Archive for the ‘The Quarterly: 3rd Qtr 09’ Category

Op-Ed: Accuracy is Critical to Energy Debate

By Lisa Ventriss

Monday, September 28th, 2009

Op – Ed by Lisa Ventriss, President of Vermont Business Roundtable

As the debate over Vermont’s energy future moves ahead, it is imperative that the public debate – and the resulting decisions – be based on a full analysis of the most current information available. The recent paper issued by Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) sets out an ambitious vision, but fails that most basic of tests and threatens to create unrealistic expectations and promises. VPIRG would like Vermonters to believe that Vermont Yankee power can be replaced with renewable energy at a lower price, but while this may sound appealing, it is simply not true. (more…)

Interview with Bill Stritzler, Chair

By Lisa Ventriss

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Question #1: From your vantage point high in the mountains at Smugglers’ Notch, “America’s Family Resort”, how would you describe the current trends within the travel/recreation industry, and what does it portend for economic development in the state? (more…)

WCAX Interview with Bill Stritzler (VIDEO)

By Lisa Ventriss

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

In case you missed it, here is the WCAX interview with Marselis Parsons and Bill Stritzler, President of Smugglers’ Notch and Chair of Vermont Business Roundtable, on July 13, 2009 regarding VBR’s released 2nd Qtr. 2009 CEO Economic Outlook Survey.

Posted with permission by MT. Mansfield Television, Inc.
Produced by WCAX TV News (www.wcax.com)
All rights reserved by MT. Mansfield Television, Inc.

Roundtable Mobilizes Around Tax and Fiscal Policy

By Lisa Ventriss

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

As we  begin our emergence from the Great Recession and see budget deficits forecast through FY13, the Roundtable’s Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force has been taking a fresh look at these and related issues.  The Task Force, which began meeting earlier this summer and will continue  through November, is chaired by Ken Perine, President of National Bank of Middlebury, and a member of the Roundtable’s Board of Directors. Recommendations will be submitted to the Board for consideration at its November planning retreat. (more…)

Roundtable Welcomes Two New Directors

By Lisa Ventriss

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Mary Powell photo Tommy Harmon photo

Mary Powell, President and CEO of Green Mountain Power, and Tommy Harmon, President and CEO of Sonnax Industries, were elected to the Board of Directors by the members at the Roundtable’s summer meeting on June 18th. (more…)

2009 Vision Award Presented to Fred Hackett

By Lisa Ventriss

Saturday, June 20th, 2009
2009 Vision Award presented to Fred Hackett

2009 Vision Award presented to Fred Hackett

In creating the Vision Award, the Roundtable Board of Directors wished to make a statement by honoring the lifetime contributions of a leader who shares a commitment to the ideals that are embedded in the Roundtable’s vision statement “to make Vermont the best place in America to do business, be educated and live life.” In 2007 the Roundtable presented the award for the first time to Mr. David Coates, retired Managing Partner of KPMG.

The Vision Award celebrates the long view; the contributions of an individual over a lifetime that have benefited the people of Vermont. In this year, the Roundtable recognizes Fred Hackett, a humble man of unique moral character, significant accomplishment, and universal respect. (more…)

Meet Sherra Bourget, Office Manager

By Lisa Ventriss

Friday, June 12th, 2009
Sherra Bourget photo
With sincere appreciation for her 20 years of service to the Roundtable, members hosted a farewell reception for Beth Volker in May. One month later, President Lisa Ventriss was pleased to hire Sherra Bourget as the Roundtable’s new office manager.

Although Sherra originated in the flats of Indiana, she grew up in Northern Virginia just outside of Washington D.C. and moved to pastoral Vermont in 1999.

Once here, Sherra tapped into a fine education at Champlain College. She interned at Kelliher Samets Volk in 2004 and graduated summa cum laude and first in her degree (Multimedia/Graphic Design) in 2005. (more…)