Current News

VermontBiz Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing today announced applications are now being accepted for Transformational Tourism, Events, and Regional Marketing (T-TERM) grants. These grants are funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration as part of a specific American Rescue Plan Act allocation designed to support the long-term economic recovery and sustainability of travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

VermontBiz  Voting is now open through June 2 for Beats for Good, a contest for Vermont high school musicians to win the opportunity to open the National Life Group Do Good Fest® on July 13 featuring Fitz and the Tantrums, Rachel Platten, Dishwalla, and Couch.

The winner will also receive a $5,000 donation to their school’s music program, a $1,000 personal cash prize and get exclusive backstage access with the acts. First and second runners-up receive $2,500 and $1,000 respectively for their school’s music program.

VermontBiz Vermont Public has partnered with StoryCorps, the national nonprofit dedicated to helping us believe in each other by illuminating the humanity and possibility in us all, one story at a time, as part of StoryCorps’ One Small Step (OSS) Radio Station Hubs project.

Vermont Public, then VPR and Vermont PBS, first participated in One Small Step in 2021. Vermont Public is one of seven stations across the country selected to receive training and production assistance to collaborate on StoryCorps’ OSSinitiative, an effort to bring strangers with different political beliefs together for a conversation—not to debate politics, but to get to know each other as people.

VermontBiz  On Tuesday, May 21, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak convened a group of advisors with lived and professional community safety experience. This team of advisors will provide input on the City’s current approach to community safety and offer expertise and recommendations for immediate and long-term improvement. The team will play an advisory role to the Mayor and City staff responsible for implementing community safety systems, who will retain final decision-making power. The goal of this work is to ensure that our approach to community safety reflects the needs, values, and priorities of the City and its residents. 

VermontBiz 300 people gathered at the Mount Snow Grand Summit in Dover on May 21 for the 7th Annual Southern Vermont Economy Summit. Attendees represented a wide range of community stakeholders – business owners, community leaders, and elected officials – and included state, local, and regional economic and community development professionals.

Following an introduction by the Summit host organizations and the lead event sponsor, Brattleboro Savings and Loan, keynote speaker Chris Estes took the stage. Estes, Co-Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group, framed the day with a call to action: rural communities must reclaim the narrative about the intrinsic value that exists in our communities. We must also identify, value, and measure effective collaboration as a way to chart progress in rural economic development. 

VermontBiz Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement on the passing of Vermont State Senator Richard “Dick” Mazza:

“For over forty years, Dick Mazza served our state with the values that shaped his life: he was practical, driven by cooperation and finding common ground, and always focused on Vermont. His passing is profoundly sad, not only because he was a champion who shaped our state for the better but because he changed so many lives through his friendship.

“No one in the past forty years has contributed more to the Vermont General Assembly than Dick Mazza. When he spoke, Governors listened. When he spoke, his colleagues knew his was the generous and practical voice of everyday Vermonters.

“Whether in the day-to-day operations of the General Store or a debate in the General Assembly, he was driven by a deeply embedded respect for his community and the Vermonters he served.

“Margaret and I extend our condolences to Dolly, Mike, Melissa, and the Mazza family, and the friends and loved ones in Dick’s life.

“Leaders—and friends—like Dick Mazza, are special, and Vermont is lucky to have had him.”

VermontBiz The American Red Cross encourages families to prepare for the fast-approaching summer swim season by learning to be “water smart.” Research shows that participation in formal water safety and swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for one to four-year-olds.

"Before families head out to pools, parks and lakes, it’s important for all family members to learn and review critical water safety skills,” said Stephanie Couturier, chief executive officer, Red Cross Northern New England Region. “Knowing fundamental Red Cross water safety skills will help you feel more prepared for fun outings in, on and around the water.”

VermontBiz Average gasoline prices in Burlington have fallen 1.2 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 3.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 4.9 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has fallen 2.9 cents in the last week and stands at $3.82 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Burlington was priced at $3.49/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.69/g, a difference of 20.0 cents per gallon. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $3.32/g while the highest was $3.79/g, a difference of 47.0 cents per gallon.

VermontBiz On May 22, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors convened a celebration in honor of President Betsy Bishop. Generations of Vermonters gathered at the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain to commemorate her 30-year legacy of leadership and impact on the economic growth of Vermont.

“During Betsy’s 15 years as President, the Vermont Chamber has become the most influential business advocacy organization in the state,” said Tom Dunn, Vermont Chamber of Commerce Board Chair and CEO of VELCO. “She has led the organization with steadfast dedication, strategic vision, and an infectious passion for the Vermont economy.”

Several notable officials delivered remarks, including Governor Jim Douglas, who reflected on Betsy’s earlier career as a member of his cabinet and administration.

VermontBiz The Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) Lab and Blood Draw Station, currently located at 65 Allen Street, will be closed for business on Friday, May 31, to allow for the blood draw station to move a few blocks away to its new location at 4 Commons Street.

The lab and blood draw services will reopen at the new location at 4 Commons Street on Monday, June 3 with the same hours of operation, Monday through Friday, 5:30am-10:30am and 11am-2pm.

VermontBiz To date, 150 Vermont cities and towns, home to more than 77% of the state’s population, have adopted the Vermont Declaration of Inclusion to ensure all residents, visitors and people considering moving to their community, that they are welcome, safe, and that they belong. in their communities feel welcome and that they belong. On May 1, 2024, Governor Phil Scott pronounced the second week of May, “Inclusion Week,” his fourth such proclamation. “The State must and will continue to address the challenges of achieving racial and ethnic equity across Vermont and to nurture the diverse society in which we want our youth to live and prosper,” declared Scott.

VermontBiz Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement:

“I am heartbroken at the loss of my very dear friend, mentor and long-time colleague, Senator Dick Mazza.

“My thoughts go out to Dolly, Mike, Melissa and the entire Mazza family, as well as his ‘family’ at the store and in the Senate. He left a mark on everyone he met, so I know this loss will be felt across the islands and the state. 

“A lot has been said of his legacy, and his unmatched public service. He earned and deserved every word and every bit of credit for all he’s done for Vermont. 

“In a world that has become so politically divided and full of hate, Dick Mazza stood out like a shining star – an icon of decency, hope and humor. His impact will be felt for generations to come, and he will be greatly missed.

 “In his honor, I have ordered flags to half-staff on the day of his funeral service.”