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Vermont approved to welcome 100 Afghan refugees

Thu, 09/16/2021 - 4:42pm -- tim

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) was approved this week by the US Department of State to welcome up to 100 Afghans in Vermont in the weeks ahead. An exact timeline of arrivals has not yet been established. USCRI is a national nonprofit resettlement agency that assists people who have migrated to the US to help them live safe and dignified lives. USCRI’s Vermont Office, Governor Scott, the State Refugee Office at the Vermont Agency of Human Services and other refugee programs have been pursuing opportunities to welcome refugees over the last several weeks.

Newport prison reports zero COVID cases

Thu, 09/16/2021 - 4:41pm -- tim

Vermont Business Magazine Northern State Correctional Facility (NSCF) in Newport is now in standard modified operations, the Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) announced Thursday. This status change comes after three consecutive rounds of outbreak testing revealed zero new COVID cases among staff or incarcerated individuals. The outbreak began after two staff members tested positive for the virus August 18 and 21 after presenting with symptoms. As part of outbreak protocol, the facility was put on full lockdown.

​Tourism and economic recovery marketing grants available

Thu, 09/16/2021 - 4:25pm -- tim

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) has announced the launch of the Tourism and Economic Recovery Marketing Grant Program. The Tourism and Economic Recovery Marketing Grants are funded through a $600,000 appropriation by the Vermont Legislature to provide grants to organizations in support of efforts and activities related to regional tourism marketing to aid recovery from COVID-19.

VDH reports historic 314 new COVID cases, but results may include vendor IT 'glitch'

Thu, 09/16/2021 - 2:45pm -- tim

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 314 new cases of COVID-19. While this is technically the largest single day report, as VDH communicated yesterday, they had an outside vendor IT glitch that delayed the delivery of previous test results. At this time, VDH believes the issue has been resolved. They are therefore investigating whether or not the IT glitch and subsequent fix may have impacted today's case count, as well as previous days' case counts. The VDH is also reporting today two more deaths, which now stand at 294 statewide.

Welch committees pass critical initiatives in $3.5 trillion package

Thu, 09/16/2021 - 2:16pm -- tim

​Vermont Business Magazine Representative Peter Welch’s legislative committees, House Energy and Commerce and Oversight and Reform, marked up and passed over the past week core elements of the $3.5 trillion Budget Reconciliation package. The legislation, the Build Back Better Act, included transformational provisions championed by Welch (D-Vermont) that will address the climate crisis, lower health care costs, expand access to affordable health care, and increase broadband connectivity.

UVM releases Vermont Economic Development Roundtables Report

Thu, 09/16/2021 - 2:04pm -- tim

Vermont Business Magazine At a time when Vermonters are surveying the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 crisis, UVM’s Office of Engagement and Center for Rural Studies have released the Vermont Economic Development Roundtables Report Amplifying Vermont’s Economic Resilience. The report identifies current and future challenges to the Vermont economy, and makes recommendations to ensure a strong and sustained recovery. Workforce pay and availability is a constant theme. And in every roundtable, the issue of race, equity, inclusion, and belonging arose as a key element of community economic development in Vermont. 

State offers $25 million in new funding for clean up and redeveloping brownfields sites

Thu, 09/16/2021 - 1:18pm -- tim

State and Project Leaders Detail Forward Progress and Impact of this Historic Funding

Vermont Business Magazine At a press conference Thursday in Springfield, Governor Phil Scott joined state, local and federal officials to detail $25 million in new state funding to clean up brownfield sites. This investment represents a significant milestone, marking the first-time state dollars have been allocated to brownfield sites. Historically, this work has been funded exclusively by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Working Lands Enterprise Board releases request for applications

Thu, 09/16/2021 - 1:11pm -- tim
 

Business and Producer Association Grants Request For Applications

Vermont Business Magazine The Working Lands Enterprise Board (WLEB) is releasing 3 request for applications that allow Vermont working lands businesses and producer associations to invest in projects focused on infrastructure, marketing and sales development, meat slaughter and processing, and building workforce development skills.
 

Amy Spear: ​Feel fall in Vermont

Thu, 09/16/2021 - 11:45am -- tim

​by Vermont Chamber Vice President of Tourism Amy Spear Have you ever picked crisp apples fresh from an orchard, been surrounded by bright red and orange mountains, or hiked through a towering corn maze? In Vermont, you can do all that and more on an ordinary fall day. This year, visitors can enjoy the season in a distinctly Vermont way – with activities and attractions that draw in people from around the globe.

Vermont Research News: Vaccine hesitancy, male masking, safest place to have a baby

Thu, 09/16/2021 - 9:48am -- tim

Vermont Business Magazine Vaccine campaigns based on moral messaging or myth-busting aren’t more effective at improving parents’ attitudes toward vaccines and their kids than standard public health messages, according to a recent study using Vermont data. Throughout the pandemic, the state of Vermont has been one of the safest places. Still, not everyone opts to wear a mask. And Vermont is among the top-five best states to have a child in.

Statement from the Joint Committee on Police Transformation and Mayor Weinberger

Thu, 09/16/2021 - 9:16am -- tim

Vermont Business Magazine Under the leadership of Director Tyeastia Green, we reviewed the draft report over the last few days, and met yesterday with the CNA consultants to ask clarifying questions... We caution that this document is still a draft, and that there may be important clarifications to the final document. We note that the draft report’s recommendation for 76 to 83 “require(d)” officers does not equate to an “authorized cap.” 

Ethan Tapper: Bugs in the woods

Thu, 09/16/2021 - 6:28am -- tim

by Ethan Tapper Forests are complex, intricate and nuanced, and also massive, expansive and interconnected. To be responsible forest stewards we need to both zoom-out to understand our role in a giant landscape, and zoom-in to recognize the tiny pieces and parts that make forests work. We must (somehow) hold both of these realities in focus as we take care of our forests.

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