New Business

2006

December

GroceryGoGo.com

Patrick Kompf has launched GroceryGoGo.com , an online grocery delivery service for the Burlington area. The company is a subsidiary of Kompf’s restaurant delivery service company, 863-TOGO Inc. GroceryGoGo.com will deliver pre-ordered groceries to dorms, businesses, residences and senior communities in Burlington and South Burlington; service to Winooski and Colchester are planned. The company accepts UVM CatScratch, CC Bucks, Knights Card, credit/debit cards, cash and personal checks as payment. The delivery fee is $399; orders ofmore than $75 are delivered free. Parents of students may place funds in an account from any Internet-accessible computer.

Discovery Map of Greater Burlington

Karl Schroll of Stowe announced the opening of business for the Discovery Map of Greater Burlington. Schroll is an independently licensed representative of Discovery Map of La Conner, Wash. The map to be produced will be free to visitors and supported by advertising. 253-7250; karls@discoverymap.com .

Women Business Owners Network

The Women Business Owners Network opened its newest chapter in Middlebury. Susanne Heinzerling is the chapter coordinator. Meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Middlebury Inn. 363-9266. info@wbon.org.

First Horizon

First Horizon, a member of the First Horizon National Corp. family of financial services companies, has opened a branch in South Burlington. Kevin M. Lavery is the branch manager. 1233 Shelburne Road, Suite 205. 652-6165.Kmlavery@firsthorizon.com .

November

Small Dog Electronics

Don Mayer and Hapy Mayer, the owners of Small Dog Electronics of Waitsfield, have opened a retail store at 100 Dorset St. in South Burlington. The 3,700-square-foot facility will feature Apple computers, software, iPods and iPod accessories plus computer peripherals for Macs and PCs. Small Dog Electronics’ Apple Authorized Service Center is also at that location. This is the company’s first retail store in Chittenden County and will be the company’s flagship retail facility.

Aubuchon Hardware

Aubuchon Hardware announced the opening of its 140th store in the New England and New York region at 50 Shelburne Shopping Park in Shelburne. Family-owned since its founding in 1908, the Boston company operates stores in 27 other locations around Vermont. The store is located at the former site of Companion Hardware.

Countrywide Home Loans

Countrywide Home Loans has opened a branch in South Burlington. In addition to helping home buyers and owners, Countrywide’s home loan consultants work with area home builders and real estate professionals. Staffing the new branch are Dody Fraher-Ruland, manager; Dick Ploof, Deb Terrill and Heather Bradley, home loan consultants; and Kaitlyn Ruland, production assistant. Toll-free (866) 448-6958; 651-8910. www.countrywide.com .

Cliff House Audio

Jody Petersen, longtime music director and midday voice on WNCS-FM and principal of Jody Petersen Voice Production, has opened Cliff House Audio. The audio production studio offers services such as customized voice-over recording, music recording and singer/songwriter development. An ISDN connection allows the company to access voice-over production in-house using live talent locally or from across the country. Cliff House Audio also offers production, radio advertising services and audio CD burning. 3 Corse St., Montpelier. Toll-free (877) 264-2838; 229-0420. www.cliffhouseaudio.com .

The PajamaGram Co.

The PajamaGram Co., Vermont Teddy Bear’s sister company, announced the grand opening of its first retail outlet store in Waterbury. The outlet store, at the Special Place Annex on Vermont 100, carries flannel pajamas, nightgowns, lingerie, robes, slippers, spa products and signature hatboxes that are in overstock quantities, discontinued styles and factory seconds. 244-7964.

October

Kilburn & Gates Storage

Kilburn & Gates Industries announced a new business venture, Kilburn & Gates Storage, at 316 Pine St. in Burlington. The facility provides 14,000 square feet of indoor, climate-controlled self storage, with several units and sizes for home or commercial uses. Units may be rented long-term or month-by-month. Kilburn & Gates is also an authorized U-Haul dealer. Dan McFadden  is the manager of operations. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 862-4100.

Chittenden County Chiropractic

Cory A. Pike, D.C., announced the opening of Chittenden County Chiropractic at 55 Main St., Essex Junction. Pike, a graduate of New York Chiropractic College, practiced for three years at Onion River Chiropractic. He and his team specialize in deep-tissue massage, back and neck pain, and sports-related injuries. The practice is accepting new patients and most insurances and auto- and work-related injuries. By appointment. 879-3900. chittendenchiro@yahoo.com .

The Floral Gallery

The Floral Gallery has opened at 215 Boxwood Walkway at Maple Tree Place in Williston. The full-service florist shop showcases gifts and home accents, including art, glassware, photography and jewelry from local and global artists. Mike Shoemaker is the owner of the shop and will be the bookkeeper; Karen Sturtevant will handle day-to-day operations. Sturtevant attended the Vermont Academy of Floral Design. Floral deliveries are available in Chittenden County. The shop is opened Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 879-1943; flowerlady125@yahoo.com .

Burlington Town Center Stores

Dan Latcheran, general manager of Burlington Town Center, announced the opening of several retailers in the downtown mall. J. Jill, a national retailer of sophisticated, casual lifestyle apparel; Lids, selling officially licensed college, MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL headgear; and Master Cuts. The Church Street entrance to the 300,000-square-foot shopping center is undergoing a face lift, with new graphics, signage, lighting and banners. Interior signage and graphics are being upgraded for better visibility.

Help-U-Sell Mountain View Real Estate

Diane Levin opened Help-U-Sell Mountain View Real Estate in South Burlington. Help-U-Sell is a fee-for-service sales organization that helps customers use the Internet and traditional media to sell their homes. Levin, the owner/broker, was operating in Jeffersonville. She has hired Sue Groh, a licensed Realtor, to manage the office. 1860 Williston Road, Suite 4, South Burlington. 864-9666.

Delicate Decadence

Chef Michell Lunde  has opened Delicate Decadence, a pastry shop and cafe, in Barre in the former location of Flashback Photo. Lunde, a New England Culinary Institute graduate, prepares a variety of desserts, including cheesecakes, pies, double-chocolate fudge and raspberry mousse cakes; assortments of Danishes, muffins, scones and cookies; and custom wedding cakes. She sells wholesale to local retailers such as Hunger Mountain Co-op and the Stowe Coffee House. The Barre Partnership, a local nonprofit group committed to fostering a vibrant downtown, assisted the new shop owner and provided a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Sept. 1 opening. 15 Cottage St. 479-7948

September

Vintage Ladies

Mary Harney and Patricia Werner have opened Vintage Ladies in Barre. The eclectic shop sells jewelry of many kinds, antiques, collectibles, fine gifts, lamps, purses and sarongs. 111 S. Main St. 476-4222.

Slant Designworks

Sara Altieri, an artist and graphic designer, has opened Slant Designworks, a creative organization specializing in graphic and Web design, digital illustration and contemporary art. Altieri is an experienced graphic designer and contemporary artist. Originally from Chicago, she has exhibited her work locally and throughout the Midwest and in Los Angeles, where she began her career. 271 Hinesburg Road, South Burlington. 859-5982. www.slantdesignworks.com and saraaltieri.com .

August

Bruegger’s

Bruegger’s has opened its newest bakery-café at 2989 Shelburne Road in Shelburne. The shop is at the former site of The Bagel. Diners will find handcrafted deli-style sandwiches, tossed salads, soups, desserts, Fair Trade–certified coffee, cream cheeses and a variety of Bruegger’s bagels.

Exterus Business Furniture

Tim Williams of Shelburne has launched Exterus Business Furniture, a contract furniture dealer specializing in office, health-care and hospitality furniture. Services include sales, consultation, space planning and design, plus delivery and installation. Don Gill has been hired as a sales representative. He has 30 years’ experience in the industry. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 4750 Shelburne Road, Shelburne. 383-1770. > www.exterusfurniture.com .

The Party Diva

After 15 years in catering and event planning, Lisa Hall has started a consulting business called The Party Diva in South Burlington. Her services are available to individuals and businesses who don’t have the time or who need guidance in organizing an event. The Party Diva can suggest menu options, recommend and secure spaces, coordinate the hiring of staff for events and counsel hosts on problems that may arise. Hall is the former owner of The Little Feast Catering and Special Events. 999-9484.

Amir’s Kabob Cart

Amir Jusfagic has opened Amir’s Kabob Cart on Church Street in front of City Hall. He will sell cuisine from his native Bosnia. Specialties include gyros, kabobs and panini sandwiches. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

Burlington Town Center openings

Burlington Town Center welcomed J. Jill as the latest addition to its mix of merchants. J. Jill is a national retailer of high-quality women’s apparel, accessories and shoes. Also recently opened in Burlington Town Center are Lids and MasterCuts. Lids is a shop that offers a wide selection of sport, fashion and collegiate hats. The store manager is Rich Caulfield. MasterCuts offers casual salon services for the family. 

July

Brown Builders Real Estate Investments

B. Christopher Brown announced the launch of Brown Builders Real Estate Investments LLC, a full-service real estate investment advisory business with offices in Richmond and Burlington. Brown caters to experienced real estate investors seeking to maximize their portfolios and new investors wishing to explore passive real estate investments. Brown has been a builder and real estate investor for 12 years. 113 Church St., Burlington. 434-2889. > www.brownbuilders.net.

The Bearded Frog

Chef Michel Mahe has  opened The Bearded Frog restaurant in the former Shelburne Inn in Shelburne. Mahe is also the owner of Black Sheep Bistro in Vergennes. He has hired five sous chefs, including chef de cuisine Andrea Cousineau, who helped him open Starry Night Cafe in the ’90s, and pastry chef Jesse Lauer, who was pastry chef at The Bakery at Junior’s. The restaurant seats 80, including booths in a bistro-style bar area and tables in a spacious dining room anchored with a fireplace. The menu is both elegant and eclectic, with dishes as diverse as  grilled lamb loin with horseradish gratin and violet mustard, and a salmon tartare to a design-your-own burger and Callebaut chocolate shake. > 802-985-9877

Polkadot Patch Boutique

Marianne Mullen and Erica McNamara announced the opening of Polkadot Patch Boutique, an online children’s boutique carrying clothing in sizes 3 months to 4T plus accessories and gifts. Polkadot Patch carries brands such as Zutano, ZaZa Couture, Michael Simon, and Cow and Lizard and features a selection of Vermont-made products. www.polkadotpatch.com .

Fieldstone Consulting

Brian Degen has launched a management consulting firm, Fieldstone Consulting LLC in Waitsfield. Degen chose the name to reflect his appreciation for the craftsmanship of New England’s enduring stone walls. Degen has worked in leadership roles with companies such as Fidelity Investments and International Data Corp. He was chief operating officer of Stone Environmental in Montpelier and a founder and president of Open Hearth Community Center in the Mad River Valley. Fieldstone’s focus is helping companies build capacity for profitable growth. 496-9940. www.FieldstoneCo.com .

Amsoil

Ken Smith has opened a dealership of Amsoil high-performance synthetic lubricants, offering Amsoil products to individuals, retail clients and fleet businesses. Amsoil is a premium producer of environmentally friendly, non-petroleum lubricants designed to reduce friction and be long-lasting. Smith is a Certified Independent Distributor of the product. 233-0030. www.CleanEngine.net.

New Shops at Maple Tree Place 

Dave Charbonneau and Nick Auriemma have opened Mexicali Authentic Mexican Grill near Best Buy and Liberty Mutual. The Floral Galley Inc., a full-service florist, has opened next to Yankee Candle Co. It is owned by Michael Shoemaker of Williston. Keeping Good Company, a furniture and design shop with a mix of home furnishings and accessories, has opened near the Christmas Tree Shops.

June

Office Environments

Office Environments Inc. of  Vermont opened a Business and Design Resource Center in South Burlington. Designed with Neagley and Chase Construction, Haworth Architectural Interiors, Light Space Design, Swaney Lighting Associates and Efficiency Vermont, the facility illustrates new concepts in interior construction and design, including under-floor HVAC systems, movable wall systems and integrated lighting and control systems. The center hosts a furniture showroom, a training center and  design support library, and is a gallery space for Burlington City Arts. 5 Green Tree Place. 864-3000.

Absolute Pilates

Lynne Martens announced the opening of Absolute Pilates, an exercise studio in South Burlington. It is the first classical Pilates studio in northern Vermont. Martens is a former professional dancer. She was certified by the Pilates Studio in New York City and has been teaching Pilates for six years. 12 Gregory Drive, Suite 1, South Burlington. 310-2614. lynnemartens@msn.com .

Gracey Conroy Realty

Mike Conroy and Jeanie Gracey, longtime affiliates of ReMax North Professionals, have opened Gracey Conroy Realty in South Burlington. The pair has been listing and selling properties in northwestern Vermont since 2003. 54 West Twin Oaks Terrace, Suite 12. 863-9100. www.graceyconroy.com .

Artisan Realty of Vermont

David Raphael announced the formation of Artisan Realty of Vermont, a full-service real estate firm in Essex. Raphael has several years’ experience as a Realtor/broker in Chittenden County and a background in information technology and building/remodeling. 363-7002. > www.ArtisanRealtyVT.com .

Show Me the Biscuit

Amy Haskell has opened Show Me the Biscuit, a store to serve dogs and dog owners. Haskell has more than 20 years’ experience studying and training dogs. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the Keeshond Kennel Club of America, the NOMAD Dog Agility club and the Empire Keeshond Club. The shop offers premium pet foods, treats and supplements, including organic; alternative protein sources for dogs with allergies; agility and training products, toys; gifts; and dog-training classes. U.S. 7 South, Milton. 893-3100.

Aaron Rents

Aaron Rents Inc. of Connecticut announced the opening of a Burlington location at 1127 North Ave. Mitch Pearson is the store’s general manager. The Burlington store is SEI/Aaron’s second store in Vermont. The first is in Middlebury. Aaron’s stores offer furniture, appliances, electronics and computers for sale or as lease-ownership arrangements. The company also manufactures a line of furniture, bedding and accessories. www.sciaarons.com .

Fead Construction Law

William “Sandy” Fead opened Fead Construction Law PLC, a law firm in South Burlington devoted to issues concerning the commercial construction industry in Vermont. The firm represents owners, contractors, suppliers and designers in matters ranging from contract drafting, project administration, negotiations, claims, disputes, litigation, mediation and arbitration. Joe Greenbaum is of-counsel to the firm; Steve Odefey has joined the firm as an associate attorney. 1037A Hinesburg Road. 863-5808. info@feadlaw.com .

Ace Hardware

Longtime hardware retailer Erik Bibens has opened Bibens Ace Hills Hardware, his fourth Ace Hardware store in the greater Burlington area. Bibens, who also serves on Ace Hardware Corp.’s board of directors, acquired the former True Value store at 1127 North Ave. in Burlington. He owns and operates other stores in North Springfield, Colchester and South Burlington. Bibens intends to preserve much of the history of the store, originally called Hills Hardware when it opened in 1957. George Halnon, for example, has worked in the store for 34 years. The store is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sundays from 8 a.m.  to 4 p.m.

May

Direct Foundation

David Bard, chief executive officer of the New England Federal Credit Union, announced the establishment of the Direct Foundation, a private foundation endowed to foster financial education among the underserved of the community, and to raise awareness of financial best practices. Susi Taylor has been hired as director of financial literacy. She will administer the foundation’s operations. Taylor was a housing counselor in Burlington.

Pure Marketing

Tom Piper recently launched Pure Marketing, a marketing strategy and services consulting firm, in South Burlington. He chose the name to reflect a commitment to organizations that see their business as an opportunity to make both money and a positive impact on the planet. According to Piper, the company offers “a wide range of strategic and tactical services designed for companies that have more marketing tasks and opportunities than hours in the day to chase them down.” Piper has more than 15 years’ experience in brand management, new product development and strategic consulting. He has held senior positions at Seventh Generation, Kemps, General Mills and Andersen Consulting. He holds a master of business administration from the Tuck School at Dartmouth. 71 Pavilion Ave. 864-6205; mobile: 318-7454.

April

Lost Cove Yachting

Peter Meyer has launched Lost Cove Yachting, a first-of-its-kind annual yacht-sharing membership program on Lake Champlain. The program, also known as “fractional sailing,” will allow members to sail a Tartan 3400 over the 2006 sailing season for 28 times or more for an all-inclusive rate. Lost Cove Yachting is based at the Marina at Marble Island on the shore of Malletts Bay in Colchester. The goal is to provide sailing opportunities for sailors of any experience who want access to a high-quality, state-of-the-art cruising yacht without the maintenance commitments and expenses associated with ownership of a similar boat. 264-9088 or 233-7710. > www.lostcoveyachting.com .

Copy Ship Fax Plus

Russ Walker, the owner of Copy Ship Fax Plus with locations in Essex Junction and Colchester, has opened a third store in Shelburne Bay Plaza. The company offers packing and shipping services via UPS, DHL, FedEx and most postal services with USPS color copies and black and white copies. CSFP also offers fax services, business card printing, rubber stamps and a notary public. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday. 

Money Care

Robyn Young of Williston has started Money Care LLC, a daily money management service that provides confidential assistance to individuals who have difficulty managing their day-to-day finances. Services include paying bills, preparing checks for client signature, reconciling bank statements, monitoring credit card activity, sorting mail, verifying insurance claims processing and organizing tax and financial documents. Young holds a master’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany. She is insured and a member of the American Association of Daily Money Managers and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. 343-3490. www.moneycarevt.com

Vermont Stone Art and BrainGrease Studios

Vermont Stone Art and BrainGrease Studios opened at 21 Metro Way, Unit 1, in Barre. The ventures, owned by Pat Garrett, Shane Thursdon and Martin Smith, specialize in cutting-edge stone and metal work. Products include custom countertops, tables, landscape pieces, architectural veneers and gift items.

March

GKS Digital Services

Rick Garey, Gary Kessler and Mike Schirling have formed GKS Digital Services LLC in Essex. The company performs computer and network forensics examinations and digital investigations in civil matters plus a host of related services, from consulting and awareness-level briefings to in-depth training and policy development related to computers, information, security and forensics. A sergeant with the Essex Police Department, Garey has 12 years’ experience in computer, white-collar and high-profile investigation. Kessler is an associate professor and program director of the computer and digital forensics and information security programs at Champlain College. Schirling is a lieutenant with the Burlington Police Department and co-founder of Internet crimes task forces. 238-8913. www.gksdigitalservices.com

Nest Interior Decorating and Staging

Tamar Schechner, an interior decorator, has launched Nest Interior Decorating and Staging, offering one-day decorating services for homes and offices. Using the client’s furnishings and accessories, Schechner uses her experience to create a better use of space and bring a room’s look up to date. The business also offers staging for real estate sales and a full-scale decorating service for northern Vermont counties. 922-4486.

The Paper Pushers

Clair Contois and Ann Read, Vermont seniors, have created The Paper Pushers, an in-home service to help people manage household bills and excess paper and correspondence. Services include preparing bills in a timely fashion, reconciling bank statements, mediating insurance documents and medical billing matters. They also manage correspondence for clients who are away from home. Contois and Read have experience in office operations, insurance, banking, homemaking, bookkeeping, real estate and farming, and are registered with the state of Vermont. 872-9161 or 878-0560.

February

Church, Engle & Associates

Barbara S. Church and Keith J. Engle have opened Church, Engle & Associates recruitment specialists and human resource consultants in Shelburne. The firm provides businesses with professional, executive and key-position recruitment and general human resource consulting. Each partner brings 25 years’ experience in human resources and knowledge of the local business community. Services include search, recruitment programs and employee relations assistance in such issues as labor and sexual harassment, performance management, management training, policy and procedures development, job description development, compensation and HR audits. 434-4416. www.churchengle.com .

JNJ Mobile Inc.

Justin Siegel, the co-founder of JSmart Technologies Inc., has sold JSmart and launched, with Jamieson Hall, JNJ Mobile Inc., a developer and publisher of social networking applications and games for mobile phones. The company’s flagship social networking product is available on the Web at www.mocospace.com . 138 Smith Road, Colchester 05446. 658-7690; cell: > 734-2025; fax: 863-2396. www.jnjmobile.com .

Dr. Nancy Fuller, Chiropractor

Dr. Nancy Fuller announced the opening of her chiropractic practice in Swanton. Fuller is a 1982 graduate of New York Chiropractic College and formerly practiced in the Burlington area as Dr. Nancy Callegari. She recently completed post-graduate programs in chiropractic neurology, causes and treatment of vertigo and ADD/ADHD, learning and behavioral disorders in children. 17 New St., Swanton 05488. 868-7725. healthsecrets@verizon.net. 

Millstone Hill Ski Touring Center

Pierre Couture, the founder of Millstone Hill Trails Association, announced the opening of Millstone Hill Ski Touring Center, phase two of his plan to open up Barre’s historic quarry lands to the public. The center features 15 kilometers of groomed classic and skating trails, 10 kilometers of backwoods ungroomed trails and 15 kilometers of trails designed for snowshoeing. 422 Websterville Road, East Barre 05641; 479-3263 (shop); 479-1000 (office).

Vermont Caring Foundation

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont of Montpelier has formed a charitable foundation to raise and distribute money to support health improvement programs in Vermont. The Vermont Caring Foundation expects to award more than $50,000 a year to programs involved in health education, research, improvement, prevention and promotion. The work of the nonprofit organization, which is authorized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service to conduct fund-raising and charitable giving activities, will have no impact on premiums paid by BCBSVT customers. BCBSVT will provide administrative services for the foundation as an in-kind contribution. > 371-3205.

January

SilverLake Wealth Management

Thomas J. Golonka, CFA, CPF, managing partner of SilverLake Wealth Management LLC, announced the opening of the firm’s offices in Montpelier. SilverLake specializes in assisting small- > business owners and families. 100 State St., Suite 349, Montpelier. 

Staging Home Interiors

Kim Fisher has launched Staging Home Interiors, a service to help people prepare their homes for sale. The company serves Chittenden, Franklin and Addison counties. 70 South Crest Drive, Burlington. 238-2536.

Julie Ruth Studio & Gallery 

Julie Ruth, a painter, and her husband, Shannon Matthew Long, a sculptor, have opened Julie Ruth Studio & Gallery above The Alchemist pub and brewery in Waterbury. The gallery will feature Ruth and Long’s work along with a selection of mostly local artists. 23 South Main St. > 730-2527. www.julieruthstudio.com .

Stevens Homebrew Supply

The Barre Partnership announced the grand opening of Stevens Homebrew Supply in Barre. The owners are brothers, Bud and Jason Stevens. The company stocks a range of beer-, wine- and soda-making equipment and ingredients. The store has a live Internet connection so customers can browse for drink recipes online, then pick up supplies to take home. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday through Tuesday and 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. 6 Depot St., Barre. 

Interstate All Battery Center

Fred Spencer, the franchise owner of Interstate Battery System of Champlain Valley, announced the opening of the Interstate All Battery Center at 1298 South Brownell Road in Williston. The center carries more than 12,000 SKUs in stock, which cover batteries for all applications, such as watches, appliances, construction equipment, toys, laptops and electronic devices, and medical.