Current News

Vermont Business Magazine In a Senate Judiciary Committee Meeting today, Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), a member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action and Federal Rights, voted to authorize issuing subpoenas to Harlan Crow and Leonard Leo, regarding the committee’s investigation into ethical concerns impacting Members of the United States Supreme Court. 

Vermont Business Magazine Mamava cofounders Sascha Mayer and Christine Dodson along with Nic Longo, Director of Aviation, gathered with local leaders to celebrate the 10-year milestone for this partnership and offer a sneak peek at Mamava’s new XL V6. As with the first pod in 2013, BTV serves as the pilot location for the new unit. Since 2013 more than 4,000 pods have been placed including a fleet of 182 pods across 76 airports. “Mamava was born in Burlington because of community connections and a tradition of innovation, justice, and care that is central to the Vermont way of life,” says Sascha Mayer, cofounder and Chief Experience Officer of Mamava."

Vermont Business Magazine A program inspired by VT's Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative can expand in Vermont thanks to A $108,966 grant to help teachers and community organizations partner to engage students directly with local climate change mitigation and adaptation activities. The grant has been awarded to Shelburne Farms to launch the “Right Here! A Guide for Equitable Climate Action in the Upper Valley and Beyond” and is made possible by gifts from the following fund(s): Wellborn Ecology Fund. 

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.43 per gallon, down 5 cents per gallon from last week, down 18 cents from last month and down 37 cents from the same time last year, according to GasBuddy. The lowest price in the state is $2.99/g in Brattleboro while the highest is $3.69/g in Hancock and Rochester. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 1 cent per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.21/g today. 

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, introduced the Rural Energy Equity Act to improve and authorize strong funding levels for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The bill would make REAP more accessible for smaller rural businesses and farms and make the program more climate friendly. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Natural Resources’ Climate Action Office will host virtual public forums to discuss a one-time opportunity for Vermont to access federal funding through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, a component of the Inflation Reduction Act. Vermonters are invited to learn about climate actions eligible for this funding. Register to attend Vermont’s Opportunity for Federal Climate Funding virtual forum via Zoom to learn more and share your perspective. Two dates are offered: December 11 from 5:30–7 pm; December 12 from 11:30 am–1 pm.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director for Rural Development in Vermont and New Hampshire, Sarah Waring, today announced $765,211 in grant funding for two Twin State institutions. The University of New Hampshire (UNH) Center for Digital Health Innovation received $129,746, and Vermont State University (VTSU), $635,465 to improve and diversify remote access to healthcare and education through the Agency’s Distance Learning & Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. To benefit more than 5,500 students, VTSU will invest the DLT funds and its $96,600 contribution to enhance teleconferencing equipment for learning sites throughout the state. New tools include a specialized software virtualization platform and state-of-the-art technology kits for one-to-one teacher/student engagement. 

Vermont Business Magazine Howard Center has secured a $4 million federal grant to help the agency expand services and ensure access to coordinated and comprehensive behavioral health care. The four-year grant will enable Howard Center to meet federal criteria to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the CCBHC model requires agencies to provide a comprehensive range of behavioral health services so people who need more than one type of support don't have to look for help from multiple providers. CCBHC agencies are also required to help people navigate behavioral health care, physical health care, social services, and other systems. 

Vermont Business Magazine Temporary Direct Housing Assistance is available for eligible survivors of Vermont’s July 7-21 severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides. Eligible families in Lamoille, Washington and Windsor counties have until January 2025 to live in the units while looking for permanent housing. The deadline is 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration in July 2023. Governor Scott said on Tuesday that construction should begin on the former Montpelier golf course site earmarked for FEMA trailers (MHU) in the next two weeks.

Vermont Business Magazine Comcast today announced the completion of a project to expand its Xfinity 10G Network and deliver its full suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services, to more than 2,000 additional homes and businesses in Vermont. The expansion connects residents and businesses in the towns of Elmore, Eden, Sudbury, Wardsboro and Wolcott as well as more addresses in areas already serviced by Comcast, including Hubbardton, Jamaica, Stratton and Morristown. The milestone is part of Comcast’s ongoing expansion in Vermont, where the company has invested more than $93 million in technology and infrastructure over the last three years – including upgrades to its local network.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL) seek public input on proposed changes to the administrative rules governing agency designation. Agency designation rules determine the process for agencies to attain and uphold their recognition as community mental health centers and providers of intellectual and developmental disability services. Public and virtual meetings are scheduled for December 7, 12, and 18. The current administrative rules, last reviewed in 2003, could benefit from an update. This revision aims to enhance the document's accessibility and clarity, fostering a better understanding of the rules among the public and providers.

Vermont Business Magazine AM Best has removed from under review with developing implications and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) of “bbb+” (Good) of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) and its subsidiary, The Vermont Health Plan, LLC. The outlook assigned to the FSR is stable while the outlook assigned to the Long-Term ICRs is negative. These companies are collectively known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of VT Group (BCBSVT Group). Both companies are domiciled in Berlin, VT. These Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect BCBSVT Group’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. BCBSVT Group’s ratings were placed under review with developing implications on May 3, 2023, following the announcement of a pending formal affiliation between BCBSVT and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mutual Insurance Company (BCBS MI).