Current News

Governor Jim Douglas welcomed the news that Vermont was recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its improved access through expanded outreach in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during 2009. As a result Vermont will receive $375,889 in bonus funds for the program as part of $18 million worth of bonus awards announced today by Federal Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The national SNAP program is known in Vermont as 3SquaresVT.

‘Once again, Vermont is recognized as a leader among states in protecting and serving the most vulnerable in our communities,’ said Governor Jim Douglas. ‘This award recognizes our strong efforts to reach out to Vermonters in need to ensure they have access to critical benefits, especially in these challenging economic times.’

The U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny, N.J., awarded General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products an order valued at approximately $35 million to manufacture M2A1 quick change barrel (QCB) conversion kits. The QCB conversion kits feature several direct-replacement parts to modify existing M2 heavy barrel (M2HB) machine guns to the M2A1 configuration. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in January 2011 and will continue through December 2012. General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).

Director Art Jones and Bruce Bouchard, Executive Director of The Paramount Theatre, announced today that the feature-length Rutland-focused documentary, "The Blood in this Town" will be presented in a "Sneak Preview to Benefit the Paramount Theatre" on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m. There will be two additional "Sneak Previews" at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24. Proceeds will benefit The Paramount.

Private equity firm North Castle Partners in partnership with CMS Companies announced today that they have invested in Ibex Outdoor Clothing Holdings, Inc, a designer, marketer, manufacturer and distributor of a diverse range of premium branded wool and wool-based technical apparel and accessories. Ibex just announced it was opening its first retail store in Boston. North Castle is a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on investments in consumer-driven product and service businesses that benefit from "Healthy Living and Aging" trends. The terms of the investment were not disclosed.

To continue to stay ahead of rising demand for wireless voice, 3G multimedia and Internet access in Windsor County, Vermont, Verizon Wireless has expanded its local network. New cell site provides increased wireless voice and 3G data coverage for western portions of Woodstock and along sections of Route 4, as well as the surrounding area. Expanded 3G data coverage in Woodstock lets more customers using notebook computers or smartphones.
‘People across Vermont are increasingly relying on smartphones and 3G apps to manage their busy lives and stay connected at home or on-the-go,’ said director for Network Systems Performance for Verizon Wireless, Richard Enright. ‘Our network investment in New England has kept us ahead of consumer trends, provided our customers a 3G advantage and underscored our belief that any mobile device is only as good as the network it runs on. Proactive and sustained investment has made Verizon Wireless the 3G leader in New England and nationwide.’

Average retail gasoline prices in Vermont have fallen to $2.67 per gallon, or 5 cents below the national average, and are trending downward, while Burlington gas prices have fallen 2.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.66/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 0.2 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.72/g, according to gasoline price websites vermontgasprices.com and BurlingtonGasPrices.com.

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To accelerate the installation of ultra-efficient LED lighting, Efficiency Vermont is now offering businesses rebates for the installation of Lighting Science Group's (LSCG 1.62, +0.06, +3.85%) new DEFINITY line of LED bulbs, PROLIFIC Series street lights and Shoebox fixtures. Chosen as a result of their rigorous LM-79 performance testing and excellent color rendering index and efficacy, Lighting Science Group's ultra-efficient LED bulbs and fixtures have no mercury and very long life-spans. The incentives are being provided for retrofit, new construction and custom applications through Efficiency Vermont.

EnerNOC, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENOC), a leading provider of SaaS-based carbon management applications, today announced that Cabot Creamery Cooperative, a major northeastern dairy producer and a leader in sustainable business operations, will deploy EnerNOC’s CarbonSMARTâ ¢ to streamline its data collection process, provide a comprehensive and accurate overview of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and help prioritize energy efficiency strategies. Cabot’s Vermont-based facilities include dairy manufacturing facilities, distribution and warehousing, and administrative offices.

The Addison County Chamber of Commerce (ACCOC) is teaming up with Efficiency Vermont to implement its new Business Energy Ambassadors program. Under this program, trained volunteers will conduct free on-site business energy visits to identify opportunities for helping small businesses save energy (and money!). The primary focus is on lighting, which can also increase the appeal of retail and office spaces to customers and clients. ACCOC will work with businesses that can benefit from the limited-time and enhanced financial incentives currently being offered by Efficiency Vermont.

SBA Administrator Karen Mills announced today the U.S. Small Business Administration’s support for 10 regional economic development and job creation efforts through a new pilot program, ‘Innovative Economies.’
The pilot program supports small businesses participation in regional economic ‘clusters’ ‘ collaborations between small businesses, the public sector, economic development and other organizations.
‘Maximizing a region’s economic assets is one of the best ways to create long term job growth, and that’s what SBA’s new Innovative Economies pilot initiative is doing,’ Mills said. ‘Today we are announcing funding support for 10 regional economic clusters. SBA’s support will help expand the opportunities and the role small businesses play in these regional collaborations, which are enhancing the ability to create jobs locally and compete on a national and global scale.’

The US Army recently awarded MicroStrain, Inc. a Phase II SBIR contract to continue to develop a comprehensive and wirelessly networked health management capability that can be embedded directly into rotorcraft components. Providing the technology to manage the health of rotating helicopter structural components is expected to significantly reduce operational costs, increase mission readiness, and enhance safety.
MicroStrain’s Phase II SBIR effort includes a demonstration of embedded energy harvesting radio frequency identification (EH-RFID) nodes with capabilities of unique identification, performance monitoring, on board storage of component usage history, and remaining useful life.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR) is pleased to announce it will package and distribute a new green tea in a K-Cup® portion pack made with paper.
Celestial Seasonings® Honey Lemon Ginseng Green Tea is the first beverage to be offered in the new paper-based K-Cup, which is designed for use in the Keurig® Single-Cup Brewing System. The K-Cup contains authentic green tea and delicate Bai Mu Dan white tea ‘ one of the rarest and youngest of teas ‘ creating a smooth, balanced cup with a pleasantly mild flavor.