Current News

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.

Vermont Business Magazine Professionals from Vermont’s Department for Children and Families-Family Services Division (DCF-FSD) will learn how to further incorporate the principles of restorative justice in their work under a new partnership with Vermont Law School’s (VLS) Center for Justice Reform (CJR).

Vermont Business Magazine Join Ethan Tapper, the Chittenden County Forester for the Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation, and Andrea Shortsleeve, Wildlife Biologist for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. on Saturday, January 29, 2022, from 1:00-3:00pm for a free, public walk of a forest management project being implemented at the Hinesburg Town Forest (HTF). This walk will highlight winter wildlife ecology, wildlife tracking, and how active management of the HTF is expected to influence wildlife habitat and behavior.

Vermont Business Magazine Executive Director Ed Bove will be stepping down from his position with the Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) in the coming year. Bove has been with the Commission for fourteen years and has served as Executive Director for the last eight. Under his leadership the RRPC has received membership contributions from all 27 Rutland Region municipalities for the first time in decades, doubled the annual budget to over $1.5 million, doubled staff size to 12.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 1,344 cases of COVID-19 for Tuesday, nearly double from Monday (715). VDH is reporting eight more COVID-related deaths for 507 statewide. Cases on Sunday were 806, on Saturday were 2,217 and on Friday were 1,722. The record daily high was set January 7, with 2,975 cases of COVID-19. Case rates appear to be declining in Vermont and in the Northeast. However, declines in COVID-19 fatalities are expected to lag behind case improvements in coming weeks.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Health Network today offered an assessment of progress in 2021 to improve the patient experience and increase access to health care services – amid record patient volumes and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – and outlined new initiatives added to the Access Action Plan for 2022. The Access Action Plan addresses three main goals: Retain talent and hire successfully amid national staffing shortages; Reduce wait times for specialty care; Improve hospital inpatient and emergency capacity.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and Administration Secretary Kristin Clouser today announced three key appointments within the Agency of Administration. Catherine Delneo has been appointed state librarian; Justin Kenney as chief performance officer (CPO); and Nikki Fuller deputy commissioner of the Department of Human Resources.