Current News

​Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power (GMP) is making it easy for you to save money and reduce your carbon footprint and get excited this spring with a whole lot more rebate options that will get you outside. GMP customers can get ready for the green grass and open roads by saving on electric motorcycles and residential yard care equipment like hedge trimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers and garden tractors.

Vermont Business Magazine This week, Moody’s Investors Service released a rating action that affirms Burlington International Airport’s “Baa2” credit rating with a stable outlook. The rating action is particularly notable as airports around the country are grappling with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. In its credit report, Moody’s states that the Burlington International Airport (BTV) is “well-positioned to address challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic,” and notes that BTV’s core financial metrics are sound, including its stable liquidity and debt service coverage, strengthened cost recovery framework, minimum of 200 days of cash on hand, relatively low debt burden, and manageable planned capital investment program.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Regular weekly unemployment claims last week fell by 222, and are down to 777. Numbers also fell nationally, but remain at a relatively higher level. Economists suggest 2021 is off to a sluggish start.

by ​Representative Pattie McCoy How often does an education reform bill pass on a voice vote in the Vermont Legislature? From experience, I can tell you it is about as rare as the same type of legislation passing unanimously. That is, very rare indeed. Yet, when the Vermont Legislature contemplated a statewide commission to determine the arrangements of public school employee health benefits, it passed the House on a voice vote and the Senate unanimously. In short, the measure was quite popular, and for good reason.

Vermont Business Magazine Representative Peter Welch on Thursday reintroduced legislation that would provide federal funding to revitalize forests being destroyed by invasive species and help stem the future infestations of invasive pests. “Invasive species are devastating to forests which are a central part of Vermont’s economy and our way of life,” said Welch. “This bill will fund efforts to revitalize damaged forests and highlight the need for making this a priority within the federal government.”

University of Vermont Beginning March 1, all students who are required to test will now be required to complete a COVID-19 test two times per week with three days between each test. The testing center is expanding operations (offering additional testing slots and Saturday hours) to accommodate you. More frequent testing will enable us to identify positive cases and close contacts earlier—and that will help everyone.

Vermont Business Magazine The Health Department announced that Vermonters age 65 and older can make an appointment at Walgreens to get their COVID-19 vaccination starting today, in advance of the statewide clinics for this age group that begin on March 1. There were early delays in Walgreens updating its systems to accommodate the new age group, but those issues have now been resolved. The Vermont Department of Health also is reporting two more deaths from COVID-19 for a statewide total of 203. They reported 66 new cases.

Vermont Business Magazine The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced almost $13 million in funding to local Vermont programs that provide affordable housing, community development and economic opportunity, and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This funding is part of more than $5.5 billion in funding being awarded nationally. As part of the housing support, Vermont will be getting over $8 million in CDBG funds and over $3 million for the HOME investment program.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Public Radio has hired journalists Connor Cyrus and Mikaela Lefrak as the new co-hosts and senior producers of Vermont Edition, the station announced today. Cyrus and Lefrak will take over for Jane Lindholm, who is stepping down from the program after 14 years to focus full time on VPR’s children’s program But Why and special news projects. Her final show is March 25, although listeners will continue to hear her voice on the air as a contributor to VPR special news coverage.

Vermont Business Magazine Starting today, Vermonters age 65 and older can make an appointment at Walgreens to get their COVID-19 vaccination. This is in advance of the statewide clinics for this age group that begin on March 1. Anyone age 65 and older can go online to Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or call 1-800-Walgreens (1-800-925-4733) to make an appointment to be vaccinated. There are no walk-ins, appointments must be scheduled.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott announced today that he has appointed Tayt Brooks, currently the Governor’s director of affordability and economic initiatives, as deputy secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD). He takes over from Ted Brady, who will be the new executive director at the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) has announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Edward M (Ted) Brady as the League’s new executive director. Brady, who currently serves as Deputy Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, will assume his new responsibilities in early April.