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Secretary of State Jim Condos encourages voters to have a voting plan

Mon, 08/08/2022 - 1:09pm -- tim

Vermont Business Magazine Today Secretary of State Jim Condos encouraged Vermont voters to have a voting plan for the Tuesday, August 9th Statewide Primary Election. Studies have shown that making a specific plan, including determining how and when a voter will get to the polls, makes it much more likely that a person will follow through. All Vermont polls must open by 10am, and must close at 7pm. Voters should check mvp.vermont.gov or directly with their Town or City Clerk to verify their polling place location and opening time.

VEC asking members to conserve electricity today and tomorrow

Mon, 08/08/2022 - 1:00pm -- tim

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is encouraging members to conserve electricity today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday) from 5-10 pm each evening as high temperatures continue to blanket New England. “When VEC can reduce the cost to buy and transmit electricity when there is peak demand across the regional grid, it helps control electricity rates for all co-op members over the long term,” said Jake Brown, VEC Energy Services Planner. 

Gasoline prices continue to fall toward $4 a gallon

Mon, 08/08/2022 - 9:39am -- tim

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont gasoline prices fell another 6 cents last week to an average of $4.41 per gallon today, according to GasBuddy. Prices have fallen 36 cents in the last month but are a $1.34/g higher than one year ago. Prices are falling nationally faster than in Vermont. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 15.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.01/g today.

Give blood or platelets for chance at year’s supply of gas

Mon, 08/08/2022 - 9:22am -- tim

Donors needed now to prevent a seasonal blood shortage

Vermont Business Magazine Did you know about 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood? But, only about 3% does. By making an appointment to help save lives with the American Red Cross in August, donors can pump up the blood supply and keep it from falling to shortage levels. Platelet donors are especially needed now.

August is Agritourism Month in Vermont!

Mon, 08/08/2022 - 3:39am -- tim

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets Vermont is opening up its working farms and businesses to visitors this summer. This comes as Governor Phil Scott declares August as Agritourism Month in Vermont. The combination of these two industries is important to Vermont’s working landscape and the state’s economy. There will be dozens of on-farm activities in every corner of the Green Mountains this summer, giving the public the opportunity to engage in authentic experiences and see how Vermont’s food is grown, raised, and produced.

Sanders statement on passage of the Inflation Reduction Act

Sun, 08/07/2022 - 9:00pm -- tim

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today issued the following statement after the Senate voted 51-50 to pass the Inflation Reduction Act: "This reconciliation bill goes nowhere near far enough in addressing the problems facing struggling working families. But it is a step forward and I was happy to support it."

Leahy hails passage of Inflation Reduction Act

Sun, 08/07/2022 - 5:04pm -- tim

Senator Patrick Leahy “The Senate’s historic vote today represents a stark choice between two divergent views. The first, that we must do all we can to help American families, our seniors, and our economy.  The second, that we should ignore the soaring costs of healthcare – and of particular prescription drugs – and the existential threats of climate change.  The choice could not be clearer, and yet it is mired in partisan politics. Today the Senate advanced a once-in-a-generation bill to meaningfully address the real threats of climate change.  It addresses the exorbitant price of prescription drugs.  And, despite claims to the contrary, it is poised to reduce the deficit.

Results as of Sunday for VermontBiz primaries poll

Sun, 08/07/2022 - 5:02pm -- tim

VermontBiz has released a poll of some of the most competitive primary races. Voting day is this Tuesday, August 9. The races we are closely following include US Senate, Congress, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General. This is not a scientific poll. As of Sunday afternoon, 652 people have responded, with Peter Welch (Democrat) and Christina Nolan (Republican) leading their parties for Senate; Molly Gray leads in the Democratic race for Congress, while Erika Redic leads on the Republican side; Kitty Toll leads the Democrats in the race for Lieutenant Governor and Joe Benning is ahead for the Republicans; for Secretary of State, Chris Winters leads on the Democratic side and H. Brook Paige leads for the Republicans; and for Attorney General, Rory Thibault is ahead for the Democrats and H. Brook Paige again has the most Republican votes.

Addison County Economic Report: Region sees opportunities, with obstacles

Sun, 08/07/2022 - 4:17pm -- tim

by Olga Peters, Vermont Business Magazine According to several economic development specialists, Addison County’s economy is performing well. The county has much to be excited about, such as Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express extended rail service running to Middlebury and Vergennes in July. Top of Fred Kenney’s list is the county’s economic diversity. According to the executive director of the Addison County Economic Development Corp (ACEDC), the county’s economic diversity makes it resilient. The mix of small businesses, manufacturers, nonprofits, and institutions such as Middlebury College means that the county isn’t reliant on a single industry. Yet, a shortage of workers, affordable housing, and quality childcare remain the preverbal stone in the economy’s shoe.

Increasing housing one partnership at a time

Sun, 08/07/2022 - 4:16pm -- tim

by Olga Peters, Vermont Business Magazine If sticky wickets had legs, housing, workforce, and childcare would be the three legs of Vermont’s very sticky economic wicket. It could be argued that of these three interconnected issues, increasing the amount of housing is a top priority. It will be hard to fill open jobs or expand childcare if people have nowhere affordable to live.

Four + Four = economic strategy

Sun, 08/07/2022 - 4:15pm -- tim

by Olga Peters, Vermont Business Magazine Economic and planning specialists in Addison, Chittenden, Central Vermont (Washington and three communities in Orange County), and Rutland, with assistance from the state Agency of Commerce and Community Development, have partnered to develop a regional economic development strategy.

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