Current News
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Today, Mayor Miro Weinberger, the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance, and more than 30 Chittenden County organizations announced a community declaration of racism as a public health emergency. As part of the declaration, all participants also announced: 1) a commitment to the sustained and deep work of eradicating racism within their organizations; 2) immediate and specific actions that they are taking to address the emergency in the work that they do; and 3) a commitment to participate in ongoing joint action, grounded in science and data, to eliminate race-based health disparities and eradicate systemic racism in Chittenden County.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Chris Kesler and the Black Flannel Brewing Company team are committed to starting a business that lives the team’s sustainable values. The team opened the brewery-distillery-brewpub at The Essex Experience in early July 2020. They want to minimize the impact on the planet and commit to sustainability from day one. But economic sustainability is equally important. They want to create a business that can become a fixture of the community.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine The number of Vermonters who have completed education and training after high school is on the rise. According the Lumina Foundation, 53 percent of working age Vermonters hold a certificate, degree or industry-recognized certification. The figure, up from 49 percent, is based on 2018 data that for the first time includes industry-recognized certifications. Lumina has measured educational attainment through its Stronger Nation report since 2009.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine The 2020 VPR - Vermont PBS Debates series continues today at 8 p.m. on Vermont PBS and on Vermont Public Radio’s Vermont Edition at noon and 7 p.m. The second of four primary debates scheduled in partnership with VPR, the pre-recorded debate will be moderated by Vermont Edition Host Jane Lindholm and will feature Democratic lieutenant governor candidates Tim Ashe, Molly Gray, Debbie Ingram and Brenda Siegel.
by tim
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says many people are having problems with bears looking for food near their homes, and with the new food scrap ban now in effect the department is providing tips for people who are composting at home so they can avoid attracting hungry bears.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine After much coordination and thorough evaluation of all options, Norwich University President Mark C. Anarumo, Col., USAF, (Ret) regrettably announced on Wednesday that the university will not be participating in intercollegiate fall sports competition this year.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power (GMP) is reminding customers that its bi-annual open house will be streamed on Facebook Live this Thursday, July 16, from 6 to 7 pm. The timing of the event coincides with the company’s recently filed request to hold rates flat next year, and will offer customers the opportunity to talk with GMP leaders about that and other topics, including the company’s response to the pandemic, operations, storm response, and programs to reduce energy and lower costs.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Shelburne-based One Day In July has launched its Environmental Investing platform. One Day In July believes it is possible to save and invest for your future while supporting important environmental initiatives. With a focus on environmental and sustainability issues, they have strategically selected a group of index funds constructed by trusted organizations that allow them to build diversified portfolios based on two primary environmental impact factors - carbon intensity and fossil fuel reserves. While there are dozens of metrics that can be used to measure environmental impact, these factors address climate change most directly.
There is a growing interest in impact investing and we seek to provide clients with a portfolio solution that can meet their investment objectives while ensuring their investments play a role in combating the most important environmental issues of our time.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today continues to investigate a possible outbreak of COVID-19 in the Manchester region. Currently, 58 people have tested positive through antigen testing performed at the health center. Antigen tests are a newer type of test that provide results much more quickly than PCR tests (the most common type of test used to diagnose COVID-19 infection). While they are a useful tool for screening patients, antigen tests may have a higher chance of missing an active infection and need to be confirmed. As for confirmed cases today, there were 13 new cases statewide.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine A sudden increase in the number of positive antigen tests for COVID-19 in the Manchester region has prompted Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) to stand up a COVID-19 pop-up site offering PCR tests. In partnership with the Town of Manchester and Riley Rink, the SVHC pop-up site opened Wednesday, July 15 for drive-up testing between 9 am to 3 pm, and remain open as many days as necessary. Once patient volume subsides, the pop-up testing location will transition to the SVMC Northshire Campus in Manchester.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Union Bankshares, Inc (NASDAQ - UNB), based in Morrisville, today announced results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and declared a regular quarterly cash dividend. Consolidated net income for the three months ended June 30, 2020 were $2.7 million, or $0.60 per share, compared to $2.5 million, or $0.56 per share, for the same period in 2019 and $4.9 million, or $1.09 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $5.2 million, or $1.15 per share, for the same period in 2019.
Second Quarter Highlights
Consolidated net income increased $138 thousand, or 5.4%, to $2.7 million for the second quarter of 2020 compared to the second quarter of 2019 due to increases in net interest income of $271 thousand and noninterest income of $517 thousand, partially offset by increases in the provision for loan losses of $350 thousand and noninterest expenses of $311 thousand.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Retail and Grocers Association (VRGA) and the Vermont Specialty Food Association (VSFA) have partnered with an exceptional team of panelists to help businesses through the creation and implementation of a business interruption plan that will prepare them for any crises that may arise in the future, including a potential second wave of COVID-19.