by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims were little changed last week and are near their lowest levels now since the first week of March. However, there are still about 35,000 Vermonters receiving either regular or pandemic unemployment benefits. Nationally, claims also increased last week.
Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Public Service has announced $3,991,847 in grant awards to Internet Service Providers to serve over 1,651 eligible locations with broadband connections in response to COVID-19. Of those slated to receive service from the grant-funded projects, 804 lack a connection of 4/1 Mbps and 150 were identified as having a telehealth, distance learning, or telework need.
Vermont Business Magazine Wireless carrier T-Mobile brings 5G service to more parts of Vermont as it opens its first two stores in the state. And, the "Un-carrier" partners with Green Mountain Transit to provide Wi-Fi for riders.
T-Mobile announced the openings in a statementThursday,. With two stores serving South Burlington and Essex Junction, "T-Mobile aids in job creation while serving customers. And, the Un-carrier’s free Wi-Fi on public transit helps keep Vermont residents connected at a critical time."
Vermont Business Magazine National Life Group and The Vermont Agency are joining forces to help those who are struggling by hosting a food and necessities drive on the Maple Tree Place green in Williston. Donations will be collected from 1 pm to 3 pm on Saturday, September 26. Specific items needed include nonperishable, unexpired canned food including fruit, vegetables, tuna, beans, soup, pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, applesauce, protein shakes and bars, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.
Vermont Business Magazine While Vermonters have been doing well in keeping up with health protocols, Vermont is lagging in reporting vital information to the Census. The Census shapes the future of our communities — informing how billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed for health clinics, school lunch programs, disaster recovery initiatives, and other critical programs and services for the next 10 years.
Vermont Business Magazine On September 23, 2020 Julie Moore, Chair of the Board of the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) presented the Vermont Lifetime Achievement Award to Roger Allbee of Dummerston for all his contributions to the community, economy, and working landscape of the state. The award was initiated in 2015 to recognize statewide leaders whose long service exemplified dedication, and honorable service to community and to all of rural Vermont.
Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM), together with the Department of Tourism & Marketing (VDTM), announces the launch of the “Virtual Vermont Building”. The virtual site opened to the public on Friday, September 18 and runs through Sunday, October 4.
Vermont Business Magazine As it became clear that it would not be possible to operate a Scouts BSA resident camp safely this summer, Camp Director Clint Buxton, now unemployed, decided to turn a lifelong dream of a Long Trail through-hike into an opportunity to support the organization amid the pandemic. Nearly four weeks and 272 miles later, the 61-year-old Richmond native is stepping off the trail today at Journey’s End having raised $30,000 to help offset a devastating operating shortfall, and inspiring hundreds of people across Vermont by his unexpected journey.
Vermont Business Magazine The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that a federal jury in Rutland today found Shequille Carter, 27, of The Bronx, New York, guilty of possessing with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl and 28 grams or more of cocaine base following a two-day trial. Chief Judge Geoffrey Crawford ordered that Carter, who has been detained since his arrest in January, remain in jail pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled.
Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan today announced that CR Bard, Inc, and its parent company Becton, Dickinson and Company, will pay the State of Vermont $600,000 for misrepresenting the safety and effectiveness of its transvaginal surgical mesh devices. Bard’s devices were used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence in women, often caused by childbirth, age, and other factors. Thousands of women implanted with transvaginal surgical mesh have suffered serious complications resulting from the devices.
Vermont Business Magazine Castleton University and Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region are proud to announce a new partnership with an eye toward enhancing internship and career opportunities and an increased focus on community engagement. Kimberley Rupe, business development and community engagement manager of Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region, will work alongside Castleton's Pathway to Graduation team to engage Castleton students in a diverse range of opportunities, including job experiences, internships, and workplace readiness skill programming.
Vermont Business Magazine Wheels for Warmth, a program that helps keep Vermonters safe on the roads and warm in their homes, announced today it is suspending its 16th annual tire recycle and resale event out of respect for public safety in the face of COVID-19. Program officials have determined the Wheels for Warmth sales where hundreds have congregated in years past to find affordable tires are not possible at this stage of fighting the pandemic.