Current News

by Olga Peters, Vermont Business Magazine Less than a year after the College of St Joseph ceased operations in spring 2019, the city of Rutland purchased approximately 20 acres of the 117-acre campus — including the school’s gymnasium, walking trails, parking lot and ballfields — to use for a recreation center. Heartland Communities of America, a developer of faith-based senior care communities headquartered in Florida, eyed the remaining 90-plus acres for its first project in the state of Vermont. But that plan eventually fell through. Now, the Housing Trust of Rutland County has stepped in to propose redeveloping the property, which is situated in West Rutland.

Public Assets Institute This will be the eighth annual award, a tribute to Con’s life’s work and commitment to public service. The goal of the award is to encourage and reward leaders who share his vision of a better Vermont—one that places the highest value on the public good—who seize the responsibility for making that vision real, and who mentor emerging leaders.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont National Guard is hosting an Open House at the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont on September 11, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free event will feature military and civilian aircraft, military vehicles and equipment, demonstrations, and interactive displays from both the Army and Air National Guard.

Helping Vermonters Eat Healthy, Helping Vermont Farmers

​Vermont Business Magazine Starting on July 1, 2022, about $176,500 in coupons will be made available to help eligible Vermonters buy locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and farm stands. Coupons are still available at many locations. Coupons are issued on a first come, first served basis, and may be used at any of the 58 markets and farm stands enrolled in the program this summer.

Public Assets Institute Working parents with school-age kids struggle to find child care every summer, some coming up so short that they’re forced to work less. But the lack of child care is a year-round problem that has gotten worse since the pandemic. From September 2019 through April 2022, the number of spots for preschool and school-age children dropped by nearly 7.5 percent—more than 1,800 spots, about half in licensed centers and half through registered home providers.

Vermont Business Magazine Burton Snowboards is partnering with The Venture Out Project to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community this month, and beyond. Now through July 1, 2022, Burton’s “Design Your Pride” initiative will call on LGBTQ+ artists from across the globe to submit a piece of their work (any medium) for the snowboarding brand’s first-ever Pride Collection that will launch in 2023. One artist will be selected to collaborate with the team at Burton HQ in Burlington, VT, where they will implement their design and oversee the production from start to finish.

Vermont Teddy Bear Company Partners With Outright Vermont

Vermont Business Magazine As of June 1st, Vermont Mittens – a sister brand of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company – proudly announces a partnership with Outright Vermont – an outstanding organization that helps LGBTQIA+ youth find connection, validation, and celebration while strengthening families and transforming the schools, systems, and communities with which youth engage. For every pair of mittens sold, a portion of proceeds will be donated to Outright Vermont, so all young people have hope, equity, and power.

Vermont Business Magazine This weekly report by the Vermont Agency of Transportation is a list of planned construction activities that will have traffic impacts on state highways throughout Vermont starting on June 20. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.

Vermont Business Magazine The calming nature photography of Carol Langstaff of Sharon, VT, and the vibrant mural work of Kathryn Wiegers of Rutland, VT, will help to create a welcoming and tranquil environment when their publicly commissioned artwork is installed at the new Vermont Department of Mental Health Recovery Residence in Essex. The commission is part of the Art in State Buildings Program, a partnership between the Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services.

Vermont Business Magazine Phil Scott to run for reelection, Personal income tax blows past projections by over $117 million in April, House Fails to Override Governor's Veto of Clean Heat Measure, Vermont’s unemployment rate decreased to 2.5 percent in April, Burlington Electric Department outlines 3.95 percent FY 2023 rate hike, Legislators issue resounding override of pension veto, more.

Vermont Business Magazine As temperatures start to climb, more people are visiting Vermont’s lakes, rivers and swimming holes. And with mixed weather in the forecast, state health officials are reminding everyone that when in and around these natural waters – especially swimming holes – it is important to take precautions, check the weather and be aware of the conditions. Tragically, each year there is at least one accidental drowning at a swim hole or other recreational water spot.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, the Vermont Department of Labor reported that the seasonally-adjusted statewide unemployment rate for May was 2.3 percent, according to household data. This reflects a decrease of two-tenths of one percentage point from the prior month’s revised estimate. The civilian labor force participation rate rose to 61.5 percent in May, as all three major metrics showed improvement. The labor force increased, the number of employed grew and the number of unemployed fell. The comparable United States rate in May was 3.6 percent, which experienced no change from the revised April estimate.