Current News

by Jeff Tieman, President & CEO VAHHS Last week was difficult in the health care world, and left many of us searching for bright spots. Among the many ongoing challenges is a stressed health workforce constantly being asked to do more. But that same workforce is also the brightest of bright spots. In March of 2020, when the pandemic took hold and our lives changed in so many ways, caregivers in Vermont and everywhere did what they instinctively do: They got up, went to work and continued to treat patients and deliver the best care they could.

Vermont Business Magazine Giving back to the communities it serves has long been central to New England Federal Credit Union’s (NEFCU) mission. As an ongoing part of this effort, four times each year, NEFCU selects recipient organizations at random to receive $625 each, for a total of $10,000 annually.

V/T Commercial Linda I. Letourneau of V/T Commercial announced that Biosona, LLC signed a five-year lease for 3,613 square feet at 382 Hercules Drive, Colchester with Todd Realty, LLC. Letourneau assisted both parties in this transaction.

Vermont Business Magazine The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Jeremiah Ruhl, 46, of Colchester, Vermont was sentenced Monday to 12 months and a day in prison by US District Court Judge William K Sessions III. Ruhl had previously pled guilty to the unlawful killing of a crow and woodcock without a license and unlawful possession of a turkey vulture without a permit. All three of these birds are “migratory birds” and protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Sanders: “Congratulations, Justice Robinson, and thank you for your continued service. I know you will make Vermont proud and will be an excellent addition to the federal bench.” Lieutenant Governor Gray released the following statement: “The confirmation of Justice Beth Robinson to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is a historic step in building a judicial system that represents all of us."

Vermont Business Magazine is proud to announce that the Made in Vermont Marketplace is back after missing the 2020 show due to the pandemic. The show will take place on Saturday, November 20 from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday, November 21 from 10 am to 4 pm. The Made in Vermont Marketplace is in its seventh year.

Vermont Business Magazine Northeast Correctional Complex (NECC) in St. Johnsbury is on full lockdown after seven incarcerated individuals in general population tested positive for COVID-19. All incarcerated individuals live in the same housing unit. The first case was detected through testing conducted October 25, resulting in the unit being placed on full lockdown. Testing on October 29 revealed six additional positive cases from that unit. As part of outbreak protocol, the entire facility was put on full lockdown upon receipt of the positive results Sunday.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor has announced an increase to the State’s minimum wage. Beginning January 1, 2022, the state’s minimum wage will become $12.55 per hour. This is an increase of $0.80 from the current minimum wage of $11.75. This annual adjustment also impacts the minimum wage for tipped employees. The Basic Tipped Wage Rate for service, or “tipped employees,” equals 50% of the full minimum wage. On January 1, 2022, the tipped minimum wage will increase from $5.88 to $6.28 per hour.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health is reporting today that COVID-19 cases fell by more than 100to back under 200, as case counts have fluctuated for several weeks. COVID cases were 163 today, compared to 140 last Monday, 91 Tuesday, 164 Wednesday, 316 Thursday, 262 Friday, 179 Saturday and 278 Sunday. The five worst days for cases have all come since mid-September, as the Delta variant has taken over since early July. There were four more COVID fatalities reported today for 368 statewide, after two days with no deaths.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Secretary of State’s Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) has streamlined the licensing process for individuals who have worked in their field in another state for at least three years and are in good standing with that state. Since it was first implemented in April, over 850 licenses across 40 different license types have been issued through the fast-track endorsement process, including more than 450 nurses.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont and Burlington gas prices have risen 2.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.44 per gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 100 stations in Burlington. Gas prices in Burlington are 28.0 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.34/g higher than a year ago. The statewide average as of Thursday is $3.41/g compared to the US average of $3.40/g. Vermont gasoline prices had been running lower than the national average for most of the last year, and as recently as two weeks ago.

Vermont Business Magazine Norwich University’s Center for Global Resilience & Security hosts “Celebrating Women in Science,” a virtual roundtable and networking event on November 8, and a screening of the film “Picture A Scientist” on November 9. Both events are free and open to the public.