Current News

by Carl Fowler Vermont's Amtrak trains have now been gone for almost a year. When they do return, we will be virtually initiating new services. This can’t wait any longer. For many months I've supported (albeit reluctantly) their suspension, because of the tragic second wave of the pandemic. But with vaccinations finally here, with new cases and deaths (albeit slowly) declining and the return of warmer weather, I think it's time to revisit this issue.

Vermont Business Magazine Xusana Davis, Vermont’s first Executive Director of Racial Equity, will join Northern Vermont University for a lecture and Q&A session on Tuesday, March 9, 11:30 am to 1 pm. The lecture is part of Northern Vermont University’s Spring Lecture and Arts Series. Appointed to the position in June 2019 by Governor Phil Scott, Davis works with state agencies to identify and address systemic racial disparities and support the state’s efforts to expand and diversify Vermont’s population.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont State College System Board of Trustees have voted to move forward with the proposal outlined by the state’s Select Committee on the Future of Public Higher Education in Vermont. The proposal will unify the three residential colleges, Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College, under a common accreditation in Academic Year 2023-2024 while maintaining the Community College of Vermont as a separate institution.

Vermont Business Magazine Award-winning Consider Bardwell Farm has restarted its Vermont-based cheesemaking operations, with a focus on sustainably producing small batch, aged cow’s milk cheeses, now available for sale at retail outlets and farmer’s markets, as well as through the company’s new e-commerce shop www.considerbardwellfarm.com. During the past year, Consider Bardwell Farm has not only revamped its food safety systems and protocols and made notable renovations to its production facility, the company has fine-tuned its business model and prioritized its objectives, with sustainability at the forefront of all decisions and processes.

Vermont Business Magazine Across our country, in every state, in every community, Americans are suffering. It doesn’t matter if they are represented in Congress by Republicans or by Democrats, or whether they live in rural communities or in urban centers. All have suffered under an unprecedented health and economic crisis that has claimed the lives of more than 520,000, and of more than 2.58 million people around the world.

by Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray Each March we have the opportunity to celebrate ‘International Women’s Day’ and ‘Women’s History Month’ and to recognize the achievements of women in our communities and across the globe. Let us honor women this month by acting to address their economic well-being. On February 22, the President and Vice President paid tribute to the 500,000 lives lost due to the coronavirus pandemic, a stark reminder of the immense cost Americans have paid over the last year. In addition to these tragic deaths, the virus has had devastating effects on the country’s economy, impacting the lives of millions of Americans––especially working families and women.

Vermont Business Magazine Pomerleau Real Estate, based in Burlington, has announced several commercial real estate transactions, including Unnecessary Inventions, Elli Parr Jewelry, Real Property Management Sterling, and ALLEarth Properties LLC.

Vermont Business Magazine The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it is making an additional $35 million available this year in the Value-Added Producer Grant Program to support agricultural producers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is made possible through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. In total, $76 million is available. Also, the Department is extending the application deadline to May 4, 2021.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Scott announced at Friday’s press conference that effective today, people who are vaccinated can gather with other vaccinated individuals at their homes. Starting Monday, March 8, Vermonters ages 55+ with certain high-risk health conditions are eligible for FREE COVID-19 vaccines. Those 16+ can get their vaccinations starting March 15. The K-12 education community and regulated childcare program staff will receive information on how and when they will be vaccinated, and instructions on how to register, directly from their employers.Also, the VDH is reporting 126 new cases of COVID-19 but no deaths for the second consecutive day, which are holding at 207.

The US Small Business Administration has some key changes to the Paycheck Protection Program which will be available for a limited amount of time to ensure America’s smallest businesses get exclusive access. If you are a small business owner with fewer than 20 employees, or are self-employed; there is new information for you.

Speaker Jill Krowinski Over the past several weeks, we have seen a growing anxiety around conversations happening in the legislature regarding public employee pensions. We have seen a rise in misinformation and confusion concerning what is actually happening and why these considerations are occurring at this time. The reason I have prioritized this issue is simple: our state pensions are in critical need of reform to stabilize the system and get it on track for long-term stability. While these conversations are in the early stages and still evolving, I want to be clear: current retirees and those close to retirement do not need to panic and worry that their retirement plans are in jeopardy.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agricultural Water Quality Partnership (VAWQP) released its 2020 annual report highlighting the impacts of state and federal investments toward protecting and improving water quality. The VAWQP report shares conservation practice implementation data which indicates a high level of commitment from Vermont farmers in land stewardship. For example, in 2020, conservation efforts by farmers helped reduce erosion, improve soil health, and protect water quality. Over 28% of the annual cropland in Vermont was cover cropped (26,748 acres) and conservation tillage was implemented on 15% of annual cropland (14,305 acres).