Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Foodbank announced the launch of a Food Security Innovation Lab. This two-year venture will initially be staffed by two professionals with an eye toward exploring new, experimental ways to address hunger and the root causes of hunger in Vermont. This work represents a new, highly focused effort that will happen alongside and in collaboration with efforts and programs that the Vermont Foodbank continues to operate.

​Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Buildings and General Services Surplus Property program will be offering more than 800 nearly new tires for sale to the public while supplies last, through May 7, 2022. Tires can be seen by appointment Monday through Friday at the Agency of Transportation Central Garage located at 1756 US Route 302, in Berlin, Vermont, across from the Wayside Restaurant.

Vermont Business Magazine The Polli Properties team has become an independent brokerage that is ready to have full control over business operations, which will directly translate to their clients and keeping their needs top of mind. This move comes after half a decade of five-star service and countless closed transactions. Polli Properties had previously been with Keller Williams Vermont.

Vermont Research News Rural school leaders and refugees, Vermont school meal programs succeed, Why do about half of Vermonters go to college? Thetford Academy and Indigenous Dispossession, Student loan debt, University of Vermont Student Research Conference, "Wait, Unpretentious Pluckiness" the Story of Benjamin Wait.

Vermont Business Magazine Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont and Terry Bicycles are re-launching the Wellness Revolution after a pandemic hiatus. The program is designed to promote healthier lifestyles for Vermonters who identify as women through cycling. Registration for the five-week program will run from April 21st through May 6th, or when the program capacity has been reached. The program’s mission is to improve the lives of Vermont women by increasing access to health and wellness resources while supporting positive lifestyle change

Vermont Business Magazine A new initiative by a private foundation will allow a University of Vermont Chemistry student to work with his faculty mentor on a phosphorus research project for a year after graduation. Rory Waterman, professor of Chemistry and associate dean in UVM’s College of Arts and Sciences, is one of nine scholars in the country to receive a Cottrell Postbac Award from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA).

Vermont Business Magazine Claire Cummings is stepping down after a year as Executive Director of the Vermont Democratic Party. Her departure is effective as of today, April 19, 2022. "The Vermont Democratic Party is strong and energized a year after Claire Cummings took on the role of Executive Director. Her hard work, acumen, and enthusiasm have contributed to advancing the values and goals of the Party."

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 151 cases of COVID-19 for Monday (150 Sunday.) The VDH reported three additional deaths, the first since April 7, for 626 statewide. April, with five to date, is still on track to have the fewest COVID-related fatalities since last July. As cases have risen over the last few weeks, Chittenden and Washington have reported both the most total and the highest rate per capita. Overall, cases are up 27 percent per day in Vermont over the last week. Overall testing has fallen precipitously since early fall, but was up 18 percent over the last week.

​Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), former chair and current member of the US Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, last week hosted Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cabinet Secretary Denis McDonough on a two-day visit to see firsthand Vermont’s health care system for veterans and hear directly from the veterans it serves. Throughout the trip, Sanders and McDonough met with Vermont VA leadership, veterans, clinical and non-clinical staff, union representatives, and medical students, including six veterans and military students

Vermont Business Magazine The state Senate today presented its version of the House passed "Big Bill." Governor Phil Scott had hoped the Senate version of the state budget would be closer to his own proposal, released in January. For instance, the House version did not include virtually any of the governor's $100 million in economic development. The Senate added in some of the governor's priorities, but not all. The two legislative bodies must resolve their differences before the budget is sent to the governor. Scott has twice before vetoed the budget and has said several times, including today, that he would do it again if necessary.

The governors' proposal presents a $8,165.0 million spending plan (all in) for fiscal year 2023, which starts on July 1 of this year. The Senate passed version (H.740) would spend $8,131.8 million. Both sides presented balanced budgets.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) released an independent analysis of Vermont’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program Tuesday that concluded that TIF helps Vermont meet its smart growth goals, promotes long-term planning, and contributes to net-growth in the Education Fund. The report comes as the Vermont Legislature considers expanding TIF to smaller, rural communities through “project-based TIF”. Vermont’s TIF law allows municipalities to incur debt to make public infrastructure investments and repay that debt with a portion of the increased property tax revenue sparked by the new infrastructure.

Vermont Business Magazine This morning, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) withdrew the security directive requiring masks within airports. As a result, the Burlington International Airport (BTV) will no longer require masks within the airport. Like other public spaces, individuals may choose to continue to wear masks. Additionally, please be aware that customers, airline employees and federal agency employees may be receiving this information at different times and this directive is subject to change over time. If traveling from BTV– remember to show understanding, respect and patience with others who chose to continue wearing masks in airports and on aircraft.