Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) Foundation has received a $300,000 planned gift from local Philanthropist Lillian Sleeman Seward of Bennington, who passed away in November 2019. It is her third gift to SVHC since 2018 and contributes to a total of $600,000 in donations to the health system.

Vermont Business Magazine Businesses from all corners of the state have voiced their support for increasing local renewable electricity in Vermont. Businesses from all sectors of the economy, led by Renewable Energy Vermont, wrote to lawmakers and government officials, expressing support for “a 100% renewable energy standard that supports significant expansion of renewable projects built in Vermont by Vermonters.”

Vermont Business Magazine Today Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos announced the official results of the Vermont 2020 Democratic and Republican Presidential Primary Elections held on Tuesday, March 3. Vote totals and winners were certified today by Secretary Condos and a designee from each of Vermont’s three major parties (Democratic, Republican and Progressive).

Vermont Business Magazine New trails for Stratton’s Mountain Bike Park lead the list of 2020-21 capital projects, which together will total $10 million. A new event venue, employee housing, additional parking, enhancements to the overall guest experience, and planning for future projects are also on the docket. In year three as a member of the Alterra Mountain Company family of destinations, the capital investment for Stratton now totals over $30 million. Phase two of the mountain bike park build begins this summer.

The Vermont Health Department is closely monitoring the developments in the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus ("COVID-19"). Vermont is prepared to respond to protect and support Vermonters. The State of Vermont today announced the activation of the State Emergency Operations Center as of Wednesday, March 11 at 7:30 a.m. to support the ongoing work of the Vermont Department of Health and expand the capacity of state government to coordinate the COVID-19 response.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Mayors Coalition (VMC) today introduced the new members of the Vermont Mayor’s Coalition and announced its 2020 legislative session goals and its commitment to collaborate on and advocate for these areas of common interest for their cities. At a news conference in the State House, the Coalition released its legislative policy summary for the 2020 legislative session.

Vermont Business Magazine To support the ongoing work of the Vermont Department of Health and expand the capacity of state government to coordinate the COVID-19 response, Governor Phil Scott today ordered additional state agencies and departments to activate through the Vermont State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). The activation is in accordance with the State Emergency Management Plan and will organize efforts, as well information sharing and communications with local and state officials.

by Joshua T White, MD, Gifford Medical Center This past weekend, the first case of COVID-19 was discovered in Vermont. This was expected, and the only question was where it might pop up. I anticipate this number to jump substantially in the near future. Two weeks from now, there will likely be hundreds of identified cases in our communities. I want people to understand and expect this, such that it is not quite as alarming when it occurs. A big reason for the jump in numbers will be testing.

Vermont Business Magazine The World Cheese Championship Contest, held in Madison Wisconsin this past week, announced results featuring the top 20 final candidates in the running for the top prize out of a record 3,667 international entries. Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro made two of these winning cheeses. The fact that Highlander, Jasper Hill’s newest cheese, was among the finalists was especially gratifying for the company’s growing team. Highlander is a mountain style cheese made with goat milk from Jasper Hill’s new collaborative venture, Bridgman Hill Farm.

Vermont Business Magazine With the increased numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in New Hampshire and Vermont, White River Junction VA Healthcare System will be limiting access points to their facilities.

Vermont Business Magazine Howard Center announced its appointment of Simha Ravven, MD as Chief Medical Officer following a competitive national search. In this role, Dr. Ravven will direct psychiatric and clinical care services for the agency to ensure the delivery of high quality medical, nursing, and clinical care. Dr. Ravven succeeds current Chief Medical Officer Sandra Steingard, MD who has been with the agency for 25 years and has been a leader and a scholar in her field.

Vermont Business Magazine Colorado-based Alterra Mountain Company which recently acquired Sugarbush in Vermont, today announced plans to invest $223 million in capital improvements across its 15 North American mountain destinations for the upcoming year, continuing the company’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience.