Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Norwich university Board Chair Al Gobeille recently outlined decisive actions the university will undertake that are focused on affordability, workforce investment, and the long-term strength of the university. These include: Tuition Freeze, Norwich will not raise tuition for the coming academic year, reinforcing its commitment to affordability at a time of national financial pressure on families; Employee Investment, the board approved wage increases to keep pace with inflation and funded healthcare premiums to maintain current benefit levels; Record Endowment, the university’s endowment has reached a historic high of $328 million; Long-Term Stability, these decisions are supported by a measured endowment draw, underscoring the balanced approach to near-term needs and long-term institutional strength.

Vermont Business Magazine In a subcommittee hearing Tuesday, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, pushed back on Republicans’ sham hearing on the Arctic Frost investigation, led by independent special counsel Jack Smith, which they argue targeted President Trump and Republicans in Congress. Republicans’ star witness, Jeffrey Clark, led Donald Trump’s attempts to overthrow the 2020 election.  Welch’s opening statement set the record straight, outlining how President Trump incited a violent mob to attack the Capitol and overthrow the free and fair 2020 election, and the president’s continued efforts to dispute his 2020 election loss.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor reported today, according to household data, that the seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate for February was 2.6 percent. This reflects a decrease of one-tenth of one percentage point from the prior month’s revised estimate. The comparable United States rate in February was 4.4 percent, an increase of one-tenth of one percentage point from the revised January estimate. Vermont is still tied for the third lowest rate in the US, with North Dakota. Hawaii and South Dakota are first (2.3%) and California and Delaware are tied for highest (5.4%). However, a steep decline in total Employed in Vermont was offset by a steeper decline in the Labor Force.

Vermont Business Magazine Hunger Free Vermont, state leaders, and other advocates gathered at the Statehouse on Tuesday to oppose the Scott administration's intent to pursue a SNAP Food Restrictions Waiver. The speakers included Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale, state Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Lt. Gov. John Rodgers, and Sen. Ginny Lyons, among leaders from Hunger Free Vermont, Feeding Champlain Valley, and NOFA-VT. A SNAP Food Restrictions Waiver would add more restrictions on what people can buy with their 3SquaresVT benefits. Vermont leaders are considering “non-nutritious foods” as part of this ban. While not required for any state to adopt, these waivers are being encouraged by the federal administration, and a number of states have already rolled them out.

Vermont Business Magazine Funding is now available through the Walter Cerf Community Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation to nonprofits and municipal organizations working to address charitable needs across Vermont. The fund prioritizes support for the arts, education, historic preservation, and social services, with particular interest in efforts that address the needs of underserved populations. Grants are awarded to organizations that serve Addison County, the town of Brandon, or offer a unique, statewide contribution to Vermont. Approximately 70% of available funding will support programs and projects in or serving Addison County and Brandon, while the remaining 30% will fund statewide efforts. Priority will be given to statewide proposals that include a meaningful benefit to Addison County and Brandon communities. 

Vermont Business Magazine For many drivers, the most stressful part of a journey doesn’t happen on the highway - it happens when trying to get off it. Off-ramps are where traffic patterns suddenly shift, decisions have to be made quickly, and small design flaws can create outsized frustration. Short merge lanes, confusing signage, blind curves, last-second lane changes, and backed-up exit queues can all turn a routine exit into a daily flashpoint. These moments often trigger the kind of stress and impatience that lead to risky driving behaviors - from abrupt braking to aggressive lane cutting.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Soccer Association (VSA) and NBT Bank, two organizations committed to strengthening local communities, have announced that, beginning in 2026, NBT Bank will serve as the Official Banking Partner of Vermont Soccer Association, reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting youth development and expanding access to soccer across the state. Built on a shared dedication to Vermont families and communities, the partnership reflects a unified vision of promoting opportunity, financial well-being, and active lifestyles for players, coaches, referees, and families throughout the Green Mountain State.

Vermont Business Magazine The Land Use Review Board has suspended work on two components of Act 181 in response to proposed legislative action: rulemaking on Tier 3 (critical natural resources) areas and implementation of the Road Construction Jurisdiction (the “road rule”). The Legislature has indicated that it intends to repeal these two sections of the land use modernization law, Act 181, through a bill now under consideration by the House Environment Committee.

Vermont Business Magazine Community Bancorp. (NASDAQ:CMTV), the parent company of Community National Bank based in Derby, today reported consolidated earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, of $4.4 million or $0.78 per share, an increase of $843,645 or 23.93% compared to $3.5 million or $0.62 per share reported for the first quarter of 2025. Total assets for the Company at March 31, 2026, were $1.24 billion, a decrease of $52.3 million from year end 2025, but $47 million or 3.99% higher compared to $1.12 billion as of March 31, 2025. Contributing to the Company’s year-over-year growth in assets was growth in the company's gross loan portfolio of $43.6 million, or 4.64%, compared to the 2025 period.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health has reported have COVID-19 hospitalizations remain at a very low level but were up slightly last week. They are at a similar level to the negligible level seen last summer. There were no measles cases after one reported in Vermont in February in Washington County and the rate nationally is low. While there was no measles virus detected recently, RSV, Influenza B and Norovirus remained elevated at all the Vermont wastewater testing sites, as they are across the US.

Vermont Business Magazine Evernorth closed Housing New England, Fund VII on April 2, 2026. This fund is the second largest in Evernorth’s history, providing crucial equity financing to support the development and preservation of affordable housing across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont at a time when the need for housing has never been more urgent. Northern New England communities are facing a growing housing crisis, making it increasingly difficult for working people, older adults, and families to find homes they can afford. From rural towns to small cities, housing shortages are affecting local economies, labor force stability, and community health. 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State University’s Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy program has received the President’s Award for Excellence in Credentialing Success from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), recognizing outstanding student outcomes, including a 100% job placement rate. This recognition comes as the university has worked for several years to strengthen the program and grow its enrollment in partnership with UVM Health to meet employer needs, student demand, and the growing need for respiratory care in Vermont.