Current News

by Professor Meaghan Emery UVM is proposing to cut several majors and minors in the Arts & Sciences because of low number so students graduating in those majors. The number of students enrolled in majors and minors is not the same as the number of students enrolled in these courses. Course enrollments in these programs go into the hundreds, and, therefore, the number of students majoring or minoring in these disciplines cannot possibly measure both their academic and their financial impact.Those who have chosen to major in these fields have gone on to make a real difference in our country and world.

by Deb Billado It has come to my attention through various vague media reports that there is a rumor of some kind of protest planned at the capitol building in Montpelier this weekend. While we support everyone’s right to peaceably assemble, just like the thousands of VTers gathered in pink hats four years ago to protest a new administration, I must in the strongest terms possible caution anyone who is considering involvement.

Vermont Business Magazine On December 27, 2020, the $900 billion “Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act” (Economic Aid Act) was signed into law along with a $1.4 trillion federal omnibus FY 21 appropriations bill. Community-based lenders were allowed to start processing application Monday and all other lenders may open up applications for new or continuing PPP loans starting Wednesday. This is the update to the $2.1 trillion CARES Act passed in March 2020.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 176 new cases of COVID-19 and two more deaths for a statewide total of 158. National and regional infection rates remain at their highest levels since the beginning of the pandemic and Vermont's weekly total is also at its highest level. Still Vermont ranks in the top three of states in nearly every metric and has the total fewest deaths and fewest cases. The mortality rate in Vermont has also subsided somewhat from the late fall/early winter surge. Vermont also ranks among the highest in vaccinations, even though the national rollout has been slower than expected here and nearly everywhere. Nearly 25,000 Vermonters have been vaccinated.

Small Business Administration Join this webinar at 3 p.m. Jan. 14 for a preliminary overview of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program included in the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act signed into law by President Trump on December 27, 2020. Eligible organizations with a reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have the opportunity to receive up to a $10 million grant under the program. In total, the Economic Aid Act allocates $15 billion for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants. This webinar will provide introductory information about the grants, who can apply, how potential organizations can prepare, and other detail re: eligibility and applications.

Vermont Business Magazine In the ongoing effort to connect Vermont food and food products to those struggling during the pandemic, three Vermont entities have teamed up to help donate cheese to the Vermont Foodbank. As a result of a generous donation from Vermont Rotary Clubs across the state, Vermonters in need will be able to access Cheddar Cheese from the Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets continues to facilitate efforts to connect our agriculture and food producers to those in need.

Vermont Business Magazine Research shows that organizations need leaders who are creative thinkers eager to thrive in a climate that fosters innovation. To meet those needs, Vermont Technical College (VTC), Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) and the Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative (VTVLC) will introduce the course “Creativity & Innovation” for High School and Career and Technical Center (CTE) students this spring where they can earn .5 traditional credits plus juniors & seniors have the option to earn three college credits using their Dual Enrollment and/or Fast Forward vouchers.

by Fred Kenney, Executive Director, Addison County Economic Development Corp When COVID-19 hit, businesses and organizations across Vermont were scrambling to adapt to a new virtual and contactless world. In response to the changing economy, the Regional Development Corporations of Vermont (RDCs) worked quickly to launch the ReStart Vermont Technical Assistance Program, or ReVTA program, designed to deliver critically important technical assistance to hundreds of businesses and organizations looking to adapt business practices, retrofit space and access new technologies.

Vermont Business Magazine Norwich University has joined the U.S. Strategic Command Academic Alliance (USSTRATCOM) Deterrence and Assurance Academic Alliance to enable collaborative faculty and student research and interactions with the nation’s top experts on issues related to nuclear deterrence and assurance and national security. USSTRATCOM membership will provide opportunities for Norwich University students to participate in the annual Academic Alliance research conference and to apply for paid internships at USSTRATCOM’s headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.

Vermont Business Magazine As the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region turns 75, one of the largest home health agencies in Vermont, is celebrating a proud legacy of achievement while looking ahead to the critical role home health care plays in the future.

“Despite the advances in medicine since our agency began, the power of home-based patient-centered care is remarkable,” said Ron Cioffi, RN, and CEO of the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region (VNAHSR). “Our agency started with a mission to bring skilled care into the home and help people heal where they are most comfortable. We have never lost sight of that initial vision and continue to provide the best possible medical care to the entire community.”

by John McClaughry Not the least of the fiscal problems facing the 2021 governor and legislature is the perilous condition of the two state retirement funds, for state employees (VSERS) and public school teachers and staff (VSTRS). Both of these funds are “defined benefit” funds: the state government has the obligation to pay enough into the funds each year, along with contributions from current employees, to make sure there will be enough there to pay current and future retirees the promised pension checks for the next 30 years.

Vermont Business Magazine The Bennington Redevelopment Group (BRG) has announced that as of November 30th, 2020, the Putnam Block Redevelopment Project reached a major milestone of “substantial completion.” Construction on the $31 million revitalization of Phase I of the historic Putnam Block, transforming three historic buildings at the Four Corners in downtown Bennington, commenced in June 2019. In just a year and a half, and despite the setbacks caused by COVID-19, on December 1st, the first group of residential tenants moved into the beautifully restored Hotel Putnam building, with more to follow throughout the month.