Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) will host a town hall at 7 pm ET tonight to examine the consequences of Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. The town hall will be live streamed on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter in partnership with The Guardian, The Intercept, NowThis, The Young Turks, Act.tv and MoveOn.org.

by Donald L Baker, Vermont Market President, KeyBank Today consumers want to know how corporations, as a whole, are taking a stand. In fact, customers are 43 percent more likely to purchase a product from a company they know is committed to social value. The number of companies directing corporate social responsibility from the C-Suite has increased nearly 75 percent compared to five years ago. Major financial service industry leaders, like KeyBank’s Beth Mooney and BlackRock’s Larry Fink, are challenging business owners and the C-Suite to rethink their economic impact, environmental footprint and social conscience. At KeyBank, corporate social responsibility initiatives are woven into the fabric of who we are and in whom we invest.

by Richard Burgoyne, MD Almost half the deer ticks in our region carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, so it’s important to be careful before and after venturing into tall grass or forests during the spring, summer and fall. Before heading into the woods, spray pants, legs and shoes with an insect repellent that contains 20 percent DEET. DEET comes in different strengths, so check the label when you buy. Be careful not to spray it in the eyes or on the face and use it just when you’re outside. Apply it to shoes and pants, or on the lower legs if you’re wearing shorts. Wash it off when you get home.

Photo courtesy of CVMC/iStock.

Fuse LLC Esports is quickly becoming one of youth culture’s largest and most influential platforms. In fact, these days more brands ask us about esports than any other of youth culture's platforms. So why are more brands not already on board? The short answer is that to esports' newcomers, the landscape can appear a little messy and confusing. This white paper is dedicated to clarifying some of that perceived chaos and our recommendation that brands look closely into four key areas to determine whether esports is right for them.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) received and began its review of the proposed 2019 health insurance rates for plans offered to individuals, families and small businesses through Vermont Health Connect. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) is requesting an average annual rate increase of 7.5% over 2018 rates, while MVP Health Care (MVP) is requesting a 10.9% average annual rate increase.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, the House passed H.196, the Paid Family Leave Insurance Bill on a vote of 90-53. The bill allows Vermont employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid family leave for the birth or adoption of a new child or 6 weeks for familial illness.

Vermont Business Magazine On Wednesday, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced its second round of funding for FY2018. Six Vermont organizations will receive grants through the Art Works program. The Vermont Arts Council will receive $717,200 through the NEA’s partnership program to support arts programs, services, and activities associated with carrying out the Council’s NEA-approved strategic plan.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont US Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders issued the following statements Friday in response to President Donald Trump's address on drug prices.

Vermont Business Magazine Homelessness and housing leaders announced today an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness in Chittenden County during the annual Point in Time count conducted January 31, 2018. The total number increased from 291 in 2017 to 359 this year. While the overall increase is cause for concern, they said, other indicators imbedded in the count demonstrate progress. The Alliance, in a press release, stated it believes that in the next three years, it can virtually eliminate chronic homelessness.

Point in Time counts are conducted nationally each year in January and represent a one-night count of those experiencing “literal homelessness,” meaning individuals and families who live in a place not meant for human habitation (including the streets or in their car), emergency shelter, transitional housing, and hotels paid for by a government or charitable organization.

by Timothy McQuiston Vermont Business Magazine As anticipated, Vermont tax revenues have exceeded economists' initial expectations, both overall and in several sub-categories. With two months left in the fiscal year, Vermont is more than $50 million (and over 4 percent) ahead of the projections, which were set in January. Most notably, the Personal Income tax, the most important revenue source, finished the month more than $23 million above its target, a whopping 15.6 percent to the positive. All this is expected to lead to an annual budget surplus of over $40 million.

Vermont Business Magazine The Chittenden Solid Waste District has been awarded a grant worth $106,470 by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to help cover costs for providing facilities and education for the proper disposal of hazardous waste generated by residents and qualifying businesses. The grant is part of a solid waste assistance fund provided by the state to help towns and solid waste planning entities implement their solid waste plans, as required by state law. The grant is awarded annually to towns by the DEC, an arm of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources.

Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Miro Weinberger and Chief Don Stevens from the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk – Abenaki Nation today announced that the City of Burlington and Vermont Abenaki Alliance (made up of the four Abenaki Tribes recognized by the State of Vermont) have agreed to explore several projects to promote awareness of Abenaki history and culture. This announcement is the result of conversations between the City and Chief Stevens that arose during the discussion of the Church Street “Everyone Loves a Parade” mural. In lieu of participating in the Mural Task Force to determine the future of the mural, Chief Stevens and the Abenaki Alliance have chosen to pursue other projects, which will include an annual summer event on Church Street and may include a display of cultural artifacts at the Burlington International Airport, among other potential projects.