impacting more than 112,500 people as of 7:00 am in 177 towns. VEC reported early this monring that over 13,000of its customers had lost power. Various roads and schools were closed across the state.The storm is the result of a strong low pressure system which also pulled effects from Tropical Storm Phillipe off the east coast. An army of more than 350 lineworkers, tree workers, and field teams will be working to repair all the damage.

byMike SmithIt’s an oft-repeated phrase: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” In the past, Burlington Telecom, a city-owned internet, cable and phone company, discovered it was undercapitalized. In need of cash, it turned to the city administration. Unbeknownst to many,some officials agreed to transfer $17 million from the municipal general fund to Burlington Telecom.

by Timoty McQuiston Vermont Business Magazine The Burlington City Council is expected to make a final decision on the new owner of Burlington Telecom at the Council meeting Monday night. The financially troubled telecom, which has stabilizedover the last couple years, required a $16.9 million bail out by the city, which damaged the city's credit rating and led to a complex financial deal to get out from under a potential lawsuit by creditor CitiBank.

The two finalists are Ting/Tucows from Toronto and Keep BT Local. Ting was one of two commercial operators whose $30 million investment would satisfy the the city's and BT's financial obligations. KBTL would organize as a local co-op with subscribers and with the city retaining a minority ownership position.

BT offers Internet, cable TV and phone service.

Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power continues to make extensive preparations for the severe winds predicted for lateSundayresulting from a strong low pressure system which will also pulls effects from Tropical Storm Phillipe off the east coast. Forecasters say gusts over 65-70 miles per hour are expected to knock down trees and branches across the state causing outages. The windstorm will hit Southern Vermont first around 9 pm, with the strongest winds predicted overnight aftermidnight, across the state.

“This forecast for winds are comparable to a storm in 2012 which resulted in more than 48,000 customers losing power for up to three days,” said Dorothy Schnure, Green Mountain Power spokesperson. “In addition to our dedicated GMP crews who are prepared, we have arranged for additional contract crews to help us restore power as quickly and safely as possible once this storm strikes.”

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan has announced a series of forums at Vermont High Schools around the state. As part of the “AGO in the Community” initiative, Attorney General Donovan and Civil Rights Unit Director, Julio Thompson, will be presenting on civil rights issues at schools throughout the month of November. “Issues of civil rights, tolerance and free speech are at the surface of today’s political discourse. Our kids and students are listening,” said Attorney General TJ Donovan. “I’m looking forward to having these discussions with Vermont students.”

Vermont Business Magazine The state of Vermont has received $105,000 that will support efforts to reduce exposure and health risks of radon found in buildings and schools. The Vermont Department of Health received funds to provide long term test kits for homeowners, and to promote radon-resistant construction techniques in new buildings and renovations. The project will also offer technical assistance for assessing and reducing radon in schools.

The State of Vermont matches the federal award with 40 percent state funding to support actions in the state’s approved work plan.

The State of Vermont’s Radon Program provides free long-term radon testing kits to the general public and provides referrals for radon mitigation contractors as well as assistance with school radon testing.

Vermont Business MagazineAward Winning Chef, Christian Kruse, takes the helm of the popular local eatery, Vergennes Laundry, on October 31st, 2017. Owners Didier and Julianne Murat transformed the original laundromat on 257 Main Street, in Vergennes, to a French inspired bakery in 2010. Seven years later, Didier and Julianne are moving on to new adventures, entrusting the beloved Laundry to the capable hands of Chef Christian Kruse who aims to bring high-quality, locally inspired dining to the Vergennes community.

"My culinary experience has taken me across the country and back,” said Chef Christian, “It's now time for a new endeavor, my dream, to open my own restaurant. When I heard the Laundry was up for sale, I knew it was the perfect fit!"