Current News

VermontBiz – For the 15th year in a row, Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel, Darn Tough Vermont, and Smartwool have joined forces to donate more than $19,000 worth of socks and financial support to local agencies serving low-income individuals and families. This long-standing partnership helps ensure that neighbors across the region have access to warm Merino wool socks and vital resources as the colder months approach.

From August 28–30, Lenny’s hosted its 15th annual Charity Sock Sale. During the three-day event, Lenny’s pledged a monetary donation for every pair of Darn Tough Vermont and Smartwool socks sold. In addition, both Darn Tough Vermont and Smartwool contributed boxes of socks to be distributed.

VermontBiz Another big year and another big day at the Big E is coming this Saturday, September 20th!  The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets invites you to Vermont Day at the Big E, an exciting event that takes place annually at the Vermont Building on the Avenue of States at the Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts. During Vermont Day, you’ll find 25 Vermont vendors set up to serve you inside, plus 14 more on the front lawn of the historic Vermont Building. 

“The front lawn of the Vermont Building at the Big E will feel just like one of the local farmers markets you’d find in the Green Mountain State,” said Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts. “We’re excited to showcase the incredible variety of food, products, crafts, and activities that come straight from the heart of our Vermont communities. After enjoying the outdoor experience, visitors will want to step inside for even more activities, food and fun — what we like to call a Taste of Vermont.”

VermontBiz Average gasoline prices in Burlington have risen 7.0 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.27/g today, according to GasBuddy's survey of 100 stations in Burlington. Prices in Burlington are 15.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 3.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 2.6 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.658 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Burlington was priced at $3.14/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.35/g, a difference of 21.0 cents per gallon. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.99/g while the highest was $3.35/g, a difference of 36.0 cents per gallon.

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Do you operate a farm or forestry business or a food business that uses Vermont-grown products? Or are you a producer association or service provider that works with these businesses? Are you looking for funds for equipment, infrastructure, marketing, research, or workforce development? If so, consider applying for a Working Lands Enterprise Initiative grant! A total of $1 million in grants is available. These awards are intended for projects that will begin in spring 2026. Except where noted, most projects are expected to be completed within one year. No matching funds are required for these grants. Because funds are limited and these grants are very competitive, you should apply for the minimum amount needed for a project.

Vermont State Police On Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at approximately 1525 hours, troopers from the Vermont State Police St. Johnsbury Barracks responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash involving two motorcycles near the P & H Truck Stop on Route 302 in Newbury. Upon arrival, the operator of vehicle 1 was found unresponsive. CPR was initiated immediately, but despite lifesaving efforts, the operator was pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS. 

Vermont State Police On September 13, 2025, at approximately 0612 hours Troopers with VSP Williston were notified of a single vehicle rollover crash on I-89 southbound, near mile marker 86.7 in the Town of South Burlington. Troopers responded to the scene. Through investigation it was determined the vehicle left the roadway into the median,  rolled, and came to a position of rest on its roof. The deceased male operator and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as Joseph Taplin (age 33), from Barre, VT.

by Izzy Senior, Community News Service Downtown Burlington business owners say they are fighting to hang on as the end of Main Street construction is hopefully in sight. The Great Streets BTV project began construction in February 2024. Wider sidewalks, more flexible outdoor spaces and water collection improvements are designed to make downtown more walkable and dynamic. Some business owners have expressed frustration with the project’s disruption of downtown, driving customers away from the area. At the same time, many view the construction as a necessary step towards a more accessible downtown. 

Vermont Business Magazine This weekly report is a list of planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of September 15, 2025. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.    

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Women’s Fund (VWF) will host its Annual Celebration on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at The Flynn in Burlington. The evening will feature a keynote by author and activist Reshma Saujani, along with a special performance by Vermont-born singer-songwriter Myra Flynn. Lobby doors open at 4:30 p.m. for a pre-show reception, with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m. The annual event will highlight grantmaking, strategic partnerships, and a new data report on the status of Vermont’s women and girls. Special guests will include VWF grantees and middle and high-school-aged program participants. 

by Commerce Secretary Lindsay Kurrle Despite the progress we’ve made together, our work to address Vermont’s housing crisis is far from being solved. By 2030, the statewide demand for housing units will exceed 40,000. Right now, we’re on target to build just over 12,000. Without enough housing, our communities and economy stall. Vermont can’t attract or keep the workforce our employers need, and we can’t ensure we have the people power to sustain essential services. Building more housing isn’t just about numbers. Meaningful change to build more housing means ensuring families can stay together, older Vermonters can age in their communities, and children have the stability they need to thrive and succeed in school. 

Vermont Department of Economic Development Just like that, it’s suddenly fall. The small but mighty Department of Economic Development team is carrying the momentum of a busy summer into the new season, while already looking ahead to winter and opportunities on the horizon in 2026. In particular, it's been a marathon summer for the Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC) staff, who are working diligently to launch the Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) early in the new year. A CHIP subcommittee has been meeting weekly to prepare program guidelines that VEPC will ultimately review and approve, and this work is anticipated to be completed later this fall. 

Vermont Business Magazine Junapr, a Vermont-based strategic communications, digital/affiliate marketing, and events agency, has been named to the 2026 PRNEWS Agency Elite Top 120 list. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Junapr has earned a place among the industry’s most innovative and impactful agencies in the United States. Junapr was selected for its expertise in public relations, affiliate marketing, events, and crisis communications, as well as its Adaptive Team Framework, which ensures every client account is staffed with the right mix of expertise and capacity for both strategy and execution.