Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Treasurer Mike Pieciak announced today that he will run for a third term as Vermont State Treasurer. Pieciak won his first two terms with over 60% of the vote. He will kick off his campaign Thursday evening at 5:30 pm in his hometown of Brattleboro at the American Legion. He will be joined by Governor Peter Shumlin, Treasurer Beth Pearce, and 2016 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Sue Minter. Pieciak earned an early endorsement from Congresswoman Becca Balint

by Colleen Geddis As the creator and administrator of Rural Vermont Rising Facebook Group, I feel compelled to address the recent joint commentary from House Speaker Jill Krowinski and Minority Leader Pattie McCoy regarding the legislative debate surrounding Act 181. Our online group is run by me—Colleen, known to my grandbabies as "Meemaw"—an unaffiliated nobody whose usual passion is holistic dog health, not political theater. My goal, to give a voice to thousands of everyday landowners, farmers, and working families who are directly impacted by sweeping changes to land-use regulations. From our inception, our strict policy has been clear: we urge our 15,000 members to contact their elected officials respectfully, professionally, and productively.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on The Constitution, joined the Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act, bicameral legislation led by Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), to prohibit the use of the death penalty at the federal level and require re-sentencing of those currently on death row. The lawmakers’ bill is particularly important given that last month, the Department of Justice (DOJ) under President Trump announced that it was bringing back firing squads and seeking to return to the use of electrocution and lethal gas for executions.

Vermont Business Magazine Casella Waste Systems, Inc (NASDAQ:CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, today announced that it has priced the previously announced remarketing of $15.0 million aggregate principal amount of New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2014R-2. The Bonds were issued pursuant to an Indenture dated December 1, 2014, and drawn down on June 2, 2016. The Bonds have a final maturity date of December 1, 2044.

The US Small Business Administration is hosting a nationwide pitch competition that will bring together entrepreneurs from across the country who are building and scaling businesses within their communities. Selected businesses will be invited to participate in a live pitch competition in Washington, DC, which will culminate in a $1 million prize pool to celebrate the innovation and ambition that has driven American ingenuity for the past 250 years. The Patriot Pitch Competition is an excellent opportunity for New England-based innovators and entrepreneurs to earn the recognition and resources they deserve to continue their daily work to strengthen our economy and provide the essential products and services that keep America competitive, secure and strong.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Speaker Jill Krowinski and Representative Mike Marcotte, Chair of the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, made the following statement on the House passage of S.71, an act relating to consumer data privacy and online surveillance: “S.71 marks a significant victory for Vermont families, consumers, and businesses as this landmark legislation puts Vermonters back in control of their own data,” said Speaker Krowinski. “In today's digital economy, consumers deserve to know who is collecting their personal information, how it is being used, and who it is being shared with. S.71 delivers on that promise. The bill had passed the Senate 29-0 in March and 129-3 on May 26.

The Vermont State Police were notified of an incident that occurred at the Marble Valley Correctional Center in Rutland on May 21.  It was reported that 2 Correctional Officers were assaulted by 2 incarcerated inmates.  Review of reports written by several correctional officers, and review of body camera footage of the incident aided in determining that the above inmates provoked a cell extraction after covering their cell window and refusing to comply with extensive attempts to deescalate by correctional officers.  During the cell extraction, both inmates assaulted the 2 correctional officers named above, with minor resulting injuries.

Vermont Business Magazine A coalition of Vermont small businesses opposing a proposed handling fee increase (H.915) has more than doubled in size as lawmakers return for the final scheduled week of the legislative session. The “Keep Vermont Affordable” coalition has grown from 25 to 51 businesses as more Vermonters warn that the misguided proposal, they say, would add nearly $2 million in new costs across the state.

Vermont Business Magazine Republican Representative Ashley Bartley of Franklin-1 (Fairfax and Georgia) and Vice-Chair of the House Committee on General & Housing has announced her candidacy for the Vermont State Senate, seeking to represent the Chittenden North District, which includes the communities of Milton, Fairfax, Westford, and a portion of Essex Town. Bartley's announcement follows the decision by Senator Chris Mattos (R) to not seek re-election.

Vermont Business Magazine An international human rights complaint alleging abuses in the dairy supply chain of Hannaford Supermarket is moving forward, bringing Hannaford’s parent company into mediation with farmworkers. The decision comes in the midst of a years-long campaign urging the Northeast supermarket chain to improve labor conditions and protect workers’ rights on dairy farms. In April, 2025, Vermont-based farmworker organization Migrant Justice submitted a complaint with the Dutch government alleging abuses on dairy farms supplying Hannaford Supermarket. After a year of investigation and deliberation, the National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct in the Netherlands (The Hague) has concluded that the complaint should move forward.

Vermont Humanities Council Vermont non-profits: don’t miss your chance to apply for a grant of up to $2500 to host a Fall Festival project centered around the theme of Our Woven History. Applications are due before midnight on Tuesday, June 2. Every year, our Fall Festival celebrates National Arts and Humanities Month in October and reminds Vermonters of the impact and breadth of the humanities.

Vermont Business Magazine The Preservation Trust of Vermont, the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, the Vermont Creative Network, and the Vermont Arts Council are hosting two powerful conferences in one remarkable town: The 2026 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference on Thursday, June 4, and the 2026 Creative Sector Convening on Friday, June 5, both in St. Albans. At the Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference, participants will learn proven strategies for community revitalization. Sessions will explore how intentional, community-driven efforts lead to transformative results.