Current News

by Cory Dawson, Waterbury Roundabout correspondent A software and tech enterprise dubbed one of Vermont’s best workplaces is gearing up to build a new headquarters and add well over 100 jobs in the coming years. Ivy Computer, the Waterbury-based maker of software that powers the efficient routing, accounting and operations of thousands of waste companies mainly in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, is applying to build a new, $4 million, 22,000-square-foot office building where the tent for the now-defunct Waterbury Festival Playhouse stands, set back from Vermont Route 100 north of McNeil Road.

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.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets You're invited to join agriculture and tourism industry professionals from around the world for the International Workshop on Agritourism! This exciting event, taking place in Burlington from August 30th-September 1st, 2022, will include educational sessions, poster presentations, hands-on workshops, farm tours, and networking events. Farmers, agricultural service providers, tourism experts, and those interested in learning more about agritourism are all encouraged to attend and share your own knowledge, experiences, and expertise. This is a rare opportunity for our state to host this international event!

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported July 2 that COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are still considered "Low." Total cases for the week were up slightly, while hospitalizations declined. Levels in June were near their lowest since a surge in cases that began last August. There have been 14 deaths in June attributed to COVID so far after 32 in May. May saw an increase in fatalities from April and March. June had the fewest COVID fatalities since last July (2).

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Scott, Speaker Krowinsky and the Vermont Democratic Party released the following statements following the news of the passing of Democratic State Representative Warren Kitzmiller

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Catholic magazine and the Diocese of Burlington’s communications team continued their long-time winning streak as together they earned 10 awards at the 2022 Catholic Media Conference July 7 in Portland, Oregon.
“I am thrilled that the communication team’s efforts were once again recognized, nationally, by the Catholic Media Association,” said Ellen Kane, executive director of development and communications for the Diocese of Burlington and editor of Vermont Catholic magazine. “Their dedication and faith permeate everything they create, especially the ‘eye-catching’ designs noted in the judges’ comments throughout, lead by our art director, Mary-Margaret Carroll.”
For a half dozen years, Vermont Catholic has been named to the top tier of diocesan magazines.

Vermont Business Magazine The Pelletier Dam in Castleton, Vermont is scheduled to be removed by the end of this week. This derelict dam is located on North Breton Brook off of East Hubbardton Road and approximately 0.85 river miles upstream from the confluence with the Castleton River. The dam is stone, approximately 180 ft long by 20 ft high, and was originally built around 1792 to power an industrial marble mill (the Sherman Marble Mill complex). In addition to water power, the dam impoundment was also used for commercial ice harvesting. After the closing of the Marble Mill in this location, the dam was acquired by the State of Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department who recognize the ecological benefits of dam removal far outweigh the impoundment barrier that is currently blocking trout species from moving up and down North Breton Brook.

Vermont Business Magazine This July, Phoenix Books is hosting an exciting month-long scavenger hunt to find Waldo in participating local businesses. This sprawling scavenger hunt is a wonderful way to engage the community while underscoring the unique character of our neighborhoods, promoting our “Shop Local” message, and bolstering our shared sense of community in Essex and Essex Junction, VT. Throughout the month, there will be prizes awarded to the players, and Phoenix Books Essex will celebrate Waldo Weekend on July 30 and 31!
What is Find Waldo Local? For ten years, children’s book character Waldo, in his signature red-and-white-striped shirt and black glasses, has been visiting local communities across the country as part of an annual Find Waldo Local campaign. The month-long scavenger hunt for Waldo hosted by more than two hundred and fifty independent bookstores across the United States. Participating bookstores champion the “shop local” message by enlivening downtown areas with the community-wide activity, to which everyone—kids, parents, and Waldo-lovers of all ages—is invited to participate for free.

Vermont Business Magazine Shelburne Museum will be closed to the public on Tuesday, July 12 for the filming of ANTIQUES ROADSHOW. The filming of this sold-out antique appraisal event will take place all day throughout the museum campus.

Only those who hold tickets issued by ANTIQUES ROADSHOW will have access to the museum campus that day. Aside from those who already have tickets for the event, there is no public access to the museum. Around 3,000 pre-ticketed visitors are expected to be at the museum on timed intervals throughout the day to have their prized antiques appraised and for a chance to be on the show. ANTIQUES ROADSHOW will produce three one-hour episodes from the event at Shelburne Museum that will air on public television in 2023.

Produced by GBH, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW is PBS’s most-watched ongoing series and is seen by around 6 million viewers each week, airing Mondays at 8/7c p.m. on PBS.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott has appointed Kevin Gaffney as commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) and Emily Brown as the Department’s deputy commissioner of insurance.

The Department of Financial Regulation is charged with protecting consumers while ensuring industry partners in the areas of banking, insurance, securities and captive insurance operate responsibly, and can access information and guidance to do so in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine In June, more than 85 Community Bank branches joined together to host a food drive in honor of National Hunger Awareness Month to collect nonperishable food items for local food pantries and food banks across its four-state footprint, which includes New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Massachusetts.

Throughout the month, donations poured in from bank staff, customers and community members. In total, the participating branches collected over 5,600 nonperishable items and over $360 in donations to support more than 100 food pantries and food banks.

“We’ve seen firsthand the difference that food pantries and food banks make in the communities we live and work in,” Corporate-Wide Culture & Diversity Officer Monticia Prather said. “It’s been an incredible experience to deliver the items to each organization and hear the impact the donation will have on our neighbors in need.”