AGP Executive Report

Workforce & Health Care: Crescent Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bennington has brought in its first four bachelor-prepared registered nurses from Mexico, starting a step-by-step pathway to Vermont licensure to help address Vermont’s long-term care staffing crunch. Clean Energy & Business Growth: Verde Technologies named Jean-Noël Poirier as CEO to lead expansion into new markets, including space, as its perovskite solar tech targets higher-value applications. Local Economy & Community: Northshire Bookstore is marking 50 years of independent bookselling with an Aug. 8 celebration in Manchester and a satellite event in Saratoga Springs. EV Policy Watch: A new report finds states and utilities took 195 electric-vehicle actions in Q2 2026, with many moves tied to rebates and managed charging—while some programs are being scaled back. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A head-on crash on Vermont Route 100 in Waterbury Center closed the road for more than five hours, with DMV handling the commercial-vehicle investigation. Civic Life: Milton will unveil an accessible milelong walking trail and outdoor reading experience at Bombardier Park West on Aug. 11.

Healthcare & Workforce: Crescent Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bennington has started recruiting four bachelor-prepared registered nurses from Mexico, building a step-by-step path to Vermont licensure to address Vermont’s long-term care staffing crunch. Public Safety & Local Business: Burlington is welcoming added Vermont State Police patrols downtown for three weeks, with Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak urging tighter coordination with Gov. Phil Scott as business owners say the presence helps calm concerns. Education & Costs: A new national look at K-12 finance finds schools taking in about $1 trillion in 2023-24—more money with fewer students—while Vermont’s own education governance and special education performance remain under scrutiny. Immigration & Civil Rights: The ACLU of Vermont filed federal claims against ICE over a March 11 South Burlington raid, alleging excessive force and unlawful detention. Local Economy & Housing: St. Albans has broken ground on a 40-unit apartment building at the former Fonda site, continuing a long redevelopment effort with financing tweaks to manage today’s uncertainty. Community & Philanthropy: National Life Group’s Do Good Fest raised $200,000 for Vermont youth mental health, distributing grants to five nonprofits. Business & Growth: Verde Technologies named Jean-Noël Poirier CEO to lead expansion into higher-value markets, including space.

Semiconductor Investment: GlobalFoundries landed a $300M CHIPS Research and Development award to scale silicon photonics for faster, more energy-efficient AI data-center connections, with work planned at its Malta, N.Y., and Burlington, Vt., campuses. Housing & Affordability: Vermont Treasurer Pieciak unveiled $25M in new low-interest funding through “Invest in Vermont” to spur housing, jobs, and affordability. State Finance Watchdog: The Vermont auditor race is heating up as Tim Ashe and Nicholas Graeter square off for Doug Hoffer’s soon-to-be-open seat. Local Business & Community: Wild Meadows Books & Café opened in Williston, adding a new community gathering spot alongside café offerings. Cybersecurity & Privacy: Kinney Drugs rolled out an AI prescription refill assistant, but customers report delays and wrong or confusing refill requests. Banking: NBT Bancorp reported stronger 2Q2026 earnings and approved an 8.1% cash dividend increase. Public Safety Policy: Vermont’s AGs and others pushed federal “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls.

Vermont Economy Watch: Vermont state economists say revenues are holding steady and the economy is in “impressive” shape, but they warn AI-driven market risk could be a real threat if the boom cools. Energy & Grid: Green Mountain Power’s virtual power plant is now its biggest power resource, dispatching 90 MW during early-July heat to cut peak costs by an estimated $6 million for customers. Public Safety & Fraud: Vermont’s attorney general is backing federal moves to tighten FCC “Know Your Customer” rules aimed at stopping illegal robocalls and the scams they fuel. State Business & Finance: NBT Bancorp reported stronger second-quarter earnings, with loan growth and an expanded net interest margin, following its Evans Bancorp acquisition. Local Community & Workforce: The Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth is opening grants to support youth programs across Bennington County towns. Arts & Culture: Animator Travis Van Alstyne of South Burlington won the Vermont Prize, highlighting Vermont’s contemporary animation scene. Food & Manufacturing: Vermont Smoke & Cure’s Uncured Turkey Pepperoni Stick won a 2026 Taste for Life award in the snack stick category.

Banking & Finance: NBT Bancorp reported stronger Q2 2026 results, with net income rising to $53.0 million and operating diluted EPS up to $1.01, while noting comparisons are shaped by its Evans Bancorp acquisition. Public Policy & Consumer Protection: Vermont’s AG office arraigned Joseph Berg, 25, on felony counts tied to sex offender registry compliance. Energy & Environment: Attorney General William Tong joined a multistate push against FERC’s plan to fast-track more natural gas pipeline projects, warning it could raise bills and worsen pollution and climate impacts. Business Compliance & Licensing: 24hourEDU says it’s now NMLS approved to deliver mortgage loan originator continuing education in all 50 states. Community & Workforce: The DREAM Program won $375,000 in AmeriCorps funding to expand mentoring and enrichment for 600 Vermont youth via 70 AmeriCorps members across 38 communities. Local Economy & Events: Southern Vermont Young Professionals launched an events calendar through January 2027, starting with a free Summer Mixer Aug. 15 in Wilmington.

Healthcare Policy: Gov. Phil Scott argues Vermont should judge health reforms by affordability and results, pointing to lingering single-payer-era rules and pushing a 2027 modernization plan. Insurance & Costs: Vermont’s financial regulator says the state’s health insurance market needs “thoughtful modernization,” citing high premiums and coverage drop-offs. Local Media Funding: Scott signs an executive order to prioritize local news outlets in state advertising and paid media. Public Health & Safety: Vermont begins an Aug. 1 rabies vaccine bait drop targeting wildlife after rising cases; Community Health rolls out a new geriatric program aimed at preventing crises and unnecessary ED visits. Business & Workforce: DREAM Program wins $375,000 from AmeriCorps to expand mentoring and afterschool support statewide; Southern Vermont Young Professionals launches a new events calendar through Jan. 2027. Community & Events: Blue Cross VT hosts free Kayak Days Aug. 15 at Prouty Beach; Tunnel to Towers holds its first Vermont 5K in Orleans County, topping fundraising goals. Local Development: Topsham teen Aiden Otterman seeks to become Vermont’s youngest legislator; a Wilmington proposal would add a self-serve car wash with apartments above. Finance: NBT Bancorp reports stronger Q2 results and raises its cash dividend.

Vermont Housing: Vermont Housing Finance Agency named Shane Phillips as keynote speaker for the Nov. 18 Statewide Housing Conference, with a focus on supply, stability and subsidy. Public Health & Safety: Vermont will start an Aug. 1 rabies vaccine bait drop, distributing about 915,700 baits across 10 counties (plus parts of NY and NH) as rabies cases remain elevated. Healthcare Access: Community Health is launching a new Geriatric Program for patients 60+ to coordinate care, reduce emergency visits, and address issues like memory changes, falls, medication safety and caregiver stress. Business & Community: Blue Cross VT’s free Kayak Days returns Aug. 15 at Prouty Beach in Newport, with rentals, giveaways and a virtual challenge supporting Camp Exclamation Point. Economy Watch: Gas prices in Vermont averaged $4.23/g, up 11.1 cents from last week, while Burlington averaged $4.26/g. Tech & Privacy: A new report highlights how “total surveillance” infrastructure is spreading via streetlight-connected systems, with Vermont cited for tighter restrictions. Agriculture & Food: The 18th Annual Tour de Farms is set for Sept. 19, with a 37-mile ride and a shorter family option, benefiting ACORN.

Health & Community: Blue Cross VT is hosting free Kayak Days on Aug. 15 at Prouty Beach in Newport, with rentals, snacks, giveaways, and a virtual photo challenge that funds Camp Exclamation Point. Aging & Caregiving: New EBRI/Greenwald research finds unpaid caregivers report more financial strain and lower retirement confidence than non-caregivers. Local Health Services: Community Health is rolling out a new Geriatric Program for patients 60+ to coordinate care, reduce falls and medication risks, and prevent emergency visits. Medical Research: UVM researchers report a mesothelioma phase one trial where a drug targeting the tumor’s energy system achieved disease control in 67% of patients. Semiconductors & Jobs: The V-GaN Tech Hub opened a new test and characterization facility in South Burlington to help move microelectronics from lab to manufacturing. Regional Economy/Ag: The Tour de Farms fundraiser returns Sept. 19 with a 37-mile route and a shorter family option, supporting ACORN and local farm access. Civic/Business Climate: Vermont’s construction schedule lists major I-89 and I-91 paving impacts statewide for the week of July 27.

Higher Ed & Workforce: Vermont State University’s new president, Sherry Kollmann, says the merged school will focus on enrollment growth, workforce partnerships, and better access for rural students. Health Care & Cost Pressure: A Vermont Business Times commentary argues “insurance is not care,” saying regulators are rationing capacity while patients struggle to see doctors. Tech & Economic Development: The University of Vermont’s V-GaN Tech Hub opened a new Test and Characterization Facility in South Burlington to help companies move gallium-nitride semiconductor work from lab to manufacturing. Data Centers & Property Rights: A legal analysis warns power companies could use eminent domain to seize land for data-center transmission needs, raising stakes for Vermonters facing expansion. Public Safety & Bears: Fish and Wildlife says bear rumors are driving underreporting, creating a “catch-22” that can make de-escalation harder. Politics & Labor Migration: A federal appeals panel blocked a Trump emergency request to keep the $100,000 H-1B fee, leaving the policy vacated. Community Health: Community Health rolled out a new geriatric program aimed at preventing falls, managing complex conditions, and reducing emergency visits. Local Business Calendar: Blue Cross VT plans free Kayak Days Aug. 15 at Prouty Beach, with rentals, snacks, and a virtual challenge benefiting Camp Exclamation Point.

Semiconductor push in Vermont: The V-GaN Tech Hub at UVM opened its new Test and Characterization Facility in South Burlington, aiming to help gallium-nitride chip developers move from lab work to manufacturing. Healthcare workforce and aging support: Community Health rolled out a new geriatric program for older adults, while new EBRI/Greenwald research finds unpaid caregivers report more financial strain and lower retirement confidence. Local business and community events: Blue Cross VT’s free Kayak Days returns Aug. 15 at Prouty Beach in Newport, and Burlington City Arts’ Festival of Fools brings 70+ free performances July 31–Aug. 1. Vermont economy watch: Vermont is set to submit maps for federal tax incentive zones, and the state is also directing more advertising dollars to local media outlets. Regional politics with business ripple effects: Maine Democrats quickly nominated Troy Jackson to challenge Sen. Susan Collins, after Graham Platner withdrew.

Semiconductor push in Vermont: The University of Vermont’s V-GaN Tech Hub opened its new Test and Characterization Facility in South Burlington, aiming to speed commercialization of gallium-nitride microelectronics. Clean-energy funding fight: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants “based solely” on whether recipient states voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, drawing charges of political “weaponization.” Maine Senate race stakes: Maine Democrats formally nominated Troy Jackson to replace Graham Platner and face Sen. Susan Collins in November, after a fast, delegate-driven process following Platner’s withdrawal. Health workforce and aging support: Dartmouth Health’s Project SEARCH graduated six Upper Valley residents, while Community Health launched a new geriatric program for older adults needing coordinated medical and behavioral support. Business and community: VIP introduced “VIP Intelligence,” an AI suite for beverage industry pricing and forecasting, and Blue Cross VT announced free Kayak Days on Aug. 15 in Newport. Public safety and scams: Massachusetts advanced a ban on crypto ATMs after reports of nearly $7 million in losses statewide.

Semiconductor push in Vermont: The V-GaN Tech Hub in South Burlington opened its new Test and Characterization Facility, aiming to speed up commercialization of gallium nitride chips. Health care for aging Vermonters: Community Health rolled out a new Geriatric Program with home-based safety assessments and coordinated support to help seniors stay independent and avoid emergency visits. Opportunity Zones for housing investment: Vermont is preparing a draft map of federal Opportunity Zones, including multiple communities, for submission to the U.S. Treasury by Sept. 29. Data-center cost fight: Congress is weighing new rules to stop data centers from shifting infrastructure costs onto consumers, with a House-backed “ratepayer protection” push gaining traction. Local business and community: Burlington’s City Arts’ Festival of Fools returns July 31–Aug. 1, and Better Bennington’s ArtsFest brings free hands-on art to the Riverwalk July 25. Public safety and enforcement: Vermont State Police arrested 12 people for trespassing during a Williston protest at an ICE facility. Lottery results: Vermont Lottery Mega Millions and Gimme 5 results were posted for July 24.

Health & Retirement: A new EBRI/Greenwald survey finds unpaid caregivers are more likely to report lower assets, debt problems, mental health strain, and weaker retirement confidence than non-caregivers. Aging Services: Community Health is rolling out a new geriatric program for Vermonters 60+ with complex medical and behavioral needs, aiming to reduce emergency visits through coordinated home-based support. Tech & Industry: VIP, a beverage-industry tech provider, launched “VIP Intelligence,” an AI suite built to improve pricing, ordering, forecasting, and operational decisions across the three-tier system. Healthcare Workforce/Policy: Eric Covey was named executive director of VNAs of Vermont, representing the state’s home health and hospice agencies, as Vermont’s health-care transformation ramps up. Housing & Homelessness: Two Chittenden County nonprofits are seeking a site for a proposed 100-bed year-round emergency shelter to reduce outdoor homelessness in Burlington. Energy Costs: AAA reports the national gas average jumped 15 cents to $4.09, with crude volatility tied to summer price pressure. Business Climate: Vermont’s unemployment rate held at 2.6% in June, with employment falling, according to state figures.

Local Media Funding: Gov. Phil Scott signed an executive order directing Vermont agencies and ad vendors to prioritize local news outlets when spending state advertising dollars, aiming to keep community reporting financially healthy. Data Security: Chick-fil-A disclosed a credential-stuffing attack on its Chick-fil-A One loyalty app and website (June 17-19), potentially exposing account details for customers in Vermont and other states; the company reset passwords and restored balances. Energy & Industry: Scott said he’s concerned about Vermont’s logging sector after Finch Paper cut pulp production in New York, which could reduce demand for regional logs. AI Data Centers Politics: The White House expanded its “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” with 23 GOP governors and utilities, pushing the idea that data-center costs shouldn’t hit household bills—while Congress advances a related bill. Health & Aging: Community Health launched a new geriatric program for older adults, offering coordinated home-based assessment and support to prevent crises. Housing & Homelessness: Downstreet celebrated the grand opening of the Speranza Inn in Barre, a 41-room service-integrated hotel for people experiencing homelessness.

Health Care & Jobs: Community Health Centers says it’s hit with another round of layoffs, and union staff are pushing back hard—arguing management is outsourcing billing to Medusind’s call centers in India instead of keeping work in-house. SNAP Funding Risk: New federal rules tied to SNAP payment accuracy could force many states to absorb more costs next year, raising fears some will cut food assistance if they can’t meet the benchmark. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A confirmed a credential-stuffing breach tied to its Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts, with notifications going out to customers in multiple states including Vermont. Vermont Business & Community: Vermont cheesemakers brought home 54 awards at the American Cheese Society competition, including Jasper Hill Farm’s Winnimere taking first place and best in show. State Policy & Economy: Vermont’s Chamber highlights legislative wins but warns business growth is still constrained by connected issues like housing, health care, and education. Public Safety: Vermont State Police say missing 74-year-old Clifford Bennett has been found safe in Williston.

Vermont Business & Health Care: Vermont’s home health and hospice network gets a new leader: Eric Covey has been appointed executive director of VNAs of Vermont, as the state pushes health-care transformation and cost control through home-based care. Mental Health Access: Vermont adds four more agencies to the Certified Community-Based Integrated Health Center (CCBHC) program—bringing six total and coverage to 75% of Vermonters—aimed at more stable funding and fewer barriers to mental health and substance-use care. Aging & Retirement Pressure: New EBRI/Greenwald research finds unpaid caregivers report lower assets, more debt problems, and weaker retirement confidence than non-caregivers, highlighting a growing financial strain tied to caregiving. Tourism & Local Economy: The former Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Burlington reopens as The Harborvale after a $19M renovation, positioning the property as a full-service destination for visitors and locals. Cyber & Consumer Risk: Chick-fil-A says a credential-stuffing attack may have exposed Chick-fil-A One account data in Vermont and nine other states plus D.C., including names, emails, and some payment details. Housing After Floods: Vermont’s long-term recovery from the 2023 floods could get smoother under changes in a new federal housing law that adjusts disaster recovery funding rules.