Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Vestwell, the backbone of the modern savings economy, has announced its partnership with the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) to power VT529, Vermont’s 529 Education Savings program, further solidifying its leadership in state savings solutions. The program will provide Vermont residents with a modern, accessible way to save for future educational endeavors. 529 Education Savings Accounts allow funds to grow tax-free across a range of investment options, with the flexibility to apply savings toward a variety of education-related expenses. This partnership grows Vestwell’s presence in Vermont, where the company powers the state’s auto-IRA retirement program, VTSaves, and ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) disability savings program, Vermont ABLE.

Vermont Business Magazine Girls on the Run Vermont’s registration for its spring program is now open! GOTR is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that inspires students in 3rd through 8th grade to be joyful, healthy, and confident. The ten-week program incorporates movement to empower participants to develop critical life skills, build confidence, cultivate positive connections with peers, manage their emotions, and stand up for themselves and others. Volunteer coaches utilize a research-based curriculum to engage teams of girls in fun, interactive lessons that foster the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of participants. The spring season begins the week of March 17 statewide.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) and U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Overcoming Prevalent Inadequacies in Overdose Information Data Sets (OPIOIDS) Act to confront the devastating opioid crisis that claims the lives of more than 70,000 Americans every year. This comprehensive legislation will give state and local governments additional tools to address the opioid epidemic in their communities. Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-Fla.-13) and Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH-01) have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott will attend the National Governors Association Winter meeting in Washington, D.C. this week. In addition to meetings with other governors and diplomats, on Saturday Governor Scott, who serves as co-chair of the NGA Public Health and Disaster Response Task Force, will lead a discussion with Hawaii Governor Josh Green on border security with the National Guard Bureau and Department of Homeland Security. He will also join fellow governors for a meeting with President Trump and other officials at the White House on Friday. 

Vermont Business Magazine Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, joined Senate Judiciary Democrats outside of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Headquarters building to call on their Republican colleagues to block the nomination of Kash Patel, President Trump’s pick to serve as Director of the FBI. The Senators highlighted the dire consequences of Mr. Patel’s willingness to take out vengeance on behalf of President Trump and called on their colleagues to oppose his appointment as the FBI Director on the Senate Floor today. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Economic Development Authority, or VEDA, has named Joan Goldstein as its next chief executive officer. Goldstein succeeds Cassie Polhemus, who previously announced she is stepping down effective June 30, 2025. Governor Phil Scott announced February 20 that Goldstein will leave her role leading the Department of Economic Development at the end of April. 

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.15 per gallon, up 1 cent per gallon from last week and last month and down 10 cents/g from last year, according to AAA. The lowest price in the state this week was $2.75/g while the highest was $3.35/g, a difference of 60.0 cents per gallon. Gas prices are lowest in Rutland ($3.03/g) and Windsor ($3.06/g) counties and highest in Grand Isle ($3.23/g), Lamoille ($3.22/g) and Orleans ($3.24/g).

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Green Building Network’s (VGBN) thirteenth annual Vermont’s Greenest Building Awards Competition is now open for submissions. This statewide competition recognizes exemplary residential and commercial buildings that excel in green building strategies – including water, health, transportation, and affordability – and meet the highest standard of demonstrated energy performance. Submissions are due on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 5:00pm EST. Winners of the awards will be announced and showcased at VGBN’s annual Vermont Green Building Celebration, which will take place on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Main Street Landing in Burlington, Vermont. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Finney Crossing neighborhood in Williston is set to become an even more dynamic destination with the addition of three new locally owned businesses opening in a newly constructed three-tenant building on the property. Wild Meadows Books & Café, JANE Boutique, and SPAGHET Red Sauce Joint will each bring unique offerings to the growing, pedestrian-friendly community, enhancing its appeal as a hub for shopping, dining, and gathering.

by Eli Lesser-Goldsmith Nearly every personal and professional conversation I’m part of comes full circle to the fact the people can not find places to life in Vermont.  Co-workers, friends who have moved away from Vermont and now want to return, other companies looking to recruit and add jobs, students who are graduating and want to stay in Vermont, and more.  The common theme is “we can’t find a home or an apartment in Vermont to live in”.  This puts Vermont at a crossroads. The housing crisis that has gripped our state for decades is not only a threat to families and individuals struggling to find homes, but also to the vitality of our entire economy, and the very fabric of our communities. It’s time to take bold action.

Vermont Business Magazine Nominations are now open for the 2025 Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame! Nominations can be made electronically through www.VTAgHallOfFame.org.  Nominations will be accepted in three categories: Emerging Leaders, Ag Innovators, and The Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, March 24th, 2025 at 5 PM. With over 100 Vermonter’s recognized in the last 23 years, the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame is ready to accept your thoughtful, quality nominations for 2025! All are welcome to submit a nomination at a chance to honor Vermont farmers, producers and people dedicated to supporting Vermont’s working landscapes. Prior nominations do not carry over; please resubmit your nomination for consideration again. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Low Income Trust for Electricity (VLITE) has released its 2023 - 2024 Impact Report, detailing over $2 million in grant investments aimed at supporting Vermont’s energy needs, fostering community resilience, and expanding access to clean, affordable energy solutions. Since its inception, VLITE has provided $11.7 million in energy-related grants, with a strong focus on assisting Vermonters with low- and moderate-income. This year’s report highlights a wide range of initiatives, including flood recovery efforts, home weatherization programs, clean transportation solutions, and solar energy investments in affordable housing projects.