Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, introduced the Rural Energy Equity Act to improve and authorize strong funding levels for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The bill would make REAP more accessible for smaller rural businesses and farms and make the program more climate friendly. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Natural Resources’ Climate Action Office will host virtual public forums to discuss a one-time opportunity for Vermont to access federal funding through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, a component of the Inflation Reduction Act. Vermonters are invited to learn about climate actions eligible for this funding. Register to attend Vermont’s Opportunity for Federal Climate Funding virtual forum via Zoom to learn more and share your perspective. Two dates are offered: December 11 from 5:30–7 pm; December 12 from 11:30 am–1 pm.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director for Rural Development in Vermont and New Hampshire, Sarah Waring, today announced $765,211 in grant funding for two Twin State institutions. The University of New Hampshire (UNH) Center for Digital Health Innovation received $129,746, and Vermont State University (VTSU), $635,465 to improve and diversify remote access to healthcare and education through the Agency’s Distance Learning & Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. To benefit more than 5,500 students, VTSU will invest the DLT funds and its $96,600 contribution to enhance teleconferencing equipment for learning sites throughout the state. New tools include a specialized software virtualization platform and state-of-the-art technology kits for one-to-one teacher/student engagement. 

Vermont Business Magazine Howard Center has secured a $4 million federal grant to help the agency expand services and ensure access to coordinated and comprehensive behavioral health care. The four-year grant will enable Howard Center to meet federal criteria to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the CCBHC model requires agencies to provide a comprehensive range of behavioral health services so people who need more than one type of support don't have to look for help from multiple providers. CCBHC agencies are also required to help people navigate behavioral health care, physical health care, social services, and other systems. 

Vermont Business Magazine Temporary Direct Housing Assistance is available for eligible survivors of Vermont’s July 7-21 severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides. Eligible families in Lamoille, Washington and Windsor counties have until January 2025 to live in the units while looking for permanent housing. The deadline is 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration in July 2023. Governor Scott said on Tuesday that construction should begin on the former Montpelier golf course site earmarked for FEMA trailers (MHU) in the next two weeks.

Vermont Business Magazine Comcast today announced the completion of a project to expand its Xfinity 10G Network and deliver its full suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services, to more than 2,000 additional homes and businesses in Vermont. The expansion connects residents and businesses in the towns of Elmore, Eden, Sudbury, Wardsboro and Wolcott as well as more addresses in areas already serviced by Comcast, including Hubbardton, Jamaica, Stratton and Morristown. The milestone is part of Comcast’s ongoing expansion in Vermont, where the company has invested more than $93 million in technology and infrastructure over the last three years – including upgrades to its local network.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL) seek public input on proposed changes to the administrative rules governing agency designation. Agency designation rules determine the process for agencies to attain and uphold their recognition as community mental health centers and providers of intellectual and developmental disability services. Public and virtual meetings are scheduled for December 7, 12, and 18. The current administrative rules, last reviewed in 2003, could benefit from an update. This revision aims to enhance the document's accessibility and clarity, fostering a better understanding of the rules among the public and providers.

Vermont Business Magazine AM Best has removed from under review with developing implications and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) of “bbb+” (Good) of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) and its subsidiary, The Vermont Health Plan, LLC. The outlook assigned to the FSR is stable while the outlook assigned to the Long-Term ICRs is negative. These companies are collectively known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of VT Group (BCBSVT Group). Both companies are domiciled in Berlin, VT. These Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect BCBSVT Group’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. BCBSVT Group’s ratings were placed under review with developing implications on May 3, 2023, following the announcement of a pending formal affiliation between BCBSVT and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mutual Insurance Company (BCBS MI). 

Vermont Business Magazine Stowe Electric Department’s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network has helped put Stowe on the map as an EV-friendly travel destination, according to Outside Magazine. The magazine’s recently published article “7 Stunning Road Trips for Electric Vehicles” features Stowe as a stop along “The Vermont Ski Road Trip: Burlington to Killington,” thanks in part to Stowe Electric’s extensive public EV charging network, including its DC Fast Chargers located at The Alchemist Brewery. Stowe Electric Department owns and maintains nine Level-2 and two Level-3 DC Fast Charging stations conveniently located throughout Stowe. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Federal Nuclear Waste Policy (FNWP) Committee of the Vermont Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel (VT NDCAP) will hold its fifth meeting of 2023 on Monday, December 4th, from 12:00 Noon to 1:15 PM.  As permitted by ACT 1 of the 2023 Vermont Legislature, this meeting will be conducted solely as a webcast and teleconference.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast (PLC) expansion beyond Maine is now well underway, and the organization has announced staff changes and additions to ensure the quality of representation and benefits offered to its members remain consistent and strong throughout the region. The staff additions and changes for the logging and forest trucking association follow the PLC’s expansion in early October, which began with contractors from the state of Vermont becoming eligible to join the PLC and marked the biggest step for the organization since it was founded by loggers in Maine in 1995. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board will hold a special meeting to review recommendations from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department on trapping and on hunting coyotes with the aid of dogs. The virtual meeting will take place at noon, Thursday, November 30, 2023.  Most board members and department staff will be attending remotely. There is an in-person option for members of the public who cannot attend virtually at the Davis Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT 05620.