Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont lost solar industry-related jobs last year, but still ranks third overall in solar jobs per capita. Meanwhile, the US solar industry employed nearly 250,000 workers in 2019, an increase of more than 5,600 jobs (or 2.3%) since 2018, according to the 10th annual National Solar Jobs Census released Thursday by The Solar Foundation. This marks a resurgence in solar industry employment following two years of job losses in 2017 and 2018. Jobs peaked in 2016 with 260,077.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Green Building Network’s (VGBN) eighth annual Vermont’s Greenest Building Awards Competition is now open for submissions. This statewide competition recognizes exemplary residential and commercial buildings that excel in green building strategies – including water, health, transportation, and affordability – and meet the highest standard of demonstrated energy performance.

Submissions are due on Friday, March 6, 2020 at 5 pm EST. Winners of the awards will be announced and showcased at VGBN’s annual Vermont Green Building Celebration on Thursday, April 2 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at Main Street Landing in Burlington.

Vermont Business Magazine Celebrate the world of wizardry at the 2nd Annual Harry Potter Party at the Fletcher Free Library on Sunday, February 23, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Watch a movie from the series, create Harry Potter themed crafts, and enjoy magical activities and snacks. There will be life-size cut-outs of the characters to take pictures with and costumes are strongly encouraged. The party is free and open to all ages, but suggested for ages 8 and up.

Vermont Business Magazine Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) and Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) partnered with Boston-based artist Lynda Cutrell to bring The 99 Faces Project – an exhibit of 99 portraits, sculptures and paintings that destigmatize mental health – to the Northeast Kingdom. A community-focused conversation on mental health – as well as a closing reception for the exhibit – will be held on Friday, March 6, 4 – 6 p.m. in NVRH’s Gray Gallery and NVRH conference rooms 126 and 127.

Vermont Business Magazine An initiative to expand community playgroups for young children and another to support the growth of local news coverage – both Hinesburg-based initiatives – received support recently from the Vermont Electric Cooperative’s Community Fund. The Hinesburg Community Resource Center’s Friends of Families coordinates local playgroups and received $750 to continue the delivery of these services.

Jordan Giaconia, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility is a business association representing over 730 members in every industry and every county across the state; united in our shared mission to advance an ethic that protects the natural, human, and economic environments of Vermont. From global brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Burton to startups like Mamava and Bee’s Wrap, VBSR members are some of the most successful and iconic businesses in our state, who together shape the Vermont brand. It comes as no surprise that these companies are deeply worried about the looming threat of climate change but increasingly optimistic about the economic opportunities bold climate action presents. That’s why we are urging the Vermont legislature to pass the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA.)

Center for Research on Vermont Three-quarters of Vermonters support raising the minimum wage, according to a VPR & PBS poll. National Center for Health Statistics finds northeastern states have lowest teen birth rates in America. The local food movement has increased local food sales in recent years. Act 166, implemented in 2014, provides access to higher quality education for pre-k students.

Vermont Business Magazine Approximately half of Vermont homes rely on fuel oil for heat and hot water. Vermont’s fuel oil tank inspection regulations ensure that this fuel is delivered safely. VFDA, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA), oilheat providers and heating service companies are working collaboratively to make sure all tanks are inspected before the August 15, 2020 deadline. The 2020 Vermont Tank Rebate Program Launch will take place Thursday afternoon in Montpelier.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s Killington Resort announced today a matching donation of $100,000, to Pico Ski Education Foundation (PSEF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining an affordable organized ski racing program for local families and athletes. The gift is part of Killington Resort’s Play Forever commitment to protect the environment and enable participation, in that the funds will help provide access to ski racing for local youth and support operations of the race program.

Dartmouth College The most ambitious women's fundraising effort in Dartmouth history has secured $25 million to restore the heart of the College's undergraduate academic experience—Dartmouth Hall. Through the generosity of more than 1,700 alumnae and others in the Dartmouth community making gifts through The Call to Lead campaign, Dartmouth Hall will be renovated to meet the needs of future generations of students.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Donovan announced today that his office has reviewed the officer-involved shooting incident that occurred on October 8, 2019, in Rutland, Vermont. The Attorney General’s Office is declining to prosecute Rutland City Police Department Sergeant Kenneth Mosher, Sergeant Adam Lucia, and Corporal Elias Anderson, and Rutland Town Police Deputy Chief Ted Washburn for charges related to the fatal shooting of Christopher G. Louras. Based on the facts and circumstances, and consistent with Vermont law, the Attorney General’s Office has concluded that the actions of the officers were justified. In reaching this decision, the Office reviewed all the materials provided by the Vermont State Police, who conducted the investigation.