Current News
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine US Route 2 at the temporary drawbridge is open to two lanes of traffic. The contractor is generally working from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Saturday.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine Today, Mayor Miro Weinberger issued the following statement on Burlington’s first homicide this year, which occurred Thursday night near Luck Street.
“Last night’s shooting and murder is Burlington’s first homicide in more than two years. Yet it is one of many recent gunfire incidents, part of a very disturbing trend that has dramatically increased since 2020.
“The Burlington Police Department has begun the hard work of identifying, finding, and apprehending the shooter, and we offer condolences to the victim’s family and those mourning him.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine More Vermonters will be exempt from paying state taxes on their Social Security benefits, thanks to new legislation signed by Gov. Phil Scott. The law, backed by AARP Vermont, will raise the Social Security tax income exemption threshold from $45,000 to $50,000 for single filers and from $60,000 to $65,000 for joint filers, meaning more residents will be able to receive their benefits without paying state taxes.
The law also creates a tax exclusion for the first $10,000 of retirement income earned each year from military pensions and certain retirement programs for low- and middle-income Vermonters. We were active in pushing the bill over the finish line, encouraging Vermont residents to reach out to their elected officials to voice support for the bill.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine New unemployment claims increased slightly week-over-week on June 27, but were still 96% below the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help add some context to these statistics, WalletHub just released updated rankings for the States Whose Unemployment Claims Are Recovering the Quickest, along with accompanying videos and audio files.
Key Stats:
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce distributed its annual State of the Commerce survey to its business and nonprofit members recently. The purpose of the State of the Commerce Survey was to hear from regional businesses and nonprofits about how they were doing in the current economy, what their current attitudes were in relation to economic vitality, and what new small business trends they saw emerging.
The survey was distributed to 320 representatives in the regional chamber of commerce and 84 participants completed it or 26%.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine On July 6, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) and Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) co-hosted a virtual candidate forum with the five candidates who are competing for three seats in this summer’s Democratic primary in the newly redrawn Washington County State Senate district. (This district now includes all of Washington County, plus the towns of Stowe, Braintree, and Orange.)
Steven Pappas, the Publisher & Executive Editor of The Times Argus/Rutland Herald, moderated a lively and engaging conversation with Senate candidates Ann Cummings, Jared Duval, Jeremy Hansen, Andrew Perchlik, and Anne Watson.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine Unlike screenings for breast, prostate, and other cancers, which have a long history and are routine procedures, examining non-symptomatic patients for signs of lung cancer is relatively new. Lung cancer screening for at-risk patients became a standard recommendation covered by insurance only in 2013, after research showed it saved lives, and is still much less utilized than screening for other cancers.
The discrepancy comes at a high price. Absent a regular screening protocol, lung cancer is often detected late, after it has spread, and is the number one cause of cancer death in Vermont and the country. Lung cancer kills more Vermonters, and more Americans, than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine Reconciled is excited to announce the acquisition of HRbiz, welcoming accounting professionals and clients of the local Chattanooga accounting and HR consulting firm. Reconciled, the online bookkeeping firm for entrepreneurs, continues to expand nationally. HRbiz’s customers will continue with the same great support and service that has made HRbiz a success, but with the added value of Reconciled’s accounting team and resources.
Founded in 2015 in Burlington, VT, Reconciled has served entrepreneurs across the country. This acquisition is part of Reconciled's strategic growth plan to offer improved accessibility of its award-winning bookkeeping services to businesses across the United States.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine The Board of Directors of Energize Vermont today announced the appointment of Becca Dill to serve as the organization’s Director. Established in 2010, Energize Vermont is the statewide non-profit founded to promote energy and climate policies protecting Vermont’s environment and respecting Vermont communities.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has announced the 2022-2023 migratory game bird hunting season dates and bag limits.
A printable copy of the Migratory Bird Syllabus can be downloaded from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) under “Hunt” – “Waterfowl.” A printed version also will be available from license agents and post offices in August.
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine The Public Service Department (PSD) today announces the kickoff of a comprehensive review of Vermont’s renewable and clean electricity policies and programs. The Department is issuing a Request for Input (“RFI”) to solicit feedback on the process for this review, as well as gather initial input about what is important to Vermonters regarding the State’s supply of electricity. The policy and supporting programs include, but are not limited to:
by katie
Vermont Business Magazine The Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth at the Vermont Community Foundation recently awarded $24,990 in grants to support dynamic and innovative youth programs in Bennington, North Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury, and Woodford. Three community members who live and/or work with youth in these five Bennington towns participated on the review committee.
In 2022, the fund has prioritized projects that meaningfully focus on one or more of the following:
· Elevating youth leadership and empowerment, especially of historically marginalized youth
· Providing opportunity and access for youth facing continued hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty, and other challenges and traumas
· Expanding youth engagement in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities and increasing youth exposure to STEAM careers
· Advancing youth entrepreneurship