News
There were 1,301 new regular benefit claims for Unemployment Insurance last week, a decrease of 209 from the week before. Altogether 17,433 new and continuing claims were filed, 392 more than a week ago and 6,663 more than a year earlier. In addition, the Department processed 1,847 claims for benefits under Emergency Unemployment Compensation, 2008, the same as last week.
Montpelier, Vt. With hundreds of millions of federal stimulus dollars set to flow to Vermont, Speaker Shap Smith today called for the formation of a Vermont Oversight Panel to ensure transparency and the effective deployment of taxpayer dollars.
Ed Colodny, long-time member of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra board was recently named honorary chair of the VSO Endowment Campaign. In January, the VSO governing board announced that it has launched a major campaign to raise $3.5 million, and that it had already raised $2.6 million toward that goal.
On February 1st, GAW (Brattleboro, VT) acquired Power Shift of Stowe, VT, the second largest broadband Internet provider (based on coverage area) supporting northwestern, VT with service from Stowe to Morrisville and greater Lamoille County.
Burlington Electric Department has reached agreement with First Wind on behalf of its subsidiary, Vermont Wind, LLC, to buy 40 percent of the power and the renewable energy certificates (RECs) at the 40 megawatt Sheffield Wind project for the next 10 years under a fixed-price agreement.
The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) has approved $14.7 million in business, agricultural and energy conservation financing for projects throughout Vermont totaling $17.3 million.
On Feb. 23, 2009, the board of directors of Central Vermont Public Service (NYSE: CV) declared a quarterly dividend of 23 cents per share on the issued and outstanding shares of common stock, $6 par value, payable May 15, 2009 to stockholders of record at the close of business May 5, 2009.
Captive insurance industry tends to be counter-cyclical, lawmakers consider beneficial provision
Amid the gloom enshrouding Vermont's economy, one bright spot stands out: the captive- insurance sector. In fact, its glow may grow even brighter in the coming year, despite the dimming prospects for an early recovery.
A Massachusetts skydiver participating in the Brattleboro Winter Carnival crashed into a 7,200-volt power line Saturday, but walked away unharmed.
I ve never seen anything like it in my entire career, said Dave Miller, operations supervisor for Central Vermont Public Service s Brattleboro District. He is one of the luckiest people I ve ever met.
Today the University of Vermont announced details of its plan to cut $10.8 million from next year's general fund budget. The University is eliminating vacant positions, increasing student/faculty ratios modestly to achieve a long-planned target, curtailing some administrative programs, and making a limited number of layoffs.
Governor Jim Douglas announced today that most Vermont employers will enjoy lower workers compensation costs when new rates approved by the Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration (BISHCA) go into effect on April 1, 2009. This will be the largest average decrease in rates since 1997.
The Burlington Harbor Hotel Group has obtained preliminary permits for a new hotel, to be built at 41 Cherry Street in the last remaining lot in Burlington's 40-year urban renewal. Construction of the 121-room hotel could begin in September, pending final zoning approval from Burlington regulators. The development plan also includes a 31-room expansion to the adjacent Courtyard by Marriott.