Vermont’s business and community landscape is abuzz with activity, showcasing a vibrant blend of innovation, leadership transitions, and dedicated service across various sectors. From advancements in local media to critical support for the agricultural and health industries, and acknowledgments in academic excellence, the state demonstrates a proactive approach to growth and community well-being.
Okemo Valley TV, a non-profit organization, is celebrating a significant refresh, marked by an improved facility, new leadership, and a revamped membership drive. The station, which recently reopened its doors to the public with an open house and annual meeting, saw over 50 attendees gather to witness these transformations. A notable transition in leadership occurred as longtime Executive Director Patrick Cody handed over the reins to B.J. Finnell. This event also inaugurated the station’s summer membership drive, featuring the introduction of the WLUD Founder’s Club, a $25 add-on specifically designed to support the upcoming community radio station. Additionally, Okemo Valley TV honored its dedicated volunteers with annual producer awards, recognizing individuals for their high-value programming and service to the community. Pat Moore was named Producer of the Year, Julia McGuire and Connor Southworth received the Youth Producer Award, Shawn Kershaw earned the Community Impact Award, Jillian Getman and John Bannon were recognized with the Debut Award, and Phill Gatenby received the Outstanding Achievement award. The station’s board of directors also saw new additions with the election of Ludlow residents Melissa Phipps and Nick Arduini, while Michelle Stinson was reelected for another term, and Shrewsbury resident Carmine Iannace was appointed for an additional year.
The agricultural sector in Vermont is navigating challenges following the closure of Finch Paper’s pulp mill, a situation that has prompted the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation to compile crucial resources. These resources, accessible on their website, aim to assist businesses with financing options, business advising, alternate market opportunities, and mental health support, ensuring the resilience of the forest products industry. In a positive development, the Working Lands Grant program has been instrumental in the establishment of SS Forestry Solutions, a first-generation logging business founded by 35-year-old Sam Shook. This grant enabled Shook to acquire and rehabilitate a 1994 Valmet 546 forwarder, accelerating the launch of his logging operations and supporting sustainable forestry practices. Furthermore, the Vermont Dairy Promotion Council is actively soliciting proposals for projects in calendar year 2027, with approximately $2 million available to fund initiatives that support marketing, market development, education, outreach, and consumer-facing activities for Vermont dairy farmers and products. The deadline for all bids is September 4. Farmers and their families also have access to Farm First, a free and confidential service offering support for personal and work-related stressors, connecting them with resources to manage the inherent uncertainties of farming.
In the realm of public health, the American Lung Association Research Institute has initiated its 2027-28 Research Awards and Grants cycle, inviting researchers across various disciplines and career stages to apply. These awards, which range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year for up to three years, fund investigations aimed at reducing the burden of lung disease, covering areas such as Indoor Air Research, Lung Cancer Discovery, Emerging Respiratory Pathogens, and Allergic Respiratory Diseases. Application materials are available through proposalcentral.com, with awardees expected to be notified in June 2027.
Legal and construction industries also see significant movements. Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC announced that two of its attorneys, Gina Puls and Elizabeth Frye, have been appointed to leadership roles within the Chittenden County Bar Association, with Puls becoming president and Frye joining as a board member. Puls, Of Counsel in DRM’s Litigation Group, joined the firm in 2023, bringing experience from the Vermont Office of the Defender General and prior litigation practice in Boston. Frye, an associate in the Litigation Group, joined in 2025 after a clerkship at the Vermont Supreme Court. The Associated General Contractors of Vermont (AGC/VT) expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts with various environmental and housing organizations to balance urgent housing needs with wetland protection. This collaboration has yielded promising commitments, including improved wetland mapping, a professional certification program for wetland consultants, and streamlined permitting assistance for housing projects, which are expected to benefit small contractors and family-run construction businesses.
Community initiatives continue to thrive with the Barre Partnership, American Legion Squadron #10, and Barre Elks #1535 jointly organizing the 12th annual Granite City 5K Run/Walk for Veterans on November 7. Proceeds will benefit various veteran-focused organizations and contribute to establishing a veteran-designed recreation wellness space in Barre. Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, from $100 to $2,500.
Vermont’s burgeoning film industry also received a boost with Film in Vermont and the Vermont Production Collective announcing seven grant recipients for the inaugural Vermont Film Production Economic Impact Pilot Program. Supported by a $50,000 grant pool from the Vermont Community Foundation Koopman Fund, this program aims to provide financial backing to local film projects while measuring their economic footprint. The selected projects span various genres, from narrative features and short films to documentaries, and are expected to stimulate the state’s creative economy by hiring local talent and supporting small businesses. These projects include "I Am My Domain," "Yo Holland," "Remember Me," "A Beer Drinkers Guide to the North Country," "Valley Transit," "The Arrest Machine," and "Buckle."
In healthcare, Gifford Health Care appointed Dr. Courtney Riley as its next chief medical officer. A board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Riley has been with Gifford since 2016 and will now provide physician leadership, collaborating with clinical teams, administration, and the board. Her pediatric team previously received national recognition for increasing HPV vaccination rates. Meanwhile, the 35th annual UVM Health-Golisano Children’s Hospital Golf Classic successfully raised nearly $171,000, continuing its vital support for children’s and families’ healthcare services across Vermont and northern New York. This event, which brought together 44 teams and over 100 golfers, has cumulatively raised nearly $3.5 million over its lifetime, significantly aided by annual support from participants and corporate sponsors like Farrington Construction.
Financial institutions are also seeing internal advancements. The Bank of Bennington announced the promotion of Walter Callahan to Vice President of Information Technology & Facilities, recognizing his instrumental role in bolstering the bank’s technology systems and ensuring secure, reliable operations for both customers and employees since joining in 1999. In a significant philanthropic effort, Vermont Smoke & Cure donated over $250,000 worth of high-protein meat sticks to 15 nonprofit organizations across the Northeast, providing shelf-stable, protein-rich snacks to individuals and families in need across multiple states. Union Mutual also welcomed Kyle Booth as marketing representative for its Vermont territory, where he will leverage his experience as a property insurance adjuster, a role he has held with the company for the past three years. A central Vermont native, Booth is also deeply involved in youth basketball as a coach.
Leadership in state government was recognized as Jessica Hartleben, Executive Director of the Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC), was selected for the Council of State Governments Eastern Leadership Academy. This prestigious program, which annually selects 30 state leaders, aims to foster excellence and effectiveness in state government and promote regional cooperation. Hartleben, appointed by Governor Phil Scott in 2024, oversees VEPC’s role in approving and supervising various economic development programs.
Finally, the University of Vermont continues to achieve academic excellence. Its Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA) program has been ranked as the No. 2 Best Green MBA in the nation by The Princeton Review for 2027, maintaining this high position for a second consecutive year. This ranking also distinguishes SI-MBA as the highest-ranked AACSB-accredited Green MBA program nationally. The Princeton Review commended the program for its comprehensive integration of sustainability throughout its curriculum and its focus on fostering thought leaders in disruptive innovation, highlighting a holistic perspective on social business. UVM’s Grossman School of Business was also acknowledged among The Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools for 2027, underscoring the university’s commitment to cutting-edge education. The ongoing developments across these diverse sectors illustrate Vermont’s dynamic environment and its dedication to progress, community involvement, and sustainable practices. The collective efforts of individuals, organizations, and governmental bodies are continuously shaping a thriving future for the state, reflecting a spirit of collaboration and forward-thinking leadership that merits wider recognition and engagement, even beyond typical Google News feeds.
