Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Forest Service are conducting four “Introduction to Fishing Clinics” in Green Mountain National Forest in July, August and September. “The national forest offers a wide range of fishing opportunities from remote back country ponds to locations with easy shore access and everything in between,” said Fish and Wildlife Education Specialist Corey Hart.  “We are excited to work with our partners at the Green Mountain National Forest to highlight some of these unique fishing opportunities through our introduction to fishing programs.”

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today signed an addendum to his Emergency Declaration (Executive Order 03-23), providing additional temporary regulatory relief to aid Vermont’s response and recovery efforts. “As we continue to respond to the aftermath of severe flooding, more flexibility is needed to expedite recovery efforts,” said Governor Scott. “My team will continue to evaluate other regulatory relief that will help accelerate our response and ease the burden on Vermonters.” 

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today directed the Commissioner of Taxes to extend Vermont tax deadlines for Vermonters impacted by the severe flooding of July 2023. Taxpayers impacted by flooding and unable to meet Vermont tax deadlines between July 7, 2023, and November 15, 2023, will now have until November 15, 2023, to file and pay taxes. In response to the national disaster declaration for Vermont, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has also extended deadlines to file and pay certain federal taxes for Vermont residents and businesses impacted by the flooding.

Vermont Business Magazine Lawson’s Finest Liquids, the award-winning B Corp-certified Vermont craft brewery with a commitment to quality and sustainability, grew its product lineup, expanded its executive leadership team, and was recognized as an industry leader in sustainability and social responsibility this year. Led by a strong rate of sale of the brewery’s flagship brand Sip of Sunshine IPA and the newly released brew Hazy Rays IPA, Lawson’s Finest has seen month-over-month sales growth so far in 2023. Since March, when Lawson’s Finest added Hazy Rays (5.3% ABV) to its year-round Sunshine family, the tropical, fruit-forward hazyjuicylicious IPA has sold more than double over projected. 

Vermont Business Magazine On July 19, 2023, at approximately 5:21 a.m., officers with University of Vermont Police Services responded to a burglary complaint located at 500 South Prospect Street in Burlington, Vt. While conducting their investigation, attempts were made to contact a subject in the area based on information provided at the scene. As officers attempted to speak with the male subject, later identified as 38-year-old Jonathan M. Vachereau, he immediately fled from the officers, ignoring orders for him to stop. While officers pursued him on foot, Vachereau was seen leaving in a car that was left in the area. 

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), chairman of the Senate HELP Committee, on Wednesday issued the following statement after he introduced legislation to overhaul the primary health care system in America: “As every American knows, our country faces a major crisis in primary care and a massive shortage of doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and dentists. Tens of millions of Americans live in communities where they cannot find a doctor while others have to wait months to be seen. At the end of the day, this crisis not only increases human suffering and unnecessary deaths, but wastes tens of billions a year as Americans flock to expensive ER rooms or hospitals because they could not access the primary care they need. The HELP Committee is in a unique position to address these long-standing issues, and that is precisely what we will do on July 26th."

Vermont Business Magazine Champlain College has appointed Dr. Craig Winstead as the new Dean of its Robert P. Stiller School of Business. Dr. Winstead comes to Champlain with over two decades of experience in business management and education in corporate and academic settings. As Dean, he will support the College’s career-focused curriculum and innovative growth through expanded industry partnerships, an increased focus on diversity, equality and inclusion, and more. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Financial Regulation has been notified of a security breach that could affect more than seven thousand Vermonters. DFR provides this notice in advance of official notification from Genworth North America Corporation, on behalf of its affiliate insurance companies Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company, Genworth Life Insurance Company, and Genworth Life Insurance Company of New York. Currently, no indications exist of any threat of identity theft or fraud in relation to the event; however, certain personal information was exposed. 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s Economic Services Division has extended the 10-day timeline for 3SquaresVT replacement benefits due to the catastrophic flooding. Recipients now have until August 9 to submit replacement requests for food loss and can receive up to one month of their allotted 3SquaresVT benefit (verification of loss is no longer required). 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont residents who applied for assistance from FEMA for the severe storms and flooding, July 7, 2023, and continuing, will receive a determination letter from FEMA. It may say you are ineligible for assistance, but that is not a denial. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. The letter will also explain your application status and advise what you need to do to appeal an unfavorable decision.

Vermont Business Magazine As we've been working to reopen our branch services in Central Vermont, we've also been busy developing new loan options to provide financial relief to those impacted by the floods. Thanks to a partnership with the Vermont Community Foundation, we're able to offer 0% financing on up to $3,000 for Vermont residents with our member emergency loan. Because the devastation is so widespread, we're also waiving any credit requirements so anyone can get approved for much-needed funds.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Athletic Department announced Tuesday that Todd Woodcroft has been relieved of his duties as head coach of Men's Hockey at UVM, effective immediately. Assistant Coach Steve Wiedler was named interim head coach for the upcoming season. "The specific conduct leading to the investigation involved inappropriate text messages with a UVM student on multiple occasions that failed to maintain professional boundaries."