Current News

Vermont Business Magazine State Representatives Conor Casey and Kate McCann, from Montpelier, have introduced H.50, new legislation directing the Department of Buildings and General Services to conduct an annual study identifying state-owned buildings and land suitable for conversion into affordable housing. This initiative aims to address Montpelier’s critical housing shortage and revitalize the downtown area. The proposal responds to the growing housing need across Vermont and decreased foot traffic in Montpelier’s downtown post-pandemic and following the 2023 flooding. Factors such as increased telecommuting and numerous vacancies in the state workforce have exacerbated the crisis. The legislation encourages creative solutions, including consolidating state office spaces and collaborating with developers to build housing units.

Vermont Business Magazine Saint Michael’s College in Colchester will host a series of events honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including his vision of a Beloved Community. The College will host its 33rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation during the week of January 20, 2025. Events will be held throughout the week, with the main day of celebration occurring on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Events will include speakers, a performance by the College’s gospel choir, and artistic opportunities, such as painting the annual Convocation mural. The events are centered around the theme “Beloved Community: Radical Empathy,” inspired by one of the featured speaker’s work around bridging racial divides and exploring how the structures that lead to segregation, inequality, and injustice impact everyone.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA), the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA), and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) are announcing the results of a new study they jointly commissioned that examines the potential of off-site home construction.  Off-site construction homes are built in factories, shipped, and assembled at the housing site by the manufacturer. "Opportunities to Utilize Off-Site Construction to Meet Vermont’s Housing, Workforce and Climate Goals" reviewed whether off-site construction could produce homes quickly at a cost competitive with traditional on-site homebuilding.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement on the inauguration of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance: “It’s my hope the new administration and new congress use the peaceful transfer of power as an opportunity to start fresh, work together and collaborate to the benefit of all Americans. I also want extend my appreciation to President Biden and Vice President Harris for their service to our nation.” 

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott issued the following statement in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: “Today we remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and honor his efforts to further civil rights. The work of fulfilling the promise of America is never finished, and it’s the duty of every citizen to further the cause of freedom and equality. Today offers us an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s work, as we strive to make his dream – a reality.” 

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.12/g, up 3.9 cents per gallon from last week's $3.09/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.85/g while the highest was $3.35/g, a difference of 50.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has risen 6.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.09/g today. The national average is up 4.5 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 1.8 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The application for the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPGs) is now available. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers these grants to help farmers create new products, expand markets, and increase their income. Approximately $30 million in total is available for this program. You can use grant and matching funds for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. There are two levels of grant awards. Planning Grants have a maximum award of $75,000, and Working Capital Grants have a maximum award of $250,000. Both levels of grants require a one-to-one match of the grant amount.

Vermont State Police On 1/17/25 at approximately 1445 hours the Marshfield Fire Department was alerted by a concerned citizen to smoke coming from a structure at 3343 US Route 2 in Marshfield.  Marshfield Fire responded to the scene and was assisted by numerous area fire departments.  A household member was home at the time of the fire and was unable to escape the building.  The individual was located inside the home by fire personnel, removed, and transported to Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin.  The victim was later transported to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington due to the severity of the injuries sustained in the fire.

by Maia Segura, Vermont Business Magazine The largest ski resort in the eastern United States and home to the Audi FIS Ski World Cup, Killington Resort, is set to undergo a metamorphic development that aims to solidify its reputation as a world-class, four-season destination. Spearheaded by award-winning North American developers Great Gulf, the ambitious project leans into public-private partnerships blending hyper-modern architecture and amenities, with community-focused initiatives. With a projected investment of $3 billion over 25 years, the development has the potential to reshape not just the mountain but the surrounding region by enhancing its appeal to residents, tourists, and investors alike.

Vermont Business Magazine On Saturday, January 18, 2025, at approximately 1630 hours, Vermont State Police dispatch received a report of a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 89 Northbound, near Mile Marker 102.4, in the town of Milton. Upon arrival, Troopers learned from responding medical personnel that the driver of the vehicle, identified as Megan Porter (38), was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Vermont Business Magazine After reviewing weather modeling in consultation with the Burlington’s Emergency Management Director, officials have determined the forecasted temperature on Monday, January 20 meets the City’s criteria for operation of an extreme cold weather shelter. Updated hours of operation will be Monday, January 20, Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22, from 5:00pm until 8:00am.  The National Weather Service is currently forecasting evening temperatures diving well-below zero with windchill on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, into the early morning hours on Thursday.   

Vermont Business Magazine MENTOR Vermont, in partnership with youth mentoring programs, youth mentees, volunteer mentors, legislators, and business supporters, encourages all Vermonters to join us in celebrating National Mentoring Month this January and to consider becoming a mentor in your community this year. Potential is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. 1 in 3 young people will grow up without a trusted adult to turn to for support outside of their immediate family. Amidst rising youth mental health needs and increased isolation, youth need mentors now more than ever before. MENTOR Vermont and its partner agencies are committed to supporting youth mentoring across the state to close the mentoring gap and ensure young people have the supportive relationships they need to thrive.