Current News

A better quality of light, an increased ability to accomplish tasks, and a reduction in energy use are just some of the benefits resulting from energy-efficiency improvements made by Kaytec, a Richford-based manufacturer that produces insulated vinyl siding.
Following an energy audit, Kaytec decided to replace more than 250 high-bay and T12 fluorescent lights with energy-efficient high-performance T8 (HPT8) lamps. Compared to older T12 lighting, HPT8 light fixtures save up to 50% percent in energy, last up to twice as long, and provide better quality light. The company also installed motion detectors that automatically turn off lights in unoccupied areas of the building.
Kaytec hired a full-time electrician to make all of its energy-efficiency upgrades, and called in Efficiency Vermont to provide technical assistance.

US Senatpr Bernie Sanders (I-VT) announced Monday that he introduced legislation to provide health care for every American through a Medicare-for-all type single-payer system.
Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) filed a companion bill in the House to provide better care for more patients at less cost by eliminating the middle-man role played by private insurance companies that rake off billions of dollars in profits.
The twin measures, both called the American Health Security Act of 2011, would provide federal guidelines and strong minimum standards for states to administer single-payer health care programs.

EatingWell Media Group, publisher of EatingWell Magazine, EatingWell books and EatingWell.com, won an unprecedented three James Beard Awards on Friday, May 6, in New York City.
It was the only magazine publisher to win three awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars’ in food journalism, from the James Beard Foundation. EatingWell, based in Charlotte, Vermont, earned two journalism awards and one book award. Three books from Ten Speed Press won and New York Magazine won two awards, one for an article and one for its Grub Street blog.
The Simple Art of EatingWell (Countryman Press) by Jessie Price and the Editors of EatingWell took the Cookbook with Healthy Focus award. The 520-page compendium of tips, techniques and recipes for healthy eating was up against finalists The Very Best Recipes for Health from The New York Times’s Martha Rose Shulman and Clean Start: Inspiring You to Eat Clean and Live Well by Terry Walters.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is continuing to protect the roads from flooding effects, particularly around Lake Champlain and the Islands. While lake levels have crested and are beginning to recede, strong winds from the north are now continuing to affect some roads. VTrans is monitoring the situation, and taking immediate action when needed to shore up the roads affected. Traffic controls are also in place to assist construction vehicles for road improvement operations that continue throughout the day in some areas. Delays can be expected along Route 2 between Milton and the Islands. Travelers are cautioned to please drive slowly and, if possible, to avoid the area during commuting times. Road work is expected to continue throughout the area until at least Wednesday.
Road Updates as of Monday, 4 pm:
Ongoing Areas of Concern:

General Fund revenues totaled $161.67 million for April 2011, and were $10.26 million or 6.78 percent above the $151.41 million consensus revenue forecast for the month. April year to date General Fund Revenues were $975.00 million or $11.91 million or 1.24 percent ahead of target. Compared to the same period for the prior fiscal year, FY 2011 GF results are 10.38 percent ahead of FY 2010, but remain below the pre-recession FY 2008 results by -5.29 percent. Secretary of Administration Jeb Spaulding released the April 2011 General Fund Revenue results today. April is the tenth month of fiscal year (FY) 2011.

Maponics (www.maponics.com), a leading provider of location-based data, today announced a new offering that includes the geographic boundaries of more than 3,000 shopping malls, districts, centers and outlets across 100 metro areas in the United States. Unlike the data found on popular search engines and directories that only show shopping locations, Maponics Shopping Boundaries includes the boundary outlining shopping areas and adjacent parking, along with the name, address and type of shopping area.

The Department of Motor Vehicles is putting drivers on notice about the expired Lake Champlain Quadricentennial license plate.
The license plate, which was issued to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain’s exploration of Lake Champlain in 2009, may no longer be displayed on the front of any registered Vermont automobile. The commemorative plate was approved by the Vermont Legislature to be placed over the existing front plate of Vermont vehicles from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2010.
Vermont Inspection Stations have been instructed to not issue a new inspection sticker until the Lake Champlain plate has been removed and the existing registration plate is visible.

People’s United Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: PBCT) and Danvers Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: DNBK) today announced updated information on the deadline for Danvers stockholders to make elections regarding the form of merger consideration to be received in connection with the pending merger of Danvers with and into People’s United. The election deadline will expire approximately five business days prior to the expected closing date of the merger as contemplated by applicable provisions of the merger agreement. People’s United and Danvers will issue a supplemental press release once the specific date of the election deadline has been established.

The Lake Champlain Bridge Community (LCBC), the grassroots group responsible for planning the Grand Reopening Celebration, has chosen the weekend of October 15-16, 2011 as the dates for the celebration. The Lake Champlain Bridge is scheduled to reopen on Sunday, October 9, 2011 according to Vermont and New York transportation officials. In the event the bridge does not open as planned, celebration events will be postponed until the spring of 2012.
Launched in early April, the official website for the celebration provides information on proposed events, the latest news on celebration activities and how to become involved. Many events are planned for the two-day celebration, including a grand parade that is reminiscent of the parade held in 1929 during the opening festivities for the ‘original’ bridge.

For the third straight year, Chroma Technology, a growing employee-owned company in Rockingham, has made WorldBlu's global "List of Most Democratic Workplaces."
"We don't use organizational democracy as a tool," said Chroma cofounder and president Paul Millman. "It is who we are."
Chroma was one of 52 international companies named to this prestigious list on April 12. Other well-known companies were Groupon, Zappos.com, HCL Technologies and WD-40.
Chroma manufactures optical microscope filters and coatings for laboratories all over the world. It has sales offices in Germany and, as of March, in China. Its 2010 sales were $19.6 million. It employs 90 people. In 2009 and 2010, it was on Inc. Magazine's 500/5000 list of the country's fastest-growing private companies.

Two of Vermont’s leading public policy organizations today released a set of new comprehensive tools that will help communities deal with the pressing issues regarding the state's energy future.
‘Vermonters are eager to help lead the state on its transition away from a fossil fuel-based economy to one based on renewable energy, conservation and efficiency. With the state’s well-developed planning framework, they are also well positioned,’ said Johanna Miller, Energy Program Director at the Vermont Natural Resources Council. ‘Now, they also have some new tools.’
Global challenges of diminishing energy resources, skyrocketing energy prices and climate change require concerted action on the part of all local, state and national governments. They also require forward-looking planning.

by Anne Galloway, www.vtdigger.org May 7, 2011 The gavel fell late Friday afternoon ‘ a week ahead of schedule ‘ on what Governor Peter Shumlin called ‘the most successful session that I have witnessed.’
With much bonhomie, the House and Senate adjourned thier business for the first half of the biennium. Leadership congratulated their members on finishing a week earlier than scheduled. It was the first Friday adjournment in memory; typically sessions drag past the 16-week deadline and the gavel falls into the wee hours of a Saturday.
This year, however, was different. In lots of ways.