Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Today, the Burlington International Airport (BTV) held a grand opening for the long-awaited Terminal Integration Project (TIP). This terminal integration will feature a streamlined security checkpoint, expanded passenger seating, and improved amenities, while greatly reducing BTV’s carbon footprint, among other efficiencies. Passengers will begin utilizing the integrated security checkpoint, found on the south side of the terminal, this Tuesday, October 11, at 4 am. This $19 million project was funded by an Airport Improvement Grant (AIP) administered by the Federal Aviation Administration, which Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) was instrumental in securing.

by Dana Kaplan, Executive Director, Outright Vermont Make no mistake, trans people - especially trans youth - are under attack in this country and right here in Vermont, in all corners of our state. You may ask if the latest onslaught of hate is unprecedented in our state's history, the answer is yes, and you should be concerned.

by Senator Bernie Sanders Public libraries play an enormously important role in our communities and we should all be proud that Vermont has 183 of them – more, per capita, than any other state in the country. As the world and technology changes, so does the role of Vermont libraries. As Youth Services Librarian Sam Maskell put it when speaking about the Rockingham Free Public Library, “The library is the community’s living room.” I couldn’t agree more, and I believe we see that reality all across Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Public and the Agency of Education have launched an Education Ambassadors program to develop educational resources and support teachers using public media programming. Vermont Public and the Agency of Education have launched an Education Ambassadors program to develop educational resources and support teachers using public media programming. The new program will connect educators to quality curriculum, radio, video, podcasts, and interactives.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont joined other nationwide applicants in applying for funding from the $1 billion Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program. Vermont’s application proposes a $114 million, 1,663-mile, statewide middle mile network. The proposal was developed in collaboration with the state's nine Communications Union Districts and the state's major telecommunication companies. This project is supported by a $30 million state match to be included in the Governor’s budget proposal and over $16 million in cash and in-kind contributions from NEK Broadband, ECFiber, and FirstLight.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont rose 1 cent in the last week, after falling the last few months. US prices already were on the rise and OPEC+ is planning to cut production, which is expected to raise petroleum prices. As of today, the Vermont average for gasoline is $3.66, which is 26 cents per gallon lower than last month and 52 cents higher than a year ago.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont businesses have fantastic year at the region’s biggest fair: The Big E. When the 2022 Big E ended on Sunday October 2nd, preliminary sales totaled $1.7 million dollars. The 17-day event invited visitors from New England and beyond to come experience a taste of our region’s businesses, food, agriculture, and products. The Vermont Building once again hosted many great businesses from the Green Mountain State, providing a wonderful, historic venue for a great year. This year brought a return to pre-pandemic activity across the fairgrounds and in the Vermont Building. Total attendance at the Big E this year reached 1,603,354 million visitors, second only to 2019. Twenty-three Vermont vendors welcomed those who visited the Vermont Building. Harvest New England Day on September 30^th increased that number to thirty-one.

Vermont Business Magazine It was announced today that the Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) and the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) were awarded grants via the US Economic Development Administration Build to Scale (B2S) program. The two grants represent $4.5 million to support innovation in rural communities. BRIC and CEDRR received Venture Challenge grants of $3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, to fund innovation hubs in central Vermont. BRIC, based in Springfield, will partner with the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation (GMEDC) to scale its programming and expand its reach to a second location in Randolph, while CEDRR will use its funds to launch Rutland’s Tech Startup Incubator.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Retail and Grocers Association presented Representative Peter Welch with a Hero of Main Street award October 5 at Bailey Road in Montpelier. The Hero of Main Street award was created by the National Retail Federation in 2013 to recognize legislators that have taken key votes and sponsored bills that advance retailer’s priorities.

Vermont Business Magazine iSun, Inc (NASDAQ: ISUN), a Williston-based leading solar energy and clean mobility infrastructure company with 50-years of experience accelerating the adoption of innovative electrical technologies, on Tuesday announced execution of three contracts totaling $9.3 million and 12.1 MW in Maine establishing a relationship with a new customer.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has announced this year’s Sally Laughlin Award recipient, Steve Parren. The Sally Laughlin Award for the Conservation of Endangered and Threatened Species is selected annually by the Agency of Natural Resources Secretary based on recommendations from Vermont’s Endangered Species Committee. The award is given to a person who has shown leadership in advancing knowledge, understanding and conservation of endangered and threatened species and their habitats in Vermont.

by John McClaughry Last week I went on a journey of exploration into the exciting world of climate change activism. My entrance portal was the Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. VPIRG has blossomed into a political action juggernaut with aggressive leadership, thousands of contributors, unquestioning media support, and a $2 million annual budget.