Current News

Vermont Business Magazine M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE: MTB) announced Friday the receipt of regulatory approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to complete the previously announced acquisition of People's United Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: PBCT). The transaction has also received approval from both the New York State Department of Financial Services and the Connecticut Department of Banking. No further regulatory approvals are required. The merger is expected to be completed in accordance with the law and the agreement.

Saint Michael's College David Dennis Sr. as a young college student already had been one of the first brave “Freedom Riders” in the early 1960s American Civil Rights Movement when a defining moment in Alabama brought him all-in to that Movement. “We ended up in Montgomery under martial law,” he said of his early group of youthful bus-riding protesters across the then-segregated South, who were meeting up with top national Movement leaders of the day such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Andrew Young and John Lewis in the wake of jarring violence against their protests.

Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing VDTM announced Friday that after a four-year hiatus, Vermont has rejoined Discover New England (DNE). DNE is a regional destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting international visitation to the six member states of Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. VDTM will gain access to DNE’s existing media and travel trade relationships. In addition, tourism industry businesses will have access to educational resources and the DNE Summit to meet directly with tour operators.

Vermont Business Magazine Melissa Rosenberg, Bennington College Class of 1986, is joining Bennington College’s Board of Trustees. Rosenberg is an esteemed television writer and producer and screenwriter, who Bennington is proud to call an alumnae. In addition to general trustee duties, Rosenberg will also serve on Bennington’s Education and Community Life committee and engage in their strategic planning process. The Bennington College community is looking forward to her creative leadership as Bennington’s next chapter is written.

Vermont Business Magazine The Small Business Administration and the Center for Women and Enterprise Vermont are hosting a free virtual panel discussion about strategic growth opportunities for woman-owned businesses at 10 am March 11. Strategic growth planning is one of the most important aspects of building a business and can be difficult. This panel will explore why past participants of CWE and SBA’s strategic growth training programs have raved about these free opportunities to plan for sustainable, profitable growth.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is providing $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support low- and moderate-income Vermont homeowners in repairing or replacing their failed or inadequate on-site water or wastewater systems – often referred to as wells or septic systems.

Eligible homeowners with failed or inadequate wells, springs, septic tanks, leach fields, or wastewater systems are encouraged to apply for funding by April 15, 2022 to be considered for the first round of funding. This funding will ensure Vermonters have access to safe drinking water and adequate wastewater disposal. Applicants will be notified of first round awards in May and June 2022, and awards must be spent prior to the end of 2026. Starting April 16, 2022, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and funding will be provided as available.

Vermont Business Magazine Haematologic Technologies, a global analytical and bioanalytical leader for large molecule drug development based in Essex Junction, announced Thursday they’ll be operating under the new name, Prolytix — integrating HT and Haemtech Biopharma Services. This integration is bringing biotherapeutic, analytical CMC, and bioanalytical CRO services, expertise, and facilities together to support the growing need for analytical and bioanalytical services for large molecules.

​Vermont Business Magazine Berkshire Bank, a leading socially responsible community-dedicated bank with branch locations in New England and New York, announced $596,800 in philanthropic investments from its Foundation during the fourth quarter of 2021 (October 1 – December 31). The grants awarded cover a wide range of projects that help foster upward economic mobility, support overall well-being, and enhance opportunities for individual success in the communities the bank serves, which includes southwestern Vermont.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 194 cases of COVID-19 for Thursday, up 17 from Wednesday. The 7-day case average is 163 (see modeling update below). Hospitalizations and ICU stays have fallen dramatically the last few weeks. The CDC and Vermont are emphasizing serious health outcomes, such as hospitalizations and fatalities, and not overall cases, as the best measure of COVID's health impact at this time. There were three additional COVID-related deaths since yesterday, for 607 statewide; there was one in the 70-79 age range and two in the 80+ age group.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims were up last week for the first time since the week after Christmas. Claims during the holidays typically result in a roller coaster of hirings and firings, to meet the ebb and flow of retail, before settling out after New Year.

Vermont State Police The Vermont State Police continues its investigation into the multi-car pileup with fatality resulting that occurred one week ago today on Interstate 89 in the town of Milton. Vermont State Police historians have researched this incident and determined it likely is the largest motor vehicle crash in Vermont history. To date, 36 vehicles have been identified as being directly involved in the crash. Roughly another 20 vehicles required a pull-back from a wrecker company after driving off the road to avoid collisions occurring in front of them; none of these 20 vehicles sustained damage.

Vermont Business Magazine The Ethan Allen Institute (EAI) has named Meg Hansen as the organization’s new president. She succeeds Rob Roper who led EAI for nine years. Hansen brings a wealth of experience in developing policy and media initiatives that give voice to the overlooked and unmet needs of middle class and working class Vermonters. She has an established record of effective community engagement and has her finger on the pulse of grassroots issues. The many thousands of people who have connected with Hansen are testament to her impactful career.