Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Lake Champlain Chamber has announced a new program moniker: TalentBTV. TalentBTV is the new name for LCC’s long-standing talent development work. Finding talent has always been a leading concern for LCC members and the organization has been able to address these concerns through programs and initiatives like relocation services, Burlington Young Professionals, professional mentoring and their resume resource program.

These programs will continue to solve our region’s workforce challenges under a new descriptor. The new name signifies a fresh focus and new energy around this well established work as the Lake Champlain Chamber works hard to meet the needs of businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Vermont Business Magazine Peanuts fans old and new will have more ways to watch Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang on their holiday adventures as Apple and PBS team up for special, ad-free broadcasts this year. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” will air on Vermont PBS and PBS KIDS on Sunday, November 22 at 7:30 pm and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will air on Vermont PBS and PBS KIDS on Sunday, December 13 at 7:30 pm

Let’s Grow Kids announces latest round of grants to increase child care capacity in Vermont

Vermont Business Magazine Even before COVID-19, three out of five of Vermont’s youngest children didn’t have access to the child care they needed. And too many families couldn’t afford it. During the pandemic, Vermont has emerged as a national leader in stabilizing and supporting the child care industry.

Vermont Agency of Transportation A weekly report of planned construction activities that will have traffic impacts on state highways. Here is a list of road construction projects happening throughout Vermont. Crews will wrap work by Wednesday evening and be off through the weekend for the Thanksgiving holiday. As projects wind down for the season, this will serve as the final report for 2020. Travel Safely.

Vermont beats revenue targets in all three funds

Revenue collections through September 2020 continue to exceed expectations, with the vital personal income tax showing particular strength. General Fund revenues for the month of September were $165.97 million versus the monthly target of $134.49 million, +$31.49 million or +23.41% above the consensus target.

The largest, single above target performance was Personal Income Tax receipts, which were +$22.89 million or +29.20% above the monthly target of $78.39 million. Corporate Income Tax receipts of $24.03 million were also ahead of target by +$8.90 million, or +58.9%.

Year-to-date General Fund revenues were $572.80 million, +$49.27 million or +9.41% above the consensus target of $523.54 million.

Vermont Business Magazine Cocoa farmers in Cote D'Ivoire are set to earn higher prices for their beans, as Ben & Jerry's ramps up its living income approach for farmers, in partnership with Fairtrade. From October 2020 onwards, around 5,000 Fairtrade cocoa farmers in Ben & Jerry's supply chain will receive approximately an additional $600,000 over the next year.

Vermont Business Magazine Sticky Brand – the Vermont based company specializing in custom-made stickers, decals, and design services – is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the largest ball of stickers. The ball, which was made entirely from excess stickers, weighs an impressive 308.25 pounds.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today reported one more death for 62 total and 146 new cases of COVID-19, which is just two short of yesterday's record high. As daily cases of COVID-19 continue to reach new heights, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said we can still contain the virus, but we need Vermonters’ help. “Avoiding social gatherings, limiting non-essential travel, quarantining when necessary, and taking prevention steps will help stem this rising tide — but only if Vermonters follow the guidance,” Dr Levine said. “It’s too soon to see the impact… But with a little patience, and a lot of compliance, I am hopeful we can make a difference.”

Public Assets Institute Initial claims for unemployment compensation have been rising since mid-October, when they hit the lowest mark since the pandemic began. Vermont’s 860 new claims in the second week of November were filed before renewed restrictions closed bars and limited restaurant hours. According to the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, these orders affect approximately 12,000 Vermont workers.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott at his regular press briefing today, updated guidance issued a week ago on social engagement. He said these were "commonsense" changes predicated on feedback the administration had received. In particular, the governor had previously announced that individuals could no longer take a walk outside with a non-household member. He rescinded that today and is allowing people to be outside with one non-household member, while still maintaining the usual COVID-19 health protocols like social distancing and mask wearing.

He also is allowing someone living alone to engage with another household. Also, anyone who feels they are in danger or threatened can move into another household in order to stay safe.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Health Network said in a statement today that it plans to begin restoring access this weekend to the Epic electronic health records system beyond the current “read only” status to all inpatient and ambulatory sites at UVM Medical Center. We are also working to restore Epic access to ambulatory sites at Central Vermont Medical Center (Berlin), Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (Plattsburgh, NY), and Porter Medical Center (Middlebury) as quickly as possible.

The process is likely to take several days. We will only be moving forward as long as each step is achieved successfully, and patient safety and quality can be assured.

Vermont Business Magazine General Fund, Transportation Fund, and Education Fund tax receipts were $18.27 million, or 10.1%, above expectations in October. Personal income, the most important General Fund revenue source, was $17.7 million above target (26.3 percent). Corporate income, which tends to fluctuate because of when it is reported, was $13.1 million below or over 400 percent. As for the vital consumer taxes, the sales tax was up a robust 23.3 percent, while the rooms & meals tax, which has been especially hard hit during the pandemic, was up nearly 10 percent. Because of the pandemic, all revenue expectations were revised down by economists in August, but have generally been above those expectations since.