Current News

VermontBiz The not seasonally adjusted national construction unemployment rate was 0.1% lower in June 2023 from a year ago, down from 3.7% to 3.6%. 

According to a state-by-state analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors, New Hampshire has the lowest unemployment in New England, at 1.8%. The next lowest state is Vermont with 2.1%.

VermontBiz Vermont Academy (VA) and Mount Snow Academy (MSA) have announced that MSA is merging into Vermont Academy effective August 1, 2023. Following the merger, Vermont Academy will offer student-athletes the opportunity to pursue their passion for sports-on-snow while immersed in a comprehensive college preparatory academic program and community.

VermontBiz Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (“Casella”) (NASDAQ:CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, today announced an offering of up to $35.0 million aggregate principal amount of New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (the “Issuer”) Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds (Casella Waste Systems, Inc. Project) Series 2020R-2 (the “Bonds”) under an indenture between the Issuer and the bond trustee, dated as of September 1, 2020 (the “Indenture”). 

VermontBiz Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance have awarded NFP a 2023 Make More Happen Award for its volunteerism with the Alzheimer's Association, Vermont Chapter, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The award includes an initial donation of $5,000 for the Alzheimer's Association, which can be doubled to $10,000 just by having community supporters vote online. 

VermontBiz The Vermont Democratic Party’s 2023 town-level Reorganization will be held on Sunday, September 10 and its county-level reorganization will be held on Thursday, October 12. Every odd-numbered year, political parties in Vermont go through a reorganization process, selecting new members of town, county, and state committees. Leading up to this date, the VDP is hosting weekly training sessions for those interested in expanding their role in the party. 

Vermont Business Magazine The US Department of Energy’s (DOE's) Office of Electricity (OE) has selected two companies to receive more than $19 million in awards to demonstrate long-duration energy storage (LDES) projects in remote communities and military housing. This marks the first projects to be funded under the new energy storage demonstration programs enacted as part of the 2020 Energy Act. NOMAD Transportable Power Systems, of Waterbury, will receive $9.5 million which it will combine with its 50 percent cost share to lead a team to bring long-duration energy storage to five communities in rural Vermont that have historically faced unreliable electric service during severe weather events. 

Department of Tourism and Marketing These past couple of weeks have moved so fast and incredibly slowly at the same time. Vermonters have shown themselves to be as resilient as ever, and every day is looking better than the last. As communities have rallied together to rebound and communicate information, a lot of content has been produced to show visitors that there is plenty of beautiful summer left to enjoy and Vermont is open and ready to welcome guests. As soon as public safety conditions allowed, VDTM pivoted our messaging to assure visitors that yes, we did want them to still come visit! While being mindful that some communities were harder hit than others, we adjusted our paid and organic social media strategy to highlight current summer happenings around Vermont in regions that weren’t affected by the storm. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) has announced that the Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the USDA has awarded $577,325 to the State of Vermont as a part of the Organic Certification Cost Share Program.  The application is now open for certified operations to apply for these funds. Certified organic operations may receive reimbursement of up to 75% of their direct certification costs paid between October 1 and September 30 annually, not to exceed $750 per certification scope. There are up to four eligible certification scopes (crops, livestock, wild crops, and handling), which must be individually inspected for organic certification to be eligible for reimbursement. 

Vermont Business Magazine This exciting initiative is dedicated to identifying and recognizing Vermont's best employers. If you think your organization has what it takes to be honored at the 17th annual "Best Places to Work in Vermont", visit www.bestplacestoworkvermont.com to register or for more information. An employee assessment will determine the Best Places to Work in Vermont. Winning companies will be highlighted in VermontBiz and will be recognized in Spring 2024. All companies will receive their own Assessment Findings Report at the end of the process.

Vermont State Police The office of Bennington County State’s Attorney Erica Marthage has completed its review of the June 12, 2023, vehicle crash that resulted in the death of Richard Treat Williams of Manchester Center. On Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, the prosecutor’s office requested that the Vermont State Police issue a citation on a charge of grossly negligent operation with death resulting to Ryan Koss, 35, of Dorset, who was driving the Honda Element SUV that turned into the path of Mr. Williams’ motorcycle. Mr. Williams suffered critical injuries in the crash and subsequently was pronounced dead at Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Secretary of Administration Kristin Clouser released Vermont’s revenue results for June 2023 and fiscal year-end today. June was an underperforming month for the Transportation Fund, however, both the General Fund and the Education Fund exceeded their respective monthly targets. Revenue collections for the month of June 2023 show the state’s General Fund, Transportation Fund, and Education Fund receipts were a combined $304.1 million, exceeding the $294.9 million monthly consensus target by $9.2 million, or +3.1%. The cumulative fiscal year-end annual results closed $39.3 million, or +1.2%, above the $3,209.2 million consensus target set back in January following the January 2023 Emergency Board meeting. 

Vermont Business Magazine The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont will join community organizers, neighbors, and law enforcement partners to participate in National Night Out events on August 1, 2023. During this year’s National Night Out, US Attorney Nikolas P Kerest will attend National Night Out events at Essex High School and Law Enforcement Coordinator Tony Facos will attend events in Swanton on the Village Green and in St Albans at Taylor Park. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live.