Vermont Business Magazine FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. There is no current end date for the application period, so you do not have to rush or worry that you will run out of time to register for assistance.
Vermont Business Magazine Twin City Subaru, in partnership with Subaru of New England, Subaru of America, Inc, and Make-A-Wish, surprised a teen Leukemia survivor with a souped-up Subaru on Saturday, May 1. After a battle with acute Leukemia, 17-year-old Julia Chase of Barre, VT, wished for a makeover on her Subaru Legacy through Make-A-Wish Vermont, which grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 31 new cases of COVID-19 and two more deaths since Friday for a statewide total of 248. Over 340,000 Vermonters have received at least one vaccine dose. More COVID-19 vaccine clinics have begun accepting “walk-ins” to get a vaccine without an appointment. As of May 1, when you are outdoors, masks are only required when you’re in a crowd or with multiple households where you can’t keep a 6-foot distance from others. Masks are still required in indoor public spaces. This guidance applies whether you are vaccinated or not.
by Abbey Duke The Vermont Legislature is currently considering whether or not to tax the forgiven loan I received under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that offered my business, Sugarsnap Catering, the relief that kept us afloat over the last horrific year. I was grateful to receive my PPP loan, and as directed, spent much of the loan on payroll in order to have the loan forgiven. Under the guidelines of the loan program, only money that was spent would be qualified for forgiveness. That means the money that I was required to spend is the exact pot of money that the State of Vermont now wants to tax. I no longer have that money sitting in reserve in order to pay what would be in my estimate close to a $10,000 tax.
Vermont Business Magazine The employee-owners of PC Construction have once again prioritized hunger relief in their corporate giving, announcing today that the company will give a total of $60,000 to hunger-fighting organizations in 2021. The company also gave substantially to hunger relief in 2020, as the number of Vermont families struggling with food insecurity increased from 10% to 25% in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. PC committed more than $90,000 to hunger-related causes last year.
by Paul Cillo, Public Assets Institute Nominations are now being accepted for the $15,000 Con Hogan Award for Creative, Entrepreneurial, Community Leadership. Launched in 2015, the annual award is a tribute to Con Hogan’s life’s work and commitment to public service. The goal of the award is to encourage and reward leaders who share Con’s vision of a better Vermont—one that places the highest value on the public good—who seize the responsibility for making that vision real, and who mentor emerging leaders. The cash award may be spent however the selected individual chooses.
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor announced today that Vermont has been awarded a four-year, $21.6 million grant from the US Department of Labor to help Vermonters who develop a potentially disabling health condition remain at or return to work. Vermont is one of five states to receive a second phase federal Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN) demonstration grant, aimed to improve work outcomes for Vermonters with injuries or illnesses. Vermont was one of eight states to receive Phase 1 funding for RETAIN in 2018.
Vermont Business Magazine Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), the region’s premier privately-held discount retail chain with 144 store locations across the Northeast, is currently hiring for all store locations. OSJL has Vermont stores in Bennington, St Johnsbury and Rutland.
Vermont Business Magazine The SBA will begin accepting applications via the application portal noon EDT today, May 3. The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. In preparation, qualifying applicants should familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application. Register for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov.
Vermont Business Magazine Norwich University has named Dr Julia Bernard as it’s first-ever Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, effective July 1st 2021. Bernard now serves as interim chair and associate professor in East Tennessee State University’s Department of Counseling and Human Services. She holds a doctorate in child development and family studies from Purdue University, where she also received a master’s in marriage and family therapy, and her bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott on Friday announced a change in the state’s mask mandate policy. Effective May 1st, when you are outdoors, masks are only required when you are in a crowd or with multiple other households where you can’t maintain a 6-foot distance. This change in guidance reflects changes made by the CDC this week to mask wearing.
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor has become aware of fraudulent communications being sent to Vermonters by text message. The message contains claims about 'improved security features' and asks claimants to 'verify information' through a fraudulent link. If you receive this message, please delete and disregard, as the information is fraudulent. The Department of Labor will never ask you to verify information via text message.