Current News

VermontBiz Warren residents will soon be able to enjoy a new pavilion in the town green for community gathering, relaxing, and socializing thanks to a recently launched crowdfunding campaign. The campaign is sponsored by the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development’s Better Places program and is led by the Town of Warren.

VermontBiz Average gasoline prices in Burlington have fallen 4.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.57/g today, according to GasBuddy's survey of 100 stations in Burlington. Prices in Burlington are 2.0 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 111.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has fallen 1.3 cents in the last week and stands at $3.79 per gallon.

VermontBiz More Vermonters now have access to fresh, local produce across the state through the “Farm to Family Coupon” program. $164,000 in coupons are now available to help eligible Vermonters buy locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and farm stands. Coupons are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and may be used at any of the 60 markets and farm stands enrolled in the program this summer.

Ever feel like there are never enough hours in the day? Most of us think the solution is better time management. But Porter Knight, a certified professional organizer based in Bristol, says there’s more to it than that. Along with providing tips and tricks to improve efficiency, Knight teaches her clients how to put their brains to work for them.

Only six state-chartered banks operate in Vermont. That’s down from 27 in 1989, the last time a new bank joined the list — the last time, that is, prior to the chartering of Bank of Burlington in August 2022.

The new financial institution was incorporated in June 2021. It then raised $2.85 million in seed capital from 19 individuals, including numerous prominent Burlington-area businesspeople, including the owners of Al's French Frys, SD Ireland Cos. and Larkin Realty.

The enterprise took its next major step in November 2021, when it applied for its state charter and FDIC insurance, Chief Operating Officer Victoria Bronner told VermontBiz.

Staffing issues, housing shortages and loss of businesses are all challenges right now in Chittenden County. Similar issues are hitting the entire state. But there are bright spots too. Development and redevelopment projects, solutions to the housing shortage issue, and new opportunities for businesses abound in Vermont’s largest county. 

VermontBiz The Scott Administration’s ARPA Tour in Chittenden County has been postponed as the Administration focuses on anticipated storms and flooding. An updated itinerary will be issued once the tour has been rescheduled.

Scott Administration officials will visit Chittenden County on Monday, July 10. This series of meetings and events will conclude the Administration’s county-by-county tour to discuss transformative funding opportunities through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. Administration officials have moved through each county, having started last fall in Essex and Orleans counties.

Vermont Business Magazine This July the Fletcher Free Library (FFL) will celebrate 150 years of serving the community. Their birthday celebration will be held on Saturday, July 15th from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Main Library. All events are free and open to the public. The celebration will include a parade, performers, music, community art, birthday cake, and more. The celebration will begin with a costume parade down Church Street at noon. Each participant is invited to come dressed as their Favorite Literary Character or Author or to carry a favorite book. 

Vermont Agency of Transportation This weekly report is a list of planned construction activities that will have traffic impacts on state highways throughout Vermont. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it. 

TRAFFIC IMPACT: One-way alternating traffic regulated by a temporary traffic signal is in effect. Please observe the timing of the signal at all times.

Occasional stoppages of traffic may be required at times to allow trucks and equipment to enter and exit the work zone.

A width restriction is in effect across the bridge. The total travel way width is 12 feet, barrier to curb. Oversized loads will not be permitted.

Vermont Business Magazine After 20 years as local host of Morning Edition, Mitch Wertlieb is passing the mic to colleague and All Things Considered co-host Jenn Jarecki. Wertlieb will stay at Vermont Public to host The Frequency, Vermont Public’s daily news podcast, beginning this fall. Wertlieb’s last day on Morning Edition will be Friday, July 28 from 6-9 a.m. The show will feature special guests and celebrate his incredible run. Listeners can send “thank you!” messages that may play during his last Morning Edition by emailing a voice memo to [email protected] or leaving a message at 802-552-8899.

Vermont Business Magazine The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Manchester Business Association (MBA), hosted their annual golf tournament, the B2B Golf Classic, on Wednesday, June 21 at the Mount Anthony Country Club in Bennington, Vermont. A sunny and warm day saw 20 teams, composed of over 80 business and nonprofit leaders, hit the greens for a shotgun start at 12pm at the course. The two organizations invited the public and business leaders to enjoy an afternoon of golf and networking while taking in the scenic vistas including the Bennington Monument and the Taconic and Green Mountain Ranges. The event served as a day out of the office and an opportunity to network with local business people. Additionally, the event served as a fundraiser for both the Chamber and MBA.