Current News

by Owen Bradley-Meal, Community News Service Debate continues around a proposed zoning change in Shelburne that would restrict development in defined forest blocks and ecological corridors. The selectboard discussed the changes, as well as other measures that are part of a full rewrite of the town’s zoning bylaws, at meetings Nov. 4 and 18. The board is scheduled to continue discussing the zoning update at public hearings Dec. 2 and 16, and beyond that if necessary, with the ability to pass the regulations or call for further hearings and rewrites. Supporters of these changes hope that they will help to prepare Shelburne for the waves of development expected in the greater Burlington area over the next decades while maintaining the character of the town.

Vermont Business Magazine It's time to start the countdown to one of Vermont’s most beloved seasonal traditions: Highlight, Burlington’s official New Year’s Eve celebration. Produced by Burlington City Arts (BCA) since 2018, Highlight has grown into a signature event that fills the city’s vibrant waterfront and downtown with music, unique art events, circus, food, fireworks, and unforgettable moments of wonder that bring people together. Highlight has always been more than a New Year’s Eve party—it’s a reflection of Burlington’s spirit: welcoming, deeply creative, and built on collaboration. BCA created Highlight to showcase Vermont artists and innovators, and each year the event is shaped by the community it serves. One of the ways that happens is through BCA’s Bright Ideas Project, an open call that invites Vermont creators to dream up one-of-a-kind New Year's Eve events.

by Emily Ely, Community News Service With the death of Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA chapters have increased across the country, including at VTSU Castleton. This surge has sparked debate, but despite a turbulent start, and the threat of legal action, the TPUSA chapter at Castleton is now officially approved. Michael Kennedy, a part time student at VTSU, first pushed for the chapter. He said he wanted the club “to provide a voice for conservatives/politically right students on this campus.”

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) has announced Beta Technologies, Cabot Hosiery Mills, Killington Resort, New Chapter, Norwich Solar, and Rhino Foods as the newest Champion Members of the organization. VBSR’s 26 Champion Member business are corporate social responsibility icons in Vermont and beyond. Brands around the globe look to these Vermont industry leaders to learn how to guide their businesses toward a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Champlain Valley Exposition has announced the return of NorthCountry Federal Credit Union (NorthCountry) as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Champlain Valley Fair, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the communities it serves. From August 28–September 6, 2026, fairgoers will come together to celebrate local agriculture, traditions, and family fun, with NorthCountry Federal Credit Union helping to make this beloved regional event accessible and memorable for everyone.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Ranking Member of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, on Friday traveled to Nebraska to speak with farmers impacted by President Trump’s tariffs and economic policies. Senator Welch met with farmers and toured two farms in Madison County ahead of providing remarks at the Nebraska Farmers Union’s 112th Annual State Convention. Senator Welch’s remarks focused on the importance of strengthening the agriculture economy and supporting rural communities in Vermont, Nebraska, and across America.

Vermont Business Magazine The magic of the holiday season is ready to shine brighter than ever as the 15th Annual Manchester Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade rolls into town on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 5:30 PM. Organized by the Manchester Business Association, Dead River Company and the Town of Manchester, this beloved community tradition is gearing up for its biggest and brightest year yet. This year's parade is expected to be record-breaking, with more than 40 dazzling tractors and floats lighting up the night. Adding to the excitement, the event will debut a new parade route, offering more viewing spots and a fresh experience for spectators. The parade will enter Main Street from Memorial Avenue, continue down Center Hill Road, turn right onto Depot Street, turn right into the large rotary, and then head north on Main Street back to Memorial Avenue.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Vermont weekly unemployment claims continue to surge, just as the national labor scene weakens. For the week ending November 29, 2025, new claims reached 600 and have steadily increased since mid-September. New claims were up 116 claims from the week before and up 1 from last year at this time. Claims were 186 in September. Claims, which tend to be lowest in the summer, were 181 at the end of September 2024. Claims tend to rise and fall around the holidays with temporary work hires and layoffs. Meanwhile, the Federal Reservice Bank will meet next week. The Fed is expected to lower rates as employment data indicates weakness and as inflation fell one-tenth to 2.8%. 

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced his appointment of John Morley (R-Orleans) to fill the vacant Orleans District Senate seat. Morley replaces Sam Douglass, who resigned in October. Morley grew up in, and resides in, Orleans County with his wife, Jodi. He has worked for the Village of Orleans for 33 years, managing an electric department, street department, water and wastewater department, fire department, and library. Morley is an active member of the community, serving on many boards, in addition to having served in the Vermont House of Representatives for six years from 2004 until 2010.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as avian influenza, or H5N1 bird flu, in a backyard poultry flock in Orleans County this week.  Samples taken by VAAFM and USDA officials on Monday are being tested to confirm the presence of HPAI by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. The flock of about 300 birds suffered its first mortality Saturday, November 29th and then experienced ongoing losses. The owner contacted VAAFM to report the situation Saturday morning. The remaining flock was quarantined to prevent the spread of disease and was depopulated Wednesday by officials from VAAFM and USDA, with the agreement and understanding of the flock’s owners. 

Vermont Business Magazine Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth gave the following opening remarks at the All Legislative Briefing on December 3rd: "Last year, we were facing multiple crises:  our hospitals and our health insurers were showing signs of strain, even in some cases, signs of potential collapse; our property taxes had spiked and then spiked again; we were still dealing with the long-term effects of catastrophic flooding. And all of those crises are still with us this year, in one form or another. But as we gather today, there is a larger emergency looming, a more all-encompassing crisis that we will all of us confront this time out. And as unbelievable as it might have sounded to us a dozen years ago, that crisis is being produced on a daily basis by our own federal government."

Vermont Business Magazine A long-blighted, fire-damaged property in Springfield has taken a dramatic turn toward renewal. On November 18, a brand-new zero-energy modular home was lowered by crane onto its foundation at 316 South Street, signaling a major investment in neighborhood revitalization and first-time homeownership. The project—led by Windham & Windsor Housing Trust—replaces a burned, vacant structure with a high-efficiency home, made permanently affordable through the organization’s Shared Equity program. Funding was provided by the Vermont Housing Conservation Board, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, Champlain Housing Trust’s Manufactured Home Loan Program, and Efficiency Vermont.