Current News

Vermont Business Magazine In advance of Town Meeting Day, March 7, Burlington School District (BSD) has published a number of resources designed to help voters have all the information they need to vote on the School District’s proposed budget, which is increasing 6 percent. BSD’s 2022 Annual Report is now available online along with a budget one-pager that explains next year’s FY 2024, $104.1 million proposed budget (FY 23 $98.2 million). The BSD stated that spending at this level could produce a property tax rate increase of 4.03% (current estimate).

Vermont Business Magazine Today the Vermont Senate gave final approval to S.3, a bill that would prohibit paramilitary training camps. The bill passed second reading on a vote of 29-1 yesterday. The passage of this bill follows a rise in concern across Vermont and the country about the increase in extremist paramilitary organizations and the lack of adequate prevention, intervention and enforcement authority in Vermont. President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth and Senator Sears, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, spoke about the importance of this measure.

Vermont School Library Association "We are collectively appalled by the decision by the leadership of the Vermont State College system to eliminate their print collections, repurpose their physical spaces, and lay off librarians. We are calling on the leadership of Vermont State University (VTSU) to reverse this decision. We believe that all Vermont students should have access to robust and well-funded library programs that include access to professional librarians who work in partnership with faculty and in support of students. Ample research, both quantitative and qualitative, shows that students at all levels thrive with the help of these library programs."

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Mayor Weinberger announced that the City has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the owners of land parcels neighboring City-owned property in the South End, with the purpose of facilitating a conceptual design and framework for the coordinated redevelopment of the parcels resulting in a vibrant, sustainable, and accessible mixed-use neighborhood. The MOU creates a framework for a collaborative and efficient planning process for multiple independently owned sites, with the goal of informing a future Development Agreement.

Vermont Business Magazine This spring, guests at the Lamoille Community House will be forced to find another place to sleep when the seasonal shelter closes on April 15. But thanks to $3.8 million in funding awarded to the Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) from the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB,) the Lamoille Community House (LCH) will be operating a new year-round shelter for people experiencing homelessness as early as next fall. Lamoille Housing Partnership will acquire and rehabilitate the Forest Hill Residential Care Home in Hyde Park to create a 21-bed shelter for adults experiencing homelessness. When complete, the building will be leased to the Lamoille Community House, which will operate the year-round, low barrier shelter and provide guests with a place to sleep, cook meals, and connect to services. LCH currently operates a 12-bed seasonal shelter offering these same services in the Village of Hyde Park.

Vermont Business Magazine Berkshire Bank, a leading, socially responsible community bank with financial centers in New England and New York, was recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best Midsize Employers 2023. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced Wednesday and can currently be viewed on the Forbes at America's Best Midsize Employers 2023 (forbes.com). Berkshire Bank is the only Massachusetts-based bank, and one of four banks in New England and New York, on the midsized employer banking and financial services list. Berkshire has branches in southern Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine TD Bank today announced a five-year Community Benefits Plan (CBP), developed in coordination with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC). The CBP will provide an estimated $50 billion of impact to local communities across TD Bank's expanded US presence following the approval and close of its planned acquisition of First Horizon Corporation. This plan will provide lending, philanthropy, banking access and other activities for the benefit of diverse and underserved communities. The Community Benefits Plan would apply to all markets in which TD has a branch presence, including Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine Casella Waste Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: CWST), based in Rutland, today reported its financial results for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2022. The Company also provided guidance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. Financial results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 exceeded the high-end of the initial guidance ranges for the fiscal year by $90.1 million in revenues, $13.2 million in Adjusted EBITDA, and $3.2 million in Adjusted Free Cash Flow highlighted by strong pricing, operating efficiency programs, and capital discipline. Revenues were $272.1 million for the quarter, up $30.3 million, or up 12.5%, from the same period in 2021. Revenues were $1,085.1 million for fiscal year 2022, up $195.9 million, or up 22.0%, from the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Net income was $8.4 million for the quarter, down $(0.7) million, or down (7.9)%, from the same period in 2021. Net income was $53.1 million for fiscal year 2022, up $12.0 million, or up 29.1%, from fiscal year 2021.

Vermont Business Magazine The Board of Directors of the Lake Champlain Chamber (LCC) voted to adopt Mayor Miro Weinberger’s Public Safety Priorities as the Chamber’s policy positions on public safety at their February Board Meeting. The unanimous vote in favor came after the Chamber convened a Public Safety Committee to review how the Chamber could best utilize its advocacy resources to ensure greater public safety in the region.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Creative Network, the Vermont Arts Council, Vermont Humanities, and other creative sector supporters from across the state met with legislators at the Vermont Statehouse on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, as a part of Creative Sector Day at the Statehouse.

Testimony was given in a number of House Committees to demonstrate the power of the arts and culture to transform individual lives, connect people more deeply to each other, energize the economy, and sustain the vibrant cultural landscape that makes Vermont a great place to live and visit.

(L to R): Chantal Raguin and Mary Willems from Generator in Burlington. Generator provided specially made, wood-crafted phone stands.

Increase in adult cannabis use and poor mental health stand out

Vermont Business Magazine Newly released data from the Department of Health show that most Vermont adults report they are in good health. Over the last decade, adults have taken steps to reduce health risks and increase preventive behaviors.

At the same time, disparities highlight the public health challenges Vermont continues to face. Vermont adults also report increased use of cannabis, and the number of adults reporting poor mental health has gradually gone up over the last decade.

The data comes from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an annual survey that tracks adult health-related behaviors, chronic health conditions and use of preventive services. Results from the 2021 survey of 6,580 adults include new data on regular caregiving, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and COVID-19 immunizations.