Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Leaders from more than 30 local organizations and government agencies came together today on the Church Street Marketplace to celebrate a collaboration aimed at strengthening the greater Burlington community. The Small Acts of Community effort, a twist on “small acts of kindness,” encourages people from all walks of life to take small actions to build a stronger community, recognizing the profound impact small acts can have. At the event, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak joined leaders from the University of Vermont Health Network, Howard Center and Burlington Business Association in front of longtime local business Homeport on Church Street. Staff handed out stickers, tote bags, and window clings to people stopping by, and discussed the effort with shoppers and visitors. Throughout March and April, the team has introduced the idea and gathered pledges at several pop-up events. 

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims rose for the week of April 6, 2024, as the ski season wound down after a late surge of snow and the expectation of eclipse visitors to the state, of which the state is still accumulating economic data. For the week, there were 423 claims, up 181 for the week but 5 fewer than this time last year. The state unemployment rate is also near historic low levels (2.3 percent in February).  

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Italian Cultural Association (VICA) and the Italian Consulate General of Italy in Boston announced today an exchange program for educators in Vermont and Italy centered around food systems education and farm-to-school professional learning. The purpose of the exchange is to share agricultural knowledge and leverage shared values of local food production and sustainability. The program’s first exchange participants are four teachers from Montpelier High School, Sam Bromley, Colleen Purcell, Brigitte Savard, and Tom Sabo. Each is an active member of the Northeast Farm to School Institute. They are in Northern Italy this week being hosted by the Istituto d'Istruzione Superiore "Marco Polo," in Colico, Italy, where they will learn about the agriculturally rich region, the dairy supply chain, and the Institute’s innovative food education programming. 

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported last week that COVID-19 cases climbed from 32 to 56. In addition, hospitalizations also edged up slightly as COVID overall remains at a low level. There were no fatalities last week. The pandemic death total now stands at 1,144 as of April 6, 2024 (the most recent data available). Total reported deaths in January were 28, which is the highest monthly total in a year, but only 16 in February, 11 so far reported in March and none in April. The VDH reported last week that COVID-19 hospitalizations were at a statewide total of 10, which is among the lowest they've been since last summer. COVID-19 activity remains in the "Low" range, according to the VDH.

by Erin Forbes, DVM, Mountain View Animal Hospital Chair, VVMA Communications Committee May is arthritis awareness month in pets. Just like humans, animals all suffer from this inflammatory condition that causes pain, swelling, and a decreased quality of life. Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered a degenerative joint disease, which means it cannot be cured but controlled. Fortunately, there are many options in veterinary medicine to help ensure your beloved companion is able to enjoy their life to the fullest, even when they have arthritis. Arthritis is a complex disease that leads to chronic pain. The joints will begin to deteriorate, your pet will start to make lifestyle changes—walking less, hiding more, not coming down the stairs. While some may think this is normal age-related changes, if caused by arthritis it is due to pain and should be addressed.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) today issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify electric vehicle (EV) charging providers that are capable of building out Vermont’s charging network to federal and state specifications. Providers selected in the RFQ process will be invited to bid on subsequent Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the design, construction, ownership, operation, and maintenance of public charging infrastructure along key routes. Vermont will receive $21.2 million during a five-year period from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The first phase of the program focuses on installing fast chargers every 50 miles along the nation’s highway corridors, within one mile from highway exits. 

Vermont Business Magazine Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day is TODAY from 12-8pm at Scoop Shops nationwide. Your fans can join in on this beloved day at any participating Scoop Shop in your area – yes, there will be longgg lines! We’d love to have your team stop by to shoot b-roll/cover the ice cream lovers waiting excitedly to snag a scoop. Locals can ring in spring by stopping by their local participating shop for their go-to favorite flavor or try new flavors like the brand-new Scoop Shop exclusive Mango flavor, recently debuted Non-Dairy Strawberry Cheezecake, or for the sweet and salty moments, new PB S’more and Impretzively Fudged. Officially born in Spring 1979, Free Cone Day is a day that has always been about thanking the fans, and this year will be no different—ice cream lovers can get in line as many times as they’d like. We’re serious! 

Vermont Business Magazine As springlike temperatures set in and people enjoy more time outside, it's time to start checking for ticks and taking the simple steps to prevent tick bite illnesses. Ticks can be found throughout Vermont whenever temperatures are above freezing, with populations peaking during spring and fall. Tick-borne diseases in Vermont are spread by the bite of infected black-legged ticks. Since they are active anytime temperatures are above freezing, health officials say people in Vermont can expect to encounter ticks during more times of the year. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) awarded accreditation recently to Copley Hospital’s Laboratory Services Department based on its recent onsite inspection as part of its ongoing accreditation program. CAP accreditation is a prestigious recognition that signifies adherence to rigorous standards ensuring high-quality patient care. Copley’s Lab is staffed by a team of phlebotomists, medical lab scientists, and a pathologist. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, processing samples from approximately 3,300 patients per month. Over the past year, the lab provided 352,389 laboratory procedures, demonstrating a commitment to serving the community.

Vermont Business Magazine Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) held its 2024 Annual Meeting of the Corporators, on Tuesday, April 9. The meeting took place at the hospital in the CVPS/Leahy Community Health Education Center. In addition to receiving a variety of updates, Corporators at the meeting elected new members of the corporation and voted to renew existing director terms and elect new directors to serve on the hospital's Board of Directors. The meeting also marked a transition in board leadership as Mark Foley, Jr. completed his two-year term as volunteer Board Chair. Longtime board member, Denise Clark, who has served most recently as Vice Chair, will succeed Foley to lead the board of directors for the next two years. 

Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) held a special grand opening celebration of its Baby Café last week, a program offered for new parents through SVMC’s Women’s and Children’s Services (WCS). The Baby Café is a free, drop-in, informal breastfeeding support group offering ongoing professional lactation care and intervention. SVMC’s Baby Café is licensed through Baby Café USA, a non-profit 501(c)(3) that works to reduce health disparities nationwide and help mothers realize their breastfeeding goals. SVMC’s Baby Café started in January, meeting weekly at the Bennington Community Market, located at 239 Main Street. 

Vermont Business Magazine SaVida Health, a pioneer in outpatient medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, is excited to announce the relocation of its Colchester-area center to a new facility in South Burlington, Vermont. Starting April 15, 2024, the center will welcome patients at 366 Dorset St., South Burlington, VT. Heather Wenzel, Regional Vice President at SaVida Health, announced, "This relocation represents our ongoing commitment to the community and our dedication to providing an enhanced care environment. Our new South Burlington facility will continue to deliver the exceptional, patient-focused care that SaVida Health is known for, in a location that better suits the needs of our patients and staff."