Current News

VermontBiz On Monday afternoon residents, funders, community members, local legislators and two affordable housing organizations came together to celebrate the completion of Gordon Lane Apartments - 25 affordable homes in two new buildings, including 4 apartments that are reserved for households facing homelessness, within walking distance of downtown Morrisville.

VermontBiz Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), and J.D. Vance (R-OH) today introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Credit Card Competition Act of 2023, legislation that would enhance competition and choice in the credit card network market which is currently dominated by the Visa-Mastercard duopoly.  Building on debit card competition reforms enacted by Congress in 2010, the bill would direct the Federal Reserve to ensure that large credit card-issuing banks offer a choice of at least two networks over which an electronic credit transaction may be processed.  Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Lance Gooden (R-TX-05) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18).  

VermontBiz The State of Vermont recently celebrated the 49th annual National Emergency Medical Services Week by recognizing the dedicated EMS and first responder professionals, volunteers, and units for the important and essential public health services they provide in their communities.

VermontBiz A concerning shortfall in blood donations last month could stress the American Red Cross blood supply. The Red Cross collected over 26,000 fewer blood donations than needed in May to meet the needs of patients. The need for blood is constant, with someone needing a blood transfusion in the U.S. every two seconds. Platelet donors are especially needed at this time. The public can help ensure continuity for patients by making an appointment to give blood or platelets now and in the weeks ahead.

VermontBiz chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Wednesday sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra urging the Biden Administration to protect patients and act to substantially reduce the price of an Alzheimer’s treatment that is under review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Alzheimer’s is a horrible disease,” Sanders wrote. “We must do everything possible to find a cure for the millions of people who suffer from it. But we cannot allow pharmaceutical companies to bankrupt Medicare and our federal government in the process. If we are serious about reducing the national debt, we must substantially lower the price that Medicare pays for prescription drugs like Leqembi.”

VermontBiz The Emergency Department (ED) at Gifford Medical Center recently achieved silver-standard accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in recognition of its excellent care for older adults. 

In its announcement, ACEP recognized Gifford as part of its Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) program, citing Gifford’s “remarkable team of interdisciplinary leaders” and focus “on the highest standards of care for [Gifford] communities’ older adults.” 

VermontBiz Scott Administration officials will be visiting Addison County on Thursday to continue their county tour to hear from community leaders about their unique infrastructure needs and to discuss the many funding opportunities available to them via federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. Officials will offer guidance on how communities can apply for assistance with tangible economic development, housing, water and sewer, climate change mitigation measures, and broadband projects.

VermontBiz The Vermont Department of Labor is pleased to announce $400,000 in funding available to internship opportunities. The Work-Based Learning and Training Grants are open to all Vermont employers offering internships that provide meaningful training and work experience to eligible Vermonters. Applications will be accepted from June 5 through June 30. 

VermontBiz Governor Phil Scott announced action on the following bills, passed by the General Assembly. On June 6, Governor Scott returned without signature and vetoed S.217, An act relating to child care, early education, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance, and sent the following letter to the General Assembly.

Vermont Business Magazine Join the Addison County Economic Development Corporation, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and other community partners on June 8 for an introduction and discussion about state and ARPA infrastructure resources that are available in the Addison County region. The Administration will be hosting a listening session/round table discussion at the Town Hall Theater about available federal funding resources and any outstanding regional and municipal project needs. 

Vermont Business Magazine On Saturday, June 3, 152 members of Bennington College’s Class of 2023 gathered, along with their family members and friends, faculty, and leadership, under a large tent on a green expanse of lawn at the southern end of campus to receive their degrees. 

The institution conferred four master’s degrees, one each in dance and music and two in public action, and 148 bachelor’s degrees. Undergraduate students had studied Cultural Studies and Languages; Dance; Drama; Environmental Studies; Literature; Music; Science & Mathematics; Society, Culture & Thought; and Visual Arts. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) wants to hear from you. VCBB is holding two virtual listening sessions next week to hear input on the current state of internet service; problems Vermonters have accessing, affording, or using it; and what can be done to improve it. The sessions will be Wednesday, June 14 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and Thursday, June 15 from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. You can find the links to attend the sessions on the VCBB website. Everyone is welcome.