Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Mutual Insurance Group recently presented Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity with a donation of $15,000. The grant is part of the Charitable Giving Fund that was established by the Group back in 2014. “Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity builds affordable, decent, energy-efficient homes in partnership with families in need” stated Debbie Goodwin, Executive Director, Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity, Inc. “We are thrilled to be sponsored by Vermont Mutual Insurance Group for our upcoming local building projects. We look forward to working with the community to ensure more affordable housing.”

Vermont Business Magazine The City of Rutland, in the midst of a socio-economic turnaround that has boosted downtown, reduced crime and improved quality of life, is looking to make compassion the latest tool in its ongoing revitalization. Mayor Chris Louras, flanked by a host of community and business leaders, announced plans Tuesday to resettle up to 100 refugees – including families from war-torn Syria – in Rutland starting this fall.

Rutland Mayor Chris Louras

Vermont Business Magazine Beginning in May 2016, the Weights and Measures Program of the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) will post on the VAAFM website information about its enforcement actions against businesses that have violated Vermont laws designed to protect consumers in the marketplace. The information posted will include business names and locations, types of violations, and penalties.

Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Miro Weinberger, City Council President Jane Knodell, Burlington Electric Department General Manager Neale Lunderville, other City officials, business leaders, and everybody’s favorite furry Lake Monster and sustainability advocate, Champ, kicked off Burlington’s effort to win a two-month long social media campaign launched today by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) showcasing climate and sustainability solutions from Burlington and other leading cities around the world.

Vermont Business Magazine As with nearly all of New England the Northeast, Vermont's overall health security and preparedness is above the national average. Vermont stands at 7.3 for the 2016 Index release. The national average is 6.7. The annual assessment of health security and preparedness shows the nation is relatively well-prepared for managing an emergency, although performance on some measures in specific states can be improved. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released results of the 2016 National Health Security Preparedness Index, which show the United States scoring 6.7 on a 10-point scale for preparedness — an improvement of 3.6 percent since the Index began three years ago.

Vermont Business Magazine Physician’s Computer Company (PCC) and THINKMD, two leading healthcare technology companies from Vermont, signed a memorandum of understanding to bring THINKMD’s cutting-edge clinical assessment telemedicine platform to market. PCC pioneered the first pediatric office management and medical record system in 1983. THINKMD is an early-stage, healthcare-innovation company focused on creating novel solutions that expand access to healthcare for everyone, everywhere in the world.

by John McClaughry The “Jay Peak EB-5 scandal” is in full bloom. While it’s too early to pass judgment on all of the parties involved, there are some emerging lessons to be learned. In 1990 Congress created the EB-5 Program to give an incentive to foreign investors to invest in job-creating American enterprises. In return for a $1 million investment, the investor and his immediate family can receive a two- year legal resident permit (“green card”). If by then the required ten new jobs were created, the temporary card would be made permanent.

Vermont Business Magazine On Friday, April 29, Howard Center will join with more than 120 communities throughout the world that will present local screenings of the documentary Healing Voices. The goal of the “OneNight, OneVoice” screening is to create a global community dedicated to promoting awareness and creating action around the critical social issue of mental health. Howard Center staff Sandra Steingard, MD, Sean Lynch, and Matt Bousquet will participate in a panel discussion immediately following the film.

The feature-length documentary explores the experiences commonly labeled as psychosis or mental illness through highlighting three individuals who are working to overcome extreme mental states and integrate these experiences into their lives in meaningful ways. The film follows the individuals for nearly five years, and their experiences and stories challenge us to rethink our cultural understanding of mental illness.

Vermont Business Magazine With the 35th annual Prouty coming to Hanover, NH, Friday and Saturday, July 8-9, organizers have their eyes set on crossing the $30 million threshold in total dollars raised since 1982. And for the second year in a row, the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation is helping achieve the goal by providing a generous match for participants who fundraise before April 30. Prouty dollars support Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center by funding cancer research and easing the journey of cancer patients and their families through such things as support groups, art and writing programs, a comfort cart, a resource library and gas cards.

The 2016 Prouty officially kicks off with an event at 5:30 p.m. April 21 at the Hanover Inn, and will feature a mini-concert by the Dartmouth College Gospel Choir.

Vermont Business Magazine When Colchester-based VIP first acquired Nielsen's Beverage Data Network assets last year, both parties indicated their intent to embark on a long-term business relationship to collaboratively deliver best-in-class data collection, reporting and analytic services with end-to-end coverage across all tiers of beverage alcohol distribution. In support of this commitment, Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) announced today the next steps in its strategic alliance with Vermont Information Processing (VIP), the leading supplier of wholesaler depletion data to the alcohol beverage industry. 

Vermont Business Magazine Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc (NYSE: BHLB) reported an 8 percent increase in first quarter core earnings per share to $0.54 in 2016 from $0.50 in 2015. The earnings improvement was driven by 26% revenue growth produced by the Company's expanded operations. First quarter GAAP EPS increased year-over-year to $0.52 from $0.35. GAAP results in both periods included net non-core charges primarily related to acquisitions and restructuring activities. Berkshire Bank has branches in southwestern Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine At Waterfront Park in Burlington this morning, Representative Peter Welch (D-VT) announced that the US Department of Commerce, in response to  bipartisan legislation sponsored by Welch, will undertake a comprehensive study to quantify the benefits of outdoor recreation to the US economy. The project will take several years to complete.