Current News

VEDA APPROVES $8.3 MILLION IN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FINANCING
Montpelier, VT (June 30) - The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) has approved $8.3 million in business development financing to support commercial, agricultural and small business projects throughout Vermont. The approved projects total $22.8 million.
"We are pleased to help leverage a significant amount of private financing through the Authority's investment in these business development and expansion projects," said VEDA's Chief Executive Officer Jo Bradley.
Among the projects approved for financing are:

The sofi Awards from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) honor the best food and beverages that the specialty food trade has to offer.

Senate Pro Tem Shumlin and Speaker Symington appoint Arnie Gundersen and Peter Bradford to Public Oversight Panel
Montpelier, Vt (July 1, 2008) - Senate Pro Tem Peter Shumlin and Speaker Gaye
Symington today made their appointments to Public Oversight Panel for
the Comprehensive Vertical Inspection of Vermont Yankee. Senate Pro Tem
Shumlin appointed Arnie Gundersen of Burlington, Vt and Speaker
Symington appointed Peter Bradford of Peru, Vt.
The Oversight Panel was established by the legislature to ensure
transparency and public involvement in the independent inspection of the
Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant required by the S.364 of the 2008
session. The Panel will provide its assessment of the inspection and
condition of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power station to the Vermont
Legislature by January 30, 2009, prior to a key vote on whether the

Green Mountain Power's SolarGMP
Approved by Vermont Public Service Board
New solar incentive takes effect July 1
COLCHESTER, Vt. (July 1, 2008) --- Green Mountain Power's groundbreaking new approach to accelerate the adoption of solar energy by Vermont homes and businesses has been approved by the Vermont Public Service Board. The program became available July 1, 2008.
"We are so pleased that our customers will now receive the appropriate financial incentive to install solar generation at their homes and businesses," said Mary Powell, incoming president and chief executive officer of Green Mountain Power. "SolarGMP will help increase the amount of renewable energy resources powering Vermont in the future."

Vermont Charter Company Expands Fleet,
Adds Non-Stop Service to West Coast, Caribbean, Europe
Longer Routes Continue to be Popular
BURLINGTON, VT (July 1, 2008) - Heritage Flight has added another, larger jet to its fleet, enabling the Vermont-based charter airline and aircraft management company to expand its menu of non-stop destinations.
With the addition of a sleek Canadair Challenger 604, Heritage can now transport passengers from Burlington, Montreal, Boston, Albany and elsewhere in the northeastern U.S. and southern Quebec directly to such popular locations as Las Vegas and California, Mexican and Caribbean resorts, and even Europe.
Heritage had previously offered non-stop service to most of these destinations with a Canadair Challenger 601, which it parted with in 2007. The newly acquired Challenger 604 represents a technology and comfort upgrade - in addition, the jet's range is about 500 miles longer than that of the 601.

Jay, VT (July 1, 2008) - After nearly 25 years of leading Jay Peak as President and Chief Operating Officer, Bill Stenger, along with a group of private investors, has purchased the northern Vermont Resort-located just a few miles south of the Canadian border.
"The sale of Jay Peak is a very positive transition-not only from the perspective of our employees and guests, but from that of the entire community of Jay Peak stakeholders. Our entire ownership and management team is very excited to move Jay Peak forward toward a higher level of service and quality." said Stenger.
Mont Saint Sauver International (MSSI), an owner and operator of Canadian-based ski resorts, had owned the Resort since 1978. Stenger had been working on the developing sale and transition since the early fall of 2007.

EnerNOC Signs Contract with Burlington Electric Department
Demand Response Program Provides Pricing Stability for Vermont Ratepayers
BOSTON, MA, July 1, 2008 - EnerNOC, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENOC), a leading developer and provider of clean and intelligent energy solutions, today announced that it has signed a contract with Burlington Electric Department to deliver up to 10 megawatts of demand response capacity. This capacity will help provide wholesale electricity market pricing stability that will benefit all Burlington ratepayers.

Governor, Retailers, Grocers and Foodbank to Announce Unprecedented 'Holiday' Food Drive
Barre, Vt. -- Governor Jim Douglas, the Vermont Retail Association, the Vermont Grocers' Association and the Vermont Foodbank are joining forces for unprecedented 'holiday' food drive during Vermont's upcoming Sales Tax Holiday weekend, July 12-13.
To celebrate the spirit of giving and the generosity of Vermonters, this partnership has established over 100 food collection points at grocery stores and other retail outlets around the State. The Vermont Foodbank will ensure that food collected in a community is distributed to local food shelves within that community.
The announcement will take place at the Hannaford Supermarket in Barre where Hannaford will prepare to deliver a truck loaded with 22 pallets of non-perishable food items to the Vermont Foodbank.

Sea Change Investment Fund Invests In Putney Pasta SAN FRANCISCO, CA., JUNE 30, 2008 - The Sea Change Investment Fund, LLC, a venture capital fund focused on environmentally-preferable seafood, in conjunction with existing company investors CEI Community Ventures Fund and The CDVCA Central Fund, today announces a $2.35 million investment in Vermont-based The Natural Pasta Company d/b/a/ Putney Pasta. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to invest in Putney Pasta as the company prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary and nationally launch a new line of all-natural Shrimp and Chicken Skillet Meals this fall," commented Jason Winship, Managing Principal of Sea Change. "Sea Change invests in companies that combine strong growth prospects with sound seafood sourcing policies.

Vermont Businesses Recognized for Outstanding Efforts to Employ Individuals with Disabilities
Waterbury, VT-At this month's 5th Governor's Summit for the Employment of People with Disabilities, eight businesses were recognized by the Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD) for their efforts to promote the employment of Vermonters with physical, mental, emotional and/or other disabilities.
The GCEPD, a statewide committee, offers links to employment services, awareness to employers, and advises the Governor on current issues facing individuals with disabilities who seek employment. In 1989, the GCEPD began recognizing individuals, businesses, media or municipalities that have made significant contributions to the employment of people with disabilities. Currently, over sixty Vermont businesses and individuals have been honored.

Vermont
Officials to Celebrate Quebec City’s 400th Anniversary
Gov.
Douglas, Sen. Leahy, Dignitaries and Officials to Attend Lois McClure Reception
and Dedication of Vermont and New England Monuments

WHO:
Governor Jim Douglas, U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, Honorary Chairperson of the Franco-American
Heritage Committee Marcelle Leahy, Vermont Tourism and Marketing Commissioner
Bruce Hyde and Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss

WHAT:
Lois McClure Reception and Monument Dedication

WHY:
In honor of Quebec City’s
Quadricentennial Celebrations

WHERE:
Lois McClure Reception:
On board the flagship schooner the Lois McClure
Espace 400e
100, rue Quai Saint-Andre, Quebec

Monument Dedication:
Parc de la Jetee
On Boulevard Champlain

AHS Secretary Announces New Commissioner of Health
Dr. Wendy Davis to Assume Top Public Health Position in the State
Agency of Human Services Secretary Cynthia D. LaWare today announced her appointment of Wendy Sue Davis, M.D., as Vermont's new Commissioner of Health.
"Dr. Davis has accepted this opportunity to provide interim leadership at a critical time for the Department of Health. She will be working closely with me as we conduct a national search for this important public health leadership role," stated Secretary LaWare. "Thanks to a new Vermont law championed by Governor Douglas, our state now has the flexibility to consider not only physicians for this position, but also advanced degreed public health professionals with more diverse background, ensuring our state has access to a variety of qualified candidates to serve in this critically important leadership role."