Current News

VermontBiz Topnotch Resort, one of Vermont's most celebrated destination properties, today announced plans for a significant expansion and enhancement project that will elevate the guest experience while introducing 27 fully furnished luxury residences to the Mountain Road location. The project is scheduled to break ground in 2026 and be completed in phases to allow the resort to remain open during construction.

“This next chapter represents a thoughtful evolution of Topnotch that honors the resort's legacy while elevating every aspect of the guest experience,” said Matthew Wheeler, Area General Manager of Topnotch Resort. “Our owners, AWH Partners, have committed to substantial improvements that will benefit both our valued guests and residence owners who will become part of the Topnotch community.”

VermontBiz The Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) has officially broken ground on a new, state-of-the-art Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in Williston—a timely milestone that comes just days before America Recycles Day on November 15. The $38 million project marks a major step forward in CSWD’s commitment to building a sustainable recycling future. 

The new MRF will replace CSWD’s existing facility, built in 1993, which has exceeded its operational lifespan and processing capacity. Designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind, the upgraded facility will significantly improve processing capabilities, reduce environmental impact, and ensure the continued affordability of recycling services for Vermonters for decades to come. 

VermontBiz The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has awarded $1 million in grants under the Mobility and Transportation Innovation (MTI) program.

The purpose of the MTI program is to incentivize innovative strategies that improve mobility and access for transit-dependent Vermonters, reduce the use of single-occupancy vehicles for work trips, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

VermontBiz Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement after voting against a continuing resolution that fails to extend Affordable Care Act health care tax credits: 

“I’m a hell no on any bill that cuts healthcare and skyrockets premiums for millions of American families. Americans are suffering through a health care crisis of Republicans’ making, after fifteen years of efforts to dismantle the ACA and replace it with nothing. 

Vermont Business Magazine Two University of Vermont (UVM) sustainability researchers—Asim Zia and Jon Erickson—will join the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. Several scientists from across UVM will also attend virtually from the Green Mountain State with “observer status.” Asim Zia, of UVM’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is organizing a high-profile panel focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and climate. Jon Erickson of UVM’s Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources will speak about ecological economics, with a focus on regional climate solutions. Both are fellows of UVM’s Gund Institute for Environment. Zia will outline how AI-enabled technologies—such as early warning systems, precision agriculture, and climate diplomacy tools—can support global and local efforts to build climate resilience. The event brings together international experts and government officials. 

Vermont Business Magazine Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont’s traditionally popular 16-day regular deer season that begins Saturday, November 15 and ends Sunday, November 30. A hunter may take one legal buck during this season if they did not already take one during the archery deer season.  The definition of a legal buck depends on the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).  A map of the WMUs is on pages 24 and 25 of the 2025 Vermont Hunting & Trapping Guide available from license agents and highway rest areas. In WMUs C, D1, D2, E1, E2, G, I, L, M, P, and Q a legal buck is any deer with at least one antler three inches or more in length. In WMUs A, B, F1, F2, H, J1, J2, K, N, and O a legal buck is any deer with at least one antler with two or more antler points one inch in length or longer.

Vermont Council on Rural Development As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Vermont’s villages and valleys are settling into the rhythm of the season. Vermonters are gathering for community suppers, tree lightings, and craft fairs, moments that remind us how much strength and joy come from being together. Here at VCRD, we’ve been reflecting on the year behind us and signing our annual fall appeal letters, a small but meaningful tradition that reminds us how many people make this work possible. Each signature is a note of gratitude for those who believe in the power of community, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Vermont Business Magazine FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc, the leader in whole-home energy management solutions, has announced its participation as one of the first approved manufacturers in the Vermont Electric Co-op (VEC) Flexible Load battery storage program. The milestone follows VEC's decision to expand its program, offering homeowners better access to reliable, cost-saving energy management and storage solutions. The expansion, developed in collaboration with Texture, VEC's program partner, opens the door for additional battery manufacturers to join the initiative. FranklinWH will be among the first companies added to the approved enrollment form, with additional manufacturers expected to follow in the coming weeks.

Vermont Business Magazine Join energy experts from the Vermont Electric Co-op for a one-hour webinar full of tips and tools to help VEC members save energy and cut their electric bills. The webinar will take place Thursday, Nov. 20 from 12-1pm. Learn what drives electricity usage and discover how VEC’s online portal SmartHub can help VEC members manage that usage more effectively. There will be ample time for Q and A.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont game wardens are appealing for help in curtailing poaching activities.  They are asking for people who witness or believe they have knowledge of poaching to contact them quickly. “If you hear a shot in the night, see lights in a field or have any information about a poaching incident, please contact us right away,” said Col. Justin Stedman, Vermont’s chief game warden. “The quickest way to reach a warden is by calling your nearest State Police office so the radio dispatcher can give the information to a warden in the area.”

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State University’s (VTSU) Fall 2025 enrollment numbers reflect the new university’s focus on meeting the needs of students, employers, and communities by adapting and adjusting to shifting demographics, and ongoing disruption across higher education. With final enrollment numbers now confirmed, the university reports a total headcount of 5,185 students – an increase of 1.4% compared to Fall 2024. Several areas of enrollment growth point to the strength of VTSU’s strategic direction. Online enrollment continues to surge, with a 10% increase in headcount. This increase highlights the growing demand for flexible, accessible learning and reinforces the Vermont State Colleges (VSC) system’s Vision 2030 commitment to provide high-quality higher education to every Vermonter, regardless of their income or location. 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard destination in Eastern North America, opened for the 2025/26 winter season today at 9 a.m. This marks the resort’s second winter under independent ownership, following two years of significant reinvestment totaling more than $60 million in completed and ongoing mountain improvements. Once again, Killington will be the first resort in the Eastern United States to open for skiing and riding, reaffirming its leadership as “The Beast of the East.” Opening Day (Wednesday, November 12) was reserved exclusively for Killington Winter 25/26, Beast 365, and Ikon Pass holders. The resort opens to the general public on Thursday, November 13 at 9:00 a.m., operating seven days a week.