Current News

Vermont Business Magazine New England state air quality forecasters are predicting elevated concentrations of fine particle air pollution due to wildfires in Quebec and Northern Ontario, according to the US EPA. The primary concern is high concentrations of fine particle air pollution that is unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups such as people with respiratory disease, the elderly, or people with compromised health. 

Vermont Business Magazine Funding is now available through the Samara Fund, which is directed by a group of Queer and Trans Vermonters committed to a vision of transformational grants and scholarships to the people and groups throughout Vermont who demonstrate their dedication to the empowerment, health, and safety of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV positive (LGBTQ+) people. The Samara Fund will accept applications for LGBTQ+ led projects and organizations in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Warden Service and Vermont State Police are asking Vermonters to boat responsibly this Fourth of July weekend, as part of the nationwide Operation Dry Water campaign to reduce alcohol and drug related boating injuries through education and more visible deterrence. From July 1-3, the Vermont Warden Service and State Police are partnering with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard to focus on educating boaters about safe boating practices, which includes sober boating.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, along with several other states, reached a settlement with Lear Capital regarding unregistered securities activity and misleading marketing. Pursuant to the Plan, Lear’s principal will contribute $5.5 million to the plan. Investors who filed proofs of claim in the bankruptcy case will receive a one-time distribution equal to the difference between the spread actually charged on a transaction and a hypothetical 12 percent fee. The Department does not believe that any Vermont investors filed proofs of claim.

Vermont Business Magazine AM Best, the global rating agency for the insurance industry, has affirmed the rating of the Union Mutual of Vermont Companies of “A” (Excellent) with a Stable Outlook. According to the report from AM Best, the rating indicates consistent profitable operating performance, and reflect Union Mutual’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Creamery, renowned for its exceptional artisanal dairy products, is proud to announce its outstanding achievement at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards (ICDA). The company has received an impressive total of twelve awards, further solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.  The ICDA, recognized as a prestigious global competition, celebrates excellence and innovation in the dairy industry. Vermont Creamery's exceptional products were recognized across various categories, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Among the notable achievements, Vermont Creamery's Chocolate & Cherry Goat Cheese made a remarkable debut by securing its first-ever award.   

Vermont Business Magazine What happens when you bring together hundreds of Vermont technologists, CEOs, professors, artists, authors, and government leaders for two days of far-reaching discussion about achieving a brighter economic future for our region? Partnership. Exploration. Collaboration. Creativity. And a whole lot of networking. Last week, the University of Vermont opened its campus to the region’s business leaders, entrepreneurs, and economic development organizations with the first Research, Innovation, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Summit, introducing an intensive new partnership approach to building a bright and prosperous future for Vermont and the region.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott has vetoed legislation designed to update and substantially expand the scope of the state’s popular beverage redemption program, commonly known as the Bottle Bill. The proposed legislation passed last Tuesday when the House of Representatives concurred with a version of the bill approved by the Senate last month. The House action came during a special one-day veto override session.   

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today signed the emergency housing bill, H.171, that had been hammered out as a compromise with legislative leaders in the days before last week's "veto session." The bill updates the General Assistance "hotel/motel" homeless program into next year, as well as provides additional money and guidelines going forward. Also today, Governor Scott vetoed an updated "bottle bill," as expected, which would have greatly expanded the beverage container redemption law. In doing so he said it was too expensive and onerous for wholesalers and retailers and, in any case, not necessary with the success of the "zero-sort" recycling program. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Chittenden Area Transportation Management Association (aka CATMA) and Bird, a leader in environmentally friendly electric transportation, are teaming up to bring a shared electric assist bike system to the region. CATMA is part of a longstanding commitment to expand affordable, sustainable transportation choices. They are joined by the cities of Burlington, South Burlington and Winooski, and its institutional partners at the University of Vermont (UVM), Champlain College and the UVM Medical Center. These electric assist bikes will provide another option for people to travel, whether it be going to work, appointments, the gym, errands, or activities. 

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are unchanged from last week at $3.60 per gallon. They're down 5 cents/g from a month ago and down $1.33 cents from a year ago. The lowest price in the state is $3.30/g in Middlebury, while the highest is $4.95/g in Bloomfield. The national average price of gasoline is down 7 cents/g from last week, averaging $3.51/g today.

Vermont Business Magazine At an event Wednesday in Waterbury, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S Regan announced a $7 billion grant competition for rooftop and residential solar that will increase access to affordable, resilient, and clean solar energy for millions of low-income households in Vermont and across the country. Sanders and Administrator Regan were joined at the announcement by Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Representative Becca Balint (D-Vermont), SunCommon’s cofounder and president, and other community leaders.