New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU) formally launched construction of its new, state-of-the-art South Burlington branch at 1000 Shelburne Rd. with a groundbreaking ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, October 22. Participating in the silver-shovel event were John Dwyer, NEFCU President and CEO; Bill Smith, NEFCU Senior Retail Delivery Executive; Charles DesLauriers, NEFCU Board Chair; Don Stewart, President, Stewart Construction; Shawn Brennan and Steve Clark, Freeman French Freeman architects.

The Central Vermont Medical Center currently features an exhibit of work by humorous illustrator Hal Mayforth, “Works From a Messy Studio.” “The vibrant colors and lightheartedness of this show draws smiles and comments from visitors, staff and patients,” stated CVMC president and CEO Judy Tartaglia.

Executive Director Sarah Carpenter announced Diane Edson of South Burlington, VT has joined Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) as Homeownership Specialist.

Diane was most recently employed at Shelter Mortgage, and previously at Universal Mortgage. Diane previously was employed at VHFA in a similar role until 2002.

Jacklyn Santerre, VHFA’s Director of Homeownership commented, “Diane has continued to be involved with VHFA loans as a processor and underwriter for one of our top lenders. We look forward to her picking up where she left off in 2002.”

David Grippin, managing partner of Grippin, Donlan, Pinkham is pleased to announce that Erika Lamb has recently joined the firm as staff accountant.

Erika graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Accounting. She is a member of our tax and audit staff. Erika is currently sitting for the CPA exam.

Grippin, Donlan, Pinkham, PLC is a South Burlington based CPA firm offering a full spectrum of tax and accounting services.

Carol Hodges, a clinical associate professor with Vermont Technical College’s Nursing Program, has been named president of the Vermont State Nurses’ Association (VSNA) for 2012-2013. VSNA, with more than 300 members, has been the voice of Vermont’s registered nurses since 1914. Through VSNA, registered nurses can be involved in decisions related to the profession of nursing: health care, practice, and workplace legislation; practice standards and ethics; and workplace issues including occupational health and safety.

The Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation (CVEDC) held its 35th Annual Meeting recently at the Capitol Plaza. The CVEDC Small Business of the Year Award, Leo C. Laferriere Community Service Award and the President’s Award were presented prior to a vivid discussion from three key panelists on the topic of “Drivers of the New Economy”.

Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott gave opening remarks and assisted with presenting the awards.

Eric Leff has been hired as a Case Manager at Maple Leaf Farm. Eric is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years experience working in the field of mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Shelburne Museum Director Thomas Denenberg announced the hiring of Nancy Hileman as Grants Manager.

Prior to joining Shelburne Museum, Hileman was director of development at Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Conn. In addition Hileman worked in arts administration at the Connecticut Commission on the Arts and the Oregon Arts Commission.

The Vermont State Board of Education (SBE) announces the appointment of the Education Quality Standards (EQS) Commission, comprised of Vermont education leaders tasked with recommending a state policy framework. This Commission will build off the work started in 2009 by the Education Transformation Policy Commission.

EQS Commission members include:

• Beth O’Brien, Principal, Montgomery Elementary School

• Andrew Paciulli, Principal, Academy School

• Andre Messier, Principal, Lake Region UHS

• Ed Webbley, Principal, Vergennes UHS

More than 200 fundraising professionals from Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire will gather to celebrate National Philanthropy Day on November 15, 2012 during the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northern New England (AFP-NNE) Conference at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort in Stowe, VT.

After a rigorous nomination and review process, AFP-NNE is pleased to announce the selection of the following award winners who join an impressive group of distinguished philanthropists and volunteers who are past awardees.