Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Abbie Sherman has been appointed Executive Director of the Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC), expanding her role at the Department of Economic Development (DED). In addition to her duties with VEPC Sherman has served as an integral member of the DED assisting wherever there had been bottlenecks due to the increased demands placed on us for business assistance due to COVID-19.

Vermont Business Magazine The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on December 6, 2021, James Bannister, 57, of Bethel, Vermont pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including the opioids Tapentadol and Tramadol, in connection with his involvement in an international drug trafficking operation. According to court records and proceedings, from in or about 2019 through June 2021, Bannister and others used mailboxes in Vermont to receive shipments of controlled substances and misbranded pharmaceutical drugs sent from outside the United States. Bannister also received international shipments of controlled substances and misbranded drugs at his residence, including pills containing the opioids Tapentadol and Tramadol.

​Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan today announced that Vermont filed a brief seeking the reversal of the Purdue bankruptcy order granting unprecedented legal immunity for the Sackler family. The brief, submitted by a five-state coalition, came at the request of the U.S. District Court and argues that the Court should consider the Sacklers’ extraction of $11 billion from Purdue in the years leading up to its bankruptcy in determining whether the Sacklers’ nonconsensual liability release abuses the bankruptcy process.

Small Business Administration Vermont As the December 31 deadline approaches, the SBA VT office is hosting a webinar about the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan at 1 pm today, December 7. Up to date information will be shared and a review of the basics.

The SBA VT office is hosting the webinar every Tuesday and Thursday at 1 pm throughout December.

To access the webinar, visit http://ow.ly/9xna50H5h9Y.

To access the webinar by phone, call 802-490-7604 and enter code 319419247#.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA), in its capacity as the implementing entity for the State of Vermont, is seeking proposals to support the management of venture capital funds which will be allocated to the State of Vermont through the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed The American Rescue Plan Act, which provided $10 billion to fund the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).

​Vermont Business Magazine Castleton University interim president Dr. Jonathan Spiro announced his plans to retire at Monday's Vermont State Colleges System Board of Trustees meeting. Spiro successfully led Castleton through the most difficult period in the University's modern history as the pandemic forced classes online, canceled cherished events and traditions, and created pressures on nearly every aspect of the University. Dr Thomas Mauhs-Pugh has accepted the position of interim resident, effective January 3, 2022.

Vermont Business Magazine Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette works with Security Guard Joshua Scheffler to empty the MedSafe box in the lobby of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. In the 4 years since its installation in the main lobby of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, the MedSafe collection box has facilitated retrieval of 2,000 pounds of unwanted medications from homes and the street. The specialized box is available to the public 24 hours each day.

Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) and Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) have announced that each of its five primary care practices in Vermont—SVMC Deerfield Valley Campus in Wilmington, SVMC Internal Medicine in Bennington, SVMC Northshire Campus in Manchester, SVMC Pediatrics in Bennington, and SVMC Pownal Campus in Pownal—have achieved recognition for providing personalized, effective, and efficient primary care. The medical practices have been re-designated as Patient Centered Medical Homes by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

​Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), Vermont’s statewide organization supporting education for Vermonters beyond high school, has received a significant five-year funding extension for its Educational Opportunity Center, which helps Vermont adult learners connect with college and workforce training. The $2.9 million federal grant allows the EOC to continue its work through 2026. The EOC was founded in 1991 and has helped more than 60,000 adult Vermonters over the last three decades.

by Rob Roper When the Vermont House of Representatives returns in January, one of the first orders of business they will take up is a constitutional amendment called Proposal 5. Proposal 5 is being sold as a statewide protection for women’s rights guaranteed under Roe v. Wade. This isn’t an accurate portrayal of what Proposal 5 would do. In fact, Proposal 5 is a legal mess that no one on either side of the abortion debate should be okay with.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health on Monday reported 246 cases of COVID-19. On Sunday the VDH reported a record 643 cases. On Saturday, the VDH reported 539 cases of COVID-19, which had been the third highest total since the start of the pandemic. There were 482 cases of COVID-19 Friday. The previous record was 635 on December 1. All of the highest case numbers have occurred since November 3, 2021. The VDH also today reported no additional COVID-related deaths, which stand at 417 statewide.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced that Secretary of Human Services Mike Smith will retire at the end of the year, after his second stint leading the state’s largest agency. In addition to its role in the pandemic response, the Agency of Human Services oversees six state departments, twelve district offices, and a network of community partners and providers. It is responsible for the implementation and delivery of all human service programs within the state. Each department has a distinct area of focus and responsibility and contributes to the creation and sustenance of an entire system of human service supports. Deputy Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson will serve as interim secretary following Secretary Smith’s departure.