Current News
by tim
Business Roundtable's survey shows little change
The Vermont Business Roundtables First Quarter 2005 CEO Economic Outlook Survey, show that projections for both sales and employment levels are virtually unchanged from the previous survey period, however a greater percentage of CEOs is projecting an increase in capital expenditures over the coming six months.
Higher capital expenditures are forecasted for the next six-month period (10% above last quarter), but still down from this time last year. Sales projections are virtually the same as last quarter, but down from responses from this time last year. And, projected employment levels are down slightly from last quarter, though by and large, very similar to this time last year.
by tim
Gardner selected Small Business Person of the Year
Oliver J Gardner, owner and president of Four Seasons Garden Center in Williston has been selected as the US Small Business Administrations (SBA) 2005 Vermont Small Business Person of the Year. Nominated by Bob Blanchard, Vice President of Charter One Bank, Burlington, Gardner was selected for outstanding leadership related to his companys staying power, employee growth, increase in sales, innovative ingenuity, response to adversity and contributions to the community.
Four Seasons is a regional, independent retail garden center specializing in an extensive inventory of ornamental trees and shrubs, perennials, annuals and garden accessories. Through repeated demonstrations of revenue-generating ability paired with environmental accountability, Four Seasons set standards that changed the garden center industrys paradigm for success.
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Governor signs reimportation legislation
Governor Jim Douglas has signed a drug reimportation bill that will allow a small number of Vermonters access to pharmaceuticals from Canada and other nations, and urged the Legislature to move on to more pressing issues.
The governor said that even those who campaigned heavily on the issue of drug reimportation, and who claimed that it would be a significant step toward lower drug prices and affordable health care, now concede that this bill will help only a handful of Vermonters.
The governor added that the Legislature must take action to save Medicaid and pass health insurance reforms that make progress toward our goal of universal coverage this year.
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Volz appointed Public Service Board chairman
James Volz, who has served as the Department of Public Service's (DPS) director for public advocacy since 1989, has been appointed chair of the Public Service Board, Governor Jim Douglas has announced.
According to its mission statement, the Public Service Board is a quasi-judicial board that regulates the rates, quality of service, and overall financial management of Vermont's public utilities: cable television, electric, gas, telecommunications, water and large wastewater companies.
by tim
David Nichols, Vice President of Climate Systems, Inc. in Williston, has been appointed to a second two-year term on the Board of Advisors of The Unified Group, a national network of 45 pre-eminent heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC).
Headquartered in Chicago, The Unified Group is composed of independent HVAC contractors who share a commitment to remaining independent, while providing quality service to clients. The Board of Advisors oversees The Unified Group's five major business areas including purchasing, business opportunities, membership, training and marketing. Participation in The Unified Group is limited to one member company per geographic area, and companies must have demonstrated a commitment to providing quality service to their clients.
Climate Systems, Inc. is a locally-owned , full service and installation heating, ventilatin, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanical contractor dedicated to customer satisfaction.
by tim
Burlington, VT -- Olivia Gorun, of Burlington, VT announced today the launch of Aviva, an image consulting service for people who are transforming themselves. Olivia helps men and women develop a plan to evaluate style, color and wardrobe needs to meet personal and professional goals. As a result, her clients project confidence, feel beautiful, and express themselves in a way that emphasizes their potential. The business is the first of its kind in Chittenden County.
Avivas mission is to help her clients look great at any stage of life. Personal style has little to do with what is considered fashionable in a given season, says Olivia. Instead, it emphasizes the bodys potential. When clothes and makeup complement your coloring, you look natural and exciting.
by tim
Maponics, LLC (www.maponics.com), a nationwide provider of custom mapping solutions, has announced the expansion of its sales territory design capabilities. This development enables managers to create territories that make as much sense in the field as they do on paper a key to maximizing profitability and employee satisfaction.
by tim
BURLINGTON, Vt.--Champlain College is offering a new Information Security degree that will put students on the front line of the information technology battlefield. Students will learn to fend off information loss and computer intrusions--including threats from nefarious hackers, debilitating viruses, stealthy Trojan Horses and denial-of-service attacks.
Starting in the fall, the program joins Champlains Computer Networking and Computer & Digital Forensics programs to create a unique and comprehensive team of undergraduate offerings in this dynamic IT arena. Information Security professionals keep undesireables out of their networks, said program director Gary Kessler, when describing the difference between the programs. Computer forensics professionals investigate the problem once someone has gotten in.
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Citizens Bank Foundation Grant Expands Affordable Homeownership Programs
[Burlington, VT] More than 13,000 Vermonters would qualify for a home mortgage but need help finding affordable homes and financial assistance. Thanks to a significant Citizens Bank Foundation grant contribution, hundreds of low and moderate income Vermonters will be able to attain affordable homeownership with home buyer education and financial assistance.
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Governor Announces Changes in Administration
Montpelier -- Governor Jim Douglas has announced that the secretaries
of human services and administration are planning to switch positions in
the next phase of the Governor's efforts to strengthen government
services, save Medicaid and reform health care.
Effective Monday, February 21, Charlie Smith will become administration
secretary, state government's equivalent of a chief operating officer and
Mike Smith will become human services secretary, overseeing the largest
and most costly agency in state government. Both men will work closely
together to ensure a smooth transition of all management and legislative
issues.
Governor Douglas said both men have served extraordinarily well in their
current positions and that each agency will benefit from the change.
"Charlie and Mike are invaluable members of my team and both have worked
by tim
The Women Business Owners Network (WBON) welcomes 19 new members:
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New Study Results Show Visitor Spending Impact On Vermont Economy
MONTPELIER - Governor Jim Douglas and Vermont's Tourism Commissioner have unveiled the results of a major new study that they say is the most detailed and comprehensive ever undertaken to measure the impact of visitor spending on the Vermont economy.
The survey, conducted by Economic and Policy Resources (EPR) of Williston shows that in 2003, visitors made an estimated 12.8 million trips to Vermont and direct visitor spending totaled $1.46 billion. In addition, the study found that visitor spending, both directly and indirectly, supported more than 36,470 jobs (approximately 1 in every 10) for Vermont workers and business owners and added $181.7 million in tax and fee revenues to state coffers in the General, Education and Transportation Funds.