Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Taxes has begun issuing refunds to eligible taxpayers who received unemployment insurance benefits last year and electronically filed their 2020 Vermont Individual Income Tax Returns prior to the federal unemployment tax exclusion passed earlier this year. These taxpayers can expect to see direct deposits or paper checks in the coming days or weeks without the need to file an amended return.

Vermont Business Magazine Last night, the Burlington City Council unanimously approved the Administration’s proposal for the immediate release of $1,795,000 from the City’s outstanding $27 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. The $1.795 million in funds are urgently needed to support a variety of eligible expenses to address ongoing public health response, water resources investments, and economic impacts of the citywide reappraisal on some homeowners.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) Board of Directors has announced that Brian Lowe has been selected Executive Director, a role he will assume on September 21, 2021. Since 2013, Brian has held diverse roles with the City of Burlington. Most recently, he served as the City’s COVID-19 Response Leader, where he led the city’s pandemic response, overseeing multiple cross-departmental teams and partnering with community leaders to address emerging challenges. Brian also served as the city’s Chief Innovation Officer, responsible for identifying new approaches to city processes and starting new programs like Burlington’s Early Learning Initiative, which has helped expand local childcare options.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott has made a formal request for federal disaster funds to assist communities in Bennington and Windham counties in paying for repairs to public infrastructure damaged in floods of July 29 and 30, 2021. Local and state officials estimate communities in those counties suffered more than $4 million in damages to public infrastructure.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health on Tuesday reported 111 new cases of COVID-19 and three more deaths, which now stand at 291 statewide. There are 43 people hospitalized (up 5 from yesterday) and 9 in the ICU. Hospitalizations have remained relatively high and have slowly increased the last few days. Vermont has the highest vaccination rate and the lowest hospitalization rate in the United States. Cases among children 5-14 continue to grow, as cases among the general Vermont population have declined.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan announced today that his office has filed a major consumer protection lawsuit against fossil fuel companies for deceptive and unfair practices. The lawsuit alleges past and ongoing violations of Vermont’s Consumer Protection Act for concealing crucial information and disseminating misleading statements and advertising about fossil fuels and climate change. The lawsuit names as defendants Exxon Mobil Corporation, Shell Oil Company, Sunoco LP, CITGO Petroleum Corporation, and related companies.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s Regional Development Corporations received a 2021 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations. This national award recognizes the 12 RDCs of Vermont that make up the state’s economic development network, for the innovative Restart Vermont Technical Assistance Program. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, ReVTA provided 512 businesses and non-profits with technical assistance, 401 of which also received grants that enabled them to recover from the pandemic impacts and pivot towards the future.

Project will Deliver High-Speed Internet To Northeast Kingdom Residents and Businesses

Vermont Business Magazine A major step toward bringing fast internet to all addresses connected to the electrical grid in the region was accomplished during the NEK Broadband board meeting on September 9th. The Communications Union District (CUD), made up of 45 member towns, approved a joint partnership with Mission Broadband, the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC), and Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom (WCVT).

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Commission on Women, state government’s independent non-partisan commission advancing rights and opportunities for Vermont women and girls, begins work this fall under a new leadership structure, broadening from one to three Chairs. Lisa Senecal was re-elected to the position and is joined by fellow Commissioners Kiah Morris and Kellie B Campbell.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott has proclaimed September 12–18 the inaugural Vermont Workplace Safety Week in Vermont, celebrating safe workplaces and promoting participation in workplace safety programs. The Vermont Department of Labor and the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA) will hold in-person and virtual events in commemoration of Vermont Workplace Safety Week.

Green Mountain Care Board Please note that presenters and Board Members will be participating remotely through Microsoft Teams tentatively through October 1, 2021. Members of the public can attend all meetings at the physical location 144 State St, Montpelier, VT 05602, through the Microsoft Teams application, or via the call-in number.