Current News

Vermont Business Magazine CHCB is now running outreach testing with a new van. This is a subset of the Vermont Department of Health’s testing site that CHCB is staffing in South Hero. They will initially focus on reaching individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable individuals throughout the Burlington area who are in congregate (shared) living situations and cannot travel to Essex or South Hero for the drive-through sites. Not only is this outreach testing good care for individuals, but when they can test people where they are and keep them from having to travel, it helps reduce viral spread in the community.

by Don Turner In March, the Vermont Legislature passed two solid pieces of legislation to address the COVID-19 outbreak. The first provided continuity of operations in state government--no doubt an important measure during these times when practicing social distancing is a must. The second included a wide array of policies, including the expansion of telemedicine, an easing of the licensing regulatory burden for health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, a strengthening of the unemployment insurance system, provisions allowing retired doctors to practice during the outbreak, and more.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health is reporting today that there were 17 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) positively identified since yesterday and three more deaths since Friday, bringing the total to 27 deaths in the state of Vermont. There are 34 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and another 33 hospitalized and under investigation. These compare to Fridays numbers of 32 and 43. There are over 400 hospital beds dedicated to treating COVID-19 in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power (GMP) is alerting customers that a storm is forecasted to bring rain and strong gusty winds to Vermont starting late Monday morning, and that winds may be powerful enough to take down trees and powerlines causing outages. Forecasters say the large low-pressure system predicted to hit the entire Northeast will reach southern Vermont late Monday morning and exit through the north of the state Monday evening.

Leonine Public Affairs On Friday, the Vermont Senate held a historic floor session. For the first time in Vermont history a legislative body gaveled into session, reported and discussed legislation and voted without the lawmakers being physically present. This new, remote legislative process was authorized by the Senate in a semi-normal floor session on Wednesday, when 16 Senators (the minimum needed for a quorum) convened in Montpelier to approve a Senate resolution allowing remote floor voting. The Senate had previously authorized remote voting by its committees so now the Senate can conduct business in full without going to Montpelier.

by Joyce Marcel, Vermont Business Magazine For Vermont, Robert Miller wears his heart on his sleeve for all the world to see. Miller has twice left the lucrative world of high finance to return to Vermont for jobs that pay less but offer a lot more socially responsible fun. This last time, he says, is really the last. This time he's here for good. Miller is the CEO of the Vermont State Employees Credit Union (VSECU). He is something of a golden boy at the climax of a gilded career.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Joyce Marcel first sat down with Rob Miller, CEO of VSECU, before the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) hit home here in Vermont. So we followed up with Miller on what the credit union is doing and what it means for individual finances and the economy. VSECU is following a protocol similar to nearly every financial institution in Vermont as of press time (March 26, 2020 for the April print issue), by closing branch lobbies, but maintaining ATMs and online banking. They have also instituted hardship plans for customers affected by layoffs and business closures.

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.