Current News

by Roxanne Vought, Weybridge, Executive Director of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility For those of us who envision – and strive each day toward – a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet, the final week of June 2022 was devastating. On the 24th, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion, eliminating a federal constitutional right and bodily autonomy simultaneously. On the 30th they limited the EPA’s ability to reduce climate pollution from power plants, severely damaging our ability to tackle our escalating climate crisis.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals’ membership has voted to ratify a new two-year contract for UVM Medical Center nursing staff. The contract includes substantial wage increases agreed to in February, in advance of full contract negotiations, and numerous other increases and enhancements.

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Public Service (PSD) today announced that it will conduct new drive tests, in conjunction with the Agency of Transportation (AOT), to determine mobile wireless coverage throughout the state.

“Access to mobile wireless service is a top priority for Vermonters, for this Administration, and for the Department,” said PSD Commissioner June Tierney. “We all know that there are many areas of the state that lack service. The drive tests will help to identify those areas so we can prioritize them for new coverage.”

The drive tests are a collaboration by state agencies, and AOT will conduct the actual driving.

Vermont Business Magazine For the 14th consecutive year, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group® has been recognized as one of the top 50 Property and Casualty insurers in the United States by Ward Group, an Aon Hewitt company, and one of the industry’s most respected benchmarking organizations.

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.