Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Community College of Vermont (CCV) held its graduation ceremony today at Norwich University’s Shapiro Field House. More than 500 students received associate degrees. Students representing all 14 Vermont counties graduated, and students hail from 11 states and 19 countries. The youngest graduate is 18 and the oldest is 64. Also among the graduates are 42 veteran and military-connected graduates. More than 60% of the Class of 2025 are the first in their family to earn a college degree. The keynote address was delivered by Sara Byers, co-owner & president of Leonardo’s Pizza. Byers shared three guiding messages: live true to yourself, love fully, and dream beyond big. Drawing from personal stories of vulnerability, creativity, and unexpected achievements, she encouraged graduates to embrace authenticity and pursue even the most improbable dreams. 

Vermont Business Magazine Danforth Pewter is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in craftsmanship and tradition. For fifty years, Danforth has been dedicated to creating exceptional, handcrafted pewter gifts, jewelry, ornaments, and home décor, all meticulously made by talented artisans. To commemorate this occasion, a series of monthly giveaways will be held throughout 2025, culminating in a grand prize: a fully paid trip for two to scenic Vermont. Participants can enter at danforthpewter.com/contest.

Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies Every day, we interact with materials made from petroleum –– from the nylon in our clothes to the foam in our car seats. However, producing petroleum-based materials is carbon- and energy-intensive, and they persist in the environment, often harming health. What if the materials we rely on could be made without fossil fuel inputs? Founded in 2015 by UC Berkeley scientists Harshal Chokhawala and Jon Kuchenreuther, ZymoChem is guided by three principles: create materials from renewable sources, use sustainable processes, and ensure biodegradability. Its breakthrough fermentation platform uses proprietary carbon conserving (C2) microbes to create bio-based materials for a range of applications, including hygiene products, textiles, coatings, and plastics. 

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 June 8, 2025. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.   

Vermont Business Magazine As part of Vermont Days, the State of Vermont is offering free admission to Vermont State Parks and Vermont State Historic Sites on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15, 2025. “Vermont Days is a great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to celebrate the start of summer,” said Department of Tourism and Marketing Commissioner Heather Pelham. “Whether you spend the day exploring a state park, learning more about Vermont’s history or trying fishing for the first time during Free Fishing Day, there are free activities to enjoy all weekend throughout the state.” With 55 state parks, Vermont Days is the perfect time to visit a state park.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Snelling Center for Government has announced the graduates of the Vermont Leadership Institute Class of 2025. As the culminating event in their 9-month leadership journey, the Vermont Leadership Institute (VLI) Class of 2025 celebrated their past year with Graduation at Basin Harbor in Vergennes in early June. Friends, family members, colleagues, and alumni joined the cohort for a celebratory graduation luncheon and ceremony. This year’s keynote address was delivered by Robert Miller (VLI ‘98), President and COO of EastRise Credit Union. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Berkshire Bank, is proud to present Breakfast with Berkshire: Business Succession Planning, a timely and informative event for business owners considering the future of their companies. The breakfast event will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Southern Vermont Arts Center’s Yester House in Manchester, Vermont. This free, open-to-the-public event is designed to support local business owners at every stage of their succession journey—whether actively preparing to transition or simply beginning to explore what comes next.

by Ali Jalili Former Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger once posted on social media his delight at seeing various construction cranes at work in Burlington. He was right to be delighted; and we don’t have nearly enough cranes at work. I’ve been lucky to travel all over the world and there is one sure sign that a city is on the rise, vibrant, and “booming” – lots of construction cranes at work. The reverse is also sadly true. Where you don’t see new development, you often see the signs of economic stagnation or decay, with closed storefronts and a general sense of malaise. There is little middle ground. Cities develop or stagnate.

by Mike Donoghue, Vermont News First, Vermont Business Magazine The former director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vergennes, who police say falsely claimed under oath she was accosted by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent at a local business, will not be prosecuted for a felony charge of false swearing, officials said. Alicia Grangent, 49, instead has been given the chance to make a $500 donation to the John Graham Housing Shelter in Vergennes, Addison County State's Attorney Eva P. Vekos told Vermont News First. Vergennes Police said they had issued Grangent a court citation ordering her to appear in Vermont Superior Court in May on a felony count of false swearing and a misdemeanor charge of providing bogus information to Vergennes Police. The two criminal charges stem from an incident that Grangent claimed happened at Shaw's Supermarket earlier this year involving an ICE agent, police said.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Blue Cross Vermont President and CEO Don George has once again expressed concern about the financial stability of his company and the health insurance industry. He also emphasized the financial vulnerability of the broader health care system, a view shared across the board. While finding a financial solution remains challenging, various initiatives are underway. Gov. Phil Scott recognized the issue in May but indicated that his administration is currently prioritizing housing, education reform and overall economic affordability. Still, there are several health care bills making their way through the system or already signed into law by the governor.

Vermont Business Magazine The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 30, 2025, Samuel Blatt, 33, of Colchester, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 49 additional months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release.  Blatt has been detained in the custody of the State of Vermont since his arrest on March 15, 2024. Judge Reiss also ordered that Blatt pay $14,100 in restitution. Blatt previously pleaded guilty to the March 5, 2024, robbery of the Union Bank in Johnson, Vermont. According to court records, between February 28, 2024, and March 14, 2024, Blatt committed the robberies of four banks in Vermont and attempted the robbery of a fifth bank. 

by Staff Sgt. Michaela Granger U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont National Guard participated in a combined arms live-fire exercise (CALFEX), May 29-31, 2025, during Immediate Response 25, a large-scale, joint exercise with NATO Allies and partners at the Krivolak Training Area in Krivolak, North Macedonia, May 26 to June 9, as part of DEFENDER 25, the U.S. Army’s premier large-scale deployment exercise in Europe. DEFENDER 25, Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness, demonstrates the U.S. Army’s capability to move troops and equipment across long distances, integrate with Allied forces, and project combat power across the European theater.