Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Vikas Anand has been appointed Dean of the University of Vermont's Grossman School of Business, bringing extensive experience in business school administration, strategic program development, accreditation, and global engagement to UVM’s nationally ranked business school. Dr. Anand currently serves as Associate Dean for Academic Programs at the Poole College of Management at North Carolina State University, where he oversees a broad portfolio including undergraduate and graduate programs, executive education, global initiatives, career services, and marketing. Under his leadership, Poole has seen significant enrollment growth, curricular innovation, and enhanced student outcomes, including top national rankings and strong employment metrics. 

by Maggie Lenz and Gwynn Zakov If last week was a barometer of whether the Legislature is truly interested in reopening the book on Act 250 reforms, the outlook is not very promising. Since the first week of the session, both House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over housing issues have been working on various housing bills and proposed initiatives. The House General and Housing Committee is working diligently on a bill addressing property tax relief by modifying homestead property tax credits to provide increased relief, particularly for low- and middle-income homeowners, through adjustments to the income-based formulas used to calculate those credits. Another bill would create a suite of housing financing tools, including a rural tax stabilization pilot program, municipal special assessment bonds, expanded State Treasurer credit facilities for mobile home parks and bulk purchases of modular housing, and an off-site construction study program.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Treasurer Mike Pieciak stood with state and local leaders at Hula in Burlington to unveil $30 million in new housing investments to build and revitalize homes across Vermont.  Awarded through the Treasurer’s 10% in VT program, the funding will support over 450 homes statewide, including affordable, market-rate, senior, climate-resilient, and homeownership housing. The investments will leverage nearly $200 million in private and public capital, sparking future investment in cities, downtowns, and rural communities across Vermont. 

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $2.99 per gallon, up 0.8 cents per gallon from last week's $2.98/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.75/g while the highest was $3.29/g, a difference of 54.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 0.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.83/g today.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) today announced the application portal for the new Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) is now open.  CHIP, a statewide tax increment financing (TIF) tool, represents one of the largest investments in municipal infrastructure in Vermont history, with the potential to invest $2 billion between now and 2035. The program is designed to help Vermont communities of all sizes unlock housing opportunities by investing in critical public infrastructure.

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets UVM Extension and the Northeast Cover Crops Council invite you to attend the 2026 No-Till and Cover Crop Conference on February 19 in Burlington, VT! Every year, this event brings farmers, technical advisors, agricultural businesses, agencies, researchers, students, and consultants together to discuss updates and insights on reduced tillage and cover cropping practices. Topic highlights include soil compaction, soil health, nutrient management with no-till and cover crops, interseeding, and cover crop seed production. New this year is a second afternoon track specific to vegetable farmers.

Vermont Business Magazine Concept2, the global leader in rowing oars and fitness equipment based in Morrisville, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking five decades of innovation, durability, and community-driven performance. Founded in 1976 in a dairy barn in northern Vermont by Dick Dreissigacker, Peter Dreissigacker, Bari Dreissigacker, and later Judy Geer, Concept2 began by revolutionizing competitive rowing with the world’s first carbon-fiber oars. That same spirit of innovation led to the creation of the Concept2 RowErg, now the gold standard in indoor rowing.

by Emma Paradis and Lisa Grefe Across Vermont, nonprofits are the backbone of our communities—filling gaps, meeting critical needs, and enhancing our quality of life. From disaster recovery and food access to youth programs, workforce development, arts and culture, and health care, nonprofits are people helping people—making sure no one falls through the cracks and that our rights are protected. This work reflects the Vermont way: We are a state where neighbors step up for one another. Our nonprofit sector embodies that spirit at scale—transforming and turning care into organized, sustained impact.

by Jen Olson I’m a career early childhood educator. Every day, I help young children learn and grow while supporting families with reliable care. The quality of my teaching is built on my education, and strengthened by my work with young children and colleagues. When early childhood educators are qualified, supported, and fairly compensated, children thrive, parents can work and build stability, and communities grow stronger. Vermont is closer than ever to making this vision a reality. Recent investments that make child care easier to access and afford are helping families. Now it’s time to make sure that early childhood educators receive the professional recognition they deserve. I’m a parent too, and despite working in this field, I couldn’t find infant care for my own son. 

Northeastern Vermont Development Association Nearly 100 community members from Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties traveled to the Statehouse on January 22nd to connect with lawmakers and advocate for the region. The annual event is coordinated by the NEK Collaborative. Speakers this year included U.S. Senator Peter Welch, State Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Lt. Governor John Rodgers, NEK Representatives Mike Marcotte & Leanne Harple, and Collaborative Interim Director, Abby Long. Throughout the day, community members met with legislators, attended committee meetings, and testified to draw attention to our regional challenges in housing, healthcare, affordability, flood resilience, and education reform. Senator Welch expressed, "There's no place better than the NEK to bring to the attention of Vermont and this nation the strength of rural communities and rural life."

Vermont Business Magazine Breeze Airways, the premium leisure carrier providing affordable, direct flights from underserved markets, tomorrow celebrates its two-year anniversary at Burlington International Airport (BTV). To mark its two years of service, Breeze is offering promotional fares starting from $79 one way. In 2025, Breeze welcomed more than 145,000 passengers on over 1400 flights from BTV. The airline currently serves five nonstop destinations, including Tampa Bay, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Fort Myers, Fla., Charleston, S.C., and Raleigh, N.C.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Sanders (I-Vermont) issued the following statement after voting against the federal funding bill Friday evening. This will result in a partial government shutdown until at least next week. U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) today voted to begin debate on critical reforms to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Continuing Resolution avoids a multi-agency shutdown and separates DHS funding for a future vote in two weeks.