Current News

Vermont Business Magazine MVP Health Care and The University of Vermont Health Network announced a first-of-its-kind Care Guide benefit, which helps members better understand their conditions and navigate their unique health needs. This benefit is included as part of University of Vermont Health Advantage, a Medicare Advantage plan offered by a partnership between MVP and UVMHN and is a result of both organization’s work to improve the health of the communities they serve. Care Guides, first introduced earlier this year, are assigned to each UVM Health Advantage member and function as a “personal concierge."

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced that the federal Inflation Reduction Act will help mitigate rising health care costs for many Vermonters, particularly those on Medicare and who buy health plans on Vermont’s health insurance marketplace. The Act is expected to be signed into federal law by the President this week. The Act also includes key initiatives to control rising prescription drug costs, which will cap out-of-pocket costs for Vermonters.

Vermont Business Magazine The Community College of Vermont (CCV) and Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) are expanding a program to provide Vermonters with a debt-free college degree. The 802 Opportunity Grant provides free tuition to Vermonters with a household income of $75,000 or less that do not already have a bachelor’s degree. The grant is available to new or returning students of any age. According to US Census data, the median household income in Vermont is $63,477. The 802 Opportunity Grant is a natural extension of CCV and VSAC’s work to address college affordability.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Public Safety will host a SurviVermont session this evening in Derby and is adding another one this week in Chittenden County. The 90-minute session in Colchester is scheduled to begin at 6 pm. Thursday, August 18, at Colchester High School, 131 Laker Lane. There are 50 seats available, and pre-registration is required. Sign-ups are available online on a first-come, first-served basis. Supported by a grant from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, SurviVermont combines three easy-to-remember concepts from established federal public safety programs: See Something, Say Something; Run, Hide and Fight; and Stop the Bleed.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are down 9 cents in the last week to $4.31 per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 10 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.91/g today. Prices in Vermont have fallen at a slower pace than the national average over the last month. Gas Buddy analysis suggests that prices here and nationally could be on the way back up.

Mike Del Trecco, Interim President and CEO, VAHHS It’s once again time for our non-profit hospitals to go before the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) to present their budgets for the next fiscal year. Vermont hospitals have gone through an extensive process of evaluating revenues, expenses, challenges and the needs of their people, patients and communities. Each hospital budget has been reviewed and approved by a community board with members who understand their communities, hospital-specific challenges and, of course, the importance of affordability.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC), hosted by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, has announced three funding opportunities for dairy farmers and service providers. Dairy farmers may apply for funds to support the purchase of equipment and supplies to improve milk storage, handling, and energy efficiencies. Applicants can select from a list of eligible equipment. This grant has an application period of August 25th-October 6th. Grants will range from $15,000- $50,000 with a 25% match commitment. Match waivers may be available. Click here to learn more about the details of the grant.

VermontBiz Vermont is a home to unique kinds of businesses, ones that are good to their employees, customers, the environment and the Vermont community. Every year, VermontBiz and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce honor a Vermont business that demonstrates an outstanding history of sustained growth while displaying an acute awareness of what makes Vermont unique. The Deane C Davis Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year Award, named for the former Vermont governor and established in 1990, boasts three finalists again this year. They are: Caledonia Spirits of Montpelier, Healthy Living Market of South Burlington and Hickok and Boardman Insurance Group of Burlington.

The Vermont State Police investigation is continuing early Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022, into a non-fatal police shooting that occurred earlier in the day by a member of the Burlington Police Department in the city’s Old North End. An initial review by VSP detectives shows that three BPD officers responded shortly before 3 p.m. to a brief 911 call that reported an unspecified emergency at 249 Manhattan Drive. The officers encountered David Johnson, 20, outside the Burlington home at that address where he lives. He was carrying a large kitchen knife and had made statements about wanting to end his life.