News

Fletcher Allen reported a net operating income of approximately $831,000 for the first quarter of the 2011 Fiscal year. The first quarter covers the period beginning October 1st and ending December 31, 2010. The organization also finished its 2010 fiscal year approximately $2.6 million below budget. The fiscal year runs from
October 1 through September 30.
First Quarter Results

The Greensburg Wind Farm in Greensburg, KS, has been named "Wind Project of the Year" by RenewableEnergyWorld.com, a leading renewable energy publication. This award recognizes the project's community benefits and unique financing model.Jeff Bernicke, president of NativeEnergy of South Burlington, accepted the award at the Renewable Energy World Conference and Expo in Tampa, Florida.

Jason Gibbs has been named Director of Marketing for Ski Vermont, the Vermont Ski Areas Association (VSAA). Founded in 1969, VSAA is the trade association representing Vermont’s alpine and Nordic ski areas in marketing, public affairs and governmental affairs.

The Senate Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to approve legislation to make the first reforms to the nation’s patent system in nearly six decades. The America Invents Act is the product of nearly six years of debate in Congress. The bill is sponsored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and is cosponsored by a dozen other Senators.

The Clothes Exchange is pleased to announce that Horny Toad® Activewear, a national outdoor clothing company based in Santa Barbara, CA, has signed on as an apparel sponsor for 2011.

MicroStrain of Williston continues to be at the forefront of energy harvesting wireless sensor networks.

US Representative Peter Welch has announced the appointment of a new communications director and a new legislative director.

In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week and in response to ongoing Vermont consumer complaints, Attorney General William H Sorrell warns consumers to be wary of frauds and scams that use wire transfer services, debt consolidators, and threatening collection calls all intended to take money from Vermonters.
Fraud

by Anne Galloway vtdigger.org March 8, 2011 The Vermont Department of Labor issued a stop-work order in January to Starr’s United, a trucking company in North Troy. The business is under investigation for an alleged failure to hold a workers’ compensation insurance policy on its 20 employees, according to Labor Department officials. An injury claim from an employee triggered the probe.

Governor Shumlin recently appointed three members to the State Board of Education. Sean-Marie Oller of Bennington was appointed for a six-year term. William Mathis of Goshen was appointed to complete four years of a vacated term. Stephan Morse of Newfane was reappointed to the Board for six years after completing a previously vacated term.

A Middlesex woman with an extensive background in marketing and brand management will be the new chief marketing officer for the State of Vermont.

Fitch Ratings assigns an 'AA' rating to the following 2011 Vermont Municipal Bond Bank bonds, issued under the 1988 General Resolution:
--$9,500,000 (federally taxable qualified school construction bonds) 2011 series 1.
The bonds are expected to sell via negotiation on March 9, 2011. Bond proceeds will be loaned to two local school districts for capital improvements.