Vermont Business Magazine From the Cedar Creek Room of the Vermont State House, Attorney General Charity Clark today announced the release of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission’s annual report, including statistics, trends, and recommendations. The Commission, housed within the Attorney General’s Office, found that in 2021, five of Vermont’s 12 homicides were related to domestic violence. Included in the Commission’s report are key recommendations for addressing the ongoing issues of domestic and intimate partner violence in Vermont, including calling on the Legislature to amend Vermont’s laws to increase transparency about officer misconduct involving domestic and sexual violence and allow for disciplinary action in instances involving Relief From Abuse Orders. The recommendations also include amending the law to allow prosecutorial discretion in instances of the most serious intimate partner violence cases committed by youth. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health, in partnership with the Vermont Community Foundation, has awarded grants totaling $4.8 million to 30 local organizations in 11 counties to support efforts to address COVID-19 disparities and advance health equity in their communities. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the grants are designed to bolster organizational capacity to focus on the needs of populations who have experienced socioeconomic disadvantage, historical injustice, racism, and other systemic inequities. 

Vermont Business Magazine Citizens announced today that the national Citizens Business Conditions Index (CBCI) dropped to 48.5 in the fourth quarter, ending a streak of eight consecutive quarters in growth mode above 50 and reflecting cooling sentiment as rate hikes from the Federal Reserve have their intended effect. The Vermont business index dropped 8% from last quarter, and 17.9% year-to-year (49.17). Vermont's decrease was less than the national average for the quarter but greater year-over-year. While business activity moderated, underlying components of the index were mixed, showing some areas of strength in the period. Consumers spent more on services as they shifted away from large-goods purchases, which tend to be more connected to financing costs.

Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Miro Weinberger, leaders from Burlington Electric Department (BED) and Department of Permitting and Inspections (DPI), Hula developer Russ Scully, Burlington High School (BHS) students, and environmental partners today promoted ambitious, new climate policies that will help the City of Burlington pursue its bold Net Zero Energy goal. Specifically, they discussed policies outlined by BED and DPI in December, 2022 that proposed requiring new construction to be fully renewable, and for large existing buildings and City buildings to use renewable heating and water heating systems when replacing older systems, starting in 2024. For buildings unable to meet the requirements, a carbon pollution impact fee would be applied. This proposed fee is subject to approval by Burlington voters on Town Meeting Day, March 7, 2023.

Vermont Business Magazine We may be just a few weeks into 2023, but Ben & Jerry's is already giving its fans a reason to break their New Year resolutions and indulge with a duo of delicious ice cream innovations. The Vermont-based dessert maker announced it is adding two more flavors, Bossin' Cream Pie and Raspberry Cheesecake, to their fan favorite collection of Topped offerings. These flavor-packed pints, complete with decadent top layers of chocolatey ganache, have dazzled fans since launching in 2021.