Current News

Northeastern Vermont Development Association NVDA's planning staff is working diligently to move the 2026 Regional Plan forward through the mandatory adoption process. For the past eight months our planners gathered feedback from widespread community outreach, conducted extensive data research, followed standards for mapping land uses, carefully prepared a thorough inventory of the region's mapping data, and worked to comply with statutory obligations. Every Planning Commission in the state must consider state regulatory changes to reflect statewide planning goals that coordinate state, regional and municipal land use in the counties and communities they serve.

by Peter A. Steele The U.S. Small Business Administration is celebrating its “Superbowl” for our small businesses this week with the SBA’s annual National Small Business Week ceremonies, which acknowledge and honor the indispensable contributions of America’s entrepreneurs—just as we’ve done every year for more than 60 years. But this year is even more special, as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, known as Freedom 250. Our Founding Fathers laid the groundwork for the freedom and liberty that still powers the engine of free enterprise. The result is our nation’s prosperity and entrepreneurial spirit – the very spirit exemplified by our small businesses here in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine Big Change Roundup for Kids (BCRU), radio station 98.9 WOKO’s annual campaign supporting the family-centered care delivered every day at Golisano Children’s Hospital at UVM Health hosted an emotional finale event on Friday, bringing together volunteers, businesses, and individual donors to raise $319,693 that will directly support pediatric patients and families.

Northeastern Vermont Development Association Stretch Code, HERS Raters, and Municipalities: Learning from Massachusetts May 11, 12-1pm (online) Vermont currently lacks any formal residential energy code enforcement mechanism, relying instead on self-reported compliance on behalf of builders and contractors. Studies have shown compliance rates declining over the last few code cycles. In response to this, the EAN Municipal Energy Code Collaborative is exploring ways in which interested municipalities might be able to administer and enforce Vermont’s Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES).

Vermont Business Magazine Blend Labs, Inc (NYSE: BLND), a leading digital origination platform for banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders, is announcing a new partnership with Northfield Savings Bank, a mutually owned community bank headquartered in Vermont. Northfield Savings Bank has selected Blend's Mortgage and Home Equity solutions to modernize its lending operations, enabling its team to scale loan volume efficiently while delivering a standout experience for customers.

Vermont Business Magazine Nedde Real Estate has announced the sale of 200 Commerce Street, Williston, VT to Level 77 Holdings, LLC, Fernando Cresta represented the Seller HNH Holdings, LLC and Isaiah Donaldson from Keller Williams Vermont represented the buyer. Also, Nedde has announced the lease of 2,505 Square feet of flex space at 1889 Williston Road, South Burlington to Aquatic Massage Therapy. Fernando Cresta assisted the tenant and landlord Cresta Nedde 2, LLC. And Nedde has announced that Agri-Mark, Inc. has renew their lease of 22,377 Square feet of refrigerated warehouse space at 784 Hercules Dr., Colchester, Fernando Cresta and Jaeger Nedde assisted the tenant and the landlord. More.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, released the following statement on the passage of the House Farm Bill: “We have been clear that the Farm Bill must address the needs of American farmers and families. With a five-year high in small farm bankruptcies, the Farm Bill must address rising input costs, provide new opportunities for domestic markets, and fight for a trade agenda that works for everyone. Senate Democrats are committed to ensuring all states are treated equally by delaying the new SNAP cost shifts and addressing the needs of farm country."

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Speaker Jill Krowinski made the following statement on the House passage of S.298, an act relating to creating the Vermont Voter Protections Act. The bill had previously passed the Senate in a 28-0 roll call vote. “Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass S.298, which creates the Vermont Voting Rights Act,” said Speaker Krowinski. “This bill comes at a crucial moment. Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that further weakens the Voting Rights Act - another example of voting rights coming under attack in this country. While other states are working to make access to voting more difficult, Vermont is continuing to lead the way in making voting more accessible, secure, free, and fair.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has released a new analysis of tax proposals currently under discussion in the House Ways and Means Committee that would increase taxes on income, investment gains, and total earnings above certain thresholds. The report finds that, in Vermont’s economy, the proposal would extend beyond high income households and into the operations of many locally owned businesses. In an environment where business owners are navigating a range of operational and ownership decisions, the analysis highlights how these changes could influence reinvestment, hiring, and long-term business stability.

Vermont Business Magazine Hunting safely during Vermont’s spring turkey hunting seasons is easy if you follow tips issued by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s Hunter Education Coordinator Nicole Meier strongly encourages all hunters to have a safe turkey hunt.  “A safe and successful hunt is one in which the hunter enjoys their time afield -- whether they come home with a turkey or not,” said Meier. The opening of the regular spring turkey hunting season is May 1-31.

Small Business Administration Vermont Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are unable to host this event on Thursday April 30th. If you would like to receive updates regarding this event, please opt-in here. Meanwhile, National Small Business Week is here! During this week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) shines a spotlight on our nation’s small businesses. Through community events across the country, we recognize the hard work, ingenuity, and dedication of America’s small businesses, and celebrate their contributions to the economy. National Small Business Week includes events and a FREE educational virtual summit (May 5-6) which will cover a variety of business topics to help you start, grow and expand your business.

Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) is inviting public comment on a proposed rule that would guide how state lands are planned and managed for the future. This process helps ensure that Vermonters have a voice in how these lands are cared for over time. The comment period is open until June 18, 2026. ANR owns and manages approximately 370,000 acres of public lands across Vermont through the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR); the Fish and Wildlife Department; and the Department of Environmental Conservation.