Current News

by Bruce Edwards, Vermont Business Magazine It’s a tough time to be in any business these days including those who sell real estate for a living. Like many businesses real estate agents, appraisers and home inspectors were among many “non-essential” businesses shuttered by the Covid-19 pandemic. But real estate agencies and many businesses have been given the go-ahead by Governor Phil Scott to go back to work, with restrictions.

by Lori Fisher, LCC Executive Director May is a showy month—bursting with news to tell—and so are we! Read on to hear about our freshwater mussels project, some recent advocacy, and why you should avoid “P”ing on your lawn. If you missed a “Zoom a Scientist” session you’ll find our catalogue of the series where you can access past recordings.

Planning a water adventure? We provide tips for playing close to home, share nature notes on spring peepers and wetland greens, and introduce how a “sit spot” can help you access the abundant life in your backyard.

Thank you for caring about the ongoing work for clean, accessible water. If you are in a fortunate position and able to make a special donation, renew your membership, or join our cause, we’d be deeply grateful for support at this time.

We wish you happy explorations, safe outings, strong spirits and good health!

Vermont Business Magazine The Paramount Theatre, temporarily closed because of COVID-19, announced today a collaboration with Rutland Regional Medical Center, Vermont’s largest community hospital, that honors the brave men and women on the frontline of the pandemic. The newly created Standing Ovation Fund – Applauding Frontline Workers will make available to essential employees free tickets to upcoming shows as soon as the historic theatre re-opens its doors to audiences.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) First and foremost, I believe that no one in this country should go hungry — ever. This is especially true during the current emergency, when so many people are struggling. Hunger is a growing crisis across the country and Vermont is no exception.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported today that there have been four new cases of COVID-19 since Friday. There were no deaths, which remain at 54. There has been only one death related to the coronavirus in over two weeks. Governor Phil Scott however is still requiring coming to the state or Vermonters returning home to quarantine in Vermont for 14 days because there are still thousands of new cases being reported in the Northeast. He noted Friday that he might relax that requirement and allow for out-of-state quarantining if the positive health trends here and in nearby regions continue.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont River Conservancy (VRC) anticipates swimming holes throughout the state will see many visitors with the warm weather upon us. VRC’s core mission is protecting public access to places along rivers that are well-loved by community members and visitors alike. However, VRC’s Executive Director Steve Libby emphasizes the importance of swimming hole visitors to follow state guidelines regarding recreating on public land during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Agency of Commerce & Community Development On Friday Governor Scott announced that hair salons and barber shops may reopen May 29, 2020 with limited operations. Religious facilities and places of worship may also reopen at 25% capacity. Mandatory health and safety requirements apply, as well as more specific guidance available in the Recovery Resource Center. New guidance was also release Friuday for healthcare providers from the Department of Health. This allows for some but not the full-range of dentistry and expands the allowance for in-patient and out-patient procedures at hospitals and health centers.

Vermont Business Magazine On Thursday, 27 groups representing businesses and communities across Canada and the United States unveiled the following joint statement calling for continued strong cross-border cooperation, trade, and supply chains as a critical component of both countries' COVID-19 public health and economic response and recovery efforts. The groups include Vermont's two largest chambers of commerce: Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

Vermont Business Magazine UVM Medical Center announced Saturday night that it is transferring 25 patients receiving rehab care in the inpatient unit on our Fanny Allen campus to the hospital’s main campus. The decision was made out of an abundance of caution for the safety of patients and staff, after staff members reported separate instances of symptoms including feeling faint, dizzy, weak or nauseous over the past several days. At this time, no patient has been affected by any of these symptoms.

Vermont Business Magazine Champlain College has announced the launch of the Virtual Gap Program, an inspiring semester-long journey into college life, holistic well-being, and career exploration. Champlain's unique program offers college credit, allows students to take on virtual internships for real-world clients, and is the first fully online gap program available through an accredited college.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Public Radio is partnering with the Vermont Agency Of Education and Big Heavy World to produce a statewide radio prom for Vermont’s high school students on Saturday, May 30 at 7 pm. Prom Goes #VTstrong will be hosted by Burlington-based DJ Craig Mitchell spinning his favorite hits and will also include audio messages and reflections recorded and submitted by students. Mitchell will host an online after party starting at 8 p.m. packed with more music and fun.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Student Assistance Corp has announced it has awarded over $1.4 million in scholarships to graduating high school seniors to continue their education after high school. In addition to the scholarships for high school seniors, VSAC has also awarded over $4.6 million in scholarships to college students returning to school this fall.