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    While the recession continues to hit hard at the national and state economies, there is a bright spot in Vermont’s job outlook. The state's information technology companies, those producing software, are doing well. Medical technologies along with mobile computing and cell phone growth are pushing software development and expanding the opportunities in this industry. As a result relatively high paying positions are available. The major problem locally is finding enough workers.

  • grand_isle_0710.jpg

    Grand Isle County's small economy rests, somewhat precariously, on three legs: tourism, agriculture and residential real estate. The first is faring well, the second is characterized by both high ambitions and an embarrassing scandal, and the third is moribund, at least for now. Conditions in the Champlain Islands in mid-2010 are thus inspiring a mixture of optimism and despondency.

  • nurse_magnus_0710.jpg

    The historic national health care reform legislation involves numerous components. One component, also required by the IRS in Schedule H, Form 990, is for increased oversight of tax-exempt hospitals. (Note: There are no for-profit hospitals in Vermont.)

  • starting_over_0710.jpg

    In my last column, I showed how I use technology to facilitate work when I'm overseas. This one’s about what happened when I returned. It wasn’t pretty.

    I came home to discover that my former employer had turned off my landline phone, my cell phone, Internet connection, even my cable TV. And he'd done it so effectively that I couldn't just pay ‘n play with any of ‘em.

  • peter_van_oot_0710.jpg

    Peter D Van Oot is an attorney with the northern New England law firm of Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC specializing in land use, environmental and corporate law, primarily from the firm’s Lebanon office.

  • chittenden_county_0710.jpg

    Chittenden County's economic prospects are far from untroubled, but as the recession grinds on in many places around the country, the Burlington area's problems appear mild by comparison.

    “Chittenden County continues to lead New England in lowest unemployment rates, foreclosures, and the depreciation rate of homes,” Ernest Pomerleau, CEO of Pomerleau Real Estate, pointed out. “Our commercial vacancy rates, although higher than normal, are well below the region's averages,” he added.

  • computer_manufacturing_0710.jpg

    Vermont’s computer and related electrical machinery manufacturing sector, dominated as it is by IBM in Essex Junction, is rebounding from the recession and sees some positive signs for the near future. The notable loss is the closing of Suss MicroTec, a stalwart of the state's high-tech seen. Upwards of 100 jobs will be lost at the Waterbury manufacturer.

    IBM itself hired more than 200 workers for its manufacturing plant last year and is in the process of filling an additional 100 jobs since April.

  • potter_0710.jpg

    The Potter family of Waitsfield has built a creative arts economy all by itself.

    "It's about taking the simple threads of art and trying to work them into the public world," said Sparky Potter, 62, patriarch and founder of the innovative Wood & Wood Sign Systems – Ben & Jerry's Homemade three-dimensional signs are among his creations.

    Peggy Potter, his wife, is just winding down a 20-year career making and selling the high-end painted wood bowls that have won her national recognition.

Q&A: Peter Van Oot, Downs Rachlin Martin

Fri Jul 16 2010
Peter D Van Oot is an attorney with the northern New England law firm of Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC specializing in land use, environmental and corporate law, primarily from the firm’s Lebanon office.

Grand Isle real estate suffers, tourism looking up

Fri Jul 16 2010
Grand Isle County's small economy rests, somewhat precariously, on three legs: tourism, agriculture and residential real estate. The first is faring well, the second is characterized by both high ambitions and an embarrassing scandal, and the third is moribund, at least for now. Conditions in the Champlain Islands in mid-2010 are thus inspiring a mixture of optimism and despondency.

Chittenden County fairs well in recession by comparison

Fri Jul 16 2010
Chittenden County's economic prospects are far from untroubled, but as the recession grinds on in many places around the country, the Burlington area's problems appear mild by comparison. “Chittenden County continues to lead New England in lowest unemployment rates, foreclosures, and the depreciation rate of homes,” Ernest Pomerleau, CEO of Pomerleau Real Estate, pointed out. “Our commercial vacancy rates, although higher than normal, are well below the region's averages,” he added.

Editorial: FairPoint

Fri Jul 16 2010
If you feel this is something of a “make up” call by the Vermont Public Service Department, you are not alone. But this means more than an NBA ref blowing a call on one end of the court and then giving the other team a beneficial call on the other end.

Starting over… SOHO (Small Office, Home Office)

Fri Jul 16 2010
In my last column, I showed how I use technology to facilitate work when I'm overseas. This one’s about what happened when I returned. It wasn’t pretty. I came home to discover that my former employer had turned off my landline phone, my cell phone, Internet connection, even my cable TV. And he'd done it so effectively that I couldn't just pay ‘n play with any of ‘em.

Creative Souls: The Potter Family of Waitsfield

Fri Jul 16 2010
The Potter family of Waitsfield has built a creative arts economy all by itself. "It's about taking the simple threads of art and trying to work them into the public world," said Sparky Potter, 62, patriarch and founder of the innovative Wood & Wood Sign Systems – Ben & Jerry's Homemade three-dimensional signs are among his creations. Peggy Potter, his wife, is just winding down a 20-year career making and selling the high-end painted wood bowls that have won her national recognition.

Tarrant moves residence to Florida, businesses stay in Vermont

Fri Jul 16 2010
Rich Tarrant, one of Vermont’s wealthiest, is no longer a Vermont resident; he now resides in Florida. Tarrant is best known for the amazing success of IDX, a health care information systems company which he sold in 2006 and now called GE Healthcare and still located in South Burlington. In 2006 Tarrant ran for the open US Senate seat vacated by Jim Jeffords. Though Tarrant won the Republican primary, he lost to Bernie Sanders in the general election. There were rumors of a possible interest in one day running for governor of Vermont, those days are now gone.

Dubie versus Racine?

Fri Jul 16 2010
 Every political analyst in the state devoured the latest Rasmussen poll, trying to determine if there was meaning in the numbers. There was not. The poll matched Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Dubie against each of the five Democratic hopefuls. He beat them all. But this race for governor will be decided in October. The support that Dubie has today is irrelevant. Right now the Democratic field is too crowded, the message too muddled. Few voters really know much about any of the candidates – or even Dubie for that matter.

Business View: How will Vermont cope with fiscal austerity?

Fri Jul 16 2010
The US economy is likely to expand at a 3.0-3.5 percent annual rate this year. Such a recovery is modest compared to the magnitude of the recent recession, but the economy is still constrained by de-leveraging and caution in the banking sector. Large corporations can easily raise money in the bond market, but small firms which depend primarily upon banks continue to find the credit environment to be restrictive. The number of credit cards has fallen by 20 percent since 2008.

Software developers coding strong in recessionary times

Fri Jul 16 2010
While the recession continues to hit hard at the national and state economies, there is a bright spot in Vermont’s job outlook. The state's information technology companies, those producing software, are doing well. Medical technologies along with mobile computing and cell phone growth are pushing software development and expanding the opportunities in this industry. As a result relatively high paying positions are available. The major problem locally is finding enough workers.

Computer-related manufacturing sector sees gains

Fri Jul 16 2010
Vermont’s computer and related electrical machinery manufacturing sector, dominated as it is by IBM in Essex Junction, is rebounding from the recession and sees some positive signs for the near future. The notable loss is the closing of Suss MicroTec, a stalwart of the state's high-tech seen. Upwards of 100 jobs will be lost at the Waterbury manufacturer. IBM itself hired more than 200 workers for its manufacturing plant last year and is in the process of filling an additional 100 jobs since April.

Region continues to promote free summer attractions

Fri Jul 16 2010
With more than two dozen attractions that have no admission charge, Central Vermont is well-positioned to attract penny-pinching travelers. The region will continue the marketing campaign launched in 2009 focused on free entertainment. Those who verify their visits to six or more of the featured (and free) attractions receive a $15 admission to Lost Nation Theater. The campaign appeals to residents and visitors alike.

The Vermont Mountaineers

Fri Jul 16 2010
Conceived in 2002 by a group of Montpelier residents, and born in 2003, the Vermont Mountaineers program has become a successful major summer sports attraction in central Vermont entertaining thousands of baseball fans since its first game on June 7, 2003. One of twelve teams comprising the New England Collegiate Baseball League, the Mountaineers play 21-games on the road and 21 games at home where they host eleven other collegiate-level baseball teams from around New England at historic Montpelier Recreation Field.

Central Vermont Community Action Council profile

Fri Jul 16 2010
Central Vermont Community Action Council, Inc. is a nonprofit organization and community development corporation that has shown steady growth and local commitment over the past 45 years. Since its founding in 1965, as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War On Poverty,” this community action agency, like its 1,000 fellow community action agencies nationwide, has helped community members find ways to reduce the impacts of poverty and create opportunities for all Vermonters.

Predicting the shift

Fri Jul 16 2010
The Chamber’s assessment was based on US Census data showing population within various age groups. With some 5,500 county residents between the ages of 55 and 64 in 2000, it was likely that these 5,500 would reach retirement over the next 10 years. There were 8,500 residents between the ages of 10 and 19 at that time. Presumably most of these 8,500 would enter the job market over 10 years, and the difference of 3,000 would represent an increase in labor force. The actual labor force increase was 2,750.

Labor force likely to decline, impact on business uncertain

Fri Jul 16 2010
Although population increases have been modest, Washington County’s labor force has grown steadily for years. For more than three decades, the number of younger workers entering the work force has outpaced those retiring. With the exception of a few recessionary dips, total employment has been growing to meet this increased demand for jobs. However, indications are that the trend is coming to an end, and that Washington County will venture into uncharted territory in the coming decade.

‘Inn’ the Arts

Fri Jul 16 2010
The Mad River Valley is the ‘inn’ place for the arts! And it is most apparent each August with the Vermont Festival of the Arts. This month-long arts extravaganza entertains the soul, enlightens the mind & energizes the spirit, with 125 exhibits, performances and workshops by a variety of Vermont artists in a multitude of media. From the summit of Sugarbush to the depths of the refreshing Mad River, this annual festival has about 50 free events, 50 events for kids, and 50 stunning locations in Waitsfield, Warren and surrounding towns.

Two exhibits to visit at the Vermont Arts Council

Fri Jul 16 2010
The Vermont Arts Council welcomes you to two exhibits that opened last September at their Montpelier facility. Work by five Vermont artists were premiered in the Sculpture Garden while paintings by Margaret Lampe Kannenstine began an exhibition in the Spotlight Gallery. An opening reception for both exhibits took place on Friday, September 25, 2009 from 4 to 8 PM as part of Montpelier’s Art Walk. The reception was open to the public and included refreshments and music by Miriam Bernardo.

Central Vermont Medical Center community benefits

Fri Jul 16 2010
The historic national health care reform legislation involves numerous components. One component, also required by the IRS in Schedule H, Form 990, is for increased oversight of tax-exempt hospitals. (Note: There are no for-profit hospitals in Vermont.)

Central Vermont update

Fri Jul 16 2010
As with any recovery, there are dark and bright spots on the landscape. Here in Central Vermont we have been most fortunate to see more of the bright spots as we pull ourselves out of the worst depression in decades. Our Central Vermont businesses have retooled them selves to respond to the ever-changing Global Marketplace. As the world begins to shift the paradigm regarding fuel and energy, businesses in our region are responding with new solutions. It is this entrepreneurial spirit that will carry us forward into increased economic vitality.