Current News

Vermont Agency of Transportation This weekly report is a list of planned construction activities that will have traffic impacts on state highways throughout Vermont for the week of November 14, 2022. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.

Vermont Business Magazine The Third Annual Vermont Holiday Market returns to the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, Vermont on December 3^rd & 4^th, 2022. The Blue Ribbon Pavilion will host over 60 crafters and artisans each day. New for this year, the Holiday Market is now a two-day event. In response to the increasing interest in the event by both participants and patrons, we have expanded the Market to include both Saturday and Sunday this year.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported November 9 that hospitalizations decreased from 47 to 38 last week, as overall COVID-19 cases fell from 532 to 442. COVID-19 infections are back down to a "Low" level for the third week, according to the VDH, after increasing hospitalizations had sent them to "Medium" a few weeks ago (from a low of 30). There were 3 more COVID-related deaths since last week's report, for 4 so far in November and a pandemic total of 763 (the VDH report could be updated as more data becomes available). There were 19 COVID-related fatalities in August, 11 in September and 30 in October. Vermont is tied for the lowest COVID fatality rate in the nation, at 121 per 100,000 population.

Vermont Business Magazine Six Vermont communities are receiving $4,000 each in grant funds from AARP Vermont to initiate or enhance winter placemaking demonstration projects. The projects focus on creating or reinventing public spaces to improve safety, accessibility, and overall appeal on a temporary or permanent basis. Proposals from Burlington, Rutland, White River Junction, Mendon, Putney, and Swanton were selected from dozens of applications for the initiative. This is the sixth year of AARP Vermont’s Placemaking Grant Program, which aims to spearhead demonstration project efforts that will help build momentum for long-term livability improvements with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50 and over.

Vermont Business Magazine The National Life Group Board of Directors has approved an estimated payment of approximately $26.5 million in dividends to eligible participating policyholders in 2023. This payment represents National Life’s ongoing commitment to its policyholders and continues a proud heritage of having paid a dividend every year since 1855. An annual dividend is a yearly payment from the life insurance company for certain policies. Every year the company determines what the dividend rate will be, or if they will pay a dividend at all. Annual dividends are not guaranteed and may increase or decrease from policy year to policy year.

Vermont Business Magazine Champlain College Esports Club will once again join thousands of gamers nationally to raise money for its local Children’s Miracle Network hospital, the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, this year with a 48-hour marathon Extra Life event. The on-campus gaming event unites about 200 players and audience members from the school community to play games, participate in tournaments and make donations to fund critical life-saving treatments, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, and child life services.

Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) has officially launched the Worker Relocation Incentive Program, which will provide incentive grants to defray moving costs for out of state people relocating to Vermont. The program and $3 million in funding were passed as part of ACT 183 by the Vermont Legislature during the 2022 session. The Worker Relocation Incentive Program will provide grants of up to $7,500 to both new workers (moving to Vermont to take a Vermont job) and remote workers (moving to Vermont and bringing their job with them). This new program has expanded to include all occupations to better serve employers needs across all sectors. The program also includes a pre-approval process for those who have not yet moved to the state. The pre-approval process informs applicants prior to moving if they are eligible to receive a grant once they relocate, and it reserves funding to pay their grant once they complete their move and submit the required verification documentation.

Vermont Business Magazine Just ahead of Veterans Day, U.S. Secretary of Labor, Martin J. Walsh, recognized Darn Tough Vermont as one of the recipients of the 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by the U.S. Department of Labor. Darn Tough earned the Gold award – and is the only Vermont company to receive this recognition. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.

Vermont Business Magazine Residents in five Chittenden County municipalities voted Tuesday to form a Communications Union District (CUD) to pool demand, resources, and speed up the build-out of universal broadband. 89% of voters cast a ballot in favor of forming the Chittenden County CUD.

"I am thrilled by the overwhelming response from South Burlington voters in support of forming and joining a regional Communications Union District in what promises to be a huge step forward towards improving the affordability, quality, and access to high-speed broadband connectivity and service in our region," said Andrew Bolduc, South Burlington Deputy City Manager.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont fell one cent per gallon from yesterday but were still up 5 cents/g from last week, up 18 cents from last month and up 55 cents from last year. The lowest price was $3.50/g in Hartford and the highest was in Addison at $4.19.

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington residents will soon be able to enjoy a slate of wonderful new public activations, art, and amenities at the former Moran Plant site, now called The FRAME, thanks to a recently launched crowdfunding campaign. The campaign is sponsored by the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development’s Better Places program and led by Friends of The FRAME. If the campaign reaches its $20,000 goal by December 15, 2022 the “Activations, Art, and Amenities at The FRAME” project will receive a matching grant of $40,000 from DHCD’s Better Places program.

Vermont Business Magazine Commissioner of Finance & Management, Adam Greshin, has announced a public forum for comment on FY 2024 State budget development. Pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 306(d) the Governor is required to enable public participation in the development of goals and in the general prioritization of spending and revenue initiatives. Members of the public with thoughts, comments, or suggestions regarding the development of the FY 2024 budget are invited to participate via an online survey or through a link to a brief budget presentation and public comment page.