Current News

Vermont Business Magazine New England should have the resources necessary to meet consumer demand for electricity under both average and above average temperatures this summer, according to ISO New England Inc, the operator of the region’s bulk power system and wholesale electricity markets. This summer, under typical weather conditions, electricity demand is forecasted to peak at 24,810 megawatts (MW). Above-average summer weather, such as an extended heat wave, could push demand up to 26,711 MW. More than 31,000 MW of capacity is expected to be available.

by C.B. Hall, Vermont Business Magazine Democracy Builders Fund, which purchased the campus of Marlboro College last July, has received almost $1 million in federal COVID relief funds on the basis of information publicly available that persons familiar with the matter have called into question. On May 1, 2020, under the COVID-related Paycheck Protection Program, the federal Small Business Administration approved a loan of $943,365 to Democracy Builders Fund, Inc, according to data published on the SBA website.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Women’s Fund has awarded $331,000 in grants to 29 nonprofit organizations that further the Fund’s mission to support the advancement, self-sufficiency, and economic and social equality of Vermont’s women and girls. A component fund of the Vermont Community Foundation, the Women’s Fund began fulfilling its philanthropic mission in 1994.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce today announced that $153.3 million in State General Obligation bonds were successfully sold last week in three separate series, generating proceeds of $183.1 million, including a premium of $29.8 million. The bonds were issued to fund new capital projects and to refinance existing debt with lower interest rates. The refinancing portion of the transaction saved the taxpayer over $7.6 million in borrowing costs on a net present value basis.

Leonine Public Affairs The Vermont legislature completed the 2021 session on Friday, May 21, 2021, on time and on schedule. They passed a $7.35 billion budget and Governor Phil Scott offered the traditional closing message. Both bodies signed off on an adjournment resolution that would allow, but not require, the legislature to return in October if Congress passes an infrastructure stimulus bill. This would allow the legislature to return in order to allocate those funds before the start of the 2022 legislative session. A veto session has been scheduled for June 23-24, when the legislature could attempt to override the governor’s action on any bills he vetoes. With the governor agreeing to the budget, a veto session seems unlikely.

Vermont Business Magazine Over the past ten years, the Vermont Farm Fund, a non-profit revolving loan fund, has made over $2 million in loans to Vermont farmers and food producers to help build the local agricultural economy. Originally founded by Pete’s Greens and the Center for an Agricultural Economy in 2011 in response to Tropical Storm Irene, the Vermont Farm Fund has grown to provide not only emergency loans to farmers who have experienced a fire, flood or storm, but also to help food-related businesses grow and expand.

by Kelly Notterman Fresh from a year-long stint at Groupon, Dan White moved to Vermont in 2011 with an idea – to localize the popular couponing platform in a way that supported Vermont farmers, producers, and restaurants. By 2017, the Localvore app had 20,000 customers and $3 million in gross sales.

Vermont State Police On May 23, 2021, at approximately 5:09 pm, Susan Colburn had stopped on the dirt road near a campsite in Brookside Campground in Enosburg to let a 7 year old passenger out of her vehicle. When she started to drive again she struck a 2 year old pedestrian who had previously been on the side of the road and had since walked in front of her car.

Windham County Economic Report

by Olga Peters, Vermont Business Magazine When Adam Grinold’s phone rings he expects one of two questions: What do I do? I can’t find enough employees. Or, I want to expand. Do you know of available industrial space? According to the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation executive director, businesses have “a lot of pent up” energy. This is only one piece of good news for the Windham County economy.

by Olga Peters, Vermont Business Magazine Windham County Senator Becca Balint, D-Brattleboro, is watching the county’s migration patterns carefully. The Legislature is preparing to redistrict senate and house districts in response to the 2020 Census. According to Balint, it’s possible Windham County’s population has dropped enough that it risks losing representation.

by Olga Peters, Vermont Business Magazine In April 2020, Grace Cottage in Grafton was “in the worst place pandemic wise,” said President and CEO Doug DiVello. What a difference a year has made for the small community hospital.

Vermont Business Magazine The Community College of Vermont (CCV) will celebrate its 2021 graduates, along with the Class of 2020, with a virtual event on Saturday, June 5 at 2 pm. More than 450 students from the Class of 2021 will receive associate degrees. Graduates represent all 14 Vermont counties, 10 states, and 15 countries. The youngest graduate is 17 and the oldest is 78. Also among the graduates are 23 veterans and active members of the military.