Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) has recently added a new loan program to its lending portfolio. “KIVA” is a crowdfunding platform, with a zero percent interest rate and a maximum $10,000 amount. The platform is provided through partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), KIVA and BDCC. BDCC was recently awarded KIVA trustee designation, the first in the State of Vermont, through its partnership with rural LISC.

Vermont Business Magazine Three Vermont National Guard biathletes will compete in the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing as part of the US Biathlon Team with an additional member named as the men’s alternate. The Vermont National Guard sends experienced Olympians Spc. Sean Doherty and Spc. Leif Nordgren for the men’s team as well as Spc. Deedra Irwin who will make her first Olympic appearance. Spc. Vaclav Cervenka will serve as men’s alternate to make his Olympic debut if needed.

The Vermont Arts Council honors its 2021 Arts Award recipients in the premiere of short video tributes about their work, as well as a video message from Governor Phil Scott.

Each year, the Vermont Arts Council in partnership with the governor’s office honors five individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our state’s cultural landscape. Due to the pandemic, the Arts Council was unable to hold its annual in-person ceremony, so instead the Council is honoring its recipients in film.

Vermont Business Magazine National Life Group has established an endowment to support its annual charitable giving through the National Life Group Foundation by seeding an investment fund with $20 million. This is another substantial step toward serving and supporting its communities with this investment in securing the future of the National Life Group Foundation’s power for good.

Vermont Business Magazine A suspect has been taken into custody following a shooting incident Monday morning at an apartment building on Caswell Avenue in Derby Line. Police began receiving reports of gunfire at about 9:45 am. No one was injured, and the danger to the public is now believed to have ended.

by VAHHS President Jeff Tieman There are few places in the U.S. today where partisanship isn’t front and center, too often clouding common sense and derailing progress on critical issues. Given the state of affairs in Washington and the stress of our third year managing a pandemic, it was hopeful last week to see some unity and common purpose in our corner of the country.

Vermont Business Magazine Patricia Preston, a lifelong Vermonter who currently serves as Executive Director of Vermont Council on World Affairs, announced she is seeking the Democratic Nomination for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. For nearly the last decade, Patricia has served as the executive director for an organization that brings international leaders together with Vermonters in the public and private sectors, building relationships that strengthen our economy and create opportunities for Vermont businesses and individuals.

Vermont Business Magazine To continue fulfilling its mission of promoting and improving the economic well-being of its members and the communities it serves, and to support challenges communities face with housing, nutrition and healthcare, New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU) announced a number of year-end donations for 2021.

Vermont Agency of Agriclture Food & Markets Is your Vermont food or forestry business looking to expand into new markets? Consider applying for aTrade Show Assistance Grant from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets (VAAFM). 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.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today reported a steep fall in cases as testing also was down. Cases were 203 for Saturday after setting another new record with 2,642 cases of COVID-19 for Friday, easily breaking Wednesday's record of 2,188. The record for cases was broken three times last week and another four times this week. The VDH also today reported no additional COVID-related fatalities, which remain at 483 statewide. Hospitalizations today were 90 (down two); the record of 92 was set December 8. ICU stays, which also had been elevated, were 19 (up two).

by Kelly Nottermann Francie Caccavo was a female founder before the term became trendy. Back in 1991 when she started Olivia’s Croutons, she was simply a young mother looking for a creative way to work from home and be present for her children, then two and three years old. A self-described foodie who loves to cook, Caccavo noticed that there were very few croutons available commercially, and nothing that was particularly good. She started playing with recipes in her home kitchen, settling on a classic butter and garlic crouton, which she sold in paper bags hand stamped with her daughter’s name—Olivia’s.

Vermont Business Magazine Seeking to honor a leading Vermont environmentalist and the legacy of a legendary wildlife advocate, Green Mountain Power (GMP) is calling for nominations for the 13th annual GMP-Zetterstrom Environmental Award. Named for famed osprey advocate Meeri Zetterstrom, the award is given to one person, business, group, or non-profit that has made a significant contribution to Vermont’s environment. The award includes a $2,500 donation to the winner’s environmental cause.