Current News

Vermont Business MagazineBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) is supporting the American Heart Association by hosting the Central Vermont Heart Walk for the third year running on Saturday, September 16, 2017. In 2015 and 2016 combined, BCBSVT, family and friends joined together to raise $10,000 for the American Heart Association.

Vermont Business MagazineCompassion & Choices and Patient Choices Vermont on Wednesdayfileda motion to strikefrom the court record thestate's Consent Agreementwith physician plaintiffs in a dismissed federal lawsuit seeking to limit information provided to patients underVermontlaw. The case sought to weaken the physicians' duty to inform patients about all of their end-of-life care options. The groups oppose the Consent Agreement because it causes confusion about physician obligations to patients underVermontlaw.

Vermont Business MagazineVermont has been awarded the inaugural Pacesetter Prize for Affordability and Access in recognition of its continued progress in improving the lives of older adults and people with disabilities across the state.Vermont was selected by The SCAN Foundation as the Pacesetter Prize winner for Affordability and Access because of its innovative practices inproviding accessible, affordable, quality health andlong-term services and supports (LTSS)coverage for its residents.The prize was awarded based on Vermont’s performance on AARP’s 2017Long-Term Services and Supports State Scorecard.Vermont moved up from being ranked 19^thin the 2011 Scorecard to 3^rdin the nation in 2017, exhibiting more improvement in affordability and access than any other state.

Vermont Business MagazineThe Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC)steering committeewill host a series of public forumsto gather input from Vermonterson how to leverage and strengthen the State’s outdoor recreation assets to growthe economy. The first is September 12 and they run through October 24.

Vermont Business Magazine Northfield Savings Bank is donating $100,000 to support construction of the Robert E and Holly D Miller Building at the University of Vermont Medical Center, which will contain 128 new single-patient rooms. Completion of the building is expected in the Fall of 2019. To honor the gifts, the UVM Medical Center will name two rooms for Northfield Savings Bank, both of which will directly support patient- and family-centered care.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), locally representing ESGR, a Department of Defense agency, announced that Governor Phil Scott has signed a proclamation declaring August 20-26, 2017 as Vermont Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. This proclamation mirrors the spirit and intent of a Presidential Proclamation signed earlier in the week, giving gratitude to our many employers who have provided exceptional support to our citizen warriors.

Vermont Business Magazine A new incident has been reported (or existing incident has been modified) for Essex Junction Wastewater Treatment Facility in Essex Junction. The Vermont Watershed Management in the Department of Environmental Conservation at ANR reports incidents of discharges from wastewater treatment facilities, usually related to heavy rain.

by Lauren Hierl, Political Director, Vermont Conservation Voters Governor Scott and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources have declared this “Clean Water Week” in Vermont. While I believe it is important to highlight the value of clean water, we have a lot of work to do to achieve clean water for all Vermonters. It makes me wonder: what are we actually celebrating this week? To me, clean water means ensuring all Vermonters have safe, healthy water coming out of their faucets – whether they live in Bennington, Burlington, or Bradford. We can celebrate the work being done in communities across the state, but we’re not there yet.

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."