VHFA staff celebrated 25 years of service of two employees at this morning's staff meeting: Controller Tim Gutchell and Assistant Director of Homeownership Programs Jacklyn Santerre.

Congratulations, both!

A recent survey by bankrate.com revealed closing costs for home purchases in Vermont were the 48th lowest in the nation.

Researchers built the list by polling at least four lenders in each state, as well as the District of Columbia, asking for estimated closing costs on a $200,000 loan, assuming a 20 percent downpayment and good credit.

The numbers do not include taxes, and other government and escrow fees.

Using this data, Vermont's average closing cost was at number 48 on the list at $2,426, down from number 47 the previous year.

The top three:

The Public Assets Institute in Montpelier has published "State of Working Vermont 2009."

The report, which explores the recession's effects on the Green Mountain State, concludes, "Some hopeful signs suggest that the end of the recession is coming into view — that is, the overall economy is beginning to grow again instead of shrink.

"But for unemployed and under-employed Vermonters, the official end of the recession is not likely to mean a quick return to work."

Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for COTS Veterans' Housing in Winooski yesterday.

The five-story, 24,000-square-foot building, at 120 West Canal Street, will provide 17 units of transitional housing for homeless veterans; and another 12 units of permanent supportive housing, long-term housing that provides access to an on-site manager and case workers.

Vermont is the only state in the nation that doesn't have a transitional housing program for veterans.