Current News

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.

2nd Annual Genesis Group Charity Golf Tournament brings out the best. $4000 Raised to Help Families of North Country Kids.
The 2nd Annual Genesis Group Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Burlington's Ronald McDonald House continues a proud tradition. A total of $4000 was raised to help this local charity continue it's mission of love and support. The RMH is a temporary home away from home for families of sick or injured children who must travel to the Vermont Childrens' Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington for medical attention. Since 1984, the house has been home to more than 7000 family members from throughout upstate New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.
"We're thrilled," says President Joe Colucci, "to help Ronald McDonald House Charities here in Vermont and their enduring mission of hospitality, friendship and support. It's all about helping children. I can't think of a better reason to get friends together and spend a day golfing."

Tim and Diane Mueller, owners of Okemo Mountain Resort are pleased to announce that Dan Bergeron has been named as the new Director of the Cutting Edge Learning Center. As the new director, Dan will oversee a staff of over 250 professional ski and snowboard instructors and all of Okemo's award-winning Learning Center programs. Dan replaces Marty Harrison, who retired in April of 2002 and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new position.
Dan is no stranger to the ski industry or Okemo. In 1985 he began instructing at Okemo's sister resort, Mount Sunapee (NH) and came to Okemo in 1991 as a full time instructor. Dan quickly moved up in "the ranks" and has most recently served as the Assistant Ski School Director and Learning Center Manager.
"Dan has been a contributing element in the growth of Okemo's award-winning Learning Center programs," commented Diane Mueller, co-owner

The Church Street Marketplace District Commission has appointed Tom Dillon project manager for the Church Street Marketplace's $1.8 million capital improvement program. He will manage a comprehensive program that includes new amenities, improved infrastructure for water and electricity, tree planting and resurfacing.
A Burlington resident, Dillon provides project management consulting services to non-profit agencies developing affordable rental housing and
community facilities. Recent projects have included the Lake Champlain Housing Development Corporation, Burlington; O'Dell Parkway Housing, South Burlington; Lime Kiln Housing, South Burlington; and McAuley Square, Burlington. Dillon is a 1980 graduate of Middlebury College.

Green Mountain Power Corporation (NYSE: GMP)announced that effective immediately it has engaged Deloitte & Touche LLP as its independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2002, replacing Arthur Andersen LLP.
The decision to engage Deloitte & Touche was made after careful consideration by the Green Mountain Power Corporation Board of Directors and senior management. The decision was not the result of any disagreement between Green Mountain Power and Arthur Andersen on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure.

Bond Auto Parts, Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase A.D. Sanel, Inc. (A Parts Plus Company), headquartered in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
A.D. Sanel operates 9 auto parts stores in Vermont and New Hampshire. A.D. Sanel has a strong background in the aftermarket parts industry upon which Bond Auto Parts can build both retail and professional installer business. The transaction is set to close on August 30, 2002.
Bond Auto Parts currently operates 19 auto parts stores in Vermont and 4 in New Hampshire. The A.D. Sanel acquisition will gain 9 new store locations, three of which will join existing Bond Auto stores.
Bond Auto Parts is the largest Vermont based automotive aftermarket supplier. Founded in 1956 by Earl Bond, the company is still family owned and operated with headquarters located in Barre, Vermont.