Current News

Agency of Commerce and Community Development A new tool to help Vermont farmers who lost feed crops in the July flooding.  The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM), and the Vermont Agency of Digital Services (ADS) have launched the Vermont Online Farm Feed-Finder Marketplace. Sellers across the northeast are encouraged to advertise their feed on the directory so Vermont farmers can easily find it.  There is no fee to use the marketplace.

Vermont Business Magazine United Way of Northwest Vermont was selected by the State of Vermont Department of Health, Division of Substance Use (DSU) as one of four Prevention Lead Organizations across the state. In this role, UWNWVT will lead substance misuse prevention activities and subgrant funds to community prevention partners located in Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle, and Washington counties. As a lead prevention entity, UWNWVT will work with community partners to develop a comprehensive, regional approach to prevent the onset of substance misuse, delay initiation of use, promote healthy lifestyles, and optimize wellbeing among individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan.   

by Vermont Auditor Doug Hoffer I suspect I was not alone in being moved when I read about the dedicated state Dam Safety Program employee sleeping at the Waterbury Reservoir dam station to be on hand if flood conditions warranted emergency action. He was joined during the worst of the storm by state and local officials and countless Vermonters in taking steps that helped prevent even worse devastation. They deserve our gratitude. When nine inches of rain falls in a short period of time, bad things are going to happen. It’s not always clear what those bad things will be, but we know some communities will flood, some infrastructure will be damaged, and some lives will be impacted.

Vermont Business Magazine The Southwestern Vermont Chamber has announced the arrival of the eagerly anticipated 2023-2024 Shires of Southwestern Vermont Travel Guide. This comprehensive guide is set to provide travelers with an unparalleled resource to uncover the enchanting beauty and exciting offerings of the 17 towns that compose The Shires of Southwestern Vermont. In a world where digital resources abound, the enduring appeal of a physical travel guide remains significant. According to recent surveys, 73% of travelers still prefer using travel guides during their vacations, valuing the curated insights and tangible experience they provide.

Vermont Business Magazine The 13th annual Zoe's Race will begin at the upper pavilion in Oakledge Park on August 27, 2023 for a 1K fun run, 5K walk/run, and 10K run, designed to raise funds for local individuals and families who need assistance to make their homes more accessible. To date, Zoe’s Race has raised over $270,000 and has completed 34 projects to help local families make their homes accessible. When: Sunday, August 27, 2023; registration opens at 7:30 a.m.

Vermont Business Magazine Teenager Laura Dekker, who sailed around the world, will be traveling to Burlington, Vermont, to be featured in the Community Sailing Center’s Water+Adventure Speaker Series on September 2nd. Recounting her time spent at sea and the various challenges that came from her journey, she will share life-changing stories to inspire adventure in everyone. Bring your family and friends for this once in a lifetime opportunity to inspire a sense of adventure and spend quality time together! Kids 12+under get in for free and students receive a 50% discount. 

Vermont Business Magazine Retired US Senator Patrick Leahy is donating his personal Senate papers to the University of Vermont’s Jack and Shirley Silver Special Collections Library, joining a rich tradition of Vermont public servants donating their personal records to UVM. Leahy’s papers — a physical record of the culmination of 48 years in public office — will be archived and made available to UVM students, faculty, and the public.

Vermont Business Magazine Community Bank Trust Services in Williston has announced that it will undergo an official name change to Nottingham Trust in August 2023. The name change comes a year after Nottingham Wealth was created late in 2022, combining the formidable financial planning and investment capabilities of Community Bank Trust Services and Nottingham Advisors into a single offering designed to best meet the needs of clients with the most complex financial planning requirements.

Vermont Business Magazine The Special Committee on Impeachment, following months of thorough investigation, has concluded its inquiry into the allegations brought against State’s Attorney John Lavoie upon receiving notice of his resignation from the office. The Chair of the Special Committee on Impeachment, Representative Martin LaLonde has released the following statement: “I am hopeful that with Mr. Lavoie’s resignation, the Franklin States Attorney’s office can begin to rebuild and become a more respectful and professional place to work... We will now turn our focus to the matter of Franklin County Sheriff John Grismore.”

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Corrections today reported a critical incident at Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF) in Springfield. On Thursday morning, a nurse in the facility intake area was administering medications to Cory Munger, a newly detained individual at SSCF. Mr. Munger forcibly grabbed the nurse, wrapping his arm around her throat and holding a pen to her neck. Correctional officers immediately intervened to thwart the attempt. The nurse, a contractor under health provider Wellpath, received a medical evaluation at the Springfield Hospital following the incident.  

Vermont Business Magazine The severe and soggy weather this summer has created feed issues for those raising livestock. With a tremendous need to find feed for farmers and producers, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, and the Vermont Agency of Digital Services (ADS) have created a resource for those looking to buy and/or sell feed. This online marketplace is available now. Those selling hay, alfalfa, corn, soy, silage, and haylage can easily advertise their feed on the directory and can include details like whether the feed is organic and if the seller can deliver. For farmers looking for feed, the directory provides an easy platform through which they can quickly view availability, location, and pricing for a variety of feed.

Vermont Business Magazine The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) on Wednesday announced $43.6 million in new awards, including nearly $20 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as part of the Commission’s inaugural Catalyst Program competition. The 66 Catalyst Awards will go to communities in the Commission’s member states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont and include a broad range of economic development initiatives such as projects that will: modernize and expand water and wastewater systems; revitalize transportation infrastructure; establish workforce development programs and facilities; grow outdoor recreation infrastructure and economies; and construct new childcare and healthcare facilities. Vermont received 13 grants that totaled over $10 million.