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Vermont Business Magazine The Executive Committee of the University of Vermont Board of Trustees took action today on two key initiatives—a partnership with the Trinity Children’s Center (TCC) and construction involving the multipurpose center, which is home to many of the university’s athletic and university recreation venues.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Speaker Jill Krowinski and Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint released the following statements following Governor Scott's announcement that Vermont has reached its 80 percent vaccination goal.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced that 80.2 percent of Vermont’s eligible population - those age 12 and older - have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, making it the first state to reach this major milestone. Governor Scott also announced he has rescinded all state COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, Vermont’s State of Emergency, slated to expire on June 15, will not be renewed. Below is a transcript of Governor Scott’s remarks, delivered at his press briefing Monday.

Vermont Business Magazine The Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions has awarded 2021 Tiny Grants to conservation commissions in the following towns: Bradford, Dummerston, Hartford, Hinesburg, Huntington, Johnson, and Shrewsbury. Tiny Grants is an AVCC initiative that provides seed money or matching funds to conservation commissions for land conservation, education and outreach, stewardship and management, and planning activities. Conservation commissions are non-regulatory bodies designed to advise planning commissions and select boards on natural resources issues. Grantees will receive between $300 and $600.

Vermont Business Magazine Gathering under this year’s theme, “Norwich Together, Norwich Forever,” 362 students representing 13 online graduate programs will participate in virtual capstone and culminating academic work, conferences, and commencement and Academic Recognition Ceremonies at Norwich University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Studies (CGCS) annual Residency Conference June 21-25. Also, 209 online bachelor’s degree students representing six bachelor’s degree completion programs are expected to receive their degree in 2021.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced that 80.2 percent of Vermont’s eligible population - those age 12 and older - have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, making it the first state to reach this major milestone. Governor Scott also announced he has rescinded all state COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, Vermont’s State of Emergency, slated to expire on June 15, will not be renewed.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont has appointed Joel R Seligman, a professional with 30 years of experience in strategic communications, marketing and public affairs at top-tier public and private research universities, as its new chief communications officer. Throughout his career, Seligman has led highly successful reputation-building initiatives at multiple institutions, including 16 years of service in three other land-grant universities. Seligman succeeds Nicci Brown, who is relocating to the University of Florida.

Vermont Business Magazine When the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets announced the new farm to school Vision Grant opportunity this past winter, we were looking to support innovative, community-led initiatives that would expand on the many traditional benefits of farm to school. The proposals we received far exceeded our expectations and confirmed what so many already know - that farm to school is a powerful lever for creating positive change across many different and intersecting types of social, cultural and economic issues.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott is holding a special press briefing today at 11 am. He is expected to announce that the state has reached the 80 percent goal on COVID-19 vaccinations. He also is expected to announce further health guidance. Among the most significant restrictions still needing to be lifted, as of today, are those involving restaurant and event capacities and seating requirements. However, it is likely the governor will not yet dissolve the State of Emergency, as there are still federal funding considerations and other state measures that still need direction. Businesses, retailers and other public venues will likely be able to continue safety measures as they see fit on a voluntary basis.

by Joyce Marcel, Vermont Business Magazine For more than three decades, Gustave “Gus” Seelig has quietly had a hand in more than a billion dollars’ worth of socially responsible Vermont development projects, including the conservation of affordable housing complexes, the preservation of historic buildings and the biggest land conservation project of the last century. Today, in the wake of the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic, federal money is pouring into the state for capital improvement, housing, land conservation and economic development. As a result, Seelig's agenda is more crowded than ever.

Vermont Business Magazine Members from Vermont’s pandemic response team received recognition from Vermont National Guard senior leaders on the Vermont Air National Guard Base on June 10th, in honor of their selfless commitment to supporting Vermont during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The group of state professionals recognized at the ceremony include: Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine, MD, Mike Smith, Secretary of the Agency of Human Resources, Jenney Samuelson, Deputy Secretary of the Agency of Human Resources, Chad Spooner, Daniel Daltry, Emily Pareles, Harry Schoppmann, Merideth Plumpton, Ian Kilburn, Lee Dorf, Marianne Wolz, Matthew Maiberger, Tim Stetson, Tori Steffend-Hodgkins, and Helen Reid and the Health Department State Laboratory team.

Vermont Business Magazine Outpatch, a Vermont-based and veteran-owned company launched at the end of February with the goal of using the tourism industry to increase funding to local nonprofits. They sell stick-on patches that represent specific communities and donate 50% of the proceeds to nonprofits supporting those communities.