Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Flight Academy (VFA) is working with Burlington International Airport (BTV) neighbor, BETA Technologies (BETA) to launch FLIGHT VT, an initiative that aims to inspire and empower youth by providing them with the opportunity to fly a plane. The program was first launched as a one-day pilot (pun intended) last year and was so successful, VFA is expanding this summer to three days. As many as 100 youth will join VFA and BETA certified flight instructors to fly planes over their hometowns.

Vermont Business Magazine Northeast Drinks Group LLC, a privately owned holding company, today announces a new canning line investment which dramatically increases capacity for branded and co-packing volumes at Green Mountain Beverage. A division of Vermont Cider Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of NDG, Green Mountain Beverage is a leading manufacturer and co-packing facility for canned, kegged, or bottled alcoholic and specialty non-alcoholic beverages.

Vermont Business Magazine As COVID cases continue to fall (the VDH reported eight cases today and again no deaths), the daily report will go to two times a week and the online data will be updated Monday to Friday. The weekend's numbers will be included Monday. This all will begin next week. Meanwhile, the state is approaching Governor Scott's 80 percent vaccination goal, though vaccinations have slowed in recent days. There are still many opportunities to get vaccinated across the state, including at walk-in clinics. For instance, for the governor to discontinue all COVID mandates by Monday, June 7, about 2,000 Vermonters a day would need to be vaccinated. On Wednesday, 482 individuals were vaccinated.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott announced action on several bills, passed by the General Assembly, including H433. The transportation-related legislation includes $120 million for public transportation, rail and electric vehicle incentives, among other programs.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Board of Commissioners announced last week that its annual allocation of federal housing tax credits will support the construction of 105 permanently affordable apartments in five communities across the state. The sale of the credits is expected to yield over $26 million in funding, which will cover over 60 percent of total development costs. The program is the largest single funding source for affordable housing development in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine Ratings agency Moody’s Investor Service today upgraded the financial strength rating for the insurance companies of National Life Group. This marked the second upgrade within a month for National Life. Last month A.M. Best upgraded National Life’s ratings to A+ (Superior). Moody’s raised National Life’s financial strength rating to A1 (Good).

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) and the Department of Economic Development (DED) today announced the launch of the latest economic recovery funding for Vermont businesses. Opening on Monday, June 7, the Economic Recovery Bridge Program is expected to deliver $30 million in financial relief to businesses who have not received state and federal funding due to eligibility constraints and to businesses who can show a continued loss of revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vermont Business Magazine Thousands of milk producers across the country will receive surveys from the US Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) as the agency collects information for the 2021 Milk Production reports. The dairy industry relies on monthly Milk Production reports to make decisions about the marketing of milk. By participating in the survey, milk producers can ensure that NASS provides timely, accurate and useful data that all sectors of the U.S. dairy industry use to make sound business decisions.

Vermont Business Magazine In July, the US Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be collecting information about colony loss in the honey industry throughout the United States. The Quarterly Colony Loss survey will be conducted over the period of June 2021 through July 2021. This survey collects information about colony inventory and loss from more than 400 producers with honey bee colonies in the Northeastern Region of the United States.

by Senator Randy Brock Imagine waking up one morning and seeing crumbs all over the floor, dirty dishes in the sink and the house full of flies because someone left the back door open. Which problem should you deal with first? None of the above -- because the smoke and flames should have alerted you that the house is on fire. But, instead of calling the fire department, you sweep up the crumbs, do a load of dishes and grab the fly swatter.

by Secretary Julie Moore, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources June is Pride Month and 2021 marks the 51st celebration – a time when people come together in support of the LGBTQ community. June also marks the official opening of most Vermont State Parks and end of mud season restrictions on hiking trails throughout the state. The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) stewards more than 350,000 acres of public lands on behalf of Vermont and our visitors as a source of inspiration and enjoyment for all.