Current News
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine Today the Vermont Senate passed the Paid Sick Days Bill (H. 187) giving all Vermonters access to three paid sick days after they have worked a year. The bill excluded an amendment which would have exempted small businesses with five or fewer employees from the Paid Sick Days bill. Sen. Campion’s amendment was shelved by an amendment from Sen. Campbell, which calls for a survey of Vermont small businesses. The survey has a deadline for completion of January 15, 2017. The Senate narowly voted to substitute the Campion amendment with the Campbell amendment 15-14.
Below are reactions from Lt. Governor Phil Scott, Rep. Sarah Copeland Hanzas, House tMajority Leader and Paid Sick Days Coalition.
Lt. Governor Phil Scott
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine Peisch & Company, LLP is proud to announce the acquisition of the public accounting practice Enman & Associates, P.C. a Vermont CPA firm established in 1987 by the sole owner Sandra K. Enman, CPA, CFP, CVA.
Sandy will work out of A.M. Peisch’s office in Colchester, VT and will be actively involved in smoothly transitioning her clients over the next couple of years. “After careful consideration, I selected a firm that would allow for a responsible succession plan; as well as an organization that possesses similar values, compatible fee structures, and a corresponding philosophy for doing business. A.M. Peisch’s emphasis on excellence and integrity was an important aspect of this decision. I am also thrilled that my new colleagues possess the capabilities to provide my clients with a wider array of services and a greater depth of expertise.”
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Wednesday sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, asking him to use his existing authority to raise the minimum broadband speed that determines funding eligibility for the Farm Bill broadband loan program.
Leahy’s letter follows his successful inclusion of report language in the Fiscal Year 2016 Agriculture Appropriations bill directing USDA to implement the broadband provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill, including the authority to review and raise the minimum speed established by the bill. Leahy is a leading member and a former chairman of the Agriculture Committee, which handled the Senate’s work in writing the Farm Bill.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced today that it has awarded $20,000 to the Vermont Foodbank for the purchasing and distribution of food.
The Vermont Foodbank was founded in 1986 in response to an increased need for emergency food assistance among low-income households in central Vermont. At that time, the Vermont Foodbank distributed to eight food shelves in the central Vermont area. Today, there are 225 network partners statewide that receive food from the Vermont Foodbank for local distribution.
The grant brings the total amount awarded by People’s United Community Foundation to the organization to $120,000.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine Continuing his push for Vermont to divest from coal stocks, Gov. Peter Shumlin today highlighted the negative effects the burning of coal has on Vermont’s lakes and waterways, fish species, and forests and how it threatens important economic industries like tourism, outdoor recreation, and iconic maple sugaring.
“Vermont should not be in the business of owning coal stocks,” Gov. Shumlin said. “As a state, we should not be supporting an industry that so directly pollutes our air, water, and forests. The coal industry prioritizes profits over the health of Vermonters and our environment. We should join California in divesting from this industry.”
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine The City of Burlington and the Burlington community have a significant investment in Burlington Telecom’s success and interests in ensuring affordable, effective, and responsive fiber optic services for its residents. To that end, the City is engaged in a public process with the residents of Burlington to determine criteria by which the City should be guided in a future transaction involving the ownership of Burlington Telecom. We invite you to join the discussion and share your thoughts at the final public meeting:
Wednesday, February 10
DPW Conference Room, 645 Pine Street
5:30 – 7:30 pm
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine. Gen Z -- the population born from 1995 to present -- is the second largest generation at 26% of the US population. By 2025, Gen Z will grow dramatically, becoming the largest generation totaling 29% of the US population. (US Census Bureau 2015)
A brand's ability to anticipate where Gen Z is going and identify opportunities to reach them will help ensure its relevance and business success.
Analysis
In addition to Fuse's on-going youth culture research studies, throughout 2015 Fuse reviewed reliable research and articles to create a "poll of polls." This model identified the most common findings and trends.
While the information below is predictive in nature, it is representative of current trends. We believe the 2025 outcomes are extremely likely to occur unless some unforeseen events greatly change the trajectory of these trends.
Demographic Shifts
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine. Consistently cold overnight temperatures paired with the unwavering dedication of Okemo Mountain Resort’s experienced snowmaking team resulted in the opening of the only Superpipe in the East this week. Featuring 18-foot walls and extending over 500 feet in length, Okemo’s AMP Energy Superpipe is now open daily.
Okemo’s 18-foot Superpipe is located in The Zone and accessible via The Pull surface lift. In addition to the Superpipe, the resort has also built seven terrain parks containing 66 jumps, rails and other creative features.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine. A critic of Big Renewables in Vermont is free from the threat of criminal prosecution after the attorney general’s office dropped an investigation launched in response to complaints from an anonymous green-energy developer.
Standing before a large crowd, Annette Smith, surrounded by her attorney and victims of green-energy development, thanked supporters and the anonymous developer whose complaints against her backfired when Vermonters rallied to her cause.
“I want to thank the people who brought this complaint to the attorney general’s office,” Smith said to thunderous applause from dozens of people gathered at the Statehouse on Monday.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine. The St. Albans Cooperative Creamery is the first dairy cooperative in the nation to provide new information to farmers about the fatty acids that make up the milk fat in their cow’s milk. Local researchers found a direct correlation between the fat content in milk and farm management practices – this information will allow farmers to improve the way they feed and manage their cows as well as earn a higher pay for their milk. Recommendations from this research will support the economic viability of local dairy farms and ensure that consumers continue to have access to local, affordable dairy products.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine Union Bank received the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Vermont 2015 Guaranteed Lender of the Year Award in recognition of the bank’s dedication to rural home buyers. USDA officials presented the award at the Woodbury residence of Craig and Rachel Wilson who purchased their home one year ago through Union Bank using the USDA’s Guaranteed Home Loan Program.
“The most effective way to ensure that young families call rural Vermont home is to provide them with an accessible and affordable avenue towards homeownership,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Ted Brady, “The USDA’s Guaranteed Home Loan Program removes financial obstacles that stand in the way of ownership, however, the program’s efficacy depends on strong partners such as Union Bank whose local presence makes them an invaluable asset to the program, the families they work with, and to rural communities across the state.”
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine Berkshire Bank announced today its two charitable Foundations awarded a total of $1,810,229 in grants to non-profit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and Vermont during 2015. The grants supported important education and community development initiatives as well as health and human services and cultural programs. In addition, Berkshire Bank provided approximately $500,000 in community sponsorships, raising Berkshire’s total contributions in the community to more than $2.3 million.