Current News

Vermont Business Magazine BHAKTA Spirits, the world’s preeminent House of Vintages, has announced its entry into the ultra-premium rum category with the launch of its BHAKTA 1990 Rum. This deeply-aged vintage release takes its place alongside BHAKTA 2013 Bourbon, BHAKTA Armagnac Vintages, BHAKTA 50 (1868–1970), and BHAKTA 27-07 in the company’s fast-growing portfolio of collectable Single Vintage spirits and specialty blends. Supported by a national “Drink Vintage” campaign, BHAKTA’s ambitious expansion will see it launch further new Vintage Spirits releases in all major categories across 2023 and into 2024.

Vermont Business Magazine Yerbaé Brands Corp (TSXV: YERB.U), a plant-based energy beverage company, announced its strategic partnership with Farrell Distributing, a renowned distributor of premium beverages in the state of Vermont. This collaboration will enable Yerbaé to broaden its distribution network and add strength in key account relationships with regional grocery powerhouse Price Chopper, regional convenience store chains such as Champlain Farms, Jolly, Sandri and Simon’s as well as higher education, recreational ski and outdoor activities. Farrell will also support an expansion of services into existing customer accounts including Shaws, StarMarket, Hannaford and more.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Today, the Vermont Department of Labor reported that the state's the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by a whopping three-tenths to 2.1 percent in May. This was not entirely good news as the Labor Force, which is the denominator in this equitation, fell for the first time in many months at a time when the workforce is already facing shortages. However, both the number of employed increased and the number of unemployed decreased in May. Vermont was tied with the fourth lowest rate in the nation. New Hampshire was tied for first at 1.9% (a historic low). The comparable United States rate in May was 3.7 percent, an increase of three-tenths of one percentage point from the revised April estimate. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) takes action to ensure accountability and transparency from OneCare Vermont about the use of primary care funds paid to hospital-owned primary care providers. The GMCB also requires OneCare to reduce the total compensation to be paid to its top executives for FY2023. 

by Mike Donoghue, Vermont News First Nathan Carman of Vernon, who has been facing federal charges of murder of his mother on the high seas and multiple swindles, is dead, apparently taking his own life. Carman was found dead in his cell at the Cheshire County Jail in Keene, N.H. about 2:45 a.m. Thursday morning, officials said. He was housed in a single cell, they said. One of his defense lawyers said he was told Carman had left them a note, which they had not yet received.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Charity Clark today announced a $2.35 million multistate settlement with Adore Me, Inc., a lingerie retailer that primarily sells its merchandise online. The settlement resolves claims that the company deceptively marketed its VIP Membership Program to consumers and then made it difficult for consumers to cancel their memberships. The State of Vermont will receive approximately $34,000 from the settlement, and current members of the program will receive notices about how to obtain refunds of any unused credits in their accounts.

Vermont Business Magazine Sarah Ashworth, Vermont Public’s senior vice president of content, will leave her role this month to become director of Wisconsin Public Radio, Vermont Public reported on June 16. Ashworth returned to VPR as news director in 2018, having previously worked as a producer and reporter for Vermont Edition in the late 2000s. Angela Evancie, director of engagement journalism and host/executive producer of Brave Little State, will serve as interim senior vice president of content.

Vermont Business Magazine Jenna’s Promise on Wednesday night received the $10,000 first-place award in Vermont as part of the 9th Annual IMPACT Awards, presented for the fourth time by the Ruderman Family Foundation. The awards focus on organizations that have demonstrated a deep impact in raising awareness and improving mental health outcomes in their community — an issue that has become increasingly prominent and urgent nationwide amid the mental health crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

Vermont Business Magazine On June 8, 2023, business leaders from across Vermont gathered in Burlington for The Leahy Celebration, an event dedicated to Senator Leahy’s career of service, and his contributions to the Vermont economy. The event, hosted by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, provided an opportunity for business leaders to thank Senator Patrick Leahy and his wife Marcelle Leahy, for their incalculable impact on Vermont. The embodiment of public service and the epitome of leadership, Senator Leahy has played a pivotal role in advancing the Vermont economy. Throughout his tenure, he spearheaded critical legislation supporting innovation, research, higher education, transportation, and manufacturing all while supporting the environment and communities unique to Vermont. 

Vermont Business Magazine Nedde Real Estate has announced the lease of 2,463 Square feet of Light Industrial space at 1891 Williston Road, South Burlington to The Tree House Hardwoods. Fernando Cresta and Jaeger Nedde assisted the tenant and the landlord in this transaction.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Medical Center has announced the recipients of the 2023 Nursing Awards & Scholarships, which were presented in May. These awards recognize the exceptional work of nurses at the Medical Center who demonstrate excellence in clinical practice, leadership, education, and patient care. Nursing leaders and hospital administrators called the awards well-deserved recognition of the Medical Center’s nursing teams during the annual nationwide celebration of nurse’s dedication, compassion and clinical excellence.

Vermont Business Magazine Ratings agency AM Best Co. has affirmed A+ (Superior), the financial strength rating for the insurance companies of National Life Group. Chairman, CEO and President Mehran Assadi called the decision “a powerful reinforcement of National Life’s financial strength.” “As we celebrate our 175th anniversary and continue to grow, this confirmation recognizes our continued strategic management initiatives that resulted in further sales growth in 2022 despite market pressures.”