Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Community members throughout the Central Vermont region are encouraged to attend the upcoming Youth Opportunity Regional Forum on January 9, 2024, from 5:30-7pm in the cafeteria of the Northfield Middle and High School to discuss how we can improve opportunities for youth in our communities.  The forum will be co-facilitated by a local youth facilitator and the Vermont Council on Rural Development. Free pizza and desserts will be served so that participants can join right after school or work. So far, five regional forums have taken place across the state along with several interviews with various affinity groups. The Central VT forum was originally scheduled for July 1 2023 at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, but was canceled due to the historic flooding. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles is informing Vermonters of recent upgrades to their online services include changes to the web address for registration renewal. The URL "dmvexpress.vermont.gov" has been retired, and they urge anyone with this bookmarked to update it immediately to the new address, "mydmv.vermont.gov." Staying vigilant is crucial, especially in the digital age where scams are prevalent. Please be cautious of third-party websites pretending to be the DMV. Do not automatically trust the top search results when looking for DMV services. 

Vermont Business Magazine One of the standout features of Act 41 (signed into law in June) is the elimination of the license plate validation sticker. Say goodbye to the tedious task of affixing those stickers on your license plates. Act 41 also ushers in a new era of convenience by allowing vehicle operators to present proof of registration electronically on a portable electronic device. This means you can now show up-to-date registration with a tap on your smartphone or other mobile devices.

Vermont Business Magazine The IRS has announced the standard mileage rate for 2024: 67 cents per mile, up 1.5 cents from 65.5 cents in 2023. Issued in Notice 2024-8, on Dec. 14, 2023, it covers the business use of a vehicle (cars, vans, pickups, and panel trucks) and will come into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) today released the following statement calling on Congress to reject the $10.1 billion in unconditional military aid being considered for Netanyahu’s right-wing government to continue its brutal war against the Palestinian people: The issue we face with Israel-Gaza is not complicated. While we recognize that Hamas’ barbaric terrorist attack began this war, we must also recognize that Israel’s military response has been grossly disproportionate, immoral, and in violation of international law. And, most importantly for Americans, we must understand that Israel’s war against the Palestinian people has been significantly waged with U.S. bombs, artillery shells, and other forms of weaponry. And the results have been catastrophic.

Northeastern Vermont Development Association Efficiency Vermont Flood Recovery program has been enhanced to include more incentives for qualifying equipment losses. Businesses whose heating, cooling, refrigeration, or commercial kitchen equipment was damaged by flooding can receive a flood recovery rebate of 100% of costs up to $4,000 per product, up to four products, in addition to standard offers. Also, NVDA is updating its Regional Plan, a guiding document that outlines a vision for the region and goals to help achieve that vision. The Plan covers a range of topics, including transportation, housing, energy, recreation, and zoning. We're gathering input from our communities and you can help! Please take a moment to complete the survey before Wednesday, Jan. 3rd.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rose last week, but fatalities have moderated after a small surge in the fall. There were 3 deaths reported by the Vermont Department of Health last week and 2 the week before, for a pandemic total now of 1,083. The VDH reported December 27, 2023, that COVID-19 hospitalizations were up 11 last week to a statewide total of 51, which is the highest total in several months. COVID-19 activity remains in the "Low" range, according to the VDH. Reported cases last week were 369, up 21 for the week. 

Vermont Business Magazine Texas netted the largest number of movers in one-way U-Haul equipment in 2023, marking the third consecutive year it has finished atop the U-Haul Growth Index. Florida ranks right behind Texas among growth states for the third year in a row, followed by North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Idaho, Washington, Arizona, Colorado and Virginia round out the top 10 states for growth. Vermont ranked 12th, up from 30th in 2022. Vermont was the only Northeastern state in the top half of the ranking.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced two leadership appointments: Nate Formalarie as deputy commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Heather Pembrook as deputy commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Vermont Business Magazine The Open Enrollment period for Vermont’s health insurance marketplace, known as Vermont Health Connect, is ending soon, but there is still time for eligible Vermonters to enroll or make changes to their plan. January 15 is the last day to enroll for qualified health plan coverage in 2024. Any eligible Vermonter can enroll via Vermont Health Connect by January 15 for coverage starting February 1. This year, the Department of Vermont Health Access has announced that online self-service is available through the end of Open Enrollment. Additionally, any customer currently enrolled in a qualified health plan can change their plan during this time. The Plan Comparison Tool is a resource available to Vermonters to help select the right plan for their needs. 

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.27 per gallon, down 2.8 cents per gallon from last week's $3.30/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.89/g while the highest was $3.49/g, a difference of 60.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 1.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.06/g today. The national average is down 17.3 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 12.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont has topped the list of Top Moving Destinations of 2023 according to the 2023 National Movers Study by United Van Lines, the nation’s largest household goods mover. In 2023, more residents moved into Vermont than out of the state, with 65% of moves being inbound.  The study showed that of moves to Vermont, moving to be closer to family (29%) led the reason for relocating to the state, followed by a lifestyle change (20%). The study also revealed a continued trend that Americans are moving to more affordable, lower-density areas across the country, and movers are also becoming more strategic with their planning, as relocation continues to be driven by factors such as the price of housing, regional climates, urban planning and job growth.