Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ) and the Vermont Mayors Coalition (VMC) have joined forces in calling for the removal of tariffs that directly affect communities on both sides of the border. Elected municipal officials testify to the negative impact tariff measures are having on their local economies, businesses, and residents. US tariffs on Canadian products and retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada work against both economies. As local governments, municipalities are in the best position to gauge the economic and social impact trade policies like these are having and call on decision-makers today to limit the serious damage they’re causing now and going forward.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Claire Burns as Caledonia County State’s Attorney. She has served as interim state’s attorney since August 1, following former State’s Attorney Jessica Zaleski’s departure. Vermont governors appoint state’s attorney vacancies based on the recommendations of county political parties. Burns was recommended to the governor by the Caledonia County Republican Committee. 

Vermont Business Magazine Twenty-seven attorneys from Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer have been named to the list of Best Lawyers in America. Ranging in practice from banking and employment, to insurance, family law, corporate, environmental and much more, the 26 attorneys represent five offices in Vermont, New Hampshire and the District of Columbia. Primmer has a long legacy of being named among the “Best Lawyer” distinction. Its first lawyers to be named: Jon Eggleston and Jon Ross were named to the list over 40 years ago. 

Vermont Business Magazine Casella Waste Systems, Inc., a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, has announced that it has priced the previously announced remarketing of $37.5 million aggregate principal amount of New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2020R-1 issued on September 2, 2020. The Bonds were originally issued in the aggregate principal amount of $40.0 million and have a final maturity of September 1, 2050. It is expected that $2.5 million of the aggregate principal amount of Bonds will be redeemed by Casella on September 2, 2025, with cash on hand, and the remaining $37.5 million of the aggregate principal amount of Bonds will be remarketed on such date. 

by Mike Donoghue Attorney General Pam Bondi, flanked by federal prosecutors, including Acting U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher of Vermont, outlined on Thursday several recent significant efforts to combat human trafficking and smuggling along the international borders, including an important felony indictment in Vermont. Norma Linda Lozano, 53, of Ypsilanti, Mich. is named in a 7-count indictment unsealed in Vermont on Wednesday that charges her with leading a major human smuggling operation, including transporting young children, along the northern U.S. border. The criminal cases that broke this week and were outlined Thursday are part of an ongoing effort between U.S. Attorneys across the nation and the Department of Homeland Security, Bondi said.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott’s office today released the following statement regarding recent decisions by the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) to significantly reduce the rates requested for certain insurance plans presented by BlueCross Vermont and MVP Health Plan, and their approach to the hospital budget decisions they will soon make: "The Green Mountain Care Board’s focus on reducing costs in Vermont’s healthcare system is important and appreciated. A stable and affordable healthcare system is vital to the well-being of Vermonters and to the economic vibrancy of our communities in every region of our state. The Board’s recent rejection of double-digit insurance rate increases is the first of what the Administration hopes will be a series of steps to constrain, and lower, costs across the system, which must include reductions in the cost of care to ensure the reduced insurance rates are sustainable."

Senator Bernie Sanders Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. writes that “We’re Restoring Public Trust in the CDC” (Wall Street Journal, op-ed, Sept. 3). That would be laughable if it weren’t dangerously wrong. In my view, Mr. Kennedy is waging a war against science and the well-being of the American people. Let’s not forget. At the height of the Covid pandemic, we were losing 3,000 people every day, hospitals were overwhelmed, doctors and nurses were dying for lack of personal protective equipment, and workers were afraid to go to their jobs. President Trump’s initial poor leadership—free-wheeling behind the podium, recommending untested cures and sowing confusion—exacerbated this crisis.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott, Environmental Conservation Commissioner Misty Sinsigalli, and Watersheds United Vermont today highlighted opportunities for Vermonters to get involved during River Clean-Up Month this September. This initiative emphasizes the important role Vermonters play in keeping the state’s waterways clean. With more than 20,000 miles of rivers and streams in Vermont, waterways play a vital role in the health of the environment, communities, and economy. Clean water protects public health; supports fishing, swimming, and boating, and provides critical habitat for wildlife.

Vermont Business Magazine GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) and BETA Technologies Inc. announced today a new strategic partnership and equity investment agreement, subject to regulatory approval, to accelerate the development of hybrid electric aviation by combining BETA’s rapid innovation approach with GE Aerospace’s global scale and experience. Under the new agreement, GE Aerospace and BETA plan to develop a hybrid electric turbogenerator for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) applications, including long-range Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, future BETA aircraft, and other potential applications. The collaboration brings BETA’s expertise in high-performance, permanent magnet electric generators together with GE Aerospace’s tested turbine, certification and safety expertise for large-scale manufacturing and electrical power systems expertise. GE Aerospace to make an equity investment of $300 million in BETA Technologies, Inc.

Vermont Business Magazine A local food shelf will be able to buy a full pallet of food for distribution and a local elementary school is getting new playground equipment, thanks to recent grants from the Vermont Electric Co-op’s Community Fund. The Sheldon Methodist Church Food Shelf received $1,000 to purchase a pallet of food – mostly likely to be pasta – to distribute to families in need later this year. The Waterville Elementary School was also awarded a grant of $1,000, and is using the funds to replace and improve equipment in a small and aging playground.

Vermont Business Magazine Windmill Hill, a beautiful and agriculturally important area of Shelburne Farms, is now permanently protected. On August 14, 2025, the education nonprofit conserved these 66 acres with the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board and Vermont Land Trust (VLT) to create the largest block of conserved farm and forest land on the property, expanding previously protected farmland and lakeshore. The effort safeguards some of the farm’s most beautiful views as well as some of its most productive soils and an extended trail network. 

Northeastern Vermont Development Association Time is running out for Vermonters to get federal tax credits (up to $7,500) when leasing or buying a new or used EV. Drive Electric Vermont put together a simple guide to help navigate the process before the end of September. Getting an EV Charger in Vermont? Looking to add a charger for employees or residential tenants? Charge Vermont can help cover the costs. Funding is still available to workplaces and multi-unit residences in all three NEK Counties (Essex, Orleans, and Caledonia).