Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Entrepreneurs from nine start-ups focused on reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings graduated from the DeltaClimeVT Energy 2020 climate economy business accelerator during a virtual awards ceremony July 16. During the event, three companies received cash awards and five companies were selected for pilot projects with DeltaClimeVT sponsors Burlington Electric Department (BED), Green Mountain Power (GMP) and Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA).

Vermont Business Magazine Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ: CNSL), a leading broadband and business communications provider, announced the expansion of CCiTV to small and medium sized businesses throughout Northern New England. CCiTV is flexible, easy-to-use and delivers an all HD channel lineup that gives businesses the edge in creating a more comfortable customer experience. Business owners have a choice of CCiTV packages, including regional and national sports options, and can save on equipment costs by using their own streaming device, such as Amazon Fire or Apple TV.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is holding a virtual public meeting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, August 5, to answer questions and record public comment on the draft 2020-2030 Vermont Big Game Plan.

by David Hirsch, Dartmouth College A citizen science program that began over a decade ago has confirmed the use of dragonflies to measure mercury pollution, according to a study co-authored by Celia Chen, director of Dartmouth's Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program. Dartmouth's Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program developed a regional effort in New Hampshire and Vermont in 2010. The project was expanded nationally by the National Park Service and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting one new case of COVID-19 statewide. There is one person hospitalized and there have been no deaths since June 16, which are holding at 56. The best way to know when it’s safe for someone who tested positive for COVID-19 to return to work is to follow guidance based on the presence of symptoms, or the amount of time that has passed since the person was tested. This can be found in the employer guidance, under “When can employees with COVID-19 return to work?”

Vermont Business Magazine AARP Vermont has selected seven small organizations with big plans to receive Community Action Grants in support of their efforts to make their communities more livable as they respond to the many impacts of COVID-19. This year’s awards totaling some $10,000 are focused on a wide range of projects to enhance the community and promote livability. The initiative is part of an AARP Vermont program aimed at preparing Vermont cities and towns for the rapidly aging demographic shift that recognize the assets and opportunities in the areas of housing, mobility and community engagement.

Senator Patrick Leahy It was 75 days ago today, the Democratic-led House passed the HEROES Act -- a comprehensive and bold bill to address the very real needs facing this country as we struggle to contain the coronavirus. For 75 days, Democrats have pressed Republican leadership to take up the HEROES Act in the Senate, and for 75 days we have been told no.

Vermont Business Magazine Tax revenue collections for the month of June, the final month of Fiscal Year 2020, as anticipated, were below the forecast in all three funds due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the delay in tax filing deadlines. Overall, General Fund tax revenues collected for the month totaled $121.20 million, or -$20.61 million below the June consensus cash flow expectations. Deferred payments, once collected, will make FY20 look just about balanced. But the state faces a downgrade of some $200 million for FY21, which started July 1

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced that the Vermont Department of Public Service has launched a Line Extension Customer Assistance Program (LECAP). LECAP provides up to $3,000 in assistance to help consumers extend telecommunications lines to their homes, with $2 million in total funds available.This program was passed through Act 137 and developed in response to the COVID-19 emergency to help Vermonters access broadband.

Vermont Business Magazine Nutrition Services at The University of Vermont Medical Center is currently enrolling eligible Chittenden County patients and families to participate in the free Vermont Health Care Share Program. The Vermont Health Care Share Program (HCS) is a free patient resource for farm-fresh produce. The statewide program brings together farms, health care facilities and Vermonters. By providing support for home-cooked family meals made with fresh, locally grown produce, along with information on healthy eating, cooking and living, HCS aims to improve Vermonters health and well-being.

Vermont Business Magazine The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, based in Bennington, distributed its annual State of the Commerce survey to many of its members recently. The purpose of the State of the Commerce Survey is to hear from regional businesses and nonprofits about how they are doing in the current economy, what their current attitudes are in relation to economic vitality, and what new small business trends they see emerging.

Vermont Business Magazine Aqua ViTea, the alcohol-aware kombucha company based in Middlebury, is today reaffirming its commitment to "responsible kombuchaing" with the rebranding of its bottles and cans. Prioritizing alcohol transparency, the new labels will display a "Verified Alcohol Extracted" seal on the front panel in addition to several other key highlights, including USDA organic, non-GMO, natural probiotics, and lower sugar. The new and improved labels will also more prominently highlight the brand's signature hand-illustrated artwork.