Current News

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

For the first time since direct broadcast satellite came to Vermont, "Vermont This Week," "Outdoor Journal," "R.F.D.," "Profile" and other productions of Vermont Public Television (VPT), along with a full schedule of PBS programs, are beaming their way to satellite viewers.
EchoStar's DISH Network began offering local TV channels to its subscribers in Vermont and bordering areas on July 24.
The new local service will be available within the boundaries of the Burlington-Plattsburgh Nielsen market, which includes most of Vermont and
many bordering counties of New Hampshire and New York. Bennington and Windham counties will not have access to Vermont stations at this time.

The Vermont Community Development Association's Fall Conference - Economic Development - What's ahead for Vermont, will feature a forum on Strategies for Housing and Economic Development in Vermont with gubernatorial candidates Jim Douglas, Con Hogan and Doug Racine.
Economic Development 101 - Basics and New Initiatives; New Economic Development Resources: EDA, EPA/brownfields and the downtown village program are also part of the days agenda.
The conference will be held on Thursday, October 10, from 9:00am to 3:30pm at Vermont Technical College in Randolph. cost is $25.00. Register by calling "Jessica at 229-9111 before October 4, 2002.

Joseph M. Finnigan, president and CEO of Vermont Federal Credit Union (VTFCU), is pleased to announce that Lance Potter has been promoted from Assistant Vice President/IS Manager to Vice President of Information Systems.
As Vice President of Information Systems, Potter will join the senior management team, reporting directly to the president. In addition to management of information systems and electronic systems Lance will also be responsible for security and facilities.
Potter possesses a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Castleton State College and has been with the credit union for five years.
VTFCU is a $95 million plus financial institution, currently serving over 19,000 members. We provide membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Chittenden, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Franklin,Washington, or Addison Counties in Vermont.

August 2, 2002 will mark a very special anniversary for Tim and Diane Mueller, owners of Okemo Mountain Resort. An anniversary that will commemorate 20 years of ownership, vision, planning, implementation and growth – a true success story in the snowsports industry.
Okemo first began operating in 1955, but the ski area’s greatest growth and success came about in 1982 under the ownership and management of Tim and Diane Mueller. Over the past 20 years, the Mueller’s have invested over $100 million dollars in the mountain to create a successful and award-winning mountain resort. Entrepreneurial spirit, paired with sensible hands-on management and a commitment to deliver the finest quality experience in an atmosphere of guest service and satisfaction, are key factors in Okemo’s incredible success story.