Current News
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Corrections is announcing an update to the Department’s Supervision Fee Payment processing. The Department is now operating on a web-based portal for Supervision Fee Payment processing to better align with evolving technology and ease the burden on those under supervision. Until Tuesday, Vermont DOC utilized the Offender Payment Coupon, which limited the payments of Supervision Fees to only bank checks and money orders. With this new portal, personal credit cards, VISA/Mastercard enabled debit cards, and electronic checks will be allowable at no additional cost to the individual.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Dr Phelan Fretz, PhD the founding executive director of the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (ECHO), is retiring in June after 20 years leading the science museum on the Burlington Waterfront. Fretz is the museum’s first executive director and joined the organization in 2002. He previously served in leadership positions at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, the New England Aquarium in Boston, and Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. Fretz is widely credited for his fundraising and community-building skills that have led to the organization’s success.
by tim
by Basil Waugh, UVM As the COVID pandemic continues, new research reveals how people in Vermont and Maine are struggling with their mental and physical health. The findings detail numerous troubling health trends—including significant increases in anxiety, depression, weight gain, substance use, chronic disease, missed medications and food insecurity—since the pandemic’s onset.
by tim
Vermont Employee Ownership Center Executive Director Matt Cropp will cover the basics of broad-based employee ownership from Employee Stock Ownership Plans to Worker Cooperatives at noon today during a webinar. Employee ownership can be a powerful approach for start-ups and as a business exit strategy, and this is a good opportunity to dig into the details of how it works. The presentation will include ample time for questions and discussions at the end of the hour.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Today Secretary of State Jim Condos announced the Office of Professional Regulation’s (OPR) adoption of Foreign Credentialing Rules which create a pathway for foreign-trained individuals to become licensed in their field in Vermont. The new rules became effective November 19 and come in response to an identified barrier to licensure faced by many New Americans and refugees.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that Larry Carr was fined $6,000 for operating an unpermitted salvage yard in connection with his automotive repair business in Richford. Salvage yards serve valuable functions by recycling and repurposing old vehicle parts, but also generate hazardous materials like scrap metal, battery acid, and vehicle fluids that have the potential to contaminate soils, groundwater, and drinking water. As a result, salvage yard operators must hold municipal and state permits to operate and must follow the Vermont Hazardous Waste Management and Salvage Yard Rules to prevent contamination.
by tim
by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 715 cases of COVID-19 for Monday. 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. Reported cases tend to run higher as the week goes along as people get tested and the labs report their results. Hospitalizations today set another record with 116. Federal COVID at home rapid tests are now available at COVIDtests.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests
by tim
Holds Costs Below Inflation, Rate Plan Continues Commitment to Stability and Predictability for Customers
Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power (GMP) filed its base rates this afternoon, seeking a 2.34% increase starting October 1, 2022. If approved by the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC), the new rates would be in effect until September 30, 2023. GMP said in a statement that the filing continues their long commitment to keep rates low and stable even when significant cost pressures exist. At the same time, the filing supports GMP’s nationally recognized work to innovate and eliminate carbon from its portfolio.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Today, House Speaker Jill Krowinski and Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint issued the following statement on Governor Scott’s budget address: “We are grateful to see that there are many areas of agreement between the Governor’s proposed budget and our vision for delivering for Vermont’s working families this session. Our vision for investing in Vermont’s future is a reflection of our values and a belief that we can create more equitable communities for all that live and visit our great state."
by tim
Governor offers workforce, housing, environmental initiatives, tax breaks and state debt reduction in $7.7 billion all-in budget.
by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Governor Scott today offered workforce, housing, environmental initiatives, tax breaks and state debt reduction in his annual budget address, which lays out how he would spend $7.7 billion.“In my 21 years in public life, there has never been a more transformative moment. We have, within our grasp, the chance to combine good ideas, thoughtful legislation, and unprecedented financial resources into a better, brighter future – where there are good jobs, affordable homes, and every community is thriving; where every kid is getting the best education, whether they go to the largest school or the smallest; where families keep more of what they earn; and where a healthy and vibrant economy in all 14 counties allows us to protect the vulnerable and invest in the things we care about most. My friends, the budget I present to you today was built with these outcomes in mind, to make the most of this historic moment.”
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Mental Health has named Kelly–Anne Klein, MD, as the new medical director. Klein, a board-certified psychiatrist, comes to the department from Rochester Regional Health in New York where she served as Medical Director. Her experience also includes a full-time clinical appointment at the University of Vermont where she provides outpatient, inpatient, and emergency psychiatric services.
by tim
by Fred Kenney The Regional Development Corporations of Vermont have been chosen by the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) to participate in the new Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP). CNPP will deliver technical assistance service contracts to aid Vermont business recovery. This program was launched as part of a national initiative introduced by President Biden and Vice President Harris whereby the VtSBDC was chosen as one of fifty-one (51) grantees nationwide to be part of the Small Business Administration’s CNPP.