(VermontBiz roundup of news from April 2024)
Scott names Zoie Saunders Interim Education Secretary after Senate votes her down
The Vermont Senate on April 30 voted down the nomination of Zoie Saunders as Secretary of Education after a tumultuous five weeks of political and public discourse. Immediately following the vote, Governor Phil Scott named her the interim secretary, which does not require confirmation. Scott announced on March 22 that the Florida educator would fill the position previously held by Dan French. The position has been vacant for just over a year. Senators voting against her nomination mostly cited her lack of experience in working in public schools in general and her lack of knowledge in the complexities of the Vermont public education system. Unlike in many other states, the Vermont secretary has no control over either local curricula or local boards and budgets and that the bulk of the funding comes from the statewide property tax. The Senate vote was 19-9 against.
Tax revenues for March edge ahead of targets, if only just
Tax revenues finished ahead of expectations for March, though by a very slim margin with personal income taxes and refunds still to be fully accounted. Personal income finished the month well ahead of its projection after several up and down months and continues to be above its fiscal year target. The sales & use and rooms & meals consumption taxes also had strong months. The General Fund and Education Fund both exceeded their monthly consensus cash flow targets, corresponding to the annual fiscal 2024 consensus forecast update as adopted by the Emergency Board at its January 2024 meeting. Total combined funds still exceeded monthly targets even with the Transportation Fund’s underperformance. The State’s General Fund, Transportation Fund, and Education Fund receipts were a combined $246.1 million, exceeding the $245.1 million monthly consensus target by $1.0 million, or 0.4%.
Vermont’s unemployment rate falls one-tenth to 2.2 percent in March
The Vermont Department of Labor has reported that the seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate for March was 2.2 percent. This reflects a decrease of one-tenth of one percentage point from the prior month’s revised estimate. The civilian labor force participation rate was 65.4 percent in March, an increase of one-tenth of one percentage point from the prior month’s revised estimate. All three major metrics showed improvement. The Vermont civilian labor force increased by 795 from the prior month’s revised estimate. The number of employed persons increased by 1,104 and the number of unemployed persons decreased by 309. Vermont has the third lowest rate in the nation, just below North (2.0) and South (2.1) Dakota. California has the highest rate at 5.3 percent. The comparable United States rate in March was 3.8 percent, a decrease of one-tenth of one percentage point from the revised February estimate.
Vermont employment and income are highest ever
The number of Vermonters employed hit 347,957 in March. This is the largest number of people working the state has ever seen, edging out the previous high in June 2018 by 683 people. Because the number of people seeking work is low, Vermont’s total labor force—those working and looking for work—is still below the 2009 peak.
Vermont personal income grew by 5.5 percent in 2023—to $43 billion total, also the state’s historic high—the fastest growth in New England and slightly faster than the U.S. as a whole. Vermont personal income grew by 5.5 percent in 2023—to $43 billion total—the fastest growth in New England and slightly faster than the U.S. as a whole. The major components—earnings, dividends, interest, rent, and transfer payments—all increased, with transfer payments (Social Security, unemployment, Medicare and Medicaid) seeing the strongest growth.
Vermont Flannel owners acquire Vermont Teddy Bear
Owners of the Vermont Flannel Company (USA Brands) have acquired the assets of Vermont Teddy Bear, the largest manufacturer of teddy bears in North America since 1981. Shelburne-based Vermont Teddy Bear was owned by the Mustang Group of Boston. The iconic bears are expected to continue to be made on site in Shelburne. Simultaneously, the ownership group of Vermont Teddy Bear sold the assets of their apparel divisions: Pajamagram, Pajamajeans and the 1 for U to an affiliate of Lionel Capital. Those products, which had been the largest segment of the Teddy Bear company, have been made at locations around the world. The new firm, Seasonal Grams, is also expected to remain in the Burlington area, with its approximate 33 employees.
Goddard College to close after 86 years of progressive education
Goddard College’s Board of Trustees have announced that despite decades of dedicated efforts to sustain the institution, they have ultimately arrived at the heart-wrenching decision to close the College’s doors. Facing financial insolvency, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to close the Plainfield institution at the end of the current semester, citing a significant and persistent decline in enrollment since the 1970s as the determining factor that made the decision unavoidable. It opened in 1938.
Eclipse traffic and economic impact boost tourism
Nearly every sector felt the reverberations of the eclipse April 8, with early Agency of Transportation estimates projecting 60,000 vehicles and 160,000 visitors entered the state leading up to the eclipse. The total economic impact from the eclipse is not available yet, but Treasurer Mike Pieciak estimated that the event could bring between $12 million-$50 million to the state. The ski areas also reported a boost to what turned out to be a late surge, along with late-season snow storms, to a financially successful ski season.
Senators Richard Mazza, Bobby Starr and Dick McCormack to leave the Senate
Senator Richard T. Mazza, after 42 years of service in Montpelier, including the last 39 representing Colchester and Grand Isle County in the Vermont Senate stepped down from his Senate seat April 8. In part, Senator Mazza said: “Due to health reasons, I am unable to provide the quality of service and dedication I have always given to my constituents and the State of Vermont.” Scott said: “It would be difficult to find a Vermonter who has been more impactful, committed or dedicated to public service over the past four decades than Senator Dick Mazza.” Governor Scott will pick a Democrat from that district to fill the seat until the next election.
Also Orleans County Senator Bobby Starr, 81, will not seek reelection after a 46-year legislative career. First in the House starting in 1979 before being elected to the Senate in 2004. He has been a stalwart supporter of agriculture. Also not seeking another term is Windsor County’s Dick McCormack, 77. He has been a champion of environmental issues in two stints in the Senate, from 1989-2003 and elected again in 2006.
LtGen John Broadmeadow ’83, USMC (Retired) named 25th president of Norwich University
Alan DeForest ’75, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Norwich University, announced the unanimous decision to elect Lieutenant General John Broadmeadow ’83, USMC (Retired), as the University’s 25th president on April 19, 2024. LtGen Broadmeadow will officially transition from his Board of Trustees position to the presidential office on May 1, 2024, which will mark the first time in more than three decades that a Norwich alumnus will lead the school as its president. Upon his promotion to LtGen, he became the highest-ranking Marine officer to ever graduate from the University. Now, he becomes the first Marine to take the mantle of president and the highest-ranking officer to be named president in Norwich University’s history.
VHFA awards $40 million for affordable housing
The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Board of Commissioners announced on April 15, 2024, that its annual award of federal housing tax credits will support the construction of 156 homes in perpetually affordable apartment buildings in five communities across the state. The sale of this year’s tax credits to investors is expected to yield over $40 million in funds, covering an estimated 60 percent of total project development costs. These housing construction projects will take place in a uniquely challenging environment. Elevated development costs, interest rates and housing needs among Vermonters heavily influenced project planning. The cost of developing a unit of rental housing in Vermont has increased by approximately 50% since 2020.
GMCB approves Copley Hospital’s mid-year budget adjustment
On, April 3, 2024, the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) approved Copley Hospital’s mid-year budget adjustment, granting a 7% rate increase effective this month. Copley initially sought a 12.7% increase in its current prices in January of this year. The motion, which was approved unanimously by the five-member board, includes a stipulation that Copley provide a three-year projection of expenses and an analysis of historic operating expense growth.
Governor Phil Scott vetoes flavored tobacco bill
Governor Scott has vetoed S.18, An act relating to banning flavored tobacco products and e-liquids. In a letter to the General Assembly, he said: “Admittedly, I’ve struggled with this bill, as it seems hypocritical and out of step with other initiatives that have passed into law recently and over time. To be clear, I too feel we have an obligation to protect our children, but it must be balanced in such a way that we honor the rights and freedoms of adults to make decisions about their individual lives... From my perspective, this bill is inconsistent with other laws related to legalized substance use. In 2020, the Legislature legalized the commercial sale of cannabis, including edibles and other flavored products, which are now widely available, despite the known risks to youth and their developing brains.” The Senate declined to try and override the veto.
Bond Bank closes nearly $15M in low-cost loans that will help flood impacted municipalities
The Vermont Bond Bank has announced the successful closing in late March of nearly $15 million in Municipal Climate Recovery Fund (MCRF) loans, which will benefit 18 communities across the state. In many cases, the subsidized loan will be the first financial assistance since the immediate aftermath of the flooding.
VTrans awards $8.6M to municipalities for transportation, highways, stormwater
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has announced the recipients of more than $8.6 million in federal funds for municipal grant projects through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Municipal Highways and Stormwater Mitigation Program (MHSMP). “These diverse projects will help continue to enhance and expand Vermont’s transportation infrastructure,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn. “Improvements to sidewalks, bike paths, and shared-use paths provide Vermonters more transportation options and improve their quality of life.”
Norfolk & Dedham and Union Mutual announce affiliation
Norfolk & Dedham (N&D), based in Dedham, MA, and Union Mutual, based in Montpelier, with a combined 350 years of delivering quality service and insurance products, have announced their intent to affiliate, subject to regulatory approval. Both companies are rated A (Excellent) with a Stable outlook by AM Best. The affiliation brings a unified next step toward mutual growth and resilience for both companies, their employees, policyholders, agents, community partners and vendors. Joel P. Murray and Lisa L. Keysar will remain President and CEO of their respective organizations. Murray will serve as Board Chair of the combined group. N&D reported assets of $838 million in 2022. Union Mutual reported $385.1 million in 2022.
Vermont’s first federally funded EV fast chargers now operational in Bradford
Governor Phil Scott, Vermont’s congressional delegation, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT), top officials from the Federal Highway Administration and Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, and cabinet members, have announced the opening of the state’s first federally funded public electric vehicle (EV) fast charging station in Bradford. Vermont is the sixth state in the country to install fast chargers under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The four super-fast NEVI charging stations can simultaneously charge 180 kilowatts per hour and are located in a municipal parking lot known as Denny Park at 6 South Main Street in downtown Bradford, near I-91. Vermont will receive $21.2 million from the NEVI program during a five-year period. The first phase focuses on installing fast chargers every 50 miles along the nation’s highway corridors, within one mile of highway exits.
VTrans seeks qualified providers for EV public charging projects
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify electric vehicle (EV) charging providers that are capable of building out Vermont’s charging network to federal and state specifications. Providers selected in the RFQ process will be invited to bid on subsequent Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the design, construction, ownership, operation, and maintenance of public charging infrastructure along key routes. Vermont will receive $21.2 million during a five-year period from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The first phase of the program focuses on installing fast chargers every 50 miles along the nation’s highway corridors, within one mile from highway exits.
Jeff Peck returns as CEO of iSun, Inc as executive team restructures
iSun, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISUN), a Williston-based solar energy and clean mobility infrastructure company with 50-years of experience, has announced a strategic restructuring of its executive team. Effective immediately, former CEO Jeff Peck is appointed as Chief Executive Officer of iSun, Inc. Additionally, Rob Vanderbeek is appointed as the Interim Chief Financial Officer of iSun, Inc. The restructuring is aimed at driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring sustained performance in a rapidly evolving market landscape. “I’m excited to step back into the role of CEO and continue the remarkable journey that Bob has paved for us. Together with our dedicated team, I am committed to driving our company forward, embracing new opportunities, and delivering value to our customers and stakeholders. Our focus remains on innovation, growth, and ensuring that iSun remains a leader in our industry,” said Jeff Peck.
iSun announces rescission of reverse stock split
iSun Inc. (NASDAQ: ISUN) announced May 25 that its Board of Directors has approved the rescission of the previously announced reverse stock split that was planned for April 26 and announced on April 24. The decision to rescind the reverse stock split was made after careful consideration and analysis of market conditions, and the Williston-based company’s financial performance outlook, iSun said in a statement. The Board of Directors believes that this action is in the best interest of the company and its shareholders. iSun also recently re-installed Jeff Peck as CEO and hired a restructuring expert as CFO. As a result of the rescission, the reverse stock split that was previously approved will not be implemented, and the company’s outstanding shares will remain unaffected by the split.
Mike Pieciak to seek a second term as Vermont State Treasurer
Treasurer Mike Pieciak has announced that he will run for a second term as Vermont State Treasurer. “It is an honor to serve as State Treasurer, and I hope Vermonters will again put their trust in me for another term,” Pieciak said. “I ran for State Treasurer because I care deeply about the future of our state, and our success begins and ends with the economic strength of every Vermonter. I am proud that we have continued building on the work of my predecessor, Beth Pearce.” Pieciak won his first term with 66% of the vote following former Treasurer Beth Pearce’s retirement in 2022. He and Beth Pearce will join supporters on Thursday evening at 5pm for a reelection kick-off event at the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier.
New $400K LFPA grants announced to 11 community assistance and food distribution organizations
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) announces eleven grantees from a new competitive round of funding within the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, referred to as LFPA Plus. Approximately $400,000 will be awarded to eleven organizations that have diverse projects to purchase from socially disadvantaged Vermont farmers and producers and distribute to underserved community members across the state. Projects will focus on increasing equity and cultivating new relationships between local growers and entities providing food to their neighbors. Some projects will involve continuation and/or expansion of previously funded LFPA projects. Projects will begin this spring and run for one year across 11 Vermont counties.
USDA, State of VT, VLCT announce $1 million in disaster relief funding
Sarah Waring, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director for Rural Development (RD), has announced $1,000,000 in technical assistance funding for Vermont communities to build financial, operational and managerial expertise following a disaster. The Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VCLT) and the State of Vermont, through a cooperative agreement with RD, will support municipalities with direct one-on-one technical assistance in times of need, including resources and curriculum to apply for and implement available federal funds. Made possible through RD’s Disaster Assistance Fund, this pilot program will provide critically needed skills for long-term economic recovery and resilience, and follows on the historic Biden-Harris Administration legislation with the same focus: the Infrastructure Recovery Act (IRA), the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery and Economic Security Act (CARES), the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
Casella Waste Systems reports first quarter 2024 results, revenues up 30%
Casella Waste Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, has reported its financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. Highlights for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024: Revenues were $341.0 million for the quarter, up $78.4 million, or up 29.9%, from the same period in 2023; Overall solid waste pricing was up 5.5% from the same period in 2023, driven by 6.2% collection price growth and 4.0% disposal price growth; Net loss was $(4.1) million for the quarter, as compared to net income of $3.5 million for the same period in 2023; and Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, was $71.0 million for the quarter, up $20.4 million, or up 40.2%, from the same period in 2023.
ECFiber extends ACP benefit through May
ECFiber customers in danger of losing a $30 monthly credit on their bill as the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) expires will receive a one-month extension directly from ECFiber. The decision was made by the executive committee in hopes that the ACP program funding will be replenished by congressional action in the coming weeks. ECFiber has also been enhancing the ACP benefit by providing a private $20 monthly credit through its internal affordability fund, which previously had been the source of donations totaling $270,000 to the now-inactive Equal Access to Broadband, Inc., a nonprofit that ECFiber leadership created to develop affordability programs prior to the advent of the ACP. The full governing board of ECFiber had previously voted to continue the $20 subsidy for the remainder of 2024.
Ledyard reports Q1 2024 earnings and declares quarterly dividend
Ledyard Financial Group, Inc (OTCQX: LFGP), the holding company for Ledyard National Bank based in Hanover, NH, with a branch in Norwich, Vermont, has announced financial results for Q1 2024. The balance sheet growth in the quarter is evidence of the company’s unique approach to integrating its banking and wealth management businesses, and the company remains focused on promoting growth and the pursuit of making life better for its clients, its employees, its shareholders, and the communities it serves. Q1 2024 net income was $463 thousand, up $347 thousand over Q4 2023, and down $1.0 million from Q1 2023. The improvement over Q4 2023 is due in part to higher revenue, primarily related to the wealth management business, while the decline from the prior year can be attributed primarily to the industry-wide compression in net interest margin. Ledyard also announced that a regular quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share will be paid on June 7, 2024, to shareholders of record as of May 17, 2024.
Chittenden County Forester steps down May 31, to release book
Since 2016, Ethan Tapper has been the Chittenden County Forester for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. In this role he has been recognized as a leader in the forestry and conservation community and received numerous awards and distinctions, including being named the Northeast-Midwest State Foresters’ Alliance Forester of the Year in 2021 and the American Tree Farm System’s National Outstanding Inspector (forester) of the Year in 2024. Now, Tapper is embarking on a new adventure. Tapper’s first book – How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World – will be published by Broadleaf Books on September 10, 2024 (pre-order is available now). Tapper will be stepping down as Chittenden County Forester on May 31 to publicize his book and to start his own consulting forestry business – Bear Island Forestry.
Ag Agency receives record demand for maple grants
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) has awarded over $540,000 in grants to maple producers and processors through the Maple Agriculture Development Grants program. Eleven producers, ranging in size from 500 to 30,000 taps, received funds for operational efficiency, food safety, and climate resilience improvement projects. The award represented the largest ever state investment in maple producers. Acting on the recommendation of Governor Scott’s Future of Agriculture Commission, this first-time program will help grow, develop, and sustain maple, produce, and meat businesses throughout the state.
UVM student team wins grand prize to launch new business in Vermont
The University of Vermont (UVM) Grossman School of Business (Grossman School) hosted the final presentations of the inaugural Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup at the Ifshin Hall Keller Room. Out of the three UVM undergraduate teams that presented their business ideas to a panel of judges, Painting With Purpose won the grand prize of $212,500 in cash, with additional in-kind services from local organizations included to ensure their successful business launch and support the Vermont entrepreneurial community. This is the first time a competition has awarded cash prizes of this magnitude to college students in Vermont. The Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup is one of two new entrepreneurial competitions launched by UVM, also including the Vermont Pitch Challenge for high school students, which recently named its first winner in the program’s history.
FEMA awards over $22 million to Vermont for July storms and flooding recovery costs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $22 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse it for the cost of debris removal and measures taken to stabilize state office buildings following the July 2023 storms and flooding. The $22,263,530 in Public Assistance grants will reimburse the Department of Buildings and General Services (BGS) for the cost of debris removal and steps taken to protect state buildings in downtown Montpelier from further damage after the flooding. One grant of $1,067,183 will reimburse BGS for contracting to have 2,165 cubic yards (CY) of vegetative debris and 11,840 tons of construction and demolition (C&D) debris removed from roads and public property, including rights of way, and hauled to a disposal site. Two grants of $14,375,582 and $6,820,765 will reimburse the state for the cost of contracting to remove contaminated floodwater from and de-humidify fourteen state buildings in Montpelier.
Vermont DPS to get nearly $62.5 million to deliver residential solar
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced Vermont Department of Public Service has been selected to receive $62,450,000 through the Solar for All grant competition to develop long-lasting solar programs that enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed residential solar. This award is part of the historic $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which was created under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to lower energy costs for families, create good-quality jobs in communities that have been left behind, advance environmental justice, and tackle the climate crisis. Solar for All Vermont’s (SAV) mission is to lower the cost of electricity for low-income and disadvantaged Vermonters through the ownership of solar arrays—maximizing greenhouse gas emission reductions and solar market development in the process.
Maple Broadband completes initial build, expands service area
Maple Broadband has completed its initial build area and now offers high-speed fiber optic internet service across 143.5 miles, passing 1,647 households and businesses in portions of the towns of Cornwall, Orwell, Shoreham, Whiting, Salisbury, and Middlebury. Maple Broadband has also begun to launch service in its Phase Two build area, which consists of portions of Vergennes, Ferrisburgh, Waltham, Monkton, and New Haven. This second build area consists of 68.0 miles and 1,468 passings. Service is now available in this area across 32.4 miles and 574 passings. The remaining Phase Two sections will be activated over the next several months.
Over 200 Addison County customers are currently receiving fiber service from Maple Broadband. As the weather improves and the ground thaws, more customers will be connected via above-ground and buried service installations. Buried service installations are challenging to complete during the winter.
State Will Build Secure Juvenile Treatment Center in Vergennes
State officials have selected Vergennes for the site of a new secure juvenile treatment facility, according to people familiar with the selection process, Seven Days reported. A proposal for the 14-bed facility on state land in the Addison County city beat out a competing plan for a South Burlington business park. The state has yet to publicly announce the decision but has informed Vergennes officials, lawmakers and others involved in the process.
Tom Dee selected as the 2024 Citizen of the Year
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has selected Thomas A. Dee, President and CEO of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) as the 2024 Citizen of the Year. He was selected for the award for his outstanding contributions to southern Vermont, particularly his impactful efforts in health care and community development. The award will be presented at a celebratory event on August 1, at the Everett Mansion at Southern Vermont College in Bennington. The award is presented annually by the Vermont Chamber to honor an outstanding Vermonter who has made major contributions to the betterment of Vermont; has been distinguished through outstanding service to their community and region; and typifies the true spirit of service and self-sacrifice in representing the finest ideals of Vermont citizenship.
Pieciak and VHFA announce housing investments made through 10% in VT program
State Treasurer Mike Pieciak and Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Executive Director Maura Collins have announced housing investments made through the Treasurer’s 10% in VT local investment program. The $50 million loan awarded to VHFA in September 2023 will help fund a spectrum of housing initiatives including deeply and perpetually affordable rental housing, housing for Vermonters exiting homelessness, manufactured home communities, homeownership, and middle-income rental units in Vermont’s economic centers. The funding is often the missing piece enabling projects to be feasible.
Mitch Wertlieb named permanent host of Vermont This Week
Mitch Wertlieb has been named permanent host of ‘Vermont This Week,’ the station has announced. His first show will be Friday, May 10 at 7 pm. Last summer, Wertlieb ended his 20-year run as local host of NPR’s ‘Morning Edition’ to become host and producer of Vermont Public’s daily news podcast, ‘The Frequency.’ Mitch will continue to host the daily podcast in addition to this new role. Wertlieb follows longtime ‘Vermont This Week’ Host Stewart Ledbetter, who stepped away from the program last spring after nearly 17 years. The program continued with a rotation of guest hosts, including Wertlieb, over the last year.
Matt Harrington elected as Incoming Chair of VACCE
The Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) has announced the election of Matt Harrington as the incoming Chair, effective June 2024. Harrington will succeed Betsy Bishop, who will be stepping down from her role as President of the Vermont Chamber and as the Chair of the VACCE organization. Harrington will be finishing out Bishop’s term before the next election cycle. VACCE, a nonprofit organization representing 30 chambers across Vermont, serves to unite chamber leadership in the state and enhance their professional development. Harrington, currently the executive director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership within VACCE.
Pieciak selects Colorado to help launch Vermont’s public retirement program, VT Saves
Treasurer Pieciak has announced that Vermont has selected Colorado as a partner state to help establish the state’s public retirement program, VT Saves. Vermont and Colorado will now negotiate a partnership agreement, and once established, the partnership will put VT Saves on track to launch by the end of the year, providing tens of thousands of Vermonters access to a workplace retirement plan faster than anticipated.
M&T Bank renews title sponsorship agreement for Vermont City Marathon & Relay
RunVermont, the non-profit organization dedicated to producing premier running events across the state, announces that M&T Bank has renewed its title sponsorship agreement for the Vermont City Marathon & Relay. The new contract, signed on April 18th, extends the partnership for an additional five years, ensuring that M&T Bank will continue to support the event through May 2029. M&T Bank’s support extends far beyond just financial backing. The bank contributes anywhere from 50 to 100 volunteers annually and sponsors 30 to 50 runners, depending on the year, making a significant impact on the success of the event.
Health Department confirms case of measles in Vermont
The Vermont Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles in an individual who is in Vermont as part of an international group program. This is the first confirmed case of measles in Vermont since 2018. The other 25 members of the group were also exposed before arriving in Vermont, but most have immunity and are protected from measles. On April 10, the Health Department was informed by the Georgia Department of Public Health that the group was exposed to a traveler who was determined to have measles following their arrival on an international flight to Atlanta. The Health Department is asking anyone who was inside the Hampton Inn in Colchester on April 17 to take precautions. Anyone with symptoms of measles should stay home, consider wearing a mask around others, and contact their healthcare provider immediately. DO NOT go to the doctor’s office, the hospital, or a public health clinic without first calling to let them know about your symptoms.
AOT to install chicanes to prevent ‘stuckage,’ tractor trailers from entering the Notch
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is starting the process to install traffic mitigation controls called “chicanes” on Vermont Route 108 on either side of Smugglers Notch in continued efforts to prevent tractor trailers and other oversized vehicles from attempting to traverse the narrow, windy road. AOT has been working with several partners for the past few years to find ways to prevent what have become known as “stuckages” in the Notch. Recent efforts have led to a steady decline in the annual number of trucks stuck in the Notch. Each “stuckage” closes the highway for a few hours to several hours, which causes traffic to back up and prevents access to businesses and locations on the Stowe and Cambridge sides of the mountain pass.
Doctor indicted on charges of distributing controlled substances and health care fraud
A New Hampshire doctor has made his initial appearance in federal court in Burlington and was arraigned on charges related to his alleged involvement in conspiracies to illegally distribute controlled substances and to commit health care fraud. According to court documents, Adnan S. Khan, M.D., 48, of Grantham, New Hampshire orchestrated his alleged illegal prescribing and health care fraud conspiracies through New England Medicine and Counseling Associates (NEMCA), which operated a network of clinics located in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Through NEMCA, Khan allegedly distributed drugs to individuals outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. Khan allegedly required that patients pay cash in exchange for their prescriptions, despite many of his patients having insurance through Medicare and Vermont Medicaid. Khan allegedly prescribed the drugs knowing that at least some of his patients were abusing and diverting the drugs.
Norwich University Commencement Weekend Schedule and Keynote Speakers
Norwich University has announced Commencement Ceremonies. The graduation weekend opens with the celebration of the Master’s Hooding Ceremony on April 26. The subsequent Commencement and Commissioning Ceremonies are slated to occur on Saturday, April 27. This year, Norwich University will inaugurate more than 920 graduates into the next state of their professional journeys. The graduating class of 2024 will have the opportunity to hear from two distinguished four-star Air Force generals. Retired United States Air Force General Lori Robinson will be the keynote speaker for the 2024 Norwich University Commencement. Gen Robinson’s storied 36-year career began through Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in 1982. Throughout her career she served in a variety of positions up to and including Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM).
2024 Barn Preservation Grants to fund restoration projects throughout Vermont
The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation and the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation are pleased to announce the 2024 Barn Preservation Grant awardees. This year, the program will award $350,235 to fund 20 preservation projects in eleven Vermont counties. These grants will leverage $1 million in restoration and rehabilitation efforts. The program received 28 applications this year requesting a total of $483,424 in grant funding. Historic Preservation Barn Grants awarded this year will support projects from Brattleboro to Island Pond. The iconic East Monitor Barn in Richmond will receive funding for a new slate roof, while unusual slate siding will be repaired on two agricultural structures at the Retreat Farm in Brattleboro.
Vermont reported to have lowest fertility rate in the nation
A new study by Birth Injury Lawyers Group has examined data from the National Center for Health Statistics to see which US states have the highest fertility rates and which have the lowest. Fertility rates between the years 2017-2021 were used to create an average overall fertility rate for each state across the five-year period. The fertility rates were calculated by taking the total number of live births in each state and dividing it by the number of women in that population. This was then expressed as the number of births per 1,000 women aged 15-44. The national average fertility rate across the US is 58.8 births per 1,000 women. Vermont had the lowest fertility rate at 46.7.
Spruce Peak Realty announces a total of more than $80 million in closed sales for The Treehouse
Spruce Peak Realty announces a total of more than $80 million in closed sales for The Treehouse, a spectacular four-story mountain retreat and the first all-electric building of its kind in Stowe. It is the fourth major luxury residential development at Spruce Peak in the past six years. With only one residence remaining, The Treehouse is fast approaching a sell-out as buyers look to own an incredible piece of alpine real estate within Spruce Peak's luxury slopeside community. The Treehouse exemplifies contemporary mountain living – each of the 48 residences has been designed with thoughtful details such as floor-to-ceiling windows, oak floors, local quarry granite countertops, Nordic-inspired furniture, and Vermont artwork, allowing generations to come together to enjoy mountain adventures.
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