Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) has officially launched a new relocation program that offers reimbursement grants, up to $7,500, to workers across the country who move to Vermont after July 1, 2021. The application portal opened today, and the program will be overseen by the Vermont Department of Economic Development. This new program builds upon Vermont’s previous successful recruitment initiatives and aims to attract new residents to the state, grow the workforce, and support employers facing workforce challenges due to low unemployment or finding qualified candidates.

Vermont Business Magazine The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that people whose immune systems are moderately to severely weakened receive an additional dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, CDC recommends the third dose for people who have compromised immune systems and have received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. An additional dose is not currently recommended for those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The VDH on Thursday reported 169 new cases of COVID-19, which is the highest one-day total since the Delta variant came to Vermont in early July. There is one additional death for 268 total statewide. There are also 21 people hospitalized with 9 in the ICU.

Vermont Business Magazine GlobalFoundries (GF), the global semiconductor manufacturer with a plant in Essex Junction, today announced its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 2020 to 2030, as the company expands its global manufacturing capacity. Building on GF’s history of environmental responsibility and ongoing greenhouse gas emissions reduction, this new Journey to Zero Carbon initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally efficient manufacturing operations. GF is based in Malta, NY.

Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power (GMP) announced it is extending its popular rebates on electric vehicles (EVs), electric motorcycles, heat pumps, geothermal heating systems, and electric yard care equipment through Dec. 31, 2021. The rebates, which were set to expire at the end of August, have already enabled more than 3,000 customers to save money this year and reduce their carbon footprints.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont gasoline prices edged down one cent this week to an average of $3.07 a gallon. Vermont's average is 3 cents higher than a month ago and nearly a dollar higher than a year ago ($2.13).

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced a series of vaccination clinics that will be open at schools across Vermont this week for anyone ages 12 or older. You can just walk-in or visit www.healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine to make an appointment. You can also call 855-722-7878. Governor Scott and health officials encourage everyone ages 12 to 17 to get vaccinated.

Vermont Business Magazine People are at the very heart of the Lake Champlain Chamber’s mission to create economic opportunity. LCC is committed to equal justice, safety, respect, and opportunity for all people. As part of that commitment, LCC has announced the formation of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. The DEI Committee is working with LCC to help inform and prioritize efforts related to equity and inclusion.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott is seeking applicants for the Natural Resources Board (NRB) to fill the chair position, which is currently held by Interim Chair Don Rendall. The NRB oversees the administration of Act 250, Vermont’s land use and development law. Act 250 was enacted in 1970 to balance development and environmental protections.

Vermont Business Magazine Peter Sterling joined Renewable Energy Vermont as Interim Executive Director this week. Over his career, Peter has established himself as an effective advocate on a range of issues including access to affordable health care, protection of our natural resources, and promoting economic justice. Most recently, Peter served for four years as Chief of Staff for Vermont Senate Pro Tem Tim Ashe.

by Annette Smith Global Warming. Climate Change. Climate Emergency. The words used to describe what is happening to Planet Earth have changed over time, and are politically charged for some people. A better description might be Wacky Weather. Even better, Weather Extremes. We might be able to agree that the weather is getting more extreme.

Vermont Business Magazine Two recent gifts will allow the Vermont Community Garden Network to take the show on the road, bringing workshops to gardens, field trips to schools and plants and seeds to those who need them.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont department of Health on Wednesday reported 99 new cases of COVID-19 and three more deaths for a statewide total of 267. There are currently 21 hospitalized with nine in the ICU. According to CDC data, 85.1 percent of eligible Vermonters (468,900) have received at least one dose of vaccine, which is the highest rate in the nation.