CATIC/VATC Keynotes for Vermont

Remote Online Notarization Rule Effective February 26, 2025

As many of you know, Administrative Rules for Notaries Public became effective February 26, 2025. One of the key components of these Rules is a permanent provision for licensed notary publics to perform remote online notarizations (“RON”) for individuals not physically present with the notary.

The new Rule applies to currently licensed Vermont Notaries Public. Licensed notaries will first need to obtain a Special Endorsement from the Office of Professional Regulation. This is obtained on the OPR’s Online Services Platform (similar to renewing a license). Log into your account and locate your notary license and choose “Add Specialty”. You will be prompted to attest that you will use technology that complies with 26 VSA 5371 and remit payment of $30.00. You will also be prompted to upload an electronic signature and/or an electronic copy of your notary stamp. (Accepted formats include JPEG and PDF, among others). Note that at the time of your notary renewal, those subject to continuing learning education credits must complete one additional hour of continuing education that pertains to the performance of notarial acts.

One of the hurdles facing this new Rule is the requirement to obtain and use tamper-evident and identity-proofing technology that complies with the standards required for the security, reliability and confidentiality of the notarial act. The Secretary of State’s office is not pursuing or assessing RON platforms and therefore, leaving the burden up to the notary to choose a platform that conforms to the new rules. Our office is working diligently to pinpoint vendors that can provide these services to Vermont notaries and will convey this information as soon as possible.

Annual June CLE - June 10, 2024

Get ready for an exciting day of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) at the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier! Although the specific topics are still being finalized, you can look forward to 6 engaging hours of CLE. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn, network, and have fun!

Click Here to Register

Important notes:

Fee: $50 per attendee and will be non-refundable after May 9th.
This seminar will not be streamed or recorded.
6 CLE credits for attorneys licensed in the State of VT.

Why Your Business Should Consider Alternatives to Gmail and Yahoo for Professional Communications

Did you know that using a custom email domain is more secure than using a free email provider? Why? One theory is because free email services are often targeted by phishing attacks and spam.

When you use a custom domain, you have greater control over your email security settings and can implement stronger safeguards to protect your business communications:

According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report, 94% of malware is delivered via email, which shows just how important it is to take email security seriously in the digital age. Custom domains provide an extra layer of security, not just for your business, but for your customers as well.

According to a report by Return Path, about 20% of legitimate marketing emails end up in spam folders. Using a custom email domain can improve the deliverability of your emails by making them less likely to be marked as spam. This is because emails sent from custom domains are perceived as more credible and reliable compared to those sent from generic ones like Gmail or Yahoo.

In today’s competitive business landscape, first impressions are crucial. One often overlooked aspect of establishing a professional image is the email address you use to communicate with clients and partners.

According to DreamHost, a custom email address not only enhances your brand’s visibility but also boosts customer trust and provides better security. Investing in a custom email domain can be a simple yet impactful way to elevate your small business’s professional image and ensure your communications stand out in a crowded inbox.

While free email providers like Gmail or Yahoo might seem convenient, they lack the credibility and branding power of a custom email address.

Upcoming In-Person Seminars & Events

Vermont Lake Monsters

vs.

Westfield Stars

Date: July 18, 2025

Location: Centennial Field, Burlington

Click Here to Reserve Tickets

Introducing Our New Director of CATIC Exchange

Meet Bradley Dugger, Director of CATIC Exchange. With a robust career spanning over 15 years within the multifaceted real estate industry, Brad offers a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and strategic investment principles.

His specialized expertise lies in the nuanced realm of 1031 exchanges, where he has dedicated more than 7 years to providing clients with unparalleled guidance and support.

Brad's commitment extends beyond mere transaction facilitation; he prioritizes comprehensive education and training, empowering clients to navigate the complexities of 1031 exchanges with confidence. This includes in-depth analysis of eligible properties, meticulous adherence to IRS regulations, and strategic planning to optimize tax deferral and investment growth.

Brad is an expert at delivering clear, concise, and actionable insights, ensuring clients are well-informed at every stage of the exchange process. His proven ability to develop and implement effective educational frameworks translates directly to successful 1031 exchange outcomes, enabling clients to achieve their long-term financial objectives through strategic real estate investment.

Brad can be reached at bdugger@caticexchange.com.

An overview of CATIC Exchange and the Services Offered

A 1031 Exchange is one of the most powerful tax strategies available when selling and buying investment real estate property.

Section 1031 of the tax code allows property owners to defer capital gains taxes on the sale of their real estate held for investment or business purposes and reinvest those proceeds into another investment.

When contemplating the sale of investment property or when you’ve reached an agreement to sell investment property, contact CATIC Exchange immediately to help answer any questions about initiating a 1031 Exchange.

An exchange agreement must be entered into prior to the first transaction closing. We will send you a documentation packet.

CATIC Exchange is a full-service Qualified Intermediary (QI) and is needed to prepare the exchange documents and hold the proceeds from the sale in escrow. You can read more about 1031 services here.

The CATIC Exchange Team

Megan Orzino, Exchange Coordinator

Kim Rymarzick, Senior Exchange Coordinator

Have a question or want to learn more about CATIC Exchange Services?

Please contact Info@CaticExchange.com or 888-310-0664, or reach out directly to our Executive Director, Brad Dugger, at BDugger@caticexchange.com.

Vermont Contact List

Click here for the full Vermont staff directory.

Underwriting Questions?

Email UnderwritingVT@catic.com for a response from Liz or Steve.

Career Network

We often hear of firms who are hiring. While we welcome phone calls or emails, we have added a career network post under News and Announcements (bottom right-hand corner) on the VATC website.