Current News

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.

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.

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:

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

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says many people are having problems with bears looking for food near their homes, and with the food scrap ban in effect the department is providing tips for people who are composting at home so they can avoid attracting hungry bears.

“We have been receiving lots of reports of bears on decks, tearing down bird feeders, wrecking beehives, killing chickens, and getting into trash, compost and garbage containers,” said bear biologist Jaclyn Comeau. “We are offering some guidance on how to compost at home without attracting bears.”

Vermont Business Magazine Volunteers planted nearly 1,600 native trees and shrubs in Barre, East Montpelier, Westminster, and Brattleboro this spring, to restore wetlands and streams and to improve wildlife habitat, the Vermont Land Trust announced today.

The plantings along tributaries of the Winooski River and the Connecticut River will help restore the health of wetlands and streams. The restoration projects were completed on Old Soul Farm in Barre, Fairmont Farms in East Montpelier, and former farm fields in Westminster and Brattleboro.

Vermont Business Magazine On Friday, July 22, 2022, the SHRM Vermont State Council and the HR State Council of New Hampshire will join forces to present THE BUSINESS OF PEOPLE: A Leadership Summit in the Age of Challenge for all regional business leaders seeking an engaging one-day educational and networking opportunity.

Vermont Business Magazine Home prices in areas most impacted by climate change are increasing at a higher rate than the national median, according to a new report from Home Bay, an online publication that connects readers with expert real estate advice.

Median home sale prices have increased 167% in major metros within states that have had at least 50 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster declarations since 2012, while the national median increase is only 113%.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR), the statewide, nonprofit business association with a mission to leverage the power of business for positive social and environmental impact, is now accepting nominations for three awards that encourage and showcase the growth and impact of socially responsible business activity in Vermont.

Awardees of the VBSR Inspiration and Innovation Award, the VBSR Young Changemaker Award and the Terry Ehrich Award for Lifetime Achievement will be recognized among their peers at the 21^st Annual VBSR Award Ceremony this fall.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed Vermont State Senate President Pro Tempore Becca Balint today for Vermont’s lone Congressional seat. Sanders served in that seat from 1990 to 2006, before being elected to the United States Senate. Sanders’ endorsement adds to a broad and impressive list of endorsements for Balint’s campaign, which in recent weeks secured the support of 350.org founder and Vermonter, Bill McKibben, former Green Mountain Power CEO Mary Powell, the Professional Firefighters of Vermont, The American Federation of Teachers union, the Vermont Building Trades Council, and over 60 Vermont elected officials, including Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, who withdrew from the Congressional race and then endorsed Balint. Balint has also been endorsed by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Chair of the Congressional progressive Caucus, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. David Ciciline and Rep. Mark Takano.

Vemront Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today formally provided public notice to Vermonters that Proposal 5, a proposed amendment to the Vermont Constitution passed by the General Assembly, will appear on the November general election ballot. Section 72 of Chapter II of the Vermont Constitution and Chapter 32 of Title 17 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated require the Governor to give public notice of the proposed amendment by proclamation.

Vermont Business Magazine Union Mutual Insurance Company is proud to announce its Employee Development Program has received national honors from the National Association of Mutual Insurance Carriers (NAMIC). The Program earned Best in Category – Adaptability during the 9^th Annual Award in Innovation presentation at the 2022 NAMIC Management Conference. President and CEO Lisa L. Keysar accepted the award on behalf of the Company from Jay Woods of Guy Carpenter, who sponsored the award.