Current News

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported last week that the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined below 10 cases statewide as the winter flu season continues. Other indicators through wastewater analysis show an increase in COVID-19, Norovirus and especially RSV in Vermont and nationally. There are no recently reported measles cases in Vermont and the rate nationally is low.

Vermont Business Magazine The Windham Foundation, a nonprofit based in Grafton, VT that works to enhance Vermont's economic, cultural, and civic life, has announced its funding opportunities and new guidelines for its 2026 Grants Program. Similar to 2025, the Foundation will offer two grant cycles, Spring and Fall, with each cycle having two distinct mission-driven focus areas. New this year, the Spring cycle, with a deadline of March 15, 2026, at 5pm, will be open to nonprofits focused on (1) Economic Development; Workforce Development; and Job Readiness, and (2) Cultivation of Food; Food Security; Food Processing and Distribution; Healthy Forests and Streams; Conservation; Climate Change Adaptation.

Vermont Business Magazine The Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth at the Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) recently awarded $35,166 in grants to support eight dynamic and innovative youth programs serving Bennington, North Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury, and Woodford. The VCF engaged community members who live and/or work with youth in these five towns as members of the review committee. In 2025, the Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth aimed to support spaces, activities, and opportunities for youth to gather, connect, and feel a sense of belonging. 

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Today, the Vermont Department of Labor reported that the seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate for December was 2.6%. This reflects no change from the prior month’s revised estimate. Vermont has the third-lowest rate in the nation behind a tie behind Hawaii and South Dakota (2.2%). California has the highest rate at 5.5%. The comparable United States rate in December was 4.4%, a decrease of one-tenth of one percentage point from the revised November estimate.

Vermont Business Magazine NBT Bancorp Inc (NASDAQ: NBTB) reported net income and diluted earnings per share for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $55.5 million, or $1.06 per diluted common share, compared to $36.0 million, or $0.76 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, and $54.5 million, or $1.03 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2025. Operating diluted earnings per share(1), a non-GAAP measure, was $1.05 for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $0.77 for the fourth quarter of 2024 and $1.05 for the third quarter of 2025. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $169.2 million, or $3.33 per diluted common share, compared to $140.6 million, or $2.97 per diluted common share, in the prior year.

by Devon Green, Sr. Vice President of Policy & Strategy, VAHHS Last week, I was slowed down by someone taking a photo of the State House. The building looked glorious in the morning sun with a fresh coat of snow, and I mentally thanked this tourist for giving me a moment to look around and appreciate where I was. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the “tourist” was one of our long-serving legislators! It speaks volumes that this place engenders a sense of awe even to those of us who have been here day in and day out for years. 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State University (VTSU) proudly announces outstanding results from its semi-annual National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) reporting for graduates of its nursing programs. These achievements reflect the dedication of VTSU’s faculty and clinical instructors and the perseverance of students committed to entering the nursing profession. The NCLEX is a mandatory exam for nursing graduates to obtain licensure, assessing critical thinking and clinical judgment to ensure safe patient care. Passing the NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) or NCLEX-PN (Practical Nurse) is a requirement of beginning a professional nursing career.

Vermont Business Magazine Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) has further evolved its Family Caregiver Support Program. Back in April 2024, the agency added a part-time position to respond to the growing population of family caregivers, especially concerning the needs of their family members with dementia. The new staffing additionally provided capacity to offer personalized support for family caregivers using networks such as TCARE and Trualta.

Vermont Business Magazine Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) today released the following statement: ICE is out of control, ignoring the law and our Constitution. Congress must vote NO on any additional funding for DHS. 

Vermont Business Magazine First Children’s Finance has released a new Vermont Supply and Demand Gap Analysis that shows measurable progress in expanding access to full-day, full-year child care across Vermont, while making clear that ongoing shortfalls continue to constrain workforce participation and business growth. The new analysis finds Vermont closed the gap between supply and demand by 1,992 full-time spaces between 2024 and 2026. That progress comes amid modest demographic shifts: Demand for child care declined by about 8 percent over the same period, driven by a smaller population of young children — not by reduced workforce participation among parents.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued the following Declaration of Emergency Travel Notice: Please be aware that the following vehicle types will be restricted from operation on Vermont Route 9 from 12:00 p.m. Sunday 1/25/26 until NOON Monday 1/26/26. This closure is being put into effect in anticipation of severe winter weather that will impact travel. Please note that truck deliveries of food, fuel, and medical supplies will not be subject to restrictions.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, last week announced his opposition to any government funding package that provides additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): “Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has turned the mission of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) upside down, away from immigration enforcement and into an aggressive paramilitary force that terrorizes our communities, interferes with local policing, and makes our communities less safe. She has abused her authority—I will not support a funding bill that gives her a blank check to fund ICE’s inhumane tactics and excessive force."