Current News

Vermont Business MagazineThe High Meadows Fund, a supporting organizationat the Vermont Community Foundation, has issued aRequest for Proposals(RFP) that represents a commitment of $180,000 towards promoting planning and action to build resilience within Vermont’s watersheds. “Through this Initiative, we seek to inspire communities to work together to protect people, farms, homes, roads, and water quality, not just in their own towns, but also upstream and downstream,” saidHigh Meadows Fund President Gaye Symington in a statement.

Vermont Business MagazineThe International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis(ISTH), in partnership with John Wiley and Sons, Inc, announces the launch of the Society's new open access journal,Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis (RPTH), with its inaugural issue to publish in conjunction with the meeting of theISTH 2017 CongressinBerlin, Germany,July 8-13.Mary Cushman, MD, MSc, professor of medicine at the Larner College of Medicine at theUniversity of Vermont, and director of the thrombosis and hemostasis program at theUniversity of VermontMedical Center inthe United States, will lead the launch of the journal as its inaugural Editor-in-Chief.

by Representative Heidi E Scheuermann (R-Stowe) The 2017-2018 Legislative Biennium began last week with great anticipation as our new Governor, Phil Scott, was sworn in. In his first Inaugural Address, Governor Scott was sincere in his conviction and humbled by the task before him. He reflected on his youth in Barre, and the strength, kindness, and compassion of Vermonters he has experienced first-hand throughout his life, as the American flag that draped his father's casket, after the double-amputee died of injuries sustained in the D-Day invasion, flew in front of the State House.

Governor Scott then continued with honesty about the challenges we face, and he made clear again that his priorities would be exactly what they had been on the campaign trail: a renewed focus on economic growth, a promise to end unsustainable increases in state spending, a vow to protect our most vulnerable, and a commitment to make Vermont affordable again.

Vermont Business Magazine Forecasters are saying a wind storm is set to swing through Vermont, causing power outages starting tonight. The high wind warning calls for gusts up to 60 mph that could bring down trees, branches and lines. The western side of the state is expected to bear the brunt of the winds. Green Mountain Power said in a statement that crews are prepared to ensure customer safety and get the power back on.

“We have our crews deployed around the state ready to respond and will also have extra crews available to help customers,” said Kristin Carlson, Green Mountain Power’s chief communications officer. “Our top priority is restoring power as quickly and safely as possible.”

GMP file photo.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott signed four executive orders on Inauguration Day, establishing his strategic priorities, and creating teams in support of his efforts to address the opiate epidemic and modernize state government. Executive Order 01-17, “Governor’s Strategic Goals,” directs all State agencies and departments to utilize their powers, duties and programs to establish strengthening the Vermont economy, making Vermont more affordable, and protecting vulnerable Vermonters, as cornerstones of their strategic and operational goals. Joined by members of his Cabinet and senior leadership team, Scott emphasized the importance of the Executive Order in cementing the economy and affordability as the clear priorities of his Administration.

Vermont Business Magazine SunCommon of Waterbury, joined by Governor Scott, unveiled its latest innovation, theSolar Canopy,at the first public installation at Montpelier’s Hunger Mountain Co-op, a local grocery store, on Monday. The timber frame solar structure is a first for Vermont and expands solar options beyond the traditional rooftop and backyard. SunCommon said in a statement that the Solar Canopy’s versatility allows Vermont households and small businesses to go solarover their driveways, parking lots, patios,or woodpiles, or create a new, functional outdoor space.

by Patrick Leahy This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee will meet in a legendary room that has been the site of such historic events as the Watergate hearings, and Senator John Kennedy’s presidential campaign announcement. This ornate room has since been named for my friend, the late Senator Ted Kennedy, and more recently senators have met in this room for the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Attorney General Eric Holder.

As senators prepare to gather in the Kennedy Caucus Room next week for the confirmation hearings of Senator Jeff Sessions to be Attorney General of the United States, I cannot help but wonder what Ted would think. Thirty years ago he said this about the current nominee who then was a nominee to be a district court judge:

Vermont Business MagazineBrattleboro Memorial Hospital has announced that Patricia “Patty” O’Donnell has been elected as Chairperson of the Board of Directors.O’Donnell has served in various capacities on the Board, including several committees such as Quality, Planning, Joint Conference, and Board Executive.She represented the towns of Vernon and Guilford as a State Representative from 1998 to 2010. During that time, she served on both the Appropriations and Human Services Committees, where she became well-versed in healthcare issues in Vermont.

Additionally, she worked as Trustee of the Brattleboro Retreat Center from 2011 to 2015.She served on the Vernon School Board for 3 years, the last year as its Chairperson. O'Donnell also served on the Vernon Selectboard from 1997 to 1999 and was re-elected in 2011 for a two year term.

Vermont Business MagazineBlue Cross and Blue Shield of VT announced in a statement Monday that it had completeda 150 kW net metered solar array, which is installed at its Berlin campus. This system is a roof-mounted solar array comprising 860 panels, generating roughly 225,000 kW Hours per year. This project is expected to offset more than 169 tons of carbon dioxide per year andwill eventually produce enough electric power to reduce the non-profit’s utility costs by $40,000 annually. Blue Cross is the state's largest health insurer.

Vermont Business MagazineSecretary of State Jim Condos announced today that eligible Vermont voters are now able to register to vote on any day up to and including Election Day. As of January 1, 2017Act No. 44 (S29) An act relating to election day registrationofficially went into effect, and will be implemented immediately for all local and state elections going forward, including any special elections and Town Meeting Day, which is Tuesday, March 7.

Vermont became the 14^thstate to enact Election Day Registration, eliminating Vermont’s voter registration deadline. This means a person can register at their polling place on the day of an election, and can then vote in that election. Registration will still be available at a person’s Town or City Clerk’s office on any day prior to the election during normal business hours.

Vermont Business MagazineWhat do four hundred electricians, more than two thousand nurses, and nearly five hundred software developers have in common? According to a newly updated brochure from the JWarren & Lois McClure Foundation and the Vermont Department of Labor, these are some of the most promising jobs expected in Vermont over the next 10 years. Wages run from low-40s to over $100,000 a year. As this data makes clear, high-pay, high-demand jobs do exist in the Green Mountain State. However, they largely require training and/or education beyond high school.

Vermont Business Magazine A new University of Vermont study reveals notable disparities in how police officers from 29 departments across Vermont treat drivers by race. The research finds racial disparities in traffic stops, searches, arrests and outcomes – which vary by police agency. It is the first study of statewide traffic policing and race, covering Vermont’s largest police departments, and follows a 2014 state law requiring police to collect race data.