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8:30 a.m. 2010 National Speleological Society Convention, Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction
RECENT NEWS
Governor Douglas to Chair Summer Meeting of the National Governors Association
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas will lead the nation’s governors at the annual Summer meeting of the National Governors Association (NGA) this week in Boston. Governor Douglas has focused on health care as his signature initiative during his year-long chairmanship of the NGA, which comes to a close this weekend.
“It is a great honor to chair the NGA,” said Governor Douglas. “Particularly during this time of great challenge and change for state governments, the NGA has been an important voice advocating the needs of state government as they confront enormous fiscal and economic pressures.”
Nearly 40 governors will attend the three-day meeting from Friday to Sunday. The governors will discuss issues ranging from the implementation of federal health reform, budget and economic challenges and security issues. They will hear from IBM CEO Samuel J. Palmisano, as well as other experts regarding the need for improved efficiency in the health care system. The governors will also hear from former Senator Alan K. Simpson and former White House Chief of Staff Erskine B. Bowles, co-chairmen of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, about the risks and challenges of the federal budget deficit.
“States are on the frontlines of implementing federal health reform, while at the same time grappling with large budget shortfalls,” continued Governor Douglas. “Governors are making tough choices to balance budgets and create jobs. Through the NGA, governors of both parties are working together to lead the nation toward recovery.” Read More
Governor Douglas Announces Change in the Governor’s Office
Deputy Chief of Staff Heidi Tringe to leave state government
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas today announced that Deputy Chief of Staff Heidi Tringe will be stepping down at the end of the month to pursue a new opportunity in the private sector. On August 1, she will join the government relations firm of MacLean, Meehan and Rice LLC.
“Heidi has been a critical member of my team and a key advisor during these challenging economic times,” said Governor Douglas. “Her expertise, enthusiasm and commitment to Vermont will be greatly missed, and I wish her all the best in her next endeavor.”
Tringe joined the Governor's senior staff in January 2008 as Special Assistant, following 2 years as Legislative Affairs and Communications Director at the Agency of Human Services. She was appointed Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs in 2009 and assumed her current position in January, 2010. Read More
Governor Douglas Announces Changes in Department of Labor Leadership
Commissioner Moulton Powden to leave state government; Deputy Commissioner Rickert to become Acting Commissioner
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas today announced changes at the Department of Labor as Commissioner Patricia Moulton Powden will be leaving state government to take a position with the Vermont Chamber of Commerce as their Vice President of Public Affairs.
“I want to thank Pat for her tremendous leadership at the Department of Labor, as well as for her years of dedicated service to the people of Vermont in her current role and, previously, as the Chair of the Environmental Board,” said Governor Douglas. “The members of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce are incredibly lucky to have Pat leading their government affairs team. She will bring her expertise in economic development, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and environmental permitting to her new role.” Read More
Governor Douglas Proclaims Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Vermont
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas has proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Vermont. Juneteenth, the oldest African-American holiday observance in the nation, celebrates the abolition of slavery in the United States.
“From our founding, Vermonters have been committed to protecting and preserving the freedoms of our fellow citizens,” Governor Douglas said. “In our founding document, the 1777 Constitution, slavery was explicitly prohibited.” Read More
Governor Douglas Kicks Off New Information Ambassador Program
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas today kicked off a new program to provide local businesses and organizations with the opportunity to become Information Ambassadors through the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM). The Governor was joined by Tourism officials and businesses at the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce to inaugurate this new public-private partnership.
“This program is a win-win for both businesses and travelers in Vermont,” said Governor Douglas. “Through the Information Ambassador program, travelers can easily find information, maps and facilities by locating the new blue “INFO” signs. Businesses and organizations that participate in the program will benefit from more visitors stopping by.” Read More