Current News

by Mike Donoghue A Chittenden County jury has cleared the University of Vermont Medical Center against claims of medical malpractice and negligent undertaking in the 2020 overdose death of the adult son for a world-renowned doctor based at the Burlington hospital. Dr. David N. Krag as executor of the estate of Peter M. Krag had sued the UVM Medical Center claiming the medical care provided by Dr. Halle G. Sobel was substandard and led to the death of the well-known local jazz musician from Shelburne five years ago. The jurors, after a one-week trial, deliberated about 90 minutes before the foreman sent a note to Vermont Superior Court Judge Megan J. Shafritz that they had a verdict Friday afternoon. 

Vermont Business Magazine As Vermonters and visitors alike hit the slopes this winter at the largest winter resort in the eastern United States, they likely crossed paths with a VTSU Resort & Hospitality Management student working on the mountain and gaining valuable hands-on experience to support their career aspirations. This weekend in Killington, 16 students proudly graduated from the program. 

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.02/g, down 4.6 cents per gallon from last week's $3.07/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.73/g while the highest was $3.19/g, a difference of 46.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 1.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.07/g today

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning the public of a recent increase in scam messages that falsely claim the recipient has an unpaid traffic ticket and is at risk of driver’s license suspension. The DMV did not send these messages and does not send any text or email messages demanding immediate payment. 

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Join this free three-part webinar series that is designed to help independent and co-op food stores grow sales and meet margin goals in volatile times. While this series is designed for retail stores, it will be informative for anyone interested in learning about retail food sales. This free series is offered through Small Bites and the VT Grocers Project. It will be presented by Jeanie Wells, who is known as a national retail food leader with her Mighty Community Markets classes. The series is formatted with a mix of presented content and interactive discussions with ample time for conversations and Q&A. All webinars will take place from 3:00 - 4:00 PM EST. The series schedule is as follows:

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.