Current News

Vermont Business Magazine An initiative of the Rutland Redevelopment Authority (RRA) and the City of Rutland took a big step forward recently with the City and a local private developer agreeing to a lease option, which could lead to the eventual development of a first class hotel / conference center and pedestrian mall, along the Evelyn Street corridor. The redevelopment plan for the Evelyn Street corridor has been discussed publicly on numerous occasions over the last few years and has generated significant public support. The lease option, on the approximately half acre of City owned land currently known as Depot Park, was approved by the City’s Board of Aldermen on June 6th. This commitment from the City provides site control needed by the prospective hotel developer to proceed forward with investment plans.

Vermont Business Magazine William and Robin Hanfield, who own and operate a dairy farm in Brandon, Vermont, have been ordered to take corrective actions at the farm’s manure pit and pay $24,750 for violations of Vermont’s water pollution laws and agricultural practice regulations. “Vermonters want our rivers, streams and lakes to be clean,” said Attorney General William H. Sorrell. “We know that most farmers want the same and work hard to follow sound agricultural practices. But if a farm fails to follow Vermont’s water quality laws, it will be held accountable. The improper release of farm waste to waters of the State of Vermont will not be tolerated.”

Vermont Business Magazine Mascoma Savings Bank, with branches in Vermont and New Hampshire, has announced that Clay Adams will succeed current President and CEO Stephen F Christy upon Christy’s previously announced year-end retirement following nearly 27 years in the leadership role. Adams has been the CEO at Simon Pearce in Quechee since 2012. He also has been a member of the Mascoma Savings Bank Board of Directors since 2011, and presently chairs the Bank’s Strategic Planning Committee, as well as its wealth management subsidiary, Mascoma Wealth Management, LLC, and the Mascoma Savings Bank Foundation. The Board announced the selection in late June.

Clayton Adams

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Community Foundation, in partnership with some of its fundholders, awarded a total of $54,473 in Small and Inspiring grants to 29 organizations for local projects in communities across the state during the first half of 2016. One of a number of competitive grant rounds at the Community Foundation, the Small and Inspiring grants program funds work that helps connect people to their neighbors, their land, and their history in ways that strengthen community. $32,740 of the total was made possible by Giving Together, a program at the Community Foundation that shares grant proposals with fundholders and donors, giving them the opportunity to co-fund projects.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont has been recognized as one of only four states to make significant progress in confronting the challenge of opioid addiction. In a new report by the National Safety Council, Prescription Nation 2016: Addressing America's Drug Epidemic, Vermont is credited with meeting five of six key indicators of progress. "We’re reminded every day of the challenges we face when it comes to confronting opiate addiction in Vermont,” Governor Peter Shumlin said. “This is a good reminder of the progress we have made and the work that remains.”

Vermont Business Magazine - The Paramount Theatre and Castleton University announce the second half of Project 240 which is set to begin July 21, with live broadcasts of the final nights of the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. As part of the remaining 10 events in the 14 month series, the Paramount will welcome several prominent political experts and analysts to its stage, none of whom are more well-known than the powerhouse duo of James Carville and Mary Matalin.

Garrett Graff

Vermont Business Magazine - Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce today announced a new initiative to double the capacity of an agreement between the Vermont Office of the State Treasurer and the Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF) that will increase investments in local foods, farm, forestry, and affordable housing programs.

“Investing in Vermont is a good deal for taxpayers. By stimulating local economic development, we create jobs and vibrant communities,” said Treasurer Pearce. “Vermont Community Loan Fund has a proven track record of helping support our farm and forest product sectors. By doubling our lending capacity agreement, we strengthen our State’s commitment to food, farm and forest product entrepreneurs.”

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) has announced two staff promotions in its agricultural lending program, the Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation (VACC).  "We are delighted that two of our very talented staff members have agreed to take on more responsibilities in the important work of providing loans to Vermont farmers and agricultural businesses," said Jo Bradley, VEDA's Chief Executive Officer.

Vermont Business Magazine Here is the list of bills passed by the Legislature and signed or vetoed by Governor Shumlin. All bills passed during the 2016 Legislative session were acted upon by the governor by June 15.

by Mike Smith Opinions are certainly mixed. Some writers and political observers have concluded that FBI Director James Comey handed Hillary Clinton a political gift when he announced last Tuesday he would not recommend pursuing criminal charges against the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. Others disagree because Comey described Clinton’s handling of sensitive electronic material as “extremely careless,” calling into question both her ever-shifting description of events and her management ability. It rekindles discussions about her truthfulness and judgment.

Vermont Business Magazine - Travel + Leisure Magazine announced today that New Life Hiking Spa has won the coveted spot as the number one domestic destination spa. The announcement was made by Travel + Leisure Magazine this morning and will be featured in the August issue of Travel and Leisure that hits the newsstands on July 15th.

Founded in 1978 by Jimmy LeSage, M.S., New Life Hiking Spa is the spa-world's truly authentic, low-key wellness getaway. This award winning hiking spa program is offered just 20 weeks a year, when hiking is at its peak in Vermont. Three levels of professionally guided hikes are offered each day to accommodate every level of fitness among the guests. From nature walks to hiking up some of the highest peaks in Vermont, New Life Hiking Spa provides beautiful scenery and exercise in the fresh mountain air.

Vermont Business Magazine Eric D Green, independent Monitor of Bank of America's August 20, 2014, mortgage settlement with the US Department of Justice and six states, has announced the distribution of $720,406 to the Vermont Bar Foundation, as mandated under the settlement, to provide legal assistance in foreclosure prevention and community redevelopment.

The Foundation, headquartered in Montpelier, is one of 56 state-based legal-assistance organizations receiving funds under the settlement, which settled legal claims arising from mortgage-related activities by Bank of America and its subsidiaries. A distribution was made earlier to NeighborWorks America, a national, congressionally-chartered nonprofit organization that provides training and support for community-based redevelopment programs in the United States and Puerto Rico.