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.

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.

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.

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.

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.