Current News

by Sam Donnelly, executive director, Building Burlington’s Future Burlington is more than just a beautiful place. Just like the rest of Vermont, it is full of neighbors who are always willing to show up for one another. It’s a community that doesn’t look away from hard problems. Burlington is a city where people care deeply and are willing to take action to make it better. But right now, our city is facing a pivotal moment. Lately, a lot of people in and around Burlington don’t feel as safe as they used to – whether they’re downtown for work, running a small business, or spending time with their family – for some, a sense of public safety in our community is at a historic low. At the same time, we know that some of our neighbors and community members are struggling with issues like substance use, mental health, and homelessness.

by Mark Millward (A4TD) The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a lifeline for older workers and a vital source of staffing support for nonprofits and public agencies. Due to a delay in federal funding for Program Year 2025, SCSEP operations in Vermont have been sharply reduced. Participants have been furloughed, organizations that host SCSEP participants have lost valuable team members, and the local economy is feeling the effects. SCSEP is the nation’s only federally funded job training program for low-income, unemployed older adults age 55+ who have barriers to employment, helping participants gain new skills and work experience so they can transition into unsubsidized employment. Participants are placed at local nonprofits and public agencies, where they earn income while providing critical community services.

by Anore Horton, executive director, Hunger Free Vermont The recent decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to cancel the Household Food Security in the United States report is unacceptable. This annual survey has, for nearly three decades, measured food insecurity across the country, and served as an important way to acknowledge and respond to the reality that the injustice of hunger impacts millions in our nation. This abrupt announcement comes on the heels of devastating funding cuts and eligibility changes to SNAP, passed by Congressional leaders in July. SNAP, known in Vermont as 3SquaresVT, helps tens of thousands of Vermonters–and millions across the U.S.--afford groceries and put food on the table. Now leadership in Washington is dismantling the tools we use to measure hunger. It seems clear that the federal administration intends to try to justify their historic funding cuts and eligibility changes to our nation’s most effective anti-hunger program by making hunger invisible. But deliberately and systematically causing hunger for millions of our family members, neighbors, and friends cannot be justified, ever. 

Vermont Business Magazine Garlic Town, USA celebrated its 30th anniversary over the Labor Day weekend with over 6,500 attendees, live music, 100+ curated vendors, chef demonstrations, and a landmark sustainability effort that reduced overall waste by more than half compared to last year. The festival began with a special proclamation recognizing its 30-year legacy. Representative Mary Morrissey introduced and read the House of Representatives concurrent resolution commemorating the 30th anniversary of Garlic Town U.S.A.. The resolution was offered by Representatives Morrissey of Bennington, Cooper of Pownal, Corcoran of Bennington, Durfee of Shaftsbury, Greer of Bennington, and Nigro of Bennington, as well as offered by Senators Bongartz and Plunkett.

Vermont Business Magazine The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the third annual Heart of The Shires event, debuting a new format and venue in 2025. The celebration of nonprofits, community leaders, and social enterprises will be held as a brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Park McCullough Historic Carriage Barn. This year’s keynote speaker is Chelsea Bardot Lewis, Executive Director of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR). A champion of business as a force for good, Lewis brings deep expertise in social enterprise, impact investing, and public policy. 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State University (VTSU) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Castleton Alumni Association Awards: Darren Perron (‘95),  Izzy Gogarty (‘20, M’25), and former Castleton University President David Wolk. Each year, the Castleton Alumni Association recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions of time, talent, or financial resources to advancing the University, its students, alumni, and communities. This year, two distinguished alumni and a former president of Castleton University (now Vermont State University) were honored at the Alumni Association Awards Brunch.

Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurship is alive and well in the NEK! NVDA and Do North Coworking will be hosting Rumble in the Kingdom, a dynamic pitch competition where entrepreneurs share their best ideas. Held at Chamber member organization Catamount Arts. Register to pitch your idea by September 30. Our monthly Coffee Hour has been growing in the most wonderful way, and we’ve officially outgrown our space! Thanks to the generosity of Chamber member Lyndon Institute, Coffee Hour will now be hosted in the E. Harris Brown Building, located between the Sanborn Gym and the church, visible from the Chamber office, on the same side of the street.

Vermont Business Magazine The Lasky School of Business at Norwich University is proud to announce that the Norwich student Excel eSports team earned first place in the September Battle of the prestigious Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge. With this victory, the team advances to the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge Championship, to be held December 1–3, 2025, at the HyperX Arena in Las Vegas. The global competition brings together top student talent from around the world to test advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel through case studies, real-world problem solving, and data analysis. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA) has announced updated dates for its 2026 Annual Conference, which will now take place Tuesday, August 11 through Thursday, August 13, 2026, in Burlington, Vermont. This shift marks a return to VCIA’s long-standing tradition of hosting its flagship event on a Tuesday–Thursday schedule—a format favored by members for its balance of engagement, travel ease, and professional continuity.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Vermont weekly unemployment claims for the week ending September 20, 2025, to under 200 and to the lowest level of the year. New claims were 186 last week, down 31 claims from the week before and down 14 from last year at this time. Claims, which tend to be lowest in the summer, were 181 at the end of September 2024. Across the nation, weekly claims also fell and the inflation report held steady. The markets rebounded on Friday to that news, but still had a down week.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Federal Credit Union, a Gold Sponsor of the 2025 Champlain Valley Fair and longtime supporter of the Vermont Foodbank, proudly supported the Feed a Family Day at the Champlain Valley Fair on August 28, 2025. This year’s effort broke records, collecting 9,218 pounds of food to help fight hunger across the state. Each year, this event invites community members to bring two non-perishable food items in exchange for free admission to the fair on a designated day. This year, more than 2,500 fairgoers participated, combining a fun day at the fair with meaningful impact for families in need. According to Hunger Free Vermont, 40% of Vermonters experience hunger every day, a sharp increase from just 10% in pre-pandemic years.

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington-based commercial real estate firm V/T Commercial has announced their third quarter 2025 transactions. These include: John Beal leased 4,000 SF of industrial space at 24 New England Drive, Essex to the Vermont Repertory Theater Company. Beal assisted both the landlord, Starboard Partnership, LLC, and the tenant. Forever Summer Fieldhouse, LLC leased 26,000 SF from Nautilus Holdings, LLC at 115 Wellness Drive, Williston. Rallysport Services, LLC leased 8,433 SF at 368 Route 7, Milton.  Linda I. Letourneau represented the landlord, Malone Milton Properties, LLC and Mike Provost of Donahue & Associates represented the tenant. Benchmark Space Systems, Inc. leased 39,320 SF at 128 Lakeside Avenue, Burlington from Fortieth Burlington, LLC.