New Business

2003

December

Smokestack Lightning Chimney Services

Carter DeFranceaux has launched Smokestack Lightning Chimney Services for chimney cleaning, relining and repairs. DeFranceaux is a Certified Chimney Sweep and a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Smokestack Lightning serves all of northwestern Vermont. 238-1858.

Trellis

Innkeepers Jim and Judi Lamberti, who recently purchased Inn on the Common in Craftsbury Common, announced the opening of Trellis, the inn's fine dining public restaurant serving innovative country cuisine. Resident Chef Christoph Wingensiefen, formerly executive sous chef at Top Notch Resort, will run the restaurant. (800) 521-2233.

Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.

Manuel Alves has opened Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co. in Waterbury. The company provides artisan roast coffees and exotic teas on a wholesale level to retail and food service markets with same-day delivery provided. 80 Commercial Drive, Waterbury. 244-8338.

Jim's House

Pete and Alphonsine Crevier have opened Jim's House, in memory of their son, Jim Crevier, who died of Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS). Jim left his home in a trust, asking that it be open to people with ALS or neurological diseases who are being treated at Fletcher Allen Health Care. 1266 Old Creamery Road, Williston. Host phone: 864-5896; Jim's House: 878-2854.

NorthCountry Federal Credit Union

NorthCountry Federal Credit Union opened its Colchester branch Oct. 31. The branch, located at the corner of Lower Mountain View Drive and U.S. 7, will be the only credit union office in Colchester. It has three drive-up lanes, a lobby, loan services and extended business hours.

Ward Brook Center for Reparations

Glenn W. Hawkes and his sons, Elijah and Jesse, announced a transfer of family resources to a new nonprofit organization, the Ward Brook Center for Reparations. The family's pre-Civil War farmhouse in rural Moretown will be used by the organization to advance educational and community development initiatives in the United States, Haiti and Africa. 122 Ward Brook Road, Montpelier. 229-0137.

November

The RehabGYM

Sharon Gutwin has launched The RehabGYM, a physical rehabilitation facility in Maple Tree Place. The business is open seven days a week to those with physician referrals and anyone who might benefit from the services. Gutwin was with the Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation Center. Working with her are: Cathy Webster, specialist in rehab and orthopedic therapy; Sue McNamara, specializing in sports physical therapy; Michael Landsberg, specializing in shoulder injuries, performance enhancement and injury prevention; and Jenneth Parker, working as an administrator until she obtains her Athletic Training certification and Strength and Conditioning Specialty certification. John J. Rao III, listing broker, and Steve Donahue of Pomerleau Real Estate announced the five-year lease of the 4,100-square-foot space. Katherine Saunders of Pomerleau assisted in the transaction. 30 Hawthorne St., Williston. 876-6000.

Ylian Alfaro Snyder & Associates

Longtime area architect Ylian Snyder has formed a full-service architectural design firm, Ylian Alfaro Snyder & Associates PC. Associates in the firm are: John McCullough, architectural designer; Robin Snyder, construction specialist/estimator; Jacob Bechard, architectural intern; Malcolm Graham, marketing/drafting; and Karen Winchell, financial development consultant. 7 Main St., Suite 6, Montpelier. 224-9111.

Weston & Sampson Engineers

Weston & Sampson Engineers Inc. of Massachusetts has opened an office in Waterbury to serve the entire state of Vermont. Kenneth J. Bisceglio, CHMM, will lead the office. The parent company has more than 100 years’ experience and nearly 200 employees, including 12 registered Vermont Professional Engineers, and has worked in Vermont for over 15 years. 578-2451.www.westonandsampson.com .

Northfield Savings Bank

Northfield Savings Bank celebrated the opening of its Essex Junction branch with a reception and benefit. Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie and others in attendance were encouraged to enter the Flying Cash booth to catch money for the Essex Junction Food Pantry, for which $2,282 was raised. 71 Pearl St. 879-7750.

October

Digital Engine

Jess Richardson, Rose Lucas, and Katherine Lucas have opened Digital Engine, a full-service pre-press and digital asset management studio at 120 Pine St., Burlington. The principals, each with over 15 years' experience, were associated with H. Horsman and Pop Color. The company's services include drum scanning, digital proofing, color correction, image manipulation, page production and file formatting. Digital Engine has a partnership with Extant, a commercial photography studio, and its photographers, Michael Sipe and Rick Levinson. 951-2400.

Jordan Silverman Photography

Jordan Silverman Photography and Alderson Inc., owned by Charlie Catlett, announced the opening of a photographic studio at 266 Pine St. in Burlington. Jordan Silverman Photography offers traditional and high-resolution digital imaging on-location and in-studio. Silverman and Catlett also plan to exhibit work by area artists.

Top of the World Press

Greg Glade has launched Top of the World Press LLC, a new parent company for Top of the World Books, his Williston firm specializing in mountain and polar literature since 1989. Glade announced the company's first publication, Mount McKinley's West Buttress: The First Ascent by Brad Washburn. 437 Westview Circle, Williston. 878-8737.www.topworldbooks.com .

September

Margaret Donahue Fine Needlework

Margaret Donahue has opened a needlepoint store, Margaret Donahue Fine Needlework, in Waterbury Center. The shop carries hundreds of painted needlepoint canvases, from the extremely detailed to the simple, for pillows, belts, vests, pincushions, fireplace screens, seat covers, picture frames and rugs. Donahue also does finish work, such as blocking and stitching, on customers' needlepoint projects. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and by chance or appointment on most Saturdays. 1-A Homestead Lane, Waterbury Center. 244-5120.

Proteris Group

Matthew Gibbs and Clifford Riggs announced the formation of Proteris Group LLC, a consulting firm specializing in information security solutions for businesses in the United States and Canada. Proteris Group evaluates companies' information systems, analyzes risk, and aids in the selection of appropriate security solutions. All Proteris Group employees are certified Computer Information System Security Professionals. The company also employs Cisco certified technology professionals. 40 Dorset Lane, Suite 101, Williston. 872-9063.www.proteris.com .

Rev Imaging

The Offset House in Essex has launched a full-service, digital resource division called Rev Imaging, offering comprehensive digital image management, file prep, drum and flatbed scanning, re-touching, color correction and high-quality output on many types of media, plus a variety of options for short-run color and large-format p.o.p. displays and banners. Rev installed a 63-inch Mimaki Solvent inkjet printer that offers photo-quality prints with outputs as high as 1440x1440 resolution and is designed primarily for the outdoor sign market, with inks that will last up to five years with lamination. 89 Sand Hill Road, Essex. 878-4440.www.offsethouse.com .

The Vermont Planet

Charles Wreaks of Poultney launched The Vermont Planet, an online magazine at www.vermontplanet.com . Wreaks was founder and publisher of The Dorset Country Journal, a southern Vermont lifestyle magazine he sold in 1998. Dorset Country Journal's editor, Kip Fry, is editor of The Vermont Planet. The Vermont Planet staff writes and posts original features on Vermont people and places each week. The site also features an "advertorial" section with regular columns on such topics as inns, homes for sale, Vermont products and restaurants. While many sections of the site are free to site visitors, the original editorial features and archives are available only by subscription.

SofTrak Synthetic Golf Greens of Vermont

Bob Kelly has opened SofTrak Synthetic Golf Greens of Vermont LLC. United Turf Industries, developer of SofTrak Synthetic Golf Greens, announced the dealership serving Vermont and eastern New York. Prospective customers can view and test an installed SofTrak green by appointment. Kelly, a Middlebury College graduate, retired CPA and avid golfer, decided to open the dealership after researching high-performance greens for personal use. 985-9555. BobKelly8@adelphia.net.

Lake Champlain Chocolates Factory Store & Cafe

Lake Champlain Chocolates opened its Factory Store & Cafe at 750 Pine St., Burlington. The cafe, which seats 10 and overlooks the chocolate factory floor, serves hot and cold chocolate drinks, espresso drinks, teas and LCC All Natural Ice Cream. The chocolate company is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Vermont Federal Credit Union

Vermont Federal Credit Union opened a full-service branch at 80 Midas Drive in South Burlington. The new location replaces the closed branch at 70 Kimball Ave. in the INS Building in South Burlington. (888) 252-0202.

Kehoe & Allen Associates

Kristen Allen and Michelle Kehoe announced the opening of Kehoe & Allen Associates, a telecommunications consulting firm specializing in administrative telecom outsource partnerships, project management and technology assessments. They plan to advise clients on a range of telecommunications applications with the goal of network optimization, increased savings and improved efficiencies. P.O. Box 4358, Burlington 05406. 651-6800.

August

Toscano Cafe/Bistro

John Fath and his wife, Lucie Bolduc-Fath, opened Toscano Cafe/Bistro on the site of the former Daily Bread Restaurant. The menu features rustic Mediterranean cuisine with fine wines and Vermont micro-brews. The restaurant is serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 27 Bridge St., Richmond. 434-3148.

Neologex

A.N. Deringer Inc. of St. Albans announced the launch of a subsidiary company, Neologex, a non-asset based, third-party logistics service provider offering supply chain engineering, best-of-breed technology and operational execution to mid-sized companies seeking to improve their supply chain operations and reduce waste and inefficiencies. Neologex is based in Memphis, Tenn.

Bead Crazy

Ginger Morton announced the opening of Bead Crazy, a full-service bead store providing beads, stringing materials, findings, books, tools and storage containers. Morton also offers instruction, adult parties and classes and children's birthday parties. Store hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 21 Taft Corners Shopping Center, Williston. 288-9666.

Nextel

Nextel Partners Inc., a digital wireless communication company based in Kirkland, Wash., has opened an office at 60 Knight Lane in Williston. Robert Davison, direct sales manager, will manage sales executives in Vermont and Plattsburgh, N.Y. The new service combines digital cellular, Nextel wireless Web services, Direct Connect digital long-range walkie-talkie and text/humeric messaging features in one compact phone. Nextel donated wireless phones worth $9,000 to the American Red Cross Northern Vermont Chapter to celebrate its opening. 288-9245. Hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Upgrade Express

Upgrade Express has opened a hardware sales and service company in Burlington across from the Ice House Restaurant. Established in 2002, the company has been providing residential and commercial PC hardware repair and installation services. The expansion allows the company to offer retail hardware sales to do-it-yourselfers. Robert Garrow, the owner of Upgrade Express, said the company will continue to offer services to home and business users seven days a week. 174 Battery St., Burlington. 862-3030.www.upgradeexpress.net.

The Moorings/Albin

The Moorings Inc. marina of Colchester announced a new venture with its appointment as the dealer for Albin Marine for the Lake Champlain region, including Quebec

July

21st Century Partners

Mike Page and Charles Kail have launched 21st Century Partners, offering customized seminars, contract sales and consulting, and marketing and business development services to businesses, nonprofits and individuals. 145 Pine Haven Shore Road, Box 2211, Suite 1193, Shelburne 05482.

Help-U-Sell North Star Realty

Help-U-Sell North Star Realty, a real estate brokerage that operates on a fee basis as opposed to commission, was opened by Craig Bloxham. 4049 Williston Road, Suite 6, South Burlington 05403. 864-0666. northstarhus@aol.com . www.helpusell.com .

Jarred Williams Foundation

Dwayne Williams of Richmond founded the Jarred Williams Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the mission of helping families whose children have a chronic illness. Board members are Jesse Snyder of Richmond, Hollie Williams Jr. of Hardwick, Ted Yeates of Richmond, Holly Wilkinson-Ray of Richmond, Alyson Hoar of Richmond, and Dwayne and Maureen Williams of Richmond. The foundation honors the memory of Dwayne and Maureen's child, who died in November 2001 of a brain tumor on his 13th birthday. P.O. Box 173, Richmond 05477. 434-3363. DMJDRD2@aol.com

Injury & Health Management Solutions

Louise F. Lynch, PT, and Erica M. Galipeau, PT, have opened Injury & Health Management Solutions Inc. in Colchester. The registered physical therapists and Certified Ergonomic Evaluation Specialists offer employers on-site physical therapy and injury prevention consulting through their Preventative Body Maintenance Program, which allows for early treatment of musculoskeletal aches and pains that can lead to work-related muscle and joint injuries. 865-IHMS (4467).

Individual Solutions Options/Quality Services Inc.

Individual Solutions Options/Quality Services Inc. (ISO/QS) a high-technology management, quality and environmental consulting firm with headquarters in Austin, Texas, has opened a New England office in Jericho. Robert C. Greenlese, senior consultant, heads the office. Greenlese was an engineer at IBM Microelectronics. 899-3543.www.isoqsinc.com/.

Home Instead Senior Care

Paulette and Patrice Thabault of South Burlington have opened Home Instead Senior Care to provide at-home companionship and other non-medical home care services, such as meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, incidental transportation, errands and shopping, for the elderly. 41 IDX Drive, South Burlington. 860-4663.www.homeinstead.com .

Burlington Self Storage

Ted Chamberlain and Nigel Mucklow have opened Burlington Self Storage at 1825 Shelburne Road, South Burlington. The state-of-the-art storage facility specializes in climate-controlled and regular self-contained storage units. 658-9336.

Heron Dance

Watercolor artist Rod MacIver and his wife, Ann O'Shaughnessy, have opened Heron Dance, an art gallery, at The Marble Works in Middlebury. The gallery features original watercolors and limited edition prints. 211 Maple St., Suite 17B, Middlebury 05753. 388-4875.

Green Mountain Cidery

H.P. Bulmer of England sold its U.S. operation, H.P. Bulmer USA, to a group of investors led by current executives of Bulmer USA. The management team of the new company, Green Mountain Beverages Inc., is operating as Green Mountain Cidery and is continuing production at the current Middlebury plant. Bret Williams and Paul DiPhillips head up sales and marketing respectively; Barry Blake is senior consultant; Walter Scott is chairman and CEO; David Spivey of Beacon Point Consulting is CFO. Green Mountain Beverages owns Woodchuck Draft Cider and Cider Jack and has been granted rights to distribute Bulmer's Strongbow, Woodpecker and Bulmers Original in the United States. 153 Pond Lane, Middlebury. 388-0700.

June

Volga River Trading Co.

The Volga River Trading Co., importer and wholesaler of Russian handicrafts, has opened Upstairs Imports, a retail shop featuring hand-crafted artifacts from all over the world. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday; Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 191 Bank St., 2nd Floor, Burlington. 862-8122.

Garden of Eatin'

A new restaurant, the Garden of Eatin', has opened at 472 Marshall Ave. in Williston, within the 4 Seasons Garden Center. The deli-style restaurant serves sandwiches, salads, desserts, homemade soups and breakfast foods. The owner is Brian Stone, who also owns Anything's Pastable in Burlington. 878-1040.

Vermont Technology Group

Fred Pierce and Seamus Walsh are co-founders of Vermont Technology Group, which offers Vermont-based IT resources to companies here and in the Washington, D.C.–Boston corridor. The company offers support services including applications maintenance, out-sourcing, hosting, e-learning and help-desk support. Pierce is the company president; Walsh is in charge of marketing. 1233 Shelburne Road, South Burlington.www.vermonttechnologygroup.com . 860-9996.

Merchants Bank

The Merchants Bank has opened a branch in St. Albans in the Price Chopper supermarket at 170 Swanton Road. The branch will have a permanent home at 180 Swanton Road when construction is completed this year. Branch president is Darlene Cooper. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 524-1101.

Vermont Soapworks Soap Museum

Vermont Soapworks has opened a Soap Museum at its facility at 614 Exchange St., Middlebury. The goal is to have a "fun and educational environment" that can answer frequently asked questions such as what is soap made from, why it foams, why most ordinary soaps dry the skin and who invented soap, according to Vermont Soapworks President Larry Plesent. The company is also expanding its factory outlet store. (866) SOAP4U2.www.vermontsoap.com .

Upgrade Express

Bob Garrow, owner of Upgrade Express, has opened a retail shop at 174 Battery St. in Burlington. A computer hardware sales and service company, Upgrade Express has been in business for about a year, and this is its first retail location. Duncan S. Harris of Redstone was the leasing broker and Linda I. Letourneau of Redstone was the listing broker in the transaction on the 180-square-foot space. 862-3030.www.upgradeexpress.net.

My Kim Nails

Adam Ho, the owner of My Kim Nails, a professional nail care shop for men and women in the Taft Corners Shopping Center in Williston, has opened a shop in Middlebury. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Middlebury location; 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Taft Corners. 71 Main St., Middlebury. 388-4999.

May

Iris Flower Design2003

Jenny Evans First has opened Iris Flower Design, a studio retail flower business in Burlington. Custom arrangements are designed to complement and decorate any workplace or home and can be delivered weekly, bi-weekly or for special occasions. A graduate of the Vermont Academy of Floral Design in Waterbury Center, First's experience includes work with a San Francisco flower shop and nursery and an Ohio flower and garden designer.

NorthEst

Continuing a 25 year career in the field of electrical construction estimating, James Tremblay has launched NorthEst, a business that provides electrical estimating services to contractors, owners, architects and engineers during times of heavy bidding or shortage of in-house estimating help. Suite 2-H, 2 Church St. Burlington. 651-0808. neestimating@yahoo.com

Vermonters for Tax Reform

Michael Quaid, former state representative from Williston, is the executive director of Vermonters for Tax Reform, a Montpelier nonprofit "dedicated to educating and lobbying Vermont's state and federal legislators on behalf of the taxpayers of Vermont." P.O. Box 890, Montpelier. 373-1193. vermontersfortaxreform.com .

Chittenden Solid Waste District Drop-Off Center

Chittenden Solid Waste District opened a drop-off center at 339 Pine St. in Burlington. It is the first such center since Casella Waste Systems closed its Lakeside Avenue facility in 1998, and is the first CSWD drop-off center to charge for trash based on weight. The fee is 11 cents a pound. The new facility is open three days a week: Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.www.cswd.net.

Saffire Mortgage Inc.

Saffire Mortgage Inc. has opened an office at 1193 S. Brownell Road in Williston. Owners are Colin Schmidt, the company president, and Thomas D. Wright, CEO. Doug Nedde of Redstone was the listing broker, and Linda I. Letourneau of Redstone was the leasing broker in the transaction of the 2,772-square-foot space. 383-0633.

Grant a Dream Inc.

Janice Case, a teacher at Edmunds Elementary School in Burlington, has launched Grant a Dream Inc., a nonprofit organization whose aim is to honor elders by turning their lifelong (or life-affirming) dreams into reality. Case, executive director, has two partners in the venture: Christine Dobson, development director, and Reid Currier, Webmaster. 893-4738.www.grantadream.org.

SB Signs Inc.

Steve Boutin has opened SB Signs in the former Flanders Building Supplies building in Essex Junction. The company creates signs and banners of all kinds and does engraving and screen printing. 34 Park St., Essex Junction. 879-7969. sbsignsinc@aol.com .

April

Shop Talk LLC

Nick Ruggiero has launched ShopTalk LLC, a woodworking and instructional facility where do-it-yourself enthusiasts and amateur woodworkers can network about equipment and products, take classes and make use of the 3,000-square-foot fully equipped woodworking shop. ShopTalk offers access to project plans and instructional videos as well as reduced retail rates on supplies and lumber. 7A Morse Drive, Essex. 878-0057. info@shoptalkvermont.com .

Audio Solutions

Audio Solutions, a high-end audio equipment dealer, was started by Jim Tremblay. Tremblay has been an audio hobbyist for years who decided to turn his interest into a business. Audio Solutions is open Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; private auditions Wednesdays and Sundays by appointment. 2 Church St., Burlington. 651-0808. JimT@AudioSolutions.biz.

Geodsx

Jager Di Paola Kemp Design of Burlington, in partnership with the Aliagroup of Mumbai, India, has launched Geodsx to provide marketing services using resources worldwide. Geodsx provides design and digital production, including packaging; print work; documentation and collateral; Web site design and programming; database design and content management; computer-aided illustration and animation; music and sound design; and manufacturing management. The company has offices in Burlington and Mumbai.

New England Business Support Services

Mark A. Desrosiers has resurrected his consulting business, New England Business Support Services, after a hiatus of several years. The sole proprietorship provides graphic user interfaces (GUIs), office-automation programming for PCs, and data-entry services. Desrosiers' target market is small businesses seeking easy-to-use interfaces to automate routine tasks, thereby increasing office productivity. He says that having low overhead allows him to offer rates at roughly 50 percent of those of the comparable programmer consultants. 360 Flynn Ave., Burlington. 864-6573. MandMD@Adelphia.net.

American Flatbread

American Flatbread has opened a bakery-restaurant in Middlebury to handle the growing demand for its distinctive, organic pizzas. The Waitsfield company has grown from an experiment in post-modern baking to a top seller of frozen specialty foods. 137 Maple St., Suite 29F, Middlebury. 388-3300.

On a Continuum

Barry Mirakian announced the formation of On a Continuum, a management consulting firm specializing in manufacturing and new-product development. Mirakian worked with Polaroid Corp. for 20 years, was general manager for Revere Graphics Worldwide and, most recently, was president of S.B. Electronics of Barre, where he oversaw the restructuring of the product line that helped the company ride out changes in the international market. 828 West Hill Road, Stowe. 253-0336. bpmira@aol.com .

Bond Auto Parts

Bond Auto Parts has opened a store in Berlin, the company's 30th store. Bond is the largest Vermont-based automotive aftermarket supplier serving the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Headquarters of the family-owned company are in Barre. 798 U.S. 302, Berlin. 479-7120.

Vermont's Alternative Energy Corp.

Vermont's Alternative Energy Corp. is a Williston firm founded to create jobs through a focus on the biodiesel industry. Biodiesel is a clean-burning, biodegradable, non-toxic fuel made from vegetable oils and animal fats. It is a direct replacement for petroleum-based diesel. The company will not produce biodiesel fuel, but plans to "bring the materials, equipment, services, technology and business opportunities to everyone involved in the industry, whether they are making fuel or not," according to Gregory R. Liebert, P.E., the company president. Founders and managers of the company are: Liebert; Sabrina Trupia, Ph.D., director of analytical chemistry; Ronald W. Beales, director of marketing; Steven V. Dumas, P.E., director of operations and project engineering; David C. Slade, P.E., director of project management and engineering; and Dale A. Lynaugh, director of administration. 147 Allen Brook Lane, Suite 104, Williston. 879-4896.www.VAEC2000.com .

Jerry Titus Computer Services LLC

Jerry Titus, a Microsoft Certified systems engineer with more than 20 years of experience in information technology, has opened Jerry Titus Computer Services LLC to serve small businesses throughout greater Chittenden County. The company provides network installation and support, hardware and software support, disaster recovery planning, troubleshooting, backup services and anti-virus and Internet security services. 876-3456. www.jerrytitus.com

American Lenders Service Co.

Paul Meacham has opened the Vermont office of American Lenders Service Co. (ALSCO) in Middlebury. ALSCO specializes in the recovery of collateral for lenders, with more than 180 offices providing repossession services in 500 cities nationwide. 1590 Route 7 South, Middlebury. 388-7376.

March

Instrument: Marketing Truth

Instrument: Marketing Truth is the name of the new network of creative individuals and small firms assembled by Vince LaVecchia to provide marketing services, while still offering the benefits of independent providers. LaVecchia's experience includes work with youth and action sports brands such as Burton Snowboards, where he managed the careers of an international team of professional snowboarders. 43 King St., 2nd floor, Burlington 05401. 658-7605.www.instrumentmarketing.com

New England Federal Credit Union Loan Center

New England Federal Credit Union opened a Loan Center at 172 S. Main St., St. Albans. The center offers a full range of NEFCU loan products, including mortgages, home equities, auto loans, Visa cards and other financing options. Two NEFCU ATMs, open around the clock, have been operating on-site for a few months. Pictured, from left, are: Carol McKinney, mortgage loan officer and market manager; Stephanie Beitsinger, member service representative; and Mary Newton, loan officer. nefcu.com

Vermont Home Style

Vermont's first home improvement and design magazine, Vermont Home Style, premiered in February. Distributed free of charge around Chittenden County and surrounding areas at grocery stores, hardware stores, specialty shops and other vendor locations, the Shelburne-based publication features home and garden products, step-by-step projects, trends, homes and businesses. Nancy Kowalski is the editor; Kathy Howard is the sales manager. 985-5769.

Pierce Communications Group

Thomas H. Pierce has launched Pierce Communications Group, a firm that provides marketing, motivation and mentoring for companies, nonprofit organizations and government. The company offers a range of marketing services, from recommending branding and positioning to creating and implementing advertising campaigns. Motivation includes keynote speaking, motivational meetings, retreat design and facilitating critical-issue discussions. Mentoring includes executive coaching and sales training. Pierce has broad experience in marketing and communications, having been a radio executive, a vice president for marketing at Bank North and an executive with Kelleher Samets Volk. 862-8688. piercenet@vbimail.champlain.edu. _·

February

Small Dog Electronics

Small Dog Electronics opened its first retail store at its office location on Vermont 100 in Waitsfield. The company has sold new and refurbished Apple Macintosh computers, software and peripherals on the Web since 1995. The store is the only Apple Specialist showroom in Vermont. 1673 Main St., Waitsfield. 496-7171. www.smalldog.com

Eclipse Grill

Roger Villemaire, the owner of The Wilson Inn, announced the opening of the Eclipse Grill (formerly Maggie's Pub). Executive chef is Allen P. McEdward, who brings more than 16 years of restaurant experience, including Fire & Ice in Middlebury, Blake's in New York's Rockefeller Center and Trapp Family Lodge. He is a graduate of the American Culinary Federation in Stowe. The Eclipse Grill is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. with early bird specials from 4 to 6. 10 Kellogg Road, Essex Junction. 879-1515. www.wilsoninn.com

Academy for Global Exploration

An alternative, college preparatory, private secondary school, The Academy for Global Exploration (AGE), has opened in Killington. Head of school for the academy is Alec Adams. AGE aims to provide students the opportunity to experience learning through travel, cultural exploration, outdoor adventure and community service. Class sizes are small, with a student/teacher ratio of 3:1. Each semester, students focus on outdoor activities, including kayaking, mountaineering, trekking, rock climbing, bouldering and scuba diving, tailored to their traveling destinations. P.O. Box 100, Killington. 975-7243. www.agexplore.com

The Vermont State Employees Credit Union

The Vermont State Employees Credit Union has opened a branch in Burlington that features a remote teller system (RTS), the first of its kind in Vermont. The RTS is a two-way audio-video system that lets members interface with tellers using computer monitors and conduct transactions with pneumatic tubes. 86 Pearl St., Burlington. 371-5162.

January

Sweet Celebrations

Sandra McIntyre has opened Sweet Celebrations, a source of personalized candy bars for business and personal promotions. The chocolate bars Hershey and Nestle's Crunch are presented in custom-designed wrappers that carry the customer's message on the front and back. They can be designed for any use, including employee relations or marketing events, fund-raisers, holiday gift packages or celebrations. P.O. Box 8074, Burlington. 233-6982.www.sweet-celebration.com

Film Buzz

Kelly Arnold and Joe O'Brien have opened Film Buzz, a DVD-only video store in Richmond. The former Southwest Airlines flight attendants made the move to offer a wider selection of DVDs than is possible for shops that must carry a back stock of VHS tapes. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m., they carry about 1,300 titles. 24 Bridge St., Richmond.

Spaces

Allison Dincecco has launched an interior design firm, Spaces, at 208 Flynn Ave. in Burlington. While Spaces shares offices and some clients with Blue Home Services, a residential repair service run by Ekiah Pickett, the businesses have retained their separate identities.

Paris by Design

Karen Kane has launched Paris by Design, a personalized travel service for travelers who desire personalized itineraries or private guide services when traveling to Paris. Kane has lived in Paris and has a network of contacts. 607 Shaw Road, Cambridge. (800) 430-5436.www.parisbydesign.com .

Double Entry

Double Entry Bookkeeping, a full-service bookkeeping firm specializing in small to medium-sized businesses, has been opened by Diana J. Jones in Essex Junction. In addition to bookkeeping services, Double Entry will manage payroll, file government forms, pay bills, prepare individual and corporate tax returns and, if necessary, do customer collections. Work can be done at Double Entry's offices or at the client's place of business. Jones has nearly 10 years' experience in the accounting profession. 878-0990.www.doubleentrybookkeeping.net.

The Kitchen Table

Steve and Lara Atkins have purchased the Chequers Restaurant property in Richmond from Forrest and Sara Cochran. The Atkinses will renovate the restaurant and re-open in February as The Kitchen Table. The couple has extensive restaurant experience, most recently in Napa Valley, Calif. Steve is originally from the Burlington area; Lara comes from Tennessee. Rich Feeley of Feeley Commercial Real Estate brokered the transaction.

Affordable Dentures

Affordable Care of North Carolina has leased 2,100 square feet of space at1162 Williston Road in South Burlington for Affordable Dentures, a below-marketprice denture company. Affordable Care operates 85 business locations in 18 states. The lessor of the space is Precourt Investment Co. Rick Harrison of J.L. Davis Realty was the leasing agent for the transaction.