Current News

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.”

VermontBiz Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement:

“Today, I share my deep gratitude for all members of our military, and especially for those who lost their lives in service to their country.

“My thoughts are with all the families who are grieving those losses. Please know, their sacrifice – and your sacrifice – is not forgotten and I do not take it for granted.

“Reflecting on this sacrifice and loss is what Memorial Day is about. But our gratitude – and our obligation to live up to the values and ideals these soldiers fought and died for – needs to be something we pay attention to every day.

“There is no real way to repay those we’ve lost for all they gave, but at the very least, we can offer our thanks and our respect.”

VermontBiz Faculty, staff, family, and friends joined the Middlebury College Class of 2024 on the Main Quad to celebrate Commencement on a picture perfect May morning Sunday, May 26. As graduates lined up for the procession, the high energy sounds of Middlebury’s Afropop music ensemble welcomed guests to the seating area. 

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets An On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR) is a free, non-regulatory site visit to review safe produce handling on your farm. It serves as a direct educational opportunity for growers and producers to prepare for a Produce Safety Inspection or simply improve produce safety practices on their farm. During an OFRR you can expect staff from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Market's Produce Program and UVM Extension to review your farm's pre-harvest, harvest, and post-harvest conditions and practices. Staff then provide individualized feedback and identify priorities for improving produce safety. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Community College of Vermont (CCV) will hold its 2024 commencement ceremony at Norwich University’s Shapiro Field House in Northfield, Vermont on Saturday, June 1. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. More than 500 students will be awarded associate degrees. The College is pleased to announce that this year’s keynote speaker will be Aly Richards, CEO of Let’s Grow Kids, Vermont’s child care campaign. Richards’ leadership and vision resulted in the passage of the historic child care law last year, a first-of-its-kind law for Vermont and the nation. CCV-Montpelier graduate Caitlin McGinley will be the student speaker for the Class of 2024.

Vermont Business Magazine This weekly report is a list of planned construction activities that will impact traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of May 27. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it. 

by Kathleen Wanner, Vermont Tree Farm Committee member It’s a small world! When you hear that today, it usually has a global connotation. Not so for The Naked Table Project, the brainchild of Charles Shackleton, a furniture maker from Bridgewater, VT. Naked Table highlights just how small the footprint of forestry and wood products can be. Naked Table grew from the seed of an idea in response to a challenge by Sustainable Woodstock about 15 years ago. Since its founding in 2009, Shackleton has hosted more than twenty Naked Table events. The Statehouse lawn will be the backdrop for the next Naked Table on June 1, 2024.  Charlie has set a goal of twenty Vermont maple dining tables made by participants at a cost of $2500 each. Profits from this event will benefit Habitat for Humanity, which expands the “tree to table” concept to highlight Vermont’s housing challenges.