Champlain Business Journal Archive
New CCV campus planned for downtown Rutland
July 2010
The Community College of Vermont (CCV) has found a new home for its Rutland operation.
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Middlebury College sees increase in student applications
July 2010
Middlebury College is setting some records with this fall’s enrollment.
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Businesses, groups do their part to support local schools
July 2010
Much of the business and service community roll up their proverbial sleeves to help provide assistance to schools. These gifts of goods, services and time are sometimes given anonymously and most often without fanfare.
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Making meetings productive
July 2010
Although he was a man of many words, Noah Webster probably didn't attend many meetings back in the day: if he had, he likely wouldn't have used a phrase as benign as “to assemble” when defining the verb “to meet.”
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Colleges chart a green course
Five local colleges cited for environmental efforts
July 2010
In a region known for its dedication to environmentalism, it makes perfect sense that five colleges and universities in Vermont and New Hampshire’s Upper Valley region are being lauded for thinking green.
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Are energy-smart homes more saleable?
May 2010
The demand for green or smart homes is rising. Homeowners who get smart faster hold a stronger position in the marketplace when and if they need to sell their home.
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Thumbs up for Snoe.down
Music, mountain sports festival boosts region’s economy
May 2010
A weekend-long music festival staged recently in Rutland and Killington presented the region with a welcome economic boost and has sown a seed for the idea of staging more concerts at Spartan Arena.
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Off-season opportunities abound at Jackson Gore
May 2010
When Jackson Gore debuted at Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, it launched the ski area into a true four-season resort, boosting Okemo’s special-function business to the star of the “off-snow” seasons.
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Vacation-home sales beginning to rebound
May 2010
Rutland area vacation-home sales depend on the national economy as much as any other type of real estate, but to a different degree.
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Central Vermont Truck Repair expands
May 2010
Mike Nordmeyer’s Central Vermont Truck Repair celebrated 25 years in business this year by doubling its capacity and expanding its operations.
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GMC announces new sustainable ag major
May 2010
Look for muck boots, calloused hands and dirty fingernails next fall at Green Mountain College (GMC) when this Poultney educational landmark launches a new major called Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production.
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Lenders explore new ways to help Vermonters refinance
May 2010
As the saying goes, “it’s not over ’til the fat lady sings.” Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates are still available at well below six percent, and people purchasing or refinancing a home can take advantage of rates that can slice a significant burden off the monthly budget.
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Rutland Plywood thrives in its niche
May 2010
Plywood is not normally considered to be a cutting-edge kind of component, but a company in Rutland using 21st-century technology produces a form of plywood combining beauty with space-age performance.
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Crisanver House’s expanded offerings attract more markets
May 2010
High in the hills of Shrewsbury resides a unique and historic inn that has evolved into a 120-acre mini-resort that through its expansion of facilities and amenities has garnered an ever-expanding market of guests.
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Farming fish in Vermont
May 2010
With the exception of Vermont’s border on Lake Champlain, the state is landlocked. Despite this fact, Vermont has a quiet but lively fish industry of private and government-run fish farms and hatcheries, and a Rutland-based company that purveys tilapia – a white fish – throughout the U.S.
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Open for business
May 2010
Hawk Hill Cabinetry _& Custom Woodwork
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Kinney Pike Insurance welcomes familiar new owners
May 2010
Kinney Pike Insurance recently acquired a trio of new owners.
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Even in tough economic times, Vermont dairy jobs are a tough sell
May 2010
The Vermont dairy industry has both shrunk and grown over the years. That is, there are many fewer dairies producing much more milk.
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Ladies blaze new trails
Female executives a rare breed in ski industry hierarchy
April 2010
When it comes to operating ski areas, the traditional top management jobs of president, general manager and chief financial officer have historically been dominated by men.
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A passion for pellets
Katie Adams channels environmental concern into a green-energy business
April 2010
Entrepreneur Katie Adams is concerned about the environment – and is walking the talk when it comes to her business.
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Campus construction
Castleton State College sees almost $26 million in improvements
April 2010
Since last fall, Castleton State College (CSC) has completed three projects – a new stadium, campus center and gymnasium improvements – at a total cost of $25.7 million.
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Successful sellout
Rutland’s Airport Business Park enjoys full occupancy
April 2010
Nearly five months of successful negotiations to bring a company to Rutland have also ended a 25-year effort to sell all of the lots in Rutland’s Airport Business Park, owned by the Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC).
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Two Middlebury medical firms join forces
April 2010
Two well-established Middlebury medical practices have merged and relocated to a new larger office on Exchange Street in Middlebury.
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Trends in giving: optimism amid challenges
April 2010
Nonprofit organizations throughout Vermont and the U.S. and the consumers they serve are feeling the effects of the economic downturn, which also affects major donors.
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Construction outlook improving
Area builders see bright spots on the horizon
April 2010
Rutland-area engineers, contractors and builders are cautiously optimistic about nailing projects for 2010.
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Fire training academy expands with new building
April 2010
A new building for the Vermont Fire Academy on Academy Road in Pittsford is slated for occupancy this spring.
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Rutland’s GE plant to manufacture groundbreaking aviation engine
April 2010
A new, highly innovative jet aviation engine will go into production at the General Electric facility in Rutland during the latter half of this year.
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Rutland CCV campus seeking new home
April 2010
The Rutland campus of the Community College of Vermont (CCV) is bulging at the seams from a 20-percent growth rate in student enrollment during the past five years, prompting it to search for a larger facility that will accommodate its growing number of students.
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Pittsford business organization adopts new name to reflect times
April 2010
What’s in a name? That’s what a group of business-minded people in Pittsford recently considered when it changed the name of the then Pittsford Merchant’s Association to the Pittsford Business Community Group.
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Open for business
April 2010
Shoe In
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Wild for apps
Vermont firm works to corner market on iPhone wildlife applications
April 2010
Now, it’s a lot easier to discover where the wild things are.
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Personal Savings Rate
February 2010
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New year, new start: Area business leaders look to 2010
January 2010
The economic outlook for 2010 in the Rutland region is cautiously optimistic.
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Veteran cheese maker back in business
January 2010
Galen and Jill Jones, who with their three children divide their time between Bennington, VT and Waccabuc, NY in Westchester County, recently assumed ownership of Crowley Cheese Company, Inc., in Healdville.
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Weak U.S. dollar could attract _foreign tourists to the slopes
January 2010
The weak U.S. dollar may translate into a boom in international skiers heading to Vermont this winter.
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A bright idea for businesses
January 2010
Homeowners already know that controlling the cost of lighting a house is a fairly easy task. They can reduce electric bills noticeably just by switching from incandescent to low-energy compact fluorescent bulbs and turning off lights when daylight is sufficient.
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Foreign workers face tighter regulations
January 2010
When Nancy and Mike Boyle purchased the Maple Leaf Inn in Barnard, they inherited annual visits from Adhison do Rosario from Goa, India, who spent part of his year working at the Vermont farm to earn money to send home to his family.
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January New Busineses
January 2010
Pencil2plan Drafting Service
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Trade mission could snag $20 million in foreign investments for Vermont
January 2010
A 24-member Vermont trade delegation led by Governor James Douglas concluded its 12-day mission to the Far East in November with the prospect of $20 million from Chinese investors to businesses in the Green Mountain State.
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Powdr buys Copper Mountain: Purchase not expected to impact Killington, Pico
January 2010
Powdr Corp, the corporate parent of Killington and Pico, is acquiring Copper Mountain in Colorado from Intrawest, the largest North American owner-operator of ski resorts.
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Industry changes prompt conversion of historic buildings
January 2010
Vermont possesses a rich architectural heritage, with some buildings dating back to the 18th century.
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Rutland County explores wind farm proposal
January 2010
Rutland County is being positioned and wooed to accommodate wind power – up to 80 megawatts – in its electric grid mix in what could be one of the largest private construction projects in Vermont’s history.
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Bank turns drive-up into full-service depository
November 2009
One Vermont bank has retained a bullish stance during the economic downturn. Merchants Bank, the last independent statewide banking company in Vermont, will replace its popular drive-up banking location at 92 Woodstock Avenue in Rutland with a new full-service bank at the same location by year’s end.
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Into inns: couple runs Dorset, Mountain Top inns
November 2009
The Dorset Inn and the Mountain Top Inn both represent the quintessence of Vermont lodging and hospitality, as do their mutual owners, Lauren and Steve Bryant.
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Crazy for cranberries: Tart, crimson berries grow in Vermont bog
November 2009
Thanksgiving celebrations traditionally contain certain foods like turkey, pumpkins and/or winter squash, widely believed to be part of that historic 1621 “first Thanksgiving” meal.
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Handcrafted furniture: quality at a price
November 2009
Though furniture makers have been around for thousands of years, the term “furniture artisan” is much newer to the marketplace.
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Group helps businesses recycle among themselves
November 2009
Since October of last year – when the administration of the Vermont Business Materials Exchange (VBMX) was taken over by the Northeast Recycling Council from its main sponsor, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources – interest in the free service for businesses across the state has surged.
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Spotlight on new business
November 2009
Magnum Millwork
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Promoting environmental responsibility
November 2009
Vermont businesses and schools are greening up. They see the value of doing so – not only to their bottom lines, but also to their marketing efforts. Green is hot, especially in this economy.
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Filling the green technology void
Poultney center to focus on environmentally friendly projects, jobs
November 2009
Tucked in the rolling hills of Poultney is a company that has the potential to change how people learn about the environment through training for an evolving workplace focused on green and sustainable issues.
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Interior design with concrete results
November 2009
When it comes to comparing the cost of concrete counter tops versus granite, the jury is still out.
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Group works to promote state’s environmental business economy
November 2009
Eight years ago, people in various public and private arenas interested in the state’s environmental concerns banded together as the Vermont Environmental Consortium.
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Heating costs
November 2009
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Vermont home to wide array of environmentally friendly companies
November 2009
In Vermont, green businesses run the gamut from auto sales and service to computers to textiles and resorts. There’s even a dusting of flour thrown in for good measure over at King Arthur Flour in Norwich.
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A catered affair
October 2009
Fortunately for residents and for those seeking Vermont country weddings, the Rutland area has a wide variety of caterers capable of handling the varied demands of uniquely planned nuptial events.
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Agencies work to pinpoint needs of downtown business district
October 2009
This fall, folks doing business in downtown Rutland will know more about the local and regional market forces that impact their pursuits, thanks to a joint study conducted by the Rutland Redevelopment Authority (RRA) and the Downtown Rutland Partnership (DRP).
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Asset protection crucial to keeping business afloat
October 2009
The football team steps onto the playing field, bright lights shining on their shoulders. The crowd gasps: not one player is wearing protective equipment. No pads, no helmets, no mouth guards.
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Shrewsbury regains iconic landmark
October 2009
After a 16-year hiatus, Willie E. Pierce Groceries has reopened in North Shrewsbury.
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Wedding planning a booming business
October 2009
Before one can even begin thinking about wedding planning as a career, it is important to define exactly what a wedding planner is.
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Spotlight on new businesses
October 2009
Acorn Natural Medicine
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Banks eager despite downturn
October 2009
It’s true that commercial and retail activities have slowed in Vermont, while the rate of foreclosures has increased. However, spokespeople for Vermont’s banks say they are upbeat about the ability of their lending institutions to reach into deep pockets to assist commercial borrowers despite the recession.
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Recycling made simple
Casella, Castleton State students partner to recover recyclables
October 2009
In spring 2005, Castleton State College (CSC) Professor Paul Derby taught a class on anthropology and the environment. Recycling came into the picture, as the students became aware that Castleton’s recycling efforts could be transformed into a model program.
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Getting on track: Vermont seeks rail funds
October 2009
Vermont is awaiting word on its application for $125 million in federal stimulus grant funds to rebuild its eastern and western corridor railroad network.
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Law libraries enter the 21st century
October 2009
Law libraries are thriving throughout the country, due in part to the information age. One has only to type the words “law library” into an Internet search engine to get 20 pages of online libraries full of information.
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Prepare for a scare
Venerable Halloween parade helps highlight downtown businesses
October 2009
A light-hearted invitation to a small parade in 1959 has grown far beyond all expectations: during a 50-year span, the annual Halloween parade has expanded to an evening-long extravaganza of costumes, lights, floats and music.
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National Apple Month
October 2009
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Awash in color
Visitors flock to Vermont for its striking autumn palette
September 2009
There was a time when Vermont claimed ownership of the fall foliage tourism business.
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Savor the flavors of harvest festivals
September 2009
As the days grow shorter and a chill is noticeable in the evening air, there may be no better way to celebrate summer’s end than at one of the many Harvest Festivals in large cities and rural hamlets around the state.
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Building branding power
Middlebury businesses band together to entice tourists
September 2009
“Made in Middlebury” is the new theme for a group of manufacturers whose facilities double as attractions for area visitors.
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Wellness at work: a sound business investment
September 2009
Workplace wellness programs in Vermont are alive and thriving, with much of the credit going to the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports.
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Builder roots for recycling
September 2009
The McKernon Group in Brandon is enjoying a growing reputation for recycling parts of old barns for use in new homes.
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Chambers help small business workers get healthy
September 2009
At first, a business might consider being a member of the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce (RRCC) to take advantage of its marketing opportunities, business contacts, legislative updates and tourism contacts.
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Construction company celebrates 75th anniversary
September 2009
Russell Corporation is celebrating an impressive 75th year in business this year.
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Fly fishing casts spell over tourists
September 2009
Make hay when the sun shines, and cast when it rains: this summer’s wet weather may have hurt farmers, but it’s been a boon to fishermen and to the businesses that keep them angling.
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Glass companies see upswing in window replacements
September 2009
Replacing old windows can be a win-win proposition for homeowners who want to save money on their utility bills and qualify for federal tax credits.
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Green Mountain College to warm with wood
September 2009
A student’s vision that was reflected in a project for academic credit in 2005 will become a reality this coming winter when a wood-chip plant fires up to heat Poultney’s Green Mountain College (GMC) campus and provide 20 percent of the college’s electrical needs.
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Insurance choices abound
September 2009
Despite the downturn in the current economy, consumers are still purchasing business insurance of all types at record rates, according to Angie Brady of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s regional headquarters in Albany, NY.
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Out of the woodwork
Woodstock hosts furniture festival
September 2009
The beauty of the Green Mountain State’s trees beyond the brilliance of spectacular autumn foliage will be on display at the sixth annual Vermont Fine Furniture and Woodworking Festival at the Union Arena in Woodstock September 26- 27.
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Spotlight On New Business
September 2009
Neshobe River Winery
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Flextime: an attractive alternative for workers
September 2009
Gone are the days when the workplace was dictated by a nine-to-five schedule. Today, employers and employees alike are embracing arrangements that improve efficiency, add convenience and yield to more demanding personal schedules.
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