Hermitage lawsuits and bankruptcy
Vermont and Connecticut lawsuits against the Hermitage and Hermitage Club founder James Barnes dominated headlines in the first half of the year, along with Berkshire Bank’s ongoing foreclosure action.  Vendors, lenders, investors, contractors, former employees, club members, and even the Vermont Department of Taxes were among the plaintiffs seeking restitution.  In most cases, neither Barnes nor the Hermitage mounted any defense or appeared in court, and numerous plaintiffs were granted judgments by default.