People’s United Bank recently announced that Tawny Bloom has joined the bank as a Financial Advisor serving the South Burlington to Middlebury markets. Bloom will be responsible for providing personal investment management and financial planning. She will offer assistance for retirement planning, insurance planning and the People’s Funds Advisor Program.

BioTek Instruments, Inc announces Paul Held's promotion to Lab Manager in BioTek's Applications Laboratory. In this new position, Dr. Held will be responsible for day-to-day lab facilities management, the company's applications training program and customer visits in addition to his duties as Principle Scientist. Dr. Held has been with BioTek for over 17 years, and received a PhD in Molecular Biology from Albany Medical College.

Bret Williams, President and CEO of Green Mountain Beverage, announces the following new hires to the Woodchuck Cidery in Middlebury, Vermont where the nation’s leading hard cider, Woodchuck Hard Cider, is handcrafted.

Chad Fleury, a resident of Hancock, has been named Maintenance Manager, overseeing and managing all aspects of Woodchuck Cidery maintenance. With over 14 years of maintenance experience, Fleury spent the last 9 with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.

Jackie Wright, Certified B.O.C. Orthotist recently joined the Rutland office. Jackie brings with her years of experience in the orthotic and prosthetic field. They are pleased to have her as part of the Yankee Medical team.

Todd Hornbuckle, Orthotist recently joined the Lebanon, NH office. Todd brings with him years of experience in the orthotic field. They are pleased to have him as part of the Yankee Medical team.

Vermont Electric Cooperative, Inc. (VEC) is pleased to announce that Victoria J. Brown has joined its Senior Leadership Team as General Counsel. Vickie specializes in energy and public utility law and will advise on corporate and regulatory matters. Vickie is listed among The Best Lawyers in America in the field of energy law.

Marilyn Cormier, Saint Michael's College Director of Government and Community Relations, completed a program February 3-8, certifying her as a Protocol Officer by The Protocol School of Washington. The training was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, California.

Ms. Cormier, a resident ofColchester, is chair of the Vermont Council of World Affairs; she serves on the board of the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA, and is past president of the Colchester-Milton Rotary Club.

Mary Margaret Sloan, a resident of Windsor, VT, has been hired as the Executive Director of Vital Communities, a White River Junction based nonprofit that works with citizens and organizations to create solutions to regional challenges in the areas of transportation, energy, local economy, agriculture, community leadership, and sense of place.

Yankee Magazine’s March/April “Best Cook in Town” column, written by contributing editor Edie Clark, features Cabot’s Marcia Maynard in a story called “Sugaring Time.” Marcia and her husband run Cabot Hills Maple and sell certified organic maple syrup and her recipes are inspired by her passion for maple sugaring.