Current News
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Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has introduced the new Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC), hosted by VAAFM. In 2019, we were selected as one of three Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives in the US by USDA. NE-DBIC provides support to cow, goat, and sheep dairy businesses throughout the Northeast region. Projects promote the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products and will target dairy farms and processors while providing additional support through market research and technical assistance.
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Vermont Business Magazine Adult Continuing Education at Burlington Technical College (ACE-BTC) has launched a new program to help individuals without previous experience find jobs in the solar industry. ACE’s “Solar Installation Apprenticeship Program” started in the fall with the mission of offering workforce development programs that graduate highly qualified students to enter the workforce, with all the skills and abilities to succeed.
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by Rob Roper Responding to an email inquiry from a concerned citizen about the real impact – and cost -- of the Global Warming Solutions Act, passed last spring over the veto of Governor Phil Scott (R), Representative Scott Campbell (D-St. Johnsbury) admitted, “Let me start by repeating that no one, least of all me, believes Vermont can stop climate change — or even affect climate change. It’s tempting to focus on that narrow issue because of the specific metrics in the law, namely the required greenhouse gas reduction thresholds (leaving aside the unfortunate name of the Act),” and, “GWSA will not ‘mitigate’ climate change…” Thanks for the honesty!
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Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting two more deaths from COVID-19 for a statewide total of 165. There were a total of 124 new cases. Vermont has now vaccinated more than 36,000 people, and 6,575 have received both doses. The Vaccine Dashboard now includes information on the number of doses received.
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Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott has tested negative for COVID-19. As his most recent potential exposure occurred at Tuesday’s briefing, in accordance with Vermont Department of Health guidance, he will continue to fulfill his duties while in quarantine and will be tested again on Tuesday, January 26.
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by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Led by the personal income and corporate taxes, all three revenue funds substantially exceeded their projections for the month of December 2020 and all three are now ahead of their annual targets. Meanwhile, the Emergency Board on Wednesday upgraded its forecast for FY21 and FY22, which had been downgraded last August because of the pandemic-caused economic downturn. The State’s General Fund, Transportation Fund, and Education Fund receipts were a combined $54.33 million, or 30.6% above consensus expectations.
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Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott will be tested for COVID-19 today, and again on Tuesday – day seven of his quarantine – based on guidance from the Vermont Department of Health. The Governor’s Office will release the results of each test. Governor Scott, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, and Financial Regulation Commissioner Mike Pieciak, who participated in Tuesday’s press conference, are all quarantining due to their close proximity to the COVID-positive individual. Human Services Secretary Mike Smith and Public Safety Commissioner Mike Schirling are also quarantining due to their proximity to the positive case on Friday, January 15. The press briefing for Friday will go on as scheduled with the governor participating remotely.
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Vermont State Police Police are continuing high-visibility patrols at the Capitol Complex in Montpelier. State Street remains open. There are no reports of any incidents.
Updates will be provided later this afternoon.
***Update, 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20***
The enhanced presence by law enforcement agencies is ongoing this afternoon at the Capitol Complex in Montpelier. State Street in front of the Vermont Statehouse remains open. No incidents have been reported.
Additional updates will follow this afternoon.
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Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) approved over $20.3 million in new financing for Vermont businesses and farms during the quarter ended December 31, an almost $15 million increase over the previous quarter. VEDA has also been processing applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which reopened on January 11. Created under the CARES Act and implemented by the US Small Business Administration (SBA), PPP provides forgivable loans to businesses impacted by COVID-19, providing much needed liquidity to keep employees on payrolls and help cover overhead costs.
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Vermont Business Magazine Today Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos issued his directive on permitted processes for local elections in 2021, giving municipalities the flexibility and safe voting options they need to hold Annual Meeting and other local elections safely. The Legislature has authorized municipalities to delay Annual Meeting until a time in 2021 when it can be held in a safer manner or environment, the proactive mailing of ballots to all voters on the municipal checklist, and conversion of a floor meeting to use of an Australian ballot. The Legislature has appropriated $2 million to help pay for the costs of conducting annual meetings.
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by Senator Christopher Bray Vermonters face three crises: the first two are clear and present dangers—first, COVID-19, and second, the need to uphold the safe, lawful, just, and stable operation of government in Washington, DC, and across the nation. The third crisis is less obvious, yet more challenging and damaging in the long run—climate change.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine V/T Commercial in Burlington has announced several new commercial real estate transactions it recently closed.