Current News

Governor Shumlin was joined by Treasurer Beth Pearce and other state leaders today to announce an Irene recovery package for municipalities struggling with the effects of the tropical storm.
‘We recognize that the disaster is putting a strain on local governments,’ Shumlin said. ‘This assistance package will help ensure that they have the support they need to emerge stronger than before the storm hit.’
The financial package includes:

KeyBank (NYSE:KEY) announced that it will provide $5 billion in capital to qualified small business owners over the next three years. The announcement comes on the heels of this morning’s meeting between Vice President Biden and 13 top U.S. banks, including Key, where the discussion included the state of small businesses lending.
To meet the bank’s lending goal, hundreds KeyBank Relationship Managers throughout several of the bank’s segments will work closely with local business owners in Key’s 23 districts. KeyBank segments committed to the goal include: Small Business, Business Banking, Commercial Banking, Key4Women, Small Business Administration (SBA), Community Development Lending, and Native American/Agriculture. Forums, workshops, in-person financial reviews, and the infrastructure of more than 300 ‘business intensive’ branches will bolster their efforts.

The Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration (BISHCA) has been awarded a three-year, $3.8 million grant from the federal Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The grant is part of the ‘Affordable Care Act ‘ Rate Review Grant Program’ and was awarded through HHS’s Office of Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight.
‘We are extremely pleased to learn that we’ve been awarded this grant,’ said Commissioner Steve Kimbell. ‘Linking knowledgeable Vermont consumers to the health insurance rate setting process is an important tool in controlling health care costs. This grant is yet another example of the benefit to Vermont of President Obama’s health care reform legislation.’

The state of Vermont will be among a group of states selected to lead an important effort to improve science education for all students.
Vermont is one of 20 states that will lead the development of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which will clearly define the content and practices students will need to learn from kindergarten through high school graduation. The NGSS process is being managed by Achieve an education reform non-profit organization.
‘Vermont has always had rigorous science standards, but it was time for them to be reviewed, said Armando Vilaseca, Vermont Commissioner of Education. Being a lead state will give Vermont access to current edge research and thinking around scientific principles. This partnership will provide content insights to inform the incorporation of engineering in science instruction and provide new, engaging learning opportunities for all students.’

Medicines for Humanity (MFH), the non-profit international organization that is dedicated to reducing child mortality in impoverished communities worldwide, has honored Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR) with its 2011 Humanitarian of the Year award. The presentation was made last night at a fundraising event held at the World Trade Center Seaport Hotel in Boston.
When presenting the award, Medicines for Humanity Board member, Thomas M. O'Neill stated, "GMCR has established a global footprint of caring, and demonstrated proactive concern for the well being of the neediest children. In Rwanda, they seek out these children, and make sure they have life-saving healthcare services. They have shown the world how to use resources wisely to create enduring goodness."

The town of Grafton and the Vermont Country Store in Chester are open for business in the wake of Hurricane Irene. Vermont, which sustained infrastructure damage in the millions from Tropical Storm Irene, has made a remarkable and unprecedented three-week ‘comeback’ in time to host an estimated 3 million leaf peepers for fall foliage season, which begins next week. This is an incredible story of overcoming adversity, of communities, private businesses and individuals coming together to put this area back together.
The video below includes footage of the Old Tavern at Grafton Inn, Grafton Village Cheese, Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center and other businesses in the village.

US Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) has won initial approval of legislation that would permanently move heavy trucks off state secondary roads and onto the state’s Interstate highways. Leahy’s provision will help Vermont businesses and communities struggling due to the large number of state and local roads heavily damaged during the recent flooding disaster.

The ground will be broken Wednesday for a LEED-certified hotel as local developers Jay Canning and Chuck DesLauriers announce the commencement of construction on the new 125-bedroom Hotel Vermont and Hen of the Wood Restaurant in Burlington. Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin and Commerce Secretary Lawrence Miller will attend the groundbreaking event starting at 5:00 p.m. on September 21, 2011. It's expected to open in 2013.
Hotel Vermont will open at 41 Cherry Street in Burlington 100 years after the original Hotel Vermont first welcomed guests on the corner of Main Street and St. Paul Street. The property will be locally developed, owned and operated with design, construction and management teams all Burlington-based. NBT Bank and the US Department of Agriculture collaborated to finance the project.

The Lodge at Shelburne Bay, located in Shelburne, Vermont, has announced its second expansion in 10 years, the opening of the Shores Assisted Living community. The Shores Assisted Living is a 20 million dollar, 90 bed state-of-the-art project. The 100,000 square foot, fire proof and environmentally friendly building consists of 76 brand new, all-inclusive rental apartments for seniors. The project will create more than 80 new jobs. Amenities include: On-site physical therapy, therapeutic pool, theater, fitness center and much more.
Interior decorating at The Shores Assisted Living was created by renowned New York interior design firm Brett Design, Inc. Architects for the project were Weimann Lamphere Architects, located in Colchester, Vermont. The Bullrock Corporation was the builder and also owns and manages the project.

Tuesday morning Republican Kurt Wright announced that he would be a candidate for mayor of Burlington, Vermont. Wright made the announcement on the Channel 3 Morning News and on the Charlie & Ernie & Lisa Show on WVMT 620-AM.
Wright said, ‘After much discussion, thought and encouragement I’ve decided to run for mayor of Burlington. I can tell you that job number one for me will be to restore fiscal responsibility to the city and restore our credit rating.
"This race is not about party politics," he said, "It will be about who the people of Burlington think can do the best job. Voters will choose the best person who can restore trust and credibility to the City of Burlington and I think I’m that person.
"I love Burlington and my candidacy will be offering big ideas and real solutions over the next few months.’

John Curran, a writer for the Associative Press of Montpelier, died on this past Saturday after suffering from a heart attack. John was only 54 years old and his death came as a shock to many. Governor Peter Shumlin made the following remarks after learning of John’s passing:
"Like so many Vermonters who knew John Curran, I am shocked and saddened by his death. John was an award-winning journalist who was thoughtful, thorough, and fair. My staff and I enjoyed working with John, and we mourn his loss. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and co-workers - John will be impossible to replace."

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, announced President Barack Obama has signed a proclamation declaring September 18 ‘ 24, 2011 as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week.
In the 10 years of continuous military operations since September 11, 2001, employers across the Nation have remained committed to supporting their employees who serve in the military. National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week is a time to honor those who serve in the Guard and Reserve while giving thanks to their employers, whose support is a critical component of our national defense.