(Roundup of news from September)
Health Care report offers grim future without radical change
The regulatory Green Mountain Care Board last year retained Oliver Wyman LLC and Dr. Bruce Hamory to make recommendations based on Act 167’s mandates on health care reform. Dr. Hamory presented their year-long study in mid-September, highlighting the critical issues of affordability, accessibility, and sustainability in Vermont’s health care system and the immense challenges Vermont’s aging demographics pose to the sustainability of it.
Dr. Hamory underscored the high health care costs in Vermont, with premiums and out-of-pocket expenses significantly impacting families and employers. Dr. Hamory’s team projected that based on 3.5% hospital revenue growth and 5% cost growth, in five years, nearly all Vermont hospitals will have negative operating margins. The benchmark Silver Plan premium in Vermont has risen 108% since 2018 and is the highest in the nation.
Dr. Hamory also presented information indicating that Vermont’s non-profit insurance companies are facing serious financial challenges and have lost significant reserves, creating solvency concerns.
Dr. Hamory emphasized that systematic changes are needed to ensure the sustainability of Vermont’s health care system and to protect Vermonters from the rapid growth in health care costs. This includes changing the mission of every hospital in the state, all of which are financially stressed. He added that some will not survive financially without radical change.
“Nationwide, rural hospitals are losing money, cutting services and closing at an alarming rate, thrusting the communities they serve into crisis,” said GMCB Chair Owen Foster, “We don’t want to see that chaos happen in any community in Vermont. To prevent this, we’ll need to be proactive and bold. Vermont has a tremendous opportunity that allows us to design a durable system that is responsive to our changing demographics.”
MVP to drop UVMHN Medicare Advantage plan
MVP is discontinuing its Medicare Advantage plan in 2025, which provides insurance coverage for about 6,000 mostly older Vermonters. The University of Vermont Health Network and New York-based MVP Health Care launched the product three years ago. MVP said it will discontinue the UVM Health Advantage Plan program because of spiking health care costs and lower Medicare reimbursement rates.
GMCB announces FY25 hospital budget decisions and enforcement of FY2023 budgets
The Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) has concluded its annual review of hospital budget submissions for fiscal year 2025. They said this year’s decisions reflect a careful balance between ensuring access to high-quality, affordable healthcare for Vermonters, maintaining financial sustainability of hospitals, and responding to the evolving healthcare landscape. The GMCB also took corrective action against The University of Vermont Medical Center and the Rutland Regional Medical Center for exceeding their budgets in FY2023. The GMCB reviewed budget proposals from all 14 regulated hospitals across the state, taking into consideration each institution’s financial health, projected revenue needs, cost containment efforts, and patient care priorities. As part of this process, the Board engaged in a series of public hearings, incorporating feedback from stakeholders, hospital administrators, healthcare providers, the Vermont Health Care Advocate, and community members.
The GMCB stated that its decisions were consistent with FY25 guidance which set hospital revenue targets and price increases at levels reflecting wage growth and inflation. FY25 guidance established that operational efficiency and provider productivity would be a key focus and important factors in considering whether a hospital’s budget could exceed guidance.
UVMHN must cut charges by -1.0% (requested +6.8%) and RRMC is allowed a 1.2% increase (2.8% requested).
The GMCB allowed all the hospitals to increase their net patient revenue budgets for a systemwide total of 4.1% from a requested 8.0%. UVMMC received a 3.5% increase (9.3%requested) and RRMC received 5.0% increase (6.1% requested).
Tax revenues up in August, but Rooms & Meals misses its target
The General Fund and Education Fund exceeded their respective monthly consensus cash flow target in August, as adopted by the Emergency Board at its July 2024 meeting, while the Transportation Fund missed its target. The State’s General Fund, Transportation Fund, and Education Fund receipts were a combined $242.6 million, exceeding the $238.2 million monthly consensus target by $4.4 million, or 1.8%, which corresponded to the August monthly portion of the annual consensus forecast.
Notably, the Meals and Rooms Tax was below its target for the second straight month, which affects both the General Fund and the Education Fund. That tax was below targets in July (-3.25%) and was right at projections in June. The data tends to lag and the effects of the eclipse in April and of the July flooding in July have not yet been full compiled.
General Fund revenues for August totaled $153.8 million, $5.0 million, or 3.3%, above the $148.8 million monthly consensus cash flow target. Revenues in the Transportation Fund missed their $28.1 million August consensus target by -$0.7 million, or -2.5%, yielding $27.4 million in total. A combined -$1.2 million miss of the Motor Vehicle Fees and Other Fees categories offset the $0.5 million aggregate above target performance achieved by the Gasoline, Diesel and Motor Vehicle Purchase and Use Taxes. Monthly Education Fund revenues of $61.5 million were $0.1 million, or 0.2%, above their August $61.4 million cash flow target. The $1.1 million of combined above-target performance by the Sales and Use Tax, Motor Vehicle Purchase and Use Tax, and Education Fund Interest Earnings were offset by -$1.0 million of combined target misses by the Meals and Rooms Tax and Lottery Receipts.
Audit finds faults with state distribution of $50 million of COVID funds to businesses and nonprofits
State Auditor Doug Hoffer released an audit September 27 of the Department of Economic Development’s implementation of two programs funded with $50 million of federal COVID money – the Capital Investment Program and the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program. The two programs were created to address the negative economic impacts of the pandemic while leveraging opportunities to grow Vermont’s economy. The programs were chosen for audit because the Department’s administration of an earlier COVID business grant program had internal control problems, raising the risk that taxpayer funds would be misspent. DED Commissioner Joan Goldstein took issue with many of the findings in audit, including that the rules the department had to follow were federal because it was federal funds that were being dispersed.
Killington sale closes, Great Gulf becomes minority investor
Great Gulf, the developer of the upcoming one-of-a-kind master-planned village at Killington, announces a minority investment in the new ownership group purchasing the Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. The new group's existing connections to Killington align perfectly with Great Gulf's goal of creating a community that is deeply rooted in the Vermont ethos. Great Gulf's plans for a new four-season resort-style residential community and village, offering innovative modern architecture, transformative amenities, and stunning landscape design, continue to progress.
Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard destination in Eastern North America, closed on independent ownership on September 27, 2024. The new ownership group, led by Phill Gross and Michael Ferri, is committed to reinvesting all profits into capital improvements for the foreseeable future, with this being the first of many phases of capital improvements.
With the sale's closure, which is notably completed with zero net debt, the resort will begin to undertake several projects to improve the guest experience. Planned capital investment projects for the next two seasons, totaling over $30 million.
Finwave and GF partner on RF GaN-on-Si technology for cellular handset applications
Finwave Semiconductor, Inc., a leading innovator in GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, has announced a strategic technology development and licensing agreement with GlobalFoundries (GF), the world’s leading specialty foundry with a rich history of RF leadership. This partnership merges Finwave’s cutting-edge GaN-on-Si technology with GF’s U.S.-based high-volume manufacturing capabilities and long legacy of RF innovation including industry-leading RF Silicon-On-Insulator and Silicon-Germanium solutions. The collaboration will focus on optimizing and scaling Finwave’s innovative enhancement-mode (E-mode) MISHEMT technology to volume production at GF’s 200mm semiconductor manufacturing facility in Essex Jct, Vermont.
Walmart to relocate Rutland store to former Diamond Run Mall
Walmart that it will relocate the existing Walmart store at 90 Shopping Plaza Road in Rutland to the site of the former Diamond Run Mall. The new store will be a Supercenter, offering groceries, auto care, a drive through pharmacy and 45 spaces for online pickup. The new 170,995 sq ft store will also create an additional 100 full- and part-time jobs, while also keeping all existing jobs from the current location. Additionally, the project will create 100-150 construction jobs through the relocation project. Walmart hopes to immediately begin the approval process set out by Act 250 in Vermont and plans to open the new store in 2027. The new location will be the fourth Supercenter and sixth total store in Vermont. Across the six locations, Walmart has more than 1,500 associates in Vermont
Vermont State Dental Society to bring dental school to Vermont
The Vermont State Dental Society (VSDS), University of Detroit Mercy (UDM), Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Peter Welch are partnering to bring an innovative Dental Oral Health Education Center to Vermont in 2027. This new dental clinic and education program would bring UDM students to Vermont to complete their final years of training – strengthening the dental care provider pipeline and expanding access to much-needed care across the state. The first class of students will arrive in May 2027 and there eventually be 64 students in the program in Vermont. Sanders and Welch are working to secure $4.6 million in federal funding through the FY25 Congressionally Directed Spending process to support this historic initiative. Northeast Delta Dental has committed another $2 million to the project.
UVM to use $15M gift from Grossman Family Foundation to launch Co-op program
The Grossman School of Business at UVM plans to launch a business Co-op program, thanks to the Grossman Family Foundation, which has contributed or inspired nearly $90 million to the University of Vermont. A $15 million gift to the University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business will create the university’s largest experiential Co-op program, providing students with real-world experiences working in leading companies to better prepare UVM Catamounts for impactful careers and leadership in business and entrepreneurship.
Vermont gets over $51 million in federal transportation funds to support flood recovery
Vermont’s Congressional Delegation has announced $51 million in funding for Vermont from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Emergency Relief (ER) Program to reimburse Vermont for the costs of repairs caused by flooding in July and December 2023. “Devastating flooding has destroyed roads and highways across Vermont, and federal assistance is necessary to offset the extensive costs the State has incurred. When disaster strikes, states and localities act quickly—no matter the cost. This federal funding is an important part of the long process of rebuilding more resiliently after flooding, and underscores the need for our colleagues in Congress to act quickly to pass critically important disaster aid funding,” said the lawmakers.
Original Clean Energy acquires iSun, including SunCommon
Original Clean Energy, a subsidiary of Clean Royalties, a developer and builder of solar energy and storage systems, has acquired Williston, Vermont-based iSun and its companies SunCommon (Waterbury) and Liberty Electric (Salem, NH). iSun was acquired by Houston-based investment firm Siltstone Capital following approval by the bankruptcy court on August 23. Siltstone acquired iSun (now Original Clean Energy) for $10 million. In its last 2023 financial report iSun stated that its estimated annual revenues were nearly $100 million. This acquisition and leadership transition are part of the company’s restructuring plan to restore financial stability and pursue growth in the solar energy business across northern New England and New York state.
Award-winning Grafton Village Cheese Company seeks buyer/partner
The Windham Foundation (the Foundation), based in Grafton, Vermont, has announced that it is seeking a partner or buyer for its iconic Grafton Village Cheese Company (GVCC.) A program of the Foundation for decades, the Cheese Company is the award-winning producer of hand-crafted aged cheddar and cave-aged sheep milk cheeses. Part of the mission of the Windham Foundation is supporting Vermont rural towns economically and culturally, the Cheese Company being an example of a local food company that benefits both agriculture and employment. Last year, the Foundation brought in CEO Curt Alpeter, a seasoned business leader, to position the company for long-term success. Curt said he sees great opportunity for the GVCC brand with adequate financial support. Curt and a committee of the Windham Foundation Board that oversees GVCC have determined that taking advantage of this opportunity will require either new investment to grow the company or a sale to a better positioned partner with access to larger markets.
Addison County horse tests positive for eastern equine encephalitis
The Department of Health continues to urge residents to take steps to prevent mosquito bites after an Addison County horse tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) last week. The horse, which was tested on Sept. 23, was unvaccinated and is now deceased. EEE, which spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito, is rare but can cause serious and life-threatening illness in people and some animals. Although the risk is lower as temperatures cool and mosquitoes are less active, prevention is still important. The town of Salisbury has been added to the list of high-risk towns where health officials strongly recommend limiting evening outdoor activities until the first hard frost in their area. High-risk towns now include Alburgh, Burlington, Colchester, Salisbury, Sudbury, Swanton and Whiting.
Winooski teacher named 2025 Vermont Teacher of the Year
The Vermont Agency of Education has announced that Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver, of Winooski High School, is the 2025 Vermont Teacher of the Year. Caitlin will officially start her role as Teacher of the Year on January 1, 2025. Also recognized are the 2025 Distinguished Finalists for Vermont Teacher of the Year: Jeremy DeMink of Edmunds Middle School and Sonya Shedd of Wolcott Elementary School. Caitlin has been teaching at Winooski High School for six years, and 14 years in total. As a history teacher, English teacher, and reading specialist, she creates powerful, culturally responsive learning environments where students feel respected, valued, and encouraged to embrace their full identities.
Evernorth Loan Fund receives $10M philanthropic donation to finance affordable housing
Evernorth Loan Fund, a community development organization of Evernorth, has received a $10 million donation to support its efforts in financing affordable housing projects in Vermont. The donation comes from an anonymous Vermont philanthropic donor who shares Evernorth’s commitment to creating vibrant, healthy communities through the development of affordable housing. The funds are already supporting over 200 affordable homes under development in Putney, Waterbury, Berlin, West Rutland, Shelburne and Burlington.
Vermont’s unemployment up a tenth to 2.2 percent in August
The Vermont Department of Labor has reported that the seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate for August was 2.2 percent. This reflects an increase of one-tenth of one percentage point from the prior month’s revised estimate. There were only marginal changes in the major metrics. However, the increase in the number of unemployed outpaced both employment and the labor force. Vermont still has the second lowest jobless rate in the nation, behind South Dakota (2.0%). Nevada is highest at 5.5%. The United States rate in August was 4.2 percent, a decrease of one-tenth.
VTSU researchers receive grant to study links between ticks and invasive plant species
Vermont State University (VTSU) was recently awarded a $1.8 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, along with researchers from the University of Maine, to conduct groundbreaking research on ticks and invasive plant species. This initiative builds upon ongoing research led by Dr. Landesman and students from the VTSU Johnson and Castleton campuses, supported by the CDC-funded New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases. The NSF grant allocates $238,000 to VTSU, with funding commencing on September 1, 2024.
Auditor says state needs to improve its flood mitigation response
On September 3 the Vermont Auditor released an audit of the State Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Plan, managed by Vermont Emergency Management (VEM, situated within the Department of Public Safety), is intended to be the one-stop location that details how Vermont intends to be ready to face the most significant natural hazards like flooding, extreme heat, infectious disease, and drought. It is meant to be a blueprint of how the state can reduce the impacts of future events, with state government’s leading subject experts indicating the highest priority actions Vermont should take.
Overall, they found that state government can improve its mitigation efforts and its use of the Hazard Mitigation Plan as a tool to drive that improvement.
Findings include:
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VEM reported in 2023 that only one-third of mitigation actions from the 2018 Plan had been completed
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VEM and a committee of high-level state officials did not follow through on the process they had developed to evaluate whether hazard mitigation efforts were actually effective
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Information about the status of mitigation actions was sometimes unreliable
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No mitigation actions in the 2023 Plan specifically address the risk of an infectious disease outbreak
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The Agency of Administration and the Department of Public Safety agreed with nearly all of the recommendations to improve performance in the future.
Cathedral Square receives $1 million gift from Miller Family
Cathedral Square has received a $1 million gift to support its memory care community in Williston, Memory Care at Allen Brook (MCAB). The gift comes from the Miller family through the Holly and Bob Miller Charitable Fund, long-time supporters of Cathedral Square’s mission and commitment to providing quality, affordable dementia care to those without means. MCAB serves very low-income Vermonters on Medicaid and is the only truly affordable memory-care residence in the state. At the start of September, an urgent fundraising campaign was announced to sustain MCAB through the year after unforeseen staffing absences and challenges cost Cathedral Square three times what had been budgeted for agency staffing to keep their doors open. While they have since hired more staff and received some increases from both Section 8 and Medicaid, the financial toll was huge.
Vermont Secretary of State reminds voters of options for casting a General Election ballot
As her office began the process of mailing General Election ballots to all active registered voters in the state, Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas reminds voters of their options for casting their ballot and emphasized the importance of having a voting plan. The November General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The following offices are up for election: U.S. President and Vice President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Secretary of State, Auditor of Accounts, Attorney General, State Senate seats, State Representative seats, High Bailiffs, and justices of the peace. In 2021, the Vermont legislature passed Act 60, which requires the Secretary of State’s office to mail General Election ballots to all active registered voters automatically.
One of the largest stormwater projects in the state’s history announced
Pomerleau Real Estate, in collaboration with Champlain Housing Trust, the State of Vermont, the City of Burlington and the Regional Planning Commission is proud to announce the commencement of one of the state’s largest stormwater management projects. This groundbreaking initiative is set to address and treat 821,144 gallons of stormwater over 21 acres, marking a significant stride toward protecting Lake Champlain and the impaired Potash Brook. The project is being constructed adjacent to the Market 32 Shopping Center on Shelburne Road, at a crucial junction for Potash Brook entering Lake Champlain. This critical project made possible with a large grant from the state, exemplifies a public-private partnership in environmental initiatives. It has been championed by Pomerleau Real Estate, Champlain Housing Trust, State of Vermont and the City of Burlington.
Vermont Agency of Education releases 2023-24 Statewide Assessment results, gaps remain
The Vermont Agency of Education released the preliminary 2023-24 Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program results. The assessment is administered annually in the spring to students in grades three through nine, and eleven. The assessment measures students’ mastery of the Common Core State Standards in English language arts (ELA), mathematics, and the Next Generation Science Standards. Average proficiency percent remained steady compared to the previous year, with the highest in English languages arts (45-58%), followed by science (41-46%), and then math (30-47%). Results continue to show significant gaps between students from historically marginalized backgrounds and their peers. These results are preliminary and final results will be made available in the winter.
UVM awarded $2.7M for National Climate Measurements Center of Excellence
Temperature, precipitation, wind speed—the U.S. government has plenty of ways to measure our climate. But how do we measure the impacts of climate on our communities, economies, and ecosystems? The new Climate Measurements Center of Excellence (CMeC) at the University of Vermont (UVM) will answer this need, thanks to a $2.7M investment from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Lake Champlain Chamber announces Leadership Champlain Class of 2025
Leadership Champlain, the Lake Champlain Chamber’s signature leadership development program, has announced the incoming Class of 2025. Established in 1988, Leadership Champlain is a professional development and community engagement program with a mission to foster growth and leadership in professionals who will serve the local community now and in the future. The incoming cohort of 36 participants kicked off the program at the Opening Retreat at Basin Harbor Resort, September 19-20. They will spend the next nine months diving into the challenges and opportunities present in the state, meeting with leaders across varied sectors and industries, and exploring how they can best apply themselves as next generation leaders in Vermont.
Former Representative Curt McCormack dies of cancer
Former Rutland and Burlington Representative Curt McCormack died of cancer September 16. Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski said: “It is with a heavy heart that I remember my friend and former colleague, Representative Curt McCormack, who passed away after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Curt dedicated over two decades to the Vermont legislature representing Rutland and Burlington, championing crucial environmental and transportation initiatives, and he leaves behind a legacy of service to Vermont and beyond that will not be forgotten.”
McCormack was a member of the Vermont House representing the City of Rutland from 1983 until 1996 and represented the Old North End and Downtown of Burlington from 2013 to 2022. He chaired the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy for five years in the 1990s and later chaired the Transportation Committee.
CEAP Funding Available for Equipment to Improve Water Quality
The Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP), administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, provides financial assistance for farms to purchase equipment that will provide improvements to water quality on their farm. Successful applicants will show how their requested equipment will increase or improve their utilization of conservation practices or otherwise reduce runoff on their farm. The maximum award amount for this competitive grant is between $25,000 - $100,000, depending on the type of equipment and applicant. There is a 10% match requirement.
New Food Hub will better support farmers and the community
When the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) opens the doors on the Food Hub later this year, its capacity to ship, store and process food and agricultural products will greatly expand, boosting the organization’s mission to strengthen Vermont’s food system. As a net-zero, solar-powered facility utilizing cutting-edge refrigeration and heat-capture technology, the Food Hub will also further the non-profit’s commitment to sustainability and demonstrate that agriculture can work in concert with environmental initiatives. The 12,500-square-foot Food Hub will come online as CAE marks 20 years of working to make the local food system resilient, including, most recently, assisting farms with flood recovery. The Food Hub will increase CAE’s capacity to aggregate and distribute locally produced foods from across the state and transport them to markets within Vermont and beyond.
Scott announces $1.6 million of new Brownfield Revitalization Fund investments
Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Economic Development have announced the Brownfields Revitalization Fund (BRF) – State Program is investing $1,594,500 to clean up two properties in Bennington and Northfield. Once completed, the projects are poised to bring 64 housing units online. “Brownfield remediation is not only good for the environment but is also an important tool that can be used to revitalize communities,” said Governor Phil Scott. “These projects will help Northfield and Bennington redevelop vacant sites, create housing units, and bring jobs to their downtowns.”
Norwich University launches online Master of Public Health Program
Norwich University has introduced its new online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program, and to welcome its first class this fall. With its 200-year military heritage, Norwich has developed its MPH program to prepare students to take on leadership roles in addressing today’s most pressing public health challenges. Public health, the science of improving the health of communities and individuals through preventive measures, intersects with the growing areas of artificial intelligence, nursing, national security, climate and environmental issues, and mental health. Norwich’s science-based MPH program emphasizes the leadership and human impact required to effectively address these key areas.
VTrans awards $7.19 million in bicycle and pedestrian grants
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has awarded approximately $7.19 million in grants to municipalities for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvement projects. The combination of construction projects and planning grants will benefit cities and towns statewide with improved transportation connectivity and safety, tangible economic benefits, and additional transportation options for commuters, visitors to the state, and recreational users. Vermont continues to prioritize making communities and streets more usable for all modes of transportation. In downtowns and village centers especially, municipalities are responding to the need for better walking and bicycling facilities.
Porter Medical support staff, LPNs and techs ratify first union contract
Over 300 Porter Medical Center (PMC) support staff, licensed practical nurses, and technical professionals have ratified their first union contract, voting to accept a tentative agreement reached the week before between management and the union’s bargaining team. Earlier this year, the healthcare workers voted to form a union, joining their registered nurse (RN) colleagues at PMC who first organized in 2013.
AGCVT brings home the Cashman
The Associated General Contractors of Vermont (AGC/VT) has announced it has been awarded the prestigious James E. Cashman Award. This honor recognizes AGC/VT’s exceptional achievements in growth, engagement, advocacy, and communication within the construction industry. The James E. Cashman Award is presented annually to organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing the construction sector. AGC/VT has been acknowledged for its significant contributions in fostering industry growth, enhancing member engagement, advocating for critical issues, and effectively communicating with stakeholders.
Union Bankshares announces balance sheet repositioning
Union Bankshares, Inc (NASDAQ - UNB) has announced the completion of a balance sheet repositioning related to its investment securities portfolio. The company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Union Bank, executed the sale of $38.8 million in book value of its lower-yielding available-for-sale debt securities for an estimated after-tax realized loss of approximately $1.0 million, which will be recorded in the third quarter of 2024.
VTSU welcomes nearly 1,700 students in the Class of 2028
Vermont State University (VTSU) has welcomed more than 1,700 new degree-seeking students in the Class of 2028 to its campuses last week and reports a strong retention of returning students as well, meeting expectations for all campuses and exceeding projections in many programs. The new class is just over 200 students stronger than the inaugural class in Fall 2023, or 14% year-over-year. Since its unification in 2023, VTSU has worked to realign programs, learning options and course offerings to meet student interest and state economic and workforce needs.
Investigation underway after plane crash kills four people in Ferrisburgh
The Vermont State Police has recovered the bodies of four victims following an airplane crash in Addison County. A preliminary investigation determined that the four-seat, single-engine Piper aircraft had departed Windham Airport in Connecticut at about 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, for a flight of about two hours to Basin Harbor Airport in Ferrisburgh. Investigators determined the privately owned plane landed and the occupants arrived for a brunch reservation at Basin Harbor. The party departed the restaurant shortly after noon and were to fly back to Connecticut. A witness reported seeing the airplane on the runway at about 12:15 p.m. No reports were received indicating an aircraft in distress or that a plane had crashed.
VermontBiz recognizes Vermont’s Rising Stars Class of 2024
VermontBiz has announced the winners of its Rising Stars recognition award. The list is comprised of 40 winners under the age of 40. Award recipients were selected by a panel of judges for their commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and involvement in their communities. “We are thrilled by the response to this initiative to recognize these up-and-coming leaders nominated by the Vermont business community. This is our 15th year,” said VermontBiz Publisher. “We received over 180 outstanding nominations this year. The total number of honorees over the past 14 years now totals 681.”
Kyle Clark group signs deal to buy Caledonia State Airport
VermontBiz has confirmed that a group led by Kyle Clark, CEO of BETA technologies in South Burlington, has signed a purchase and sale agreement with the state of Vermont to acquire the Caledonia County State Airport. The state had put out an RFP in the summer 2023 to sell the airport. Basically, the state couldn’t afford to keep it up. Dennise Casey, a representative for the Clark group, which is separate from BETA, said their first order of business would be to refurbish the 3,300-foot runway, which is paved. She also noted that the airport must maintain in perpetuity public access to general aviation. Financial terms were not disclosed but will be at some point. The purchasing group is CRAFTVT, LLC.
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