Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Bennington's Village Garage Distillery has officially unveiled a new product. Vermont Republic Rye, a barrel strength, 127 proof, malted rye made entirely from local grains, is a love letter to the Green Mountain State’s history and culture. The Vermont Republic was an independent state that existed from 1777 to 1791—a tumultuous period of revolution and war associated with many colorful and divisive figures, from Ethan Allen to General John Stark, known as “The Hero of Bennington.” During this period, well before prohibition and the rise of bourbon, rye was the most popular spirit in the region.

Vermont Business Magazine Ogee, the certified organic beauty brand known for its skincare-infused makeup and high-performance formulations based in Burlington, will launch on Sephora.com this June, bringing a new level of ingredient integrity to prestige beauty. With hero products like the viral Contour Collection and celebrity-loved Tinted Sculpted Lip Oils, Ogee will debut online on June 22, 2026, with a curated assortment designed for the Sephora customer, followed by a nationwide in-store rollout of select products this October. The launch marks a significant milestone for the brand, which is approaching nine-figure direct-to-consumer sales and has built a devoted following through its unique combination of certified organic ingredients, skincare benefits, and makeup performance.

Vermont Business Magazine Award-winning independent bottler Lost Lantern has launched of the United States of Bourbon, the first-ever blend of bourbon from all 50 states, and the widest-ranging American whiskey ever created. At a time when bourbon is being made everywhere from Hawaii to Alaska, Vermont to Texas, the United States of Bourbon captures a remarkable moment in American whiskey history. Bringing together one distillery from every state into a single blend, the project serves as a snapshot of the extraordinary growth, diversity, and creativity that has transformed American bourbon in recent years.

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office has announced the outcome of two sentencing hearings and one criminal arraignment that occurred this week. Stephen Fisk, 74, of Braintree, Vermont, was sentenced in Vermont Superior Court, Orange Criminal Division, after pleading guilty to two felony counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials. Timothy Tracy II, 20, of Middlebury, Vermont, was arraigned on one felony count of Voyeurism-Display to Third Party, one misdemeanor count of Voyeurism-Sexual Act-First Offense, two misdemeanor counts of Violation of Conditions of Release, and one misdemeanor count of a Violation of an Abuse Prevention Order. Maria Trudeau, 32, of South Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced in Vermont Superior Court, Addison Criminal Division, after pleading guilty to one misdemeanor count of Prohibited Conduct.

Vermont Business Magazine The Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation (GBIC) recognized four individuals for their outstanding contributions to Vermont at its annual meeting this week. Kyle and Katie Clark, BETA Technologies: The Clarks received the C. Harry Behney Lifetime Economic Development Achievement Award. Recognized for their commitment to building a world-class electric aviation company in Vermont, the Clarks have created 420 jobs this year alone. Alex Crothers, Higher Ground: The 2026 Robert A. Skiff Community Improvement Award went to Alex Crothers, founder of Higher Ground. An institution in Chittenden County for 28 years. Abdille Ibrahim, Boys & Girls Club of Burlington: The Ernest A. Pomerleau Outstanding Young Vermonter Scholarship was awarded to Abdille “Abdi” Ibrahim, who was recognized for his leadership at the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing $1.5 million in grant funding to improve drinking water infrastructure in New England. These grants will help Make America Healthy Again by providing communities with needed resources to make critical drinking water infrastructure upgrades, combat Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), remove sources of lead, and address specific local drinking water challenges. Vermont will get $199,000.

Vermont Business Magazine The Associated General Contractors of Vermont (AGC/VT) has announced support from the Northfield Savings Bank Foundation for the launch and expansion of the AGC Vermont Leadership Academy, a new workforce development initiative designed to prepare the next generation of construction leaders, in partnership with Vermont Works for Women. The Leadership Academy will provide a comprehensive training experience combining technical construction knowledge and essential leadership skills, with sessions focused on project leadership, team development, financial fundamentals, and mentorship. Vermont Works for Women will serve as a key partner in helping connect the Academy’s leadership development goals with broader efforts to advance gender equity, expand access to career pathways, and strengthen Vermont’s skilled trades workforce.

Vermont Business Magazine Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) has been detected in mosquitos collected in Charlotte. This is the first detection of a mosquito-borne virus in Vermont this year. No cases of mosquito-borne illnesses have been reported in people or animals yet this season. Health officials are encouraging Vermonters to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the potentially dangerous diseases they can spread, including Jamestown Canyon virus, West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus.

Vermont Business Magazine Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center (LCCSC), in partnership with the UVM Sailing Team, has been accepted as the host of the 2028 Intercollegiate Fleet Racing National Championships. Members of the Intercollegiate Sailing Association (ICSA), the governing body for all North American college sailing, compete for two annual Fleet Racing Championships. The 2028 Women’s Fleet Race Championship will be held from May 15 - 18, followed by the 2028 Open Fleet Race Championship on May 22 - 28. Each event will draw the top teams in the country to Burlington, Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine The Samara Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation is pleased to announce $117,100 in grants to 35 organizations across Vermont, investing in projects and people working to strengthen, celebrate, and support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities throughout the state. Grants support a wide range of 2SLGBTQIA+ centered events, programs, and organizations, including community-building initiatives, arts and cultural programs, leadership development opportunities, harm reduction services, and general operating support. In addition to its annual grantmaking, the Samara Fund awarded $16,500 in scholarships, with an additional $6,000 in scholarships awarded through the Douglas C. Howe and Frank E. Shivers Memorial Fund. In total, 18 2SLGBTQIA+ students and allies from 14 Vermont high schools received support to pursue their educational goals.

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office announced Thursday that  Caleb Cox, 35, of Bennington, Vermont, pleaded guilty today to three counts of felony Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials, second or subsequent offense. Cox also pleaded guilty to violating the conditions of his probation imposed in a prior case involving similar charges. The charges brought against Cox are the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC).

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office Thursday announced that Victoria Hall (a.k.a. Victoria Shumard; a.k.a. Victoria Velesbir), 39, of Long Branch, New Jersey, was arraigned on charges of felony Identity Theft and Medicaid Fraud. The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit (MFRAU) and Office of Investigations at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.