Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

American Forests to Plant 13,618 Trees Resulting from Woodchuck Hard Cider Earth Week Tree Drive on Facebook

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

Middlebury, VT – American Forests will plant 13,618 trees in Northern California resulting from Woodchuck Hard Cider’s Facebook Global ReLeaf campaign. Woodchuck Cider committed to planting two trees for every Facebook fan gained during Earth Week 2011 by donation to Global ReLeaf – American Forest’s tree planting initiative. Woodchuck Cider’s eco-friendly Facebook and Twitter fan bases embraced the tree planting efforts and Earth Week saw 6,809 new Woodchuck Cider Facebook fans.

Woodchuck Cider, located in Middlebury, Vermont, first collaborated with American Forests during Earth Week 2010 resulting in 8,432 trees planted in Northern California. This year 13,618 trees will be planted.

“California remains an area in an incredible need of assistance from years of recent wildfires and we have made it a priority to continue to support an area so similar to our own backyard of Vermont,” states Bret Williams, Woodchuck Cider’s President and CEO. “Our fans in both states enjoy outdoor activities as local economies rely heavily on forests and outdoor recreation – where would we be without trees?”

Global ReLeaf – the tree planting arm of American Forests – is committed to restoring forest ecosystems across the country and around the globe. Global ReLeaf has planted trees in every state in the nation, and in more than 20 countries around the world. Nearly 40 million trees have been planted since the program began in 1990, and the goal has been set to bring that total to 100 million by the year 2020.

Tree planting will begin this summer and continue throughout 2011.

Woodchuck Cider’s Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/WoodchuckCider.

About American Forests
American Forests is a non-profit conservation organization focused on restoring and protecting urban and rural forests.  Founded in 1875, the organization has served as a catalyst for many of the most important milestones in the conservation movement, including the founding of the U.S. Forest Service, the national forest and national park systems, the creation of the modern environmental movement, and literally thousands of forest ecosystem restoration projects and public education efforts.  Since 1991, American Forests has planted nearly 40 million trees in forests throughout the U.S. and beyond, resulting in cleaner air and drinking water, restored habitat for wildlife and fish, and the removal of millions of tons of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more at www.americanforests.org

About Woodchuck Hard Cider
Woodchuck Hard Cider is a hard cider handcrafted with apples.  First crafted in Proctorsville, Vermont in 1991, Woodchuck Hard Cider now operates in a state-of-the-art cidery in Middlebury, Vermont.  The popular Woodchuck Amber is the original style produced and still today the recipe remains the same. That’s not to say some things haven’t changed over the years, Woodchuck now has an extended line up of styles and has grown distribution from one country store in VT to across the United States. Greg Failing, the original creator of the recipe and the cider maker to this day, combines both art and science with his own personal touch in crafting this award winning cider. The Woodchuck family ensures exceptional quality and premium taste are met in every small batch before any bottle or keg leaves our back door. A naturally gluten-free beverage, Woodchuck Hard Cider is also a favorite in food pairings and a key ingredient in a variety of recipes.  More information is available at www.woodchuck.com

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • MSN Reporter
  • NewsVine
  • Ping.fm
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
  • Yahoo! Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz

4th Annual Eco Fair Helps Central Vermonters Go Green Through Learning, Incentives & Recycling

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Montpelier, VT – The 4th Annual Eco Fair will be held at the National Life Headquarters – the state’s oldest and largest LEED certified building – on Saturday, May 14th from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.  National Life Group hosts this popular FREE green event to help Central Vermont residents learn new techniques, products, and fun ways to make going green easier for all.

Workshops offered for the entire public will be on home energy audit benefits, solar photovoltaic, bike safety, thermal installations, a Way To Go commuter information, and multiple learning opportunities and incentives to make homes more efficient provided by Efficiency Vermont.

Groovy Vermont band, Mellow Yellow, will play tunes; Skinny Pancake and KC Bagels will provide food; Small Dog Electronics will collect electronics recycling; and Central Vermont Solid Waste will take used textiles (old clothes, linens, etc) and books.
 
Popular environmental products will be available for sale including the quiet Neuton battery powered lawn mower (bring in old gas mowers for recycling), composting cones, energy efficient products from Efficiency Vermont, garden beds, wooden sand boxes, and the Oliver or Znen scooters, which get 100 miles per gallon – no motorcycle license necessary! There will even be a yard sale and the list goes on!

The National Life Headquarters are located just off I89/Exit 8 up National Life Drive with plenty of parking. Free totes for all who bring a non-perishable food item, to help the Montpelier Food Pantry. Rain plan is everything moves inside.

More information at the National Life Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/nationallife.

 

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • MSN Reporter
  • NewsVine
  • Ping.fm
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
  • Yahoo! Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz

3 Squares Cafe’s Chef Birong To Compete in Top Chef of the Champlain Valley

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

Vergennes, VT — Matt Birong, Chef/Owner of 3 Squares Café located in downtown Vergennes, Vermont has been chosen as one of the three chef finalists to compete in the 2011 Top Chef of the Champlain Valley, an Iron Chef Experience. Top Chef is set for August 8th at UVM’s Davis Center to benefit the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging (CVAA) Meals on Wheels and Case Management programs. Chef Birong will go head to head in a culinary showdown with Shawn Calley of The Essex Resort & Spa and reigning Top Chef attempting to defend her title, Donnell Collins of Leunig’s Bistro & Café. www.cvaa.org

3 Squares Café is the Vergennes hotspot for three meals a day, seven days a week and Chef Birong and his team are committed to serving up the Vergennes community and those who pass through with hearty portions, casual atmosphere, and of course a commitment to the thriving local Vergennes community. Local produce provided by Addison County foragers in the month of May include ramps, fiddleheads, leeks, and wild asparagus tastefully incorporated into specialty sandwiches, salads, omelets, and pastas. Chef Birong also recently added John Crabbe of Fresh View Farm in Charlotte as his on-staff local farmer.

The end of the month brings the state’s largest Memorial Day Parade to the state’s smallest city sponsored by the Vergennes American Legion. May 30th will be an inspiring day in Vergennes and 3 Squares Café will be one of the best viewing spots with the easiest place to grab a snack, beverage, or meal. www.vergennes.org

About 3 Squares Cafe
3 Squares Café, a Vermont restaurant and café, serves up casual, creative cuisine three meals a day, seven days a week. Chef/Owner Matt Birong welcomes the entire family into his eclectic atmosphere serving vegans to meat lovers while sporting an espresso bar to homemade pastries and local retail products.  Noted for their dedication to cooking from scratch and generous portions for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 3 Squares Café has been pumping nourishment into the heart of the Vergennes community and those who visit since 2007. Catering for all types of events, from weddings to class reunions, is also a popular feature. 3 Squares Café is located at 221 Main Street in historic downtown Vergennes and more information is at www.3SquaresCafe.com and www.facebook.com/3SquaresCafe.

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • MSN Reporter
  • NewsVine
  • Ping.fm
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
  • Yahoo! Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz

Expansion at Vermont’s Micro Dairy Industry Leader

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

South Royalton, VT – Bob-White Systems – the Vermont farmstead cheese and micro dairy equipment and supply company, is expanding and announces the lease of a 2000 square foot facility in Royalton, Vermont. Bob-White Systems North, located on Waterman Road, just off Exit 3 off I-89, is the new location for research, product development, engineering, and manufacturing of the Bob-White Systems Low Impact Pasteurization (LIP) System which will bring gentle milk pasteurization direct to micro dairy farms. The new facility will also be the location for further product innovations for micro dairy farmers and farmstead cheese makers.

Established in 2006, Bob-White Systems provides micro dairy and cheese making supplies, equipment, support, and innovations for the farmstead, homestead, and small-scale production of local and farm fresh milk and cheese. The Bob-White Systems storefront and offices are located on the town green in South Royalton, next to the South Royalton Co-Op. President, Steven Judge, also operates a micro dairy farm in Royalton which serves as the company’s micro dairy applied research location where the LIP System operates and micro dairy design and best practices are honed.

Recent staff growth and product expansions have resulted in the existing South Royalton Storefront space unable to support engineering and manufacturing components necessary to meet the demands of the growing micro dairy industry in Vermont and beyond. Bob-White System’s customers reach throughout New England with strong loyalty in Pennsylvania, the MidWest, and as far as California, Texas, the United Kingdom, and even Australia. The company’s website – www.bobwhitesystems.com and the customer service team serve these customers and e-commerce developments are in place to further support small scale milk producers, home cheese makers, and farmstead dairy farmers.

Bob-White Systems North is being leased from Lucky’s Trailer Sales and is the first company to fill the space Applied Research vacated in 2008.

Bob-White Systems provides micro dairy and cheese making supplies, equipment, and support for the farmstead, homestead, and small-scale production of local and farm fresh milk and cheese.

 

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • MSN Reporter
  • NewsVine
  • Ping.fm
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
  • Yahoo! Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz

Marist College Alumni Featured at Vermont Travel Industry Conference

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Burlington, VT – Kim Knox Beckius, editor of the About.com Guide to New England Travel and Rachel Carter, owner of Vermont public relations business – Rachel Carter PR are presenting today at the Vermont Travel Industry Conference (VTIC) at the Hilton Conference Center in Burlington, Vermont.

Entitled, “How to Communicate More Effectively with Customers, Target Markets & Media,” Kim and Rachel draw upon their combined media, public relations, social media, and business owner expertise as well as their training and education at Marist College. Kim, a 1990 graduate and Rachel, 1998, met at the 2010 VTIC event and this year combined efforts as a featured conference workshop.

Kim also followed Vermont Governor Shumlin’s opening remarks as a member of an industry leader “Hot Topics” panel. Rachel is a volunteer member of the 2011 conference planning committee.

In addition to editing the Guide to New England Travel at About.com (http://gonewengland.about.com), Kim is the author of seven books, the most recent, New England’s Historic Homes and Gardens, being released this fall.

Recognized as a Vermont Business Magazine, Rachel operates Rachel Carter PR (http://rachelcarterpr.com) and is the co-author of Vermont: An Explorer’s Guide, due out in 2012.
 

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • MSN Reporter
  • NewsVine
  • Ping.fm
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
  • Yahoo! Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz

National Life Group Names Bob Cotton to be Chief Financial Officer

Monday, April 11th, 2011

Montpelier, Vermont – Bob Cotton has been appointed chief financial officer and senior vice president of National Life Group, it was announced today by Mehran Assadi, president and chief executive officer.

In his new post Cotton, who joined National Life in 1993, will be responsible for all financial operations of National Life Group, a Fortune 1000 company with $29 billion in assets under management. He will also work with Assadi on strategy and business development.

Commenting on the appointment, Assadi said, “Bob’s deep knowledge of National Life Group and his broad familiarity with the entire financial services industry will be of tremendous value as we execute our plans for the future. As the leader of our companywide initiative to craft a new three-year strategic plan Bob brought energy and focus that helped us develop a clear direction for our future.”

The companies of National Life Group offer life insurance, annuities, and investment* products and services.

Cotton began his career with the company as a staff auditor. He steadily assumed positions of greater responsibility and served as the company’s treasurer for six years before his appointment in January as senior vice president for finance.

“This is an exciting time for National Life Group,” said Cotton. “We are a very strong company with a strategic plan that is designed to make us even stronger. I am incredibly honored to be working with Mehran on executing this strategy.”

Cotton is a graduate of Clarkson University and earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Vermont.  He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), a Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI), a member of the Association of Financial Professionals, the LOMA Treasury Committee, the New York State Society of CPAs, the Vermont Society of CPAs, and the Vermont Security Analysts Society.   

Prior to joining National Life, he served as an accounting manager at Library Bureau, Inc., and before that as a senior accountant at Coopers & Lybrand.

He resides in Williston, Vermont.

 

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • MSN Reporter
  • NewsVine
  • Ping.fm
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
  • Yahoo! Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz

Burlington, Vermont Area Marketing Speed Dating Event Monday, April 11th

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

The Vermont Travel Industry Conference (VTIC) kicks off next week on Monday, April 11th with Marketing Speed Dating from 5:00 – 7:30 pm at the Hilton Burlington. The networking event is new this year and is open to conference attendees as well as local businesses and the public. The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to meet local experts in website development, search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, web marketing, e-marketing, video marketing, mobile marketing, public relations (PR), and more. Marketing Speed Dating is included in the VTIC full-conference registration. For one-day conference registrants, the fee to attend Marketing Speed Dating is $25.

Local experts featured at the Marketing Speed Dating event include:
- 802theApp (Mobile Marketing)
- Curve Trends Marketing (SEO and Web Advertising)
- Empower Mobility (Mobile Application Development)
- Gray Dog Media (Pay-Per-Click Advertising)
- Hen House Media (Business Video Applications)
- Sprout New Media (WordPress/Blog Design)
- STRATEEGE Web&Branding (Web Design/Wordpress/Blog Design/Content Management Systems)
- Tag New Media (Web Design, Mobile Marketing, Word Press/Blog Design)
- The Boston Herald (Integrated Media)
- Thoughtfaucet (Online Strategy)
- Vermont Business Magazine (Integrated Media)
- Vermont Chamber of Commerce (State Agency Resource)
- Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing (Government Resources)
- VisitNewEngland.com (Online Advertising)
- WBON / Kate Paine & Associates (Public Relations/Networking)
- Yankee Publishing (Print & Online Marketing)

The 2011 Vermont Travel Industry Conference at the Hilton Burlington runs Tuesday, April 12th and Wednesday, April 13th with an awards banquet on Tuesday evening. This year VTIC will feature four educational tracks: integrated marketing, customer lifecycle, niche marketing, and marketing grab bag. Vermont tourism related businesses and organizations interested in learning about directing marketing traffic, attracting new audiences, building brand loyalty, utilizing state marketing resources, and using video marketing & mobile devices in social media marketing to help develop tourism-industry business should attend the conference! Over 300 industry professionals attend each year and registration is still open at www.VTIC.org. Additional conversations are at www.facebook.com/VTIC802 and by following the hash tag #VTIC on Twitter.

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • MSN Reporter
  • NewsVine
  • Ping.fm
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
  • Yahoo! Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz

National Life Group Names Don Messier as VP and Treasurer

Monday, March 28th, 2011

Montpelier, Vermont – Don Messier has been appointed Vice President and Treasurer for National Life Group. Messier began his career with the company in 2000 in the Financial Management Group. His strong business acumen and drive for results have been recognized time and again as he was promoted first to Director for Financial Analysis and subsequently 2nd Vice President for Financial Analysis and Reporting. In 2004, Messier took on the lead financial role within NLFA—the company’s career distribution channel—and in early 2005 was promoted to Vice President for Finance and Strategic Planning. Since 2006, Messier has also served as the financial officer for the broker-dealer, Equity Services, Inc. and his financial role expanded to include independent distribution in 2009.

Messier graduated from the University of Vermont in 1991 with his Bachelor’s degree in Business and Master’s in Business Administration in 1999. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a member of the Vermont Society of CPAs, and the American Institute of CPAs.   

Prior to joining National Life, Messier served as Assistant Vice President and Account Manager for Marsh Management Inc., and as a senior accountant for KPMG Peat Marwick.  

He lives in Essex Junction, Vermont with his wife and two children.
 

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • MSN Reporter
  • NewsVine
  • Ping.fm
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
  • Yahoo! Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz

Letter 10 Creative Earns 2011 WeddingWire Bride Choice Award

Friday, March 25th, 2011

Hinesburg, VTLetter 10 Creative, a graphic design and photography studio located in Hinesburg, VT has been selected by WeddingWire, a wedding review site, to receive a 2011 WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award for wedding photography. Reviews and surveys from over 750,000 newlyweds determined this year’s awards. WeddingWire awards are given to the top 5% of wedding professionals in 20 service categories, based on achievements during the previous year.  

Letter10 Creative is a Vermont-based graphic design and photography studio owned by Jamie Proctor-Brassard. Letter10 specializes in environmentally sustainable print design and wedding, event, and lifestyle photography. Products and services are uniquely tailored and personalized to socially responsible businesses, couples, and families. Jamie’s flexible and dependable style meets the very specific needs of clients throughout Vermont and New England. More information is at www.Letter10Creative.com and www.Facebook.com/Letter10Creative.

 

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • MSN Reporter
  • NewsVine
  • Ping.fm
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
  • Yahoo! Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz

National Life Group Reports 2010 Financial Results

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Operating Revenue of $1.7 Billion Sets New Company Record

Statutory Surplus Stands At $1.1 Billion

Insurance In Force of $62 Billion

Montpelier, VT — National Life Group today released its consolidated financial results for 2010, reporting a record high $1.74 billion in total revenue.

The company also announced that total assets under management grew $3 billion to $28.94 billion, that insurance in force increased roughly $2 billion to just over $62 billion, and that the company’s statutory surplus stood at $1.14 billion.

“We are in a strong financial position,” said CEO Mehran Assadi. “These numbers tell an impressive story, one of strong operating revenues and a healthy statutory surplus.”  

Assadi said the company fared well despite continued uncertainty in the economy. “Today’s economic climate has people looking for solutions to meet a lifetime of needs – and that’s what we offer,” he said.

The companies of National Life Group offer a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, and mutual funds, and financial solutions in the form of estate, business succession and retirement planning strategies.

The company’s 2010 results show increases over 2009 in total revenue, net income, total assets under management, insurance in force, statutory surplus, life insurance sales, and gross sales of mutual funds.

The 2010 net income of $122.4 million was an increase of 69 percent over 2009’s results.

“These numbers are impressive evidence that we emerged in excellent shape following the nation’s economic collapse of 2008 and 2009,” said Assadi.

As of December 31, 2010, National Life Group held $28.94 billion of assets under management and served in excess of 840,000 customers, with roughly 570,000 of those holding life insurance policies or annuity contracts and roughly 270,000 holding mutual fund accounts.

 

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • MSN Reporter
  • NewsVine
  • Ping.fm
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
  • Yahoo! Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz