Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released its first round of guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), providing information to employees and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“FMLA Expansion”) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSLA”).

Vermont Business Magazine In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) announced today the award of $100,000 in grants to the state’s nonprofit housing providers and public housing agencies. Another $20,000 will be donated to Vermont-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations selected by VHFA’s 38 staff members.

Vermont Business Magazine Tuesday, March 31 is National Equal Pay Day, symbolizing the fact that the average American woman must work three months into 2020 to earn what the average American man made in 2019.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan today joined a coalition of 27 attorneys general in calling on the US Department of Education to provide federal student loan borrowers with emergency measures to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, the coalition asks the US Department of Education to take specific steps to protect borrowers from further financial burden and debt collection due to job losses and lost wages.

Vermont Business Magazine As reports appear in the news of certain drugs being potentially used for treatment or prevention of COVID-19, the Vermont Department of Health strongly urges caution. At this time, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drugs specifically for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont unemployment insurance claims spiked as expected last week. The state had lagged well behind the federal government in the number claims just the prior week. But with Governor Scott's order to at first close all restaurants and now all non-essential workers have been ordered home, the claims are expected to mirror the spike in federal numbers, which increased by more than 3 million.

by Gabriella Marchesi, Community News Service A delay in plans to start construction this summer on a 110-room hotel at Burlington International Airport may be yet another of the growing economic impacts due to the drop in travel as officials try to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Vermont Business Magazine During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors close to home and connecting with nature is an excellent way to help maintain our mental and physical health. Engaging in our favorite outdoor recreation activity – hiking, camping, fishing, biking, hunting or walking in nature – does wonders for our health and well-being. No matter how you enjoy the outdoors, we urge you to practice effective “social distancing” and other measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep you, your family and your community safe.

“As more parts of Vermont see closures and recommendations for social distancing, we all need to find ways to manage the stress and uncertainty. A daily walk, run or hike can provide real benefits to your physical and mental health. Just practice social distancing while doing your favorite activity,” said Forests, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Michael Snyder.

Vermont Business Magazine The Peck Company Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ: PECK), a leading commercial solar engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company, has announced that it will report earnings results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2019, on Monday, March 30, 2020, after the closing of the market. The Company will host a conference call to discuss financial results on the same day at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce today issued the following statement about COVID-19 and the operations of the State Treasurer’s Office.

The spread of COVID-19 has disrupted daily life across the country. We are in a very serious public health crisis. I want to thank the many Vermonters who are on the front lines providing health care, ensuring public safety, supporting our children through school closures, and volunteering their time to lend a hand. And thanks to the employees at grocery stores and pharmacies who provide essential services to all of us. I am inspired by your leadership and commitment to Vermonters.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor has announced the temporary closure of select phone lines dealing with existing claims only for Thursday, March 26.

Vermont Business Magazine On Monday, March 23, the Washington and Northern Orange Counties Regional Response Command Center (WNOC-RRCC) officially became operational. WNOC-RRCC is a unique, unified regional collaboration of local community wellness and support services formed to act as the county-level response center to assist in the coordination and action of local efforts to support vulnerable populations during the COVOD-19 pandemic.