Current News

Susan Bartlett, Democratic candidate for governor, announced today that she has hired three people to work for her campaign. David Heller will serve as Bartlett’s political media consultant and handle all of her campaign advertising; Alan Secrest will serve as her campaign pollster; and John Bauer will work on message development, fundraising and data management.
“This is the beginning of the team we will build for a successful grass-roots campaign for governor, one where I will focus meeting and speaking directly with voters about my priorities – creating jobs, promoting economic development and improving our schools,” Bartlett said. “I view the campaign as a job interview. David, Alan and John will help me share my vision, credentials and strengths with the people of Vermont.”

Dealer.com, based in Burlington, Vermont, the global leader of online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, today announced that it ranked number 214 on Technology Fast 500, Deloitte LLP s ranking of 500 of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. Rankings are based on percentage of fiscal year revenue growth during the five year period from 2004 2008. Dealer.com grew 629 percent during this period. Dealer.com s CEO, Mark Bonfigli, credits employee dedication and the company's advanced technology platform with the 629 percent revenue growth over the past five years.

Vermont Governor Jim Douglas today announced the creation of a Health Care Cabinet, to help coordinate Vermont’s nationally recognized health reform initiatives across several agencies and departments and to help implement any health reforms that may be enacted at the federal level in the near future. The Cabinet will be comprised of representatives from agencies and departments with jurisdiction over health care services, policy, regulation and implementation, among other responsibilities.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports recently received a donation from Chittenden Bank in the amount of $1,000 to support year round recreational programming for adults with disabilities.
"We believe sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual," said Erin Fernandez, executive director. "We extend an enormous thanks to Chittenden for this donation that will help us to underwrite some of the costs of our adaptive programs and allow more people with disabilities to participate."

Green Mountain Power (GMP), headquartered in Colchester, Vermont, has added farm methane to its portfolio of renewable energy sources, which includes hydro, wind, landfill methane and a planned solar plant, with the commissioning of the Westminster Farms plant. About 1,200 cows will provide enough manure to produce about 225 kw of electricity. That's enough electricity to power about 250 homes.
"This arrangement is a winner for all involved. I want to congratulate Green Mountain Power and Westminster Farms for working together to make this project possible," said Governor Jim Douglas. "Not only does this allow Green Mountain Power to provide low cost alternative energy to their customers, but it also gives the farm a much needed revenue boost."

Intrawest and Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced a new strategic alliance that will put Sprint's mobile devices, voice plans and air cards in the hands of Intrawest's staff at Copper Mountain and Steamboat Resort in Colorado. The new three-year agreement also gives Sprint the exclusive rights to promote, advertise and market their wireless products and services at all of Intrawest's mountain resorts in the United States, including Mountain Creek in New Jersey, Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont, Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia and at Intrawest's three Colorado resorts (Copper, Steamboat and Winter Park Resort).

Thomas E Murray, Vermont s CIO and Commissioner of the Department of Information and Innovation, has been named as the Executive Director of the Vermont Telecommunications Authority. The VTA was established by the Legislature in 2007 as part of Governor Douglas proposal to make Vermont the nation s first e-state. Its mission is to ensure Vermonters have access to affordable broadband and cellular service throughout the state.
I want to thank Tom for accepting this vital mission at a very critical time in the extended development of the state s infrastructure, said VTA s Board Chairman Chris Dutton. Under Tom s leadership and vision, I m confident that Vermonters will soon see these important services available throughout the state.

Governor Jim Douglas and Secretary of Administration Neale Lunderville today announced the appointment of Chief Recovery Officer Tom Evslin to the new position of Chief Technology Officer with specific initial responsibility for preparing telecom initiatives for the upcoming legislative session. Evslin will also help formulate policy for use of technology in the e-state government of the future including cloud computing and other technical opportunities for the state, smart grid, and the use of energy by state government.
The change in responsibility will be effective on October 31, 2009 after the first cycle of state reporting on stimulus spending and jobs creation to the federal Office of Management and Budget has been completed. Mel Adams, currently director for physical infrastructure in the Office of Economic Stimulus and Recovery, will succeed Evslin as Director of the Office of Economic Stimulus and Recovery.

Vermont’s minimum wage will remain $8.06 per hour during 2010, the Department of Labor announced today. Vermont’s minimum wage increases at the same rate as the August Consumer Price Index (CPI) each year or five percent, whichever is smaller. The August CPI fell by -1.5% for the period September 1, 2008 to August 31, 2009. Vermont law does not allow the minimum wage to decline, so it will remain the same as it was during 2009, $8.06 per hour. Vermont is one of only 13 states with a minimum wage higher than the $7.25 per hour federal minimum wage.
“A steady minimum wage reflects our economic times,” said Commissioner Patricia Moulton Powden, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Labor. “The cost of living has fallen and the ability of employers to increase pay is limited by the recession.”

Larry Sudbay, President and Chief Executive Officer of SymQuest Group, Inc. announced today that Rutland County Parent Child Center, Inc. (RCPCC) was chosen as the winning applicant for the Third SymPowered Office Makeover from SymQuest — worth $25,000. Rutland County Parent Child Center, a locally based non-profit, demonstrated the most need, budget constraints, outdated equipment and dedication to serving their clients. Since 1985, RCPCC has nurtured strengths, growth and independence of children and families in the Rutland area. The RCPCC believes that families and their children have the right to family-centered, comprehensive high quality services. They deliver these services through home-based programs, playgroups, parent education and support, information and referral early childhood programs, community development and on-site services.

The Champlain Bridge connecting Route 17 in Addison with New York state was closed Friday until further notice. The sudden closure was the result of inspectors finding a pier deteriorating at the water line. The bridge, at the crossing of Chimney Point and Crown Point, NY, is the responsibility of the State of New York, which will come up with alternative solutions until the bridge is repaired at least temporarily. Eventually the bridge could be repaired or replaced. Major construction was not expected to take place until 2013. A project either to rehabilitate or replace the bridge is being developed by both NYSDOT and the Vermont Agency of Transportation under an agreement between the states.

Arrow Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: AROW) announced operating results for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009. Net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009 was $5.1 million, representing diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $.46, unchanged from the diluted earnings per share in the third quarter of 2008, when net income was $5.0 million. Net income for the first nine months of 2009 was $16.7 million, representing diluted EPS of $1.52, or 7.8% higher than the diluted per share amount of $1.41 earned in the first nine months of 2008, when net income was $15.4 million. The comparative results for the nine-month periods were affected by certain significant transactions, discussed further in this release. Cash dividends paid to shareholders in the first nine months of 2009 was $.73, or 2.8% higher than the $.71 dividend paid in the first nine months of 2008.