Economic Strengths: Recent HeadlinesEconomic Strengths: Recent Headlineshttp://www.understandingvt.org/economic-strengths-recent-head/2008-07-08T14:44:11ZSquarespaceVEDA sees drop in loan requestshttp://www.understandingvt.org/economic-strengths-recent-head/2008/5/7/veda-sees-drop-in-loan-requests.htmlVCF Staff2008-05-07T21:05:54Z2008-05-07T21:05:54ZVermont Public Radio reports that the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA), Vermont's leading economic development lender, says that "business has dropped dramatically this year." Indeed, this year, "VEDA budgeted more than $10 million in direct loans," but with less than two months remaining in the fiscal year, "only $3.5 million has been loaned." In response, VEDA executive chief Jo Bradley said she "hopes to drive a turnaround" over the next few weeks by providing economic stimulus loans. Recently, "the Legislature approved an economic stimulus package that includes one million dollars for VEDA." VEDA "will use that money to leverage 18 million dollars in loans" and will have "interest rates well below prime."
]]>Vermont Courting Floridians for Summerhttp://www.understandingvt.org/economic-strengths-recent-head/2008/5/6/vermont-courting-floridians-for-summer.htmlVCF Staff2008-05-06T19:03:58Z2008-05-06T19:03:58ZThe Times Argus reports that in hopes of boosting tourism this summer, "inns and hotels across Vermont are planning to offer Florida residents special package deals — ranging from discounted room rates to complimentary cheese farm tours [and] gift baskets." In addition, "the state is touting deals for Floridians on its website and has launched a media campaign, hoping newspapers and Web sites will publicize the deals." The state will also launch a nationwide "advertising blitz [that] will promote Vermont in TV ads." Notably, "in 2005, the most recent year for which figures are available, Vermont had an estimated 68,560 visitors from Florida and 71,120 from Texas."
]]>Senate doubles limit on raw milk sales in statehttp://www.understandingvt.org/economic-strengths-recent-head/2008/4/10/senate-doubles-limit-on-raw-milk-sales-in-state.htmlVCF Staff2008-04-10T14:47:37Z2008-04-10T14:47:37ZThe Brattleboro Reformer reports that the Senate gave final approval to a bill that will raise the limit on the number of quarts of raw, unpasteurized milk that a farmer may sell from the farm from 25 to 50 quarts a day. Currently, "state law restricts the sale of unpasteurized milk for fear that milk can become contaminated and pose a health threat if unpasteurized." Proponents of unpasteurized milk contend that raw milk "is more nutritious than pasteurized milk and can help guard against the development of allergies." According to Amy Shollenberger, director of the farm advocacy group Rural Vermont, the legislation will not allow raw milk to be sold in stores. Notably, "the decision was made after an informal agreement among advocates and officials from the Agency of Agriculture and state Health Department that they would meet informally in the coming months to try to develop a certification system" for unpasteurized milk next year.