Current News

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 Governor Scott also announced he has rescinded all state COVID-19 restrictions.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.

by Senator Alison Clarkson What an extraordinary Legislative Session 2021 has been. It was historic – the first Vermont legislative Session to be conducted completely remotely during an international pandemic. And, despite those challenges, we were incredibly productive – managing to accomplish a great deal to improve life in Vermont.

Agency of Commerce & Community Development The Vermont Department of Labor and the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA) released a memo this week for Vermont businesses on workplace safety tips relating to COVID-19. The memo offers 10 things to think about as the state prepares to lift all mandates and restrictions. Find the 10 things below and the full memo on the VOSHA website.

Vermont State Police On June 11, 2021, at approximately 1528 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – Rutland Barracks were advised of a two (2) car motor vehicle crash on Vermont Route 103 in the Town of Mount Holly. While en-route, Troopers learned one of the people involved in the crash was deceased.

Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Miro Weinberger and the Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department announced Friday that the City’s annual July 3rd Independence Day Celebration will come back to Burlington. With the decades-long tradition returning after over a year of public health restrictions that limited large gatherings, the City team expects thousands to gather along the Burlington waterfront for the biggest fireworks show in Vermont on Saturday, July 3rd, 2021.

Vermont Business Magazine Since first setting eyes on the abandoned dairy barn in Shoreham, Vermont, that would become WhistlePig distillery, we've been dreaming of 100 percent farm to bottle whiskey - harvested, distilled and aged here in Vermont using our grain, our water and our wood. Today, that dream comes true. With just 40 barrels of Rye and Bourbon available this year, FarmStock Beyond Bonded is among the most special whiskeys ever created on the WhistlePig Farm.