Current News

Vermont Business Magazine A new report focusing on energy affordability in Vermont has been released by the non-profit organization Energy Action Network (EAN). The report provides in depth analysis of the costs of different energy choices for Vermonters. Transportation is the 2nd largest average household expense, with only the cost of housing being higher. Within housing costs, heating is a major expense. Altogether, over $3 billion a year is spent on energy in Vermont, the largest share being the over $2 billion a year spent on fossil fuels for transportation and heating. Average household energy costs were over $7,000 in Vermont in 2024, primarily for fossil fuels like gasoline for transportation and fuel oil and propane for heating. The report also finds that there are often upfront cost barriers to Vermonters in accessing more efficient equipment, putting the technology that can deliver more durable affordability out of reach of the Vermonters who would benefit most, in the absence of grants and incentives.  

Vermont Business Magazine On Saturday, October 18th, local shoppers came together to make a big difference—raising $24,234 to help fight hunger in Vermont and New York. During the 15th annual Charity Sale, Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel and its customers collectively contributed funds to benefit the Vermont Foodbank and the JCEO Plattsburgh Foodshelf. Throughout October, customers were encouraged to make a $10 donation to one of the two organizations in exchange for a custom canvas tote bag and exclusive access to Lenny’s storewide sale. Every dollar collected went directly to the nonprofits.

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office announced that Thomas Ndissi, 38, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, was arraigned today on one felony count of Luring a Child. The charge brought against Ndissi was the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), in collaboration with Hartford Police Department. Ndissi pleaded not guilty at the arraignment Tuesday in Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Robert Katims presiding, ordered Ndissi to be held on $5,000 bond. 

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine BETA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BETA), the South Burlington, Vermont, electric aerospace company, opened trading today on the New York Stock Exchange with an initial offering of just over 34 million shares of its Class A common stock. The initial price at $34 per share was over the initial proposed range ($27-$33) with a whopping $1.1 billion raised. From its prospectus, the initial market capitalization was expected to be $7.2 billion. By the end of today, at this rate, BETA's market cap will be about $7.5 billion.

Vermont Business Magazine With winter approaching, Vermont health officials are encouraging everyone to take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from flu, COVID-19 and RSV – including getting vaccinated. This season’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines are updated to target the most recent strains of the viruses and are recommended for everyone age 6 months and older. Immunizations for RSV are also widely available for pregnant people, infants, and older adults. People at higher risk of serious illness, including older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems, are especially encouraged to get vaccinated.

Vermont Economic Development Authority Thanks to all who attended our Annual Meeting and Luncheon on October 31st at The Farmhouse at Sunset Pond at The Essex Resort & Spa. It was wonderful to see so many friends and colleagues and for some of our borrowers to show you what they do to help Vermont thrive. At the Annual Meeting and Luncheon, we were pleased to release our FY2025 Annual Report. It was a robust year. VEDA made 173 loans worth $61.5 million to Vermont businesses, agricultural operations, and nonprofit organizations for capital investments and working capital. You can read more highlights from the report below.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Rutland Airport Committee is moving forward with a modernization plan for Rutland–Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT), ensuring the state’s second-busiest—and only other commercial— airport remains a vital transportation hub for passengers, pilots, and emergency services. The Committee’s current focus includes terminal improvements, expanded hangar capacity, and potential runway rehabilitation to meet modern aviation standards. The goal is to preserve and improve existing infrastructure while supporting safety, accessibility, and environmental responsibility.  Cost and funding sources remain to be addressed.

Vermont Business Magazine In a press conference held in Montpelier today, Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas announced the formation of a new Voting Accessibility Task Force. The Task Force will meet monthly. Its purpose will be to identify barriers that can prevent eligible voters from participating in elections, and to develop recommendations and actionable plans to remove those barriers. As of 2024, over 80% of Vermonters are registered to vote, and over 70% voted in the last two presidential election years. Nationally, 73% of Americans are registered, and 65% voted in the 2024 presidential election.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and eight Senate Democrats in introducing the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act, legislation to provide rapid relief by expanding Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits by $200 per month for six months. The bill follows a recent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) at just $56 per month, on average. 

Vermont Business Magazine In case you missed it, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) published an op-ed Saturday in The Guardian calling on Senate Democrats to continue their fight to protect access to health care for 15 million Americans and prevent 20 million people from seeing their health insurance premiums double, on average. Sanders urges his colleagues not to cave to President Trump and congressional Republicans who have refused to negotiate to reopen the government while the House remains on a six-week paid vacation — all so they can provide $1 trillion in tax breaks to the wealthiest 1%.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State University (VTSU) has conferred the title of President Emeritus upon David Wolk, honoring his lifelong service to Vermont and his extraordinary leadership in furthering public higher education across the state and for the countless Vermonters whose lives were influenced by his mentorship or who today are touched by the lasting contributions of his legacy. The title of President Emeritus is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and leadership.   Wolk served as president of Castleton University (formerly Castleton State College) from 2001 to 2017 and is the longest-serving president in the institution’s history. 

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Charity Clark and 21 other attorneys general today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education for unlawfully restricting eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which allows government and nonprofit employees to have their federal student loans forgiven after ten years of service. The coalition argues that the sweeping new rule is unlawful and targeted to punish states and organizations that the Administration does not like.