Current News

Vermont Business Magazine - In the face of a recent spate of heroin overdoses and growing fears that, in addition to fentanyl-laced heroin, a more dangerous version of the drug called carfentanil is poised to move into the state, Gov. Peter Shumlin and Health Commissioner Harry Chen, MD announced today that the Department of Health has issued a standing order for the opioid overdose rescue drug naloxone (brand name Narcan®) for all of Vermont. This allows any pharmacy to dispense the life-saving drug to anyone – without a prescription.

In addition, the Governor said he was pleased that Walgreens will begin offering naloxone without a prescription to customers beginning September 1, and has installed a safe medication disposal kiosk in its South Burlington store that allows individuals to safely dispose of unwanted medication year-round at no cost.

Vermont Business Magazine Norwich University welcomes the largest incoming class in its history this fall with approximately 900 new students. The Class of 2020 brings a strong academic background with average SAT scores of 1040 and an average grade point average of 3.07. Seventy-nine members of the class have received extremely competitive three or four-year ROTC scholarships, and seventeen students will join the Honors Program. On Sunday, Aug 22, Norwich welcomed approximately 600 first year members of the Corps of Cadets, called Rooks, for a week of orientation. On Wednesday, Aug 24, Norwich welcomed approximately 300 civilian students: about 270 residential and 30 commuter students. The first day of class begins on Monday.

Vermont Business Magazine Ingrid Temer, Senior Account Manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, recently presented Howard Center with a $5,000 contribution. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont has a long history of providing support for Howard Center. Their support includes a silver- level sponsorship for Howard Center’s annual Curling Challenge which raised more than $50,000 this past March. In addition, Blue Cross Blue Shield will be a gold-level sponsor for the upcoming Zoe’s Race on August 28, 2016, an annual 1K fun run and 5K walk/run designed to raise funds for Vermont families who are in need of home accessibility modifications for their children.

Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) today asked the Food and Drug Administration to answer questions about its approval process and other steps for alternatives to the EpiPen, a self-injectable remedy for severe allergic reactions that has been the subject of steep price increases from Mylan, its manufacturer.  The price increases have caused concern among parents buying EpiPens for their children with severe peanut and other allergies. 

“We are also concerned that the substantial price increase from Mylan could limit access to a much-needed medication,” the senators wrote to Commissioner Robert M. Califf.   “Given the importance of this topic, it is imperative to understand the FDA’s role with respect to EpiPens and its approval of generic equivalents that could help to increase competition and lower prices if introduced.”

FirstLight Fiber, a leading fiber-optic bandwidth infrastructure services provider operating in New York and Northern New England, announced today that Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire (VNH), a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering outstanding home health and hospice services, has chosen FirstLight for the upgrade of its Internetservices in West Lebanon, New Hampshire as well as at its new location in White River Junction, Vermont. As its remote and administrative staff and offices grow, Visiting Nurse and Hospice seeks to utilize FirstLight Internet services for reliable connectivity and impressive broadband capability.

Seventh Generation, a leading household and personal care products company and a pioneer in the eco-friendly products space, today announced the launch of new Free & Clear Laundry Detergent Packs. Safer Choice Certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, the latest innovation from the brand offers consumers a premium biodegradable laundry detergent pack, while continuing the company's mission to encourage ingredient transparency within the industry.

The Vermont Green Line today announced a new partnership with Citizens Energy Corporation to assist low-income Vermont residents with their energy needs.

By becoming an owner in the Vermont Green Line alongside National Grid, Citizens Energy will finance its share of the line and use its profits, in concert with the project partners, to help working families and others in need in Vermont.

Citizens Energy partners with utilities and experienced developers across the country to develop new high-voltage transmission lines. Under its unique model, Citizens Energy’s projects —now including the Vermont Green Line—increase grid reliability, unlock access to large quantities of renewable energy, and fund charitable programs for people living in the area, all at no additional cost to ratepayers.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) has been notified of its selection for two Northeastern Economic Developers Association Awards. The Windham Region Workforce Center of Excellence has been named Program of the Year and the GS Precision Expansion has been named Project of Year.  BDCC will receive these distinguished awards at the upcoming NEDA Conference in September.

The Northeastern Economic Developers Association (NEDA) promotes professional economic and industrial development throughout the Northeastern United States and assists its members in strengthening their local and regional economies. The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth throughout Southeastern Vermont and is the lead implementer of the strategies contained in the Windham Regions 2014 S.M.A.R.T. CEDS.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s Congressional Delegation – Sen. Patrick Leahy (D), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I) and Rep. Peter Welch (D) – are welcoming the “small steps” that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced to help dairy farmers coping with declining milk prices.  USDA will purchase 11 million pounds of cheese from private inventories to help dairy farmers by reducing a cheese surplus, while also supplementing food shelves that serve needy families across the country. 

by Mike Faher/The Commons, Brattleboro The stage is set for a vote that could have big implications for the town of Windham’s landscape and for the wind industry in Vermont. Windham Selectboard has authorized a November 8 Australian Ballot vote to determine whether residents support construction of the 28-turbine Stiles Brook Wind Project, which would be the state’s largest wind power site. While Vermont towns don’t have statutory veto power over such projects, Stiles Brook developer Iberdrola Renewables says it won’t move forward if residents in Windham and neighboring Grafton reject the proposal via Australian Ballot votes.

by Patrick Leahy One of the first calls I had in the immediate aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene was from a Republican senator from a far-distant state.  He told me of his concern about what he and his constituents were hearing about the storm’s devastation in Vermont, and he pledged to me his support for the congressional action that would be needed to help Vermont recover and rebuild.  I’ve made similar calls when disasters have struck other parts of our nation.

As we mark the fifth anniversary of Irene, our eyes, and our hearts, are drawn to those suffering the ravages of another storm, far from us, in Baton Rouge.  We see Louisiana families and small shop owners, mucking out their homes and businesses.  We hear from town officials who haven’t slept in four days as they scramble to mobilize urgent relief in their communities.  These fellow Americans are in dire need of both our concern, and our helping hands.

Vermont Business Magazine The weather couldn’t have been better for the record-breaking 460 participants who gathered over the weekend for the Last Mile Ride in Randolph. A festive two-day fundraiser that supports unique end-of-life services at Gifford, the event surpassed its $100,000 fundraising goal and increased participation by 20 percent. Ever since 74 motorcyclists rode the first Last Mile Ride in 2006, people have come to Randolph each August for this annual event. This year 273 people came to walk a 1 or 2.5-mile route or to run the timed 5K on Friday, and on Saturday187 people gathered for a 75-mile motorcycle ride. Last Mile Ride grows every year as loyal supporters return with an expanding circle of friends and family.

Last Mile Ride walkers on Friday night