Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Girls on the Run Vermont, a statewide nonprofit organization for girls in 3rd-8th grade, is pleased to announce three new board members to the GOTRVT Board of Directors. With varying professional backgrounds, these individuals bring years of experience and leadership from communities across Vermont and will be integral in the Board’s work to continue to advance the mission of GOTRVT. 

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 August 4, 2025. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.    

by Bill Schubart A new book by Giulano da Empoli entitled “The Hour of the Predator” paints a bleak but credible landscape in which the bloom of technology distracts us from the realities of what’s happening around us and empowers technocrat billionaires to assume power over our lives. He traces these plutocratic power grabs in history from when the Spanish Conquistadors first arrived in Mexico where they and their innovations were greeted with curiosity and interest by Moctezuma and the Aztec nation. Several decades later there was little trace of Aztec society, a signal metaphor for the arrival of technocrats whose innovations distract us from their quiet assumption of power.

Vermont Business Magazine Common Good Vermont has announced that registration is now open for the 2025 Vermont Nonprofit Summit, returning November 4, 2025, at the DoubleTree in South Burlington. After a sold-out debut in 2024, this year’s Summit promises to be even more impactful expanding in scope, deepening in purpose, and rising to meet the moment. With the powerful theme “Meeting the Moment: Together We Rise,” the 2025 Summit will bring together hundreds of nonprofit professionals, community leaders, advocates, and allies from across Vermont for a full day of inspiration, collaboration, and forward-thinking strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a new staff member, a board leader, or a passionate volunteer, this is your opportunity to connect with peers, gain fresh insights, and help shape the future of Vermont’s nonprofit sector.  

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.