LORD Corporation announced the addition of Chad Thelen as computer-aided design (CAD) drafter/designer to the LORD Corporation MicroStrain® Sensing System team in Williston, Vt. Thelen will be responsible for completing detailed definition products through the creation of 3-D CAD models and technical drawings. The addition of Thelen to the LORD team will reinforce our commitment to design innovation for our customers.

Champlain Valley AHEC is pleased to welcome Jessica Barrow to their staff as Health Careers Program Educator. Jessica develops, coordinates, and implements health career-related educational programs for middle and high school students in Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. She also organizes and participates in conferences and job fairs in partnership with local schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and community organizations.

The TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, recently donated a total of $900,000 in grants to food pantries throughout the bank’s footprint from Maine to Florida.

The grants will help pantries prepare for the holiday season and aid in assisting thousands who will experience a reduction in their food stamp benefits, due to the expiration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Pantries are expected to double their current levels of distribution and play a very important part in feeding many communities.

Renewable NRG Systems, a designer and manufacturer of resource assessment and turbine optimization equipment for the global renewable energy industry, has promoted Justin Wheating, chief financial officer, to the role of president. Wheating will be responsible for overseeing operations, providing strategic direction, and leading the executive management team. Jan Blomstrann, chief executive officer and owner, will continue to provide strategic leadership and serve as the ambassador for the company in local, national, and international arenas.

Thanks to the 91 horseback riders who took part in last month’s Fourth Annual Ride for the Cure – as well as the generosity of the event’s host, the Green Mountain Horse Association – Susan G. Komen Vermont-New Hampshire has raised in excess of $40,000.

Member-Owners and staff members were busy inside Hunger Mountain Coop recently packing enough groceries to feed over 1,000 people in Washington County. The Coop’s community distribution partners braved the icy roads and arrived with helping hands to pick up the holiday grocery bags donated by The Coop.