Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Southwestern Vermont Chamber announced this week the launch of www.RelocateToVermont.com, a new web portal aimed at attracting newcomers and supporting their journey to discover the vibrant communities and opportunities in the region. The new web portal serves as a gateway for individuals and families considering a move to Southwestern Vermont, showcasing the unique benefits of living in the area. Designed with user experience in mind, the website is both attractive and intuitive, providing easy navigation and a means for connecting with Lascari himself, who serves as a concierge for anyone curious or serious about living in Bennington County.

Vermont Business Magazine The ACLU filed a lawsuit against the Scott administration today to obtain public records related to the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee that were wrongfully withheld by the Vermont Department of Health (DOH) and to challenge the administration’s behind-closed-doors alteration of the Committee’s recommendations to the legislature. The records at issue could shed light on political interference by the Scott administration to undermine the legislature’s response to Vermont’s opioid epidemic. Among the records ACLU is seeking are emails exchanged within the Scott administration before Commissioner of Health Dr. Mark Levine presented an altered version of the Advisory Committee’s final recommendations to the legislature—eliminating the Committee’s recommendation to fund OPCs, a life-saving harm reduction measure that was ultimately adopted by the legislature over the governor’s veto this year. 

Vermont Business Magazine Applications are now open for the Building Communities Grants program, administered by the Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services (BGS). These grants of up to $25,000 support construction and capital improvements to strengthen Vermont towns and regions. All grants require matching funds and community-supported fundraising efforts are encouraged. The deadline for applications is September 10, 2024. Details and applications are available on the Department of Buildings and General Services website.

Vermont Business Magazine The SHRM Vermont State Council has opened nominations for the prestigious Dolly Shaw Vermont Human Resources Professional of the Year Award and the Vermont Emerging Human Resources Professional of the Year Award. These distinguished accolades seek to recognize outstanding HR professionals who have displayed exceptional performance and have made significant contributions to the field of human resources management. The nominations for both awards can be submitted through our official website and must be received no later than Friday, July 26th, 2024. 

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) today announced it will again modify its vehicle incentive programs for Vermonters whose personal vehicles were damaged by flooding in an effort to provide increased financial support to households affected by last week’s flooding and to expedite the transition to plug-in electric vehicles. “Me and my team are doing everything we can to give immediate relief to Vermonters as we continue to assess and respond to the needs,” said Governor Phil Scott. “This program will help those whose vehicles were flooded upgrade to a new vehicle that’s better for the environment.”  Meanwhile, a national group ranks Vermont 12th in the nation in EV market share.

Vermont Business Magazine In the days and weeks after a flood event, work within rivers and streams may be necessary to protect communities, homes, and businesses, and to repair Vermont’s infrastructure. Towns have the authority to implement Emergency Protective Measures to facilitate the rapid response required to address flood-related threats, while complying with guidelines set by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Any work in rivers and streams needed to recover from the recent flooding must comply with regulations.

Vermont State Police A Rhode Island man faces more than a dozen charges including attempted aggravated murder arising from a shootout late Sunday, July 14, 2024, on Vermont Route 114 in the town of Burke. Brenden Sackal, 30, of Hopkinton, Rhode Island, could receive a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of all the charges. A judge in Caledonia County signed an arrest warrant late Tuesday afternoon, July 16, for Sackal on charges which include: Attempted aggravated murder, three counts; and aggravated assault on a law-enforcement officer, three counts. These charges are related to Sackal’s shooting at three Vermont State Police troopers.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine For the week ending July 10, the Vermont Department of Health reported that there was one COVID-19 related death in the last two weeks, for 1,157 since the beginning of the pandemic over four years ago. The weekly report also shows that hospitalizations and general "syndromic" cases remain low, but have increased to just over five people being treated at a Vermont hospital each week. The number of COVID cases is elevated and is now double where it was in mid June, with a weekly total of 99. The pandemic death total stands at 1,157 as of July 6, 2024 (the most recent data available). Total reported deaths in January were 29, which is the highest monthly total since November 2022. There were 16 fatalities in February, 12 in March, 3 in April, 6 in May, 2 in June and none so far in July. April and June deaths were the fewest from COVID since July 2021. 

Vermont Business Magazine On July 16, 2024, the Vermont Criminal Justice Council held a scheduled hearing to hear evidence regarding a law enforcement officer’s certification. In January of 2023, former Vermont State Police officer Zachary Gauthier plead guilty to three misdemeanor charges including one count of Violation of Abuse Prevention Order, one count of False Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities, and one count of Violation of Conditions of Release. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with The National Alliance for Eating Disorders (The Alliance) and The Emily Program Foundation (TEPF), are pleased to announce a specialized training initiative aimed at equipping Vermont mental health providers with essential skills in the screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of eating disorders across all ages and genders. Scheduled for September 26 and 27, 2024 at Montpelier's Capitol Plaza, the training will feature a lineup of expert speakers.

Vermont Business Magazine One year after devastating flooding to much of Vermont, another storm event has caused significant damage across the state and some in Johnson.  With this stark reminder of repeated flooding events as the backdrop, plans are moving ahead for a long term flood recovery convening in Johnson that will gather input on the future, as well as hold space for community members to reflect on their current and past experiences with flood response and recovery.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is hosting a Workforce Workshop on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program this week. The session will be held Friday, July 19, in Burlington to help prospective BEAD applicants understand the program’s workforce requirements and prepare them for the upcoming application process. ISPs will compete with bids for part of the $229 million of federal funding to bring universal broadband service to Vermont.