Current News

Vermont Business Magazine “One year ago, nearly 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, were killed in a brutal attack by Hamas. Nearly 100 remain hostages of Hamas, including four Americans. Today, I join many in mourning these losses and condemning antisemitism of any kind – which, unfortunately, has escalated over the last year. We also know tens of thousands more have died in the year since, including many Palestinian civilians. They should also be in our thoughts today. The resolution to this conflict is complex. But instead of letting it further divide us, I hope Vermonters come together around a shared belief that expressions of hate in America are unacceptable and do nothing to achieve lasting peace where there is war.”

Vermont Business Magazine Shalom Alliance Vermont, in partnership with Burlington and Central Vermont synagogues and University of Vermont Hillel, are holding a community commemoration – “An Evening of Remembrance & Hope” – on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel. The evening will feature music to heal our souls and inspiring speakers, and provide a time for community members and college students to mourn the murdered, hold hope for the release of the hostages, honor survivors and heroes, share personal stories, fill one another with strength and hope for our collective future, and pray for peace and safety for all.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is once again inviting Vermont schools to name the State’s big orange snowplows. This year, the Agency’s goal is for young Vermonters to name all 250 full-sized plow trucks in the AOT fleet with new names that do not repeat any of the names that are now assigned to trucks. In addition to naming a plow truck, this year Vermont schools may also enter a submission in the contest to name AOT’s new truck that has a 21-foot “wing” that will be used to clear Interstate 89.

Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum presents, Tragedy in the Green Mountains; a History of Plane Crashes within Ski Area Boundaries, Thursday, October 17th at 6:30 PM at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum. Did you know that there have been plane crashes at Jay Peak, Pico, Magic Mountain, Mt. Snow, Stowe, and Killington? There are thirteen known aircraft crashes inside Vermont ski area boundaries. Some happened before the trails were cut and others served as emergency landing zones when the plane got into trouble. There was a time when hang gliding at ski areas was popular, but accidents were not uncommon and soon areas prohibited the sport.  

Vermont Business Magazine Generator, Burlington’s community-driven hub for creativity and hands-on learning, is thrilled to announce its 10th anniversary celebration! To mark this milestone, we’re inviting the entire community to a free anniversary party on Thursday, October 24, from 6-9 PM at our space on 40 Sears Ln. Since its inception in 2014, Generator Makerspace has provided a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their creativity, learn new skills, collaborate on projects, and launch businesses. Here at Generator we offer workshops, access to cutting-edge equipment (3D printers, laser cutters, woodshop tools, metalworking tools, and more), and a welcoming space for makers of all skill levels.

by Will Thorn, Community News Service Developers and local leaders in two towns say they’ve been able to get new housing projects rolling and, with help from the state, navigate the ever-looming tight budgets and high construction and land costs they entail. Bennington’s Hale Resources and Northfield Village Development won $1.5 million and $94,500, respectively, as part of a state grant program to revitalize brownfields, or properties abandoned because of pollution or contamination, Gov. Phil Scott and the Department of Economic Development announced Sept. 16. The grants will help cover remediation of two project sites and “will help Northfield and Bennington redevelop vacant sites, create housing units and bring jobs to their downtowns,” according to the press release that day. 

Vermont State Police This weekend, the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office completed the autopsy on 54-year-old Todd Lawyer of Enosburgh. The autopsy determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, and the manner of death is homicide. Late Friday, Oct. 4, the Vermont State Police arrested Jordan Lawyer, 29, of Enosburgh in connection with an assault earlier in the day that left his father dead and his mother with significant injuries. Lawyer is facing charges of second-degree murder and first-degree aggravated domestic assault. A judge ordered Lawyer jailed without bail pending an arraignment expected to occur Monday, Oct. 7, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in St. Albans. The victims are identified as his father, 54-year-old Todd Lawyer, and his mother, 58-year-old Robin Lawyer.

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets October is Farm to School and Early Childhood Month, and we're excited to kick it off by announcing the Farm to School and Early Childhood Capacity Building Grant is now open! This grant is designed for schools and early childhood programs that are looking for ways to build an agriculture and food education program for students. This grant opportunity combines grant funding ($5,000-$20,000 award range) with customized support programs that include grant coaching, technical assistance, and professional development. Schools, early childhood programs, and supervisory unions/school districts are encouraged to apply.

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 October 10, 2024. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.  

by Jules Older It’s time again for your SOHO — small office, home office — gear guide. But before you dig in, three things you might want to know: Whenever a company offers to send me a product to test, I always reply, “Let me Mirandize you. I try never to write about a product I haven't tested. When I like it, I say so. When I don't, I say so.” This time, with one exception, I've bought and paid for all the products. And this time, whenever I was able to try similar products, I've turned it into a competition — the fight is on!

Vermont Business Magazine This informative online workshop October 8 will identify and describe capital sources for your business, including debt, loans, and equity. Attendees will gain a high-level understanding of the business lifecycle and capital available to businesses at different stages of the lifecycle. We'll also discuss strategies to make your business bankable or equity-ready, as well as how to bootstrap your business if capital is not immediately available.

Vermont Center for Emerging Technology Jeff’s journey began by printing T-shirts, and now, his company works with household brands like Dunkin’, Saucony, and Pepsico. Jeff is the co-founder of Select Design, a creative agency that conquers brand chaos. At just 22, he and his co-founder Kevin were hustling to sell apparel, relying on every connection they could make. His story is about having people in your corner that root for you, and how Vermont is the perfect place to find it. This is the perfect listen for someone wanting to start a business in VT but doesn’t know where to start.