Current News

Leonine Public Affairs On Monday the Department of Labor (VDOL) announced a mailing error that resulted in a major data breach. VDOL estimates that the personally identifiable information of somewhere between 25,000 and 58,000 Vermonters was compromised when 1099 forms were mailed to incorrect addresses. Also, the Legislature is working on housing, broadband and healthcare bills, the ongoing budget process and dealing with the fallout of a racial slur from a contractor on a "hot mic."

Vermont Business Magazine The music and entertainment industry has taken some steps toward inclusivity in the past few years. But when a pro audio forum website still goes by the name Gearslutz, a Northern Vermont University alum knew there were still great strides to make. NVU-Lyndon Music Business and Industry alum, Cameran Davis ’19, stepped in to encourage that company to pick up the pace toward change — an effort that produced a big win for women in an industry that has long been male-dominated.

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in collaboration with local nonprofits, town officials, scientists and regional planners, finalized two tactical basin plans that outline the strategy to restore and protect rivers, lakes and wetlands across much of the state, from Ferrisburgh to Peacham. The Tactical Basin Plans for Northern Lake Champlain Direct Drainages and the Stevens, Wells, Waits, Ompompanoosuc and Connecticut River Direct Tributaries provide details on how DEC will work alongside nonprofits, farmers, towns, landowners, and Natural Resource Conservation Districts to continue to improve water quality, restore aquatic habitats, and prevent future pollution.

Vermont Business Magazine Human Services Secretary Mike Smith announced at Tuesday’s press conference that vaccinations for homebound Vermonters will begin immediately. If you’re watching the Super Bowl this Sunday, stick to your own household. Governor Scott (rooting for the Bucs) also announced today that indoor high school and youth sports can return to competition starting February 12, but without spectators. The VDH is reporting 107 new cases of COVID-19 with no deaths, which remain at 181 statewide. Vermont has the lowest death rate in the nation and case counts have fallen.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine After months of negotiations, Mayor Miro Weinberger announced today a settlement with the developers of CityPlace Burlington that retains the benefits of the original development agreement, secures millions of dollars in public benefits, and ensures that the project can move forward. The Administration will present the settlement to the City Council for discussion at its February 8, 2021 meeting, and seek approval at the Council’s February 16 meeting.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to approve President Suresh Garimella’s proposal to freeze tuition for the coming academic year. It will be the third consecutive year tuition levels have remained the same. The board also approved Garimella’s recommendations to reduce the student comprehensive fee by 2.2% and to freeze next year’s room and board charges to their current rates. Over the past eight years, the average increase in room and board has been 3.2% annually.

Vermont Business Magazine House bill H171, an act relating to the governance and financing of Vermont’s child care system, was introduced this week with overwhelming support from all parties including independents with nearly two-thirds of all House members co-sponsoring. The bill begins a three-year process to ensure access to affordable and high-quality child care for all of Vermont’s children and families.

Gayle Botelho to Serve as Interim Assistant Principal, BSD to Launch National Search for Next Principal

Vermont Business Magazine At a Special Board Meeting on Tuesday, February 2, the Burlington Board of School Commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Lauren McBride to the role of Interim Principal of Burlington High School (BHS) and Gayle Botelho to the role of Interim Assistant Principal. This means that Principal McBride and Assistant Principal Botelho will stay in their current roles until next school year.

by Olivia Campbell Andersen Typically, a new year brings opportunity for reflection and resolutions for healthier and happier living. In the time of COVID and deep economic recession, resolutions may look different. Add the climate crisis into the mix and it can feel overwhelming. The current triplicate crisis laid bare the need to re-assess existing systems and build the resilient, equitable communities we want for our future. In some ways, dealing with the health, climate, and economic crisis is similar to making new year’s resolutions—both depend on faith in the future and a fundamental belief in our capacity for change and improvement. This year, I hope you’ll join me and many others in making a New Year’s resolution that envisions a healthier climate for our family, our community, and ourselves.

Vermont Business Magazine More than 250 Vermont educators, business advisors, business leaders, and students will come together virtually on February 10, 2021 from 8:15 am to 12:30 pm to join the 12th annual Vermont Student Entrepreneurship Day free event. The theme of this year’s event is, “Inspiring Vermont Entrepreneurs to – ReFocus – ReImagine – ReEngineer. We’ve got you covered.”

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health is reporting 165 new cases of COVID-19 with two more deaths for a statewide total of 181. Also, if you’re planning to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday, remember: It’s safest to celebrate with the people you live with. Gathering with people from outside your own household increases the chances of spreading of COVID-19, especially if you’re indoors, close together, and eating or drinking without masks. Many cases and several outbreaks started with get-togethers.

Vermont Business Magazine The Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce along with Explore New England, Visit New England and Boston.com have partnered on a variety of tourism initiatives over the last few months to promote the South-Central region of Vermont. To date, projects have included landing pages on the Visit New England, and Explore New England websites that reach millions each year, social media posts, and newsletter blasts that go to hundreds of thousands of folks interested in traveling to Vermont.