Current News

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.

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL) is pleased to award Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) one of three Act 186 pilot planning grants to develop new and innovative housing options for individuals with developmental disabilities. Act 186 of 2022 appropriated $500,000 for housing and residential service pilot planning grants. DAIL has awarded Champlain Housing Trust a grant of up to 173,500 for this work. CHT has been successfully creating housing in Chittenden County for 40 years, has greatly benefited local communities, and has impacted the lives of many individuals. CHT has joined forces with Howard Center and Champlain Community Services to create a valuable partnership that collaborates with parents on the Developmental Disabilities Housing Initiative (DDHI).  

Vermont Business Magazine The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, chaired by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), will hold a hearing Thursday, January 18 at 10:00 a.m. ET titled, “Addressing Long COVID: Advancing Research and Improving Patient Care." Today, millions of Americans live with long COVID and its many symptoms. These include fatigue, cognitive impairment (commonly referred to as  brain fog), muscle or joint pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sleep difficulties, mood changes, and more. With millions of Americans suffering each and every day, more must be done to address this crisis.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) last week introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to streamline drug patent litigation, encourage fair market competition, and lower prescription drug prices by making it easier for generic and biosimilar companies to enter the market. Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced companion legislation in the House. 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s five Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) announce their new affiliation, called the Vermont Aging Network Consortium (VANC). Boards of directors from each of the AAAs have approved the affiliation. This new consortium will positively impact the overall cost of health care by leveraging economies of scale, combining resources, and reducing duplication within the community-provider network of home- and community-based services. A focus on establishing future contracts with payers and healthcare systems is expected to further enhance financial sustainability for aging services as they evolve.