Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Casella Waste Systems, Inc (NASDAQ:CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, today announced that it has priced the previously announced remarketing of $15.0 million aggregate principal amount of New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2014R-2. The Bonds were issued pursuant to an Indenture dated December 1, 2014, and drawn down on June 2, 2016. The Bonds have a final maturity date of December 1, 2044.

The US Small Business Administration is hosting a nationwide pitch competition that will bring together entrepreneurs from across the country who are building and scaling businesses within their communities. Selected businesses will be invited to participate in a live pitch competition in Washington, DC, which will culminate in a $1 million prize pool to celebrate the innovation and ambition that has driven American ingenuity for the past 250 years. The Patriot Pitch Competition is an excellent opportunity for New England-based innovators and entrepreneurs to earn the recognition and resources they deserve to continue their daily work to strengthen our economy and provide the essential products and services that keep America competitive, secure and strong.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Speaker Jill Krowinski and Representative Mike Marcotte, Chair of the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, made the following statement on the House passage of S.71, an act relating to consumer data privacy and online surveillance: “S.71 marks a significant victory for Vermont families, consumers, and businesses as this landmark legislation puts Vermonters back in control of their own data,” said Speaker Krowinski. “In today's digital economy, consumers deserve to know who is collecting their personal information, how it is being used, and who it is being shared with. S.71 delivers on that promise. The bill had passed the Senate 29-0 in March and 129-3 on May 26.

The Vermont State Police were notified of an incident that occurred at the Marble Valley Correctional Center in Rutland on May 21.  It was reported that 2 Correctional Officers were assaulted by 2 incarcerated inmates.  Review of reports written by several correctional officers, and review of body camera footage of the incident aided in determining that the above inmates provoked a cell extraction after covering their cell window and refusing to comply with extensive attempts to deescalate by correctional officers.  During the cell extraction, both inmates assaulted the 2 correctional officers named above, with minor resulting injuries.

Vermont Business Magazine A coalition of Vermont small businesses opposing a proposed handling fee increase (H.915) has more than doubled in size as lawmakers return for the final scheduled week of the legislative session. The “Keep Vermont Affordable” coalition has grown from 25 to 51 businesses as more Vermonters warn that the misguided proposal, they say, would add nearly $2 million in new costs across the state.

Vermont Business Magazine Republican Representative Ashley Bartley of Franklin-1 (Fairfax and Georgia) and Vice-Chair of the House Committee on General & Housing has announced her candidacy for the Vermont State Senate, seeking to represent the Chittenden North District, which includes the communities of Milton, Fairfax, Westford, and a portion of Essex Town. Bartley's announcement follows the decision by Senator Chris Mattos (R) to not seek re-election.

Vermont Business Magazine An international human rights complaint alleging abuses in the dairy supply chain of Hannaford Supermarket is moving forward, bringing Hannaford’s parent company into mediation with farmworkers. The decision comes in the midst of a years-long campaign urging the Northeast supermarket chain to improve labor conditions and protect workers’ rights on dairy farms. In April, 2025, Vermont-based farmworker organization Migrant Justice submitted a complaint with the Dutch government alleging abuses on dairy farms supplying Hannaford Supermarket. After a year of investigation and deliberation, the National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct in the Netherlands (The Hague) has concluded that the complaint should move forward.

Vermont Humanities Council Vermont non-profits: don’t miss your chance to apply for a grant of up to $2500 to host a Fall Festival project centered around the theme of Our Woven History. Applications are due before midnight on Tuesday, June 2. Every year, our Fall Festival celebrates National Arts and Humanities Month in October and reminds Vermonters of the impact and breadth of the humanities.

Vermont Business Magazine The Preservation Trust of Vermont, the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, the Vermont Creative Network, and the Vermont Arts Council are hosting two powerful conferences in one remarkable town: The 2026 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference on Thursday, June 4, and the 2026 Creative Sector Convening on Friday, June 5, both in St. Albans. At the Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference, participants will learn proven strategies for community revitalization. Sessions will explore how intentional, community-driven efforts lead to transformative results.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Senate on May 15 gave its final approval to H.739 and the House concurred on May 20. The landmark legislation to ban the toxic pesticide paraquat, which is linked to Parkinson’s disease. Governor Phil Scott signed the bill into law on Tuesday, May 26. The bill passed through the Legislature without requiring a roll call vote. Health and environmental advocates celebrated its enactment to protect farmworkers, rural communities, and Vermont families. The weed killer is used in very limited amounts now in Vermont, typically in orchards and on berry farms. The law will end the sale and use of paraquat in November 2026, with a phased transition for certain crops with state permission until a full statewide ban takes effect at the end of December 2030.

Vermont Business Magazine The Community College of Vermont (CCV) will hold its 2026 commencement ceremony at Norwich University’s Shapiro Field House in Northfield, Vermont on Saturday, June 6. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. Nearly 500 students will be awarded associate degrees. The college also announced that this year’s keynote speaker is Will Eberle, founder of Mission Driver Consulting and executive director of Alyssum, a peer-based mental health respite program. Eberle, whose own higher education journey began at CCV, is a human services leader who has dedicated his career to uplifting Vermont’s most vulnerable citizens. The student speakers for the Class of 2026 are Darrell Martin and Briana Samaniego. At 79, Martin is the eldest member of the Class of 2026.

Vermont Business Magazine Tuttle Law Print Inc., generally known as Tuttle Printing, has become 100% employee-owned through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan, following the company’s purchase of the remaining individual ownership interest from recently retired CEO Ben Nooney. The transaction completes an employee-ownership journey that began in 1995, when Tuttle first established its ESOP. With this final share purchase, the company is now fully owned by the employees who operate and serve the business every day. Founded in 1912, Tuttle Printing has served generations of Vermont businesses, nonprofits, law firms, designers, marketers, and office managers.