Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and Burlington Electric Department (BED), joined by representatives from the offices of Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Peter Welch, and Rep. Becca Balint, the Sierra Club Vermont, and fifth graders from Champlain Elementary School, today announced a temporary increase to BED’s electric vehicle (EV) incentives to help offset the upcoming September 30, 2025, expiration of the federal tax credit for EV purchases, as set forth in the president’s recently signed reconciliation bill. Despite the federal change, the mayor and BED are continuing their commitment to the City’s Net Zero Energy goal and electrification strategy by sharing that BED will be boosting EV rebates on the purchase or lease of new EVs to $5,000, and $5,700 for income-qualified customers. These are increases from the current levels of $2,300 and $3,000, respectively. BED plans to make these boosted incentives available through the end of 2026 or as long as incentive funds remain, whichever comes first.

Vermont Business Magazine Consolidated Communications today announced the next step in its transformation: uniting its residential, business and wholesale lines of business under a single, modern fiber internet and network services brand – Fidium. Fidium now represents all the company’s fiber-based solutions nationwide, and more than 75 percent of its broadband customers. The company is on track to reach more than 80 percent of its footprint with fiber within the next few years. 

Vermont State Police A Burlington police officer discharged a firearm at a subject Sunday evening, September 21, 2025. The subject is currently in custody and receiving medical care for sustained injuries. Following standard protocol, the Vermont State Police is leading the investigation into this officer-involved shooting. The shooting occurred after Burlington officers responded to a disturbance on Riverside Avenue at about 7:30 am.  This response developed into a prolonged encounter that lasted throughout the day and into the evening. The circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation by members of the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit. VSP’s Crime Scene Search Team responded and is processing the location where the incident occurred. 

Vermont Business Magazine For the first time, the state of Vermont has partnered with local philanthropists to provide financial support to news outlets that bolster civic engagement. The state legislature directed $50,000 in this year’s budget to establish the Local Civic Journalism Awards. The Vermont Community Foundation’s Press Forward Vermont initiative announced Monday that it would match the state funding with an additional $50,000. The inaugural awards this fall will provide up to $10,000 apiece to selected news outlets that inform and engage the communities they serve, leading to increased civic participation. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) has issued an order for all Town Forest Fire Wardens to cease issuing burning permits from noon on September 22, 2025, until this order is revoked. This order may be revoked on a statewide basis or on a county-by-county basis, depending upon the fire danger and weather conditions. Abnormally dry summer conditions have persisted throughout Vermont and the Northeast.  The US Drought Monitor reports 78% of Vermont is experiencing severe drought. Neighboring states are also in similar drought conditions, with 73% of New Hampshire experiencing severe drought, 23% of which is in extreme drought. 

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and members of his cabinet will be in Grand Isle County on Thursday, September 25 for its Capital for a Day 14-county tour. Governor Scott first launched this initiative in June 2018, and he and his cabinet visited all 14 counties over the following 10 months. Capital for a Day gives local constituents, municipal government leaders and other partners the opportunity to connect directly with state leadership and staff.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.19 per gallon, down 2.0 cents per gallon from last week's $3.21/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.89/g while the highest was $3.35/g, a difference of 46.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has risen 2.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.14/g today. The national average is unchanged from a month ago and stands 1.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Associated General Contractors of Vermont Whether in the sports arena or in the workplace, the most effective results come from people who realize that their goal is best achieved by teamwork. Injury-preventing teamwork on the job consists of a combination of thoughtfulness and responsibility—for co-workers’ safety as well as our own. 

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant is intended to help Vermont-based early childhood providers and Vermont schools build and strengthen farm to school or farm to early childhood programs. Specifically, the grant is designed to support programs that are integrated throughout the classroom, the cafeteria, and the community – the 3 C’s of farm to school. This grant is open to licensed or registered early childhood education providers; K-12 public schools, supervisory unions, and school districts; and independent schools participating in any federal child nutrition programs. Applications will be accepted through October 29.

by Joy Choquette, Vermont Business Magazine Northwestern Vermont is a unique and beautiful spot to visit or live. Whether outdoor enthusiasts’ intent on mountain biking, foodies drawn to the “Eat Local” movement, or individuals from urban areas looking for a quieter, slower pace of life, Franklin County draws people from many walks of life. But is it also a good place to do business? If so, which businesses are currently thriving and which industries are suffering? And what should would-be business owners know about setting up shop in this part of the state?

Vermont Business Magazine The Robert Frost Stone House Museum has completed a major project as part of restoring its historic barn. The Bennington Museum received generous support from the Edwin S. Webster Foundation, a Cultural Facilities Grant from the Vermont Arts Council, a grant from the Windham Foundation, and donations in memory of Lea Newman, a local Frost biographer and friend of the Museum. Work included the addition of electricity and water to the 1850s historic barn and enhanced electrical and water access to the small meeting barn on the property. The funding specifically supported the excavation, plumbing, and electrical work that allows the Museum to maximize use of the small meeting barn for programming and, for the first time, the use of the historic barn, the largest indoor, open-plan space on the Museum’s property. 

Vermont Business Magazine This weekly report is a list of planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.