Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) has developed a new learning opportunity—The Total Joint Replacement Class—to inform those suffering from painful joints. This free class is appropriate for both patients who are scheduled for a joint replacement surgery and for those who have received an orthopedic surgeon’s recommendation for a joint replacement.

“Our aim is to prepare patients and give them the confidence they need to have a safe and successful experience,” said Jonathan Cluett, MD, the medical director for SVMC Orthopedics. “This class really provides access to everything patients need to know and lots of opportunities for them to ask questions.”

The Total Joint Replacement Class covers all of the information patients need to prepare their bodies for surgery and their homes for recovery. Instructors address what patients can expect before, during, and after.

The University of Vermont Medical Center This UVMMC blog discusses sugar in our diet, the science of happiness, infertility, safety in the kitchen, maple glazed Brussels sprouts and more.

Vermont Business MagazineThe National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality, has awarded Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHHC) Level 3 Recognition – the highest level attainable – as a Patient Centered Medical Home(PCMH). This is third consecutive time the hospital has earned NCQA recognition.

Vermont Business MagazineOn Friday, March 17, Moody’s Investors Service revised the Burlington International Airport outlook to positive and affirmed the Airport’s Baa3 credit rating (see the complete ratings table below). In itsCredit Report, Moody’s stated that, “The positive outlook reflects ongoing improvement in the airport’s liquidity and debt service coverage ratios (DSCRs), in addition to a strengthened cost recovery framework following the recent adoption of a five-year residual airline agreement.”

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Tech has its first female president in the 150-year history of the college. This weekend during its quarterly meeting, the Vermont State Colleges System Board of Trustees appointed Patricia Moulton as president of Vermont Technical College after a months-long national search.Moulton, who has served as the Vermont Tech interim president since September of 2016, was chosen to lead the school as its president beginning immediately.

Patricia Moulton

Vermont Business Magazine 2017 marked the moment when Front Porch Forum saw its one-millionth posting! Celebrating 10 years helping neighbors connect and build community, FPF has experienced tremendous growth and accomplishments to serve every community in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine FairPoint Communications announced today the appointment of Michael C Reed to the position of State President of Vermont. This position acts as the chief spokesperson for FairPoint in Vermont and liaison to government officials and state-based customers. Reed will also continue to serve as FairPoint State President of Maine. Reed replaces Beth Fastiggi, who was named Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources just today. Fastiggi departs after nearly 30 years with FairPoint and predecessor companies to join Vermont state government.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and Secretary of Administration Susanne Young today announced the appointment of Beth Fastiggi as Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Fastiggi, a native Vermonter and graduate of the University of Vermont, has served as Vermont State President of FairPoint Communications, formerly Verizon, for nearly 30 years. In various roles with the company, Fastiggi oversaw operations, business strategy, internal and external communications, budgeting and additional managerial responsibilities. FairPoint reached a deal late last year to be acquired by Consolidated Communications of Illinois.

Vermont Business Magazine Vail Resorts announced today that the Epic Pass plans to offer unlimited, unrestricted access to Stowe Mountain Resort for the 2017-2018 winter season, subject to the closing of the acquisition. Vail and Stowe announced in February that Vail would buy Stowe's ski operations for $50 million. Current owner AIG will retain the Spruce Peak real estate, lodging and related facilities.

Vermont Business MagazineMiddlebury President Laurie Patton emailed college alumni on March 21 to update them on steps the campus community is taking in the aftermath of the much-publicized March 2protestsagainst speaker Charles Murray. She once again condemned the violence, said both college and police investigations are ongoing and that "21st century education must embrace an uncompromising commitment both to free speech and to open dialogue."

by Mike Smith Charles Burbank works two jobs because he says it’s a necessity in order to make ends meet in Vermont. He wears the clothes of a laborer: loose fitting, worn, and of rugged material. His job: installing carpets and flooring, but he also cuts and sells firewood. He has the weathered face of a man that has seen both good times and bad. He speaks in rapid and unfiltered bursts, with words that may be threatening or intimidating to some. Because of his appearance and some of his mannerisms, he can easily be dismissed or ignored, and often is. Many interpret his passion as nothing more than an obsession run amok. But if you look past the persona, and the sometimes oft-putting antics, he has a public policy point that may have merit.

Leonine Public AffairsAs expected, things are starting to heat up in the Vermont Statehouse. After a relatively tame start to the session, it was only a matter of time before controversy broke out. Week 11 was that time. Over the course of the week, the House had a couple of intense policy debates and wrapped up the budget and miscellaneous tax bill. On the Senate side it was not nearly as intense although the Finance Committee did pass a two dollar surcharge on overnight accommodations, which drew a swift and strong rebuke from Republican Governor Phil Scott.