Current News

Vermont State Treasurer Jeb Spaulding as Secretary of Administration was the most surprising name among the small group of senior appointments announced by Governor-elect Peter Shumlin this afternoon at his transition office in Montpelier. The four others named were Bill Lofy as chief of staff, Alexandra MacLean as Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs, Beth Robinson as counsel and Susan Bartlett as special adviser. See biographies below.
While Spaulding was an early supporter of Shumlin’s and was often cited as a possible senior member of the governor-elect’s staff, there had been no acknowledgement by Spaulding that he was being considered. Spaulding stated at the press conference that he was content to keep his current job, but that when the governor-elect asked him to serve that that is what he felt he should do.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA Rural Development is providing loans and grants for 41 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Vermont under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The funding includes support for solar projects for businesses and anaerobic digesters for farms that will generate renewable energy. Maple producers will dramatically decrease energy costs with installation of new technology. A disused former train depot will be restored with full energy efficient improvements ready for new tenants.
‘These loans and grants will generate and save energy for Vermont’s farmers and businesses for many years to come, while promoting Obama Administration efforts to transition to a renewable energy economy,’ Vilsack said. ‘Farmers have significant opportunity to reduce their energy consumption or generate income by producing renewable energy that can be used by other consumers through USDA’s REAP program.’

US Department of Housing & Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan will deliver the keynote address at this week’s 2010 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference. He’s scheduled to speak between 9 and 10:15 a.m. Doors open at 8 a.m.
Sec. Donovan will be the highest ranking housing official ever to speak at the biennial event.
More than 450 people have pre-registered to attend the day-long conference, which is the state’s largest gathering of housing professionals. Pre-registrations have nearly filled the capacity of the venue, but organizers will accept walk-in registrations as space allows.
WHAT
2010 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference
WHEN
Thursday, Nov. 18, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sec. Donovan scheduled to speak between 9 and 10:15 a.m.
WHERE
Hilton, 60 Battery St., Burlington
WHO
Shaun Donovan
Secretary, U.S. Dept of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
Vermont Statewide Housing Conference

Governor Jim Douglas today announced the appointments of Robert P. Gerety, Jr. of White River Junction, Robert A. Mello of South Burlington and Timothy B. Tomasi of Montpelier to serve on the Superior Court.
‘These three individuals are respected among their peers and bring experience, commitment and a clear understanding of the law to the bench,’ said Governor Douglas. ‘I am pleased to make these appointments today and thank each for their service to Vermont.’
Robert P. Gerety, Jr. is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and Vermont Law School. He has been in private practice since clerking in Vermont Superior Court in the early 1980’s. Since 1996, Gerety has operated his own law practice in White River Junction and currently serves as the chair of the Vermont Judicial Conduct Board.

Governor Jim Douglas on Veterans Day dedicated the Vermont Global War on Terror Memorial during a Veterans Day ceremony. The memorial recognizes all Vermonters who have served in the current conflicts and lists the 40 military members with Vermont ties who have died in service to their state and nation.
‘Vermont has a long history of answering the call to arms to defend our nation, and this memorial recognizes those who volunteered and gave their lives in our defense,’ said Governor Douglas, who went on to highlight the wide support given to this project. ‘This dedication has been made possible by the determination and generosity of patriotic Vermonters.’

Hannaford Supermarkets announced today that it plans to build a new Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy in Hinesburg. Hannaford will seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for this facility.
Hannaford has submitted plans and application materials to the Town of Hinesburg and is looking forward to working with local and state officials to secure approval. The proposed new supermarket will feature a butcher shop, produce and seafood departments, a bakery and a deli, and a full-service, drive-through pharmacy. The store will also sell locally grown and produced items through the Hannaford Close to Home program.

by Casey Hurlburt. Michael Hastings is the author of the RollingStone article titled ‘The Runaway General,’ which prompted General Stanley McChrystal to lose his position as Commander of US Forces Afghanistan. The controversial article has also brought about a wide variety of responses from the media, ranging from praise to disparagement.

Burlington has long been recognized for its scenic beauty, lifestyle, business climate, stellar health care, and educational opportunities; and is a magnet that attracts individuals and families interested in relocating. Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty enlisted local film company FlyBy Films, to create a short video on living, working, playing, and learning in the Queen City.
‘Roughly 20% of our business comes from individuals and families moving to or from our area,’ says Leslee MacKenzie, President/Owner of Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty, ‘For several years we’ve been creating tools for use by our corporate clients to attract the talent they need in new jobs. Our role as Realtors involves acting as a community Ambassador ‘ educating people about the communities and lifestyle our area has to offer. ‘

FairPoint Communications recently donated a combined $11,250 to 11 Vermont nonprofit organizations in recognition of volunteer efforts by FairPoint employees.
The FairPoint Volunteer Incentive Program recognizes employees' contribution of time and talent to nonprofit organizations where they live and work. Under the program, FairPoint employees who volunteer at least 50 hours during the year can request that FairPoint reward the organization with a $750 grant. Employees may request funds on behalf of two separate organizations for a total of $1,500 each year.
FairPoint employees and their favorite nonprofits include:

· All Breed Rescue in South Burlington received $750 on behalf of FairPoint employee Debra Rocheleau of Colchester.

Prime Lube, Inc, one of the largest distributors of lubricants and anti-freeze in the Mid-Atlantic, announced today that Sandri Energy based in Greenfield, MA, has become a major distributor of BlueSky Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Sandri will offer the the mandated fuel supplement to its transportation and construction fleet customers throughout the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and Eastern New York.
‘We are very pleased to welcome the Sandri Energy family into BlueSky distributorship,’ said Prime Lube CEO Robert Arbasetti. ‘Sandri is a well-diversified, progressive energy supplier, and we are confident that our new locally-manufactured BlueSky DEF will satisfy their customers’ needs for quality, value and effectiveness.’

Vermont’s Congressional Delegation ‘ Senator Patrick Leahy (D), Senator Bernie Sanders (I) and Congressman Peter Welch (D) ‘ reported Tuesday that 18 Vermont farms and rural businesses will share $3,750,930 in grants and loans to support energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy projects. The loans and grants are being made through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

The Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant reconnected to the New England power grid at 5:18 am, Thursday morning. Operators manually shut the plant down on Sunday night to repair a leak on a 24-inch feed water pipe located in the turbine building feed pump room.
The minor leak was found to be from a weld on a one half inch metal access plug in the pipe. The access plug was used for radiography of pipe welds during the original construction of the plant. Technicians have replaced the seal weld with a more substantial weld to the plug. The minor leakage, estimated at 120 drops per minute was collected via a floor drain and returned to the reactor. There was no threat to public health or safety or to plant personnel at any time.