Current News

The pandemic shifted Vermonters’ relationship with the outdoors. Everywhere these days, people are socializing through walking, running, paddling, and biking, finding new ways to enjoy movement in nature. From July 12 through August 2, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont encouraged Vermonters to join the fun by posting photos of themselves taking full advantage of summer by exercising outdoors.

Vermont Business Magazine Greensea Systems, creator of OPENSEA®, the universal open architecture software platform for the marine industry recently expanded their Vermont operations by leasing 4,200 ft2 of additional commercial space at The Creamery located at 20 Jolina Court, Richmond, VT. The new commercial space will provide additional office space as well as a much needed engineering laboratory space for research and development.

“I am committed to growing the company in Vermont and right here in Richmond. The new Creamery building presents a great opportunity to expand within walking distance of our current headquarters”, says Ben Kinnaman, Greensea CEO. “Greensea is growing and we are rapidly expanding within the maritime robotics industry. This new facility gives us additional space for vehicle testing, software integration, and control system development.”

The State of Vermont and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services mark a quarter century of cooperative efforts to stop the spread of the rabies, with the 25^th annual Rabies Bait Drop, scheduled to start August 5, 2021. The week-long bait drop is part of a nationally coordinated effort to halt the fatal disease.

Rabies vaccine — in the form of a sweet-smelling oral bait that is attractive to raccoons and skunks — will be dropped in rural areas of Vermont from low-flying aircraft and placed by hand in residential centers. Approximately 450,000 quarter-sized blister packs containing rabies vaccine will be distributed in nearly 100 Vermont communities across nine counties. A switch allows pilots to control where the baits fall – in order to avoid roadways, homes and other places where people are most likely to be.

Vermont Buisness Magazine As part of World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, the Brattleboro, Springfield and White River Junction communities will come together to honor breastfeeding, chestfeeding and lactation. The annual global celebration will highlight the international theme of “Protect Breastfeeding, a Shared Responsibility”— emphasizing the idea that all of us play a role in protecting and nurturing young families.

The Vermont Department of Health supports and encourages breastfeeding because of its important health benefits for both the person who is lactating and the baby. Data has shown that for adults, breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and postpartum depression. In addition to the important nutrition and growth benefits, babies who breastfeed have improved cognitive development and a reduced risk for chronic diseases. Breastfeeding also offers important bonding opportunities for both.

Vermonters should be cautious, but not worry about the more contagious Delta Variant. That’s the message from Gifford Health Care Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Josh White. Delta is causing a rise in cases throughout the world, but according to Dr. White, these COVID-19 variants were expected.

“Viruses mutate, so they can spread better,” Dr. White said. “Delta seems to reproduce much faster, which means when a person coughs or sneezes, there’s a lot more virus in it so it’s much easier to transmit.”

While the Vermont Department of Health is reporting a slight increase in new daily cases (1.8% positive 7-day average), the state’s high vaccination rate is keeping patients out of the hospital.

Vermont Businiess Magazine Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s (SVHC) Medical Matters Weekly with Dr. Trey Dobson—a weekly interactive, multiplatform medical-themed talk show—will feature Alya Reeve, MD, MPH, the medical director of Untied Counseling Service in Bennington, on its August 4 program. Dr. Reeve is responsible for overseeing clinical psychiatric services and providing guidance to clinical staff.

Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced today that John Mara of Essex Junction, Vermont was arraigned on July 29, 2021 on six felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials. According to documents filed with the court, the Vermont 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 a Microsoft account. After executing online and residential search warrants, the VT-ICAC subsequently seized devices containing child sexual abuse materials from Mr. Mara’s residence.

Applications are now being accepted for current vacancies on the Labor Relations Board. There are currently two vacant positions, one “neutral” position and one “labor” position. All applications must be submitted no later than August 12, 2021, at 4:30pm.

The Vermont Labor Relations Board is responsible for determining appropriate bargaining units, conducting union representation elections, adjudicating unfair labor practice charges, and hearing grievances in cases involving relations between employers and employees of the State of Vermont, Vermont State Colleges, University of Vermont, municipalities, school districts, and small private operations.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced that he has appointed 70 Vermonters to State boards and commissions since June 1.
Boards and commissions serve an important role in state government, giving Vermonters numerous opportunities to serve their state and communities. The Governor’s Office is currently soliciting applications to fill vacancies and upcoming term expirations. All those interested in serving on a board or commission should visit the Governor’s website at http://governor.vermont.gov/boards-commissions to apply.

The appointments made by the Governor between June 1 and July 31 are listed below:

Access Board

• Sandra Silla of Burlington
• Nathan Besio of Colchester

Bennington County Side Judge

Vermont Business Magazine The Curtis Fund, a supporting organization of the Vermont Community Foundation, will host seven pop-up “We’ve Got Your Back” events for this year’s incoming class of scholarship recipients to distribute gift bags filled with donated products from Vermont companies. Each year, the Curtis Fund provides scholarships for low-income and/or students who will be first in their family to pursue a post-high school degree for the longevity of their postsecondary education.

“The Vermont business community is a key ally in achieving our mission,” says Shana Trombley, executive director of The Curtis Fund. “Vermont business owners recognize that The Curtis Fund is helping ensure that Vermonters have the education and skills to fill tomorrow’s jobs and they are eager to show their support, which is why they have generously contributed to the ‘We’ve Got Your Back’ gift bags.”

Cross Vermont Trail Association What a day! On July 23, 2021 the bridge was lifted into place across the river. The keystone is set! The Winooski Bridge was first identified as a top priority project 25 years ago, during the very initial surveys of what could be a Cross Vermont Trail route. And several of the people doing that initial survey, sitting through those first planning meetings - they were there watching the bridge fly in, seeing it all become real.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets The Northern Borders Regional Commission (NBRC) has announced the 2021 Regional Forest Economy Partnership Grant. This funding opportunity is open to non-profit and government agencies (state, local and Indian tribes). The purpose of the program is to assist rural communities, institutes of higher education and research, and economic development support organizations in their efforts to transition the forest-based industry and its workforce to a focus on new technologies and viable business models.

Grant awards range between $250,000 and $1 million for this competitive opportunity. As applications are only open through invitation, letters of interest are required for funding consideration and must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. EST September 10, 2021. Those interested in submitting applications are strongly encouraged to contact the NBRC program director in their state. Program directors are available to help develop projects and applications.