Current News

Vermont-based organizational consultant Dale Guldbrandsen recently gave the keynote address to over 100 first-year students at American University's International MBA Student Preparation program. The Manchester, Vt. executive addressed the group on Aug. 22 in
Washington D.C. His presentation, 'The Master Navigator: Leveraging Leadership," guided the new business students on the principles of leadership and corporate ethics, a timely topic amidst the ongoing corporate ethics crisis. His program focused on the importance of achieving clarity of thought and purpose as the business students prepare for careers in international business.
Guldbrandsen guided the students through a focused examination of executive principles and values. He led them through an analysis of "True

John Marshall of Peacham has been elected chair of the board of directors of Vermont Public Television, the statewide public television network. He is director and CEO of Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC in St. Johnsbury.
He succeeds Helen Riehle of S. Burlington, who served as chair for three years and continues on the board for another year. Her colleagues honored her recently for her 13 years of service to VPT.
William Stritzler of Jeffersonville, managing director of Smuggler's Notch, was elected vice chair.

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to our Annual Meeting, scheduled for September 12, 2002, at the Cortina Inn in
Killington. The keynote luncheon speaker is Dr. Daniel Fogel, President of the University of Vermont.
The Vermont Chamber recognizes that higher education is a critical element in the development of a strong economic future for Vermont. Dr. Fogel stated, "The University of Vermont is an institution in which the people
of Vermont ought to take enormous pride. They are getting a very, very high return on their investment." Founded in 1791, the University of
Vermont is the largest educational institution in the state, with nearly 300 buildings and a 425-acre main campus.
Please join us to welcome Dr. Fogel as he engages the audience in a discussion about the importance and future direction of the University of

The Vermont Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (Vermont NETS) and The Governor's Highway Safety Program will present a conference titled Defensive Driving: The Cost Savings Factor, Thursday, October 3, 2002, 8:00am-12:00pm at the Clarion Hotel Burlington.
Find out how traffic safety can save your company money. This conference is designed for Human Resource Directors; Safety Officers; managers and business owners. Traffic crashes can create personal and financial havoc with your business! Find out how you can confront this issue. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death and injury in the work place.
When you attend the conference you will understand traffic safety from the law enforcement perspective. You will take the Distracted Drivers Test. Learn about occupant protection-it IS the law. Learn about the overall traffic safety picture in Vermont and learn about benefits of defensive driving techniques.

Formerly known as the Marlboro College Graduate Center, Persons School is this year offering the new degree completion program as a direct way of helping displaced workers find their place in the job force. According to Admissions Director Margaret Donahue, graduates who come out of the program with a MIS degree will have the potential to cut across a broad range of professional job opportunities. Some graduates will be able to apply their skills to fields they are already working in while others could go on to help businesses to develop online strategies either as employees or consultants ­something staffers at Persons School say will be critical in the future. According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Growth in the management of technology is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.
Opportunities should increase and growth should be brisk as the economy expands and advances in

A One-Day Introduction to Performance Excellence

Vermont Venture Network August Monthly Breakfast Meeting.
Thursday, August 29, 2002, 8 A.M.
Scott Kirsner, Contributing editor at Wired Magazine and Fast Company; @large columnist for the Boston Globe.
Join us for a highly-interactive discussion with Boston Globe, Wired Magazine and Fast Company contributor Scott Kirsner, as he discusses the dynamics shaping the tech sector in New England, offers a glimpse of some of the region’s promising new technologies and describes some of the shared traits of businesses that have figured out how to grow in the current environment.
Scott will also provide a preview of this September’s Future Forward conference.
A discussion period will follow, and your questions are encouraged.
Location: The Radisson Hotel

60 Battery Street

Burlington, VT

All indications point to an excellent foliage season in Vermont this year. Vermont has the characteristics needed for great foliage. Weather and forest health conditions thus far have been ideal and should produce a colorful autumn show.
According to M. Brian Stone, Vermont's Chief of Forest Management, "Vermont has all the conditions required to consistently produce excellent fall foliage. With a diverse combination of tree species, generally high
quality soils and topography, which allows good moisture retention, Vermont can regularly count on beautiful foliage. Tree health is also
crucial. Leaf cover and tree color in Vermont's forests have all been very good this year and pest evidence is minimal."
Vermont state foresters track many aspects of forest growth and health throughout the year. Ample early summer rainfall led to a great growing

Green Mountain Power Corporation (NYSE: GMP) announced consolidated earnings of $0.32 per share of common stock, diluted, for the second quarter of 2002 compared with earnings of $0.47 per share, diluted, for the same period in 2001. Year to date earnings for 2002 are $0.89 per share, diluted, compared to earnings of $0.98 per share, diluted, for year to date 2001 results.
“We are pleased with second quarter results, which exceeded our forecast for the period despite a slowing economy,” said Christopher L. Dutton, President and Chief Executive Officer.
The Vermont Public Service Board's January 2001 rate order allowed the Company to defer revenues of approximately $8.5 million, generated by leveling winter/summer rates during 2001, and to recognize those revenues during 2001 through 2003 to help the Company realize its allowed rate of return. During the second quarter of 2002, the Company recognized approximately $2.1 million of these deferred revenues.

BROC-Community Action in Southwestern Vermont is very excited to announce
the recent launching of its website www.broc.org. When you visit www.broc.org you can learn about our many programs and services for individuals and families with low-income, donation and volunteer opportunities, and much more.
Visit us on the web. You may discover something you didn't know BROC does! For general information or to request a presentation about BROC, please contact Pamela A. Shambo at (802) 775-0878 or 1-800-717-2762.

Cortina Inn and Resort is proud to announce the appointment of Annie Johnson to the position of Conference Sales Director.
Johnson will be in charge of conference and meeting sales to the local, domestic and
international markets. Prior to joining the team at Cortina Inn and Resort, Johnson spent her
time honing her sales skills in Minnesota and New Jersey while employed by Benetton Sportsystem. In New Jersey she was Manager of Sales administration at Rollerblade
Brand In-Line Skates and also worked with Nordica, Prince and Killer Loop. She comes
to us from the consumer side of conference sales with expertise in customer satisfaction.
Cortina Inn and Resort has banquet, meeting and conference facilities for up to 250 people
and specializes in retreats and seminars that combine recreational activities, great food,
attentive service and superb accommodations.

The Small Business Survival Committee (SBSC) released its annual rankings of the states according to their respective policy climates for small business and entrepreneurship in the "Small Business Survival Index 2002." Vermont ranks a 42nd in the nation.
Small Business Survival Index 2002' compares how
government in the states treat small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Half of all small businesses fail within four years.
The "Small Business Survival Index 2002" ties together 20 major government-imposed or government-related costs impacting small