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Vermont Business Magazine MAX Surgical Specialty Management (MAX), the Northeast region's leading surgeon-led platform providing comprehensive management services for oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) practices, has grown to 25 practice locations and increased its surgeon network by nearly 60% in 2024. Its expansion to five states across the Northeast includes new partnerships in New York and Vermont and its first entry into the state of Connecticut. Founded by oral surgeons, MAX delivers a model tailored for surgeons that integrates complete operational support, cutting-edge technology solutions, and pathways for growth — all while upholding the clinical independence practitioners deeply value.

US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) U.S. law is very clear. Our government cannot provide weapons to any country that violates internationally recognized human rights or prohibits the delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid. Tragically, that is precisely what Israel is doing in Gaza where the people there are experiencing a horrific humanitarian disaster. That is why I have introduced, with colleagues, several Joint Resolutions of Disapproval that would block offensive arms sales to Israel. The votes will take place in the Senate this Wednesday. I hope you will take a moment to read my op-ed below on this issue that appeared this morning in the Washington Post.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) released the following statement on the White House’s revised request for additional disaster relief funding, which totals more than $98 billion and will help communities recover from floods, wildfires, and hurricanes that have impacted communities across the country, including Vermont: “The White House’s updated disaster aid request is welcome and should be a wake-up call to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle—communities from Vermont to Hawai‘i, and the Carolinas to Texas urgently need our help. I’ll keep advocating for Vermont as Congress begins crafting a disaster aid bill."

Vermont State Police On January 20, 2023, the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations at the Berlin Barracks began an investigation into a report of a sexual assault at the residence located at 17 Plain Street Apt. 3 in Barre City. Investigation revealed that Joel Bonano, 32, has sexually assaulted a female at the residence who was under the age of 16 and was known to him. Additionally, it was determined that Bonano had provided the female with alcohol and marijuana.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott has officially proclaimed Apprenticeship Week for the State of Vermont, November 17, 2024, to November 23, 2024. Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to celebrate the evolving impact of registered apprenticeship programs on Vermont’s workforce and economy. These programs follow an “earn while you learn” model, allowing individuals to gain hands-on experience and technical training while earning a paycheck. During Apprenticeship Week, the Department of Labor will celebrate the benefits of apprenticeships, their role in workforce development, and the opportunities they offer to employers and job seekers. 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) has recognized Vermont State Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale from Shelburne (Chittenden-Southeast District) with their 2024 VBSR Legislator of the Year Award. Senator Ram Hinsdale will be honored as VBSR’s Legislator of the Year during the 2024 VBSR Legislative Breakfast on Wednesday, December 11 when VBSR will also announce its 2025 Advocacy Agenda. VBSR is a statewide, nonprofit business association with a mission to leverage the power of business for positive social and environmental impact. VBSR advocates on behalf of Vermont’s businesses, people, and environment toward sustainable economic development, social equity, and environmental stewardship – policies that support a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet.

Vermont Business Magazine As the state kicks off Apprenticeship Week, Vermont State University (VTSU) has announced that its plumbing and electrical registered apprenticeship programs have grown over 20% in two years. Enrollment for the current academic year is at a record high of over 870 apprentices after multiple years of sustained growth. As VTSU continues to expand its apprenticeship offerings to meet demand, the university is committed to supporting Vermont’s economic growth by providing a steady stream of skilled workers in critical fields. With plans for further expansion in the coming years, VTSU is poised to remain a leader in workforce development and training in the region.

Vermont Business Magazine The Board of Trustees for the Addison County Economic Development Corporation has announced the opening of a search for a new Executive Director due to the planned June 2025 retirement of Fred Kenney, who has served as Executive Director since November 2017. The ACEDC Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer, reporting to the Board of Trustees, and is responsible for overseeing the organization’s strategy, tactics, and day-to-day operations including administration, personnel, programs, and services to ensure the consistent and sustained achievement of its mission, goals, and objectives. The Trustees will advertise the position widely and expect to conduct the search through the end of 2024 with a goal of onboarding the new Executive Director in early 2025.

Vermont Business Magazine On November 4, Vermont’s State Advisory Council (SAC) formally endorsed the 2025 Policy Recommendations of Vermont’s Early Childhood State Advisory Council Network. These recommendations represent the most pressing priorities and challenges identified by early childhood partners across Vermont. They are part of the SAC’s state and federal charge to advise Vermont’s governor, administration and legislature. This year’s Policy Recommendations focus on a wide array of priorities for improving the well-being of young children and their families, strengthening the quality of the settings and services in which they spend their time, and supporting the early childhood professionals who serve them. 

Vermont State Police The Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, completed autopsies on the victims of Friday’s double killing in Montpelier. They are identified as Jerry Gomes, 77, and Mary Gomes, 60. They are the parents of suspect Matthew Gomes. Autopsies determined the cause of their deaths was blunt force trauma, and the manner of the deaths was homicide.

Vermont Business Magazine A coalition of outdoor recreation organizations led by the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council (VTGC), issued a statement today urging the Vermont Supreme Court to carefully consider the long-term implications of its upcoming ruling regarding the maintenance of public access trails on private land. The case, which involves the use of a “legal trail” maintained by the Town that crosses private property in Tunbridge, has the potential to reshape public access rights throughout the state, with significant consequences for recreationists, landowners, residents, and municipalities. The issue at hand centers on whether municipalities can continue to maintain and improve what were previously public roads and what have become public access trails that cross private property. The coalition acknowledges and respects the rights of private landowners, and believes it is crucial that any ruling takes into account the need for a balanced approach.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Sarah Clark, of Waterbury, as secretary of the Agency of Administration. Clark was appointed deputy secretary in November 2023 and named interim secretary in May 2024. Clark has served the State of Vermont for two decades, as a leader in budget and financial management, including the deputy fiscal officer of the Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Office. She has also served as chief financial officer of the Agency of Human Services, deputy commissioner of the Department of Finance & Management and interim commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation.