Current News

Vermont Business Magazine President Biden Thursday announced that he is appointing John Roberts as Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Vermont. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) had recommended Roberts for the position. Leahy: “I’ve known John for many years. He has the qualifications and experience to lead the Farm Service Agency at a critical time for our state when there is much to be done. As with other areas of the economy, the pandemic has created a great deal of uncertainty and disruption in Vermont’s food system and farm economy. Our farmers and rural communities need the vital services that FSA provides, and John is the right person to lead that effort.”

Vermont Business Magazine This week the Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) announced the launch of a $116 million Broadband Construction Grant Program. Beginning this spring, the program will allow Communications Union Districts (CUDs) and other eligible providers to accelerate construction efforts to reach all Vermonters without adequate broadband service.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today strongly encouraged Vermonters to order at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests at covidtests.gov. This Biden Administration’s initiative – which launched this week – is similar to a program piloted by the State. Through this new federal program, each household is eligible to receive four tests, which are expected to ship within 7-12 days of ordering. Supplies are limited.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 1,115 cases of COVID-19 for Wednesday (1,344 Tuesday and 715 Monday). As of Wednesday, COVID-related deaths stood at 507 statewide. Case rates appear to be declining in Vermont and in the Northeast. However, declines in COVID-19 fatalities and hospitalizations are expected to lag behind case improvements in coming weeks. Hospitalizations today were 115 (down from yesterday's record of 122).

by Carolyn Shapiro, University of Vermont In the heat of summer, signs go up at beaches and access points around Lake Champlain, warning of the presence of cyanobacteria and its potential dangers to people and pets. Scientists and lake experts have predicted that climate change will spur the formation of blue-green algae blooms, which harm water quality and recreational use of the lake by residents and tourists. Now, a new study led by a team of researchers based at the University of Vermont has applied a unique modeling method to more precisely assess the influences of temperature and precipitation – and the relationship between them – on cyanobacteria growth.

by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) As you read this, the number of COVID cases in Vermont are reaching levels far greater than at any point in the crisis. Today, I am writing to you with some news that should be of help as we fight this terrible pandemic. The scientific community has been very clear that wearing masks helps prevent the spread of the COVID virus. It protects both the individual who wears the mask and those who are nearby.

Vermont Business Magazine This month, the Vermont Talent Pipeline released a hiring forecast report for careers in Vermont nursing. Vermont Talent Pipeline Management (VTPM) is an initiative of the Vermont Business Roundtable’s Research and Education Foundation. In the report, 43 Vermont healthcare providers participated in a collaborative effort to build a talent pipeline for the critical frontline roles in nursing. The results indicate over 6,200 vacancies projected by healthcare employers. Almost half of the of which are Registered Nurses; and one quarter, for Licensed Nurse Assistants. 30% of the forecast are new jobs, from industry growth relating to the pandemic, and coupled with an aging population.

Vermont Business Magazine People's United Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: PBCT) today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2021. Operating Earnings of $0.36 per Common Share; Received approval from the New York State Department of Financial Services and Connecticut Department of Banking for the announced merger with M&T Bank Corporation. Approval remains pending from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve; Sustained excellent asset quality as evidenced by net loan charge-offs to average total loans of three basis points, and a provision for credit losses on loans of ($5.9) million; Generated positive operating leverage reflected by a 270-basis point linked quarter improvement in the efficiency ratio to 54.1 percent due to lower expenses; Declared quarterly dividend of $0.1825 per common share payable February 15, 2022, to shareholders of record on February 1, 2022.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is now accepting applications for the Trade Show Assistance Grant program. This funding helps Vermont agriculture and forestry businesses with funds to identify, plan, exhibit, and sell their Vermont products at out-of-state trade shows or virtual shows targeting out-of-state buyers. Funding for these matching grants comes from the Working Lands Enterprise and provide 50% reimbursements for eligible trade show-related expenses to help businesses connect with wholesale buyers.

Vermont Business Magazine LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) objectives are a major tool for developing buildings that support advanced sustainability goals and fight climate change. In developing a new dorm on the Williams College campus (the first in 40 years) LEED guidelines and certification was an integral part of contributing to the College’s goal of reducing their carbon footprint. The longevity of the building (100 years minimum) and sustainability were at the forefront.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) announces $500,000 in grant funds to strengthen Vermont’s specialty crop industries and producer associations. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture crops (including honey, hops, maple syrup and mushrooms), and nursery crops (including Christmas trees and floriculture).

Vermont Business Magazine The promise of a hydrogen economy and a clean energy future is taking a step forward with an innovative project that will take shape at GlobalFoundries (GF), thanks to a partnership with Vermont Gas Systems, Inc. (VGS) and the University of Vermont. The initiative was announced today by the partnership members at UVM's Davis Center. The pilot project will allow GF to reduce its carbon emissions even further by introducing the use of green hydrogen, which will be produced on-site at its Fab 9 campus in Essex Junction.