Current News

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.

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Public Service (PSD) has extended the window for questions and answers, as well as proposal submission bids, under the Request for Proposals for the Comprehensive Energy Plan Public Involvement Facilitator. The new deadline by which questions are to be received is Thursday, February 25, 2021. The PSD will respond to questions by Friday, February 26, 2021. The deadline for proposal submissions has been extended to Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

Vermont Business Magazine The USDA today announced it is investing $42.3 million to help rural residents gain access to health care and educational opportunities. Distance Learning & Telemedicine (DLT) grants awarded to institutions in northern Vermont and southern New Hampshire are included in the national initiative: $994,326 to North Country Hospital Health Center (Newport, VT) and $995,158 to Fall Mountain Regional School District (NH).

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Lake Monsters announced today that the team will have new ownership and a new partner league when it takes the field this summer. The Vermont Expos, Inc, have agreed in principle to sell the Lake Monsters to the investment group, Nos Amours Baseball Club. The group is led by Chris English a long time affiliated, independent and college summer league owner & operator. The intent is to continue to play at 38-game home schedule from May to August in Burlington. The team would be comprised of college players, but using wooden bats like the professional teams.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy is one of Vermont’s fastest growing sectors, contributing $1.8 billion to Vermont's GDP in 2019 and linked to 20,000 jobs, according to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. The pandemic has only heightened the importance of the outdoors as an economic driver for Vermont’s communities as people turn to physical activity and the mental health it affords.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health Wednesday reported two more COVID-19 deaths, bringing the Vermont total to 201. There were also 78 new cases for a total of 14,768. Vermont has the second fewest deaths per 100,000 people (32) and cases (2,354), behind only Hawaii (30 & 1,868). Over 92,000 Vermonters have been vaccinated with at least one dose. Those 65 and older may start signing up to get vaccinated starting Monday, March 1.

Vermont Business Magazine Representative Peter Welch yesterday introduced the Electric Cars Act, bicameral legislation that would address America’s addiction to dangerous fossil fuels by fully extending the electric vehicle tax credit for 10 years, making the tax credit immediately available to buyers at the dealership and helping to deploy critical charging infrastructure. Currently, a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 is available for the purchase of electric vehicles—with federal statute capping the number of eligible vehicles at 200,000 per manufacturer. Several domestic manufactures have already hit the manufacturing cap and consumers seeking to buy those vehicles will no longer receive tax credits.