Current News

by Representative Sarah Copeland Hanzas As a state legislator, my first responsibility is to stand up for a Vermont that works for all of us. I’m continually looking at what we can do to strengthen Vermont’s economy for future generations. I’m proud to be a lead sponsor of legislation that would create a family and medical leave insurance program in our state. With tri-partisan support and more than 50 co-sponsors, this proposal is a perfect example of the meaningful improvements we can make right here in Vermont. A statewide leave insurance program would give all working Vermonters the ability to take time to care for a new child or loved one who is seriously ill, or address their own serious medical conditions. This is an incredible support for working families.

Vermont Air National GuardIn support of Operation Inherent Resolve a squadron of F-16s and 310 Airmen from the 158th Fighter Wing returned home from a three-month long deployment to the CENTCOM AOR. The last of the 310 deployers and jets returned to Vermont Saturday, February 25, 2017.

Vermont Business Magazine The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival is thrilled to announce Diana Krall, Pink Martini, and Terence Blanchard and the E-Collective as three of the headliners for the 34^th annual event. The festival runs from June 2-11 and kicks off summer in Vermont style. Tickets go on sale to members at the Messenger level and above Tuesday, February 28 and to the general public Friday, March 3. The exclusive member pre-sale starts Tuesday, February 28 for members at the $120-level and above. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, March 3. The festival will announce the complete lineup in the coming weeks.

Edible Green Mountains If you want to go deep on how food is produced, Barry Estabrook is your go-to resource.The comforting aroma of butter, cinnamon and fruit fill Marian Burros’s kitchen as she eases a warm torte from the oven. “I’ve made this recipe a thousand times yet I never tire of it,” she says, reaching for a pint of vanilla ice cream (local, of course). With all that Vermont has to offer, no wonder this venerable cookbook author and cosmopolitan food journalist calls this state home.Try her delicious recipes forOriginal Plum TorteandPimiento Cheese Spread, Vermont Style and you’ll be as enamored with the Green Mountains as she!

Vermont Business Magazine In the Green Mountain State, sweet signs of spring include maple forests awakening and a plethora of outdoor art awaiting visitors. With more than 3,000 sugarmakers in residence, Vermont is the top maple syrup producer in the United States, generating over one million gallons annually. This year, pair visits to the state’s famed maple sugarhouses with outdoor arts exploration. From Maple Open House Weekend, March 25-26, to the Vermont Maple Festival, April 22-24, the opportunities for exploring Vermont Arts and savoring the season are as ample as maple is sweet.

Vermont Business MagazineVermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) and IBM (NYSE:IBM) today announced the creation of Utopus Insights, Inc, based inValhalla, NY. Utopus Insights is a new company that will strive to be a leading provider of the next generation of intelligent energy solutions.VELCO, an electric transmission company owned by in-state electric distribution companies, will be an investor and strategic partner of Utopus Insights.Terms and conditions of the agreement were not disclosed.

Vermont Business Magazine The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for all of Vermont through this weekend. Rain, snowmelt, and thawing river ice could cause localized flooding in areas of Vermont from Friday evening through Sunday night. NWS says the greatest flood threat will occur during or shortly after heavy rainfall. The flood threat will also be elevated close to rivers where there exists a potential for ice breakup and jams. Those who live near waterways should monitor water levels and seek high ground should flooding occur.

Vermonters are reminded to stay clear of any floodwaters on roads by driving safe routes that are over high ground, and never driving across a flooded road. A car can be swept away by unseen currents or due to washouts on flooded roads.

Monitor traditional and social media for forecasts and other information.

Vermont Business MagazineJeff Taft, Chairman of the One Credit Union Board of Directors, has announced the appointment of Brett Smith as their new President and CEO. Brett will assume responsibilities on February 27, succeeding Jerry Cross, who retired following 32 years of service. Smith has been part of One Credit Union for three years, serving as the Chief Financial Officer. In addition to managing the finances of the Credit Union, Smith also oversaw the Compliance and Property Management areas of the Credit Union.

Brett Smith President and CEO of One Credit Union.

Vermont Business Magazine The Climate Solutions Caucus of the Vermont General Assembly today announced its leadership and initial membership for the 2017-18 legislative biennium. Founded in 2012, the non-partisan Climate Solution Caucus supports legislation that promotes Vermont's economy while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. In the 2017-18 legislative biennium, the Climate Solutions Caucus has doubled in size to 63 members and represents 34 percent of the House of Representatives and 40 percent of the Senate.

“In an era of rapidly rising temperatures and reality denial in Washington, DC, the need for Vermont leadership on climate solutions has never been more urgent,” said Sen. Richard McCormack, Caucus Co-Chair.

by Guy Page The advantage to Vermonters of the sale of Vermont Yankee to NorthStar can be summed up this way: sooner rather than later. As early as 2021, NorthStar, would begin a decade’s worth of decommissioning. By comparison, the original decommissioning plan as prescribed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission would begin no sooner than about 20 years from now, and more likely around 2072.

This advanced schedule means that sooner rather than later, NorthStar’s plan can stimulate broad-based employment and prosperity for retail, food and lodging, housing, and healthcare sectors, as well as government spending on schools, roads, public safety and other vital services in Windham County and throughout the state. Total estimated economic impact: $781 million [Brattle Group study, 12/15/2016].

Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims edged up last week, but fell from the same time last year, which has been the pattern so far in 2017. By industry, Construction reported the most claims, as it has since the beginning of the new year. Most times of the year, Services record the most claims. The spikes in the graph below reveal the volatility in hiring and firing in Service positions around the holidays.

For the week of February 18, 2017, there were 571 claims, up 17 from the previous week's total and 272 fewer than than they were a year ago. Year-to-year claims have been lower the last several weeks.

Altogether 6,838 new and continuing claims were filed, an iincrease of 57 from a week ago, and 621 fewer than a year ago.

Vermont Business Magazine Community leaders gathered at 206 Park Street in Bennington to welcome Southwestern Vermont Health Care employees Russell Carrier and Leah Hart, along with their 9-month-old son Able, to their new home. The young family’s new home was provided by Healthy Homes for Bennington, LC3. The organization is a project of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), in cooperation with The Bank of Bennington and the Town of Bennington. Healthy Homes’ mission is to enhance community health while revitalizing Bennington, Vermont’s downtown region by renovating distressed or vacant homes and facilitating home ownership.