Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Scott and Vermont Emergency Management announced today $90 million of federal funding is now available to Vermont municipalities to implement hazard mitigation measures that reduce future flood risk. These funds are available to all Vermont towns with no local match requirement. The federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides funds to municipalities to harden infrastructure against future flood losses and for voluntary buyouts of homes in floodplains. The program traditionally requires towns to pay 25% of total project costs; the state of Vermont will now pay the local match.

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office announced that it has filed civil enforcement actions against two Vermont Medicaid providers for fraud. The lawsuits, currently pending in Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Unit, Civil Division, were investigated and brought by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit (MFRAU) and allege separate violations of the Vermont False Claims Act. In the first case, psychotherapist Robert Martin DuWors, PhD, of Cotuit, Massachusetts, and his business associate, Peter Lang, of New York, New York, are accused of conspiring to “upcode,” or unlawfully increase Vermont Medicaid reimbursement by billing with inaccurate information. In a separate case, mental health counselor Lauren Ann LaSante of Rutland, Vermont, is accused of Medicaid Fraud after Ms. LaSante, who was the subject of multiple public complaints regarding quality of care, refused to provide Vermont Medicaid treatment records to State authorities, nor to her own patients, as required by law and professional ethics.

Vermont Business Magazine New England’s power system is prepared to meet the peak demand for electricity this summer, according to ISO New England (ISO-NE), operator of the region’s electric grid. This summer, assuming typical weather conditions, ISO-NE predicts electricity demand will reach 24,553 megawatts (MW). However, above-average summer weather, such as an extended heat wave coupled with high humidity, could push demand up to 26,383 MW, tightening supply margins. ISO-NE is prepared to take steps to maintain the region’s power system reliability if needed. ISO-NE creates forecasts of demand and available capacity for each summer and winter season, taking into account-estimated contributions from all resources; unplanned resource outages; imports from neighboring regions; and resource additions and retirements. These estimates will help ISO-NE operators prepare and plan for the increase in electric demand over the summer months. Weather is the largest driver of energy use.

Vermont Business Magazine The Preservation Trust of Vermont, the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Vermont Arts Council are hosting two powerful conferences in one remarkable village. The 2024 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference on Wednesday, June 5 and the 2024 Creative Sector Convening on Thursday, June 6 both take place in Bellows Falls. At the 2024 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference participants will learn proven strategies for community revitalization. Sessions will be centered around resiliency, adaptation, inclusive spaces, and creativity. Public investment in our historic downtowns and village centers helps to attract small businesses and private investment, improving quality of life for Vermonters and experiences for tourists. Bellows Falls is a great example of that. The village’s vibrancy is the result of preserving its historic integrity while encouraging new and creative uses for it.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced the schedule for this year’s annual Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference, which includes interactive workshops on growing economic opportunity, cultivating new audiences, and improving skills. The one-day-only event will kick off with remarks from stand-up comedian Tina Friml, Representative Becca Balint and Senator Welch. The conference will be held in Randolph on June 8th.

Vermont Business Magazine VCIA announced today its special event keynote for the 39th Annual VCIA Conference, taking place August 12-14th, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Burlington, Vermont. Leading futurist, and global trends and innovations analyst Jim Carroll will deliver the address on Wednesday August 14th at 2:45pm. Mr. Carroll is to present “The Future of Insurance” as it specifically relates to the captive insurance sector. He comes with an acclaimed reputation, having given remarks at The World Bank, NASA, and The World Street Journal, among other prestigious organizations.  

Vermont Business Magazine Join the Vermont SBA to learn more about federal opportunities available for Vermont following the flood disaster. Meet key players from state, federal, and philanthropic organizations and learn about the tools you need to recover from this disaster and prepare for the next. Workshops will be held around the state on June 4 Stratton Mountain Resort, June 5 Vermont State University Johnson and June 6 Vermont State House.

VermontBiz Average gasoline prices in Burlington have risen 1.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.61/g today, according to GasBuddy's survey of 100 stations in Burlington. Prices in Burlington are 3.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 4.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has fallen 1.8 cents in the last week and stands at $3.82 per gallon.

VermontBiz The State of Vermont, the University of Vermont (UVM) and the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) are extending the Green Mountain Job and Retention Program (GMJRP) and are providing up to $5,000 in student loan repayment. This program incentivizes graduates from Vermont colleges and universities to stay, live and work in Vermont.

VermontBiz Filled with light, warmth and many cozy cups of tea, Loose Loona Gifts + Tea House embodies the Scandinavian concept of “hygge” (pronounced 'hyoo-guh), a calm and comfortable atmosphere to spend time with friends and family. Opened last September, the family-owned shop in downtown Rutland offers a vast and varied selection of hot- and cold-brewed teas from all over the world and an enticing menu of sweet and savory light fare.

Adding even more delight to the Loose Loona experience is a tastefully curated gift shop that carries locally crafted items as well as eye-catching artisan finds from around New England and beyond.

VermontBiz With family vacation season here, it’s the perfect time to get outside and explore the best places across the nation that are perfect for families to teach their kids how to ride a bike.

Thankfully, the experts at buycycle, Europe's leading marketplace for high-value, pre-owned bikes have analyzed various cycling factors including the elevation range, cycle route length and overall state safety score to uncover the best places across the nation that are perfect for families to teach their kids to ride the bike.

VermontBiz Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Dick Sears. Senator Sears was already in the Senate when I arrived as a freshman in 2001. We served together for many years and I have always had a great deal of respect for him. I appreciate his willingness to work across the aisle to get things done. Just this past session, he worked closely with my team to pass important public safety legislation.

“He was a true champion for Bennington county. And, as stubborn or gruff as he could be at times, he and I shared a love of golden retrievers — we both had them — which was something we could always bond over.

“This is an incredible loss for Vermont and the Senate and my heart goes out to Senator Sears’ family, friends and colleagues.”