Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Peter Shumlin has appointed Rutland Attorney Elizabeth Mann and Addison County State’s Attorney David Fenster to fill two vacancies on the Vermont Superior Court. Mann is filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Kathleen Manley. Fenster is filling a newly created position.

Vermont Business Magazine The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLB Boston) has announced that 45 initiatives will receive $56.4 million in grants, loans, and interest-rate subsidies through its 2016 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) allocation. These funds will finance 1,100 units of affordable rental and ownership housing for households earning at or below 80 percent of area median income in seven states, including $2.9 million in projects for Vermont. Vermont projects are located in Brattleboro, Middlebury, North Bennington, Plainfield, and Rochester. 

by Fred O Williams Vermont has the 14th-lowest credit card debt burden in the US, according to a new CreditCards.com report. The study compared the average credit card debt and the median income in each state. Dedicating 15 percent of income to credit card debt (as experts recommend), the typical Vermont resident would get out of debt in 15 months and would pay $563 in interest. Vermont has the nation’s 29th-highest average credit card debt ($5,244.05) and its 24th-highest median income.

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Financial Regulation has been notified that a number of Vermonters have received questionable phone calls from people claiming affiliation with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT). The caller offers a special program regarding pain management and opioid prescriptions and asks the consumer to disclose personal information to determine qualification for the program.

It has been reported that in some cases, the caller ID has displayed the name “Margarita Man.” Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is not affiliated with any such pain management or opioid drug program and did not authorize these calls.

DFR reminds people to never give out personal information unless you are absolutely certain you are speaking to a trusted source. If you are unsure in any way, call your insurance company directly using the number provided on your insurance card.

Vermont Business Magazine The recent arrival of cold temperature has formed early-season ice on Vermont ponds, lakes and rivers. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reminds winter enthusiasts that ice should never be considered safe and ice conditions vary. "We are urging all outdoor enthusiasts - people going ice fishing, cross-country skiers, hikers, and snowmobilers -- to be extremely cautious and prepared if they are going to venture out on any ice," said Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter. "Ice conditions can vary dramatically on different parts of a lake. Remember, even though it may look thick enough on the surface, moving water from currents, rivers and springs can cause ice to form unevenly."

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has named Chuck Ross director of UVM Extension, Tom Vogelmann, dean of the college, announced today. Ross is currently secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, a position he has held since 2011. Prior to his role as secretary, Ross served for 16 years as state director and senior advisor under US Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont).

Vermont Business Magazine WCAX-TV news director Anson Tebbetts is once again leaving journalism to join state government. Governor-elect Phil Scott today announced four additional cabinet and extended cabinet appointments. Tebbetts has been appointed secretary of the Agency of Agriculture, and Representative Alyson Eastman will serve as deputy secretary, a position Tebbetts held in the Douglas Administration. The Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets works to support the viability and growth of Vermont’s agriculture industry, while protecting our landscape, environment, people and animals.

Anson Tebbetts. VBM file photo.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont property owner David Rogers of North Montpelier settled claims that he failed to file lead compliance statements for four rental properties in violation of Vermont consumer protection and lead laws. “Lead paint responsibilities do not go away. If you are a landlord with pre-1978 rental housing, the lead law requires annual compliance. The law also provides for penalties if you ignore or delay your lead paint duties,” said Attorney General Bill Sorrell.

Every landlord with pre-1978 rental properties is required to submit annual compliance statements which show that the landlords have performed the essential maintenance practices (known as EMPs) and that the properties are in compliance with the lead law. The Department of Health confirmed that Mr. Rogers had not filed current EMP compliance statements for this year for his four rental properties.

Vermont Business Magazine Mikaela Shiffrin is its latest star in what could be many more coming from Burke Mountain Academy. BMA celebrated the grand opening of the Ronnie Berlack Center (RBC) – a $2.8 million, 15,000 square foot, state of the art indoor athletic facility – this past weekend marking a new era for the athletic development of Burke student-athletes and ski racers around the country.  BMA also announced a comprehensive new partnership with the US Ski and Snowboard Association for year round training and development of elite ski racers from around the Eastern region and around the US, which is the first of its kind.

Vermont Business Magazine Spruce Peak at Stowe has announced a total of more than $70 million in closed and newly signed contracts in 2016, bolstered by the introduction of the 18 four-bedroom Village Townhomes in November 2016. To date, nine townhomes residences have sold, ranging from $1.8 to $2.2 million.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Patrick Leahy applauded the US-Canada agreement to limit Arctic oil drilling, which was signed today by President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau. “The President clearly listened to the countless voices of coastal residents who oppose the unnecessary risk that drilling poses to their way of life and to the coastal economies that depend on healthy oceans and pristine beaches," Leahy said in a statement. "I agree with the President that these risks, as well as those posed to the wildlife and marine life that call these oceans home, should not be jeopardized to enable multi-billion dollar corporations to benefit from risky offshore drilling activities. I applaud President Obama for today’s announcement, as well as that of the Canadian government.  This important cross border work with Canada ensures that a joint withdrawal of the Arctic will prevent irreparable harm to the rare and fragile Arctic ecosystem.”

Vermont Business Magazine Governor-elect Phil Scott today announced he would reappoint Michael Pieciak as commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation. The department will also retain the deputy commissioners for each of its four divisions, which include Cynthia Stuart for Banking, Kaj Samsom for Insurance, William Carrigan for Securities, and David Provost for Captive Insurance. 

Michael Pieciak, Commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation. VBM photo