Current News

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced his appointment of Zoie Saunders to serve as permanent education secretary after serving as interim secretary since April 30, 2024. Saunders, in her six months as interim secretary, has traveled around the state with her team as part of the Agency’s “Listen and Learn” tour, to understand educational needs at the local level. These listening sessions are designed to inform the Agency of Education’s efforts to support the short-term and long-term educational needs to improve student outcomes. At his press conference two weeks ago, Scott acknowledged that he would again appoint Saunders and that he was "confident" that the Senate this time would confirm her.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Medical Society released a statement today emphasizing the importance of confirming qualified experts to positions that provide oversight of the nation’s most important health care-related agencies cannot be overstated. "We must utilize established science and champion medical and scientific advancement, refute disproven and dangerous conspiracy theories, and stop the spread of misinformation. The Vermont Medical Society, American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter, American College of Physicians Vermont Chapter, Vermont Academy of Family Physicians, Vermont Ophthalmological Society, Vermont Psychiatric Association, Vermont Society of Anesthesiologists have a singular goal of improving the health and wellbeing of all patients. Using our collective voice we urge that all appointees support the basic tenants of humanity, backed by decades of science."

Vermont Business Magazine The 112 Vermont psychiatrists who are members of the Vermont Psychiatric Association and practice in all corners of the State strongly oppose the impending closure of the in-patient psychiatric unit at Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC). The anticipated impacts of cutting these services should be of grave concern to all Vermonters, particularly given the devastating impacts it will have on the most vulnerable members of our community — individuals experiencing mental health crises and their families.  We have been advocating for years that Vermont has too few psychiatric beds to serve the needs of our patients.  Public health research[i] indicates that an optimal level of mental health services requires at least 35 inpatient psychiatric beds per 100,000 population. Vermont only has 18 beds per 100,000, and some of these are restricted to certain kinds of admissions, falling woefully short of the recommended minimum.   To eliminate more beds is taking our State in exactly the wrong direction.

by Bromley President & GM Josh Witkin Bill Cairns had been GM of this great mountain for over 10 years, and last season was his last as Bromley’s chief steward. He’s left me that responsibility which weighs heavily on my shoulders now. One of his many legacies was building an incredible snowmaking operation. The importance of giving our guests the best possible snow conditions was paramount to Bill. A very valuable pearl of wisdom from him is that if we are patient, if we create the base that we normally do, our ski season will have the Bromley snow that our guests expect. 

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine For the week ending November 16, 2024, the Vermont Department of Health reported that the number of COVID-19 cases fell again while hospitalizations also fell. There was only one fatality last week. Hospitalizations and general "syndromic" cases decreased to under 5 cases statewide for the week. The number of reported COVID cases fell from 146 to 69 to now 44. Cases had been falling in April and May and were as low as 31 at the beginning of May, before rising at the end of summer through the early part of the fall. Along with the case numbers, wastewater monitoring also has shown a decrease in levels of virus. The pandemic death total stands at 1,228.

Vermont Business Magazine While the deadline to register with FEMA passed on Nov. 25 for those affected by July’s severe storms, agency representatives are still available to answer questions and help Vermonters complete their applications. The agency also encourages applicants to stay in touch, especially if they have a change of address or other updates to their applications. To update your application or get answers to questions, call FEMA’s helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Vermont State Police has completed its investigation into the July incident in which two people were killed in a Cottage Street home in St. Johnsbury. The evidence shows Nicholas Johnson, 42, was the sole aggressor, breaking into the home and stabbing 21-year-old Ben Lyons, who later died, along with Patrick Mayhew, 33, and Jennifer Bradley, 44, before being fatally shot by Mayhew. VSP turned over the case to the Caledonia County State’s Attorney’s Office for review. State’s Attorney Jessica Zaleski has determined she will file no charges. The case is now closed.

Vermont Business Magazine For the fourth year in a row, National Life Group is coordinating the distribution of free Thanksgiving meals to central Vermont neighbors. New this year, Sugarbush Resort will provide 1,200 meals along with 500 from long-standing partner Sodexo, for a record total of 1,700 Thanksgiving meals. Also new this year, the meals will be distributed via key organizations including Elevate Youth Services, Good Samaritan Haven, Montpelier Senior Activity Center, North Barre Manor, Just Basics and the local Salvation Army.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State University (VTSU) will honor the late Dean Honorée Fleming by supporting students who exhibit her academic spirit, strong work ethic and dedication to science. The Dean Honorée Fleming Memorial Financial Aid Fund, established at the direction of interim VTSU president David Bergh in consultation with Fleming’s husband, Ron Powers, will benefit students enrolled at the Castleton campus, with a preference for those who embody the values and qualities of Dean Honorée Fleming—for example, female students majoring in the sciences. Fleming was killed in a still-unsolved shooting on a trail near the campus on October 5, 2023, stunning the Castleton community. She had taught at Middlebury College before joining VTSU as Dean. She retired in 2012.   

Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Credit Union (GMCU), based in South Burlington, and Opportunities Credit Union (OCU), headquartered in Winooski, have announced their intent to merge. This strategic partnership plans to unite two community-focused credit unions, each committed to exceptional member service and financial inclusion. The combined organization would have approximately $165 million in assets, enhancing its ability to meet the needs of members across Vermont. The combined organization would maintain branches in Burlington, South Burlington, Winooski, Berlin and Rutland, and would serve more than 10,000 members. The merger remains subject to approval by both state and federal regulators, as well as by the memberships of both credit unions. The transaction is aiming to close in the second quarter of 2025.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) announces the opening of the FY2025 funding cycle for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which aims to strengthen Vermont’s specialty crop industries and producer associations. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture crops (including honey, hops, maple syrup and mushrooms), and nursery crops (including Christmas trees and floriculture).  Approximately $180,000 is available in grant funds for FY25. Grants requests must range from $15,000 to $45,000. Interested applicants should apply by January 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

Vermont Business Magazine ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain has announced that it has become the first location in Vermont to achieve the KultureCity certification. KultureCity is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs. KultureCity’s flagship initiative, the Sensory Inclusive program, has been widely embraced by venues, stadiums, and cultural institutions across the nation and around the world. This groundbreaking program provides training and resources to staff, enabling them to better accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. As a result, countless families and individuals can now experience and enjoy live events, entertainment, and public spaces with greater comfort and ease.