Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Today the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation announced the launch of the 2021 Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative Community Grant Program and the Enhancement of Recreational Stewardship and Access Trail Grants. These programs will distribute over $6 million to municipalities and non-profit organizations across Vermont. The funding for these programs comes from one-time general funds and is a portion of the more than $20 million Governor Scott directed for spending on outdoor recreation investments.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan and the attorneys general of 35 states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against Google alleging “exclusionary” conduct relating to the Google Play Store for Android mobile devices and Google Play Billing. This antitrust lawsuit is the newest legal action against the tech giant, claiming illegal, anticompetitive, and unfair business practices.

Vermont Business Magazine Houston-based Geospace Technologies (NASDAQ: GEOS) announced Wednesday that it has acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Aquana, LLC, a comprehensive wireless water monitoring and control system provider based in Warren, Vermont. Under terms of the agreement, Aquana will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Geospace Technologies. The company said in a statement that it intends to retain Aquana’s employees, further strengthening Geospace’s highly skilled technical workforce. Terms of the transaction include an initial cash payment of $1.4 million at closing.

Vermont Business Magazine Efficiency Vermont’s work to reduce Vermonters’ energy burdens and greenhouse gas emissions will expand, as it joins the effort to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state. Until now, Efficiency Vermont’s work has been limited to helping Vermonters save energy in buildings, but thanks to a recent ruling by the PUC, Efficiency Vermont will expand into the transportation sector as well. About 45 percent of the money Vermonters spend on energy goes toward transportation.

Vermont Business Magazine After a two-year hiatus, Farm to Ballet returns to Retreat Farm to celebrate the rich farming culture of Vermont on Saturday, July 10th at 6 pm. With dancers dressed as lettuce leaves, goats, pigs, and cows, this whimsical outdoor ballet is sure to delight all ages. Set on a grassy stage, the full-length ballet is an artful expression of farming, food, and our connection to the land through dance.

Vermont Business Magazine Join us in July, when renowned digital anthropologist and futurist Brian Solis joins Business Forum USA. This webcast, hosted by best-selling author Jon Gordon, will broadcast at noon, Wednesday, July 14. Registration is free.

Norwich Solar Technologies They’ve got the power – literally! Norwich Solar Engineer Nathan Billings and Chief Technology Officer & Co-founder Troy McBride had the pleasure of speaking with local high school students participating in The Governor's Institutes of Vermont Engineering Program last week, one of eight programs GIV is presenting this summer in topics from Arts to Mathematics to Entrepreneurship. While participation was virtual this year, Norwich hopes to be present in person for future sessions.

Vermont Business Magazine This winter, American Airlines will continue to grow its footprint at its largest international gateway, Miami International Airport (MIA), adding two new international destinations and six new domestic routes, including to and from Burlington International Airport (BTV) from November to April on Saturdays.

Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) and the Department of Economic Development (DED) today announced the second-tier priority group of the Economic Recovery Bridge Program can now apply. The first tier was intended for businesses that had not previously received state or federal recovery funds. Starting today, Wednesday, July 7, the Economic Recovery Bridge Program is now processing and accepting applications from businesses and non-profits who have received prior state and federal funds but can still demonstrate a net tax loss in 2020 due to COVID-19. Pursuant to legislation, the Agency will continue to prioritize applications from businesses that have not received aid.

Vermont Business Magazine On July 1st, Vermont-based Pete's RV Center officially assumed ownership of The Trail Center in North Charleston, SC. The Trail Center is Pete’s RV Center’s sixth dealership, and first in the Southeast.

Vermont Business Magazine The Snelling Center for Government announced today the graduates of the Vermont Leadership Institute Class of 2021. After a very unique year characterized by masks and Zoom tiles and a mix of in-person and remote sessions, the Vermont Leadership Institute (VLI) Class of 2021 celebrated their journey at a Commencement Ceremony held on June 5th at Basin Harbor in Vergennes. As the 26th class of the Vermont Leadership Institute, the Class of 2021 spent the past nine months delving into topics such as personal leadership adaptation; complex systems thinking and innovation; and leadership paradigms that support diversity, equity, and inclusion for all Vermonters.

​Vermont Business Magazine The National Life Group Foundation has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants to almost 150 organizations in northern Vermont and north Dallas, Texas, the communities where its primary offices are located. The general grants are in addition to other rounds of funding that the Foundation has already approved, including $609,000 that was awarded to hundreds of nonprofits chosen by employees and retirees and matched by the Foundation.