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Vermont Business Magazine Dry January, also known as kicking off the new year by refraining from alcohol for the month, is a health trend millions of people partake in each year. Studies show that American adults have been drinking alcoholic beverages around 14% more often due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For those taking a break from booze, a recent survey commissioned by Aqua ViTea found that the health-packed elixir, kombucha, is the alcohol alternative drink of choice for 44% of respondents. The survey, which looked at drinking preferences throughout Dry January, also asked participants about their goals and plans for the month, and found that an overwhelming majority would rather give up alcohol than precious food delivery services that have gotten them through 2020.

Vermont Business Magazine Health Commissioner Mark Levine said at Friday’s press conference that it’s now been about two weeks since Thanksgiving, but so far, we have not seen a “surge on a surge” of COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 cases remain relatively high and there have been several recent deaths, with four more reported today for a total of 93. However, the number of cases per day has remained flat. There were 113 today. There were 26 hospitalized with five in the ICU and none on a ventilator.

Vermont Business Magazine To help Vermonters stay up to date on the latest COVID guidance and information, Governor Phil Scott today encouraged Vermonters to register for Vermont Alert (VT-ALERT), the state’s emergency notification system. Since 2012, VT-ALERT has warned Vermonters of potential and imminent hazards like floods, severe storms, HazMat incidents and other threats. Vermonters can now use the system to receive important COVID-related updates, though VT-ALERT will not replace more comprehensive resources like healthvermont.gov or accd.vermont.gov.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State Auditor Doug Hoffer has released the final findings of a three-part investigation of the Vermont Economic Progress Council’s (VEPC) administration of the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI) program. Among the key findings of the investigation were: 1) VEPC does not verify whether VEGI applicants would undertake the proposed economic activity without the incentive ("but for"), and 2) when VEPC’s actions are inconsistent with law or the interests of taxpayers, there is no accountability since their decisions cannot be appealed. No only is Hoffer questioning the number of jobs gained by the program but he suggests the VEGI jobs are lower paying than expected.

Vermont Business Magazine Hospital-based laboratories and doctors at the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic might soon add artificial intelligence to their testing toolkit. A recent study conducted with collaborators from the University of Vermont and Cedars-Sinai describes the performance of Biocogniv’s new AI-COVID software. The team found high accuracy in predicting the probability of COVID-19 infection using routine blood tests, which can help hospitals reduce the number of patients referred for scarce PCR testing.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has announced over $2.9 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards to 10 communities in seven different counties and $243,853 in CDBG CARES Act funding (CDBG-CV) awards to eight communities throughout the state. DHCD awards approximately $7 million annually in competitive grants to Vermont cities and towns. Funding is targeted to address the needs of lower income Vermonters and represents a true partnership between the federal, state and local government.

Vermont Business Magazine Ben & Jerry's is proud to honor Colin Kaepernick, one of the most prominent social activists today, with his very own flavor: "Change the Whirled." This flavor celebrates Kaepernick's courageous work to confront systemic oppression and to stop police violence against Black and Brown people. As an aspiring social justice company, Ben & Jerry's believes Kaepernick represents the very best of us, willing to use his power and platform in the pursuit of equity and justice rooted in a commitment to love and resistance. The ice cream maker aims to honor Kaepernick, sweetening the long struggle for justice, and making his vision a reality to Change the Whirled.

Vermont Business Magazine “As always, this list represents the most compelling spirits we’ve had the opportunity to review this year. We could all use a little comfort this year, and whether you’re looking for yourself or as a gift, this selection of spirits is sure to deliver some much-needed joy.” — Kara Newman, Wine Enthusiast

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement for the first night of Hanukkah: “This evening marks the first night of Hanukkah, and as many Vermonters light that first candle on the menorah, many will also reflect on the blessings and struggles of this past year."

Vermont Business Magazine By early August, VHCB had committed most of the funding—$30 million—to Vermont’s network of non-profit housing developers and to shelters statewide. In early October, the balance of the funds were committed. Work is currently underway or complete at 26 different sites, including the purchase of five motels that will be converted to create new homes with support services for people transitioning to permanent housing.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported today 119 new cases of COVID-19 (5,413 total), with three more deaths for 89. Case counts are up in every county but have swung back largely to Chittenden County, with 54 new cases reported today and 446 and 10 deaths in the last two weeks. As Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD said earlier this week, we are in the very first stages of vaccine production and distribution to the states, and there will likely be a limited supply of vaccine early on. Meanwhile, cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine This week, Vermont PBS and VPR received the regulatory approvals needed to proceed with the intended merger announced in September. The FCC has granted permission for the license transfer, and the IRS has granted tax-exempt status, clearing the way for the new organization to launch in July. They will continue to operate independently until then.