Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont and Burlington gas prices have risen 2.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.44 per gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 100 stations in Burlington. Gas prices in Burlington are 28.0 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.34/g higher than a year ago. The statewide average as of Thursday is $3.41/g compared to the US average of $3.40/g. Vermont gasoline prices had been running lower than the national average for most of the last year, and as recently as two weeks ago.

Vermont Business Magazine Norwich University’s Center for Global Resilience & Security hosts “Celebrating Women in Science,” a virtual roundtable and networking event on November 8, and a screening of the film “Picture A Scientist” on November 9. Both events are free and open to the public.

by Kendra Sowers, et al, CVTSE.org Our poorest and most diverse Vermont school districts have been critically underfunded for decades. This is due to inherent flaws in our pupil weighting formula, which directs how Vermont calculates student needs and allocates education funds across the state. The Pupil Weighting Factors Report of 2019, commissioned by the legislature and written by researchers from the University of Vermont and Rutgers University, concluded that Vermont does not currently recognize the actual costs of educating students who attend small schools, come from low-income households, live in rural areas or those who are English language learners.

Vermont Business Magazine Millions of plastic can carriers end up in the hands of Vermont’s craft beer and cider drinkers each year, with most being tossed into single-stream recycling bins because manufacturers market them as “100% recyclable.” What craft beverage producers, recycling companies, and some consumers have come to realize, however, is that while such marketing claims may be true in theory they don’t always hold up in reality. A new collaborative effort between Reusable Solutions, Eco-Friendly Beer, and Casella Waste Systems aims to implement a more sustainable system that extends the life of the rigid plastic packaging beyond just single use.

Vermont Business Magazine iSun, Inc, based in Williston, today announced preliminary operating results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2021, of its recently acquired residential and commercial subsidiary, SunCommon. Acquisition brings total Commercial and Industrial backlog to $90.3 million, including $6.2 and $3.4 million of new business in Vermont and New York, respectively. Residential backlog of $22.1 million includes $14.9 and $7.2 million of new business in Vermont and New York, respectively.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Community Foundation announced today that its Spark Connecting Community grant program has awarded $48,080 to 17 nonprofit organizations for local projects focusing on creative placemaking in communities across the state. The grants are made in partnership with several generous fundholders who contributed through Giving Together, a program at the Community Foundation that shares grant proposals with fundholders and donors to provide an opportunity to co-fund projects. Spark Connecting Community is a competitive grant program at the Foundation that puts building and nurturing community front and center.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets USDA is now accepting applications for the 2022 Farm to School Grant. Farm to School grants support state, regional, and local organizations in planning, developing, and implementing farm to school programs. Grants are designed to help start new farm to school programs or expand existing efforts.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health is reporting today that COVID-19 cases increased nearly 100 today and head back over 200. COVID cases were 140 on Monday to 91 Tuesday to 164 Wednesday to 316 Thursday to 262 Friday to 179 Saturday to 278 Sunday. The five worst days for cases have all come since mid-September, as the Delta variant has taken over since early July. Thursday was the fifth highest on record. COVID fatalities are holding at 364 statewide. There were 13 COVID fatalities this week.

There are 44 people hospitalized (down seven) with 9 in the ICU (down seven). Hospitalizations are high but have been stable.

There have been six deaths since Wednesday, with five coming among those 80+ and one in the 60-69 age band. Recent fatalities have been exclusively among older Vermonters.

Vermont Business Magazine Casella Waste Systems, Inc on Thursday reported its financial results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2021. Revenues were $242.0 million for the quarter, up $39.3 million, or up 19.4%, from the same period in 2020. Net income was $15.9 million for the quarter, up $0.8 million, or up 4.9%, from the same period in 2020. Third quarter financial results exceeded expectations, with solid operating execution, cost efficiencies and strong cash flow growth. The Rutland-based company raised its revenue, net income, Adjusted EBITDA, net cash provided by operating activities, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow guidance ranges.

New Streamlined Heat Pump Rebate Process for GMP Customers Starts November 1

Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power (GMP) and Efficiency Vermont announced a new streamlined heat pump rebate process for customers that will start November 1 making it easier to switch away from fossil fuel for heating. Through a partnership with Efficiency Vermont, GMP customers who buy heat pumps can still get up to $1,200 in total savings per condenser, with some of that savings applied up front without the need to submit a rebate form after the purchase.

And, customers who are low and moderate income will get bonus savings through a single streamlined post-purchase rebate application. Previously, customers had to fill out separate forms, with different criteria, for GMP rebates and Efficiency Vermont rebates.

Vermont Business Magazine Waterbury Area Trails Alliance (WATA) and The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR), which owns and manages the Perry Hill Block within the CC Putnam State Forest, are excited to announce the opening of a 1,500-foot extension to the Six Flags Trail at Perry Hill. The new section of multi-use mountain bike trail will connect Joe’s Trail to the Main Climb and will support mountain biking and pedestrian activities. The new trail section will allow for the closure of the Duct Tape Trail which was receiving limited use and required a high degree of annual maintenance.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health is reporting today that COVID-19 cases fell today after a steep increase Thursday, and fell under 200 Saturday. COVID cases fell from 265 last Sunday to 140 on Monday to 91 Tuesday to 164 Wednesday to 316 Thursday to 262 Friday to 179 Saturday. The five worst days for cases have all come since mid-September, as the Delta variant has taken over since early July. Thursday was the fifth highest on record. The VDH also reported Saturday no deaths for 364 statewide. There have been 13 COVID fatalities this week.

There are 51 people hospitalized (down nine) with 16 in the ICU (up four). Hospitalizations are high but have been stable.

There have been six deaths since Wednesday, with five coming among those 80+ and one in the 60-69 age band. Recent fatalities have been exclusively among older Vermonters.