Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) is set to host a public informational meeting to introduce a proposed concept for the relocation and historical reconstruction of the Goodell House, a structure of historic significance located in the Mt. Mansfield State Forest just outside of the Little River State Park in Waterbury. The Goodell House is the last standing structure within the Stevenson Brook Historic Archaeology District (Site VT-WA-0027), a historic district that encompasses a former hill farm community which included several farms, mills, schools, cemeteries, and other structures. The presentation of this concept and a public informational meeting will be held on August 29, 6:00 -8:00 pm, at the Best Western Plus Waterbury Stowe, 45 Blush Hill Rd, Waterbury.

Vermont Business Magazine California industries in search of clean, quiet, reliable power have a new reason to look to NOMAD Transportable Power Systems now that NOMAD units are eligible for vouchers of up to $300,000 under the state’s Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Program (CORE). NOMAD is based in Waterbury, Vermont. NOMAD offers North American-manufactured mobile battery energy storage solutions that can replace diesel generators with clean, silent battery power. CORE vouchers are now available for five NOMAD solutions.

Department of Economic Development More than 1,000 people gathered in Burlington this week for the largest captive insurance conference in the country. The 39th annual event featured a Captive Review awards ceremony, at which Vermont won recognition as the U.S. Domicile of the Year in the category of domiciles with over $5 Billion in gross premiums. This is the 11th time Vermont has won in the category and reflects a dedication to exceptional service.

by Mike Donoghue, Vermont News First, Vermont Business Magazine A Manchester, N.H. man, who officials linked to a more than $636,000 attempted interstate fraud case on an elderly Windsor County woman, has been sentenced to six months in federal prison. Nicholas Melanson, 42, a single father with two children will have until Sept. 27 to get his affairs in order and to find living arrangements for his 16-year-old son to reside. A 20-year-old daughter was in college when Melanson pleaded guilty in December. Chief Federal Judge Christina Reiss in Burlington, Vermont, agreed to recommend a federal prison near Melanson's home that also has a medical facility to deal with the defendant's health issues.

Vermont State Police Search and recovery efforts for missing swimmer Tuan Baldino are resuming today in the Mad River at Warren Falls. The area is closed to the public, and search crews request that people avoid this location. The Vermont State Police will continue to provide updates as the search continues. 

Vermont Business Magazine As democracy faces unprecedented challenges worldwide, Bennington College is taking bold action. This September, the College will launch "Saving Democracy Together," an innovative online and in-person course open to students, alumni, and the public. The program aims to reconnect current political realities with America's founding ideals, just months before a pivotal U.S. presidential election. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter has appointed Matt Musgrave as the association’s Vermont Regional Director. With over a decade of experience in the association business, Musgrave brings a deep understanding of the Vermont construction industry, policy development, and the delivery of value to contractors. Musgrave’s extensive background and expertise in the field make him a valuable addition to the ABC NH/VT team. His experience includes a strong focus on industry-related policy development, particularly in Montpelier, where he has demonstrated a proven ability to influence and shape policy for the betterment of the construction sector.

Vermont Business Magazine The fall semester is just around the corner, yet many students are still unsure about next steps in their education or training journey. A key part of their decision is knowing that they will be able to afford the program they need to further their education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a student’s gateway to accessing federal and Vermont grants, loans, and work-study funds. Filing the FAFSA is a critical step for most students, and this year changes by the US Department of Education to the FAFSA, and its failed rollout, have made it even more challenging to support students who are on the fence about their future. In recognition of VSAC’s award-winning work to reach Vermont students and families, the US Department of Education awarded VSAC with a significant grant to provide extra help to students and families this summer.

Vermont Business Magazine Inc. revealed today that Burlington, Vermont-based Quorum ranks No. 1184 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Quorum also ranked no. 93 in Advertising & Marketing. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy's most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, Patagonia, and many other household-name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has launched the Blue Envelope Program for Vermont drivers on the autism spectrum to make routine traffic stop interactions easier, safer, and less stressful. The DMV modeled the new program on similar programs in other states and worked with the University of Vermont Autism Collaborative to develop the program. The blue envelope alerts law enforcement officers that the driver has autism, and printed instructions on the envelope help the officers to adapt their approach.

Vermont Business Magazine Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), the region’s premier discount retail chain with 153 stores across the Northeast, has announced it will open a new store in the town of St. Albans in late fall 2024. The new location, one of the chain’s northernmost, will be the fourth store in the Green Mountain State and the first in Franklin County. Located at 182 & 200 Highgate Road in St. Albans Town within the Highgate Commons Shopping Center, the leased location will provide 31,000 square feet of shopping space for customers. The store will be located within the space previously vacated by Peebles. Plaza co-tenants include Hannaford supermarket and T.J. Maxx. Currently, the closest OSJL locations are in St. Johnsbury and Rutland.

Vermont Business Magazine The Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) directed Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) and MVP Health Plan, Inc. (MVP) to adjust their proposed 2025 premiums for individuals and small businesses, affecting over 70,000 Vermonters. The final approved rates were historically high and reflected concerns that the insurers, which are the only ones covering small groups and individuals in Vermont, could face insolvency if their reserves were not sufficiently funded. To that point, both Blue Cross Vermont and MVP increased their requests before the final GMCB review. The regulators, as they typically do, adjusted down the final requests somewhat and approved a Blue Cross increase in premiums of 22.8% for their small group customers and 19.8% for individuals. MVP was approved for 11.1% for the small group rate and 14.2% for individuals.