Current News

Vermont Business Magazine In the wake of the catastrophic 2023 severe weather and floods that caused widespread damage along Vermont waterways, several business and government leaders are stepping up for farms fighting to remain solvent. Threats to solvency include potentially permanent seasonal and perennial crop damage, inadequate winter feed supplies for animals, financial ruin from lost harvests necessary to pay loans, and irreparable damage to equipment and facilities. This new fundraising campaign, envisioned by a group of agriculture supporters working in concert with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets (VAAFM) and championed by the Vermont Association of Broadcasters (VAB), Ski Vermont, the Association of Vermont Credit Unions and a dedicated alliance of local and out-of-state private enterprises, will make donations to local communities possible through a first-in-the-country crisis response template.

Vermont Business Magazine The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced today that Ryan Buckley, 35, originally from New Hampshire, was arraigned in the District of Vermont on January 16, 2024 after a federal grand jury sitting in Rutland, Vermont returned a one-count indictment charging Buckley with possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. Buckley had been ordered detained in state court as a result of state charges he is facing and assented to detention in this federal case. According to court records, on June 27, 2023, police came upon Buckley passed out in his pickup truck at the community baseball field in Chester, Vermont. Buckley had a handgun in his lap. Buckley admitted to the police that he had smoked methamphetamine recently, having a prior felony conviction, and to knowing that he could not possess firearms.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Charity Clark today announced the release of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission’s annual report, including statistics, trends, and recommendations. The Commission, housed within the Attorney General’s Office, found that in 2022, six of Vermont’s 26 homicides were related to domestic violence. Included in the Commission’s report are key recommendations, including making the probate process more responsive to the needs of survivors of domestic violence and calling on the Legislature to require regular and ongoing training about domestic violence for all judges and court staff. From 1994 to 2022, there were 403 homicides in Vermont, of which 45 percent, or 183, were determined to be related to domestic violence.

by Pat McDonald, President, Campaign for Vermont Dear Speaker Krowinski and Pro Tempore Baruth: This fall we undertook a project to understand Vermonter’s perspectives on the trajectory of our state by conducting a 400-person scientific public opinion poll. The results tell us that Vermonters are concerned about their cost of living, housing affordability, and public safety. They believe the state is failing in the delivery of critical services like infrastructure, public education, housing, and economic development: key functions of state government. It also seems that Vermonters blame the Legislature (40% favorability) instead of the Governor (64% favorability) for these failings. You have an opportunity to change that narrative this legislative session as we head into the 2024 elections. We are hoping that you will consider taking a more measured approach to policymaking this session. Vermonters are yearning for it.

Vermont Business Magazine The Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage. The lowest number of people in 20 years are giving blood, per the nonprofit. Shortages are not uncommon in the US, as the number of donors has fallen 40 percent in the last two decades. When nursing students in Vermont State University’s first-year class learned about blood and blood products and the critical need for them, several classmates strongly felt the need to start donating—and the idea spread. 

Vermont Business Magazine Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ: CNSL), a leading broadband and business communications provider, has announced that the Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program is now accepting funding applications. Consolidated Connects provides grants to schools serving K-12 students in the company’s service area. Since launching in 2021, Consolidated Connects has provided $112,500 to schools for a variety of technology-centered projects, including the creation of a maker space, virtual and augmented reality curriculum integration, a podcast enhancing student literacy, and a technology services summer work internship program for students.

Vermont Business Magazine The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration and coordination with the Shires Young Professionals, announces its selection as one of the esteemed grantees of the Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) program by the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM). The GROW program aims to support local, regional, county-wide, or state-wide organizations engaged in new resident relocation, recruitment, and retention activities. Governor Phil Scott expressed his support, stating, "Welcoming new Vermonters to our communities is a top priority for my administration, and this funding can help. Vermont needs more people and more workers, and GROW is an important tool in our toolbox." 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Mutual Insurance Group donated $14,300 to King Street Center as part of the Cats Win, Community Wins program, a multi-year, community-based, collaboration between Vermont Mutual Insurance Group and the University of Vermont. Since the program’s debut in 2017, Vermont Mutual has donated more than $94,000 to local non-profits through the Cats Win, Community Wins initiative. This brings the total number of donations to more than $4.4 million dollars since the establishment of the Vermont Mutual Charitable Giving Fund in 2014.

Vermont Business Magazine On Thursday, January 18, in recognition of the 2024 Homelessness Awareness Day, unhoused and formerly unhoused Vermonters, service providers, advocates, and concerned residents from across Vermont will gather in-person to engage with our communities and elected representatives in a call to end homelessness in our state.

Vermont Business Magazine VHCB AmeriCorps Members gathered for a full day of service projects on the annual Martin Luther King Jr. holiday to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. Members supported the Upper Valley Haven on projects for their afterschool program, food shelf, and adult shelter. In addition to the service projects, members participated in a conversation with the Haven’s Volunteer Services Coordinator, Matt Pickell, about non-profit community collaborations and barriers to providing services to the community. VHCB AmeriCorps members typically serve as the only member at their host sites, local nonprofits focused on housing and conservation around Vermont. The MLK Day of service is a chance for the members to reunite in service, deepening their connections with each other and joining together for a common goal.

Vermont Business Magazine Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) this evening will force a vote on the Senate floor on a resolution under Section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act. An overlooked tool of Congressional oversight, Section 502B(c) allows Congress to direct the State Department to provide a human rights report and other information on any country receiving U.S. security assistance. Sanders’ resolution would require a report examining any human rights violations that may have occurred in the course of the military campaign being carried out by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

Vermont Business Magazine This month ski areas across Vermont are participating in National Safety Awareness Month, promoted by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA).  While Vermont’s ski areas remain focused on the safety of guests and employees every day, the goal of the annual month-long initiative is to remind skiers and snowboarders of the important role they play in mountain safety. The dynamic nature of snow sports is what makes them fun and exciting—but also means that inherent risks cannot be eliminated. Skiers and riders should always be aware of changing weather and conditions and what’s happening around them, ski and snowboard within their ability and remain in control. All participants should know and follow Your Responsibility Code, wear a well-fitting snow sports helmet, learn how to ride lifts and avoid collisions.