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FEBRUARY 2010: THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES
Many continue to struggle, and the future is filled with uncertainty.
As Recession Wears On, More Middle Income Vermonters Seek Help
February 27, 2010
As the recession in Vermont continues to wear on, social service providers are seeing a new trend: middle income families who are turning to state services for the first time.
Dairy Farmer Says Industry Must Change
February 26, 2010
Vermont lost 52 dairy farms last year. Farmers were struggling with low milk prices long before this economic downturn. But they're also affected by the economy around them. VPR's Mitch Wertlieb speaks iwth Onan Whitcomb of the North Williston Cattle Company.
Small Businesses Poised To Grow, Others Reinvent Themselves
February 26, 2010
18 months into a recession that's affected almost everyone, some small businesses are poised to grow - while others will have to reinvent themselves to survive.
Underemployed Professional Struggles To Find Full-time Work
February 25, 2010
Vermont has a troubling rate of underemployed workers - people who are in temporary, part-time jobs, often without benefits. And in this economy, even an advanced college degree may sometimes not be enough.
Advocate Says More Working People Need Assistance
February 24, 2010
When people are out of work, one place they seek assistance is their community action group.
Some Companies Expand, But Jobs Won't Be Created Immediately
February 24, 2010
Although about 20 percent fewer people work in the state's factories than did just five years ago, some companies have announced expansion plans that would create dozens of new jobs. But it could be months or more before anyone is hired.
Northeast Kingdom Continues To Struggle
February 23, 2010
In Vermont's cash-strapped Northeast Kingdom, many workers often hold down two or three jobs. Last year many were laid-off. Now, people in the Kingdom are starting to find work again, but many are making less money, doing jobs for which they are overqualified.
Lender Says There's Still Money Out There
February 22, 2010
Many people looking to build a home will first visit a bank, and for many it's their local bank. But is there money out there for prospective homeowners to build or even buy a house?
Vermont's Building Industry Is Still In A Slump
February 22, 2010
All this week, we'll hear how people have been faring lately. We begin with a look at the building industry - an area that's been one of the hardest hit by the downturn. Many carpenters, contractors and lumberyards continue to struggle, and their future is filled with uncertainty.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009: HOPES RISE
Economic activity hasn't risen much, but Vermonters' spirits have.
Hitting Home: Bennington business expanding with military contract
September 7, 2009
In Bennington County, which has the third highest unemployment rate in Vermont, a company called Plasan North America is expanding.
Hitting Home: Summer Employment
August 31, 2009
The economic downturn has meant that many high school and college students faced a tight job market this season. But as VPR's Lynne McCrea reports,…
Hitting Home: Downsizing Weddings
August 24, 2009
Summer is the busiest season for weddings in Vermont, among locals and out-of-state couples alike. But some who make their living on these…
Hitting Home: Small banks thrive
August 17, 2009
Vermont is one of only two states in the nation that doesn't have any banks that took bailout money from the federal government. The other is…
Hitting Home: Layoffs at Ethan Allen
August 10, 2009
By the end of August, about 250 workers at the Ethan Allen Furniture factory in Beecher Falls will be out of work. In this economy, and in…
Hitting Home: Businesses still feeling effects of downturn
August 3, 2009
The economic downturn that began in the fall deepened into a recession that some compare to the Great Depression. As VPR reported in a series in…
FEBRUARY 2009: FEELING THE PINCH
Vermonters say the recession is Hitting Home through layoffs, company closings, and even homelessness.
Hitting Home: Dairy farmers struggle with decline in milk prices
February 24, 2009
Just about everybody is feeling the pinch in this recession. But imagine if your paycheck was cut in half while your expenses stayed the same or…
Hitting Home: Burlington woman continues to search for housing
February 20, 2009
We return now to our occasional series on how the recession is affecting Vermonters, with an update on Meghann Cline. She's the mother of 3…
Hitting Home: Some businesses bucking the economic trend
February 16, 2009
Some businesses are bucking the economic downturn, choosing to expand despite the uncertainties. VPR's Ross Sneyd caught up with a couple of business…
Hitting Home: Family auto dealership struggles in bad economy
February 13, 2009
As part of our series on the economy, VPR's Steve Zind visited one longtime family auto dealership worried about staying in business.
Hitting Home: Non-profits feeling the squeeze
February 12, 2009
Today as part of our Hitting Home series, with charitable and corporate giving down, VPR's Nina Keck reports on the fight to save a landmark…
Hitting Home: Laid-off worker looks to start business in tough times
February 10, 2009
A few displaced workers in the Northeaast Kingdom are doing what may seem like the impossible in these dark days. They're starting their own…
"Hitting Home" - Vermonters Adjust to the Recession
February 10, 2009
VPR's "Hitting Home" series looks at how the recession is affecting Vermonters. Now we'd like to hear from you. Tell us what…
Hitting Home: Recession seeps into Vermont homes
February 9, 2009
Today, we begin a series that shows just how real the economic downturn is and how it affects everyday people. VPR's Ross Sneyd examines how the…
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Related Links
- VPR Series "Living Without a Home: Meghann Cline's Story"
- Interview: economist David Colander
- Bill Schubart Commentary: How to Manage Layoffs
- Green Mountain Care state health insurance information
- Interview: David Wolf on getting back into the work force
- Vermont JobLink
- Vermont Department of Labor's Unemployment Insurance Division Internet Application Portal
- Art Woolf Commentary: Recession not Depression
- Interview: John Vowles on resources for job seekers
- Vermont Department of Labor
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About Hitting Home
Our first round of stories aired in February 2009 and detailed the shock of the economic freefall. In the fall, we revisited the series to take a look at how we were faring then, and what the prospects were for a turnaround. This month, we visit with some of the people who are still struggling through what economists say is the beginning of a recovery.
Share your stories and comments, and listen all week on VPR.
