Current News

Vermont Business MagazineThe State of Vermont has launched a “Welcome” communications campaign in Canada to reassure Canadians that Vermont greatly values their friendship, tourism and trade. The campaign launch coincides with Canada Day on Saturday, July 1, and includes15-secondand30-secondvideo spots in French that are running throughout Quebec.

Vermont Business Magazine The Poultney Development Review Board has denied an application by Poultney Properties, LLC, to develop a Dollar General store on a property on Beaman Street in Poultney village. The June 28 decision came in the wake of three well-attended public hearings at which proponents of the plan responded to questions and misgivings from a range of local residents opposing the proposal.

Vermont Business MagazineVermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is pleased to announce, in partnership with Nissan, that a $10,000 rebate is available to VEC members on the purchase of a new 2017 Nissan LEAF. The 2017 Nissan LEAF is as all-electric vehicle with a range of up to 107 miles. This rebate is available in addition to the previously announced $250 bill credit for VEC members who purchase an electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The 2017 LEAF is also eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, making this is a very attractive opportunity for VEC members.Nissan warrantees the car for the first eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power and Freedom Nissan South Burlington are pleased to announce that a record-setting number of Vermonters chose to go electric in June by taking advantage of GMP’s “Leaf Power Program,” which provides $10,000 off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of a 2017 Nissan Leaf. Green Mountain Power (GMP) customers who bring their energy statements and a program code to Freedom Nissan in South Burlington can still participate in the program, which has been extended throughSeptember 30or until Leaf inventory lasts. The 2017 Nissan Leaf starts at approximately $30,000.

Vermont Business Magazine BioTek Instruments’ Gen5 Microplate Reader and Imager Software was awarded a SelectScience Silver “Seal of Quality” on June 28, 2017. The seal was awarded for Gen5 having consistently received the highest review ratings by the more than 80 users who have reviewed the software to date.Gen5 Microplate Reader and Imager Software integrates with all of BioTek’s imaging and detection systems. From data and image capture through analysis to export of publication-ready data, Gen5 provides an easy, seamless workflow for myriad applications.

by CB Hall, Vermont Business MagazineConsolidated CommunicationsHoldings, Inc(NASDAQ:CNSL) announced Wednesday it has completed pre-close regulatory approval and notification processes in all 17 of FairPoint's operating states and is on track to complete the Consolidated Communications—FairPoint Communications merger.The all-stock merger transaction was valued at approximately $1.5 billion, including debt ($887 million) when it was announced December 5, 2016.Consolidated expects to close on the transaction on July 3.FairPoint is Vermont's largest telecom. Illinois, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont recently joined Colorado, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia by each granting approval of the pending merger with FairPoint.In addition, all pre-close notification processes have been completed in the six states of Alabama, Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri, Oklahoma and Washington.

Vermont Business Magazine Today Mayor Miro Weinberger, CEDO Director Noelle MacKay, and representatives of the federal delegation announced the Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) Burlington Lead Program will be awarded $2.9 million in program funding, one of only 28 Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control grant recipients in the nation. As part of the award, CEDO will also receive $400,000 in Healthy Homes grant funds that will leverage the Lead Program’s presence to reduce other housing-related health hazards. Participants in the press announcement gathered at the property of owner Eric Lafayette, whose multi-family rental unit on 184 North Street benefited from the Lead Program in 2015. Using lead-based paint funds, the CEDO Lead Program replaced old, drafty windows with new energy-efficient windows, repaired interior and exterior walls and siding, and repainted the exterior.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced he has appointed Adam Greshin as commissioner of the Department of Finance and Management. Greshin is a state representative and part owner of Sugarbush. Hereplaces former Commissioner Andy Pallito, who will become thedirector of health system finances for theGreen Mountain Care Board.

The Department is responsible for coordinating the governor’s budget recommendations, delivering reliable financial information, advocating for responsible use of taxpayer dollars and supporting the State’s accounting system.

Vermont Business MagazineVermont’s sixth and newest regional treatment center for people with opioid use disorders began providing services today. The StAlbans-based Hub, located on the Northwest Regional Medical Center campus at 10 Crest Road, opened its doorson Thursdayfollowing approval from federal and state regulators.The Crest Road location is temporary. A permanent facility is under construction on Main Street and is expected to open by early fall 2017. The Medical Center worked with state officials to host this temporary facility so that area patients can get local services as soon as possible.

Vermont Business Magazine Motorists taking to the road for the July 4 holiday weekend will be benefiting from the lowest Independence Day gas prices since 2005, paying an average of $2.21 per gallon, well under the 10-year average of $3.14, according to GasBuddy. Vermont gasoline prices are now at $2.31 a gallon, 5 cents higher than the US average, but a penny lower than they were a week ago and two cents lower than a year ago and 50 cents less than 10 years ago. Although average gas prices are at historic lows, the price variance — “spread” in industry parlance — in gas prices in any given city on July 4 will be at historic highs. This means there is a higher chance consumers will overpay at the pump over the holiday weekend.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan will join Vermont Emergency Management Director Erica Bornemann along with Vermont businesses, advocacy groups, and utilities to announce the addition of a statewide “VT Scam Alert” to Vermont’s emergency notification tool, VTAlert. This pairing allows members of the public to receive instant alerts by email, text, or pre-recorded telephone message when a new financial scam has hit the state.

This alert system comes after the Attorney General’s May announcement of the “Scam Buster” program to raise awareness about utility scams and stop them from happening in real-time. The “Scam Alert” system continues Attorney General Donovan’s initiative of helping Vermonters proactively protect themselves from scams.

When: Thursday, June 29^th 2017 @10 Am

Where: Waterbury Department of Public Safety: Outdoors if weather permits, inside if raining

Vermont Business Magazine ECFiber announced Tuesday that it has again increased its speeds by 40-100 percent, without increasing its prices. “Our Basic plan steps up from 10 to 17 Mbps; our Standard plan from 25 to 40 Mbps; our Ultra plan doubles from 100 to 200, and our 'Wicked' plan goes from 500 to 700” said Corey Klinck, ValleyNet’s* Chief Technical Officer. ECFiber’s speeds are symmetrical, meaning that download and upload speeds are equal. Symmetrical service is becoming essential for interactive Internet applications and for home businesses depending on cloud computing solutions.

“Since 2014, ECFiber has more than tripled its Basic speed and increased its higher tier speeds by as much as 10 times, all without increasing prices,” said Carole Monroe, ValleyNet’s* CEO.