Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Issues Committee of the Vermont Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel (VT NDCAP) will hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. In accordance with changes to Vermont Open Meeting Law in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be conducted via teleconference. The Committee will identify agenda items for the September 21, 2020 meeting of the full Panel. A potential Panel position on national spent nuclear fuel policy will also be discussed. Potential topics for future VT NDCAP meetings may also be discussed.

Like all VT NDCAP meetings, this Special Meeting is open to the public. Those wishing to join the meeting may do so using the following conference call line:

Phone number: (802) 552-8456 -or- (802) 738-0888

Conference Room Number: 359 989 491 (followed by the “#” sign)

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported today that there were four new cases of COVID-19 statewide, there were no deaths which hold at 54, and four the first time in weeks, no one was hospitalized with the coronavirus. However, they expect there will be new cases requiring hospitalizations imminently. The governor indicated that on Friday he may further relax social gathering restrictions and open them up from 10 people to 25 in the near future. Close contact businesses and gyms could also receive good news as to when they can reopen. The governor also said indoor restaurant service could open soon. All these reopenings will come with some level of restrictions, for instance with occupancy restrictions of 25 percent capacity. The governor also said he will announce his re-election plans Thursday. He is, of course, expected to seek a third term as governor.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Specialty Food Association (VSFA) will hold their Spring Meeting virtually on Wednesday, June 3rd from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VSFA is pivoting this year’s meeting to a virtual event to continue strengthening and supporting its community during these challenging times. This 2-hour event will feature two informative presentations focused on business resilience, strategy, and adaptation for the future.

Vermont Business Magazine United around the slogans “Education is a Right,” “Fund our Future,” and “Put People First,” a coalition of faculty, staff, students and community members from across Vermont will hold a virtual press conference Thursday at noon. The coalition is protesting austerity measures in education at every level.

Vermont Business Magazine KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) has released its 2019 Corporate Responsibility report, highlighting the company's ongoing legacy as a responsible bank and citizen. Included in the report are the results from the first three years of the National Community Benefits Plan, under which KeyBank has invested over $12.1 billion in communities. KeyBank executives said the investments exceeded the goals for the first three years of the plan by 48%. Here in Vermont, KeyBank has invested $83,116,663 in the local community in the last three years.

Vermont Business Magazine A national study found that Vermont is in the bottom half of responding to the US Census online. A data table below ranks states from highest to lowest based on the percentage of respondents who filled out the 2020 Census online, which is a new response option introduced by the Census Bureau this year. Vermont ties with Pennsylvania for the 28th-highest figure in that metric, at 82.0 percent. This table also displays the total self-response rate in each state. Less than half of all households in Vermont (47.8%) completed the 2020 Census as of May 4, 2020. Out of all 50 states, Vermont has the sixth-lowest total self-response rate. The Census Bureau will also send canvassers around to knock on doors.

Vermont State Police Following a daylong search, law enforcement tracked Underhill shooting suspect Evan Labonte to a wooded, marshy area between Creek Farm Road and Interstate 89 in Colchester. When police, including members of the Tactical Services Unit of the Vermont State Police, attempted to begin speaking with Labonte from a distance, he was observed to place a handgun to his head and fire a shot, killing himself.

Vermont Business Magazine From canceled performances, fairs and festivals, to closed galleries and shuttered theaters, the losses to Vermont artists as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic are staggering. But for artists in marginalized communities where the virus is hitting hardest, the losses have been particularly acute. Rapid emergency relief funding from the Vermont Arts Council has tried to fill the gap, for artists in all communities.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is seeking comments on the draft of the Automated Vehicle Testing Permit Guidance and Application. The document outlines the process to approve the testing of automated vehicles, often referred to as self-driving cars, on public roads in Vermont in accordance with the Automated Vehicle Testing Act signed into law by Governor Scott on June 14, 2019 (23 VSA Chapter 41).

This guide is intended for use by applicants who are seeking a permit to test automated vehicles on public roads in Vermont and for municipalities that are considering allowing testing on town highways under their jurisdiction. It also serves as a guide to the Vermont Traffic Committee, whose approval is required for all automated vehicle test permits in the state, in its deliberations over specific permit applications.

Vermont Business Magazine Community Bank N.A. recently presented Pathways Vermont with a $5,000 donation to support its annual Community Breakfast, which was to be held in May. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s breakfast went virtual and evolved into a Housing is Healthcare fundraising campaign, and Community Bank was again honored to sponsor the nonprofit.

Pathways Vermont helps people live and thrive in the community at times in their lives when they are most distressed: when they are struggling with thoughts of suicide, or are experiencing homelessness, incarceration, institutionalization, mental health struggles or substance abuse challenges. Pathways Vermont is the first and largest Housing First organization in Vermont, providing permanent housing without requirements or barriers.

​by Devon Green, Vice President of Government Relations, VAHHS On Friday, Governor Scott announced that hospitals may resume inpatient procedures under the guidance released by the Vermont Department of Health. He also announced that dentistry and mental health and substance abuse counseling may resume as well.

Vermont Business Magazine 3...2...1...blast off! To celebrate its newest flavor with Netflix, Ben & Jerry's is headed to the stars. No, not a high-profile, Hollywood party. And not the Walk of Fame. The ice cream maker literally launched a pint aiming towards space almost 20 miles above the earth and with good reason. There's no better way to launch a flavor called "Boots on the Moooo'n"!