Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont is strongly committed to meeting or exceeding all the expectations outlined In Governor Scott’s “Safe and Healthy Return to Campus” mandatory guidance document, UVM president Suresh V Garimella said. The document was published Monday and discussed in the governor’s press briefing today. Garimella was on the conference call today and UVM worked closely with the state in developing the guidance.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today released the state’s college reopening plan. The college task force is led by Rich Schneider, former president of Norwich University. Schneider pointed out that while these are the minimum requirements all colleges must adhere to; the schools could institute even stricter requirements.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today reported that there were three new cases of COVID-19 statewide. Health Commissioner Dr Mark Levine attributed Vermont's ongoing low case count to Vermonters' behavior in mask wearing and social distancing and to the state's vigilance in testing and contact tracing. The contact tracing helps prevent cases turning into clusters of cases which then can turn into outbreaks. In other states experiencing spikes in cases, they've had to even abandon contact tracing, he said, and reverted back into "Stay Home" type mitigation efforts in order to try and get the virus spread back under control.

Vermont Business Magazine The Board of Directors of Co-operative Insurance Companies is pleased to announce the election of Lee Dowgiewicz as President & CEO, effective July 1, 2020. Dowgiewicz joined Co-op in September 2019, and replaces retiring CEO Marie Jewett. He is a 29-year veteran of the insurance business, starting with ITT Hartford in 1991 as a commercial lines underwriter.

Vermont Business Magazine Howard Center will expand its substance use and recovery services in northwestern Vermont by offering a new medication-assisted treatment (MAT) Spoke serving Franklin and Grand Isle counties at 172 Fairfield Street in St Albans. Partners in Hope and Recovery at Northwestern Medical Center (NMC), a long-time partner and provider, is transitioning from offering medication assisted-treatment in the county.

Jonathan Billings, Vice President of Community Relations at Northwestern Medical Center says, “we have worked closely in partnership with Howard Center for many years, and we are confident in their ability to provide exceptional care and treatment for the community. Both of our organizations are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for patients.”

Vermont Business Magazine The US Small Business Administration on Monday released detailed loan-level data regarding the loans made under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Between the large and small loans which totaled 11,929 companies, Vermont received about $1.1 billion. Total jobs retained were 113,838. There were 10,387 PPP loans in Vermont under $150,000 with a total value of $367,897,165 and the associated jobs retained were 45,179. There were 1,542 loans of $150,000 or more which retained 68,659 jobs. There are 171 organizations that received at least $1 million, ranging from for-private businesses to non-profit entities.

Vermont Department of Health The Vermont COVID-19 Testing Registration website provides information on testing and registratin for pop-up sites across Vermont. The pop-up sites fill up fast. This is for asymptomatic people to sign up for a COVID-19 test to tell you if you currently have a COVID-19 infection. This is not a serology/antibody test, and will not tell you if you were sick with COVID-19 in the past.

Vermont Business Magazine Northeast Delta Dental’s ongoing support of businesses and nonprofits negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic is primarily focused on advancing the oral health and overall wellness of its customers and the public. President & CEO, Tom Raffio, said, “We’re committed to thoughtfully and methodically providing forms of relief to our stakeholders and our communities that would be most beneficial to them, with their safety and health uppermost in our considerations. None of the related costs were passed along to them.”

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS) Board of Trustees this evening voted unanimously to appoint interim Chancellor Sophie Zdatny to serve as the next Chancellor. Zdatny, a six-year veteran of the organization has been leading the VSCS since late April when Chancellor Jeb Spaulding announced his resignation. Trustees met this evening and offered Zdatny the role, with a renewable one year contract.

Vermont Business Magazine After a few days of higher than usual new cases, the Vermont Department of Health reported today that there were only two new cases. Between Thursday and Sunday there were 22 cases, including 11 reported yesterday. Deaths remain at 56 and there has not been one since June 16. There is one person hospitalized statewide.

Vermont Business Magazine The US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $400,000 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the Northern Vermont Economic Development District, St. Albans to update economic development plans and fortify programs to assist communities in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

by Cathy Davis, Executive Vice President of the Lake Champlain Chamber A couple weeks ago I sent notes to all of the members of the Burlington City Council thanking them for their service and introducing myself to those I do not yet know. In my note, I let them know that I’ll soon take over as President of the Lake Champlain Chamber and how aligned I believe that their work on the Council is to the Chamber’s work to create economic opportunity for all Vermonters. I asked to start a dialogue, hear their priorities, and begin a relationship so that the Chamber can serve as a resource for them as issues are considered.

I have already heard from several Councilors. I hope, amidst what I am sure are very busy schedules, that others respond and that we can forge a productive working relationship.