Current News

Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation This month, the legislature began its 2026 session with an ambitious schedule that includes important pieces of legislation relevant to economic development that we’re watching closely. Among them: Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP); Permanently extend the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI) Program; Continuing Technical Education (CTE).

Vermont Business Magazine The Navy Office of Community Outreach recently announced the 12 locations it will visit in 2026 as part of the Navy’s signature outreach program known as Navy Weeks. Navy Weeks provide an opportunity for communities to better understand how the Navy delivers power for peace, from seabed to space. As the nation celebrates Freedom 250 throughout 2026, the Navy’s Outreach team will embark on a celebratory “Road Trip to 250,” linking key locations in America to our maritime dominance. Navy Weeks will serve as a symbolic link connecting communities across America to their Navy, highlighting the shared history and the enduring commitment to defending freedom and supporting our nation’s independence.

Vermont Business Magazine Morrisville Water and Light, together with the Vermont Natural Resources Council, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, American Whitewater, and the Vermont Council of Trout Unlimited, have jointly requested a status conference with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding matters related to the Green River Reservoir, the FERC license, and the State of Vermont’s Water Quality Certification.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Vermont initial weekly unemployment claims increased last week following the usual volatile labor activity at the end of holiday season. For the week ending January 10, 2026, the Vermont Department of Labor reported that there were 600 new claims, up 69 from the previous week and down 15 from last year at this time. New claims are at typical seasonal levels but ongoing claims are high. The Montpelier-based Public Assets Institute released its analysis of the labor market this week, which found that the number of Vermonters working has fallen below pre-pandemic levels as of late 2025. Wall Street lost ground this week, as the S&P 500 fell slightly to close at 6,940 after it peaked earlier this week at 6,986. The Nasdaq and Dow also slumped. The DJIA finished the week at 49,359 after a 52-week high of 49,633 and Nasdaq closed at 23,515 after peaking a 24,019.

Vermont Business Magazine New bag scanning technology at the Emergency Department (ED) entrance of University of Vermont Medical Center will make entering the hospital easier for patients and visitors, starting later this month. Beginning January 20, patients and visitors entering the ED will once again be able to bring personal bags with them into the hospital. All bags and personal items will be screened using the enhanced technology, which will speed up the screening process for patients and visitors arriving at the ED. The new screening process replaces the hospital’s previous policy, which went into effect in 2023, required patients and visitors in the ED to leave personal bags in their vehicle and utilize clear plastic bags to hold their personal items while in the facility. 

by Attorney General Charity Clark Scammers are coming for your business. The business impostor scam is where criminals pretend to be a business representative, a supervisor, an employee, a customer, or a potential business partner. Having gained your trust, they attempt via email or phone to trick you into sending them money. Sometimes, the scammers are phishing for personal data, like account passwords and bank account numbers, that they can use to steal your money – or sell on illegal online marketplaces. Make no mistake: imposter scammers are sophisticated criminals. They often have pieces of your information, which are used to make their scam appear legitimate. Scammers are experts in human psychology. Their messages are designed to spark emotion, create urgency, and push you to act quickly before your rational thinking takes over.

Vermont Business Magazine The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced the appointment of five leaders in agriculture to serve on the Vermont USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee. Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and, in support of the Trump Administration’s Farmers First commitment, members of the FSA state committee are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders and keeping producers informed about current FSA programs.   

Vermont Business Magazine Vermonters can keep their New Year’s resolutions to save energy with 2026 rebates and financial support from Efficiency Vermont and partners across the state—including weatherization incentives while funding lasts. Heat pump heating system rebates are available through a joint program offered by Efficiency Vermont and your electric utility. Efficiency Vermont’s website also has information on additional incentives that may be available from your utility. Weatherization rebates offering up to 90% cash back are also available

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Economic Conference returns on Tuesday, January 27, with a compelling, speaker-driven agenda designed to help business and policy leaders understand the forces shaping Vermont’s economy and what comes next. Presented by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the conference brings together nationally recognized voices and trusted Vermont experts for a full day of insight, analysis, and perspective. In addition to its robust agenda, the Vermont Economic Conference will include the presentation of the Outstanding Business of the Year Award, recognizing Birnn Chocolates for its enduring commitment to quality, innovation, and community leadership.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Public Service announced Thursday that on December 23, 2025, Consolidated Communications of Vermont Company (CCVT), LLC, which does business as Fidium, filed a petition with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The petition requests permission to discontinue traditional landline phone service (also known as legacy voice service) in certain areas of Vermont, in the following exchanges: Jacksonville, Jamaica, St. Johnsbury, Newfane (including Williamsville) and Wardsboro. Where fiber service is available, Fidium proposes to transition customers from traditional landline phone service to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service. VoIP phone service uses an internet connection instead of copper phone lines.

Vermont Business Magazine The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) on Wednesday announced that it has initiated investigations into 18 educational entities in 10 states based on complaints submitted to OCR alleging that they have violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). This includes Champlain Valley School District (Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, Vermont). The complaints assert that these entities, which range from K-12 school districts to postsecondary education institutions to state departments of education, maintain policies or practices that discriminate on the basis of sex by permitting students to participate in sports based on their ‘gender identity,’ not biological sex.

Vermont Business Magazine MENTOR Vermont, in partnership with youth mentoring programs, youth mentees, volunteer mentors, legislators, and business supporters, encourages all Vermonters to join us in celebrating National Mentoring Month this January, and the theme of Belonging, and to consider becoming a mentor in your community this year. Belonging is the foundation of connection. When young people feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to engage in school, build confidence, and take positive risks that help them grow. At a time of widespread isolation and division, focusing on belonging reframes mentoring as a solution that builds empathy and stronger communities.