Current News

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.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott along with the Vermont Department of Labor today celebrate Employee Appreciation Day in Vermont. Employee Appreciation is dedicated to giving thanks and recognition to employees across the state and country. The Department’s most recent labor market data shows there are 308,107 individuals employed in Vermont. Vermont’s workforce has a diversity of industries and opportunities, and these workers provide a great impact on Vermont’s local communities.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and other Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies joined Civica’s initiative to manufacture and distribute affordable insulins that, once approved, will be available to people living with diabetes at significantly lower prices than insulins currently on the market. The medications are expected to be available to all consumers for $30 or less per vial starting in 2024.

Vermont Business Magazine The Champlain Housing Trust announced today that they have come to an agreement with a Vermont philanthropist and community leader to develop 100 new homes in Hinesburg. Jan Blomstrann, the former owner of NRG Systems, will donate approximately 46 acres south of the Champlain Valley Union High School to support the development of affordable, sustainable, and inclusive housing close to the town center.