Current News

Public Assets Institute Health, housing, dignified work, education, food, social security, and a healthy environment—Vermont statute requires that our spending and revenue policies address these needs. The law enshrines our values; it reflects promises we make to each other. While delivering on those promises might seem ambitious, there are concrete steps we can take now to bring us closer to living up to our shared values. This report illustrates that we’re closer to keeping some of these promises than others. Vermont has had a persistent gap between wages and costs, leaving many Vermonters struggling to afford their basic needs. Many of the state programs that improve affordability—including those for Vermonters not in the paid workforce—have not kept up with rising costs. Some have never been sufficient.

Vermont Business Magazine After a thorough executive search, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced today that Dan Fingas has been selected as the organization’s new executive director. Fingas will officially begin his role on January 6, 2025. VCV said it is excited for this new chapter, as it builds on its mission to both elect environmental champions and pass meaningful environmental legislation. VCV also celebrates departing executive director, Lauren Hierl, and her decade of work growing the organization to become a leading player in environmental advocacy in Vermont. Hierl was named executive director of Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) in August. Fingas has served as VNRC’s climate action coordinator since October 2023.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.07/g, down 1.6 cents per gallon from last week's $3.09/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.69/g while the highest was $3.29/g, a difference of 60.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has risen 5.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.03/g today. The national average is up 3.0 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 2.9 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is now requesting applications from Vermont businesses interested in vending at the Vermont Building at the 2025 Big E. The Vermont Building is one of six public market style buildings on the Avenue of the States at the Big E, a 17-day fair and exposition which takes place each September in West Springfield, MA. During this event, which brings in approximately 1.6 million people each year, the Vermont Building hosts a variety of Vermont food and retail businesses which showcase the best of what our state has to offer. The 2025 Big E will take place September 12th-28th.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund is closing and merging its operations with the Vermont Community Foundation, which will continue VDRF’s mission to provide disaster assistance to individuals. VDRF, created in 2011 following Tropical Storm Irene, provides financial help to disaster survivors after they have exhausted other sources of assistance, such as from FEMA, homeowner and flood insurance, and grants from local and regional disaster funds. The fund distributed $6 million in individual assistance following Irene and $1.6 million so far to survivors of the 2023 flooding.

Vermont Business Magazine Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) today released the following statement on joining the Senate Finance Committee for the 119th Congress: I’m excited to become a member of the Senate Finance Committee. While it will be extremely difficult to pass any meaningful pro-working class legislation under the Republican-controlled Congress, I will be able to play a more hands-on role in a number of important areas.

by Olga Peters, Vermont Business Magazine “If there’s a prettier place in New England, I don’t know where it is,“ observed Rick Ufford-Chase, as he prepared for the Newport City Council’s Nov. 18 meeting. It was a significant night for Ufford-Chase, who, in addition to being an elected councilor, serves as executive director of Newport Downtown Development, an organization working with partners and volunteers to revitalize, preserve and promote historic downtown Newport. At that meeting, the Council voted to release a draft version of the town’s enhanced master plan for public comment. Ufford-Chase said the ambitious plan includes proposals to redevelop several blighted areas, improve public infrastructure, create a new truck route and build more than 300 affordable and market-rate housing units over the coming decade.

by Olga Peters, Vermont Business Magazine The Green Mountain Care Board released a comprehensive report in September aimed at transforming the state’s healthcare system. The report, prepared by the management consulting firm Oliver Wyman, has generated strong reactions from communities whose local hospitals were advised to restructure or reduce services. The report revealed that many of Vermont’s hospitals operate at a financial loss and recommended consolidating services to improve profitability. It also proposed sweeping changes for four specific hospitals: North Country Hospital, Gifford Medical Center, Springfield Hospital and Grace Cottage Hospital. While there is widespread agreement that healthcare in Vermont is expensive, many strongly disagree with the report’s findings. Specifically, Newport’s North Country Hospital and Randolph’s Gifford Health Care have identified inaccuracies within the report.

by Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Megan Sullivan, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Each year, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce outlines our legislative priorities with one focus in mind: creating the conditions to advance the Vermont economy. This year, our goals align closely with those voiced by Vermonters at the polls: addressing affordability, fostering economic growth, and doing the hard work to solve Vermont’s toughest challenges. 

by Mike Pieciak, Treasurer As we welcome the New Year, many Vermonters are setting resolutions to build new skills, improve their health, or spend more time with loved ones. This year, let's add a resolution that really pays off: saving for retirement. Saving for retirement can be daunting, especially for Vermonters living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to make ends meet. While it can be difficult to know where or how to begin, it’s crucial to start saving as early as possible, and saving a small amount regularly can add up significantly over time. Studies show that individuals with access to a workplace retirement plan are fifteen times more likely to save for their future, but nearly half of working-age Vermonters aren’t offered a retirement plan through their employer. These rates are even higher among women, BIPOC Vermonters, and residents of our rural communities. Unfortunately, many of these workers aren’t saving anything for retirement. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has announced a new programmatic partnership with NBT Bank, aimed at providing businesses across the state with the valuable, data-driven economic insights needed to succeed in today’s dynamic marketplace. The new Economic Insights webinar series will launch on January 14 at 1 PM and will feature insights and analysis from Kenneth J. Entenmann, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer & Economist at NBT Wealth Management. Ken has more than 33 years of investment experience. Prior to joining NBT Bank, he served as Director of Investment Management at Alliance Bank. In his current role, he oversees more than $6 billion in assets under management and administration in trust, custody, retirement, institutional, and individual accounts.

Vermont Business Magazine Soulmate Brewing Company is raising a toast to an extraordinary achievement: receiving 12 medals at the 2024 Denver International Beer Competition. Soulmate Brewing’s prestigious wins included 3 gold, 3 silver, and 6 bronze medals, further cementing Soulmate Brewing's reputation as a top-tier craft brewery. This marks a total of 17 medals in just 12 months for the company! Soulmate Brewing was founded by Jonathan and Carol Mogor, whose shared passion and love for each other and craft beer led them to open the brewery’s doors in July 2023 with a mission to bring the diverse flavors of the world to the craft beer community. Joining them in their journey are Head Brewer Hideki Arao and his wife Harumi Arao, who manages the brewery’s kitchen, creating a unique synergy between exceptional beer and delicious food.