Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) today announced the second wave of approved grant applications to support community recovery and revitalization through the Capital Investment Program (CIP). The program aims to strengthen communities by reversing the harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic through assistance with capital investments that will help businesses to recover, retain existing jobs and spur economic growth. This second round of 12 approved applicants, following a multi-step evaluation and approval process, grants $3.5 million to projects in six counties across multiple sectors including education, outdoor recreation, childcare, healthcare, arts and culture, and housing.

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington Electric Department (BED) issued a peak alert for Wednesday, July 20 from 5:00-8:00pm as part of its Defeat the Peak program), encouraging members of the Burlington community to reduce their energy usage. Burlingtonians can lend a hand by taking the following steps on what is projected to be an unusually hot summer day: Raise thermostat temperatures or turn off air conditioners between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00pm before returning air conditioners to cooler settings; Wait until after 8:00pm or later to use washing machines, clothing dryers, dishwashers, and other appliances; Turn off non-essential lights until 8:00pm or later; Avoid charging electric vehicles until after 8:00pm (or until 10:00pm if you are on BED’s special off-peak charging rate); and Delay other discretionary electric consumption until after 8:00pm.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is encouraging members to conserve electricity tomorrow evening (Wednesday) and Thursday evening as demand for electricity across New England is expected to spike because of high temperatures. Specifically, VEC asks members to conserve electricity both evenings from 5-10 pm.

Vermont Business Magazine The Burlington City Council gave unanimous approval Monday night to a 75-year lease between the Burlington International Airport and BETA Technologies to help ensure that the innovative, electric aviation company remains a vibrant part of the region’s economy for the long term. The agreement will enable BETA to construct and operate a 355,000-square-foot building on airport property to design, produce and assemble electric aircraft. BETA currently employs more than 300 people at its BTV facility, in high-paying positions. BETA also manages a robust internship program, collaborating with local educational institutions, to provide students with work-study opportunities; and is currently seeking to fill another 50 full-time positions. BETA projects hiring hundreds of additional employees and interns, as it brings the planned production facility at BTV online in 2023.

Vermont Business Magazine On Monday night, Mayor Miro Weinberger announced the successful negotiation of contracts with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the contract was ratified in a unanimous vote by the City Council during its July 18 meeting. The Council ratified a four-year International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) contract on June 27. The four-year contract with AFSCME includes a new paid family leave policy, making Burlington the first municipality in Vermont to offer paid family leave to its employees.

Vermont Business Magazine Chimney, a leader in financial guidance for the digital age, today announced partnerships with three credit unions, including NorthCountry Federal Credit Union. Chimney’s award-winning digital tools and modern financial calculators enable credit unions to provide tailored financial guidance for their members while increasing qualified conversions across digital channels.

​Vermont Business Magazine At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, our mission is to help you and your family live happier, healthier lives. We recognize that dental health is an important part of your overall health and well-being. We are proud to now offer Vermont Blue Dental, comprehensive dental plans, and coverage, to large employer groups.

by Michael Del Trecco, Interim President and CEO, VAHHS As I write this, we are in the middle of one of the most beautiful Vermont summers I can remember. The weather seems to be perfect every weekend, giving those who work weekdays time to enjoy beaches, rivers, trails and creemees. Hospital workers don’t necessarily break on the weekends, however, and right now, our hospitals are quite busy. Emergency departments are seeing the fallout from recreational mishaps; people who have put off care due to COVID are now receiving it—often requiring higher levels of care—and the ranks of our health care workers are shrinking, leaving the remaining staff with ever-growing caseloads.

Vermont Business Magazine Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) and Umbrella are excited to announce the recipients of the 2022 NEK Prevention Center of Excellence Grant (NEK-PCE) program’s sub-awards. The awards were granted to local partners whose missions increase supports for LGBTQ+ youth, increase mental health supports for youth and create a community where youth feel valued and connected.

Vermont Business Magazine This past May, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation called on America to sip from their hearts on Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day and help bring joy to kids in local hospitals across the country. Dunkin’ of Vermont and northern New York is proud to announce that $15,000 will be granted locally to The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital (UVMCH) in Burlington through the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. Local Dunkin’ franchisees have now given $100,000 to UVMCH since the start of the Iced Coffee Day partnership with the hospital eight years ago.

Vermont Business Magazine Esther Sternberg, MD, is an expert in neuroimmunology and how our physical surroundings affect our health. She will be a guest on Medical Matters Weekly at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20. Viewers will learn about how they can improve their wellbeing through changes to their environment. Dr. Esther Sternberg is internationally recognized for her discoveries in the science of the mind-body interaction in illness and healing and the role of place in wellbeing. She is a pioneer and major force in collaborative initiatives on mind-body-stress-wellness and environment interrelationships.

Vermont Business Magazine Rutland Regional Medical Center has announced Kelly Watson, DNP, MHA, RN, FACHE, as the hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). Watson was previously the CNO for UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, a 93-bed hospital located in Colorado. Watson holds a doctorate in nursing practice from Regis University as well as a BSN and a master's degree in healthcare administration.