Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Representative Peter Welch’s legislative committees, House Energy and Commerce and Oversight and Reform, marked up and passed on Friday core components of the $1.9 trillion COVID relief package championed by the Biden administration. The relief bill, the “American Rescue Plan,” included key Vermont legislative priorities that Welch (D-Vermont) successfully fought for that will deliver immediate financial relief.

Vermont Business Magazine Northwestern Counseling & Support Services, Inc (NCSS) is pleased to announce it has received the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s 988 State Planning Grant through Vibrant Emotional Health, the nonprofit administrator of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline). Through the grant, NCSS will participate in the development of strategic plans for Vermont in preparation for the projected infrastructure needs, volume growth, and access to Lifeline’s new 988 number. Vibrant has awarded grants to 49 states and territories.

Vermont Business Magazine Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) Secretary Julie Moore invites the public to join her on Tuesday, February 23 from 4-5 pm for a virtual discussion about environmental permitting in Vermont. Each year, ANR issues a variety of permits for projects covering everything from septic system upgrades to solar development. These permits support smart economic development and community growth while protecting and conserving Vermont’s important natural resources.

Vermont Business Magazine WhistlePig is much more than a distillery. We are a working farm set amidst the wilderness of Vermont. At the heart of it all is an outsized treasure chest shaded by the weathered rafters of an old barn. This is our single barrel warehouse, and herein lies some of our boldest experiments. Some casks are born right in our own backyard, others were discovered half a world away. Some rise, others fall. It’s a lesson told only through time, and a legend worth sharing.

Vermont Business Magazine NBT Bank, with branches in Northwestern Vermont, is currently accepting applications for its Management Development Program. This program prepares participating associates to assume mid-level professional roles inside of NBT at the completion of this 12-month training process. The Management Development Program is ideal for recent college graduates looking for a way to fast-track their career development with direct, guided access to technical and soft skill training, cross-divisional work experiences, performance coaching, mentoring and special projects that include community involvement.

Leonine Public Affairs The legislature continued developing the FY2022 budget this week. The House and Senate Appropriations Committees started the week with a joint public hearing via Zoom and heard from more than 70 organizations and members of the public on a wide variety of budget proposals. House Appropriations spent the rest of the week hearing from state agencies and departments on the governor's proposed FY2022 budget.

Vermont Business Magazine This year presented enormous challenges, but it also offered unique opportunities for ordinary people to support their communities in crucial ways. 2021 Emerging Leaders recognition will highlight those young professionals who went above and beyond during this unprecedented time for our generation. Honorees will be chosen by the Southern Vermont Young Professionals Steering Committee and the Shires Young Professionals Steering Committee, who together co-sponsor the Emerging Leaders recognition.

Vermont Business Magazine Researchers at the University of Vermont are conducting a survey to study how Vermonters as well as out of state residents that recently traveled to the state are understanding and responding to Vermont’s COVID-19 guidelines.

Vermont Business Magazine People's United Bank, NA, a subsidiary of People's United Financial, Inc (NASDAQ: PBCT), with branches across Vermont, has been recognized by Greenwich Associates, a leading global provider of market intelligence and advisory services to the banking industry, with three awards for its 2020 performance in serving middle market customers. This recognition includes a national achievement in being selected as a Best Brand for Ease of Doing Business, as rated by customers for the bank's unique approach to relationship banking across their Northeast footprint.

Vermont Business Magazine All are welcome to attend a free virtual Abenaki speaker series this spring, hosted by the Community College of Vermont (CCV). The series is part of CCV’s ongoing effort to honor the Abenaki people, who originally stewarded the land on which the College’s 12 academic centers are located.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 162 new cases of COVID-19, but no deaths, which are holding at 189. Starting on Tuesday, February 16, people in Vermont who are age 70 and older will be able to make their appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. And Walgreens will be part of the federal pharmacy vaccination program. This will add about 2,000 doses to the Vermont allotment. Also, the Education Agency will provide guidance next week for the start of music (and singing) in schools. In some cases the health measures are quite strict. Today also is the start of competitive school sports. And those who have been fully vaccinated (both doses) and completed the waiting period will no longer have to quarantine if they are exposed to an infected person. This is only a modest lessening of the quarantine rules. If you travel, you still must quarantine.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and Representative Peter Welch (D-Vermont) on Friday sent a letter to Secretary-designate Vilsack to make him aware that the lowest-bid contract winner of the latest round of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program has not been adequately serving Vermont. The letter also asks USDA to award a new contract for March and April to a different vendor who can meet the needs of Vermont households experiencing food insecurity in the wake of the pandemic.