Current News

Vermont Business Magazine National Life Group has been named on the 2024 Ward’s 50, an annual list of the country’s 50 top life and health insurance performers based on financial health. “In selecting the Ward’s 50, we identify companies that pass financial stability requirements and measure their ability to grow while maintaining strong capital positions and underwriting results,” according to Ward’s in announcing the list. Ward’s measures performance “in the areas of safety, consistency, and performance” over the previous five years in determining which companies make the list. National Life’s 2023 Annual Report noted new sales records set despite market volatility, as well product innovation and expanded community support.

Vermont Business Magazine  The Vermont Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA) and Project WorkSAFE are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of workers responding to recent flooding incidents in Vermont. The aftermath of a flood presents numerous hazards, such as electrical dangers, fallen trees and debris, mold, and carbon monoxide exposure. Employers are reminded that they are responsible for ensuring worker safety while on the job site, and VOSHA is equipped with valuable resources to protect workers from work related hazards, especially those associated with flood response operations. “It is important that Vermonters stay safe during the recovery process of the recent flood events” said Dirk Anderson, Director of Workers Compensation and Safety with the Department of Labor. “By adhering to proper safety protocols, employers and workers can mitigate risks and ensure a safe transition back to normal operations.” 

Vermont Business Magazine Fairfax, Vermont-based Liquid Measurement Systems, Inc (LMS) has announced a strategic long-term supplier partnership with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited. This partnership marks a significant step forward for LMS as they transition from fuel quantity measurement to comprehensive fuel management solutions. The agreement entrusts LMS with supplying advanced fuel management solutions, including next-generation fuel quantity measurement systems, for De Havilland Canada's DHC-515 FIREFIGHTER™ Aircraft. LMS will also continue supporting the existing CL-215 and CL-415 fleets, ensuring their continued operational excellence. This partnership is built upon LMS's innovative fuel management solution, specifically designed to enhance the performance of De Havilland Canada's firefighting aircraft. 

Vermont Business Magazine The National Life Group Do Good Fest has added Lawson’s Finest Liquids as a sponsor of its 10th anniversary benefit blowout event with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of an exclusive Do Good Brew going to Central Vermont Medical Center’s Branches of Hope Cancer Patient Fund. Lawson’s Finest’s Do Good Brew Hazy Orange IPA, a refreshing, 5% ABV hazy IPA brewed with blood orange and Citra hops, will be available for sale at Do Good Fest featuring multi-platinum artists Fitz and the Tantrums, global pop star and Emmy Award winning Rachel Platten, alternative rock mainstays, Dishwalla, emerging New England favorite, Couch, and Beats for Good high school musician winners by popular vote, The Radiance, on the company’s back lawn on Saturday, July 13. Gates open at 1:30 p.m.

Vermont Business Magazine Switchback Brewing Company, renowned for Vermont’s iconic Switchback Ale, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new Beer Garden & Tap House on Friday, July 12th at 12 PM. This inviting new space offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can explore Switchback’s diverse array of beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages, plus community events and programming. Nestled in a historic brick building with a dog-friendly patio adjacent to the brewery’s production facility at 160 Flynn Avenue, the Beer Garden & Tap House promises to be a vibrant addition to the local scene. The new bar boasts 20 taps pouring Switchback's signature beers, including smoked and barrel-aged varieties, alongside house-made nonalcoholic hoppy seltzers. Additionally, several taps will feature Askew Beer Co., an innovative employee-led side project. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and its departments –Environmental Conservation, Fish and Wildlife, and Forests, Parks, and Recreation – are encouraging Vermonters to take every precaution possible responding to and recovering from this week’s flooding event. Our goal is to keep Vermonters safe while protecting the environment. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office announced that Amy Trela, 48, of Winooski, Vermont, and Alicia Russell, 29, of Essex, Vermont, were both arraigned today as co-defendants, each charged with one count of felony Medicaid Fraud. The charges brought against Ms. Trela and Ms. Russell are the result of an investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit (MFRAU), which found that the defendants falsely certified Medicaid timesheets, defrauding Vermont Medicaid of over $62,000 in public health care funds since 2019.

Vermont Business Magazine On the one-year anniversary of the Vermont floods, Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) took to the Senate Floor to call for increased supplemental disaster funding for Vermont communities impacted by catastrophic flooding. Sen. Welch highlighted legislation to help communities impacted by natural disasters, including his recently introduced Rural Recovery Act, which provides communities with funding for emergency recovery technical assistance after a presidentially declared disaster. Senator Welch’s remarks came as areas across Vermont received more torrential rain and flooding as the remnants of Hurricane Beryl hit the state.   

Vermont Business Magazine As another round of major flooding coursed through Vermont this week, the Vermont Community Foundation renewed its commitment to join with people of the state and beyond to respond and build long-term flood resilience. The flooding that began Wednesday, on the one-year anniversary of the catastrophic July 2023 floods, damaged homes, roads, and forced evacuations in a state still feeling the impact of last year’s disaster. But then and now, the generosity of friends, neighbors, and people who care can make a difference. The VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund, created by the Vermont Community Foundation immediately after the July 2023 floods, is again poised to respond and accept donations from people who want to help. To date, the fund has raised nearly $14 million and granted or allocated funds to support efforts in more than 100 communities across Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine As flooding continues to affect our communities today, we are reminded of the devastating floods that struck Vermont one year ago. The Department of Mental Health (DMH) recognizes the significant impact such events have on our collective well-being and acknowledges the heightened emotional strain that this recurrence may cause. The experience of living through another flood on the anniversary of last year's disaster can be deeply retraumatizing. It is natural for feelings of anxiety, fear, and helplessness to resurface. The sights, sounds, and even the anticipation of the flooding can trigger memories and emotions tied to past trauma, making it imperative for us to come together as a community to support one another. 

Commerce Secretary Lindsay Kurrle It’s hard to believe exactly one year later we are in another flooding situation. Many of our communities that suffered from last summer’s flooding were hit again overnight damaging homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Please know that myself and the rest of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) are thinking of you. At ACCD we are on standby to support recovery efforts once the State of Vermont moves into the response phase. We will continue to keep you updated via this Severe Storm Newsletter. Read on to learn about reporting storm damage and available mental health services.

Vermont Business Magazine The Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) has canceled of the Health Care Community Meeting scheduled for tonight in St. Johnsbury at Catamount Arts at 6pm. This decision comes in response to the severe flooding that occurred last night. The well-being of community members is our top priority. Local flooding caused significant disruption, making it unsafe for community members to travel. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.