Current News

Vermont Business Magazine On August 21st Governor Phil Scott issued a proclamation declaring Clean Water Week for the State of Vermont. He said, "We invite you to join us in celebrating Vermont’s waters, and the efforts of businesses, organizations, and communities to protect and restore clean water statewide.Vermonters and visitors alike drink, swim, fish, boat, and admire the scenic beauty of Vermont’s waters. Join us and be “All In” for clean water!"

Julie Moore, Secretary, Vermont Agency of Natural ResourcesOne of my favorite aspects of living here, in Vermont, is the numerous and exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether hiking in the woodland behind my house with our dogs, paddling on nearby lakes and reservoirs, camping in a State Park, or rummaging through the blackberry patch in search of a few sweet morsels - I take advantage of Vermont's long, warm summer days by spending time outside.

Vermont Business MagazineVermont Electric Cooperative Members on certain roads in the towns of Albany, Glover, Wheelock, Irasburg, Barton, Craftsbury, Sheffield, Greensboro, Lyndon, Lowell, Coventy, and Eden will be without electricity for up to 7 hourson Fridayevening 8/25 (starting at10:00 pm) through earlySaturday 8/26(ending at5:00 am) for essential maintenance work. VEC will complete the work as quickly as is safely possible. (The rain date will be the same hours on 8/26-8/27). To see if your service will be affected see the listed roads at:http://www.vermontelectric.coop/outage, call 635-2331 or email[email protected]

About Vermont Electric Cooperative:www.vermontelectric.coop

Vermont Business Magazine Chittenden Countyleadsthe United Statesin its recycling program for mercury-containing thermostats, according to a recent report from theThermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC)that measured county recycling efforts.The Green Mountain State'sChittenden Countycollected 2,280 mercury-filled thermostats between 2012 and 2016.Minnesotacaptured second and third place, withHennepin Countyfinishing a close second with 2,274 thermostats, followed by Olmstead County with 1,901 units.

"Chittenden Countyis an example of what a community can do to recycle mercury thermostats successfully," saidRyan Kiscaden, Executive Director, TRC. "When you have a committed program, staff that understands the recycling process, and an informed and dedicated public that participates in recycling efforts, it demonstrates why they're No. 1."

Vermont Business Magazine The New England and Mid-Atlantic states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the nation’s first market-based regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, today announced consensus on a set of draft program elements that will guide the RGGI states as they conduct final economic analysis and establish a post-2020 path forward for the program. The RGGI states propose a regional cap trajectory that will provide an additional 30 percent cap reduction by the year 2030, relative to 2020 levels.

Vermont Business Magazine Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) Wednesday issued the following statement on President Trump’s threat to shut down the government if Congress does not agree to force American taxpayers to fund a border wall.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced Daniel “Danny” Rachek will become the next executive director of the Vermont Lottery. “I thank the Vermont Lottery Commission for its diligence in identifying such a qualified leader for this role,” said Gov. Scott. “Danny’s extensive public service and financial experience provides a level of expertise and a professional commitment that will set the standard in the Lottery’s future efforts.”

Rachek, an Essex resident, begins his post November 13. He currently serves as head of the Vermont office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he’s worked for more than 22 years. For the past six years, his service included supervising 20 FBI employees assigned to Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Gas announced today that 507 families and businesses in Addison County have signed for service. Vermont Gas said these new customers will save money and reduce their carbon footprint by switching to natural gas service. The company has been installing service lines in Middlebury and Vergennes this summer since officially completing the Addison Natural Gas Project in April. Vermont Gas said will continue installing service lines into new communities in the coming years including Monkton, New Haven and Bristol.

Vermont Business MagazineFall is approaching and the University of Vermont and Champlain College in Burlington are preparing to welcome students back to their campuses. Beginning onFriday, August 25th, residence halls for both institutions will be opening for first-year students, with returning students arriving over the weekend. Plans will be implemented to manage the traffic and parking challenges associated with the move-in process, including organizing hundreds of student, faculty, and staff volunteers to help move students in quickly, hiring of extra traffic control at key intersections, providing off-campus parking areas for faculty and staff, and assigning scheduled move-in times to students.

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office settled with four landlords in Vermont for violations of consumer protection and lead laws. Vermont’s lead law protects all Vermonters, especially children, from the harmful effects of lead poisoning. Every landlord with pre-1978 rental properties is required to submit annual compliance statements which show that the landlords have performed the essential maintenance practices (known as EMPs) and the properties are in compliance with the lead law.

Charles Desautels, owner of thirteen rental properties in Richford and Enosburg Falls, will pay a $5,000 penalty for failing to file annual EMP compliance statements after notice and warning.

Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Miro Weinberger today announced the appointment of Cindi Wight as the new director of the Burlington Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront Department (BPRW). Wight brings over 24 years of experience, including four years as the Superintendent (Director) of the Rutland Recreation & Parks Department, where she oversees all aspects of the department, including budgeting, long-range planning, grant writing, and community partnerships. Wight was selected as a member of the American Academy of Parks & Recreation for Administrators in 2015, and under her leadership, Rutland Recreation & Parks’ park and theatre projects have gained state and national attention for their creative approaches to expanding services that benefit all community members.

Vermont Business Magazine A new ranking of environmentally-focused colleges reveals that New England is home to the greenest colleges in the nation. College of the Atlantic, Green Mountain College, and Sterling College were awarded the top three spots in Sierra magazine’s “Cool Schools,” the recently released ranking of the greenest colleges and universities in the US. The Cool Schools ranking is among the most well-known and prestigious sustainability rankings in higher education. The rankings recognize the colleges’ commitment to sustainability, which encompasses academics, research, operations, and engagement.