VBM April 2020

Housing starts improving from 18 Provided photo construction company’s business.
“We have a longstanding relationship
“We typically describe that in the Monument View in Bennington is a mixed-income development; rents are kept affordable for resi-
sense that if you look at craigslist for an dents earning from 50-120% of the area median income. The project was funded with the help of with Cathedral Square,” he said. “We’ve
apartment it’s gone within four days,” said the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board. The housing complex was developed by the City of done quite a few projects with them.
Bridgewater, the housing trust’s executive Montpelier with Housing Vermont and Downstreet Housing & Community Development.
director. Theriault said building affordable
to invest in improving the quantity and Square, a 70-unit service-enriched afford- housing is comparable to any other hous-
The trust has a waiting list between quality of the rental housing.  able senior independent housing project in ing project. “It’s all a matter of how the
250 and 300 people at any given time. Burlington at Cambrian Rise. owner can get the financing,” he said. 
Housing Vermont received a similar
She said the low vacancy rate in the award in 2016. That grant helped cities Company President Steve Theriault Wright & Morrissey has also done
two counties disproportionately affects and towns that tapped into Vermont State said housing has been a mainstay of the work for Vermont Housing and Lake
people with lower incomes or a spottier Housing Revenue Bond funds which cre- Champlain Housing.
rental history. ated affordable housing across Vermont. 
The company is also building market-
The Trust is hoping to break ground “We are pleased to receive the Capital rate housing at Cambrian Rise and is near-
this fall on an $8.4 million affordable Magnet Fund award,” Housing Vermont’s ing completion on 90 apartments, includ-
housing project in Bellows Falls. The proj- President Nancy Owens said in a state- ing renovations to 40 units that were part
ect involves repurposing a former parking ment announcing the grant. “Having of the former Burlington College. 
garage into 26 apartments, Bridgewater these funds will result in the production
said. Rents will range from $375 to $850 a and preservation of 900 affordable rental The company is also pricing another
month, depending on income. apartments in the 5-year period.” 125 units at Cambrian Rise along with a
project for People’s Bank that includes 50
The majority of the project is funded housing units at 2 Burlington Square. 
with private equity, $5.3 million, through
the Low Income Housing Tax Credit In general. Theriault said the fore-
Program  cast for the construction season is “very
strong.” 
“It funds the majority of affordable
housing in America,” she said. “There’s a lot of backlog, a lot of proj-
ects coming up the pipeline,” he said.
The Windham Windsor Housing
Trust self-manages 351 apartments, plus Bruce Edwards is a freelance writer from
another 476 apartments are managed on Southern Vermont.
behalf of the trust by a third party.
Builders 
The trust also manages 40 mobile
home lots and 16 commercial properties. Jim Bradley, president of the
Vermont Homebuilders and Remodelers
Like other housing advocates, Association, said two of the biggest drivers
Bridgewater said there are a host of chal- that affect affordability are land prices and
lenges in creating more affordable housing permitting.
including finding suitable properties with
access to infrastructure, that are centrally Bradley, project manager for Hayward
located, and financially feasible. Design/Build in Colchester, said what’s
affordable for one homebuyer may not be
“We always look at village centers as affordable for another homebuyer.
our primary sweet spot to develop,” she
said. In Essex, the company is building
2,200-square-foot homes that are selling
Another issue that intersects with the between $450,000 and $480,000.
housing industry in the state, is “persistent
low wages” which translates into a very low “In Chittenden County, you’re looking
wage renter base, she said. at a single-family residence, depending
on the size, that could easily be in the
“When you add that to high con- neighborhood of $400,000 to $500,000,”
struction costs that are also climbing,” Bradley said. “We’re taking a half-million
Bridgewater said, “it means developers can dollars for a young family … and that’s
only really build new housing construc- expensive.”
tion for people with higher incomes and
yet there’s not a predominance of higher Outside of Chittenden County, he said
incomes especially in the regions where prices start to come down. In Waterbury,
we’re working.”  new homes sell for around $380,000 or
about $100,000 less than Chittenden
As a result, there is little market-rate County.
housing construction, she said. “It’s very
rare to see a straight up market-rate devel- The flip side is for people commuting
opment without public subsidy anywhere to Chittenden County, there is the cost of
in southeastern Vermont.” transportation to consider, Bradley said.

She said affordable housing is targeted He said for contractors that build
for people earning under 60 percent of apartments and affordable housing in par-
area median income. ticular, it’s a competitive business. He said
bidding on projects can mean lower mar-
Bridgewater said what’s missing is gins which create risk for builders.
housing for people with incomes in the
moderate range. Bradley said the general consensus
from his colleagues in the business is that
The Windham Windsor Housing the construction season looks strong.
Trust also has 136 homes in its portfolio
that are in the shared equity program. The “If we have any challenges, it’s finding
program allows homes to remain afford- land within Chittenden County on which
able in perpetuity when the home is sold.  to develop that is affordable,” he said. 

Federal grant A shortage of labor remains an ongo-
ing issue, he said.
In February, the state’s congressio-
nal delegation announced that Housing Wright & Morrissey is currently con-
Vermont was awarded a $2 million federal structing Juniper House for Cathedral
grant to support and maintain 900 existing
affordable apartments.  

Housing Vermont will create a fund to
support predevelopment financing to help
developers with early stage capital. 

Housing Vermont will leverage an
additional $5 million to provide commu-
nities with access to a total of $7 million

April 2020 51

VTrans has plenty of work from 21 TOWNS, CITIES ROADS, DESCRIPTION OF WORK START DATE END DATE
STREETS
lamps with flower baskets, curb bump- December 2021
outs to facilitate pedestrian crossings. Bakersfield VT 108 Drainage and other improvements at junction with VT 36 2019 May
July September
And, as in Brandon, the federal gov- Barre Town VT 110 Improvements to intersection with Bianchi St., E. Barre 2019 October
ernment is covering most of the price tag May October
– $26 million, in this case. Bennington VT 279 Maintenance of East Road bridge October 2023
July November
"It's certainly going to be transfor- Bethel VT 12 Replacement of Gilead Brook bridge April October
mational for the community, making it April June
a really attractive place to walk around," Bethel to Sharon I-89 Repaving, 12.8 miles, both directions, including ramps March 2021
Waterbury economic development direc- August 2022
tor Alyssa Johnson told VBM. "It's also a Brattleboro VT 142 Replacement of Vt.-N.H. Bridges 2019 2021
great long-term investment in infrastruc- 2019 July
ture, with water and sewer utilities being Brattleboro VT 9 Maintenance work on bridge over-I 91 October 2021
over a hundred years old... They even August 2021
found some wooden pipes when they were Bristol VT 17/116 Repaving in village limits 2019 October
excavating." June September
Castleton VT 30 Remediation of rock cut along Lake Bomoseen February April
In both projects, one objective has July 2023
been to include more than motor vehicles Cavendish, Weathersfield VT 131 Rehabilitation, 9.0 miles April October
in the realm of transportation, and the June October
same holds true for a series of projects in Colchester US 2/7 Rebuilding of I-89 interchange, improvements at other intersections June December
Bennington. 2019 2021
Colchester to Richmond I-89 Repaving, 12.9 miles, both directions, including ramps April October
The overall scope there appears small- 2019 2021
er, and limited to largely residential neigh- Fair Haven VT 22A Repaving, 0.8 miles April October
borhoods, however, with the downtown April 2021
business district and major roads mostly Fair Haven US 4 Bridge maintenance April September
unaffected. 2019 July
Fair Haven to Rutland Town US 4 Repaving, 18.8 miles, both directions, including ramps April October
The four projects, carrying a total April 2021
price tag $3-4 million, will all create Fairlee I-91 Remediation of rock cut, mostly affecting southbound lanes April September
bicycle-pedestrian paths, according to July 2021
Mark Anders, planner at the Bennington Georgia VT 36 Replacement of bridge over Arrow Head Lake 2019 July
County Regional Commission. 2017 July
Georgia I-89 Rehabilitation of culvert 0.2 miles north of Exit 18, both directions August 2021
"It's kind of one project, creating a 2019 July
network in a part of town that really needs Hartford I-89 Rehabilitation and widening of Vt.- N.H. Bridges August 2021
it," he said. "The goal is really to make 2019 July
Bennington a more appealing place to live Hartland I-91 Rehabilitation of town highway overpass 2019 2021
for families." November 2021
Hartland, Windsor US 5 Repaving, excepting Windsor village, 12.9 miles July November
While Bennington and Waterbury are 2019 July
thus aiming for a better integration of Hinesburg VT 116 Improvements to intersection with Shelburne Falls Rd. July October
transportation into community life, that August December
goal appears more elusive in Vergennes, Londonderry to Chester VT 11 Rehabilitation of roadway, 13.8 miles August December
where VTrans will be superintending the May October
repaving of Route 22A and certain other Manchester, Dorset VT 30 Repaving, 7.7 miles April October
streets within the city limits. April October
Middlebury VT 30/125 Replacement of bridge over Vermont Railway 2019 2022
The project will do little to console October 2021
residents who have wrung their hands Moretown VT 100C Repaving, 4.3 miles 2019 July
over the truck traffic that traverses the April August
community along the full length of Main Morristown, Stowe VT 100 Repaving and other improvements, 7.5 miles September November
Street – Route 22A, that is. 2018 June
Mount Holly VT 155 Replacement of Mill River culvert December 2022
A 2019 study commissioned by the
Addison County Regional Planning Newark, Burke VT 5A Repaving, 4.7 miles
Commission found that 430 tractor-trail-
ers, on average, ply the route every 24 New Haven, Bristol VT 17 Repaving, 4.3 miles
hours, and posited three alternatives for
alleviating the nuisance. Pittsford US 7 Reconstruction, 1.4 miles

The upcoming project will only imple- Putney US 5 Replacement of deck of Sacketts Brook bridge
ment mitigations recommended by the
most modest, "in-line" alternative - and Richford, Jay VT 105 Repaving, 7.4 miles
only some of those measures at that, so
as to calm traffic and give bicyclists more Richmond to Waterbury I-89 Repaving, both directions, 15.8 miles
room, for example.
Rockingham I-91 Replacement of Williams River bridges
VTrans project manager Brandon
Kipp wrote in an email that some of the St. Johnsbury US 5, Main St. Bike lanes and related improvements
in-line alternative's proposals "simply did
not work from an engineering perspective St. Johnsbury, Waterford VT 18 Repaving, 8.0 miles
and they fell too far outside of the scope"
of the paving project. Sharon I-89 Bridge maintenance, both directions

The 2019 study also raised the pos- Wheelock, Sheffield VT 122 Repaving, 5.8 miles
sibility of truck bypass routes that would
avoid downtown Vergennes altogether. South Burlington I-189 Repaving, 1.5 miles, including ramps
But since both of those alternatives pres-
ent their own challenges – notably includ- South Burlington, Shelburne US 7 Replacement of traffic signals
ing much higher costs – Vergennes will
have to contend with its heavy truck traffic Springfield I-91 Maintenance of bridges over US 5
for the foreseeable future.
Stratton to Wilimington VT 100 Repaving, 11.6 miles
C.B. Hall is a freelance writer from
southern Vermont. Thetford I-91 Rehabilitation of culvert 3 miles south of Exit 14, both directions

52 vermontbiz.com Tinmouth VT 133 Replacement of failed culvert

Townshend VT 30 Remediation of rock cut

Underhill to Cambridge VT 15 Repaving and related improvements, 8.5 miles

Vergennes VT 22A Repaving within city limits, 2.2 miles

Vergennes US 7 link Repaving of S. Green St., New Haven Rd. in city limits. 0.7 miles

Waterbury VT 100/US 2 Reconstruction of Main St. in village, 1.0 miles

Weathersfield VT 106 Bridge maintenance

West Rutland VT 4A & VT 133 Repaving in village, total 1.9 miles

West Rutland, Rutland Town BUS US 4 Repaving, 3.1 miles

Williston I-89 Rehabilitation of culvert south of rest area, southbound lanes

Williston VT 2A Improvements of intersection with James Brown Dr.

Wilmington to Brattleboro VT 9 Repaving,12.6 miles

Information is from VTrans website, project managers or local authorities.

Hannaford's departure from 46 agreed and struck the public-use language
with a 3-2 vote.
The Future of Lot 15
Steve Giroux approved of the Select
Since Hannaford’s decision to drop Board’s decision. He said the designation
its development plan for Hinesburg, the “was hindering the marketability of it so
community has moved on with determin- much.”
ing the future of the still empty 4.6-acre
plot. Giroux did not comment on whether
he and his family members prefer what
In December, the Select Board offered ultimately happens on the lot.
residents an opportunity to help guide
deliberations regarding the official town Select Board Chair Phil Pouech
map and zoning regulations. explained that he voted against designat-
ing the lot for public use because the new
The Planning Commission proposed zoning regulations contain requirements
the updated map and regulations which for green space to be included in future
the Select Board needed to approve. One projects.
sticking point was an item that involved
Lot 15. The proposal called for a “mix of “The next developer would have new
community facilities and wetland preser- rules to follow, so I was OK with taking
vation/enhancement” for about half of the it off the town map knowing that even if
lot based on a designation by the Planning somebody was to build something for the
Commission. whole lot, we now have new greenspace
requirements that they would have to
“This official map element was hotly meet,” Pouech said.
debated, even during the [Planning
Commission’s] process and public hear- The updated regulation calls for 10
ing,” Weinhagen explained. percent of parcels in Hinesburg’s non-
industrial Village Growth Area Zoning
Originally, the Planning Commission Districts -- where Lot 15 lies -- to be
recommended all of Lot 15 be designated green space.
for “community facility” -- meaning pub-
lic uses such as parks or recreation. “Based “I considered [the vote] a way to move
on community feedback, they tried to that town map forward, which I wanted
strike a compromise with only the eastern to do, and the new zoning regulations on
half of the lot identified, so that the more green space, and in a way, a compromise,”
developable western half would still be Pouech concluded.
available for commercial use,” Weinhagen
added. Community News Service is a collabo-
ration with the University of Vermont’s
But the recommendation remained Reporting & Documentary Storytelling pro-
controversial. The December hearing gram. This story was originally published in
drew 28 people, many advocating for the Hinesburg Record.
removing this provision. The Select Board

April 2020 53

Joyce Marcel,
Vermont’s
biographer

by Melinda Moulton – Vermont’s Biographer. Courtesy photos
Joyce Marcel was raised in Brooklyn
Ifirst met Joyce Marcel when she Above: Joyce Marcel book cover, “A Thousand Words or Less” (Favorite Columns 1996 – 2005).
interviewed me for a profile article in and on the beaches of Far Rockaway, New Top: Joyce Marcel, Vermont's biographer.
Vermont Business Magazine. She arrived York. A very shy and introverted kid. She
with her husband of 20 years, Randolph shared with me that she had a miserable
T Holhut, the cover photographer for childhood. Her only saving grace was that
Vermont Business Magazine and news editor she had an instinct and ability to write.
of The Commons. Joyce pulled up a chair She did not know this as a child, until
to the front of my desk leaned in and her cousin years later reminded her that,
unabashedly stated, “I was once a topless as a teenager she wrote for the Girl Scout
dancer.” Magazine which was a city-wide publica-
tion.
I knew we were going to hit it off.
She is a little woman with a strong stat- Earl Jaguest, a teacher in her high
ure and a head of graying curly hair that school (who just turned 97 the day of our
frames her face full of laugh lines and sad interview), helped to make her a journalist.
lines. Her eyes twinkled with curiosity. It
did not take long for me to know that I “He had an assignment where we each
wanted to write a story about Joyce Marcel had to do the front page of a newspaper

54 vermontbiz.com

Courtesy photo Joyce told me this was the first time College called Jerry and offered him a
anyone had interviewed her. The pressure teaching job.”
Joyce Marcel in South America 1977. Joyce’s Dad, Harry Kagan, owned an was on to be sure! How shall I capture this
Army and Navy Store in Brooklyn and woman who colors outside the lines and Joyce and Jerry were designing for Off-
from Paris during the Revolution, and we worked six days a week, 12 hours a day. how shall I convey her uniqueness? Off-Broadway actors.  During this time,
could make up stories out of a “A Tale of He was rarely home. Her mother was a Joyce read the book “Feminine Mystique”
Two Cities.” I wrote all the stories for the stage performer. She starred in plays for Joyce shared with me that in high by Betty Friedan and recalled “it hit me
front page and my mother, Rose Kagan, a 35 years and did her last one when she was school she was addicted to Sherlock like a ton of bricks that I was not at fault
dancer and choreographer, put on a night 91 years old. Holmes and spent a lot of her time try- for my unhappiness.”
cap and knitted. I took her picture pre- ing to solve mysteries. Of course, English
tending she was Madame Defarge. This Joyce reflected, “My mother was a star, was her best language. She spent two Within a year she left Jerry and theat-
is still talked about. People knew I had a she was radiant and beautiful, but for a shy years at Emerson College and finished up rical costume design and she became the
natural ability to write at a young age.” and not- very-attractive kid like me, she her degree at Brooklyn College and then man she wanted to marry: Jack Kerouac,
was a pain in the ass.” obtained her Masters at the University of writer and pioneer of the Beat Generation.
When Joyce was four her mother took Indiana in Theatrical Costume Design.
her to the library for her first library card. Joyce wrote a lot about her Mom over She designed theatrical costumes from the For the next 14 years Joyce was on
She read the entire children’s collection the years and reluctantly admitted to me time she was 16 until she was 34. the road. She admits to being home-
at the Far Rockaway Library and then that “in the end, my mother was proud less while embracing her adventures. She
moved on to the adult section by the time of me.” Joyce was a loner, and she admitted stayed in very cheap hotels mostly in
she was seven. that she was not close to anyone growing South America, occasionally visiting the
up. In my research and talking to folks States. She was smuggling handicrafts and
who know Joyce there was a bit of a dis- pre-Columbian art back to New York City
connect with where she saw herself and and sending the checks to Lima, Peru.
where others saw her.
Martha Purmalis has been Joyce’s friend
After graduating from the University since 1977. She recalled, “Joyce appeared
of Indiana Joyce fell in love with Jerry unexpectedly at the little house I rented
Marcel, a set designer and for two years outside of Sorata, Bolivia. I let her in. An
she worked with him designing sets and ex-patriate we both knew had been mur-
costumes at Brooklyn College. When dered in La Paz and his widow and friends
Jerry received a three-year scholarship to arrived at my house looking for refuge. It
Stanford they were married. happened that Joyce was staying at a hotel
in the town, heard that they were with
They did theater, festivals and avant- me, and came to offer her support. Our
garde plays in San Francisco from 1964 friendship has extended over many years.
to 1969. Joyce recalls “you could not be in We have talked pre-Colombian weavings
a better place. We had acid, the Grateful and juvenile justice; taken up and later
Dead playing on the streets, Janice Joplin put down our assorted addictions, taken
at the same parties, free speech, the Black skydiving classes, and long walk ‘n talks in
Panthers. It was amazing to be in Haight northern forests; watched snakes mate in
Ashbury for this period”. Florida, paddled the Panama Canal in a
cayuco, competed in swimming and run-
She added, “The last job I had was as ning and triathlons, and even, on occasion,
a topless dancer!” She put away enough slammed a door in the other’s face as we
money to buy a Volkswagen convertible stalked off with our ire.”
and she and Jerry took off for a year on the
road in Europe. Martha assured me that the friendship
which has been long and rich for more
“It was the most amazing year and than 40 years continues to flourish.
you could not afford to do that today. We
both were designers and we were trained Joyce spent four years in Panama
for decades watching and learning about teaching English as a second language
costumes and set designs by looking at and learning how not to be a bum.
art. We wanted to see the paintings for
real. So that’s what we did. We made a “I was looking for a way to come back
tour to every museum in Europe. We only to my own country with some kind of
came back to New York because Brooklyn honor. I had no money. I had no career.
I had nothing. I was estranged from my

April 2020 55

Courtesy photo President of Norwich University – an
amazing man, I love him to death and am
Joyce Marcel and Randy Holhut in February 2020. research. I go five or six Google pages back Reformer moved people so much so that enjoying writing about him. I am com-
to see if anything has been written about she became a celebrity. She couldn’t walk pletely immersed in his life right now.”
family.” my subject. I get the outlines of their life down the street without someone giving
She read a blurb in the back of a maga- story down. I come into the interview her a hug or commenting on her latest I asked Joyce if she had any advice for
knowing everything and nothing, and I column. Joyce is a protector – a mama younger women, younger journalists, this
zine about The School for International tell their story using as many quotes as I bear – of those she loves, especially of her next generation.
Training in Brattleboro, Vermont, and it can.” husband Randy. The two of them have the
seemed as if they taught people how to be most beautiful love affair. It is time that She hummed and hawed for a few
expatriates. Tim McQuiston who co-owns the Joyce gets the recognition she deserves. moments and then she said “live your
Vermont Business Magazine and has known She is an extremely talented interviewer own life – cut out the Online stuff, the
As Joyce recalls, “I thought that I Joyce for over 30 years considers her “a and writer … a real pro.” Instagram stuff, the Kardashian crap, don’t
should get a degree in something and then damn good reporter – her natural writ- watch too much television – try to live
I could go back to Panama or someplace ing skills and talent as a wordsmith made Andrea Nemetz, Joyce’s roommate, a sophisticated life – never watch reality
else and just live an ex-pat life. So, I landed even an ordinary news story jump off of friend, and international fundraiser from television. Just cut out that loud noise and
in Brattleboro, Vermont. And, I have never the newsprint. Her true grit is writing New York City remembers, “Both Joyce live authentically.”
left.” about people and this is the kind of writ- and I lost family members at the same
ing that, quite frankly, does not exist in time, we went through that together, and She added, “I sound like a real tool for
When Joyce came to Vermont she fell Vermont anymore except for Joyce. Her it came at a time of a lot of changes. What saying this.”
apart and had a nervous breakdown and as profiles have always been one of, if not, the I love about Joyce is that she is intellec-
she explains it “turns out culture shock is most popular feature of our paper. She has tually curious and she is provocative in Well, from this writer’s vantage point,
real even if it is your own culture.”  an ability to reveal the person and Joyce conversation. She is a voracious reader and Joyce Marcel is a magnificent tool – a claw
always seems surprised that people reveal she reads about everything. You can talk hammer pulling out all the nails from con-
Joyce got a job working at the so much of themselves to her. You cannot to her about very deep issues, nothing is ventional thinking.
Brattleboro Reformer and was the lead teach that kind of ability to connect.” off limits. She likes to figure things out
writer for four years. The editor of the and challenge people and challenges your She continued, “When I was really
paper, Norman Runnion, said she was Tim continues, “Joyce is able to sneak- thoughts. Joyce’s interview genius is that young, I found these five principles of
the “best damn writer who ever walked ily disrobe someone of whatever it is they she ferrets out what is behind the obvi- Buddhism and I wrote them down very
through the doors of that paper.” have cloaked themselves in. I don’t know ous narrative and she has a broad reading conscientiously and it turns out I’ve been
how she does it.” audience. Her stories are full of emotion living my life according to these principles.
In the second year that Joyce was work- and she does a great service for Vermont.” The I-Ching said to me that the highest
ing for the Brattleboro Reformer, Norman Kim Nace, a classmate, friend and co- earthly values must be sacrificed to the
Runnion hired a second-string sports guy founder and executive director of the Rich Julie Lineberger, co-founder of divine, but the truly divine does not mani-
named Randy Holhut. Earth Institute in Brattleboro has known LineSync Architecture in Brattleboro, fest itself apart from man. That meant a
Joyce since 1987. They have been walking remembers meeting Joyce around 1988. lot for me. We need to know that life is
Joyce recalls “Randy, Tim McQuiston partners for 30 years. suffering. That it is eternal desire. The will
and I became roommates. Tim went on “I was intrigued to find the nuggets to have and be is the cause of suffering and
to buy Vermont Business Magazine, and She shared with me that, “I have most writers do not think to even ask, let that desire can be broken by walking the
Randy became my husband and we have known Joyce since her red flaming hair alone include, in a Joyce Marcel profile. right fold path with right intention – right
been together for 30 years. In a period of trailed behind her, making her recog- What drew me in completely was a piece speech, right action, right livelihood, right
one year everything fell into place for me.” nizable blocks away. Joyce is talented, she wrote about her amazing mother’s effort, and right awareness.”
contemplative, and wise. I trust her per- role in theater and her effect on many
After the Reformer, Joyce became a spective as a strong, feminist, empowered, people throughout her life. Joyce touches Joyce is planning to finish drafts of
freelance writer. She has been support- creative person. She loves horses and rac- many people so positively. Joyce became a four books she is working on. She is the
ing herself as a freelance journalist for 25 ing, and watching the World Series and all poker pal. She has a great sense of humor, only writer in her entire family and it is a
years. She believes she may be the old- kinds of Olympic athletes. She sews and wide knowledge, and we always have con- large family. She has stories that go back
est living Vermont journalist who is still knows fabric and fashion and she knows nections that pop up, such as our similar six generations and she is hoping to finish
working. dance and art and loves to go to New York travels as young women through Ecuador them before she dies. She also wants to
museums and shows. Joyce speaks her and Peru. Her depth of coverage of “The write about her own life.
Joyce Marcel has written for many mind and knows what is important – just Christine Chronicles” regarding Christine
magazines and newspapers including the ask her and she will give you her opinion David Hallquist’s groundbreaking run for Joyce Marcel has written profiles on
Boston Globe and the New York Post. She and it will be well thought out.” Governor of Vermont is a story that truly Vermonters for the past two decades and
has won multiple awards from the Alliance needs to be told and Joyce is the one to she has written hundreds of them.
of Area Business Publications, Vermont Lynn Barrett who is the Publisher of do so.”
Press Association, and the New England the Vermont Arts & Living Magazine She is surprised she is not running out
Newspaper and Press Association. and Editor of the Okemo Valley Magazine As we got to the end of our interview, of people to write about.
added, “Joyce is the kind of writer who has I asked Joyce who she was writing about
She has written several books includ- a unique touch. The stories she used to now and she said, “Rick Schneider, the At the end of our interview Joyce
ing one called “A Thousand Words or write about her mother in the Brattleboro became very introspective, “I was put-
Less” (Favorite Columns 1996 – 2005). ting out story after story after story of
people who were doing incredible things,
Joyce shared with me that her work is whether they were in business or in the
to translate reality into language. arts, and my snotty assumption was that
artists were better than businesspeople.
“Rhythm is essential. I hear rhythm But this opinion got blown up because
when I write. There are a few things I do when people told me their stories about
before each interview. The first is a ton of how they started their companies, they
were using exactly the same creative urges
56 vermontbiz.com that I use when I write or when I designed
costumes. Business is just as creative as
anything else. Someone achieved some-
thing – they did something wonderful
– something that had never been done
before. They made bee wax wraps that
keep food fresh, or manufacture the best
darn socks in the world, or run a company
that is promoting renewable energy. There
is so much accomplishment and achieve-
ment in Vermont. Putting these stories
out there is powerful and it affects people.
That is what I see as the through line to
all of this, I am celebrating achievement.”

Melinda Moulton is CEO of Main Street
Landing in Burlington.

Robert Miller, VSECU from 15 sure that the culture that we foster and from the bottom up. He engages people marketing and business development and
support internally is consistent with the at all levels of the organization in decision the one you hear on the radio ads, agrees.
“We weren't just a little player any- brand that we promote externally to our making.”
more,” McElvany said. “The credit union members, which makes all the sense in a “Rob reminds us to remain focus on
had been a more hierarchical management world when you say it out loud.” The downside is that decision-making our core business, which is our member-
structure.Then Rob came in. He wanted to becomes more difficult. owners, but also to attempt to create a
push decision-making and responsibility Terence Field, a senior vice president culture to empower the workforce to be
down to the lowest level. Rob's vision was of finance at VSECU, said the credit “Sometimes, when you are getting innovative and creative thinkers in a way
to say, 'I'm here as needed, but you folks union has benefitted in a big way from ideas from staff, they may not under- that perhaps traditional bankers don't
run the place and you're the ones nearer Miller's changes. stand the big picture,” Field said. “They normally operate,” she said.
to the problems, so you will be the ones see it from their viewpoint, and may not
to recommend the solutions.' It wasn't “Rob has brought a lot of energy to the see the holistic or universal impact. So, Socially Responsible Banking
universally welcomed, and a few folks left, credit union,” Field said. “He's brought unfortunately, not every great idea can be
but the vast majority said, 'Thank you.' It's some new and different perspectives. He's implemented. During Steve Post's tenure, The next change Miller introduced
exhilarating but scary. People have more got a very open management style. He we expanded our branch network, our was even more significant.
responsibility. Department heads had to engages with his senior management team field of membership, and we significantly
put together, make and defend their own on a regular basis. He's good about meet- increased our asset base. Rob has been “It was the shift toward social respon-
budgets. And this has been very success- ing with his employees. Most important able to take the foundation, the legacy that sibility,” McElvany said. “We partnered
ful. The organization is highly motivated. is his openness. Historically we've been a Steve Post left, and really build upon it. with Global Alliance for Banking on
That's been the most significant thing that typical organization with top-down lead- We don't need to add more branches, but Values.”
happened. It did not happen overnight, ership. Rob has created a culture that is we're continuing to grow.”
but the organization has made terrific much more receptive to ideas coming The Global Alliance for Banking on
progress and Rob deserves the credit.” Garand, the vice president in charge of Values, headquartered in the Netherlands,
is an independent network of banks and
According to Miller, one of his earliest
ideas was to let the VSECU employees
look more like their customers.

“It was an experiment at first,” Miller
said. “Because we are a credit union that's
owned by our members, we had this
novel concept that when you walk into
our branches, it should feel like we are
one of you. We're part of the community,
along with you. And so we experimented
with a sort of a smart but casual dress
code, which effectively meant you could
wear jeans. They couldn't be hole-y jeans,
though. They had to be respectable jeans.”

Miller doesn't think customers noticed
the difference.

“But the employees loved it,” Miller
said. “It didn't have a negative impact on
our membership. And at the margins it
was positive. If anything, our members
were happy for our employees that they've
got to wear more comfortable clothes and
didn't have to look so sort of uptight. It
wasn't who we are. That wasn't our cul-
ture.”

The other immediate change con-
cerned coffee.

“Next to my office was a coffee
machine,” Miller said. “I would go in and
I'd make myself a cup of coffee and I'd
leave. But I noticed that all the other cof-
fee machines throughout the organization
had a little change thing where you had to
drop in your 50 cents or whatever to pay
for your cup of coffee. I asked someone
one day, 'Is this the only machine where
you don't pay for coffee?' And the answer
was yes. And I'm like, 'It seems better that
we either all pay for coffee or none of us
pay for coffee.' And she says, 'Yeah, that
would make sense.' So I said, 'OK, let's do
that.' She's like, 'Well, which one?' And I
said, 'So start with taking away those little
jars. I think we can afford to give the staff
coffee in the morning.'”

The idea was to build a culture that
was real.

“We're not trying to pretend to be
anything that we aren't,” Miller said. “We
want a culture that is consistent with our
members' values. You want to be fair. You
want to be equal. You want to be human.
Then, and more importantly, you've got to
be consistent. You can't reflect a brand and
a marketplace that is something different
from the environment that you foster in
your own operations, because it will catch
up with you. It's not genuine. What we've
tried to do since I've been there is make

April 2020 57

banking cooperatives with a shared mis- believe that in order to do your best work, throughout the state.” And because he cares, he's using the
sion to use finance to deliver sustainable you have to have fun. It doesn't mean As the state feels its way into com- resources and the way the bank operates in
economic, social and environmental devel- it's all fun and games, but we try not to the community to improve people's lives.
opment. take ourselves too seriously. These are the pletely legalizing marijuana, VSECU will Rob is always asking how we can continue
behavioral values that we identify with be feeling its way into providing financial to improve the deployment of efficiency
“We were the only credit union in it,” as people who operate in a community services. and renewable energy in ways that support
McElvany said. “It was about the triple and work in a community. They are really low-income Vermonters. Doing energy
bottom line, B Corps, things like that.” reflective of what I think of as Vermont “Whatever we do, depending on how retrofits, putting in solar panels and buy-
values. And because we're a Vermont insti- rapidly the state expands the market, ing electric vehicles should not just be for
For Miller, operating as a values- tution, we adopted Vermont values as the we'll probably gradually ease into a more the wealthy. We need to make sure that all
based financial institution is what defines values for our company.” expanded role within that market,” Miller Vermonters have access to ways to reduce
VSECU and makes it different. said. “We'll play a role. In fairness, we our energy costs.”
Danger Banking shouldn't be the only institution that
“We believe that, at the end of the day, serves the needs of that industry. It's not Paul Costello is the executive direc-
people buy what you stand for more than At the federal level, marijuana is con- in the state's interest to only have one. tor of the Vermont Council on Rural
what you offer,” Miller said. “Especially sidered a dangerous drug; profits from sell- We could have a change on our board. It Development. Miller is on his board.
when what you offer is not hugely dissimi- ing it can be confiscated. At the state level, might be a person who is not comfortable
lar from what other people offer. Right? it's a different story. When Vermont made serving that industry, who may instruct us “I started hearing about Rob from my
I mean, you can only make a checking medical marijuana legal, it opened up a to get out.” colleagues in economic development and
account do so many things.” can of worms for banks. Most declined to business who were kind of raving about
do business with the growers.  The Future Is Now his creativity,” Costello said. “They said
All cooperatives share these seven val- he was a very sharp guy who we should be
ues: Voluntary and open membership; Most, but not Miller at VSECU, whose Miller has become the public face of thinking about for board roles. He'd been
Democratic member control; Member credit union cornered the market. VSECU and raised its visibility in the Commissioner of Economic Development
economic participation; Autonomy and state. He is often described as being a and he was coming back to Vermont and
independence; Education, training, and “We've probably cornered the market “thought leader,” by joining so many dif- he was really interested in hometown
information; Cooperation among coop- on medicinal marijuana because we're one ferent boards, for-profit as well as non- investment strategies.”
eratives; and concern for community. “We of the few, if not only financial institutions, profit, he's serving as a cross-pollinator for
internalize those values into our opera- that have agreed to service that business,” social responsibility. Miller has helped the council think
tions,” Miller said. Miller said. “It's another example of how about the future of Vermont's economy in
values guide our business. You know, most Take the Energy Action Network, light of climate change, Costello said.
But there is another set of values: sus- banks and credit unions have avoided the which works to achieve Vermont's com-
tainable banking principles. medical marijuana market for good reason mitment to 90 percent renewable energy “Vermont has the opportunity to situ-
— because there is elevated risk in serving by 2050, as well as to reduce the state's ate itself as an innovator and an entrepre-
“These are principles that make sure a federally illegal market. The reason we greenhouse gas emissions. A collective neurial problem-solving state,” Costello
that we're grounded in our local commu- got into that market wasn't because we impact network of businesses and non- said. “When you think of it, per capita,
nities, that we're providing loans that actu- had a point of view about medical mari- profits around the state, President Leigh Vermont has a lot of leadership in every-
ally impact in a positive way the people, juana or even recreational marijuana. But Seddon says EAN is working toward a thing from battery storage, clean energy
planet and communities that surround fundamentally, we believe that Vermonters renewable energy economy. development, thermal and other entre-
us,” Miller said. “That we're using finance should have access to basic financial ser- preneurial work in the green economy,”
to lift people up, not just to make money. vices. And if we can do that, in our view, “That's where Rob comes in,” Seddon Costello said. “Rob recognized this is an
That finance is a tool for social empower- without putting the rest of our member- said. “When Rob took over at VSECU, he important part of Vermont's brand story,
ment within our communities. And we try ship at risk, we're going to do that.” really showed he was an innovative leader and also that there's a huge opportunity
to build those elements into what we do who got the big picture of what finance for market share in all these new green
and how we operate.” How did VSECU avoid putting its needs to do. It needs to help with this businesses and technologies. Rob is cre-
membership at risk? transition to a renewable energy economy. ative, positive, and far-sighted in terms of
Here Miller cited the VGreen pro- We asked him if he'd be willing to join our looking at the opportunities of tomorrow.
gram. “We worked with our regulators,” board of directors and he represents the I think he is situated to be a green leader
Miller said. “We follow the guidance that financial sector really well. He's thought- in the investment community. He's built
“It's a great example,” he said. “We was provided at the time by the federal ful and insightful in terms of business. a reputation as a socially responsible and
provide loans to people to make invest- government. We've continued to improve In Rob, I see an entrepreneurial kind of green innovative investor. He's just an
ments in renewable energy or energy effi- and listen to the regulators. And I'm not person. He's shown that in programs like awesome guy.”
ciency. Whether it's improving the energy going to tell you that the path is always the VGreen program. It's innovative, com-
efficiency of their home, maybe replacing smooth. It comes with some bumps up prehensive and not offered anywhere else Miller says he is simply using the skills
windows or putting more insulation in and down. But we've been willing to in the state. He understands how to bring he acquired in the financial sector to better
the walls. It could be putting solar panels weather through those bumps, learn and a new business property to light where the lives of regular Vermonters.
on the roof. It could be buying an electric make improvements to how we serve the others would say, 'That's not an important
vehicle. It could be like buying an electric business.” market.' He looks at it and says, 'It is an “There are great opportunities for me
bike. It provides discounted rates, lower important market and we can innovate.' to reconnect with parts of my old world,
interest rates.” There are only five medical marijuana It's a real pleasure to work with someone like insurance and investments, which I
dispensaries in the state, so VSECU was who has a very important social mission still find interesting,” Miller said. “I'm
The reasoning behind VGreen is that operating in a fairly narrow environment. in providing capital for all Vermonters not totally devoid of that in my role as
making your home more energy efficient and the new needs that are here. I'm really CEO, but I don't get as much access to
may bring savings in the long run. “It depends on what's authorized,” happy he's on our board.” it as I once did. I enjoyed those roles, and
Miller said. “Our risk is fairly contained in this also gives me an opportunity to add
“When you make an investment in those five medical marijuana dispensaries. Miller serves on the EAN board with value, as a result of my experience, to those
energy efficiency in your home, you're For argument's sake, if all of a sudden Ellen Kahler, who is the executive director particular organizations. It also gives me
going to save money in your electricity there are 80, we probably wouldn't serve of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. the experience to see what board gover-
bill,” Miller said. “We're trying to create all 80 all at once for risk management rea- She has known Miller since he was com- nance looks like elsewhere, which helps
a loan that allows you to, essentially, have sons. That would probably be putting the missioner of the Vermont Department of me advise my board internally. I think
the loan payment not exceed the amount rest of our membership in more risk than Economic Development. When she heard makes us stronger internally as well. So
that you save. So if you're saving $100 we're comfortable with.” he was back in Vermont, she reached out there are both personal as well as profes-
on your electricity bill, you're replacing to him. sional reasons that I get involved in differ-
it for a period of time with a $100 loan Now that hemp is legal and starting ent organizations.”
payment. But when you pay off that loan, to bring into the state millions of dollars, “He has an even stronger passion now
that's $100 that goes into your pocket. In VSECU is well-situated to grab a piece of for helping Vermonters to improve their Joyce Marcel is a journalist in southern
the meantime, particularly for low-income that business, too. well-being,” Kahler said. “And being at Vermont. In 2017 she was named the best
households, being able to make those VSECU, he has many more resources at business magazine profile writer in the
investments in energy efficiency in their “I think that we're probably getting his discretion. He can provide access to country by the Alliance of Area Business
home actually allows them to turn the a larger share of the hemp marketplace low-interest loans that might, for example, Publications. She is married to Randy Holhut,
thermostat up to acceptable levels.” that's grown more recently,” Miller said. “I help with the weatherization of people's the photographer who took the photos for
think it's a developing market. It's uneven. homes. Rob is a big thinker, but he's also this story. He is also the news editor/acting
That is a good example, Miller said, of Not everyone has the experience. Then, as a big do-er. His background in finance operations manager of The Commons, a
sustainable banking. the market becomes more efficient, it'll be, and economic development has given him weekly newspaper in Brattleboro.
I think, a little bit more predictable and a a sense of how the economy works — or
“We're able to allow people to afford a little bit more even across the sector and doesn't work — for many Vermonters.
better quality of life,” Miller said. across the market. But we are actively pro-
viding loans to hemp-related businesses
A third set of principles guide behavior
internally within VSECU.

“They're about being human, being
playful, about being real,” Miller said. “We

58 vermontbiz.com

VSECU and COVID-19

by Timothy McQuiston union is an essential need, and we will using the options listed on our website. ments and the  Centers for Disease
continue to provide those services through HOW WILL THIS AFFECT YOU?  Control & Prevention  have provided
Joyce Marcel first sat down with Rob the crisis; although it may be delivered in guidance to individuals and businesses to
Miller, CEO of VSECU, before the different ways. I’m sure there will be other Modifying in-person branch access help slow the spread of this coronavirus.
novel coronavirus (COVID-19) hit areas, and we are grateful that the State may cause some level of customer service We have incorporated that guidance into
home here in Vermont. So we followed and Department of Financial Regulation that falls short of our typical expectations. every decision we make as the COVID-19
up with Miller on what the credit union have been proactive and demonstrated We anticipate call volume will increase crisis evolves.  
is doing and what it means for individual their openness to ideas and actions. and wait times may be longer than nor-
finances and the economy. mal.  Our promise to you is contin- FINANCIAL HARDSHIP AND STRESS 
3. What should the federal gov- ued access to your accounts, money,
“We have plans developed for these ernment do to help out? For and essential financial services and If your finances are affected by
kinds of situations and are in full execu- instance, several European personal consultation.   the COVID-19 coronavirus or you
tion mode,” Miller said. “The purpose is to countries are stepping in to WHY IS THIS ACTION ESSENTIAL?  suspect that they will be, you have
maintain business operations because the ensure loans do not go into options.  Please contact our member
public must have access to basic banking default. Great Britain is put- What we know about COVID-19 service consultants to find out how you can
services. So, you do everything possible so ting in a whopping $400 billion right now, is that limiting contact take advantage of our Member Emergency
you don’t close the bank or credit union.” (on a scale, this is way more with others is an imperative step Loan, to cover costs during the crisis, or
than the US is talking about at in mitigating the spread of the dis- one of our loan modification plans, to help
VSECU is following a protocol simi- about 1/7th of the economy), ease. Our federal, state, and local govern- minimize the impact of your current loans
lar to nearly every financial institution including direct grants to small on your cash flow. 
in Vermont as of press time, by closing businesses). What does Rob
branch lobbies, but maintaining ATMs think of all that?
and online banking. 
Miller:  I would welcome anything the
They have also instituted hardship Federal Government can do to support
plans for customers affected by layoffs and individuals and businesses in need, whether
business closures. See below. it be money in pocketbooks, a hiatus from
tax payments, more regulatory flexibility
Vermont Business Magazine for banks and credit unions, increased
Questions related to COVID-19 unemployment benefits, etc. Anything in
support of helping people and businesses
1. There is inevitably going to be through this crisis will not only help us
pressure/missed payments on better serve our members, but also help
loans of every type, including us manage our business. I don’t know
credit cards, what is VSECU’s that the federal government can overreact
plan for all that? given the potential severity of the current
situation.
Miller: We are expecting those situations
and are prepared to meet the needs of our 4. The Wall Street meltdown/
members to the greatest extent possible. Great Recession is not that
We immediately launched a member long ago, could COVID create
emergency loan (see  www.vsecu.com/ another such financial problem,
memberemergencyloan) and a number of or one that is even worse?
other accommodations to provide needed
relief to our members, both individuals Miller:  The financial crisis of 2008 was
and businesses. This goes to the heart of a different situation with unique causes.
our purpose as a member-owned credit While it is way too early to understand
union – to improve our members’ quality the potential impact from today’s crisis, I
of life – especially those in greatest need am hopeful that the length and long-term
and in times like these. effects will be less significant. There is
no question, though, that the immediate
2. What should the state do to impact is severe, especially on people and
help you and your customers businesses directly affected. With that
from a financial perspective? said, we should be prepared to the greatest
extent possible for it to get worse or go on
Miller: We have already received support for longer than we hope.
in the form of additional flexibility and
openness from the Vermont Department VSECU Response
of Financial Regulation. And I anticipate HOW ARE WE MODIFYING ACCESS? 
that their support will only become more
significant over time. They understand Branch lobbies will be closed to
the nature of this crisis and the potential protect our staff and members. Credit
impacts on people and businesses, as well union services will remain accessible to
as our credit union over the long term. members through our drive-through ser-
We are working with community partners, vice, video teller service, ATMs, and phone
including philanthropic organizations, to service. Each branch offers unique accom-
provide financial support for emergency modations. Members will always have
loans to members. This could also be an access to their accounts and their funds
excellent form of support from the State
of Vermont. I also welcome the State to
reinforce the same message we’re giving to
our members that banking at your credit

April 2020 59

VRS rail yard with private train cars looking back toward Burlington.Courtesy photo
VBM photo
VTrans reveals site to park
Amtrak Burlington train

by C.B. Hall Main Street Landing CEO, Melinda Moulton. actually going to change the footprint “This is the great outcome for
of the railyard slightly, moving some of Burlington that achieves all the goals the
The Vermont Agency of Transportation VTrans responded to the controversy the existing tracks west," towards Lake City has had throughout this process,”
(VTrans) announced in a March 12 by advancing a sixth possibility, on the Champlain. That will free up room for a the VTrans release quoted Burlington
press release that the Amtrak train New England Railroad's route between new track to accommodate Amtrak. mayor Miro Weinberger. "We are restor-
that will begin serving Burlington in late Union Station and Essex Junction. That ing passenger rail service to downtown
2021 will be kept overnight at the Vermont site got good reviews from many parties, Asked about the funding for the rail- Burlington for the first time in decades,
Rail System (VRS) railyard just to the but VTrans Rail and Aviation Bureau yard configuration, he said, "I think we're while also protecting the vibrancy of our
south of Burlington Union Station, the director Dan Delabruere told VBM that in the $3 million ballpark." Asked whether waterfront. . . .  I look forward to seeing
terminus of the train's route from New the [McNeil] site presented its own chal- VRS would participate in the costs, he the Ethan Allen Express roll into the sta-
York City. lenges, including the need to make use of said, "We don't know about [cost] shar- tion in Burlington soon!"
another host railroad [the New England ing yet."
Where to put the train occasioned Central]  in order to reach the site, about For the foreseeable future, then, there
heated debate after the Chittenden two miles north of where the VRS tracks The state owns the trackage from just will be no second track built at Union
County Regional Planning Commission end on the Burlington waterfront, imme- north of Union Station south to Rutland, Station, and no Amtrak locomotive belch-
(CCRPC) issued a report to VTrans last diately north of Union Station. the train's current northern terminus. VRS ing exhaust fumes to keep its diesel engine
summer, finding that a new storage track to uses the line for its freight traffic under warm on bitter winter nights, while parked
be built at Union Station offered the best A reevaluation of the track layout in a long-term lease. VRS could not be in the heart of the waterfront, a popular
of five alternatives for overnighting the the VRS yard provided the key to the immediately reached for comment on the parklike destination for the city's residents
train, the Ethan Allen Express. solution, Delabruere said. "We're going VTrans announcement and visitors alike.
to change some of the existing track loca-
That option, however, would have tions, modify the exiting layout - we're The train is expected to arrive in the Main Street Landing CEO Melinda
meant keeping the train within 15 feet of Queen City in the evening northbound, Moulton, who led the opposition to the
apartments in the Wing Building, adjacent and depart southbound in the morning, construction of the second track at Union
to the station, and that elicited protests although exact schedule details have yet to Station, expressed nothing but pleasure at
from the residents, and from Main Street be worked out. Vergennes and Middlebury the outcome.
Landing, which owns the building and will also get stops, joining Rutland and
most of Union Station. Castleton as the Vermont communities "Who would have thought this would
served by the train. have happened? I mean, this is, like, unbe-
The CCRPC also considered storing lievable. And people say you can't fight
the train in the railyard, but VRS had "We really took our time," Delabruere City Hall!"
raised emphatic objections to that, stating summarized his agency's efforts in pur-
that the yard was too crowded to accom- suing the railyard  solution. The city of "They were good people," she said,
modate the train, which is expected to have Burlington and VRS also played key roles. referring to VTrans secretary Joe Flynn,
five coaches and two locomotives. Further, "We had some great partners, and we're VRS, and the Burlington City Council.
the CCRPC put the cost of the railyard very excited about the alternative we've "I'm just eternally grateful. They heard us.
option at a prohibitive $50 million or more, come up with." They were able to change their thinking,
asserting that it would require relocating That takes a lot of courage." 
the entire railyard in order to allow a con- He was optimistic that service would
tinuance of VRS's freight operations. begin by the end of 2021, a deadline "We're humbled. We really didn't
imposed under the terms of a federal grant expect it."
Many opponents of the new track at that helped underwrite upfront costs for
the station countered that the railyard, the service launch. Failing to meet that For more information:  vtrans.vermont.
lying within a quarter-mile of the station, deadline would have allowed the feds to gov/rail/amtrak-burlington.
was the natural place for bedding down recoup the grant money, some $10 million.
the train.

60 vermontbiz.com

Williston couple expands
independent pharmacy

by Amanda Kuhnert the business.” Courtesy photo
Up to that point, the couple had been
In 2013,Corey and Kelly Duteau bought Corey and Kelly Duteau, owners ofFreedom Pharmacy in Williston.
Freedom Pharmacy, a Williston-based leasing space for the business.
company that provides personalized After completing the SBA course in business than in the business,” Kelly said. resources available to Vermont business
medication management services to cus- Densham shared with them the rule of owners, through the VtSBDC and other
tomers in Vermont, New Hampshire, and October 2018, the Duteaus began explor- 168: “This is the number of hours in a organizations,” Densham said.
New York. The independently owned ing the possibility of purchasing a home week, and it's up to us what we do with
pharmacy works with physicians and base for their growing company. it,” Kelly said. “Everyone has the same Success story by Vermont Small Business
insurance companies to deliver prescrip- amount of time.” Development Center (VtSBDC). We Know
tion refills to their customers’ doorstep. “The first person we called was Steve Business. Find an advisor near you. View our
at VtSBDC,” Kelly said. “He helped us “The Duteaus are a great example of training workshops. Visit: www.vtsbdc.org
The medications are organized into run numbers to see if we could afford entrepreneurs who take advantage of the
personal pill cups that make it easy to the building and make the move. I am
keep track of daily doses. happy to say that we are now in our own
building and loving it, setting the stage
The previous owners had done every- for the next steps, growth, and adding
thing by hand. the automation that we know will help us
scale our business.”
To grow the business, the Duteaus
needed to secure financing that would Lessons Learned
enable them to automate the pill distri-
bution process. Working with an advisor not only
helped the Duteaus accomplish their
So they contacted Stephen goals, they also were able to tap into the
Densham, an advisor with the Vermont business knowledge that most entrepre-
Small Business Development Center neurs learn over a lifetime.
(VtSBDC).
Densham has owned many successful
“What transpired from there has been businesses over his 40-plus year career,
nothing short of amazing!” Kelly said. and enjoys sharing his stories and lessons
“Steve mentioned that we should apply with VtSBDC clients.
for the Small Business Association (SBA)
Emerging Leaders program, which we “We learned to work more on the
did and got accepted. This led to the
creation of a three-year growth plan for

April 2020 61

NORTHERNCompany Newslines

Holly LeClair Sarah M. Audet Benjamin Tentis Emily Bernard Brock Gleeson Kate O’Neill Colin Burns Ron Lumbra

Holly LeClair hired UVM’s Bernard wins prestigious Community Bank NA donates career at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
as Health & Safety Manager Christopher Isherwood Prize $5,000 to Pathways Vermont (UNC-CH), where she rose through the ranks from
assistant to full professor.
ReArch is delighted to announce that Holly University of Vermont English professor Emily Community Bank NA recently presented
LeClair has joined our team as a Health & Safety Bernard has won the prestigious Christopher Ish- Pathways Vermont with a $5,000 donation to Physician Assistant Patrick
Manager. In her new position, Holly will promote erwood Prize for autobiographical prose in the Los support its various programs and services. Pathways Anderson to join NCHC
and foster the health and safety culture at ReArch Angeles Times 2020 Book Prizes competition for Vermont transforms the lives of Vermonters expe-
Company. She will focus on maintaining, improving her 2019 book, “Black Is the Body.” Bernard is a riencing mental health and other life challenges Northern Counties Health Care, Inc (NCHC),
and implementing our company’s health and safety professor of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at UVM by supporting self-directed roads to recovery and an award-winning northeastern Vermont community
standards, along with protocols and procedures. and was recently named the Julian Lindsay Green wellness in an atmosphere of dignity, respect, choice healthcare network comprised of five primary care
& Gold Professor of English. and hope. centers, three dental centers, and a home health
Sugarbush Resort announces care and hospice division, is pleased to welcome
Wall of Fame Class of 2020 Basin Harbor welcomes new Accounting firm and Center for Patrick Anderson, PA-C to the St Johnsbury
Director of Food & Beverage Women and Enterprise launch Community Health Center. He will be accepting
Similar to a Hall of Fame, Sugarbush’s Wall of partnership new patients.
Fame seeks to recognize some of the most signifi- As Basin Harbor gears up for the 2020
cant contributors to the Sugarbush experience from season, General Manager Jamie Fox announced Davis & Hodgdon Associates CPAs and the NSB announces organizational
1958 to the present. After much discussion, Wall the appointment of Brock Gleeson as the resort’s Center for Women and Enterprise (CWE) of moves in Central VT
of Fame inductees for 2020 were decided and are Director of Food & Beverage. Gleeson will oversee Vermont have announced a multi-year sustainable
as follows: Henri Borel, Sigi Grottendorfer, and the day-to-day food & beverage operations of partnership. Labeled as a “Signature Partnership” Northfield Savings Bank (NSB) is pleased
Guy Ludwig Laudisi. Henri Borel is the founder Basin Harbor’s banquet functions and resort res- by Davis & Hodgdon, the relationship is created to to announce organizational moves which serve
and co-owner of Chez Henri Restaurant; Sigi taurants: Ardelia’s, The Red Mill, Ranger Room, develop deeper impacts within the community as it to strengthen the Bank’s Business Banking and
Grottendorfer served as the Director of Sugarbush Champlain Lounge, Burgee Bar, and Pool Bar. leverages the expertise of each organization, allow- Community Banking services in Central Vermont:
Ski School for thirty years, taking the helm from ing for a concentrated sustainable social mission Rosemarie White - Vice President, Commercial
Olympian Stein Eriksen and Guy Ludwig “Luddy” Corrigan and Klein of Warren effort. Banking, Megan Cicio – Vice President,
Laudisi is credited with introducing countless friends awarded Best Of Houzz 2020 Commercial Services, Marsha Wimble – Vice
to Sugarbush over the past forty years. UVM board elects Lumbra President, Commercial Banking, Wendy Kellett –
Corrigan and Klein of Warren has won a as chair Senior Community Banking Officer and Maryellen
Addison County Chamber “Best Of Houzz” award for “Customer Service” on LaPerle – Vice President, Mortgage Banking Officer.
of Commerce hires Houzz, an online platform for home renovation and The University of Vermont Board of Trustees
Events/Tourism Manager design. The local homebuilding firm was chosen has elected Ron Lumbra as its new chair, and Downs Rachlin Martin announces
by the homeowners that comprise the Houzz com- Cindy Barnhart will serve as vice chair. This past new attorney
Rob Carter, President of the Addison County munity from among more than 2.5 million active December Ron was re-elected to fill the remaining
Chamber of Commerce, shared the following home building, remodeling and design industry two years of former Board Chair David Daigle’s Attorney Payton A Wells has joined the north-
announcement, “It is my great pleasure to share professionals. term, who stepped down from the Board at the end ern New England law firm Downs Rachlin Martin
with you the hiring of Sarah M. Audet, to serve as of February. The group will be led by gubernatorial PLLC and will practice in the Business Law Group.
Events and Tourism Manager for the Addison County Seven Days and Kate O’Neill trustee Carolyn Dwyer. The rest of the members His work at DRM will focus on business formations,
Chamber of Commerce.” receive 2020 Jack Barry are: Student trustee David Gringeri; legislative equity investment transactions, and purchases and
Communications Award trustees Carol Ode and Shap Smith; gubernatorial sales of businesses.
Hinesburg efforts receive support trustee Ed Pagano; self-perpetuating trustees Briar
from VEC Community Fund Writer Kate O’Neill’s 2019 series “Hooked: Alpert, Robert Brennan and Jodi Goldstein; and Union Bank announces officer
Stories and Solutions From Vermont’s Opioid President Suresh Garimella. Vice President for promotions
An initiative to expand community playgroups for Crisis,” published in Seven Days, received this Finance & Treasurer Richard Cate will serve as
young children and another to support the growth of year’s Jack Barry Communications Award from liaison to the work group. The Board also welcomed In recognition of the significant contribu-
local news coverage – both Hinesburg-based initia- Recovery Vermont. The award presentation took two new trustees: Berke Tinaz succeeds Sidney tions provided by key individuals in the growth
tives – received support recently from the Vermont place during the nonprofit advocacy organization’s Hilker and John Dineen filling the seat vacated by and continued success of Union Bank, David S.
Electric Cooperative’s Community Fund. The annual Recovery Day event in Montpelier on Febru- Ron Lumbra. Silverman, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Hinesburg Community Resource Center’s ary 12. is pleased to announce the Directors of Union
Friends of Families coordinates local playgroups Benjamin Russell achieves Bank have promoted the following officers of the
and received $750 to continue the delivery of these Community Bank NA announces Circle of Success recognition bank, from Vice President to Senior Vice President:
services. promotion of Colin Burns Rhonda Bennett, Judy Boulerice, Lura Jacques,
Ben Russell, CFP, CRPC, APMA a Private Therese Johansson, Carrie Locklin, John Malm,
Twinstate Technologies welcomes Community Bank NA is pleased to announce Wealth Advisor with Russell, Blanchard & DuBois, Craig Provost and Tim Ross.
Benjamin Tentis as vCIO the promotion of Colin Burns to commercial bank- a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise
ing officer in South Burlington, Vermont. In his Financial Services, Inc Colchester, VT has quali- Seth Blanchard reaches a career
Managed Security Services Provider Twinstate new role, Burns will develop and grow commercial fied for the company’s Circle of Success annual milestone at Ameriprise Financial
Technologies announced today the hiring of banking relationships across Vermont in a variety recognition program and will be honored for this
Benjamin Tentis as vCIO. Ben will expand our of industries. achievement in 2020. Seth N Blanchard, CRPC, APMA, CLTC a
existing focus on client’s strategic IT goals, planning Private Wealth Advisor with Russell, Blanchard
the IT budget, analyzing and reworking business NBT Bank earns six 2019 Center for Food Safety recognizes and DuBois, a private wealth advisory practice of
processes and facilitating technology changes. Greenwich Excellence Awards Upstate Elevator Supply Co Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc in Colchester, VT,
has reached a career milestone through the com-
Place Creative recognized NBT Bank has been recognized with six awards Upstate Elevator Supply Co is today announc- pany’s Circle of Success program by achieving
in two industry awards in the 2019 Greenwich Excellence Awards in ing the company has received an A, the highest years of consistently high performance.
Small Business Banking and Middle Market grade possible, from the Center for Food Safety
Place Creative, a Burlington-based agency, Banking. In the US Middle Market Banking (CFS) on its March 2020 Hemp CBD Scorecard. Howard Center appoints
is proud to announce that their team has been category, NBT earned the following three desig- Simha Ravven, MD as CMO
honored with two accolades from Graphic Design nations: Cash Management—Overall Satisfaction UVM appoints new Dean
USA (GDUSA) Named a 2019 American Graphic (Northeast); Likelihood to Recommend (Northeast) of Agriculture and Life Sciences Howard Center is pleased to announce its
Design Award winner in the 56th GDUSA Design and Overall Satisfaction (Northeast). In the US appointment of Simha Ravven, MD as Chief
Annual, Place Creative was selected amongst Small Business Banking category, NBT earned University of Vermont Provost and Senior Medical Officer following a competitive national
12,000 entries. Partner and chief creative officer, the following three designations: Overall Satisfaction; Vice President Patricia Prelock announced the search. In this role, Dr Ravven will direct psychiatric
Steve Crafts, will also be recognized as a 2020 Likelihood to Recommend (Northeast) and Overall appointment of Leslie V Parise, PhD., as dean of and clinical care services for the agency to ensure
Person to Watch in the publication’s upcoming Satisfaction (Northeast). the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences the delivery of high quality medical, nursing, and
annual special feature. (CALS). Parise has built a long and successful clinical care.

62 vermontbiz.com

Ben Russell Patrick Anderson Leslie V Parise Rosemarie White Megan Cicio Marsha Wimble Wendy Kellett Maryellen LaPerle

UVM Medical Center Board RN, MBA to lead these efforts and Jeff Schantz, Greentree Real Estate welcomes Mutual will join the organization’s Champion
of Trustees adds members, AIA, NCARB, as the Director of Health Sciences + Melinda Morse Members. VBSR is a business association with over
Donehower named Board Chair Technology. 730 members who work to foster a business ethic
Greentree Real Estate is delighted to welcome that sets a high standard within the Vermont profes-
The University of Vermont Medical Center New Breed announces Melinda Morse as our ninth licensed Real Estate sional community for protecting the natural, human,
Board of Trustees has appointed four new mem- partnership with SaaSWorks Agent. Melinda, a longtime Addison County resident, and economic environments of the state.
bers who will serve four-year terms – Deborah L. lives in New Haven and has managed Vergennes
Winters; Jesse Bridges; Anne W. Doremus and On March 10, New Breed, a marketing, sales Dental for over 30 years. Northfield Savings Bank
Nadia A. Mitchell. The Board of Trustees has also and customer success firm, announced a strategic announces promotions
elected Patricia Donehower, RN, as its new chair- partnership with SaaSWorks, a provider of revenue Female enlistee becomes in Central Vermont
woman. Donehower is a lecturer in nursing in the operations and customer success solutions. New first of her kind in the
UVM College of Nursing and Health Sciences Breed will be SaaSWorks’ exclusive channel partner. Vermont Army National Guard Northfield Savings Bank (NSB) is pleased
and recently retired as vice president of Clinical To further the deep alignment between the two orga- to announce the promotions of Josh Moreno and
Services at UVM Health Network Home Health nizations, SaaSWorks’ Founders, Vipul Shah and Pfc Noelle Cave enlisted as a 19D, cavalry Sam Abare, which serve to continue NSB’s tradition
& Hospice. Jim O’Neill, joined New Breed’s Board of Directors, scout, on January 3, 2020. Pfc Cave is the first fe- of friendly, top-tier service from its Community Bank-
and New Breed CEO Patrick Biddiscombe joined male to enlist into the cavalry in Vermont since the ing and Mortgage Banking teams. Josh Moreno has
UVM appoints Dombrowski the SaaSWorks board. duty position became available to females on August been appointed Community Banking Officer in NSB’s
VP for Research 9, 2016. Montpelier office and Sam Abare has been promoted
Community Bank NA announces to Mortgage Banker.
University of Vermont President Suresh promotion of Sue Verro VBSR announces newest
Garimella today announced the appointment of Champion Member Union Mutual For more Newslines go to
Kirk Dombrowski as vice president for research. Community Bank NA is pleased to announce www.vermontbiz.com.
Dombrowski will report directly to Garimella and will the promotion of Sue Verro to commercial bank- Vermont Businesses for Social
be a member of the president’s senior team. ing officer in South Burlington, Vermont. In her Responsibility (VBSR) announced that Union
new role, Verro will develop and grow commercial
Brainard promoted to Asset banking relationships across Vermont in a variety
Liability Manager at CNB of industries.

Community National Bank (CNB) CEO Kathy Freeman French Freeman,
Austin is pleased to announce the promotion of Architects welcomes Ellis
Nikole Brainard to the bank officer position of and Gravel
Asset Liability Manager. During her banking career,
Nikole has earned the Certified Teller designation, Freeman French Freeman, Architects is
General Banking Diploma and Bank Operations thrilled to welcome Nathalia Ellis and Jamie
Diploma from Center for Financial Training Education Gravel to our Burlington, Vermont practice. Nathalia
Alliance. Ellis joins the firm following stops in Vermont, Las
Vegas, Nevada, and São Paulo, Brazil. Jamie Gravel
Gallup promoted comes to FFF with over 20 years’ experience as a
at Davis & Hodgdon designer and project manager.
accounting firm
NMC appoints interim
Meg Gallup has been promoted to the posi- chief executive officer & interim
tion of Associate Accountant at Davis & Hodgdon chief administrative officer
Associates CPAs. Meg will be operating from the
firm’s Williston location and servicing the firm’s The Northwestern Medical Center (NMC)
clients throughout Vermont. Board of Directors today announced the appoint-
ment of Gerald “Jerry” Barbini as interim chief
E4H is growing executive officer and Dawn Bugbee as interim
chief administrative officer. Barbini and Bugbee suc-
E4H is excited to announce a new team of clini- ceed CEO Jill Berry Bowen, RN, who previously
cally trained advisors. E4H has appointed Kelly Byrd, announced plans to transition from her role this year.

COMMERCIALReal Estate Newslines

V/T Commercial real estate Gear Exchange.  Beal assisted the landlord, Howard
transactions Space Partnership LLC and the tenant in this lease.

Linda I. Letourneau of V/T Commercial Linda I. Letourneau,V/T Commercial, announced
announced the lease of office space to Seixen the lease of office space to the Northfield Savings
Capital, LLC at 148 College Street, Burlington.  Bank at 210 College Street, Burlington.  Letourneau
Letourneau assisted the landlord, Grandview Farms, represented the landlord, Malone Properties, in this
Inc., and the tenant in this transaction. transaction.

Eblock, a rapidly growing online auto auction Mike Bloomberg, Bloomberg for President,
platform, has signed a 5 year lease at 212 Battery leased campaign office space at 30 Main Street
Street, Burlington with DW Properties, LLC.  Bill and 325 Main Street, Burlington from Investors
Kiendl of V/T Commercial represented the landlord Corporation of Vermont.  Linda I. Letourneau of V/T
and Ross Montgomery of Kingsland Company rep- Commercial assisted all parties.
resented the tenant.
Tony Blake, V/T Commercial, exclusive ten-
Liberty Mutual Insurance has signed a new ant representative for Unilever USA in Vermont,
lease for 4,203 square feet at 463 Mountain View represented Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc. in a
Drive, Colchester with Acabay 463 WTH LP.  Tony lease renewal of office space at 191 Bank Street,
Blake of V/T Commercial acted as exclusive tenant Burlington.
representative for Liberty Mutual in this transaction.
For more Newslines go to
John Beal of V/T Commercial, leased warehouse www.vermontbiz.com.
space at 388 Pine Street, Burlington to Outdoor

April 2020 63

VERMONTCompany Newslines

Thaddeus Richardson Phil Chadderdon Chris Paulk Karina Jorgensen-Fullam Kelly Hilleke Irian Adii Daniel Hilleke Molly Gray

Rep Sarah Copeland-Hanzas distributes them to non-profits selected by and voted Vermont’s captive insurance nance standards and youth programming operations,
named Legislator of the Year on by the employees. The recipients of the Q4 2019 professionals rise to the top VYCC received accreditation from the Corps Center
contributions are: Big Brothers Big Sisters of in polls of Excellence, the national accrediting body for
Renewable Energy Vermont recognizes Rep- Bath/Brunswick; Emmaus Homeless Shelter; Service and Conservation Corps.
resentative Sarah Copeland-Hanzas with the Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity; and Girls Captive Review, a leading London-based
2019 Renewable Energy Legislative Champion on the Run Vermont. trade publication for the captive insurance industry, VMEC hires Chadderdon and
award. This award recognizes a government official has released their annual “Power 50” and “Ones Paulk as Manufacturing &
who has worked hard to further renewable energy in BHGRE The Masiello Group to Watch” selections. These prestigious polls rec- Business Growth Advisors
Vermont. Copeland-Hanzas represents the Orange-2 extends brand affiliation ognize the most influential individuals in the global
district, co-chairs the Climate Solutions Caucus captive insurance industry. A record ten captive The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Cen-
and Chairs the House Committee on Government Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC insurance professionals with ties to Vermont were ter (VMEC) is pleased to announce the addition of
Operations. announced today that Better Homes and Gardens recognized, more than any other jurisdiction. Sandy Phil Chadderdon and Chris Paulk to its team
Real Estate The Masiello Group has signed a Bigglestone, Director of Captive Insurance at the as VMEC Professional Manufacturing & Business
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust long-term renewal agreement that will extend the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, Growth Advisors. Phil is experienced implementing
employees donate Northern New England real estate powerhouse’s was one of only two regulators recognized and also Lean manufacturing transformations, ISO certifica-
to local non-profits affiliation with the BHGRE brand into the next decade. the highest-ranking, climbing five spots to number tions and business development systems. Over the
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello 17 in this year’s “Power 50”. Five Vermont-domiciled past two decades Chris has worked with numerous
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust recently presented Group was one of the original affiliates when it joined captive owners were also recognized, including: Ju- companies, gaining expertise in start-up business
donations totaling more than $9,000 to local non- the BHGRE network in the fourth quarter of 2008, lie Bordo (43), President and General Manager, development, prototype design, fabrication, testing
profits from its employee-driven charitable giving just months after the brand launched. The Masiello PCH Mutual Insurance Co; Steve H. Legg (38), and commercialization.
program, Casual for a Cause. The program pools Group, owned by President and CEO Chris Masiello, Director Risk Management, Olympic Casualty
employee contributions collected each quarter and was founded in 1966 by Chris’s father, James. Insurance; Andrew Baillie (32), Program Direc- Flyin Ryan announces four new
tor Global Insurance Property, The AES Corpo- Adventure Scholarship recipients
ration; Heather McClure (27), Chief Risk Officer,
OU Medicine; and Deyna Feng (20), Director Flyin Ryan is proud to announce the addition
Captive Programs, Cummins Inc. Vermont cap- of four new Adventure Scholarship recipients to their
tive professionals also featured on the “Power 50” Adventure Scholar family: Karina Jorgensen-Ful-
included Rich Smith (25), President, Vermont lam, Kelly Hilleke, Irian Adii and Daniel Hilleke.
Captive Insurance Association, and Nancy Karina has been competing in freeride skiing since
Gray (15), Regional Managing Director Ameri- 2014 and her award will go toward costs associated
cas, Aon Captive and Insurance Management. with her training. Kelly is using his award to compete
in the 2020 NORAM championships. Irian is a 15
Seddon honored by peers with year old freestyle skier at Smugglers Notch Resort
distinguished Jim Grundy Award who has been competitively skiing since 2015 and
plans to use her award toward freeski competitions
At a reception in the over-flowing Cedar Creek and to travel with her team to the North American
Room of the Vermont State House, Renewable Junior Freeride Championships at Crystal Moun-
Energy Vermont presented Leigh Seddon with tain in Washington State. Daniel will be using his
the 2019 Jim Grundy Award for generosity of spirit award to attend Keeners Kayak Camp in Canada.
and integrity in bringing renewable energy to his
community. In accepting his award, Leigh reflected Wells Fargo grants unlock
on lessons he had learned from Jim Grundy him- economic opportunity in Vermont
self. “Jim taught me about always being customer-
focused, having the passion to do new things and Wells Fargo announced it invested $263,667
having the patience to get through tough times. It is in local nonprofits, schools and community organiza-
one customer at a time and one day at a time that tions in 2019 to help the communities and people of
we actually change the world,” he said. Vermont. The company’s philanthropic contributions
builds on a history of collaboration with local non-
VEDA names Richardson profits and community leaders to make a positive
as new CFO impact by addressing urgent community issues such
as affordable housing, out-of-school time education
The Vermont Economic Development for middle school students and job training for young
Authority (VEDA) named Thaddeus Richardson adults.
as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective Febru-
ary 20, 2020. In this role, he has broad responsibil- Democratic Candidate for
ity for the Authority’s financial operations, including Vermont Lieutenant Governor
accounting, financial planning, forecasting and over- announces campaign manager
all asset and liability management. Thad is a lifelong
Vermonter who lives in Lyndon with his wife and two Molly Gray, democratic candidate for Vermont
daughters. Lieutenant Governor, announces Samantha
Sheehan of Hancock, Vermont to be hired as
VYCC receives accreditation Campaign Manager beginning March 9th. Sheehan
for excellence and VYCC corps founded and owns Valley.Works coworking space
member Bex Love honored in Waitsfield, Vermont and formerly ran commu-
nications for Vermont Businesses for Social
The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps Responsibility. Sheehan currently serves as
(VYCC) received top honors at the national Corps Vice Chair of the Hancock-Granville Unified
Network conference in February as a newly accred- School Board, as Chair of the Hancock Planning
ited Corps and for having a Corps Member of Commission, and on various non-profit boards and
the Year in Bex Love. VYCC is proud to become economic development initiatives in Vermont.
accredited by the Corps Network. This certification is
only given to organizations who undergo an in-depth For more Newslines go to
evaluation of internal operations, financial manage- www.vermontbiz.com.
ment practices, risk management practices, gover-

64 vermontbiz.com

SOUTHERNCompany Newslines

Dr Jennifer Scott William Smith Gail Trottier Alison Gaffney Kathy Underwood Lucas Farrell Dr Thomas Kalchthaler Tracy J Sloan

Pure Water for the World Relationship Manager at Bar Harbor Bank & out to celebrate the grand opening and tour the store. and thrift institutions. One of five new members, Ms
welcomes Dr Jennifer Scott Trust’s location in Sunapee, New Hampshire. In this During the event, Comcast marked the occasion with Underwood will share information, offer advice, and
role, she leads a team of banking professionals to a $2,000 donation to the Rutland Boys & Girls make recommendations to the Federal Reserve Bank
Pure Water for the World, Inc. (PWW) provide solutions and guidance to help individuals, Club. The newly redesigned Xfinity Store is focused of Boston’s representatives.
announces the selection of Dr Jennifer Scott families, and businesses in the community meet entirely around the needs of customers, providing
as Executive Director. Scott succeeds Carolyn their financial goals. them with an opportunity to explore, learn about and Grace Cottage Family Health
Crowley Meub, who retired in 2019 after serving engage with the latest Xfinity products and services. & Hospital announces three
as the organization’s Executive Director for 17 of its Windham Grows business additions to its boards
20 years as a nonprofit. Scott most recently served accelerator accepting SVMC’s ExpressCare practice
as President of the College of St Joseph in Rutland, applications for next cohort  welcomes McBride Lucas Farrell, of Townshend, VT, and Dr
Vermont. Thomas Kalchthaler, of Jamaica, VT, have joined
Windham Grows, a food and agriculture busi- Southwestern Vermont Medical Center’s the Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital
Two Windham Grows graduates ness accelerator that connects entrepreneurs with (SVMC) ExpressCare in Bennington is pleased to Board of Trustees. Farrell and his wife, Louisa,
win Good Food Awards mentoring, industry connections and support, is welcome Family Nurse Practitioner Brooke McBride. own and operate Big Picture Farm, a hillside goat
accepting applications for its spring/summer 2020 With this appointment, McBride also joins the dairy farm known for its award-winning farmstead
Two graduates of the Windham Grows Farm program. Windham Grows is part of Strolling of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Putnam Medical Group. caramels and cheeses, sold in stores across the
& Food Business Accelerator have won 2020 the Heifers, whose mission is connecting people Most recently, McBride worked as a family nurse country. Dr. Kalchthaler completed his residency in
Good Food Awards. Sugar Bob’s Finest Kind with healthy local food, encouraging and facilitating practitioner at Bennington Endocrinology. Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai City Hospital Center,
and Vermont Tortilla Company received the pres- innovation and entrepreneurship in the farm/food Elmhurst Queens, NY, then became the second
tigious award after a national competition. Regional sector, and supporting the development of stronger Ledyard’s Underwood named physician nationwide to train in Geriatric Medicine.
finalists for the award are chosen in a blind tasting. local food systems and healthy, sharing, connected to Federal Reserve Tracy J Sloan, CPA, has joined the Grace Cottage
All companies that score well on taste undergo a and resilient communities. Bank of Boston’s 2020 CDIAC Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees.
rigorous vetting process to ensure they meet the
Good Food Awards Standards. Three products in Heather Martin represents Ledyard National Bank is pleased to announce For more Newslines go to
each region are chosen as the winners. Castleton, Early Childhood Center that Kathy Underwood, President & CEO, has been www.vermontbiz.com.
in Washington appointed to the Federal Reserve’s First District
SVMC’s ExpressCare welcomes Community Depository Institutions Advisory
William Smith, FNP Heather Martin, director of the Castleton Uni- Council (CDIAC). The CDIAC’s members represent
versity Early Childhood Center, recently returned the six states in New England and provide a diverse
Southwestern Vermont Medical from representing the University at the nation’s capi- perspective on the economy, lending conditions, and
Center (SVMC) is pleased to welcome Family tal. Martin presented on a higher education panel to other issues facing community banks, credit unions,
Nurse Practitioner William Smith to SVMC give an overview of Vermont’s higher education sys-
ExpressCare and Dartmouth-Hitchcock tem for early childhood education programs. She dis-
Putnam Physicians. Smith earned his master’s cussed how the Vermont State Colleges System
degree in nursing from The University of Tennessee works together to provide educational opportunities
in 2018. He received his bachelor’s in nursing from at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree
the University of Rochester School of Nursing in New levels. She also talked about the scholarships that
York in 2015. He holds a second bachelor’s degree are available to Vermont students and the profes-
in environmental science from the State University of sional development systems that are in place.
New York at Brockport.
Slocum joins Four Seasons
Chippers Inc receives award from Sotheby’s International Realty’s
Tree Care Industry Association Manchester office

Chippers is proud to announce it has been Four Seasons Sotheby’s International
awarded a Professional Communications Award Realty is pleased to announce that Richard
from the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Slocum has joined the company’s Manchester,
More than 20 years old, this program honors mar- Vermont, office as a Sales Associates. With a career
keting and communication excellence within the tree as a professional equestrian which spans four
care industry. The winning submission was Chip- decades, Richard has lived all over the United States
pers redesigned website, www.chippersinc.com, and Europe. He was captivated by the beauty of the
launched in March 2019. Design and development Green Mountains, the sense of community, and the
from Bytes.co with Lev Camara of Aiki Creative, broad offering of cultural affairs, and decided to
the judges said “the website is eye-catching, clear make it home.
and concise while staying true to the company’s
overall mission”. The Vermont Community
Foundation announces $22,157
Ledyard National Bank in 2019 Grants
welcomes Gail Trottier
The Opportunity Fund for Southshire
Ledyard National Bank is pleased to Youth is a new fund at the Vermont Community
announce Gail Trottier as Assistant Vice President Foundation that has awarded $43,500 in grants
and Private Banking Officer in their Private Banking since its inception in 2018. The fund is now
Division. As a boutique division of Ledyard National accepting applications for its 2020 grant round to
Bank, Ledyard Private Banking offers a personal- support dynamic and innovative youth programs in
ized experience managing clients’ complex banking, Bennington, North Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury,
lending and investments needs. With an integrated and Woodford.
approach and cutting-edge technology, our Private
Bankers help navigate through all of life’s personal Comcast unveils new interactive
and professional financial stages. Xfinity store in Rutland

Alison Gaffney promoted to Comcast held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to
Branch Relationship Manager celebrate the grand opening of its new interactive
Xfinity Store in Rutland. Community leaders came
Alison Gaffney has been promoted to Branch

April 2020 65

ADIndex VERMONT BUSINESS MAGAZINE’S

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66 vermontbiz.com