Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 379 cases of COVID-19 for (211 Monday; Sunday 197; Saturday; 414 Friday). VDH also today reported no additional deaths from the virus. The total death toll is 654 lives lost. Hospitalizations have begun to decrease after a recent surge, even as case counts remain relatively high.
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont officials are working to help families and caregivers impacted by a nationwide infant formula shortage. Vermont families are reporting difficulty finding infant formula in stores as a result of supply chain issues and the recall of certain Abbott Nutrition products in February. Abbott recalled seven different infant products after four babies developed bacterial infections from consuming formula that was produced at a manufacturing plant in Michigan. The facility was subsequently shut down to address the situation. To help Vermonters navigate the shortage and find safe and healthy options for feeding their babies, the Health Department has set up a web page of information, resources and recommendations: healthvermont.gov/formula-shortage.
Vermont Business Magazine This year’s commencement at the University of Vermont—the 221st in its history—will take place on the University Green on Sunday, May 22, marking a return to the university’s traditional celebration after two years of re-imagined ceremonies due to pandemic restrictions. UVM President Suresh Garimella will confer degrees on an estimated 3,332 graduates, including 2,558 bachelors, 515 masters, 131 doctoral and 118 medical degree recipients. Among expected degree recipients are students from 44 states and 122 international students from 27 foreign countries. Approximately 1,057 graduates are from Vermont. The graduating class includes an expected 415 students of color.
Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott, the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) today announced that $6 million in brownfields funding has been committed to the cleanup and redevelopment of 453 Pine Street in Burlington. The current redevelopment proposal, being led by two Burlington entrepreneurs, includes a Nordic-style bathhouse and wellness space, boutique bowling alley and entertainment venue, and open space. Burlington residents and local entrepreneurs Jovial King and Alex Crothers have teamed up on the new project that brings together their decades of experience growing businesses that create economic opportunity and enhance community connection.
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation today announced more than $2.1 million in awards for the 2023 Vermont Better Roads Program to support municipal road projects that improve water quality and result in maintenance cost savings. The grant funds totaling $2,190,100 are provided by AOT in partnership with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and are sourced from federal and state transportation funds and the State’s Clean Water Fund. The Vermont Better Roads Program promotes the use of erosion control and maintenance techniques that save money while protecting and enhancing water quality around the State.
Vermont Business Magazine Burlington Electric Department (BED), a not-for-profit public power utility serving the City of Burlington, today announced to the community that it is proposing a 3.95 percent electricity rate increase during fiscal year 2023 (FY23) that will appear first as a surcharge on customer bills in August 2022. The rate change will be reviewed by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). The increase is well below current inflation rates, and BED’s total rates will remain low compared to the Vermont average. BED’s financials have been bolstered by passage last fall of the $20 million Net Zero Energy Revenue Bond that has become a key source of capital funding, by strong production from BED’s McNeil Generating Station during the high energy price winter of 2021-22, and by the fact that BED’s resources are all renewable.
Vermont Business Magazine Wild Apple Graphics in Woodstock was purchased by local Vermonter Shawn Harned from company founders John & Laurie Chester. Financial terms were not disclosed. Shawn has been an employee at the company since 2018, initially as Director of Sales and then as Chief Operating Officer. Shawn’s professional background in sales and management is exactly what the company needs for continued success. An experienced leader and strategist, his focus on customer growth, new markets, deeper relationships, and empowering the Wild Apple team, will continue to drive Wild Apple to further success.
Vermont Business Magazine Governor Philip B Scott declared May 2022 Physical Fitness and Sports Month in Vermont, encouraging Vermonters to be active this spring. The proclamation was requested by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, a physical activity promotion and advocacy group comprised of volunteers appointed by the Governor and representing a broad spectrum of Vermonters. The proclamation aligns with the national designation of May as Physical Fitness and Sports Month, an effort by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition to raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity.
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Corrections is conducting internal administrative and medical reviews following the death of an incarcerated individual on Monday. David Goldstein, 56, of Barre City, was found in medical distress in his cell at Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF) in Springfield early Monday morning. Vermont DOC staff provided first response medical care and called for medical transport to the hospital. Mr. Goldstein was treated throughout the day. Shortly after 4 pm, Mr. Goldstein’s condition deteriorated and he was pronounced dead by medical staff.
Vermont Business Magazine Lund announced today that Mary Burns will be the agency’s next President and CEO. Burns, an experienced non-profit executive, will join Lund on June 1st. Burns was President and CEO of the Greater Burlington YMCA from 2007 – 2015, a role she worked her way up to over 20 years with the organization, beginning as Office Manager. More recently, Mary held leadership positions in other YMCAs in the Northeast. In one of those roles her focus was philanthropy, in another she led childcare services.
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 211 cases of COVID-19 for Monday (Sunday 197; Saturday; 414 Friday). VDH also today reported two additional deaths from the virus. The total death toll is 654 lives lost. Both people were at least 80 years old. There are 15 reported deaths in May so far. There were 18 deaths in April, which surpassed March's total (17). March saw the fewest COVID deaths since last July. Fatalities and hospitalizations increased the last part of April. According to health officials, nearly all recent deaths have been of the very elderly and/or people with underlying health conditions and "not up to date" on their vaccines, meaning that if eligible to have received a booster.
Rosmarie von Trapp Obituary Stowe, Vermont, lost one of its kindest, most gentle souls on Friday, May 13, 2022. Rosmarie Trapp passed away peacefully at the age of 93 at The Manor in Morrisville; she was in the presence of loved ones all day long. Her kindness, generosity, and colorful spirit were legendary, and she had a positive impact on countless lives. Rosmarie was born on February 8, 1929, in the village of Aigen on the outskirts of Salzburg, Austria. The first child of naval war hero Captain Georg Johannes von Trapp and his wife Maria Augusta (Kutschera) von Trapp, Rosmarie grew up in a large family with seven older half-siblings and two younger siblings.