Current News

Norwich University will host the 2015 William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium on Wednesday and Thursday, April 8-9, with experts in the field of cybersecurity. The symposium, which is free and open to the public and marks its 20th anniversary this year, celebrates the best in military writing, books and ideas. It brings together some of the nation’s leading military writers, historians and thinkers, who gather for a two-day residency on the campus of the country’s oldest private military college to share their work and discuss current affairs and military issues.

The William E. Colby Award winning book is also formally recognized during the symposium. The accolade, which includes a $5,000 cash prize, honors the best work of military nonfiction or fiction of the year by a first-time author.

FairPoint Communications, Inc (NASDAQ: FRP), a leading northern New England retail and wholesale communications provider, today reinforced the importance of its investment in technology and infrastructure to wholesale customers looking for improved access to their customers in the region.

Since 2008, FairPoint has invested more than $700 million in its infrastructure and technology to reach new customers, upgrade its network and enable the next-generation of communications technology. With more than 16,000 fiber route miles and counting, FairPoint offers the largest fully-owned and managed fiber-based network in the region. FairPoint's fiber network, combined with its copper network, can deliver broadband services that can reach 87 percent of consumers and 95 percent of all businesses in the region, providing excellent access to these users by wholesale customers.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released final Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D Prescription Drug program changes for 2016 that provide fair and accurate payments to plans, and encourage the delivery of high-quality care for all populations.

“These policies strengthen Medicare Advantage for current and future consumers by encouraging higher quality care,” said Andy Slavitt, acting CMS Administrator. “As the Medicare Advantage marketplace continues to grow, consumers are getting access to better care through more choice and competition. Seniors and people with disabilities, including the dual-eligible population, will continue to have an extensive choice of plans, affordable premiums, and better and more transparent information about provider networks and pharmacies.”

Mt Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHHC) is pleased to announce the addition of Dr Joseph Perras and Patti Strohla, RN to the Hospital’s Senior Leadership Team. Both individuals offer a high level of energy, expertise and enthusiasm. The Hospital’s Senior Leadership Team is comprised of the CEO and seven senior staff members who guide hospital operations.

The President and CEO of Vermont Precision Tools was named 2015 Vermont Small Business Person of the Year today.

Monica Greene is being recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration for VPT’s employment growth, financial success, company expansion and community involvement.

“VPT is flattered to be recognized as the Vermont Small Business Person of the Year,” said Greene. “VPT prides itself on providing the highest quality products and the collective desire to see the company succeed is evident in every team member at every level.”

Headquartered in Swanton, Vt., VPT manufactures detailed specific tools, including rods and gages, used in the automotive, medical and aeronautic industries. VPT started in 1968 with a Small Business Administration loan in an old warehouse and a few employees. Today the company occupies a 90,000-square-foot facility and is one of the largest employers in the state.

The Goddard College Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Robert P. Kenny as the 11th president of Goddard College, where he has been serving in an interim appointment since April 30, 2014. The board recently voted unanimously to convert his interim contract to a three-year appointment as president starting July 1, 2015.

“Goddard has been in a time of transition since former president Dr. Barbara Vacarr stepped down in January of 2014, and we are pleased with the work Bob has done to bring stability to the College,” said Board Chair Avram Patt. “The College is on much stronger footing as a result of Bob’s collaborative leadership with faculty and staff. With their support, we are pleased to offer him the presidency.”

Vermont Gas Systems today announced that it has reached agreements with owners of about 85% of parcels in the Addison Natural Gas Project pipeline corridor. Vermont Gas is engaged in ongoing constructive negotiations or neutral third-party mediation with another 10% of landowners, which the Company believes will lead to more agreements. The Company has also taken an important and necessary step of starting eminent domain proceedings with two landowners who have not responded to Vermont Gas’ repeated attempts to communicate.

The U.S. Treasury Department has announced that Vermont is one of only three states to have fully deployed their federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds. In 2011, through the Small Business Jobs Act, Vermont received $13.2 million in SSBCI funding, to be administered by the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA). The other two states to have fully deployed their respective federal funds are Idaho and North Dakota.

“The fact that we were able to get these federal funds out to Vermont businesses so quickly is a real testament to the dedication of all VEDA Staff,” said VEDA Chief Executive Officer Jo Bradley. In Vermont, the $13.2 million in SSBCI funds leveraged an additional $133.3 million in local funds on projects totaling $146.5 million. VEDA made 156 loans to 129 companies with 3,931 employees. The companies expected to add 2,233 in additional jobs as a result of the financed projects.

Five Vermont communities will be able to make their downtowns safer and more beautiful, thanks to grants from the state’s Downtown Transportation Fund. Windsor, Bristol, Rutland, Waterbury and Barre were awarded a total of $388,245 for transportation-related capital improvements, including bike paths, sidewalks, and landscaping.

"We are delighted we can make these opportunities available to help continue to make our downtowns strong. Congratulations to these communities for their hard work and success," commented Patricia Moulton, Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

by John McClaughry Last week, the Vermont House completed deliberations on a fiscal year 2016 general fund budget and an associated tax package. The appropriations committee, after months of intense work and no little agony, produced a budget that covers a $113 million deficit. The House-passed bill (H490) reduces the governor’s budget request by $53 million, and calls for $35 million in new revenues. It accepts Gov. Shumlin’s proposal for $10.8 million in labor force savings. Some $24 million in one-time money – including $5 million from the Rainy Day Fund - will go toward closing the gap.

Over Republican objections, the House voted to raise $35 million with two income tax increases (H.489). One caps itemized deductions to two and a half times the standard deduction. The other eliminates the deduction for state income taxes paid, which also hits high bracket taxpayers the hardest.

The Vermont Enhanced 9-1-1 Board joins a nationwide campaign to help Americans of all ages recognize the importance of 9-1-1 and the role they play in ensuring effective and efficient emergency response in times of crisis. Groups including the United States Congress and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), a leading public safety association, have also recognized April as National 9-1-1 Education Month, and are encouraging the media, the 9-1-1 community, the wireless industry, and public information providers to engage in 9-1-1 awareness and education activities this month.