The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) has announced the results of its December 9, 2021 annual election of VMEC Advisory Board members.

Newly elected to the VMEC Advisory Board for two-year terms were Janette Bombardier, P.E., Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Chroma Technology/ 89 North (Bellows Falls) and Gina Akley, President, Trow & Holden (Barre).

Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) (the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew K. Durkee as Senior Vice President and New England President of Community Bank, N.A. Mr. Durkee will join Community Bank, N.A.’s team in Vermont and will be based at its New England headquarters located in Williston, Vermont.

Johanna de Graffenreid is the new Outreach Organizer for the Vermont Creative Network (VCN). As Outreach Organizer, de Graffenreid advances the goals of the VCN Action Plan and builds the capacity of the Network. This includes coordinating the VCN Steering Team and supporting six "creative zone agents" in organizing and network activities across Vermont. Email de Graffenreid ([email protected]) to get involved in the VCN team in your area.

The law firm of Primmer Piper Eggleston and Cramer (PPEC) is pleased to welcome attorney Peter Dysart. Peter will work with our corporate, banking and financial services, and litigation practice groups.

Peter focuses primarily on commercial transactions, business formations and dissolutions, mergers and acquisitions, and trademark registration and protection. He also supports the firm’s captive insurance group concerning corporate transactions.

Photo: Bill Smith, NEFCU Chief Marketing and Retail Officer (third from left) presented the VTANG 2021 Scholarships in December. Courtesy Photo.

New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU) presented five scholarships of $1,000 each to winning applicants of the National Guard Association of Vermont (NGA-VT) annual scholarship program. On hand for NEFCU to present the checks was Bill Smith, NEFCU Chief Marketing and Retail Officer, along with Major James Lewandowski and Major Jason Beams (VNGA)

President Joe Biden appointed the following individuals to serve in key regional leadership roles at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Small Business Administration (SBA):

Democratic Candidate for Congress Molly Gray announced her first campaign hires and key advisors. Samantha Sheehan will serve as Campaign Manager and Liz Brown will serve as Deputy Campaign Manager. Owen Milne will serve as Finance Chair, and Dr. Sefakor G.M.A. Komabu-Pomeyie joins the team as a Special Advisor to the campaign on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.