Current News

Vermont Business Magazine National Grid in Waltham, MA, todayannounced a proposal to develop an innovative, new transmission project that wouldbring up to 1,200 megawatts of clean energy from Canada to the New Englandpower grid.To drive down costs,increase efficiency andminimize environmental impacts, the proposed GraniteState Power Link (GSPL) will be constructed almost entirely along existingtransmissioncorridors and will maximize use of existing infrastructure.

Vermont Business MagazineThe Laplatte River Marsh is recognized as one of the state’s highest quality wetlands. Located in the town of Shelburne at the end of the Laplatte River, which drains into Lake Champlain, this nearly 150-acre wetland and floodplain forest ecosystem is a haven to 60 species of birds, 20 mammals, and 50 species of reptiles, amphibians and fish. The area is unique in its size and characteristics within the Champlain Valley Basin, and provides vital natural water quality functions that help protect Lake Champlain.

Today, VNRC filed a petition to reclassify the LaPlatte River Marsh as a Class I Wetland, which would grant it the highest level of protection under Vermont law. Reclassifying the wetlands as Class I would ensure that no development could take place within the wetland’s boundaries and set up a 100 foot buffer around the wetland.

by John McClaughry In a recent talk before students at St Johnsbury Academy, Senator Bernie Sanders declared that although we are living in the wealthiest country in the history of the world, “the nation’s wealth is in the hands of a privileged few”, producing what he called an “unfair and grotesque level of income inequality.” This is a familiar theme for Sanders, who has attacked the unworthy rich in every campaign he has run since 1972.

Vermont Business MagazineThe Brattleboro Retreat received a Governor’s Excellence in Worksite Wellness award at the 2017 Worksite Wellness conference held on Thursday, March 23, at the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center in Burlington.

The award was presented to several Vermont employers who in the past year have demonstrated excellence in worksite wellness and have played an integral part in Vermont's reputation as one of the healthiest states in the nation.

On hand to acknowledge the recipients was Vermont Governor Phil Scott, Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine, and Janet Franz, chair of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Governor Scott shared his appreciation for the employers who received awards based on their commitment to forward-thinking wellness policies that not only benefit employees but ultimately benefit the employer as well by creating a culture of wellbeing in the workplace.

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.