Current News

Vermont Downtown Projects Honored at State Conference
Bennington, Burlington, Montpelier, Morrisville, Newport, Poultney, St. Johnsbury, and Waterbury are Winners
MONTPELIER, Vt. - Several of Vermont's local downtown revitalization groups have been honored by the state for their work in making the state's downtowns vibrant places to live, work, and shop.
The Green Mountain Awards were part of the Vermont Downtown Program's annual Downtown Conference Tuesday which celebrated 10 years of revitalizing Vermont communities at the Capital Plaza Hotel in downtown Montpelier.
"This was the first time the Vermont Downtown Program paid tribute these unsung heroes of community revitalization for all of their hard work and dedication," said Joss Besse, Director of the Downtown Program. "The program received so many worthy nominations that it was difficult even narrow it down to finalists."

Montpelier, Vt - The Vermont Milk Commission will hold a deliberative meeting on October 16, 2008, in the Second Floor Conference Room of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Market, 116 State St. Montpelier, VT beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Commission will deliberate final issuance of the proposed Order to establish a retail fluid milk premium, based on the record developed during the recently completed hearing process on the proposed Order.
The proposed Order, transcript and exhibits of the September 9, 2008 hearing, and additional written comment are posted on the Vermont Milk Commission web page at the Agency website: www.vermontagriculture.com

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