Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Over the last several years, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) has presented the ‘Fantastic Farmer’ award to a Vermont farmer passionately representing the heritage, culture, and environmental stewardship goals that our farmers and farming community strive for every day.  The $5,000 grant that comes with this annual award is made possible by the A. Pizzagalli Family Farm Fund.  With the statewide drought impacting all farms across the state and in lieu of an award to any one farmer this year, the Pizzagalli family has decided to donate to the Vermont Farm Fund to recognize that all Vermont farmers are ‘fantastic’ in their efforts to sustain this mission in the face of significant weather challenges. 

Vermont Business Magazine A Massachusetts federal court on Friday found that Attorney General Charity Clark and the coalition of 22 other attorneys general and three governors were “likely to succeed” on their claims against the Trump Administration and the USDA seeking to restore SNAP funding. In a separate case brought by private plaintiffs and nonprofits in Rhode Island federal court, a federal judge ordered that the administration “must distribute” aid using the contingency fund and potentially other sources and pay the benefits as soon as possible. The coalition brought a lawsuit earlier this week challenging the administration’s unlawful suspension of SNAP, which helps more than 40 million Americans buy food, during to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The court has ordered the Trump Administration to advise the court by Monday whether it will authorize reduced SNAP benefits using the contingency funds available or authorize full SNAP benefits.

Vermont Business Magazine The heart of Manchester was filled with joy and nostalgia as Cottage Toy Co. & Candy Shop officially celebrated its grand opening with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was attended by local town officials, members of the Manchester Business Association, residents, and visitors who gathered to welcome this delightful new addition to the Manchester business community. Guests enjoyed light bites, a festive atmosphere, and a special discount on all in-store merchandise during the evening celebration. Located in the heart of Manchester, Cottage Toy Co. & Candy Shop invites visitors to step into a world of wonder — where nostalgia meets pure joy. This charming shop is brimming with whimsical toys, classic games, and delightful sweets that capture the hearts of both kids and grown-ups alike. 

Vermont Business Magazine On October 23, Associated Builders and Contractors of New Hampshire and Vermont (ABC NH/VT) recognized construction companies with Excellence and Merit Awards for outstanding work on commercial projects completed throughout New England. The Excellence in Construction (EiC) Awards are the construction industry’s premier competition, honoring contractors for world-class, safe, and innovative projects that exemplify the highest standards in construction.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) today celebrated a successful Fiscal Year 2025 by hosting its Annual Meeting and Luncheon and releasing its 2025 Annual Report. VEDA closed 173 loans last fiscal year totaling $61.5 million dollars. Those investments leveraged an additional $148.4 million in private and other capital spending. “It’s truly an honor to lead an organization that is making such a profound impact on Vermont’s economy and people,” says CEO Joan Goldstein. “Our work is not possible without the steadfast partnership of the Vermont banking community, agricultural and forest-product leaders and lenders, regional development corporations, as well as the Scott Administration, state lawmakers, and Vermont’s Congressional Delegation. We are thrilled so many of these colleagues were able to join us today.” 

Vermont Business Magazine Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, on Thursday reported its financial results for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2025. Revenues were $485.4 million for the quarter, up $73.7 million, or up 17.9%, from the same period in 2024. Solid waste pricing for the quarter was up 4.6% from the same period in 2024, with 4.7% collection price growth and 4.6% disposal price growth. Net income was $10.0 million for the quarter, up $4.2 million, or up 73.0%, as compared to $5.8 million for the same period in 2024.

Vermont Business Magazine Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 2, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working. Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster, claiming seven lives (mostly children and the elderly) every day across the country – and injuring more than 30. Here in Vermont, the Red Cross responded to 98 home fires in 2024, assisting 325 Vermonters. So far this year, the Red Cross has provided critical aid to more than 330 Vermonters following 79 home fires. 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State University (VTSU) is proud to recognize Manufacturing Month in October, acknowledging the importance of manufacturing to Vermont’s economy and the University’s unique role as a workforce development partner for businesses and industry across Vermont. For decades, VTSU (and its predecessor Vermont Technical College), has been an essential partner in the manufacturing industry, providing degrees and credentials to students in preparation for high-paying, meaningful, and skilled career opportunities with Vermont’s employers. Additionally, the university’s Randolph campus is home to the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) and The Manufacturing Collaborative (TMC). VTSU partners with both groups to further the manufacturing profession through apprenticeships, internships, employment, and skill development opportunities.

by Mike Donoghue U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has given federal prosecutors in Vermont the green light to seek the death penalty for a Burlington man, who authorities say fatally shot two out-of-state drug dealers in the Northeast Kingdom two years ago. Theodore “Theo” Bland, 30, formerly of Stowe sat expressionless as Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Turner disclosed Bondi’s ruling during a brief hearing in federal court in Burlington on Thursday afternoon. Bland has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including gunning down the two out-of-state drug dealers at a home in Lowell on Oct. 12, 2023. The bodies of Jahim “Debo” Solomon, 21, of Pittsfield, Mass. and Eric “E” White, 21, of Chicopee, Mass. were found about two weeks later in the town of Eden in nearby Lamoille County about a mile apart.

Vermont Business Magazine The Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (Leahy BTV) is proud to announce the conclusion of an unprecedented 18-day streak spanning October 5th and October 22nd in which more than 3,000 outbound passengers were screened at Leahy BTV, each day — a new record for the airport. This accounted for over 58,000 people with a daily overage of 3,233 during the time period. The previous record of six consecutive days was set in both 2004 and achieved again 2008. This milestone is made even more remarkable by the fact the streak occurred during a federal government shutdown, when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues its critical operations with dedicated employees working without pay. 

Vermont Business Magazine In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown and the resulting delay in federal 3SquaresVT (SNAP) benefits, Governor Phil Scott, in coordination with key legislative leaders, has approved a temporary, state-funded contingency benefit to ensure Vermonters maintain access to food. The approved emergency measure provides a one-time benefit covering the first 15 days of November 3SquaresVT benefits for all November 1 eligible households. Payments are expected to be issued on or before November 7, 2025, and will reach more than 38,000 Vermont households. Households will receive these state-funded benefits on their EBT card, or by direct deposit, in the same way that 3SquaresVT benefits are delivered to them. Today a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to continue SNAP benefits.

Northeastern Vermont Development Association  The NVDA staff and Board of Directors welcomed community officials, business leaders, legislators, and economic development partners to their 75th Annual Meeting. Governor Phil Scott and Sarah Waring, Executive Director of Northern Border Regional Commission, were guest speakers. The following newly elected officers will lead the 2026 Board of Directors: Cynthia Stuart, President; Paul Brouha, Vice President Caledonia County; Michael Strait, Vice President Essex County; Hope Colburn, Vice President Orleans County; Fred Saar, Secretary/Treasurer At Large. The NVDA staff and directors continue to perform a vital role in regional development and planning Vermont's future.