AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Access & Rural Costs: Copley Hospital is opening the Copley Express Lab in Morrisville on Aug. 3, aiming to keep Lamoille County testing local and priced competitively after decisions that would have routed services out of state. State Fiscal Pressure: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation will host an “Over the Horizon” CEO Roundtable July 7 on Vermont’s revenue pressures, macro risks, and regional strategy, featuring Treasurer Mike Pieciak. Hospital Budget Crunch: Vermont hospitals are submitting next-year budgets to the Green Mountain Care Board, with deficits expected to be significant—especially for UVMMC, which faces major cuts. Antitrust & Groceries: The DOJ and 17 state AGs say major egg producers manipulated egg price benchmarks, with settlements totaling $3.3 million and millions of donated eggs. Workforce Health Benefits: UVM Health says it will stop covering some weight-loss medications for employees starting in September, projecting $19 million in annual savings. Vermont Politics: Two Democratic governor candidates—Aly Richards and Amanda Janoo—reported large fundraising hauls ahead of the July 1 deadline. Public Safety & Infrastructure: BAE Systems delivered 19 cold-weather all-terrain vehicles to the U.S. military, including the Vermont National Guard’s Army Mountain Warfare School.

Healthcare Costs & Access: UVM Health says it will stop covering some GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for employees starting in September, aiming to save $19 million annually and shift costs to individuals. Local Health Services: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is moving toward closing obstetric services within 6–9 months unless a sustainable funding path is found with the state. Energy & Industry: Waterbury’s Kore Power was bought by Texas solar firm T1, while NOMAD Transportable Power Systems is going public and rebranding as Nomad Power Solutions as demand for power surges. Business & Growth: Copley Hospital will open a dedicated Copley Express Lab in Morrisville on Aug. 3 to keep testing local at a competitive price. Politics & Vermont Economy: UNH polling shows Gov. Phil Scott’s approval slipping to a four-year low, while Democratic governor candidates Aly Richards and Amanda Janoo report large fundraising hauls ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. Workplace Rules: A Vermont HR-focused explainer breaks down when non-competition agreements are enforceable and what’s changing. Food & Law: The DOJ and 17 state AGs sued egg companies over alleged price manipulation, with settlements including cash and egg donations.

Vermont Fiscal Watch: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation will host a July 7 CEO Roundtable, “Over the Horizon,” bringing in Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak to brief business and nonprofit leaders on state revenue pressures and what it means for employers and towns. Brownfields & Redevelopment: Vermont is set to receive $5.8 million for five brownfield cleanup projects, plus $1 million for revolving loan fund programs—aimed at unlocking sites for housing, businesses, and recreation. Health Care Business: Age Well earned NCQA case management accreditation, extending through 2029, highlighting its support services for older Vermonters. Education & Workforce: Bellows Free Academy teacher Chris Moore was selected for C-SPAN’s Teacher Fellowship, expanding free classroom resources. Food & Antitrust: DOJ and 17 states reached a $3.3 million settlement with major egg producers, including Vermont-linked parties, requiring compliance steps and 53 million eggs donated to food banks. Public Safety & Climate: Vermont tick activity is running high, with officials calling it a “new normal” as heat and climate shift conditions. Energy & Cooling: Vermont’s extreme heat is pushing businesses and residents to adjust—plus Burlington Electric issued a “Defeat the Peak” alert.

Regional Strategy & Fiscal Pressure: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation will host an “Over the Horizon” CEO Roundtable July 7 at the SIT International Center, bringing together business, nonprofit and municipal leaders to unpack Vermont’s revenue pressures and macro risks, with Treasurer Mike Pieciak and policy expert Andrew Brewer among the speakers. Health Care Quality: Age Well earned NCQA Case Management Accreditation (effective June 1, 2026 through June 1, 2029), highlighting its care coordination for older Vermonters. Workforce & Power Reliability: Burlington Electric and IBEW Local 300 signed a new three-year union contract, extending the partnership through June 30, 2026. Food Assistance & Policy: SNAP enrollment is down in Vermont as advocates point to new work requirements as a major driver of the steepest decline in decades. Antitrust & Groceries: DOJ and 17 states reached a $3.3 million settlement with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing, with 53 million eggs headed to food banks nationwide, including Vermont. Extreme Heat Costs: Burlington Electric issued a “Defeat the Peak” alert, urging residents to cut electricity use during evening peak hours.

Antitrust & Food Prices: The DOJ and 17 states reached a settlement with major egg producers Cal-Maine Foods, Versova/Centrum and Hickman’s Egg Ranch over alleged price-fixing, requiring $3.3 million in payments and 53 million donated eggs nationwide, with Vermont named among participating states. Local Business & Health Care: Age Well (Vermont Business Magazine) earned NCQA case management accreditation, extending through 2029, highlighting quality and care coordination for older Vermonters. Energy & Grid Reliability: Vermont’s seven petroleum-based power plants remain on standby for extreme demand, raising questions about cost and fossil-fuel backup as heat and cold stress the grid. Municipal Finance: Chester’s auditor told selectboard members the town’s tax level is “artificially low,” urging stronger reserves to avoid borrowing and stabilize cash flow. Public Safety & Courts: A Vermont prosecutor’s dog, Moose, is tied to multiple biting incidents and legal disputes, drawing criticism that enforcement has been inconsistent. Infrastructure: Burlington’s Champlain Parkway officially opened, a decades-long project connecting the city to I-189 with new lanes and paths. Workforce Development: VMEC and River Valley Technical Center announced an open house and CNC/advanced manufacturing boot camp aimed at filling local job pipelines. Consumer Protection (New Laws): Vermont’s July 1 changes include tighter rules on concert ticket resale and limits on cannabis purchases. Corporate Moves: Casella Waste Systems announced executive leadership appointments, including a new EVP/COO role.

Antitrust & Food Prices: Vermont is set to receive 915,000 eggs and $56,000 from a multistate settlement after officials alleged major egg producers colluded to manipulate benchmark egg prices from 2022 to 2025; the DOJ and 17 states say Cal-Maine Foods, Versova/Centrum and Hickman’s Egg Ranch coordinated bids tied to Urner Barry’s daily index, driving up costs for retailers and consumers. Local Infrastructure: Burlington opened the Champlain Parkway, a four-lane link between Burlington and I-189 years in the making, adding sidewalks and a shared-use path to improve access for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. EV Charging Buildout: The Vermont Agency of Transportation issued an RFQ to qualify electric vehicle charging providers for Vermont’s public fast-charger network under federal NEVI funding. Extreme Heat Watch: Burlington and the Upper Valley are preparing for dangerous summer heat, with cooling sites and public guidance as heat index values are forecast to soar. Community & Business: Vermont’s Age Well earned NCQA case management accreditation, highlighting quality improvements for older Vermonters. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a Rutland Town domestic assault/unlawful restraint incident with a citation issued for court.

Global Manufacturing & Exports: ASHE Converting Equipment, a family-owned Ipswich maker of packaging slitter-rewinder machines, says it operates in Vermont and sells equipment to every continent, with most parts built in-house and the majority of machines exported. Healthcare Workforce & Access: Rutland Mental Health Services expanded its Open Access model to more services and more days, while Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is launching a paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training in August to feed local staffing needs. Health Insurance Marketplace: BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont withdrew its proposed “Vermont Basic” lower-premium plans for 2027 after delays and concerns about timing and approvals. Privacy & Compliance: Vermont’s new health-focused privacy law (effective 2028) adds requirements for businesses handling consumer health data, including notices, limits on collection, and processor contract duties. Agriculture & Climate: UVM Extension research is pushing Vermont farms toward irrigation as hotter, drier stretches and heavier downpours become more common. Consumer Protection: Vermont-linked coverage highlights major multistate action over illegal egg price manipulation, with millions of eggs headed to food banks. Local Business Pulse: Nostalgia Toys & More on Burlington’s Church Street is closing after seven months, citing rent, staffing, and theft. Policy Watch: Vermont’s July 1 law changes include school district consolidation steps, expanded animal cruelty definitions, higher marijuana possession limits, and new rules for tractor-trailer fees in Smugglers Notch.

Health Care & Policy: Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark joined a coalition suing the Trump administration to block Medicaid work requirements, arguing the interim final rule unlawfully forces people with serious medical conditions to meet new work rules or risk losing coverage. Insurance: BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont withdrew its proposed “Vermont Basic” lower-cost, higher-deductible plans from Vermont Health Connect for 2027, citing timing and approval delays. Business & Workforce: The Vermont Chamber of Commerce and NBT Bank will host a free July 8 webinar on inflation, interest rates, and AI’s market impact for employers and business leaders. Regional Economy: Southwestern Vermont Chamber Foundation launched InvestInSouthwest.org as a “digital front door” for investors, entrepreneurs, and workforce partners. Local Housing: Mendon’s new housing grant program saw its first application rejected and the second approved with invoice review required. Healthcare Staffing: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is accepting applications for its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training program starting August 2026. Community & Local Commerce: Leunig’s Bistro is expanding to South Burlington’s City Center, while Nostalgia Toys & More on Church Street in Burlington will close July 5. Public Safety & Privacy: Vermont police reportedly used a loophole to conduct more than 100 license-plate searches since 2023 via out-of-state camera networks, despite earlier claims of no use of automatic plate surveillance. Labor Market: Vermont’s unemployment rate held at 2.6% in May, with the labor force participation rate down to 62.5%.

Health Care Workforce: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is launching its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training, starting in August 2026 in Barre, with tuition and certification fees covered and a path to full-time jobs. Mental Health Access: CCN-Rutland Mental Health Services is expanding its Open Access model in the Rutland region, adding Child and Family Mental Health Services and increasing walk-in assessment days to five per week. Education & Skills: Twin Valley Middle High School in Whitingham is adding a new four-year Academy of Arts, Communication & Entrepreneurship, plus more dual enrollment options through the Community College of Vermont. Local Business & Community: Southwestern Vermont Chamber and Manchester Business Association’s B2B Golf Classic drew 70+ leaders to raise funds for regional economic and community programs. Policy & Economy: Vermont’s paraquat ban takes effect Nov. 1 with farmer exceptions through 2030, as the state becomes the first to restrict the weed killer linked to Parkinson’s disease. Housing Stability: Fair Haven’s manufactured home park is set to close, leaving residents with limited options.

Healthcare Workforce & Access: CCN-RMHS is expanding its Open Access model in Rutland, now allowing walk-ins for adult mental health, substance use treatment and recovery, and child & family services with same-day assessments, adding days and services to cut appointment wait times. Workforce Pipeline: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is accepting applications for its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training program, launching in August 2026 and covering certification fees with a path to full-time jobs. Dairy & Ag Investment: Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture is offering $15,000–$250,000 grants (with a 25% match) to modernize dairy processing and packaging, with about $1 million available. Privacy vs. Public Safety: VTDigger reports Vermont police used a loophole to run more than 100 out-of-state license plate searches since 2023, despite lawmakers’ push to curb plate surveillance. Local Economy in Transition: Rutland’s business and housing shifts include Walmart’s planned move to the former Diamond Run Mall site and Killington’s Village expansion, alongside new regional leadership at the chamber. Roads & Construction: VTrans listed major highway work for the week of June 29, including paving and shoulder work on I-89 and I-91 with speed reductions and lane closures.

Healthcare Workforce & Access: CCN-Rutland Mental Health Services is expanding its Open Access model, adding child and family mental health and increasing walk-in assessment days to five per week. Workforce Pipeline: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is launching its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training program in August, with certification support and a path to employment. Privacy vs. Policing: Vermont lawmakers restricted license-plate surveillance, but a VTDigger analysis says police have used out-of-state camera networks to run more than 100 plate searches since 2023. Public Safety & Operations: VTrans published this week’s highway construction schedule, including I-89 and I-91 paving and expected delays. Food Security: Hunger Free Vermont rolled out a new map tool to help families find free summer meals statewide. Local Business & Growth: Vermont’s dairy sector gets a rare bright spot as a Franklin County plant is set to reopen this fall as Franklin County Cheese. Community & Culture: Lost Lantern launched “United States of Bourbon,” a blend built from one distillery per state.

Healthcare Access: CCN-RMHS is expanding its Open Access model in Rutland, now letting people walk in for same-day assessments for adult mental health, substance use treatment, and child & family services—boosting availability to five days a week. Workforce Development: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is accepting applications for its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training program, launching in August 2026 with certification support and a path to full-time jobs. Local Economy & Industry: A Franklin County dairy plant is set to reopen this fall after recent shutdowns, offering a rare lift for Vermont’s strained dairy sector. Food Security: Hunger Free Vermont rolled out a new map tool to help families quickly find free summer meal sites statewide, aiming to keep kids fed during school breaks. Business & Community: KeyBank was named to Points of Light’s Civic 50 for the 13th straight year, highlighting long-running community investment and measurable social impact. Public Safety/Privacy: AssuranceAmerica says a data breach may have exposed sensitive information for at least 1.1 million people across seven states, including Vermont. Regional Growth Watch: Rutland’s economy is in transition as Walmart plans to relocate to the former Diamond Run Mall area and Killington continues expanding its Village and housing.

Healthcare Workforce & Access: CCN-Rutland Mental Health Services is expanding its Open Access model, adding child and family mental health services and increasing walk-in same-day assessments to five days a week. Home Care Training: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is launching its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training program in August 2026, with certification support and a path to full-time jobs. Local Economy in Transition: Rutland’s business landscape is shifting as Walmart prepares to relocate to the former Diamond Run Mall site in 2028, while Killington’s Village buildout adds housing and expands the ski season. Housing & Community Ideas: A new push for homesharing is pitched as a potential fix for Vermont’s housing crunch by turning spare bedrooms into affordable options. Agriculture & Food: Vermont dairy producers are weighing impacts from plant closures, while a new UVM/Penn State Extension project recruits Northeast farms using nurse-cow calf systems to improve animal welfare data. Business & Consumer Finance: WalletHub ranks Vermont #1 for credit diligence, and Vermont’s consumer privacy law and sales-based financing rules continue to shape the state’s business climate. Labor & Industry (Out of State, Still Business-Relevant): Rogers Sugar extended its Taber refinery collective agreement to March 2032.

Healthcare Access: CCN-RMHS is expanding its Open Access model in Rutland, adding same-day walk-in assessments for more services, including child and family mental health, with more days per week. Workforce & Care Delivery: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is launching its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training program in August 2026, aiming to feed its home-care staffing pipeline. Regional Economy: Rutland’s business landscape is shifting as Walmart prepares to relocate to the Diamond Run Mall site in 2028 and Killington’s Village buildout adds housing and amenities, with new leadership at the chamber. Dairy Industry: Vermont dairy farmers are bracing for higher costs after the planned closure of the Dairy Farmers of America plant in St. Albans, which will reroute milk to out-of-state facilities. Business Growth: Beta Technologies is seeking a near-100-acre campus expansion in South Burlington with a more flexible, long-term master plan approach. Consumer Privacy: Vermont signed a comprehensive data privacy law that takes effect in 2028, setting new obligations for businesses handling health data. Local Food Security: Hunger Free Vermont is rolling out an updated map tool to help families find free summer meals statewide.

Healthcare Workforce: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) is launching its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training, running Aug. 2026 in Barre, with certification fees covered and a path to full-time jobs. Mental Health Access: CCN-RMHS is expanding its “Open Access” walk-in model in Rutland—adding Child and Family Mental Health Services and increasing availability to five days a week for faster assessments. State Policy & Consumer Finance: Vermont enacted HB 648, creating a licensing and disclosure regime for sales-based financing and factoring, including limits on automatic account debits and confession-of-judgment terms, effective July 1, 2027. Public Health & Harm Reduction: Vermont CARES will take over Burlington’s needle-exchange/syringe services starting July 1, supported by $512,500 from the state. PFAS/Local Water: A new PFAS review says the proposed CVU turf field is unlikely to contaminate Hinesburg Well 4. Business & Growth: A Vermont op-ed argues the state’s long-running approach treats growth as a threat, calling for expanding housing supply to sustain jobs and services. Aviation Tech: Vermont-based BETA Technologies will partner with Mokulele Airlines to test an electric cargo plane in Hawaii. Local Business Launches: Bennington’s Village Garage Distillery unveiled Vermont Republic Rye, and Burlington’s Ogee is expanding into Sephora.com.

Healthcare Workforce: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) is accepting applications for its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) training program, launching in August 2026 in Barre and covering certification fees, with trainees eligible for full-time jobs after passing the exam. Mental Health Access: CCN-Rutland Mental Health Services (CCN-RMHS) expanded its Open Access model to add Child and Family Mental Health Services and increase walk-in assessment days to five per week. State Policy & Public Health: Vermont’s paraquat ban takes effect Nov. 1, with farm exceptions through 2030, as regulators continue to respond to pesticide-linked health concerns. PFAS & Water: A new PFAS report says the proposed CVU turf field is unlikely to contaminate Hinesburg’s Well 4, citing low soil permeability and improved stormwater plans. Food Security: Feeding Champlain Valley is running summer free-meal options for children, partnering with Hunger Free Vermont and the Vermont Foodbank to close the school-lunch gap. Business & Growth: Vermont’s Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center opened pre-applications for a $1 million Dairy Processor Modernization Grant to expand processing capacity for locally sourced milk. Consumer/Regulatory: The FDA upgraded the Utz potato chip recall to a Class I event over potential Salmonella presence.