Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Sixteen local Veterans will participate in the 28th Annual Veterans Affairs (VA) New England Adaptive Winter Sports Clinic, January 12-15, 2026, at Mount Sunapee, NH and in Lebanon, NH. “Each year the Veterans who participate exemplify courage, determination and fortitude as they push their limits,” said Dr. Brett Rusch, Executive Director of VA White River Junction Healthcare System. The Veterans will take part in various adaptive winter sporting activities including sled hockey, downhill skiing, snowboarding, ski biking, rock climbing, and other adaptive sports modalities, alongside nearly 50 fellow disabled Veterans from New England, supported by more than 120 volunteers and numerous Veteran Service Organizations and sponsors.

Vermont Business Magazine Prolytix, a Vermont-based leader in bioanalytical and protein characterization services, announces it has acquired 60 validated assays previously owned by Hemostasis Reference Laboratory (HRL). HRL was a respected global reference laboratory specializing in thrombosis and hemostasis testing. This acquisition creates an end-to-end solution for thrombosis and hemostasis analytical services. The combination of Prolytix’s foundational strength in protein science and HRL’s deep experience in clinical and specialty coagulation testing will offer sponsors a fully integrated continuum of expertise spanning sample collection, research reagents, release and stability testing of protein therapeutics, and advanced bioanalytical testing services.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) today released the following statement regarding the Trump administration's investigations into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and Trump’s political opponents: Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is a conservative Republican. I voted against his nomination based on policy disagreements. In a democracy, debate and disagreement are normal. But Donald Trump does not “disagree” with his opponents. In his pursuit of absolute power, he attempts to destroy anyone who stands in his way. He is actively prosecuting Powell not because the Fed Chair broke the law, but because he won’t bend the knee to Donald Trump. This is what happens in dictatorships, not democracies.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermonters made a total of 3,982 scam reports to the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) in 2025 – an increase of 12% over the previous year. Leading the list for the fifth consecutive year was the “Computer Tech Support” scam, totaling more than a quarter of the top scams reported. This scam tricks people with sudden alerts about alleged computer issues, such as expiring antivirus software or malware infections. Debt collection scams also rose in 2025, appearing in the top ten list for the first time and ranking second overall.

Vermont Business Magazine Community Bank, a subsidiary of Community Financial System, Inc. (CFSI), has announced Vermonter Matt Durkee Matt Durkee has been appointed Chief Banking Officer, effective January 2, 2026. Durkee succeeds Jeff Levy, who retired at the end of the year following a distinguished banking career. As Chief Banking Officer, Durkee will oversee Community Bank’s banking strategy and performance across commercial, small business, and retail banking. His responsibilities will include driving balanced growth, strengthening client relationships, advancing credit and risk discipline, supporting market expansion, and ensuring alignment between banking operations and the company’s broader strategic objectives. The role also plays a central part in talent development, operational excellence, and delivering consistent value to customers and communities.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Treasurer Pieciak announced that thousands more Vermonters with qualifying disabilities are now eligible to open a Vermont ABLE account due to a federal expansion of the program under the ABLE Age Adjustment Act. Taking effect January 1, 2026, the act raises the age of disability onset for ABLE eligibility from 26 to 46, opening the door for many Vermonters who were previously excluded from the program to participate, including veterans and individuals who acquired disabilities later in life due to illness, injury, or accident. 

Vermont Business Magazine Saint Michael’s College has updated its portfolio of academic offerings to better prepare students to navigate the complexities of the modern world with skill, professionalism, and empathy, while remaining firmly grounded in its liberal arts tradition. As the nature of work continues to evolve, employers increasingly value graduates who can think critically, adapt to change, and collaborate across disciplines. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, skills such as critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and adaptability now outrank technical expertise, and nearly 40 percent of core job skills are projected to change by 2030.  

Vermont Business Magazine Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont today announced that Beth Roberts is president and CEO following a two-month transition period with outgoing President and CEO Don George. Roberts joins Blue Cross VT from Beth Israel Lahey Health Performance Network, a clinically integrated network of physicians, clinicians, and hospitals. Her experience in this role, and over thirty years working in health care, has given her a strong understanding of the challenges facing providers and insurers. Roberts’ expertise in bringing people together and leading through complex challenges will be a key differentiator as she collaborates with Vermont health care providers, employers, regulators and legislators to make quality health care more affordable.

by Maggie Lenz and Gwynn Zakov S.220, a bill that would temporarily cap how much school districts can increase their budgets, got a full walkthrough in Senate Finance late last week. It was introduced by Sen. Phil Baruth (D/P, Chittenden Central), who serves as Senate President Pro Tempore. He first floated the idea in his opening day address. If enacted, it would cap education spending growth for every school district in fiscal years 2028 and 2029. Each district would be assigned an “allowable growth percentage” based on how its per pupil spending compares to the highest-spending district in the state. Lower-spending districts could grow more. Higher-spending ones would be capped at 3 percent. The cap is strict. Districts would not be allowed to adopt budgets above their assigned level.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $2.99 per gallon, down 2.2 cents per gallon from last week's $3.01/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.65/g while the highest was $3.29/g, a difference of 64.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 0.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.73/g today.

by Devon Green, VP of Government Relations, VAHHS Legislative Update The first week of the session normally has a back-to-school vibe, where everyone is getting their feet under them. Not this year. The legislature is already diving in on federal issues, rural health transformation, and—most importantly—affordability. At VAHHS, we’re hitting the ground running as well.

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program will open for applications on January 15th, offering critical support for farmers, ranchers, and producer-based businesses looking to grow through value-added products. With approximately $25 million available nationwide, VAPG helps producers develop new products, expand marketing opportunities, and increase income by enhancing the value and reach of their goods.