Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Department of Economic Development (DED) today announced the opening of the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) on Thursday, August 3. This $20 million grant program is intended to help businesses and nonprofits restore, reopen, and bring their employees back to work after suffering physical damages to their property beginning on July 7, 2023, when severe storms swept into Vermont. The application portal will open on Thursday, August 3 at noon.

Vermont Business Magazine University of Vermont President Suresh Garimella this week released his annual Letter to the UVM Community, highlighting the successes and achievements of the University over the past year. The letter also included a look ahead at some of President Garimella's future vision for UVM. The accomplishments he noted included student success, with applications reaching an all-time record; research grants, especially those related to the environment and health care; and community engagement. For the future he said he's looking forward to implementing a sustainability plan.

Vermont Business Magazine This weekend, Vermonters will come together around music and the arts at events hosted by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and singer-songwriter Grace Potter. Taking place Saturday, August 5, in White River Junction at 12:00 P.M. and in South Burlington at 4:00 P.M., the events will feature performances by Potter, as well as and young local artists. Sanders and Potter will also speak with these young artists and guests about how to advance the arts in Vermont and create more opportunities for young Vermont artists across the state.

VermontBiz For the ninth consecutive year, farmers across Vermont will once again open their barn doors and garden gates to welcome the public for a behind the-scenes look at Vermont’s vibrant working landscapes. After a challenging few weeks around the state, many Vermont farms look forward to welcoming visitors in support of Vermont’s agricultural community. Vermont Open Farm Week 2023 will be held Sunday, Aug.6 through Sunday, Aug. 13th , and feature 173 events at over 49 farms across the state. These events can be found online and sorted by day and location at DigInVT.com.

VermontBiz Vermont State Police received a report of a burglary at Blueberry Haus Ice Cream Shop located on Guilford Center Rd, in the town of Guilford. Investigation revealed a still photo of the possible suspect.

Anyone with information on the above matter is asked to call Trooper Guillaume at the Vermont State Police Westminster Barracks at 802-722-4600 or [email protected] or provide an anonymous tip via https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

VermontBiz Nearly 40 educators from northwestern Vermont returned to the classroom for two days last week, so that they can start the 2023-2024 school year with HOPE (Hold On, Possibilities Exist).

On July 24 and July 25, Sweethearts & Heroes conducted a North Country Circle Training at KW Vermont in Burlington. Sweethearts & Heroes is a student empowerment and empathy activation team that aims to prevent bullying and suicide with a focus on the basic components of social-emotional learning (SEL).

VermontBiz Today, The Vermont Flannel Company announced the opening of a new retail store in Portland, Maine. Located at 432 Fore Street in Portland’s beautiful Old Port, Vermont Flannel’s second Maine location will be open for business beginning Thursday, August 3, with retail hours of Monday - Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 11-5.

VermontBiz The not seasonally adjusted national construction unemployment rate was 0.1% lower in June 2023 from a year ago, down from 3.7% to 3.6%. 

According to a state-by-state analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors, New Hampshire has the lowest unemployment in New England, at 1.8%. The next lowest state is Vermont with 2.1%.

VermontBiz Vermont Academy (VA) and Mount Snow Academy (MSA) have announced that MSA is merging into Vermont Academy effective August 1, 2023. Following the merger, Vermont Academy will offer student-athletes the opportunity to pursue their passion for sports-on-snow while immersed in a comprehensive college preparatory academic program and community.

VermontBiz Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (“Casella”) (NASDAQ:CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, today announced an offering of up to $35.0 million aggregate principal amount of New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (the “Issuer”) Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds (Casella Waste Systems, Inc. Project) Series 2020R-2 (the “Bonds”) under an indenture between the Issuer and the bond trustee, dated as of September 1, 2020 (the “Indenture”). 

VermontBiz Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance have awarded NFP a 2023 Make More Happen Award for its volunteerism with the Alzheimer's Association, Vermont Chapter, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The award includes an initial donation of $5,000 for the Alzheimer's Association, which can be doubled to $10,000 just by having community supporters vote online. 

VermontBiz The Vermont Democratic Party’s 2023 town-level Reorganization will be held on Sunday, September 10 and its county-level reorganization will be held on Thursday, October 12. Every odd-numbered year, political parties in Vermont go through a reorganization process, selecting new members of town, county, and state committees. Leading up to this date, the VDP is hosting weekly training sessions for those interested in expanding their role in the party.