Current News

Vermont Business Magazine This week, City Market will host their 25th Annual COTS Tree Sale to benefit Vermont’s Committee on Temporary Shelter. City Market will sell fresh balsams from Moffatt’s Tree Farm in Craftsbury, Vermont for $50 each with all proceeds benefiting COTS and their mission to end homelessness in Vermont. Additionally, for each tree purchased, City Market will donate funding for the Intervale Center to plant a tree in Vermont; continuing our “Buy a Tree, Plant a Tree” partnership.

Vermont Business Magazine A favorable stretch of wintry weather has allowed Jay Peak Resort’s snowmaking team to pump out a hearty base across Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert terrain. The Resort welcomes its Stakeholders on Friday, November 25th for A Day for the Devoted. More than 750 free Lift Tickets were claimed for opening day as part of Day for the Devoted, a new tradition that invites Jay Peak devotees to celebrate the beginning of its 22+23 winter season.

State Joins Coast-to-Coast Movement to Adopt Zero-Emission Vehicle Regulations

VermontBiz Vermont moved forward with two key regulations to address pollution from transportation in the state: the Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) II program and the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation. The Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules held a hearing on Thursday for the final review of the rules and officially approved both. The Rules will not go into effect until after California officially files the ACT rule on Nov 30, 2022.

Beginning in 2025, the ACT rule will require manufacturers to produce and sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission trucks and buses annually through 2035, which will have far-reaching public health, environment, and economic benefits for Vermonters. Several states, including California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington, and Vermont, have adopted the ACT rule.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont fell a surprising 8 cents in the last week to $3.88 per gallon. Prices are down 12 cents lower than last month, but are 45 cents higher than a year ago. The Vermont price is 30 cents higher than the national average.

Vermont Business Magazine Hunger Mountain Co-op has awarded a record-setting $15,200 to 15 local grant recipients working on important and innovative projects addressing food access and local food systems. Hunger Mountain Co-op’s purpose is deeply rooted in the belief that access to good food helps to create vibrant, healthy communities and sustainable local food systems. Each year, the Co-op encourages central Vermont businesses, organizations, and initiatives aligned with its mission to apply for grants from the Hunger Mountain Cooperative Community Fund. The focus of funding is on smaller proposals for one-time expenditures, capital infrastructure needs, food access projects, and proposals from historically and currently marginalized groups.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small has announced that USDA is accepting applications to support economic development and create jobs for people in rural America. USDA is making this funding available under the Rural Business Development Grant program to support business opportunities or business enterprise projects in rural communities. Eligible entities are rural towns, communities, state agencies, authorities, nonprofits, federally recognized Tribes, public institutions of higher education and non- profit cooperatives.

Vermont Business Magazine A group of conservation advocates came together on Saturday, November 19 to celebrate the creation of a new fund to conserve lands important to Vermont communities. The fund was established by Hinesburg residents in honor of conservationist Andrea Morgante who is a founding member of the Hinesburg Land Trust. For close to 40 years, Morgante has championed the conservation of roughly 3,000 acres in the town, including the recent expansion and conservation of the 1,125-acre Hinesburg Town Forest.

by Secretary Anson B Tebbetts As autumn winds down and our Green Mountain fields and forests prepare to rest, we give thanks for the bounty of the seasons. In the coming weeks, Vermont food will be at the center the table as many of us celebrate with family and friends. Maybe the meal will begin with an appetizer plate arranged with Vermont’s award-winning cheeses, crackers, pickles, jams, and jellies; perhaps stacks of tasty local vegetables and meats grown and produced by our Vermont farmers and producers. On the table, a fresh Vermont turkey is paired with buttery mashed potatoes and many other sides. Once dinner concludes, our thoughts turn to Vermont-grown holiday trees and wreaths. We are fortunate to have so much.

Vermont Business Magazine After a search that stretched across states and regions, Brattleboro Savings & Loan is happy to welcome Deborah Stephenson to the position of president. Deb is joining us, most recently, from Berkshire Bank, but she brings a rich history in banking and a deep appreciation for the communities of Southeastern Vermont. Dan Yates, BS&L’s president for the past 17 years, is preparing to enter a well deserved retirement at the end of this year.

Vermont Business Magazine Secretary of Administration Kristin Clouser today released Vermont’s revenue results for October 2022. All three major funds - the General Fund, the Transportation Fund and the Education Fund - ended the month with revenue above target. Year to date, the General Fund and the Education Fund remain ahead of target while the Transportation Fund is slightly behind. The crucial personal income tax showed continued strength to lead the revenue results. Meanwhile, the rise in interest rates is starting to show its effects on other data points.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement for the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday: “Thanksgiving is always an important time to reflect on all we have, and after two years of holidays filled with uncertainty and fewer chances to connect, I’m especially grateful for our ability to be together for Thanksgiving and the holidays to come."