Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported January 4, 2023, that hospitalizations have increased, but overall COVID-19 cases fell to a "Low" 391. COVID-19 activity overall remains at a "Medium" level after being in the "Low" range in the late fall, according to the VDH. Hospitalizations rose to 67 last week (they were as low as 30 last fall). Following an analysis of COVID-19 data, the VDH is reporting a cumulative 86 additional COVID-associated deaths that occurred over the course of the pandemic but had not been previously reported. Most of these deaths occurred in 2022. This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Vermont to 877, as of January 6.

Vermont Business Magazine Williston-based iSun, Inc (NASDAQ: ISUN), a leading solar energy and clean mobility infrastructure company with 50-years of experience accelerating the adoption of innovative electrical technologies, has agreed to sell a 7 MW solar asset valued at approximately $4.8 million in connection with the execution of an $11.6 million EPC contract.

Vermont Business Magazine Norwich University will host the New England premiere of the award-winning documentary film “Mission Mt. Mangart” on Saturday, January 14, 2023 in Mack Hall Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. with a 6:00 p.m. pre-film reception and post-film Q&A with filmmaker, Chris Anthony. “Mission Mt. Mangart” is a Cannes Film Festival award-winning documentary by Anthony, who is a film maker and professional skier, and member of the Colorado Ski Museum Hall of Fame. The film follows the U.S. Army’s legendary 10th Mountain Division in the Julian Alps region of Italy at the end of World War II.

Vermont Business Magazine Champlain College has just completed an eight-month renovation of McDonald Hall, one of Burlington's historic Victorian era mansions. The updated residence hall balances historical preservation with modern accessibility, comfort, and applied sustainability that are central to Champlain’s commitment to efficiency and progress toward carbon neutrality. McDonald Hall accommodates 45 students, with its first floor and lower level now fully accessible. The building is 100% fossil fuel free.

Vermont Business Magazine Following an analysis of COVID-19 data, the Department of Health is reporting a cumulative 86 additional COVID-associated deaths that occurred over the course of the pandemic but had not been previously reported. Most of these deaths occurred in 2022. This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Vermont to 877, as of January 6. The VDH has frequently adjusted COVID case and fatality data as more information becomes available. This is the largest adjustment to date. Most of the previously reported fatalities were identified as being in 2022, especially late in the year, and particularly in Bennington County.

Vermont Business Magazine Registration is open to join more than 275 Vermont educators, government officials, business advisors, business leaders, and students on Feb. 9 for the free 14th annual and third virtual Vermont Student Entrepreneurship Day. In the spirit of bringing forward-thinking Vermonters together to celebrate successful communication in the workforce, the theme of this year’s event is, “Vermont Entrepreneurs – Tell Your Story.” Vermont students in grades 9 through 12 will hear from an amazing panel of young, enterprising Vermont entrepreneurs. They will learn about communication from keynote and TedX speaker Tessa Rawson, founder of Resonance. She will present a workshop about “Telling Your Story” to help students learn how to better articulate and share their knowledge, experience, and passions to open new opportunities for them now and in the future.

Vermont Business Magazine The hours of operation at The University of Vermont Medical Center’s lab sample collection sites are changing January 9, the hospital announced today. The changes will allow the clinics to continue serving the needs of patients while accommodating increased patient volumes.

Vermont Business Magazine Funding is now available from the Vermont Women’s Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation for nonprofits that support economic security and provide career opportunities and programs that drive change for Vermont women and girls. The competitive grant program will award grants of up to $15,000 for proposals. In 2022, the Vermont Women’s Fund distributed $331,190 to 35 Vermont nonprofits. Those organizations reflect the fund’s mission to advance gender equity and justice.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today was sworn in to his fourth term as Governor of Vermont and delivered his Inaugural Address to a joint session of General Assembly. The governor called on lawmakers in Montpelier to focus efforts on supporting economically disadvantaged communities across the state. Scott also highlighted the importance of following through on the historic investments he and lawmakers made in housing, climate change mitigation, water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure, broadband, economic revitalization and more.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is asking Vermont’s employers, universities, colleges, hospitals, and other institutions to help spread the word to their employees, students, patients, and networks about the importance of challenging the FCC National Broadband Map. Getting as many people as possible to check their addresses and challenge incorrect information could mean tens of millions of additional federal dollars to get all Vermonters connected to broadband.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont were up 3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.39 per gallon today, according to GasBuddy. Prices are down 33 cents/g for the month and are 4 cents higher than they were one year ago. The lowest price was $2.99 in Brattleboro. The highest was $3.65 in Burlington. Nationally, prices are up 14 cents/g for the week. They are now at $3.27/g, down 8 cents from last month and 3 cents lower than last year.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Arts Council announces $3,692,500 in awards to 49 creative sector organizations and businesses in its first round of funding through the Creative Futures program. Round two opens for applications today, January 5. Supported by $9 million from Vermont’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act, the program aims to provide relief to one of the state’s economic sectors hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic. Funding of up to $200,000 is available to Vermont-based creative economy nonprofits and for-profit entities, including sole proprietors, that can demonstrate economic harm caused by or exacerbated by the pandemic. This marks the first time that the Council has the ability to grant funds to the full creative sector, including for-profit businesses.