Current News

Vermont Business Magazine On Wednesday, the Vermont Senate passed S.113, a bill recognizing that Vermonters harmed by the release of toxic chemicals, through no fault of their own, should not have to pay to seek medical care. The bill puts responsibility on those who caused the toxic exposure, rather than the innocent victims of toxic pollution. S.113 also allows the state to sue chemical manufacturers to help clean up chemicals like PFAS from Vermont wastewater treatment plants, water supply systems, and lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.

Vermont Business Magazine Leadership Champlain, the Lake Champlain Chamber’s flagship workforce development program, is accepting applications for the class of 2023. Established in 1989, Leadership Champlain is a professional development and community engagement program with a mission to foster growth and leadership in professionals who will serve the local community now and in the future. The application deadline is April 18, 2022.

Vermont Business Magazine In FY 2021, the MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership) National Network interacted with 34,307 U.S. manufacturers from nearly all manufacturing industries, delivering assistance and helping U.S. manufacturers recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost 9,000 MEP Center manufacturing clients completed the FY 2021 survey and according to survey results, MEP National Network services helped U.S. manufacturers create or retain 125,746 jobs. Check out the results of the survey today. VMEC is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine This spring, schools across Vermont will begin testing for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a harmful group of human-made chemicals commonly used in building materials and electrical equipment before 1980. Vermont is the first state in the nation to require PCB testing in schools. If levels are detected at or above school action levels, schools are required to address the sources of PCBs to reduce exposure.

Vermont Business Magazine From shortages in staffing and resources, to rising demand, to ever-changing protocols and best practices, Vermont’s early care & learning programs have faced steep challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. So it’s hard to imagine what could make things more challenging for Vermont’s dedicated child care providers, but here’s another: toys. Toys - educational and enrichment play equipment, and plush stuffed animals - at Vermont’s early care & learning programs have had to be discarded, due to possible COVID-19 contamination.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced $1.4 million in Recovery Housing Program (RHP) grant funding awarded through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The funding will support four projects throughout the state and will be used to establish stabilized housing to assist individuals and families suffering from substance use disorders.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont State Police is investigating a suspicious death reported early Wednesday morning, February 2, 2022, in Swanton. Police were notified at about 4:35 am that an adult man was deceased inside a home at 45 First St. in Swanton. First responders located the victim deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation indicates this was not a random incident. No one is in custody.

Vermont Business Magazine Williston-based iSun, Inc (NASDAQ: ISUN), a leading solar energy firm, on Tuesday released certain preliminary operating results for the fourth quarter and year ending December 31, 2021. Based on preliminary unaudited results for the fourth quarter of 2021, iSun estimates fourth quarter revenues at approximately $24.5 million to $27.0 million, gross margins at approximately 19% to 21% and net loss will be approximately $1.8 million. iSun estimates year end revenues at approximately $42.8 million to $45.3 million, gross margins at approximately 13% to 15% and net loss will be approximately $6.9 million.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 354 cases of COVID-19 for Sunday. Cases in Vermont this week plummeted by more than 3,000—a decrease of 40%. In the last two weeks, cases have fallen 56%. However, the VDH today reported six additional deaths for 542. January now has the second most cases with 62; this number could increase once all the data is accumulated.

Vermont Business Magazine The Board of Directors for Lund announced today that President and CEO, Patricia (Tricia) Coates will step down as leader of the organization in June. Coates’ tenure has stretched the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic and has positioned the agency to continue to provide essential services to Vermont families for many years to come. In her time, Coates led the integration of programs to better meet client needs, transformation of data use through a new electronic health record system, strengthened partnerships, and significantly improved finances.

Vermont Business Magazine The Securities Division of the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation announced today that it is participating in a multijurisdictional, coordinated enforcement action to stop a fraudulent precious metals scheme that resulted in investments exceeding $68 million from at least 450 investors nationwide. In Vermont, two investors were defrauded out of over $100,000 in this nationwide scheme.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Captive Insurance Association, the largest captive membership association in the world, has chosen Kevin Mead as its next president. He starts on February 22, replacing Richard Smith, who led the organization for 12 years. Mead brings a wealth of association management and financial tact to VCIA, having engineered a merger of three global independent accounting associations and forming PrimeGlobal, which represented 2,000 partners and 14,000 employees in 90+ countries. Mead then facilitated rapid membership and revenue growth, increasing the net income 25% from 2 billion to 2.5 billion USD for PrimeGlobal.