Current News

Vermont Business MagazineCastleton University recently received word from the office of Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy that its TRiO Upward Bound program has been funded for five more years at $1.3 million to serve 63 high school students in Rutland County attending the target schools of Fair Haven Union High School, Mill River Union High School, Poultney High School, Rutland Senior High School and West Rutland High School.

Castleton University has successfully managed a US Department of Education TRiO Upward Bound program since 2003. While the grant process was competitive, Castleton Upward Bound received additional points for exceeding its Grade Point Average (GPA), standardized test, secondary school retention and graduation, and postsecondary enrollment and graduation objectives in the previous grant cycle - a testament to Castleton University’s institution-wide commitment to excellence in educational opportunity.

by US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) President Trump's budget is morally obscene and bad economic policy. It would cause devastating economic pain to tens of thousands of Vermonters making it harder for our children to get a decent education, harder for our working families to get the health care they desperately need, harder to protect our environment, and harder for the elderly to live out their retirement years in dignity. Sadly, it follows in the footsteps of the Trump-Ryan health care bill which gives massive tax breaks to the people on top, while throwing 23 million Americans off of their health insurance and dramatically raising premiums for older workers.

Vermont Business MagazineAn online business directory, also known as a phony yellow pages, has violated the Vermont Consumer Protection Act, according to a lawsuit filed today by Vermont Attorney General TJDonovan. Thelawsuitalleges that General Yellow Pages and its owner, Vladimir Adolphe, attempt to hide their fees from prospective customers, misrepresent the purpose of their telephone solicitations, and engage in other deceptive practices.

Vermont Business Magazine Community Bank NA has announced its continued support of the Financial Futures Program at Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO). The $5,000 donation will support Vermonters with low and moderate incomes on their path to financial well-being. Financial Futures provides financial capability and asset-building services in Chittenden, Franklin, Addison and Grand Isle counties through microbusiness counseling, matched savings accounts, and financial coaching and classes.

“The skills taught through the Financial Futures Program are invaluable,” Community Bank N.A. Regional Manager Anita Bourgeois said. “This program is important to the success of a strong community and we are delighted to support their work.”

Community Bank completed its acquisition and rebranding of Merchants Bank in mid-May.

by Rob Roper Governor Phil Scott came into office pledging to put Vermont’s wounded economy back on the right track. After one legislative session he gets high marks for accomplishing an important first step in saving the patient: stopping the bleeding. The new governor drew a line in the sand, threatening to veto any new taxes or fees and succeeded in getting the legislature to go along. But stopping the bleeding alone isn’t a cure. Now it’s time to start the real surgery to repair the damage.

Moving forward, the legislature is not likely to be as cooperative as they were on taxes, as the standoff over teachers’ healthcare contracts demonstrates. Altering the status quo, particularly where special interest groups come into play, is not something they seem willing to contemplate.

Vermont Busines Magazine Vermont Gas is now making it easier for homeowners in mobile home communities to save money and reduce their energy needs. Vermont Gas’ new Mobile Home Pilot Program is designed to identify and repair leaky air ducts and upgrade insulation in the roof and floor of mobile homes. Older homes can be particularly inefficient and drafty, reducing winter comfort and leading to increased costs for families. With Vermont Gas’ help, these homes can see 20% savings on their energy bills.

“I knew because of the type of home I own that it wasn’t very efficient for the environment or for my checkbook, I wanted to do something about it but wasn’t sure where to turn,” said Jodie Peck, of Williston. “I was surprised how helpful the free energy audit was and how easy it was to work with Vermont Gas to upgrade my home. Thanks to Vermont Gas and this program, I’m actually looking forward to winter for the first time in a long time.”

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington Electric today launched its first ever electric vehicle (EV) rebate incentive program, through which members of the Burlington community will be eligible for a $1,200 rebate on the purchase or lease of a new EV with an MSRP of less than $50,000 (eg, not Tesla). The program will serve as an important component of making Burlington a “net zero energy city” across electric, thermal, and ground transportation sectors and will help Burlington Electric with its efforts to meet Vermont’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES).

Vermont Business MagazineTick season has arrived, but the Vermont Health Department says Vermonters can enjoy being outside in our beautiful state by knowing how to avoid ticks and their bite.Visitors to thehealthvermont.gov/BeTickSmartwebsite will find information and resources about how to avoid ticks and what to do if you find one. The department has also updated its crowd-sourced Tick Tracker, where people can share information about ticks they find around the state.

Vermont Business MagazineThe Cancer Patient Support Foundation (CPSF) announced that they have reached a $2 million milestone in funds that they have awarded directly to local cancer patients and their families. CPSF’s Emergency Fund is the only fund that serves the entire state of Vermont and Northern New York helping local cancer patients and their families with emergency financial needs to access medical treatment and assist with their everyday expenses.

Vermont Business Magazine In an area where nearly 1 out of 4 high school students in the North Country Supervisory Union reported being a current smoker, Northeast Kingdom Learning Services is preparing for new and expanded partnerships to advance tobacco prevention - with the help of a Community Prevention Grant from the Vermont Department of Health. Northeast Kingdom Learning Services is one of 13 organizations across the state to be awarded a grant, which comes from the state's global commitment fund. The Community Prevention Grants, which total $715,000, aim to prevent tobacco use among youth, reduce youth and adult tobacco use, and reduce secondhand smoke exposure. Community-led interventions, such as smoke-free parks and downtowns, and raising awareness of how tobacco products are locally promoted, marketed and sold, are proven best practices for promoting the health of Vermonters.

Vermont Business Magazine Howard Center’s Chittenden Clinic recently announced that it is providing services to 1,000 people between its two sites. In addition, the Clinic, which principally treats opioid addictions,has reduced its waitlist from 750 people in 2013 to fewer than 90 in 2017. The average wait time is 40-50 days.

Dana Poverman, Howard Center Director of Medication Assisted Treatment Programs, says, “While these numbers represent our commitment to provide evidenced-based services in a timely manner, we continue to work with community partners toward the shared goal of achieving access to treatment upon demand, not only for medication assisted treatment but for residential services, as well.

Vermont Business Magazine​Home Care Assistance of Greater Burlington have opened the doors toits office in Essex Junction. The Grand Opening was held on Wednesday, May 24.“I am excited to share what makes Home Care Assistance unique in the home care industry,” said Tom Lee, co-owner.

Based on the scientific studies of the world’s healthiest seniors, the Balanced Care Methodpromotes five key lifestyle behaviors correlated with healthy longevity: healthy diet, physical exercise, active social ties, mental stimulation and a sense of purpose and calm. Caregivers are professionally trained to incorporate the Method into daily care to encourage healthy mind, body and spirit.