Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s Pico Mountain, part of the POWDR adventure lifestyle company, will kick off the 2020-21 winter season at 8:30 am on Saturday, December 19, 2020, welcoming Pico season pass and day ticket holders who have met Vermont quarantine requirements. On Opening Day, the first 70 guests in line at the Golden Express Quad will receive a voucher to be exchanged for a YETI Rambler Mug in Pico’s base lodge retail shop. The resort plans to run the Golden Express Quad and Summit Express Quad opening weekend.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Community Foundation announced today that—in partnership with many of its generous fundholders—$169,711.94 in Spark Connecting Community grants has been awarded to 64 nonprofit organizations for local projects in communities across the state, including some nonprofits that serve residents in multiple counties. Of the total funding awarded, $77,950 was made possible by Giving Together, a program at the Community Foundation that shares grant proposals with fundholders and donors to give them the opportunity to co-fund projects.

Vermont Business Magazine The Champlain Housing Trust has announced that it is launching a technical assistance program to support community-based housing nonprofits achieve their goals and strengthen their operations. The new program, called TA\CHT, will be led by outgoing CEO and longtime housing leader and practitioner Brenda Torpy.

The services will focus primarily on the needs of Community Land Trusts both in Vermont and across the nation as a response to the country’s housing crisis and need for community-based solutions. Services range from start up support for new organizations or programs, to supporting staff and board leaders, and fundraising assistance.

Vermont Business Magazine In an ongoing effort to identify and support the most vital water quality projects in the region, the Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) will assist the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation in collecting and cataloging water quality data from area municipalities in the Rutland Region between now and August 2020.

Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance With the holiday and winter season upon us and 2021 just around the bend, Vermont outdoor businesses are working with customers in creative ways to find the perfect gift and the right gear. Recreation businesses, non-profit organizations, and state agencies are preparing trails, access points, and infrastructure to ensure safe experiences for winter activities such as hiking, fishing, alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Burton has named Selema Masekela to its Board of Directors, a group of trusted advisors who provide valuable guidance to the world’s leading snowboard company, which is privately owned by Donna Carpenter. Burton is headquartered in Burlington, Vermont. Selema is revered in the action sports community because his genuine love of snowboarding, surfing and skateboarding shines through everything he does. At the same time, he speaks truthfully about where our industry falls short and uses his voice to advocate for those who are underrepresented. These are ideal qualities to have on the Burton Board of Directors since we look to all members for honest guidance on our overall vision and strategy.

Vermont Business Magazine During the week of Christmas and on New Year's Day, Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) facilities will operate on revised schedules.

Vermont Business Magazine A first-of-its-kind research boat is under construction for the University of Vermont. A 64-foot aluminum catamaran, the hybrid-electric vessel will be a floating classroom and laboratory—and model of seaworthy sustainability. With two AC electric motors, backed up by two 306-horse-power diesel engines, the vessel will be able to run on all-electric power for trips under two hours. This will provide a low-emissions boat with few vibrations—nearly silent for students and researchers, and less intrusive for studying fish and other wildlife on the lake. The boat also has an advanced new catamaran hull form that has been optimized to minimize resistance at low speeds, accommodate battery storage, and ensure stability even in rough weather.

Vermont Business Magazine Each year members of the Vermont Technology Alliance contribute several million dollars in financial contributions and in-kind support to community and non-profit organizations in Vermont – and 2020 was no different. Even this year, given the economic impact of COVID-19 and the limitations of social distancing, many businesses have continued to make a positive impact on Vermont communities and organizations.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) has been leading the fight in Washington to provide direct benefits to working families as they struggle through the pandemic and economic downturn. Sanders is fighting for $1,200 for every worker earning less than $75,000 a year, and $2,400 a couple earning less than $150,000 a year. Each child would receive a benefit of $500. This is what existed in the CARES Act passed in March. Currently, negotiations have the benefit set at $600 per adult and $600 per child. At this level, approximately 445,000 Vermont adults and 153,000 children — roughly 93 percent of the state’s population — would receive these benefits. This amounts to over $345 million in direct benefits going to Vermonters.

Vermont Business Magazine WhistlePig announced Wednesday that Moët Hennessy, the world leader in luxury wines and spirits, has agreed to become WhistlePig’s partner in bringing its premier aged rye whiskey to consumers in selected markets around the world. In addition, as part of this agreement Moët Hennessy has acquired a minority stake in WhistlePig. The partnership and minority investment will have no impact on WhistlePig’s distribution partnerships in North America and is focused on building WhistlePig and the brand outside of North America. WhistlePig is based in Shoreham, Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today highlighted the department’s investments in 2020 that are building prosperity and strengthening the nation’s rural businesses and communities.