Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is seeking director candidates for four positions on the Board of Directors that will open in May of 2017. VEC's twelve-member board is responsible for setting policy for the member-owned electric distribution utility, which serves approximately 32,000 members in northern Vermont. Board members are elected by VEC members in their district or zone and are expected to represent the interests of the members.

“This is an exciting time to be involved with energy issues as we work to build and manage the electric grid of the future, which integrates renewable energy, battery storage, and consumer information,” said Christine Hallquist, CEO. “Our Board plays a critical role in setting policy and direction for VEC’s future. I encourage interested members to consider running for an open seat in their district.”

​Vermont Business MagazineThe Vermont Environmental Careers and Opportunities (ECO) AmeriCorps program is seeking partners interested in hosting a talented AmeriCorps member this coming 2017-2018 service year. Towns and organizations with identified environmental project and outreach needs are encouraged toapply. Successful applicants will be matched with an AmeriCorps member by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, which administers the program.

Vermont Business Magazine Fast Companytoday announced its annual ranking of the world’sMost Innovative Companiesfor 2017, honoring leading enterprises and rising newcomers that exemplify the best in nimble business and impactful innovation. Green Mountain Power was named to its Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Energy list for its groundbreaking work to partner with customers on a new energy future. Green Mountain Power is laser focused on energy transformation, with more reliable, cost-effective and low-carbon energy, by radically transforming the antiquated grid system to one that is more home, business, and community centered and leverages innovations like battery storage.

Vermont Business MagazineSuicide is the 8thleading cause of death in the state ofVermont. To help prevent this tragic loss of life, volunteer advocates from theVermontchapter of theAmerican Foundation for Suicide Preventionare visiting the state capitol onThursday, February 16thto share resources and information about suicide prevention with their legislators.

Public Assets Institute On one level, Governor Phil Scott’s first budget proposal provides a useful lesson. He showed it’s relatively easy to reduce or eliminate a state budget “gap,” at least on paper. You just move the problem into a different account. But it also could be a useful service if it shifts the budget conversation in Montpelier away from “the gap” and more toward to the purpose of raising and spending public money. We should be talking about how the budget can improve the lives of Vermonters and help them achieve their potential.

For at least 10 years now, as each annual session of the Legislature approaches, all eyes in Montpelier focus on the size of the budget gap projected for the following fiscal year. The gap is the difference between the estimate of taxes and other revenue flowing into the state in a given year and the projected cost of various public programs and services that year.

Vermont Business MagazineThe Vermont Air National Guard confirmed today that Airmen and aircraft from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing are returning home after a three month deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in the Middle East. Approximately, 300 Airmen from the wing will be returning home to Vermont by the end of February. While deployed, the Green Mountain Boys provided air-to-ground attacks to support operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

Vermont Business Magazine FreshTracks Capital III, LPhas further investedin Burlington-based THINKMD, a registered Vermont Benefit Corporation. THINKMD is a global healthcare innovation company founded by University of Vermont Medical Center pediatricians Barry Finette and Barry Heath. THINKMD’s first product, MEDSINC, is a point-of-care clinical assessment tool that enables a minimally-skilled user to gather patient information, assess the severity of an illness, and provide approved triage and treatment recommendations.

MEDSINC increases healthcare capacity by empowering users worldwide to play a more active role in the healthcare of those they serve.The platform has been tested alongside world-class partners on four continents and will soon be deployed in the company’s first commercial rollout.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott declared Wednesday, February 15 as Recovery Day in Vermont, recognizing those who experience the effects of mental illness, addictions, and co-occurring conditions in the state and nationwide. “It is my honor to proclaim today Recovery Day. Thanks to the efforts of People Education Advocacy and Recovery (PEAR), this day serves as an important reminder that recovery is possible and recognizes Vermonters in recovery and their vast support networks,” said Gov. Scott. “It is my hope that we continue to make progress and see more and more people in recovery at this event each year.”

Scott signed a proclamation that was presented at the State House Wednesday, following in the tradition of Governors Jim Douglas and Peter Shumlin in commemorating Recovery Day in years past.

Vermont Business Magazine CFA Society Vermont has announced that Champlain College has won the first CFA Institute Research Challenge in Vermont and now advances to the Americas Regional in Seattle, WA, on April 6 and 7, where it will compete against universities from the United States, Canada and Latin America. The Champlain College team consists of Zhomart Dairov, Shawn Leary, Victoria Morelli, Kyle Sherman and Adam Vernali.

Vermont Business MagazineA consortium of programs treating torture survivors that includes an initiative launched at the University of Vermont has received the 2017 Human Rights Award from the American Psychiatric Association. The award was given to the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs (NCTTP). The New England Survivors of Torture and Trauma (NESTT), a member of the consortium, has its roots at UVM.

Vermont Business Magazine The cost of materials and services used in construction rose markedly faster than the price of completed buildings, according to a new analysis of federal producer price data released Tuesday by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that potential restrictions on the use of imported construction materials threaten to drive up the price of infrastructure, buildings and new homes and apartments.

by Cathleen Lamberton, Executive Vice President, Associated General Contractors of Vermont We have an aging workforce in Vermont and a student population that is confused by the choice to pursue a traditional college education or prepare for a career in the trades. It’s a fact: businesses across the state lack trained employees to fill good paying jobs. We can build a better Vermont by utilizing the skills and talents of our youth while improving our workforce to ensure good paying jobs and companies remain in Vermont. This needs to be the focus of everyone in the state, as this is how we will grow our economy and employ Vermonters.