Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Stowe Area Association (SAA), the region's official destination leadership organization, is proud to announce a new strategic vision in response to the growing need to balance the local visitor economy with the well-being of the community. Known outwardly as Go Stowe, SAA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit business association dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience while supporting member businesses. SAA plays a vital role in destination marketing and stewardship, considering the needs of visitors, the environment, and the local community. The visitor economy significantly contributes to Vermont's annual $3.2 billion tourism economy.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor announced today that Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are now available to Vermonters in Orleans County, in addition to the eight counties first announced on July 20, 2023, and July 26, 2023. Under DUA program guidance, individuals in Orleans County have until Monday, August 28, 2023, to file a DUA application. 

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) spoke on the Senate floor late last night to call for additional support for Vermont’s farmers as they recover from catastrophic flooding. The office of Governor Phil Scott estimates that 10,000 acres of farmland have been damaged by flooding. That number is expected to grow as more farmers report crop losses and property damage.  In his remarks, Sen. Welch urged Vermont farmers to document and report crop losses and property damage. He also urged his colleagues to rally in support of Vermont farmers and secure the resources needed to help Vermonters recover fully from the July 2023 storm. 

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington Electric Department (BED) and Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) issued a peak alert for today/Friday, July 28. BED members are asked to reduce their energy usage from 5-7 pm today. VEC members from 5-9 pm, to reduce energy costs by reducing usage during a peak event. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Community Foundation announced today that it has awarded another $670,500 in grants to help individuals, businesses, farms, and downtowns recover from the devastating flooding across the state earlier this month. The new round of grants from the Foundation’s VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023 follows $330,600 in grants awarded last week. The total amount awarded from the fund now exceeds $1 million. The fund has raised $4.4 million in gifts and commitments since it was announced on July 11. That total includes $2.8 million in gifts and $1.6 million in pledges.

Vermont Business Magazine After the recent July floods, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is asking recovery efforts to prioritize river resilience and help impacted fish populations when possible. Rivers with features like fallen trees, large boulders, and winding channels provide better fish habitat and are more resilient to floods.  These features reduce flood impacts for landowners and downstream communities by slowing flood waters.  They also provide fish with shelter and places to forage that can be the difference between successful recovery and lasting impacts for fish populations.

Vermont Business Magazine Gardener’s Supply Company, one of the nation’s largest multi-channel marketers of gardening products and accessories, has announced a new CEO, Rebecca Gray, who assumes the role following the retirement of Cindy Turcot, who had held the position since 2020. Rebecca brings nearly 20 years of experience in the e-commerce space. She joined Gardener’s Supply Company in 2018 as Vice President of Merchandising, eventually overseeing all of the company’s Merchandising and Marketing activities. 

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) If you feel your home or business is unsafe, take necessary measures to protect your safety, including leaving the building. If you think work is needed immediately to stabilize the river, you may hire a contractor to do the work as an emergency protective measure, under authorization of the town. Contact your town to alert them of the issue, as they are required to report within 72 hours. A DEC River Management Engineer will get there as soon as their schedule allows. There may be additional work required at a later date if emergency work further destabilizes the river.  

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR), the statewide, nonprofit business association with a commitment to advance a just, thriving and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet, has announced that nominations for the 22nd Annual VBSR Awards are open and will be accepted through Monday, July 31. Criteria and nomination forms for each award can be located by accessing the main VBSR Awards page. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. Any individual employed by a VBSR member who is a socially responsible enterprise is eligible to be nominated. You do not have to be a member to nominate.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) on Wednesday announced the recipients of the Vermont Community Leadership Award. It is presented each year to celebrate Vermonters who exemplify “dedication, integrity and honorable service to community and to rural Vermont,” and who have had a “transformational” effect on their communities. VCRD presents the award to highlight the work of community heroes who epitomize the best spirit of local community service, who volunteer their time, and who have made their community better. This year, the Vermont Community Leadership Award is being presented to the four members of the Vermont Declaration of Inclusion initiative. The driving force behind the Vermont Declaration of Inclusion include Norm Cohen, Bob Harnish, Barbara Noyes Pulling, and Al Wakefield

Vermont Business Magazine The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Preci Manufacturing Inc. (Preci) has agreed to pay $150,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by selling parts to the United States military that Preci failed to test, despite clear contract testing requirements meant to ensure the strength and durability of the parts. Preci, located in Winooski, Vermont, manufactures nuts, bolts, and other fasteners, which it supplies to the federal government. The fasteners provided by Preci are used in military equipment, including aircraft, and thus require precise manufacturing protocols and careful post-production testing. 

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) offered additional details today about the upcoming Business Emergency Grant Assistance Program.  The $20 million program will assist businesses and not-for-profit entities that sustained physical damage in the flood reopen and bring their employees back to work. Additional details about the grant program and how it will work are expected to be released on Monday, July 31, and the application portal is expected to open later that week.