Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Financial Regulation (DFR), Department of Vermont Health Access, Office of the Health Care Advocate, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, MVP Health Care, and Cigna together encourage Vermonters to take advantage of consumer resources to help find alternative care if they encounter extended wait times for medical appointments.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets We wanted to correct a mistake that went out in last week's newsletter. The article about new grants available through the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative listed the maximum award amount for the Standard Business grant as $15,000. The good news: the maximum award amount is actually $25,000!

by Jack Hoffman, Public Assets Institute Student weighting dominates a lot of discussions around Vermont school funding these days. I guess that’s what we should expect after the release of a report to the Legislature titled: “Study of Pupil Weights in Vermont’s Education Funding Formula.” But the study also raises broader questions about money and education. The weighting study examined the cost of raising educational achievement for certain categories of students: economically disadvantaged, non-native English speakers, and those attending small schools or schools in sparsely populated areas. It costs more to improve the educational outcomes for these groups of students than for students not in these categories.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets Produce Program will provide 40 produce farms with new harvest crates, storage bins, and cleaning supplies to improve produce safety and efficiency. Farms must apply for the produce safety supply kits by Friday, October 22 at 12 PM. These produce safety supply kits will support farms in improving container cleaning and management procedures.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Thomas J Donovan announced today that Jason Muxlow, 42, of Westminster, Vermont, was arraigned on October 5, 2021, on five felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials. According to documents filed with the court, the Vermont’s Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce (VT-ICAC) received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which indicated that someone had uploaded images containing child sexual abuse material to various online platforms. After executing online and residential search warrants, the VT-ICAC subsequently seized devices containing child sexual abuse materials from Muxlow’s residence.

Vermont Business Magazine Champlain College Online (CCO) is excited to announce a new truED Alliance Partnership with Copley Hospital, greater Lamoille County, Vermont’s community hospital. Through this partnership, Copley Hospital employees and their eligible family members will now qualify for reduced tuition for more than 60 degree and certificate programs offered 100% online by the regionally accredited college.

​Vermont Business Magazine Imaging Technologists at UVM Medical Center today announced that after months of organizing and bargaining, they ratified a negotiated agreement enabling them to be covered under the existing Technical Professional contract, with additional protections and improvements specific to their work. In March, technologists voted overwhelmingly to join the other 2,400 UVM Medical Center nurses and technicians who are members of Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals - AFT Vermont, the largest and fastest growing health care union in the state.

by Christine McGowan, Vermont Forest Industry Network There is just one road up the backside of Mt Holly in Okemo State Forest. Originally built in the 1980’s for forest management, the road now also supports snow machines and skiers in the winter, hikers and mountain bikers in the warmer months, and the occasional horseback rider. For decades, recreation in the area was fairly light—mostly locals who knew the road was there. And then came COVID-19. Tim Morton, state lands stewardship forester for Windsor and Windham counties, estimates the area saw a fivefold increase in recreational use during the pandemic.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont electric utilities are reminding their customers that help is still available for those struggling to pay bills. Vermonters financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for funding to pay past-due utility balances. The funding is available on a first come, first served basis. The application deadline is October 24, or sooner if the money runs out before then.

Vermont Business Magazine Lise Veronneau, of Burlington, has been named the new Honorary Consul of France to Vermont. The official conveyance was celebrated in a ceremony at Burlington City Hall on Wednesday, followed by a reception hosted by outgoing Honorary Consul of France to Vermont from 2008-2020, Ernie Pomerleau. Mayor Miro Weinberger along with French dignitaries were in attendance to honor both individuals.

Vermont Business Magazine iSun, Inc (NASDAQ:ISUN) announced Wednesday that it has secured a $30 million commitment from Fusion Renewable (“Fusion”) for development and professional services. Williston-based iSun is a leading solar energy and clean mobility infrastructure company with 50 years of construction experience in solar, electrical and data services.​ iSun will perform development and professional services on projects acquired by Fusion at various pre-construction phases. Upon completion of the development and professional services, iSun will retain the rights for all construction services. The newly announced $30 million commitment includes approximately $8.25 million in previously executed contracts. The $30 million in new revenue stream is expected to be recognized over the next 12 months.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement regarding the Biden Administration’s plan to invest billions to expand rapid at-home COVID-19 tests for Americans: “Increasing access to rapid at-home testing will be important as we continue moving forward and I applaud the President’s focus on this important tool."