Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today reported that there were eight new cases of COVID-19 since Friday for a statewide total 1,127, as new cases have slowed up since the Winooski outbreak from last week led an increase of cases. There have been no new deaths for more than two weeks for a total of 55. The state also has surpassed 50,000 tests.

Vermont Business Magazine It is with heavy hearts that the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce informs the greater Bennington community that the 25th Annual Garlic and Herb Festival traditionally held on Labor Day Weekend will be postponed until Labor Day Weekend of 2021. The Southern Vermont Garlic and Herb Festival, affectionately known as “Garlicfest” by many, has been a staple of Bennington and Southern Vermont for the last 25 years on Labor Day Weekend.

Vermont Business Magazine Maine Course Hospitality Group announced on Saturday the opening of Home2 Suites by Hilton, in downtown Williston. The new Home2 by Hilton offers 100 suites, full amenities and breakfast. It is the first hotel built in Williston in 20 years.

Speaker Mitzi Johnson Yesterday, hundreds of Vermonters gathered in Montpelier in solidarity to paint BLACK LIVES MATTER on State Street in front of the capitol building. I humbly joined the painting crew. Noel Riby-Williams and Conor Casey did amazing work getting this project organized and in place in under a week. Thank you to both of them and all participants for creating such incredible work. Early this morning, it was vandalized.

Vermont Business Magazine Brett Smith, President and CEO of One Credit Union, announced the winners of the 2020 Scholarship Awards. To qualify applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better, demonstrate financial need, and be eligible for membership at One Credit Union, as well as submit a 300 word essay explaining their experience with teamwork and community building. Each of the seven winners received $1,000.

Vermont Business Magazine The Paramount Theatre announced today a repositioning of its management team effective July 1, 2020. Commencing July 1, 2020 long-time Programming Director, Eric Mallette will be promoted to the position of Interim Executive Director. Bruce Bouchard, long-time Executive Director, will remain with the theatre assuming management of fundraising and development. Mallette will continue to program the theatre’s seasons; a duty he has had the responsibility of for the past 12 years.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Mayors Coalition presented their COVID-19 related recovery priorities. Among the priorities are Act 250 reform and extension of the TIF deadline. And of course they are seeking COVID-19 relief funds to help fill budget holes. The state is also seeking federal budgetary assistance.

The Act 250 reform is sought because, as the mayors put it, they already have permit regulations and Act 250 just adds redundancy, cost and time to much needed downtown redevelopment projects.

The TIF program allows qualifying municipalities to retain some property tax revenues, in lieu of sending them to the state Education Fund, to benefit, again, downtown redevelopment. The mayors said because of the pandemic they're losing about a year from the TIF benefit.

Leonine Public Affairs Protests against police brutality and systematic racism continued this week as Vermonters showed up by the thousands and marched in cities and towns across the state. Many lawmakers as well as Governor Phil Scott have been vocal in their support of the protesters and have indicated interest in working to pass meaningful police and systemic reforms. The governor and health officials are urging protesters to get tested for COVID-19 as the demonstrations bring large groups of people into close proximity.

by Bill Schubart Like many Vermonters, I’ve been watching with pain and empathy the protests unfolding in countless cities and towns across the country. Watching the murder of George Floyd has called on me to explore my own white privilege and intersectionality perspective.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott on Friday announced the second phase of the Administration’s $400 million dollar Economic Recovery and Relief Package. Phase 2 uses $90 million to bring financial assistance to struggling businesses, housing and community recovery efforts, broadband expansion, and regulatory modernization.

Vermont Business Magazine Northfield Savings Bank (NSB) has given a $15,000 donation to the Vermont Foodbank as a result of NSB’s “Make a Mobile Deposit, Make a Difference” campaign. For every mobile deposit made in the month of May, NSB donated $3. The funds go to the Foodbank at a time of urgent need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the most recent data from Feeding America, a nationwide hunger relief organization, the number of food insecure people in Vermont has increased by 46 percent. Local child food insecurity has increased by 60 percent.

Vermont Business Magazine As of Thursday evening, a total of 81 cases of COVID-19 are associated with the Winooski outbreak, with the majority of cases in Winooski. Most of the rest are in nearby Burlington, with a small number elsewhere in Chittenden County. There have been no deaths associated with the outbreak, but there is now one person hospitalized. Only 18% of people associated with the outbreak are reporting symptoms. This indicates that the number of people who were asymptomatic is a contributing factor to the spread of the virus in the community. Vermonters are reminded that even though the overall rate of positives statewide is low, the virus is still circulating throughout the state. The Vermont Department of Health also reported Friday that there were 10 new cases statewide and only two hospitalized with COVID-19. It's been over two weeks since there's been an associated death, for 55 total.