Current News

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.

AccuWeather Global Weather Center A robust cross-country storm system is set to unleash a slew of weather impacts ranging from heavy snow, ice and even some severe thunderstorms. The storm will ramp up on Groundhog Day and last into Thursday, covering more than 2,000 miles and at least 19 states. Parts of Vermont could get up to 12 inches of snow with an ice storm threatening the southern part of the state.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today joined other governors across the country in designating February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. At a press conference on Tuesday, the Governor highlighted the importance of the trades and several of his budget proposals to make significant investment in CTE in Vermont.

Vermont Employee Ownership Center Although our 2021 annual meeting was held virtually, we were able to share an informative and animated evening with the employee ownership community in Vermont. For those who were unable to attend, just click video. We heard from Justine Belle Lambright, who told the compelling story of how VEOC Executive Director Matt Cropp served as an invaluable resource throughout the 1.5-year process of building Kalchē Wine Co.--a brand new worker-owned winery in Fletcher--from the soil up. Justine also shares a fun video of highlights from Kalchē's first year in business. We think everyone will enjoy it.