Current News
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Northern State Correctional Facility (NSCF) in Newport is now in standard modified operations, the Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) announced Thursday. This status change comes after three consecutive rounds of outbreak testing revealed zero new COVID cases among staff or incarcerated individuals. The outbreak began after two staff members tested positive for the virus August 18 and 21 after presenting with symptoms. As part of outbreak protocol, the facility was put on full lockdown.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) has announced the launch of the Tourism and Economic Recovery Marketing Grant Program. The Tourism and Economic Recovery Marketing Grants are funded through a $600,000 appropriation by the Vermont Legislature to provide grants to organizations in support of efforts and activities related to regional tourism marketing to aid recovery from COVID-19.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 314 new cases of COVID-19. While this is technically the largest single day report, as VDH communicated yesterday, they had an outside vendor IT glitch that delayed the delivery of previous test results. At this time, VDH believes the issue has been resolved. They are therefore investigating whether or not the IT glitch and subsequent fix may have impacted today's case count, as well as previous days' case counts. The VDH is also reporting today two more deaths, which now stand at 294 statewide.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Representative Peter Welch’s legislative committees, House Energy and Commerce and Oversight and Reform, marked up and passed over the past week core elements of the $3.5 trillion Budget Reconciliation package. The legislation, the Build Back Better Act, included transformational provisions championed by Welch (D-Vermont) that will address the climate crisis, lower health care costs, expand access to affordable health care, and increase broadband connectivity.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine At a time when Vermonters are surveying the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 crisis, UVM’s Office of Engagement and Center for Rural Studies have released the Vermont Economic Development Roundtables Report Amplifying Vermont’s Economic Resilience. The report identifies current and future challenges to the Vermont economy, and makes recommendations to ensure a strong and sustained recovery. Workforce pay and availability is a constant theme. And in every roundtable, the issue of race, equity, inclusion, and belonging arose as a key element of community economic development in Vermont.
by tim
State and Project Leaders Detail Forward Progress and Impact of this Historic Funding
Vermont Business Magazine At a press conference Thursday in Springfield, Governor Phil Scott joined state, local and federal officials to detail $25 million in new state funding to clean up brownfield sites. This investment represents a significant milestone, marking the first-time state dollars have been allocated to brownfield sites. Historically, this work has been funded exclusively by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
by tim
Business and Producer Association Grants Request For Applications
Vermont Business Magazine The Working Lands Enterprise Board (WLEB) is releasing 3 request for applications that allow Vermont working lands businesses and producer associations to invest in projects focused on infrastructure, marketing and sales development, meat slaughter and processing, and building workforce development skills.
by tim
by Vermont Chamber Vice President of Tourism Amy Spear Have you ever picked crisp apples fresh from an orchard, been surrounded by bright red and orange mountains, or hiked through a towering corn maze? In Vermont, you can do all that and more on an ordinary fall day. This year, visitors can enjoy the season in a distinctly Vermont way – with activities and attractions that draw in people from around the globe.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Vaccine campaigns based on moral messaging or myth-busting aren’t more effective at improving parents’ attitudes toward vaccines and their kids than standard public health messages, according to a recent study using Vermont data. Throughout the pandemic, the state of Vermont has been one of the safest places. Still, not everyone opts to wear a mask. And Vermont is among the top-five best states to have a child in.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Under the leadership of Director Tyeastia Green, we reviewed the draft report over the last few days, and met yesterday with the CNA consultants to ask clarifying questions... We caution that this document is still a draft, and that there may be important clarifications to the final document. We note that the draft report’s recommendation for 76 to 83 “require(d)” officers does not equate to an “authorized cap.”
by tim
by Ethan Tapper Forests are complex, intricate and nuanced, and also massive, expansive and interconnected. To be responsible forest stewards we need to both zoom-out to understand our role in a giant landscape, and zoom-in to recognize the tiny pieces and parts that make forests work. We must (somehow) hold both of these realities in focus as we take care of our forests.
by tim
by Peter Sterling A recent piece by anti-renewable energy crusader Annette Smith asks, “Is Electrifying Everything a Climate Solution?” For those of us concerned about the changing climate’s increasing number of floods, wildfires, hurricanes and record-breaking temperatures the answer is YES! I can agree with Ms. Smith that “solutions cannot be all about technology and buying more stuff.” Reductions in overall energy use are key to solving the climate crisis. But continued energy use for transportation and heating and cooling our homes is inevitable.