Current News

Vermont Business Magazine In the spring of 2020, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vermont Technical College faculty wrapped up the pilot for the Student Survival Project and prepared it for launch to all Vermont Tech students in the fall 2020 semester. Funded by a $10,000 grant from the Davis Educational Foundation in 2019, this project's mission was to develop educational modules and activities designed to enhance the first year student experience and assist in development of the skills necessary for successful student transition to the college experience. Two Vermont Tech professors, Dr. Lisa Fox, School of Nursing and Allied Health Coordinator, and Jessica Riley, School of Agriculture and Animal Sciences Coordinator, developed Student Survival Modules to improve student retention and success.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims fell by nearly 200 last week after a moderate increase overall during the last month. After a steep decline as the economy began to reopen in April, initial unemployment claims for the last several weeks flattened and then rose in June. They've been slowly declining again in July. For the week ending July 18, 2020, the Labor Department processed 1,637 Initial Claims, down 193 from the previous week and 1,375 more than the same time last year.

Vermont Business Magazine The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Terrance Chipp, 42, of Rutland was sentenced today by US District Court Chief Judge Geoffrey Crawford to 72 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, which follows the term of imprisonment. Chipp previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, and conspiracy to unlawfully possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. These offenses each carried a maximum of up to 20 years imprisonment.

Vermont Business Magazine As of Wednesday, five communities in Southern Vermont have a new cable, entertainment and communications services provider as Comcast acquires Southern Vermont Cable Company. The process to transition residents and businesses to Comcast in Dummerston, Jamaica, Newfane, Putney and Townshend will continue through the Fall of 2020.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today reported that there were 11 new cases of COVID-19 statewide, 10 of which were in Chittenden County and one in Windsor County. There were two people hospitalized. Deaths remain at 56 and there has not been one attributed to the virus since June 16. Vermont is still fortunate to have low levels of virus in our communities, but low is not the same as none. We still expect to see cases of COVID-19 and work quickly to contain them. To do that, we reach out to people who test positive and their close contacts to provide guidance, including on staying home to prevent further spread of the virus.

Vermont Business Magazine TD Bank, with branches across Vermont, today released new data from its 2020 Small Business Recovery Survey. The annual survey polled 750 small business owners (SBOs), including 153 SBOs in the Northeast, earning $10 million or less in annual revenue about their overall business outlook and plans in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most notably, the survey found that the majority (61%) of Northeast SBOs (in NY, NJ, PA, MA, CT, RI, ME, NH and VT) project a decrease in revenue due to the impact of COVID-19, despite 39% reporting that they did not have to close for any period of time due to the pandemic. Business owners in the NE were more likely than other regions to say that their revenue will decline significantly, with 47% of respondents in the area stating they will have 2020 revenue losses of more than 10% due to the pandemic.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont gasoline prices rose 3 cents to $2.16 as of today. Prices however, remain lower than the national average of $2.18 and more than 50 cents lower than a year ago. Prices have been low due to the global pandemic, which has stifled economies and depressed demand.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Congress of the New Urbanism (CNU) have just completed Enabling Better Places: A Zoning Guide for Vermont Neighborhoods. This how-to manual promotes practical, small steps that Vermont’s cities, towns, and villages can take to address widespread regulatory barriers that limit the choice of homes available to Vermont residents at prices people can afford.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is offering a new way for Vermonters to get started hunting through their recently established mentorship program, “Learn to Hunt: Mentor Meet-Ups.”

“This free, interactive, two-part program is designed for hunters over the age of 16 to pair with experienced mentors at a meet-and-greet this summer followed by a guided hunt this fall,” said Education Manager Alison Thomas. “Hunters will learn safe hunting practices, hunting strategies, hunting regulations, and season dates, and they will be able to apply what they have learned in a mentored hunt.” Hunter Education Program Coordinator Nicole Meier also mentioned, “The goal of this program is to eliminate the barrier to entry many new hunters face. A social support system is key for new hunters and we hope this program will help them build their hunting community.”

Vermont Business Magazine Detectives with the Vermont State Police are hoping an emerging investigative technique involving DNA will help shed light on the unsolved 1982 killing of an infant in Northfield. Baby Boy Doe was found dead April 1, 1982, on the side of Mill Hill Road in Northfield, wrapped in a brown bath towel inside a sealed plastic garbage bag. Evidence indicated the boy had been carried full term and born healthy only hours earlier, likely nearby. His death is attributed to exposure to the elements. The identity of his parents remains unknown.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced over $2.4 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards to eight communities in seven Vermont counties. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) awards approximately $7 million annually in competitive grants to Vermont cities and towns.

Vermont Business Magazine Although the COVID-19 pandemic is the immediate crisis unfolding at the moment, mitigating climate change is also an urgent issue. Solar PV installation is one way to help reduce greenhouse gases from fossil fuels. Solar Power World has recognized the efforts of solar contractors across the United States in its 2020 Top Solar Contractors list, where local solar installer Norwich Solar Technologies (NST) achieved a rank of 118 out of 407 companies.