Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Lawson’s Finest Liquids is now accepting applications for its 2026 Sunshine Fund. A total of 24 local organizations will be recognized by Lawson’s Finest’s Sunshine Fund awards in 2026. Each Sunshine Fund awardee becomes the partner “On Tap” in the brewery’s Waitsfield, Vt., taproom for two weeks during the year and receives 100% of Sunshine Fund donations during that period. Vermont-based, tax-exempt nonprofit organizations who have not been selected as Sunshine Fund recipients in previous years are eligible to apply now through August 31. 

Vermont Business Magazine Jay Peak Resort has opened reservations for its seasonal lodging packages, offered during the height of northern Vermont’s fall foliage window. The packages, valid for stays between August 8 and October 12, 2025, provide discounted lodging rates along with complimentary access to Vermont's only Aerial Tram—offering panoramic views of the Northeast Kingdom during one of its most visually striking times of year. Fall in the upper elevations of Orleans County is brief but vivid. Dense hardwood forests across the region turn sharply in late August and reach their peak in mid to late September, drawing in visitors seeking quiet, elevation, and color. 

Vermont Business Magazine The picturesque town of Manchester invites visitors and locals alike to experience its much-loved Annual Sidewalk Sales, taking place Thursday through Sunday, August 7–10, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. This four-day shopping tradition features over 30 local retailers, including designer outlets, stylish boutiques, artisan galleries, and specialty shops. Expect exceptional bargains on clothing, footwear, home décor, and Vermont made goods—complemented by Vermont’s tax-free savings on clothing and footwear. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Third Annual Vermont Psychic Expo is coming to the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, Vermont on Saturday, August 9th & Sunday, the 10th, 2025. The Expo North building will host readers, workshops, vendors and more. Meet the best psychic readers in Vermont and from across New England including tarot cards, spirit mediumship, palmistry, crystals, and a myriad of other types. This interactive event includes daily spirit mediumship galleries’ as well as multiple ‘how-to’ workshops and panels throughout the weekend. Joining us both behind the scenes and on the floor at the Expo are Bruce & Red Hoskins of Lord Fafnir & Spawn Psychic Readers.

Vermont Business Magazine In celebration of “802 Day” on August 1, 802 Credit Union proudly donated a total of $8,020 to ten local nonprofit organizations across the state—highlighting its ongoing commitment to community, compassion, and credit union values. Each 802CU branch and operations team selected a local organization to receive an $802 donation, spreading meaningful impact across Vermont. From food insecurity and animal welfare to youth services and environmental stewardship, the donations reflect the diverse needs of the communities 802CU serves.

Vermont Business Magazine Ledyard Bank has expanded into southern New Hampshire, bringing its award-winning banking and wealth management services to Bedford.  Opening its newest full-service financial center in Bedford marks a significant milestone in the bank’s continued growth and commitment to serving communities in the Granite State.  Located at 99 South River Road, the Bedford branch truly reflects the bank’s “Think forward” philosophy, offering their clients cutting-edge technology and convenient modern banking solutions paired with exceptional service and financial advice. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Associated General Contractors of Vermont marked its 90th anniversary with a special Southern Celebration hosted at Casella Construction’s newly expanded facility in Pittsford on Thursday. This milestone event honors nine decades of leadership, advocacy, and innovation in Vermont’s construction industry. For 90 years AGC/VT has led the way as Vermont's construction association. AGC/VT has been recognized both nationally and internationally as a leader in training and advocacy over 30 times in these 90 years.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Vermont weekly unemployment claims for the week ending July 26, 2025, spiked and were well above seasonal norms. New claims were 472 last week, up 252 claims from the week before and up 240 from last year at this time. Claims, which tend to be lowest in the summer, were 181 at the end of September 2024. In Vermont for the weekly report, manufacturing accounted for an unusual 67% of the total, or about 315 claims, up nearly 300 for the week. The Service industry, which typically accounts for the most claims, last week reported 20%, down 39 points from the previous week, or about 35 claims. Construction was 4%, down 2 points or up about 5 claims. 

Vermont League of Cities and Towns Vermont’s 2025 legislative session was long and busy, and legislative actions included some major wins for municipal government in addition to generational changes to Vermont’s systems for infrastructure funding, education finance, and housing creation. In the first part of our annual Legislative Wrap-Up, we recapped the new laws that will have the greatest effect on municipal authority and funding. In this summer update, we explain this year’s summer study committee work, discuss unfinished business that VLCT will take up in the second half of the biennium, and recap some of the VLCT Advocacy team’s major successes in blocking poorly conceived legislative proposals that could have created big problems for local government.  

Northeastern Vermont Development Association The NVDA Regional Plan update takes place every eight years, and is informed by changing local needs, state requirements, and - most importantly- input from the people who live and work in the NEK. That's where you come in! Robust community participation is essential to ensure the plan reflects the values, priorities, and unique character of our 55 communities. Please join us at any of the upcoming public input opportunities. Visit NVDA's table at one (or all!) of the events below for chances to provide feedback, share your priorities and concerns. There will be interactive activities and RAFFLE PRIZES to be won! You can also take NVDA’s survey.

Vermont Business Magazine Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, today reported its financial results for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2025. Revenues were $465.3 million for the quarter, up $88.2 million, or up 23.4%, from the same period in 2024. Net income was $5.2 million for the quarter, down $(1.8) million, or down (25.7)%, as compared to $7.0 million for the same period in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, was $109.5 million for the quarter, up $17.9 million, or up 19.5%, from the same period in 2024.

Vermont Business Magazine KeyBank Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its $5.4 million special grant program designed to strengthen Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). In celebration of KeyBank's (NYSE: KEY) bicentennial, the KeyBank Foundation launched a national grant initiative to support CDFIs across its 27 markets, with a focus on affordable housing and small business growth. In markets where no eligible CDFI proposals were received, KeyBank is establishing a $200,000 donor-advised fund to ensure each of its communities are a part of this historic celebration. This includes the Rutland West Neighborhood Housing Services inc. dba Cornerstone Housing Partners.