Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Today, a national data firm reports that US and Vermont home prices increased in December. Vermont tied for the third largest increase. The Data & Analytics division of Black Knight Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: BKFS) released its latest Home Price Index (HPI) report, based on December 2016 residential real estate transactions. The US average HPI was $267,000. According to real estate analyst Trulia, Vermont counties ranged from $116,500 (Essex) to $269,500 (Chittenden) in February.

Vermont Business MagazineA new report by The Solar Foundation cites Vermont as a national leader in the solar industry, ranking third for the number of solarjobsper capita.Between 2015 to 2016, solarjobsin Vermont grew by 29 percent, with an additional 400 solarjobscreated in the state last year.

Vermont Business MagazineThe Greater Burlington YMCA announced today that NorthCountry Federal Credit Union has donated $100,000 to support the Y’s Youth Development programs. NorthCountry’s gift will help tounderwrite early education, afterschool programs, summer camps, and youth swimming throughout the year. NorthCountry has been the Y’s Community Partner for six years, a relationship that has worked so well because of the two organization’s mutual focus on providing Vermonters the tools and opportunities they need to achieve their potential. Over the past six years, NorthCountry’s support of Y youth development programs has totaled $600,000.

Leonine Public Affairs Last week set the stage for the House’s workload for the remainder of the legislative session. Wednesday was the deadline for legislators to get bills they are sponsoring into the queue for referral to the relevant committee. Of the 492 House bills that have been introduced since the session began in early January, 167 of them came in this week. The new arrivals address topics as diverse as securing the safety of the electrical power grid from an electromagnetic pulse attack or severe solar storm (H.431), to requiring a study of fragrances in State buildings (H.451). Because the number of bills exceed the House’s capacity to review and consider all of them, many bills simply will not advance. In fact, the time crunch is all the more intense as this week saw the setting of Friday, March 17 as the “crossover” deadline. That is the date by which bills must pass out of committee in order to be eligible to pass the legislature this year. “Money” bills such as the budget bill get an extra week. Because the legislature will be taking the week of March 6th off so members can go to their town meetings and have a short break, there are only two weeks to get most bills out of their respective committees and to the floor.

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.