AGP Executive Report

Local Enterprise: Rabbit Rabbit, a breakfast restaurant, is preparing to open in the Rutland airport lounge with help from a small technology grant from the Chamber of Economic Development of the Rutland Region. Talent and Education: Vermont colleges enrolled 1,279 international students in 2024–25, contributing an estimated $57.6 million to the state economy and supporting 336 jobs. Meanwhile, some Vermont high schools report international enrollment down by about half amid federal policy changes. Business Growth: VermontBiz and TD Bank will recognize the state’s 25 fastest-growing companies at the VermontBiz2Biz Expo on Oct. 15. Clean Energy: Dandelion Energy and Vermont Gas have launched a geothermal partnership, adding to Vermont’s push to expand lower-carbon heating.

Education Exports: Vermont’s 1,279 international college students generated an estimated $57.6 million for the state economy and supported 336 jobs in 2024–25. A commentary argues the state should make it easier for graduates to stay, as some Vermont high schools report international enrollment down by about half amid federal policy changes. Clean Energy: Dandelion Energy and Vermont Gas have launched a geothermal partnership, expanding options for heating and cooling in Vermont. Rising Costs: School districts are grappling with higher diesel bills, while Gov. Phil Scott says he’ll meet with lawmakers about fuel aid. Tech and Taxes: Sen. Peter Welch is pressing the IRS to ensure technology companies don’t use research tax credits to subsidize AI data center construction.

Tech and Taxes: Sen. Peter Welch is pressing the IRS to ensure Big Tech firms aren’t using research tax credits to subsidize AI data centers, citing reports that Meta cut its 2025 tax bill by nearly $4 billion through the credit. Rising Costs: Vermont school districts face higher diesel bills; Champlain Valley expects to spend $200,000 over budget if prices hold, while its monthly fuel costs are up 60% from last year. Rural Connectivity: State road tests found broad gaps in cell service across Lamoille County, including areas near Wolcott, Elmore, Eden and Belvidere. Education Costs: Champlain College will match first-year tuition and fees for Vermont students to UVM’s 2027-28 in-state rate and cap eligible out-of-state students’ costs at $30,000. Rural Health: Vermont’s first-year federal rural health transformation award is $195 million, as lawmakers debate whether the state should keep the funds for providers facing rising costs.

Vermont Business Growth: VermontBiz and TD Bank will recognize the state’s 25 fastest-growing companies at the Oct. 15 VermontBiz2Biz Expo in South Burlington, using revenue data to track growth over five years. Local Investment: Magic Mann says its BTV Local & Indigenous Fund has distributed more than $175,000 to community causes, including over $75,000 for Indigenous communities and initiatives. Affordable Housing: Construction is underway on 30 permanently affordable Burlington condos, expected to cost $175,000 to $210,000 each. Rising Costs: Champlain Valley School District expects diesel costs to exceed its budget by $200,000 if prices stay high; monthly spending is up 60% from last year. Rural Services: Vermont’s first-year federal rural health award is $195 million, as lawmakers debate whether to keep the funds for providers facing rising costs.

Semiconductors: GlobalFoundries signed a $2 billion, five-year deal with TSMC to make silicon interposers at its Malta, New York, factory—the first U.S. supply for TSMC’s advanced chip-packaging network. Production is expected to ramp in 2028, a significant regional development for the semiconductor industry. Housing: Construction has begun on 30 permanently affordable condos in Burlington’s New North End, with expected prices of $175,000 to $210,000. Workforce: A Vermont Works for Women event brought 450 high school girls to try trade careers; the group says 60% of the state’s highest-paying, in-demand jobs don’t require a college degree. Business Growth: VermontBiz and TD Bank will recognize the state’s 25 fastest-growing companies at the Oct. 15 VermontBiz2Biz Expo, using revenue data gathered for the publication’s annual Vermont 100+ list.

Manufacturing: Morrisville-based Manufacturing Solutions marked its 30th anniversary by bringing Vermont business, government and economic-development leaders together to discuss company growth, workforce needs and cross-border opportunities. Fast-Growing Companies: VermontBiz and TD Bank will recognize the state’s 25 fastest-growing companies at the Oct. 15 VermontBiz2Biz Expo, based on revenue data. Business for Sale: Peru’s JJ Hapgood, a longtime restaurant and gathering place, is seeking a new owner; the current owners say talks are underway, but no deal has been signed. Tourism: The Vermont Lodging Association is seeking sponsors for its Nov. 17 conference, which will focus on workforce, marketing, technology and the future of the industry. Geothermal: Vermont Gas and Dandelion Energy have announced a partnership to develop geothermal systems for affordable housing.

Rutland’s Growth Plans: The city has assembled a tax-increment financing district, a redevelopment authority and a private-investment fund, with a downtown hotel project underway. A free public forum on Oct. 15 will discuss how to build on those tools. Manufacturing: Morrisville-based Manufacturing Solutions marked 30 years with a gathering of manufacturers, state officials and economic-development leaders focused on business growth, workforce needs and cross-border opportunities. Energy & Housing: Vermont Gas and Dandelion Energy are moving ahead with a geothermal partnership to serve affordable housing, bringing new investment and heating options to the state. Tourism: The Lodge at Spruce Peak was named New England’s No. 3 U.S. resort in Condé Nast Traveler’s readers’ awards, while the Vermont Lodging Association is seeking sponsors for its November conference. Cost Pressures: Rising diesel prices could push Champlain Valley School District $200,000 over budget, adding to operating-cost strains across Vermont institutions.

Solar Expansion: Vermont-based AllEarth Renewables has partnered with Massachusetts installer Portside Renewables to offer its dual-axis solar trackers to homes, farms and businesses, extending the reach of the company’s locally made technology. Geothermal Housing: Vermont Gas and Dandelion Energy are bringing geothermal heating and cooling to Hinesburg’s Riggs Meadow, a planned 44-unit affordable housing development. Vermont Gas will cover the upfront cost of ground loops. Manufacturing: Morrisville-based Manufacturing Solutions marked its 30th anniversary by convening manufacturers, business leaders and state officials to discuss growth, workforce needs and collaboration. Workforce: Vermont’s broadband technician program graduated its largest class as federally funded construction ramps up to finish the state’s broadband buildout. EV Market: Electric vehicles made up 5.55% of new Vermont vehicle sales in the second quarter, up from the first quarter but below a year earlier; the state ranked 24th nationally in market share.

Energy Costs: Gov. Phil Scott plans to meet lawmakers about fuel aid as heating costs strain household budgets; he says existing assistance may not be enough. Taxes and Affordability: Vermont’s governor’s race is also a debate over taxes: Amanda Janoo proposes higher levies on wealthy residents, some second homes and large tech firms, while Scott favors tax cuts or credits. Business and Workforce: Morrisville manufacturer MSI marked its 30th anniversary by convening business and economic-development leaders. Meanwhile, the Vermont Community Broadband Board graduated its largest class of broadband technicians as the state’s federally funded buildout accelerates. Markets and Tourism: Electric vehicles made up 5.55% of Vermont’s new light-duty vehicle sales in the second quarter, up from 4.76% in the first quarter but below last year’s 8.85%. The Lodge at Spruce Peak was named New England’s No. 3 U.S. resort in Condé Nast Traveler’s readers’ awards.

Community Investment: The Northeast Kingdom Fund awarded $117,500 to 27 community-led projects, chosen from more than 50 applications and spanning economic equity, climate, health and civic engagement. Downtown Revitalization: Montpelier Alive was named a semifinalist for the 2027 Great American Main Street Award, recognizing its work to strengthen the city’s commercial district. Clean Energy: GlobalFoundries brought a solar array and battery storage online in Essex Junction; a Vermont gas utility is also funding geothermal loops for affordable housing. Housing: Putney is adding 25 permanently affordable apartments. Auto Market: Electric vehicles made up 5.55% of Vermont’s new light-duty vehicle sales in Q2, up from the previous quarter but below the year-earlier share. Trade: A Vermont cheesemaker says the U.S.-Canada trade dispute is hurting businesses in the border state.

Housing & Homelessness: Putney celebrated a new 25-unit “permanently affordable” complex with on-site supports for residents, while Brattleboro opened Hope’s House, a $6.2 million shelter with no set end date and a substance-free model built around case management. Healthcare & Labor: UVM Medical Center’s unions reached tentative two-year contract deals after months of cost-cutting and layoffs, with ratification votes set to open Wednesday. Energy & Cost Pressures: Vermont households face winter sticker shock as heating-oil prices climb with diesel-linked disruptions, and Vermont’s EV market shows modest growth alongside a still-tight public charging ratio. Business & Workforce: CCV says headcount is up 6% and is launching a statewide LNA Training Hub to address a nursing pipeline gap. Public Safety & Local Governance: East Montpelier’s fire department faces a looming EMS contract fight with Plainfield and a third-party audit that could reshape budgets and staffing decisions. Sustainability & Agriculture: NRCS Vermont and partners host a bedded pack manure management workshop for livestock producers. Tech & Privacy: Federal lawmakers push competing bills to rein in Flock-style license plate cameras amid privacy backlash.

Energy & Industry: GlobalFoundries has brought about 6MW of new solar and a 16MW/52MWh battery storage system online at its Essex Junction campus, aiming to boost resilience and manage costs while keeping tight control of factory power demand. EV Market Watch: A new Get Connected report finds Vermont’s EV market share at 5.55% in Q2 2026 (584 EVs sold), with 1,411 public charging outlets—about 14 EVs per port—highlighting a slower buildout than the national pace. Healthcare & Policy: Vermont joined a multistate push asking a federal court to approve a $400 million settlement tied to alleged generic drug price-fixing and competition-limiting conduct by Sandoz and Fougera. Health Systems & Access: Trilliant Health reports primary care is projected to be about 20% short by 2038, as payment and site-of-service incentives continue to steer patients toward higher-cost settings. Local Business & Community: Rock Point School’s Ooky Spooky 5K on Oct. 24 in Burlington will raise funds for COTS, supporting people experiencing homelessness. Workforce & Campaigns: Ashley Bartley is running for the Chittenden-North state Senate seat, pitching herself as a “working Vermonter” focused on housing and costs.

Energy & Costs: GlobalFoundries flipped the switch on a massive on-site solar array plus a 16-megawatt battery storage system in Essex Junction, aiming to cut peak demand and lower power costs for the semiconductor maker and Vermont ratepayers. Cybersecurity: A cyber extortion group identified as “Kairos” says it’s behind the Sept. 3 ransomware attack on the Slate Valley Unified Union School District, warning it may leak data on more than 1,500 employees. Healthcare Funding: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support Adult Home Healthcare, as Medicare reimbursement pressures squeeze home-care services. Local Business & Community: Float Away Wellness Spa announced a partnership with UVM Athletics, bringing floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to student-athletes as a recovery and mental performance tool. Public Health & Safety: Rutland Regional Medical Center will host a community open house Oct. 10 for the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system. Agriculture & Land Use: The Thetford Trails Team completed the purchase of a 93-acre parcel at Union Village Dam to expand consistent, community-owned trail stewardship. Food & Trade: A Vermont cheesemaker says the Canada-U.S. tariff fight is drying up sales tied to Canadian buyers. Politics & Policy Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in Suncor v. Boulder, a climate-damages case that could reshape how cities and states pursue lawsuits against fossil fuel companies.

UVM Athletics Partnership: Float Away Wellness Spa says it’s now partnering with UVM Athletics, bringing floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to Catamount student-athletes—its first such float program for UVM players. Health Care Philanthropy: VAHHS held a service project at Jay Peak Resort that stocked North Country Career Center’s personal care closet and community fridge, with students sorting supplies for peers in need. Local Grants: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support Adult Home Healthcare, which serves more than 1,700 Central Vermonters annually amid Medicare reimbursement pressure. Veterans & Cannabis Wellness: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition program added Operation Green Healing as its exclusive nonprofit partner for veterans and military families. Food & Safety: Stewart’s Shops recalled certain ice cream flavors in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire after a metal object was found in a carton; no illnesses reported. EV Charging: West River Coffee Barn in Londonderry installed a new dual-port Level 2 charger, funded through a Charge Vermont workplace grant. Agriculture & Training: NRCS Vermont and the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District will host a free bedded pack manure management workshop Oct. 29 at Bartlett Family Farm.

Climate & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a major climate case on whether state and local governments can sue big oil for damages, with private contingency-fee lawyers playing a central role and potentially huge fee stakes. Energy Costs: Heating oil prices are projected to jump 50% this winter, adding nearly $900 to the average household bill and hitting the roughly 4.8 million U.S. households that rely on oil hardest. Vermont Politics & Affordability: NBC5’s Vermont/North Country preview spotlights November races where voters are focused on affordability, housing, health care, taxes and energy costs, including Vermont’s governor race between Phil Scott and Amanda Janoo. State Government Moves: Gov. Phil Scott announced new administration appointments, including Nick Kramer as deputy commissioner of the Department of Human Resources and Shabnam Nolan as deputy secretary of the Agency of Human Services. Local Business & Workforce: BDCC’s Pipelines and Pathways Reality Fair returns as a hands-on financial literacy event for Windham County students, pairing career “paychecks” with budgeting lessons. Health & Community Grants: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support its Adult Home Healthcare program.

Energy Costs & Affordability: Heating oil prices are nearing all-time highs, with estimates projecting a 50% jump this winter—adding roughly $900 to the average household bill—raising fears of “sticker shock” for Northeast families. Housing & Development: Vermont is weighing how to address housing shortages, including calls for fewer small towns and more taller buildings, while a separate national trend highlights how states are pushing to convert closed colleges into housing. Public Safety & Privacy: A federal judge ruled warrantless searches of Flock license-plate data violated the Fourth Amendment, suppressing drug evidence after police used the system to track a driver’s movements across states. Local Business & Community: UVM Athletics is partnering with Float Away Wellness Spa to bring floatation therapy to student-athletes, and NorthCountry Federal Credit Union awarded Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice a $7,200 grant to support adult home healthcare. Agriculture & Resilience: A Dartmouth study suggests Northeast droughts are becoming less frequent and less intense, but Vermont farmers are still feeling the hit—nearly $16 million in drought-related losses last year. Tourism: Leaf-peeping demand remains strong, with Stowe reporting peak fall-color crowds that keep local businesses busy.