Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), announced a donation of more than $100,000 to off-road vehicles (ORV), all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and snowmobile organizations across the United States and Canada as a part of its TRAILS GRANTS program, including Sno-Bees Snowmobile Club Inc in Barre. The TRAILS GRANTS program focuses on promoting safe and responsible riding, supporting trail preservation, and helping protect the environment and natural resources that are a part of the off-road trail systems. Combined with the 14 2023 Spring TRAILS GRANTS recipients announced in April, Polaris has awarded 25 organizations in 19 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces a total of nearly $250,000 through this year's TRAILS GRANTS program.   

Vermont Business Magazine Kenley Dean Squier, owner of the WDEV (Radio Vermont Group) in Waterbury, the founder of Barre’s Thunder Road, the Motor Racing Network, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, a sports broadcaster (including the Daytona 500, world golf and regional sports) and auto racing impresario, died Wednesday at 88. Governor Phil Scott, who has often raced at Thunder Road, today issued the following statement: “Today, we mourn the loss of a true Vermont legend and dear friend to me and so many others."

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF), in collaboration with Efficiency Vermont and its Energy Excellence Network, is launching an advanced business assistance program for Vermont energy professionals. Starting in January 2024, a cohort of competitively selected energy services business owners and entrepreneurs will work directly with experienced business coaches to receive advanced business assistance in a new program called, “Tools of the Trade – Business Fundamentals for Energy Pros.”

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) will host two public meetings in December 2023 to present a draft long-range management plan for the Worcester Range Management Unit (WRMU). A presentation of the draft plan and public comment opportunity will be held: December 13, 6-8pm, Doty Elementary School, 24 Calais Road, Worcester, VT; December 19, 6-8pm, Stowe High School, 413 Barrows Road, Stowe, VT. These 18,500+ acres of state-owned land, located in north-central Vermont, are in the towns of Worcester, Middlesex, Stowe, Elmore, and Waterbury. The WRMU includes five separate parcels. The C.C. Putnam State Forest and Elmore State Park are managed by the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. The Middlesex Notch Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Middlesex WMA, and Worcester Woods WMA are managed by the Fish and Wildlife Department.

Vermont Business Magazine Stowe Electric Department has received the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation for demonstrating commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed energy resources, and environmental initiatives that support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost, and sustainable electric service. The SEP designation, which lasts for two years (December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2025), recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines: smart energy information; energy efficiency and distributed energy resources programs; environmental and sustainability programs and initiatives; and communication, education, and customer experience. 

Vermont Business Magazine Burger King and Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc has opened a new restaurant in Bennington, which is part of a next step in the brand’s “Reclaim the Flame” strategy announced in September 2022. From modernized restaurants and service to high- quality menu offerings and everyday value, the new strategy will allow Guests to experience these enhanced offerings the moment they step foot into the new restaurant, allowing them to “Have it Their Way.” Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce will host an official public ribbon-cutting event the afternoon of Friday, Nov. 17.

Vermont Business Magazine Norwich University has been awarded $487,000 in federal appropriations funding to support the university’s commitment to helping Vermont be at the forefront of modern nursing education and propel workforce development efforts in this critical sector. The funding was made available thanks to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, who submitted a wide range of Congressionally Directed Spending requests for Fiscal Year 2023, including one for Norwich University’s enhancement of a new state-of-the-art virtual nursing lab. The appropriation was one of fifteen of Senator Sanders’ requests in the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies category selected for funding.

by Megan Sullivan, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Last year at this time, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce shared that “amid a nation more divided than ever, Vermont remains a leader in unity, particularly when it comes to agreeing on the top issues facing our state. If we can agree on the problems, we are confident we can find balanced solutions. Vermonters agree on the ‘what,’ and we look forward to working together to find common ground on the ‘how.’” As we approach the second half of the biennium, this sentiment remains true. Businesses statewide trust the Vermont Chamber to prioritize collaboration and uphold the core values that define our state. Our team meets with legislators and businesses year-round because our work to advance the Vermont economy never stops. 

Vermont Business Magazine Thanks to the hard work of Sugarbush’s snowmaking team and a little cooperation from Mother Nature, Sugarbush Resort is opening a day early this season on Friday, November 17th. The resort will be operating the Gate House Quad from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM providing access to a groomed Pushover, Slowpoke, Lower Pushover, and Sugarbear Road. The first 200 guests to show up will receive a limited-edition Opening Day hat, as well as a free breakfast sandwich. Given the time of year, early season conditions are to be expected. Starting Friday, Sugarbush will begin operating seven days a week for the 2023/24 winter season.

Vermont Business Magazine On Wednesday, November 8th, Norwich University became the first-ever university to sign an Educational Partnership Agreement with U.S. Cyber Command. This agreement coincided with a visit from General Paul Nakasone, Commander, US Cyber Command and Director, National Security Agency (NSA)/Chief, Central Security Service (CSS), who had taken the trip to Northfield to present to Norwich students and tour the university’s facilities. US Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) and Norwich University enter into the Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA) in recognition of the importance of education to the future and economic well-being of the nation, as well as the importance of CYBERCOM to the educational institutions of the United States. 

Vermont Business Magazine Maple Broadband has connected over one hundred customers to high-speed fiber optic internet. Maple Broadband currently offers broadband service across 57 miles of its service area in portions of the towns of Cornwall, Middlebury, Salisbury, Shoreham, Leicester, and Whiting. By the end of 2023, service will be expanded to include the majority of Shoreham, portions of Orwell, and additional portions of Cornwall and Whiting by the end of the year. Maple Broadband’s currently funded 2024 construction plans include bringing service to portions of 7 towns: Vergennes, Ferrisburgh, Monkton, Orwell, Waltham, Monkton, and New Haven.

Vermont Business Magazine iSun, Inc (NASDAQ: ISUN), a leading solar energy and clean mobility infrastructure company with 50 years of experience accelerating the adoption of innovative electrical technologies, today announced financial results for the third quarter of 2023 ended September 30, 2023: Q3 2023 revenues of $27.9 million, a 47% increase from Q3 2022, driven by higher demand in commercial and industrial division and strong execution of company’s strategy; Reaffirms expectations for total revenue of $95-100 million in 2023, a 24-31% increase over 2022; Signs term sheet for non-dilutive $8 term loan.