Current News

Vermont Business MagazineGovernor Phil Scott today issued the following statement: “Vermont is under a statewide Winter Storm Warning and a Blizzard Warning for the western edge of Vermont, throughWednesdayevening. My Administration is closely monitoring the storm and potential impacts on Vermont’s roadways, infrastructure and public safety." The Western and Southern parts of the state are expected to be hardest hit, with accumulations up to 18 inches by Wednesday night.

Vermont Business Magazine Thomas JDonovan Jr, the Vermont Attorney General, announced during a press conference at the University of Vermont on Monday thathis staff is taking steps to make the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program more responsive to Vermont small businesses’ issue.The Consumer Assistance Program provides information, referral and mediation services to address consumer complaints.

“We are making the Attorney General’s Office a resource for small business. We intend to communicate clearly what the law is and get businesses in contact with the resources they need. The best form of law enforcement is voluntary compliance with the law,” said Donovan.

Vermont Business MagazinePaul Kervick and Dee DeLuca have known each other for more than three decades. More than one-third of that time has been spent changing society’s approach to elder care. The two entrepreneurs are altering how we as a nation, a state, and a community approach aging and health care as part of their Living Well Group, with campuses in Bristol, Burlington and Montpelier.

Vermont Business MagazineMatthew Choate, BSN, RN, MBA, CEN, CPEN was recently named Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for The University of Vermont Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC). Choate had served as interim CNO since December 2016. Choate cited recognition for nurses, fiscal management, and staff engagement as priorities he’ll remain committed to in the role. CVMCalso named Jane Hartzell, RN, its first DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recipient.

Vermont Business MagazineThe Vermont-based infant formula company Perrigo Nutritionals is launching a new parent-centered campaign. Every parent has a unique "formula" for how to juggle it all: family, work and "me" time. To celebrate the everyday parenting balancing act, Perrigo, the leading manufacturer ofstore brand infant formula, has launched the #ShareYourFormula Sweepstakes running now throughApril 24.

Vermont Business MagazineUniversity of Vermont President Tom Sullivan has decided to close the University fromnoontoday until6 am.Thursdaydue to severe winter blizzard conditions.The President’s decision is based upon the recommendation of UVM’s Emergency Operations Group, which has been monitoring the weather forecast closely. Winter Storm Stella is expected to create blizzard conditions with snow fall rates of 1-3 inches per hour and more than 30-mile-hour sustained winds and gusts. Travel conditions are expected to be extremely hazardous. The National Weather Service recommends avoiding all unnecessary travel.

All administrative offices will be closed and events are being cancelled during this time period. The University is on spring break and no classes are scheduled this week.

Vermont Business Magazine The Center for Agriculture and Food Systems (CAFS) at Vermont Law School and the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic (FLPC) on Monday announced the release of their "Blueprint for a National Food Strategy," a collaborative project that calls for a national food strategy in the United States to strengthen and support the nation's current and future food system needs.

Vermont Business Magazine Kids inVermontwill unite against tobacco use onMarch 15as they join thousands of young people nationwide to mark Kick Butts Day. More than 1,000 events are planned acrossthe United Statesand around the world for this annual day of youth activism, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. (See below for a list of local events.)

On Kick Butts Day, kids encourage their peers to be tobacco-free, reject tobacco companies' devious marketing and urge elected officials to help make the next generation tobacco-free.

by John McClaughry Last year the intense efforts of the “Energy Independent Vermont” coalition to sell Vermonters on the merits of a carbon tax ran onto the rocks. But the friends of the carbon tax in the Vermont House and Senate aren’t giving up. Three years ago the EIV coalition burst upon the scene. Spearheaded by the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG), EIV included the usual organizations eager to defeat the Menace of Climate Change: the Conservation Law Foundation, Vermont Natural Resources Council, and Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility.

Their plan was to persuade Vermonters to clamor for a new tax on gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, heating oil and propane, in order to prevent (somehow) a planetary climate catastrophe a hundred years down the road. When the tax reached its projected final level ($100/metric ton of carbon dioxide) in ten years, it would bring in about $500 million a year.

Vermont Business MagazineThe University of Vermont – Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) this week launches the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA)’s Own the Boneprogram, aimed at better identifying, evaluating and treating patients with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile, and can contribute to low bone density-related fragility fractures, specifically those resulting from standing-height or lower falls.

Own the Bone brings focus to the severe health implications of fragility fractures and the multi-faceted approaches hospitals can employ in ensuring patients receive the most comprehensive care.

Vermont Business Magazine Grace Cottage Hospital (Townshend) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Louise McDevitt is the author of a new book for clinical practitioners. Orthopedic Physical Assessment, published by Fitzgerald Health Education Associates and co-authored by McDevitt and FNP Monica Tombasco, is a reference guide to help Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Physician Assistants, medical students, and seasoned clinicians alike with orthopedic diagnosis and treatment.

The guide is a spiral-bound book in cue-card format, making it easy to find information quickly. It provides a comprehensive compendium, with diagrams, glossary, and references for further information.

Vermont Business Magazine The annual “Big Change Roundup for Kids” raised $314,667.17to support specialized care provided at The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital. The Roundup is the largest fundraiser each year for Vermont Children’s. The three-month long coin collecting campaign is a joint project of the hospital and 98.9 WOKO-FM with support from hundreds of local businesses and community groups, and thousands of volunteers from throughout the region. Key sponsors this year include Maplefields, New England Federal Credit Union, Walmart and TC’s RV’s.