Current News

by John R Brumsted, MD Until the events of the past several months, combating a global pandemic was a plot to a “B” movie or a launching point for a post-apocalyptic thriller. For health care workers, first responders and public health leaders who participate in preparedness drills on these scenarios, they do so hoping they will never have to put these plans in place. Yet, here we are. In many ways, the spread of COVID-19 has brought out the best in us.

Vermont Business Magazine On March 26, Mayor Weinberger suspended all non-emergency board, commission, and committee meetings through April 15. Today, following the Governor’s extension of the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order through May 15, the Mayor announced that these meetings will continue to be suspended through that time. The City will continue to support remote/virtual meetings of the City Council and Board of Finance.

If a board or commission chair believes that the board needs to convene in order to act on emergency business, exceptions will be made by the Mayor’s Office on a case-by-case basis.

​Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), continues to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances related to COVID-19, including innovating new ways to provide primary and specialty care.

ACCD This update includes the extension of Governor Scott's "Stay Home" order until May 15 and offers, among other provisions, new real estate sector guidance.​ Addendum 9 also clarifies that existing real estate sales and brokerage guidance applies to all real estate sales, including those for sale by owner. Online real estate sites are required to post a prominent notice on their web platforms advising potential sellers and purchasers that all in-person real estate transactions are temporarily suspended. Real estate functions that can be conducted online, by phone or email may continue.

Vermont Technology Alliance As we all deal with the coronavirus pandemic, Vermont Technology Alliance business members of all sizes have stepped up to provide products, services, helpful information and other outreach to address business and community needs and concerns.

​Vermont Business Magazine Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz and his wife, Elana Amsterdam, New York Times bestselling author and founder of Elana’s Pantry, recently announced a $150,000 donation to the Vermont Community Foundation’s Vermont COVID-19 Response effort to support mountain communities where the company operates, specifically Mount Snow, Okemo Mountain Resort, and Stowe Mountain Resort.

Vermont Business Magazine With all the sacrifices Vermonters are making to keep themselves and others healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is taking extra steps to ensure that no one has to wonder if their water is safe to drink.

DEC is working with drinking water system operators, providing guidance and support for disinfection procedures to keep drinking water safe and free of pathogens. COVID-19 is not transmitted through drinking water, however, it is important to make sure drinking water is free of other pathogens that can cause illness.

Vermont Business Magazine As we seek to protect ourselves and our loved ones while preventing the spread of the highly contagious respiratory illness known as COVID-19, accurate information and expert guidance is more important than ever. Here, Tim Lahey, MD, an infectious diseases doctor and professor of medicine at the University of Vermont’s Larner School of Medicine and the University of Vermont Medical Center, offers his take on some of our most pressing questions, as well as some personal perspective.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced his appointment of Kelley Tully, Democrat, to fill the Windham-3 House District vacancy. Tully replaces former Representative Matthew Trieber (D-Rockingham) who resigned in February. Kelley Tully is the president of C & H Transportation and vice president of Cota & Cota, a third-generation family business in Bellows Falls. A registered nurse, Kelley worked at Springfield Hospital for twenty-five years.

by Susan Boutwell, Dartmouth College The students graduating from undergraduate and graduate schools at Dartmouth will receive their degrees in June, but not on the Green to the applause of 12,000 family, friends, and alumni, President Philip J. Hanlon '77 said today. The 2020 graduates will get their opportunity to celebrate on the Green in June 2021, alongside the 50th reunion Class of 1970, in a ceremony sure to be both poignant and spirited, President Hanlon said.

by Regina Bugbee, US Postal Service During these challenging times, postal employees are working hard to ensure residents stay connected with their world through the mail. Whether it’s medications, a package, a paycheck, benefits or pension check, a bill or letter from a family member, postal workers understand that every piece of mail is important. While service like this is nothing new to us, we need our communities’ help with social distancing.

For everyone’s safety, our employees are following the social distancing precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health officials. We are asking people to not approach our carriers to accept delivery. Let the carrier leave the mailbox before collecting the mail. With schools not in session, children should also be encouraged to not approach a postal vehicle or carrier.

Vermont Business Magazine April is Kids Garden Month, and an opportunity to celebrate the joys and wonder of gardening with children. KidsGardening, a national and leading youth garden nonprofit, has created a virtual opportunity to share, inspire, and connect on how to garden together at home.