Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Community Loan Fund is now accepting loan applications through its SPROUT program, a low-interest loan program for emerging Vermont working lands entrepreneurs including farms, food producers & processors, foresters, forest products businesses and others in the start-up and early stages of their operations. Loans from $5,000 to $60,000 may be used for purchase of equipment and inventory, general operations, and facility construction or improvements.

​Vermont Business Magazine Norwich Technologies, Inc has launched its new division, RunTime Solar, to provide operations and maintenance (O&M) services to solar energy projects across New England. RunTime Solar will be headed by renowned renewable energy veteran Dan Kinney.

Vermont Business Magazine MENTOR Vermont recently convened the 2020 Vermont Mentoring Symposium, its annual conference that serves as the only professional development and networking opportunity of its kind focused on youth mentoring in Vermont. Typically a one-day in-person event, due to the pandemic, the 2020 Symposium was held virtually throughout the week of September 28-October 2. This year’s online format brought together more than 60 youth mentoring program staff, board members, and supporters from across the state for a series of networking and professional development sessions.

Part of 43-State Initiative, Includes Projects Include Rural Water Infrastructure for 2733 Rural Residents and Businesses Across New Hampshire and Vermont

Vermont Business Magazine The Trump Administration Tuesday announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $891 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 43 states.

“Upgrading water infrastructure provides a path to economic growth and protects the health and safety of people who live and work in rural areas,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner to rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

Vermont Business Magazine Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR) reported third quarter 2020 earnings of $2.59 per share on an as-reported basis and $2.44 per share on an adjusted basis (non-GAAP). Entergy narrowed its 2020 adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $5.60 to $5.70 from $5.45 to $5.75.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health is reporting today six new cases of COVID-19, which is a lesser number than over the last couple of weeks. The VDH is also pushing regular flu shots. Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. One important difference is that we have a vaccine for the flu! It’s more important than ever to get your flu shot this year – when flu viruses and the new coronavirus are spreading at the same time.

Agency of Commerce & Community Development Applications are now being accepted by both ACCD and the Department of Taxes for the Expanded Economic Recovery Grants. The Department of Taxes application is open through the myVTax portal until this Friday, October 30th. The window for the ACCD application is open until Monday, November 9th.

Vermont Business Magazine A second staff member at Northeast Correctional Complex (NECC) in St Johnsbury has tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member was tested for COVID-19 on Monday, October 26 as part of NECC mass testing, and was last in the facility on October 27. A total of two staff at NECC have now tested positive for coronavirus this month. The first tested positive on October 22 and was last in the facility on October 12.

Vermont Business Magazine The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $2.7 billion nationwide in federal financial assistance in support of water infrastructure improvements through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, including $18,791,000 for Vermont. This funding assists states, tribes and territories with infrastructure projects that help protect surface water and provide safe drinking water to communities across the United States.

Vermont Business Magazine Healthy Living Market and Café opens their new Williston, Vermont location Thursday, October 29, at 129 Market Street. The Williston location is the third store for Healthy Living, with existing stores in South Burlington and Saratoga (NY). The new location is 20,000 square feet. It includes all of the same departments that South Burlington shoppers have come to enjoy, including local produce and dairy, Vermont meats and cheeses, a robust selection of craft beer and wine, fresh sushi, and a wide selection of prepared meals created by James Beard-nominated chef, Matt Jennings.

by Julie Lowell, Public Assets Institute In 1992 Vermont saw its largest voter participation rate in the last 46 years. Seventy percent of the voting-age population came out to cast their ballot for president. For comparison, 63 percent of possible Vermont voters went to the polls in 2016. This year we can break our previous record. With over 208,000 votes already in, a little over 154,000 more votes are needed to surpass the 70 percent participation mark.

Vermont Business Magazine The Ethan Allen Institute released its officially updated legislator “Roll Call Profiles” today to reflect the key votes from the August and September 2020 legislative session. This short session’s highlighted legislation includes votes on overriding Governor Scott’s veto of the Global Warming Solutions Act, more comprehensive Act 250 development restrictions and new deadly force standards for police.