Current News

Vermont Business Magazine A new state report from the Department of Environmental Conservation shows that Vermont has a tremendous advantage over every other state in the US in fighting climate change: the cleanest electricity supply in the country. This is the result of steady committed work over many years by Vermont’s utilities, Vermonters and state leaders, to decarbonize energy supplies with a diverse mix of local and regional resources, including solar, hydro, wind and biomass.

Vermont Business Magazine Global creative and design agency, Select, is now powering its innovation with the sun, thanks to 197 panels installed by Green Mountain Solar, the Williston-based solar company. The newly installed 74.86 kW array at the company’s Burlington South End headquarters at the Stack 208 property ensures that 100% of its electricity needs will be solar powered.

Vermont Business Magazine Sterling College has once again earned the STARS Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). AASHE's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), measures and recognizes sustainability in all aspects of higher education. Sterling has achieved and maintained a STARS Gold Rating since 2015.

Vermont Business Magazine Emergency Medical Service (EMS) stations across Vermont will open their doors this weekend to host walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinics. From May 21 to 23, the nearly 30 EMS sites will offer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for people ages 18 and older. No appointment needed. And as a springtime bonus, people who get their shot will also get a coupon for a free creemee, thanks to Vermont Dairy Farmers and the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets!

Vermont Business Magazine The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) has announced grant awards totaling $112,857 through the Multi-Business Agritourism Grant program. Six dairy farmers, processors, and organizations in Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont will launch innovative agritourism projects through the NE-DBIC’s first competitive grant round. The projects funded are designed to raise awareness, understanding, and consumption of Northeast produced dairy products through agritourism activities that impact multiple dairy businesses.

Vermont Business Magazine AM Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating to A+ (Superior) from A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) to “aa-” (Superior) from “a+” (Excellent) of National Life Insurance Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest (Addison, TX). Concurrently, AM Best has upgraded the Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings to “a” (Excellent) from “a-” (Excellent) on the surplus notes of NLIC. Both companies are life insurance subsidiaries of NLV Financial Corporation (NLVF), headquartered in Montpelier.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) on Thursday introduced a joint resolution blocking the recent sale of $735 million in weapons to Israel. The resolution introduced by Sanders is privileged, which means the senator will have the option to bring it up for a vote.

Vermont Business Magazine Grants from the Northern Forest Destination Development Initiative will help 11 communities and organizations serve residents and visitors with improved outdoor recreation opportunities. Vermont will receive over $100,000 for six organizations.​ The program is an initiative of the Northern Forest Center in Maine and New Hampshire, offered in partnership with Northeastern Vermont Development Association and NEK Collaborative in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. The initiative is supported by the Northern Border Regional Commission.

Vermont Business Magazine The State of Vermont honors the legacy of Leonard “Len” Crouse after his passing on May 6, 2021. Len was appointed the first Deputy Commissioner of the then newly created Captive Insurance division in 2003 and prior to that served as the Director of Captive Insurance since 1990 for the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation. While Deputy Commissioner, Len was responsible for Vermont’s administration and regulation of captive insurance companies at a time when the industry was rapidly growing.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has received federal designation of three highways as alternative fuel corridors, which will further solidify and support Vermont’s efforts to de-carbonize its transportation system and accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

Vermont Business Magazine On Tuesday, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed into law a nation-leading bill that restricts the sale of consumer products that contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS. The bill bans PFAS chemicals from firefighting foam, food packaging, ski wax, and carpets, rugs, and stain-resistant treatments. S20 was supported by Vermont environmental advocates, firefighters, educators, public health experts, children’s advocates, and businesses.

Vermont Business Magazine Stave Puzzles in Norwich is hosting a Virtual Silent Auction to benefit The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund which directly supports global conservation efforts for endangered species around the world. Up for auction is a one-of-a-kind 250-piece pre-crafted Stave Traditional puzzle, Guardian of the Band, by Simon Combes, valued at $2,895. The virtual silent auction will begin on May 21 at 8 a.m. and will continue through May 23 at midnight.