Current News

Vermont Business Magazine On Friday, July 8, J.K. Adams’ Company President Daniel Isaac and the company’s Creative Director Sean Osborne traveled from their Dorset factory to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), in Bennington. They delivered a gift of 1,000 infection prevention shields manufactured at the factory. Through rigorous testing, the company developed the shields and began manufacturing them shortly after the pandemic began. The production served two aims: to help provide a local supply of shields for essential workers and to give J.K. Adams’ employees a sense of purpose.

Vermont Business Magazine The Department for Children and Families announced today that many 3SquaresVT households will continue to receive a higher benefit in July and August. This extra help is part of the federal Coronavirus Relief Bill. It will not permanently change a household’s monthly benefit. It is a temporary increase from the federal government to help those affected by the pandemic. Households at a zero benefit will not receive a benefit. Everyone else will receive the maximum benefit for their household size.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) and the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) today announced that Vermont will receive $57.9 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to provide more access to capital for Vermont entrepreneurs and small business startups. Vermont's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program will include access to low interest loans and early-stage venture capital investments. Vermont’s SSBCI program will receive nearly $29 million allocated to venture capital that will focus on seed fund investments; leveraging accelerator programs to make small investments in rural, pre-seed stage companies; and investments in high-growth, technology innovation companies in the healthcare sector.

Vermont Business Magazine With summer in full swing, cyanobacteria blooms are occurring on more waterbodies and beaches across the state. Health officials want you to know what these potentially hazardous cyanobacteria blooms look like so you can avoid them. Cyanobacteria are tiny microorganisms that are a natural part of freshwater ecosystems. Under certain conditions, cyanobacteria can multiply quickly, creating blooms on the water’s surface and wash up along shorelines. They can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. Swimming or wading in water with a cyanobacteria bloom may cause skin rashes, diarrhea, a sore throat, stomach problems, or more serious health concerns.

Vermont Business Magazine The electric-assist Greenride Bikeshare system, operated by Bolt Mobility, in the cities of Burlington, South Burlington and Winooski is no longer in operation due to Bolt Mobility ceasing its business operations effective July 1. CATMA, along with the cities of Burlington, South Burlington and Winooski, executed an agreement in May 2021 with Bolt to deploy 200 electric-assist bikes throughout these jurisdictions and on the medical/ academic campus district. In May 2022, an addendum to this agreement was executed to better respond to community priorities for an electric-bikeshare system and to update the timeline of the system expansion.

by Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos As we watch new information emerge from the January 6 Congressional hearings, one truth has been made crystal clear. Whether it’s insurrection at the Capitol or violent threats against election officials, these acts are a consequence of a single insidious lie: that voter fraud altered the outcome of the 2020 General Election. Despite the complete lack of evidence, this lie has gripped certain groups in the electorate and is at the center of the divisiveness driving a wedge between Americans.

​Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) and State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) have partnered with prominent baseball teams in Vermont to host Triple Play Job Fest this July. Job Fest hiring events will take place in partnership with the Upper Valley Nighthawks in White River Junction (Friday, July 22), the Vermont Mountaineers in Montpelier (Wednesday, July 27), and the Vermont Lake Monsters in Burlington (Thursday, July 28).

​Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc. d/b/a Eurofins TestAmerica, was fined $12,368.00 for hazardous material, air, and waste violations following a routine DEC inspection. On September 28, 2021, DEC conducted a routine inspection of TestAmerica’s South Burlington chemical analysis facility. During the inspection, Agency personnel determined that paper filters generated in the extraction/wet chemistry laboratory, which contained contaminated solvents and methylene chloride were mismanaged.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Marcelle Leahy endorsed Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray, a Democratic candidate in the race for Vermont’s lone seat in the US House of Representatives. For over 50 years Marcelle Leahy has served Vermont and our nation as a frontline healthcare provider, a strong advocate for access to health services, and a vocal cancer survivor. She is an engaged supporter of the National Guard, Vermont Democratic Party, and numerous local causes. She is the wife of Vermont’s Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets Vermont farmers who withdraw any surface waters (definition:10 V.S.A. § 1002(20) ) for farming are advised to begin keeping records of irrigation events this summer if they do not already do so. A new state law went into effect on July 1, 2022 which requires annual reporting to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) of surface water withdrawals used for farming. The first such annual report for farmers who qualify will be due to VAAFM on January 15, 2023.

Vermont Business Magazine On Wednesday, July 13, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger tested positive for COVID-19, using an at-home test and is experiencing mild and improving symptoms. Mayor Weinberger is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and received a second booster shot in June. Mayor Weinberger and his family are on a summer vacation trip to Italy. Mayor Weinberger has been following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance since testing positive by isolating from others, and will continue to follow CDC guidance to avoid travel and take additional precautions until 10 days have passed since first testing positive for COVID-19.

Vermont Agency of Transportation This weekly report is a list of planned construction activities that will have traffic impacts on state highways throughout Vermont. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.