Current News

Vermont Business Magazine VMEC, Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center, has released its annual impact report.  As Vermont’s only singularly focused resource for manufacturers, VMEC is the official representative of the MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership) National Network in the Green Mountain State. And in recognition of their 30 years in business, they have also compiled the results of their history since opening their doors in 1995. Highlights of the Vermont FY 2024 annual report include: Over $31,000,000 in increased and retained sales; 433 total jobs created; this figure includes direct, indirect and induced jobs. Highlights of the 30th anniversary Impact Report include: Over $400,000,000 in increased sales and over $570,000,000 in retained sales; Nearly 4,600 jobs retained. 

Vermont Business Magazine At the national level, the former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has been raising awareness of both an “epidemic of loneliness” and its impacts on health. Lack of social connection can increase risk for heart disease and stroke, and can be as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Meanwhile, being socially engaged and connected to others and one's community can lead to improved mental and physical health, a longer life span, and a renewed sense of purpose. Area Agencies on Aging, including Central Vermont Council On Aging (CVCOA), are taking up the call to action, assisting older adults to strengthen their social connections and relationships.  

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported last week that the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations are down. The VDH is no longer reporting COVID fatalities and cases in Vermont. Hospitalizations fell to just under 10 after a recent spike. Wastewater testing fell steeply also after a recent spike, especially in Montpelier, but also at most test sites. There were only 2 reported outbreaks. 

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Charity Clark has joined a coalition of 18 state attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland supporting Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality, and individual patients and their families in their lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The coalition have urged the Court to grant PFLAG’s motion for a preliminary injunction. On February 4, 2025, PFLAG challenged President Trump’s Executive Orders targeting transgender individuals by stating that gender identity was a “false” idea and by attempting to strip federal funding from institutions that provide life-saving gender-affirming care for young people under the age of 19. The coalition of state attorneys general argue that this action blatantly and unlawfully discriminates against transgender youth based on their identity.  

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and members of his cabinet will be in Lamoille County on Friday, February 28 for its Capital for a Day 14-county tour. Governor Scott first launched this initiative in June 2018, and he and his cabinet visited all 14 counties over the following 10 months. Capital for a Day gives local constituents, municipal government leaders and other partners the opportunity to connect directly with state leadership and staff. “Spending a day in each county gives us an opportunity to hear directly from Vermonters, see the good things happening in their communities and understand how decisions made in Montpelier are impacting them,” said Governor Scott. “In the past, challenges identified on these visits led us to make historic investments in wastewater systems to support economic growth, strengthen our CTE centers, collaborate on public safety issues and more.”

Vermont Business Magazine Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) last week filed four Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs) that would block the sale of $8.56 billion in offensive U.S. weaponry to Israel. Earlier this month, the Trump administration notified Congress of its approval of four major offensive arms sales to Israel, including tens of thousands of the bombs, missiles and artillery shells Israel has used to destroy huge swathes of Gaza and Lebanon. These munitions are directly implicated in tens of thousands of civilian deaths. The export of these weapons would clearly violate the criteria laid out in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act (AECA).

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office announced that Robert Bowdish, 78, of Weybridge, Vermont, was sentenced today in Vermont Superior Court, Addison Criminal Division, after pleading guilty to one felony count of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials. The Court, Judge Robert Katims presiding, sentenced the defendant by agreement to eight years of probation with conditions that restrict his access to the internet and contact with minors, and require him to successfully complete sex offender treatment. If Bowdish violates the terms of his probation, he may face two to five years in jail. Bowdish will also be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years after the completion of his sentence.

Vermont Business Magazine A local partnership has broken ground on a new brewery and taproom on Rt. 7A in Manchester, adjacent to the Hampton Inn & Suites hotel. The Lost Marble Brewing Company will serve as a new destination for local residents and visitors, providing a convenient and fun place to gather for freshly brewed beer and a locally inspired family-friendly menu. Opening Fall 2025, the 9,725 square foot facility will include a 2,500 sq ft brewing room, housing a state of-the-art 10-barrel brewing system, as well as a commercial kitchen and pizza oven. Guests can enjoy freshly brewed beer in the 3,500 sq ft taproom, spacious south patio and outdoor bar, and north terrace and lawn. A private mezzanine space overlooking the brewing room will also be available.

by Tom Cheney of Jericho, executive director of Advance Vermont In the coming weeks, the Legislature and governor will make critical decisions about the future of prek-12 education in Vermont—decisions that will impact generations to come. While there will be much debate about the number of school districts and the tax formula to fund them, there should be little debate that the new system must better ensure that every high school graduate is prepared for their next step in life, whether that path begins with an apprenticeship, a certificate, military service, a college degree program or an employer-supported opportunity.

by Devon Green, VP of Government Relations, VAHHS And just like that, we’re already staring down the barrel of crossover on March 14. This week will be extremely busy, as policy committees work on their budget priorities and advancing bills before they go home for Town Meeting week. Health Care Reform: VAHHS testified on the Senate Health and Welfare committee bill outline and supported a statewide plan with stakeholder oversight, including a VAHHS nominee to the advisory committee. In moving forward, VAHHS would like to understand where the Act 167 feasibility work with the Rural Health Redesign Center fits into the planning, and noted government overreach in a requirement for approving hospital strategic plans. 

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.11 per gallon, down 2.9 cents per gallon from last week's $3.14/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.85/g while the highest was $3.29/g, a difference of 44.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 3.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.08/g today. The national average is down 4.4 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 18.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Taste the Valley, hosted by ACORN Food Hub, is a networking event that offers an opportunity for local food producers to meet and connect with new customers and buyers in their region. This event was last hosted in 2023 and was a smashing success. They have secured a larger venue this year, expecting an even greater turnout of both producers and buyers. Producers will have the chance to set up tabletop displays to showcase their brand. Table space is limited, so if you'd like to claim a spot to set up an engaging display, register soon. No table? No problem! Producers are also encouraged to register even if they do not want to set up a display and prefer to mingle around the room.