Current News

Vermont Business Magazine It was announced by the Community Health Centers of Burlington (CHCB), one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers in Vermont, that their Keeler Bay Health Center in South Hero is now operating under a new name and from a newly-constructed building, just down the road from the prior site. Their Champlain Islands Health Center is located at 260 Route 2 in South Hero. A free Open House event will be held this Saturday, December 3, 2016. Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend anytime from 10am-2pm.

CHCB has also recently welcomed Dr. Jun Fu to the existing provider team at the Champlain Islands Health Center. Dr. Fu graduated from China Medical University and also has a Master’s Degree in Science from McGill University. She completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at Mount Vernon Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Dr. Fu is currently accepting new adult patients.

Vermont Business Magazine The Grossman School of Business at the University of Vermont honored three family businesses for excellence in the areas of entrepreneurship, and innovation at the UVM Family Business Awards on October 13 in Billings Library. As recognition that family businesses are a major driver in the world economy has increased, the UVM Grossman School of Business recognizes every year those alumni and Vermont based businesses that have achieved lasting success, and demonstrated a commitment to creating sustainable business through leadership and vision.

This year’s honorees, recognized for their ability to overcome challenging succession issues and for contributions to community and industry, included a health and wellness company, a newspaper and market research organization. 

by Timothy McQuiston Vermont Business Magazine The state’s largest utility has partnered with the state’s largest manufacturer to develop the state’s largest solar energy array. Vermont’s newest solar farm is now generating electricity in Williston. Owned by Green Mountain Power and located on GlobalFoundries property, the sprawling facility off Mountain View Drive will generate more than 8 million kilowatt hours every year, or the equivalent energy to power more than 1,100 homes.

Vermont Business Magazine As President-elect Donald Trump and a new Congress prepare to take office in January, Representative Peter Welch (D-Vermont) will host a live, statewide telephone town hall meeting on Tuesday evening, November 29 at 7:15 pm EST. Welch will outline his agenda and listen to Vermonters’ priorities, hopes, and concerns. Callers will be able to ask Welch questions on the call, which is expected to last one hour.

WHO: Congressman Peter Welch

WHAT: Statewide Telephone Town Hall Meeting

WHEN: TODAY, Tuesday, November 29^th at 7:15 p.m. EST

TOPIC: Conversation with Vermonters about new Congress and President

Vermont Business Magazine Generator, the city-supported maker space currently located in Memorial Auditorium in Burlington, will begin remaking itself in December for its move to a new, larger space in Burlington’s South End. On Nov. 30, Generator will close its doors at Memorial Auditorium and the 170-member creative community will move to its new home on Sears Lane.

Generator’s move to 40 Sears Lane is made possible by an investment in infrastructure improvements from Champlain College and a $300,000 capital campaign led by Generator board members Michael Metz and businessman Steve Conant. “More than 100 individuals, companies and philanthropic organizations contributed toward the campaign’s success, for which Generator and Champlain College are deeply grateful,” explained Generator Chair of the Board Dan Harvey.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Peter Shumlin today provided an update on Vermont Health Connect open enrollment and highlighted how Obamacare has provided critical health care and financial security to previously uninsured Vermonters. President-elect Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans, who control both the House and the Senate, have promised to repeal Obamacare. Trump has backed off somewhat since the election and indicated that some aspects of the law, in particular the pre-existing condition waiver and extending benefits to children under 26, might continue under his presidency.

by Robert Macauley, MD This is the time of year for conflicting messages. One day we’re eating turkey with family and friends, giving thanks for all that is good in our lives. The very next day, though, we’re bombarded with ads for all the things we don’t have. It’s tempting to move on quickly — some Black Friday sales actually begin on Thanksgiving itself! — but in doing so we’d miss the opportunity to deepen our sense of gratitude, and improve our health, too.

"Thanks are the highest form of thought, and … gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” — GK Chesterton

by Nancy Stearns Bercaw UVM More than two million Americans experience some type of a cardiac event every year. Whether they’ve had a heart attack or coronary revascularization procedure, such as bypass surgery or coronary stent placement, doctors typically recommended these patients participate in Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) as outpatients. However, despite the proven benefits of increased longevity and reduced hospitalizations with CR, only 20 to 30 percent of eligible patients actually participate.

Philip Ades, MD (Photo: Larner COM Design & Photography)

Why are the rates for this comprehensive secondary prevention program so low?  And how can they be improved?

by Governor Peter Shumlin One of the key responsibilities of governing is crafting a budget that reflects Vermonters’ priorities and lives within our means as a state. As we transition this important responsibility to the incoming Administration, it’s worth reviewing the last six years of financial management. Let’s remember where we started. Before I took office, Vermont’s budget routinely grew at upwards of 7 percent. In 2004, the total funds budget grew by 7.8 percent above the year before. In 2005, it grew by 13.4 percent. In 2006 it grew by 7 percent. Then the Great Recession hit, decimating state budgets, just as it did family budgets, around America. Because of that economic contraction, the first budget I inherited as Governor included a $176 million shortfall. Six years later, by practicing fiscal discipline and making difficult choices, we have righted the ship.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont State Police is receiving numerous reports of icy road conditions throughout central and eastern Vermont, particularly on Interstate 89 between Middlesex and Berlin, and on Interstate 91 south of St. Johnsbury.  Troopers are responding to multiple reports of crashes and other vehicles off the roadways. Traffic was at a stand-still on Interstate 89 near exit 8 (Montpelier) due to icy conditions about 8:30 am, both north and southbound lanes.

Also, State Police in the St Johnsbury area want to reinforce that road conditions presently pose a significant hazard for travel. Roads throughout the surrounding area are very icy and slick. State Police have responded to numerous motor vehicle accidents. Also, motorists have found themselves stranded awaiting road treatment before being able to proceed with their trip. The public is encouraged to remain at their home or business and avoid travel unless an emergency arises.

by Bill Schubart I’ve tuned out of the endless forensic analyses of how news media failed the electorate. In fact, other than having misread the political and cultural pulse of many Americans, I’m not sure the serious news organizations failed us at all. Many of us were just absent. Watching a Trump supporter on the PBS Evening News say that she’d liked the idea of a woman in the White House until she learned from her sister’s Facebook page that five people Hillary knew had recently been murdered, I was curious about the news item and found its source in an article in the The Guardian.

Vermont Business Magazine Patients’ needs and a growing emphasis on population health prompted an expansion to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center’s (SVMC) Diabetes Education Program over the last several months. The addition of a third full-time Certified Diabetes Educator allows the hospital to offer prevention education and specialized diabetes consultations for patients, nurses, and physicians in primary care offices, some hospital practices and departments, inpatient units, and at the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation.