Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Health Network today announced sweeping measures to address staggering revenue losses directly related to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many hospital systems across the country facing similar negative financial forecasts, The UVM Health Network is taking quick action to preserve access to care for the region. With projected network losses for the fiscal year estimated to be $152 million, the UVM Health Network is immediately reducing the base salary of leaders, eliminating employer retirement benefit contributions to leaders, and instituting a hiring freeze at all Network affiliates. This loss is lessened by $37.9 million in federal government funding that has come to the UVM Health Network.

Vermont Principals Association The VPA and its Activities Standards Committee believe strongly in the community, sportsmanship, dedication, teamwork, and healthy competition that are on display in Vermont extracurriculars. We are tremendously proud of our Vermont student athletes each and every year. With that said, it is with great regret that the Vermont Principals’ Association and its Activities Standards Committee announce the cancellation of the 2020 spring sports season.

Vermont Business Magazine Today Senate lawmakers are poised to act on legislation that would provide hazard pay to at-risk, essential workers, including grocers, pharmacy workers, trash collectors, janitors, child care professionals, assisted living and nursing home caregivers, and others facing increased risk of infection as they continue to serve their fellow Vermonters through the COVID-19 pandemic.

S. 346 would create the COVID-19 Essential Employees Hazard Grant Program, providing monthly grants to qualifying essential employees making less than $25 per hour. Employees working more than 108 hours per month would receive $1000 grants and those working at least 34 hours a month would get $600 grants. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility stands in support of the measure, as providing hazard pay is key to rewarding the brave Vermonters who are saving lives and keeping core parts of our economy running.

Vermont Business Magazine The forecast Sunday is for partly sunny skies and warm temps of 68 degrees for the first-ever Virtual COTS Walk. The COVID-19 crisis has prevented Walkers from gathering in person to travel the traditional route, but the pandemic has not stopped the fundraising or COTS’ efforts to end homelessness in community. COTS prides itself on developing innovative solutions. The 2020 Virtual COTS Walk is no different. This year, COTS offers not one but FIVE Virtual COTS Walks that Walkers can travel on Sunday, May 3.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health is reporting today that there are 866 cases of COVID-19 statewide, an increase of four from yesterday's report. There have been 49 deaths, which is an increase of two from yesterday. And there are 23 hospitalized for CVOID-19 or under investigation for it, which is down two. Governor Scott is expected to announce on Friday more job openings, as he slowly reopens the economy.

Vermont Business Magazine Representative Peter Welch today joined House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) and 10 other members of the Rural Broadband Task Force and Energy and Commerce Committee, to announce the House Democratic Plan to Connect All Americans to Affordable Broadband Internet. This plan—an updated and expanded version of the broadband provisions of House Democrats’ Moving America Forward Framework—is the product of significant collaboration between the Rural Broadband Task Force, the Energy & Commerce Committee, and many Members of the House Democratic Caucus.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Foodbank is partnering with The Skinny Pancake to provide 20,000 meals to people in Vermont facing hunger over the next seven weeks. This unique partnership addresses the rapidly increasing food insecurity that has resulted from the coronavirus pandemic, while helping employ furloughed restaurant workers, supporting a local business, and providing a venue for food from local farmers.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Layoffs, furloughs and business closures due to the COVID-19 economic downturn and Governor Scott's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" emergency order have resulted in a rush of unemployment insurance claims. The cumulative total of claims is now at a record that exceeds 81,000. At the last reported Labor Market total, this would push the state unemployment rate to 23.8 percent.

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Labor reminds employers that first quarter wage reports are due on April 30, 2020. Timely submittal will assist the Department in ensuring that Vermonters applying for unemployment will receive benefits. In addition to first quarter wage reports, first quarter unemployment tax contributions are also due on April 30 (today).

Vermont Business Magazine Dr Karen M Scolforo will step down as president of Castleton University on May 31 following nearly three academic years of success. The VSCS Board of Trustees will appoint an interim president to serve until a permanent replacement is found.

Suresh Garimella, President, University of Vermont In the first week of August, after we have a better sense of how things are progressing here and across the country, we will send details on the timing of your rescheduled Commencement ceremony. In the meantime, your degree will be officially conferred on May 17, and that achievement deserves special recognition.

​Vermont Business Magazine Food insecurity has risen 33% during the COVID-19 pandemic. To combat hunger and adhere to the ‘Stay Home Stay Safe’ order, The Colchester-Milton Rotary Club has taken its annual Fill The Truck event online. Every year, the Rotary Club parks trucks at local grocery stores and encourages shoppers to help to fill the truck with food for hungry Vermonters. This year the club will be taking online donations to assist with the growing need facing our communities.