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Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement celebrating Independence Day: “On this day 248 years ago, a group, who had the courage to stand up for freedom, formally declared our independence. I hope we as Americans reflect on what that means and the sacrifices made by many since then to preserve it. 

VermontBiz Daniel Routhier, Associate Principal at Rice Memorial High School, was presented with the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award by Vermont ESGR Volunteer, Ret. Col. Matt Fisher, on June 11, 2024. 1LT Robert J. Dornfried, nominated Routhier for the award. 

Dornfried said, "Mr. Routhier was unwavering in his support of both my mission and took action to ensure students and staff were supported during the abrupt transition by finding a viable long-term substitute and offered benefits during the grey zone of military activation."

by Small Business Administration When most Americans think about artificial intelligence, they  associate the burgeoning technology with the likes of customer service chatbots, science lab robots or autonomous vehicles. Julie Moir Messervy, founder and CEO of Home Outside — this year’s SBA Woman-Owned Business of the Year for Vermont — makes a connection to landscaping.

With a mission to “combat climate change one beautiful landscape at a time,“ Home Outside’s first-of-its-kind “visualization platform“ is revolutionizing the way homeowners and landscape professionals design their gardens and surrounding outdoor spaces.

by Kate Kampner, Community News Service The most extreme wildfires on Earth are on the rise — more frequent, more intense. A study in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution found that across the planet wildfires have doubled in the last two decades. As neighbors to some of the most intense wildfires reported, Vermonters might wonder: Are they headed here?

by Small Business Administration For more than 130 years, Trow & Holden has been crafting fine stoneworking tools in its iconic red brick building on the banks of the Winooski River in Barre. At the heart of this historic building site and business is the Akley family, whose legacy is evident in every aspect of the business. It is this legacy that earned Trow & Holden the distinction of being named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business of the Year for Vermont and New England.

VermontBiz Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Economic Development (DED) announced today the Brownfields Revitalization Fund – State Program is investing $1,970,970 to clean six properties in Newport, St. Johnsbury, West Rutland and Windsor. The Brownfields Revitalization Fund – Federal Program is investing an additional $798,777 to contribute to the cleanup of properties in Colchester and Burlington.

VermontBiz The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) has embarked on an initiative to sustainably manage the growing popularity of Hamilton Falls Natural Area (HMNA), a treasured gem in southern Vermont. FPR has engaged a civil engineering firm, Vanasse Hange Brustlin, Inc. (VHB), to develop a comprehensive master plan for the site, balancing preservation with recreational access.

VermontBiz U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) recently introduced the American Energy Efficiency Act, legislation that would boost the use of cutting-edge technologies to increase energy efficiency capabilities across America. Studies have estimated that a national energy efficiency resource standard (EERS) would save consumers over $56 billion on their energy bills and could create up to 400,000 jobs.  

by Small Business Administration Dr. Kerry Boyle became interested in natural health care while working at health food stores in the 1990s. She then pursued education at Bastyr University in Seattle, graduating with a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2003.

VermontBiz At its June meeting, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) approved $5.4 million in funding for two historic preservation projects and 15 conservation projects that will protect 1,942 acres in eight counties, and $23.4 million to support eight housing projects in five counties, and two statewide housing initiatives.

VermontBiz Vermont State University athletes at the Castleton, Johnson, and Lyndon campuses enjoy participating in NCAA sports. College athletics provide both immediate benefits—such as academic support, medical care, and access to coaching, facilities and equipment—and longer-term benefits, such as teamwork and leadership skills. One Castleton student is experiencing even more from the NCAA, as an intern beginning in the organization’s Indianapolis office and culminating at the its Women’s College Basketball Academy in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

VermontBiz The Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) have announced the release of the annual Vermont Inspiration Guide. The Vermont Chamber produces the Inspiration Guide in partnership with VDTM each year. Print copies of the 2024/25 edition are set to be distributed to key points of interest in Vermont’s drive market to amplify Vermont businesses and inspire travel. In 2023, visitor spending contributed $3.0 billion to Vermont’s economy.