Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The First Congregational Church of Bennington (Old First Church) in Old Bennington, one of Vermont’s most significant historic landmarks, has been awarded a $500,000 Save America’s Treasures grant from the National Park Service, administered in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The highly competitive grant will support the completion of the second and third phases of a multi-year capital restoration project, focused on stabilizing the historic structure and improving public access and visitor amenities. Phases two (2) and three (3) of the project build on earlier preservation efforts and address critical structural needs, including continued stabilization of the building envelope and essential systems.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) joined health care providers and community leaders Wednesday for roundtable discussion at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) to discuss the importance of rural and independent pharmacies. Senator Welch celebrated $1.4 million in new federal funding—which he championed and secured—to help build new pharmacies in Caledonia County and address the recent loss of pharmacies in Caledonia towns.  Over 28 Vermont pharmacies have closed permanently in the past few years, including two in Caledonia County—St. Johnsbury’s only downtown pharmacy in 2023 and Hardwick’s only pharmacy in 2024. There are only three pharmacies left in Caledonia County.

Vermont Captive Insurance Association Join advisor Bill Murray and captive owner Steve Ratterman as they unveil the inspiring turnaround stories of two Vermont captives, including FRMT, Ltd., insurance for college fraternities. These compelling and true sagas are ones you won’t want to miss! In this engaging scenario-based discussion, participants will dive into the real-world challenges and critical decisions that shaped the specific strategies in this case study, exploring key lessons learned along the way.

by Jules Older Picture a world where there's no need for human work. No. That's a fantasy, nothing more. Let’s see about that. And let’s start with doctors.

Vermont Business Magazine Maine Drilling & Blasting (MD&B), a leader in drilling and blasting services with an office in New Haven, Vermont, marks its 60th anniversary. Founded on principles of honesty, hard work, and exceptional customer service, MD&B has grown into one of the most sophisticated organizations in the industry, powered by more than 600 Employee Owners and guided by core values of Integrity, Ownership, Innovation, and Accountability.

Vermont State Police Police have arrested two suspects in connection with an August 2025 assault in West Pawlet that led to the death of the victim, 54-year-old Mark Ray of West Pawlet, this past November. The Vermont State Police on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 18, 2026, located Richard J. Mattison, 42, of Poultney at a home in the Rutland County town of Wells and took him into custody on charges of first-degree murder and assault and robbery. Mattison was brought to the state police barracks in Rutland for processing and was subsequently jailed without bail pending arraignment, which is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Rutland. 

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Secretary of Administration Sarah Clark today released Vermont’s revenue results for January 2026, which showed the General Fund again lagged behind targets. The Corporate tax was well below expectations, but the Personal income tax bounced back and is now just ahead of expectations for the year. The Transportation Fund also missed its monthly targets, while the Education Fund exceeded its monthly target. Consumption taxes had an overall good month, which reflects on travel and tourism.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Vermont initial weekly unemployment claims fell slightly and are holding at under 400. For the week ending January 31, 2026, the Vermont Department of Labor reported that there were 357 new claims, down 28 from the previous week and up 30 from last year at this time. New claims are at typical seasonal levels, but ongoing claims remain high. Total claims were 4,293, down 35 from the week before and are up 208 from last year at this time. Claims, which tend to be lowest in the summer, were 186 in September 2025.

Vermont Business Magazine Casella Waste Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, has reported its financial results for the three and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2025. Revenues were $469.1 million for the quarter, up $41.6 million, or up 9.7%, from the same period in 2024. Revenues were $1.837 billion for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (“fiscal year 2025”), up $279.6 million, or up 18.0% from the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Net (loss) income was $(2.5) million for the quarter, down $(7.4) million, as compared to $4.9 million for the same period in 2024. Net income was $7.9 million for fiscal year 2025, down $(5.7) million, or down (41.9)%, as compared to $13.5 million in fiscal year 2024. Adjusted Net Income, a non-GAAP measure, was $80.6 million for fiscal year 2025, up $1.8 million, or up 2.3%, from fiscal year 2024.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont General Assembly, meeting in joint session today, elected Brigadier General Henry "Hank" Harder as the next Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard. The Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard is elected by a majority vote of the Vermont General Assembly meeting in joint session of the House and Senate. Voting is conducted by secret ballot, and the office carries a two-year term. Brig. Gen. Harder will assume duties effective March 1, 2026.

Vermont Business Magazine Champlain College will host “Winter Jam,” presented by Burton and Anon, on its Burlington, Vermont campus. Champlain’s Finney Quad will be filled with snow and terrain park features for a classic rail jam event. Participation is free and open to the public (ages 14 and up) and all are welcome to spectate and enjoy the festivities. Along with the terrain park competition, attendees will enjoy food trucks, giveaways, and sponsor activations from locally and globally recognized brands. Following the success of Winter Jam 2025, the event is expected to attract hundreds of attendees from the Champlain College and Burlington communities.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont State Historic Preservation Office recently announced two awards for Preservation Excellence. The Townshend Historical Society and Townshend Select Board were honored for their preservation stewardship and ambitious rehabilitation efforts of the West Townshend Stone Arch Bridge. Curtains Without Borders was honored for its dedicated preservation of Vermont’s historic painted theater scenery.