Current News

Vermont Business Magazine From food waste to the mattresses used across University of Vermont Medical Center’s inpatient care units, the hospital’s Environmental Services (EVS) team is focused on finding every opportunity to recycle, compost and reduce the amount of material that ends up in landfills. That dedication – and the EVS team’s remarkable record of sustained success and improvement – is now being honored by one of the region’s leading solid waste, recycling and resource management service providers. Casella Waste Systems, Inc. is highlighting UVM Medical Center’s EVS team for excellence in health care sustainability with its 2025 Sustainability Leadership Award. The award recognizes partners and customers who exemplify achievements in reducing waste, increasing recycling and advancing the circular economy. 

Vermont Business Magazine The U.S. Forest Service and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation are urging the public to be extremely careful with all types of outdoor fires. Fire danger conditions and fuels are significantly elevated, with most of the state being under moderate or severe drought. Though daily fire danger ratings may fluctuate, the overall situation is significantly elevated beyond what is typical for the area at this time of year. The State and Federal agencies are working together to educate local and visiting forest users in hopes of reducing potential wildfire risk. Elevated wildfire conditions are expected to continue through the month of September and may persist through October. With the fall foliage season just around the corner the agencies are expecting increased visitation in the coming weeks and encourage situational awareness and for people to report all unattended fires by calling 911. 

Vermont Business Magazine AARP Vermont recently released findings from an April 2025 survey conducted by ANR Market Research of Burlington adults aged 45 and older. The results reveal a community deeply committed to staying put—81% want to remain in Burlington as they age—yet face mounting challenges that could push them out. High property taxes, rising utility bills, aging housing stock, and limited mobility options are making it harder for residents to maintain their independence and stay in the neighborhoods they call home.

Vermont Business Magazine Effective July 1, 2025, Governor Scott signed Act 41 into law, an omnibus bill significantly clarifying Vermont's Driving Under the Influence (DUI) statutes, including the creation of a new crime for refusing a search warrant in certain DUI cases. The legislation also mandates that juvenile and youthful offender DUI violations be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for license suspension, insurance, and rehabilitation purposes. The Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs (SAS) spearheaded the drafting of this law, collaborating with the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Public Safety, along with legislative leaders in both the House Committee on Judiciary, the House Committee on Transportation, the Senate Committee on Judiciary, and the Senate Committee on Transportation.

Vermont Business Magazine The Divided Sky Foundation today announced the launch of a Women’s Scholarship Fund, designed to address the unique barriers women face when seeking treatment for addiction. The Fund will provide financial support so that women — regardless of income — can access a dignified and empowering path to recovery. The Foundation has set a goal of raising $500,000 for the Fund by the end of this year and invites supporters to learn more or contribute. Founded by Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio and his former drug court officer Melanie Gulde, the Divided Sky Foundation provides an alternative, affordable option for addiction recovery. Its Residential Recovery Program has proven effective, with hundreds of guests completing the program and over 95% saying they would recommend it to a friend or loved one. 

Vermont Business Magazine Bus drivers will now earn $30 an hour or more in Burlington School District (BSD). In addition to the increase in pay, BSD also announced today paid training, licensing support to help people earn their CDL or bus driver endorsements, and options that would allow drivers to work more hours between bus driving shifts. 

Vermont Business Magazine This year more than $4.6 million in TAP grant funding is available for all eligible activities as described in the Vermont Transportation Alternatives Grant Application Guide. Approximately 50% of TAP grant program funds are reserved for pollution mitigation projects related to stormwater and highways, including eligible salt and sand shed projects. Also, approximately $1.5 million of MHSMP grant funding is available for eligible stormwater pollution mitigation projects as described in the Municipal Highway and Stormwater Mitigation Program Guide.

Vermont Business Magazine Alterra Mountain Company, one of the world’s premier mountain operating companies, has announced its continued commitment to the guest, employee, and community experience with a capital investment program of over $400 million to several resorts, including Stratton Mountain and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont. The investments are focused on the evolution of Deer Valley Resort in Utah, on-mountain enhancements across the portfolio, and employee benefits.

Addison County Chamber of Commerce Notice of the 2025 Annual Meeting and Report of Nominations to the Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 year. Nominees to be elected at the Annual Meeting, Awards Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Middlebury Town Hall Theatre (5pm-8pm). In accordance with the Bylaws of the Addison County Chamber of Commerce.

Vermont Business Magazine Ben & Jerry's founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, today sent an open letter to the board of the Vermont ice cream maker's owner, Unilever, concerned over the planned spinoff of some of its food products, including Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc. The Amsterdam-based conglomerate is spinning off its ice cream division, headlined by Ben & Jerry's along with Cornetto and Wall's, as a standalone company called Magnum Ice Cream Company (MICC) in November. Magnum was created in a de-merger at the end of July. Cohen and Greenfield are urging Unilever to retain the spirit of Ben & Jerry's independent board and keep to the letter of the acquisition agreement made in 2000.

Vermont Business Magazine The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce has released results from its annual State of the Commerce economic survey, offering a detailed snapshot of business conditions, challenges, and optimism across Bennington County and beyond. When asked for a letter grade to indicate how healthy they felt their organization or business was doing, ranging from A (excellent) to F (closure imminent), 64% ranged from B (successful) to A (excellent) down from 70% a year prior. The other portion, B- (temporarily successful) to D (not doing well) made up 33% up 3% from a year prior. Three percent gave themselves a D- or fear of closure, while no respondent indicated closure was imminent (F). When asked about their business's financial performance compared to one year ago, a portion of respondents, 40%, reported that their businesses were doing better. Twenty-seven percent indicated that their revenue stayed about the same, while 32% of respondents mentioned that their business's financial performance was worse compared to 2024.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Studio Center (VSC) invites the community to celebrate the re-opening of Corner House during September’s Experience VSC. Corner House has been under construction throughout 2024 and 2025. The renovation and addition to the historic home will provide additional lodging for artists and writers in residence at VSC. The ribbon cutting will be held on Sunday, September 21 at 1 p.m. followed by open studios, music from Los Lorcas, and refreshments through 4 p.m. Corner House will provide lodging for up to 13 Vermont Studio Center artists and writers, continuing its legacy of community and creativity. From 1930 to 1947, the property served as housing for female students at the Johnson Normal School (now the VSC Barbara White Studios on Main Street).