Current News

Innovators throughout the business and education worlds are increasingly seeking ways to harness the untapped potential of electronic games and social media as powerful learning tools. The Emergent Media Center (EMC) at Champlain College has led the way in exploring this exciting new territory. Now that pioneering journey takes its next step as the EMC moves into new quarters at Winooski's historic Champlain Mill.

A celebration to mark the official opening of the EMC was held Tuesday, Oct. 21. The community met the students, faculty and staff of the high-tech education center and saw some of the ground-breaking projects. Gov. Jim Douglas, Champlain College officials, Winooski City officials and representatives from many top technology and software designers were expected to attend the opening.

Snyder Homes Builds Vermont's First NAHB-certified Green Home
MIDDLEBURY, VT- Chris Snyder, Executive Vice President, announced that Snyder Homes is the first company to attain an NAHB (National Association of Home Builders)-certification for a Green Home in Vermont. The Snyder-built home is located at 32 Fields Road in Middlebury. An open house event is scheduled for Sunday, October 19 from noon to 3pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the builder, representatives from Efficiency VT and the NAHB verifier.
In order to attain NAHB-certified Green Home status, the home must comply with the NAHB Green Home Building Guidelines. Builders must select an accredited verifier to inspect the home and confirm that the home has been built with sustainable resources, energy and water efficiency; maintains indoor environmental quality and has a low impact on the surrounding environment.

Solar Works, Inc. and SolarWrights, Inc. Join Forces to Create Largest Solar Integration Company in Northeast

Riverside Partners invests in the merger of the region's two
leading residential and commercial solar integrators

Boston, MA - October 14, 2008 - Riverside Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, announced today the acquisition and merger of Solar Works, Inc (with an office in Montpelier) and SolarWrights, Inc. into the largest solar energy integrator in the Northeast.

Global Entrepreneurship Week
November 17-20 (Monday-Thursday)
4 pm

Billings North Lounge at the University of Vermont

Information and Expo Registration: http://www.uvm.edu/cdae/entrepreneurshipweek/index.html

With the goal of inspiring potential entrepreneurs within the University of Vermont and beyond, the Community Development and Applied Economics Department is calling for entrepreneurs to highlight their own projects through the expo and participate in the discussions about the challenges and benefits of entrepreneurship.

Each evening has a slightly different theme:

Nov 17: Invent It! Product innovation, invention, development and commercialization

Nov 18: Be Creative! Creative, information, technology and energy entrepreneurship

Nov 19: Make it Local! Social and community entrepreneurship: Vermont

Mehran Assadi has been designated the next president and chief executive officer of National Life Group (NLGroup), the company's Board of Directors announced on Tuesday.
Assadi, currently president of NLGroup's life and annuity division, will succeed Thomas H. MacLeay, who is retiring Dec. 31 as president and CEO. MacLeay will remain as Chairman of the Board.
David Coates, the lead independent director on the board and chairman of the search committee, said Assadi has been instrumental in developing and executing a strategy of success for the life and annuity division.
"Mehran is a proven leader," said Coates. "He brings energy, enthusiasm and optimism to every assignment he is given. We believe Mehran is the best person to build on Tom's tremendous record of accomplishment."

Pomerleau Real Estate, a Commercial Development, Property Management and Commercial Brokerage firm in Vermont, is pleased to announce their appointment as Property Manager for Kilburn & Gates Industries, Kilburn Street, Burlington, VT. Pomerleau's Property Management takes the hassle out of being a commercial property owner. They currently manage office, industrial, multi-family and shopping center properties. Their experience, attention to detail and expertise can make your property ownership more profitable and seamless. Call Brian Waxler at 802/863-8217, ext. 22 for an estimate on your property.

Ready, Set, Go is dedicated to providing the highest quality developmental care for each child in a stimulating, secure, and caring, learning environment. The staff establishes positive personal interaction, nurturing each childs growth and education. Individuality is acknowledged and respected as each child explores a child-centered environment at his or her own pace. Our teachers implement a cue-based or child-centered philosophy to create a program that is responsive to all children in the group. The curriculum is designed to involve children in experiences to enhance language, literature, music and movement, art, and socialization. Through play, all areas of development are fostered. A strong sense of identity and competence are developed as children are helped to feel good about themselves, their abilities, and uniqueness.

Intervale Center Settles Compost Dispute;

Vermont's September Revenue Figures - General Fund, Transportation Fund and Education Fund - Exceed Target for the Month
Montpelier, VT (October 10, 2008) - Secretary of Administration Neale F. Lunderville has released General Fund revenue results for the
month of September, the third month of Fiscal Year 2009. General Fund revenues totaled $127.44
million for September 2008, +$13.84 million or +12.19% above the $113.60 million consensus
revenue forecast for the month. Cumulatively, General Fund revenues year to date were $294.03
million or +12.97 million (+4.61%) above the consensus revenue forecast for Fiscal Year 2009.
However, there are certain factors that impact the availability of this apparent above target result.
It is important to note that the September revenue includes a legal settlement of $6.03 million. At the
time the consensus revenue forecast was approved in July 2008, the outcome of the legal action was

Metal maple syrup cans with odor discovered, discontinued

Church Street Marketplace RESEARCH REPORT:

Intercept Interviews of French-Speaking Quebec visitors

(South Burlington, VT) Starr Jewell, a twenty-year veteran of the northern Vermont communications industry, has announced the launch of Starr Jewell Marketing Services, and a new concept for organizations needing marketing assistance. Jewell has partnered with experienced professionals who have their own independent practices brand strategists, graphic designers, marketing planners, copywriters, web developers, sales consultants, public relations experts, market researchers, coaches, and media specialists enabling businesses and non profits to find and work with the best talent available. Jewell works with clients to match them with the right professionals, then manages and oversees the selected team and their work. The firm will offer these comprehensive marketing and communications services to clients throughout northern New England and New York.