AGP Executive Report

Manufacturing: Perrigo agreed to sell its infant-formula business, including its Georgia plant, to MeridianMade for up to $175 million. The buyer will assess the facility after the deal closes, while operations continue in the meantime. Workforce: Vermont State University won a five-year, $3 million federal grant for student success and career-connected learning. Energy Efficiency: Vermont campuses and factories earned Efficiency Vermont awards for projects expected to save businesses $78 million over their lifetimes. Housing and Construction: A Central Vermont regional plan sets housing targets and identifies areas that may qualify for Act 250 exemptions; residents raised concerns about flood risks and funding. Agriculture: NOFA-VT opened resilience grants offering up to $5,000 per farm, with applications due Dec. 15. Advanced Aviation: Vermont-based BETA completed 14 electric-aircraft flights in Florida, covering nearly 700 nautical miles in a federal pilot program. Clean Energy: Vermont and Nova Scotia signed a three-year agreement to pursue clean-energy development, including offshore wind.

Electric Aviation: Vermont aerospace company BETA Technologies completed 14 all-electric flights across Florida, covering nearly 700 nautical miles in a federal pilot program. Farm Support: NOFA-VT is offering resilience grants of up to $5,000 per farm for projects that strengthen farms and communities; applications are due Dec. 15. Data Center Debate: Vermont is among seven battleground states where a gubernatorial candidate has backed a construction moratorium, amid wider opposition to the facilities’ land and power demands. Agriculture: Richmond’s Andy Aldrich was named Vermont’s 2026 Fantastic Farmer for stewardship of his family’s 150-acre operation, which produces maple syrup, Christmas trees and firewood; the award includes a $5,000 grant. Food Production: Researchers say toxin-producing molds have affected artisan cheeses aging at facilities in Vermont and two neighboring states. Clean Energy: Vermont and Nova Scotia have signed a three-year agreement to pursue clean-energy development.

Farm & Forestry: Richmond’s Aldrich Tree and Maple Farm, a 75-year family operation producing Christmas trees, maple syrup and firewood, received the 2026 Fantastic Farmer award and a $5,000 stewardship grant. Clean Energy: Vermont and Nova Scotia signed a three-year clean-energy agreement, continuing work on offshore wind development. Rural Costs: Vermont leaders committed millions in heating assistance as costs rise, while high diesel prices are squeezing loggers; a separate $1 million program will support modernization at Northeast dairy farms. Food Production: Researchers found toxin-producing molds affecting artisan cheese aging in Vermont and neighboring states, raising quality and potential food-safety concerns.

Workforce: Vermont ranks first nationally for pay parity, with women earning 84.4 cents for every dollar earned by men, according to a state-by-state analysis. Energy and Forestry: Vermont and Nova Scotia signed a three-year clean-energy agreement, while rising diesel costs are squeezing Vermont loggers. State leaders have also committed millions to help residents manage heating bills. Agriculture: Richmond’s Aldrich Tree and Maple Farm was named Vermont’s 2026 Fantastic Farmer and received a $5,000 grant. The 150-acre family farm produces Christmas trees, maple syrup and firewood. Business Conditions: Vermont’s September unemployment rate held at 2.6%, and state revenues exceeded monthly targets by $25.8 million.

Agriculture: Richmond’s Aldrich Tree and Maple Farm, which grows 4,000 Christmas trees, taps a 2,700-tree sugarbush and cuts firewood, received Vermont’s 2026 Fantastic Farmer honor and a $5,000 grant for land stewardship. Clean Energy: Vermont and Nova Scotia signed a three-year agreement to explore offshore-wind power links, sharing grid information and assessing potential benefits for reliability and costs. Jobs & Revenue: Vermont’s September unemployment rate held at 2.6%, well below the national 4.2%; state revenues beat monthly targets by $25.8 million. Forestry: Rising diesel costs are squeezing Vermont loggers, adding pressure to the state’s forest-products sector. Infrastructure: Highway work next week includes I-89 paving near Bethel-Brookfield and bridge rehabilitation near Royalton, with lane restrictions and delays expected.

Business Investment: VEDA made $59.8 million in loans to Vermont businesses and farms in fiscal 2026, helping create or retain 576 jobs and attracting another $110.3 million in capital spending. Clean Energy: Vermont and Nova Scotia signed a three-year agreement to share grid information and explore bringing offshore wind power into the state; no supply deal is finalized. Economic Pulse: Vermont’s September unemployment rate held at 2.6%, while state revenues beat monthly targets by $25.8 million. Weekly jobless claims rose, following a typical fall pattern. Forestry and Agriculture: High diesel prices are squeezing Vermont loggers, while Richmond’s Aldrich Tree and Maple Farm received a $5,000 award for its land stewardship. A separate $1 million dairy modernization grant is also available to Northeast farms. Heating Costs: Vermont leaders have committed millions in assistance as households brace for higher winter heating bills.

Clean Energy: Vermont and Nova Scotia signed a three-year agreement to explore clean-energy development, including Nova Scotia wind power. Hospitality: Northern New England hotel sales remain strong, with more buyers than sellers and rising interest in renovating older properties as construction costs curb new development. Farm Economy: Richmond’s Aldrich Tree and Maple Farm was named Vermont’s 2026 Fantastic Farmer, earning a $5,000 grant for its land stewardship; the 150-acre farm produces maple syrup, Christmas trees and firewood. A separate $1 million grant program aims to modernize Northeast dairy farms. Forestry & Fuel: Soaring diesel prices are squeezing Vermont loggers, while the state has committed millions in heating assistance as households brace for costly winter bills. Infrastructure: A planned rail upgrade in southwestern Vermont is aimed at supporting the region’s economy.

Clean Energy: Vermont and Nova Scotia signed a three-year pact to explore offshore wind, transmission links and grid reliability, with the goal of bringing Canadian power to New England. Consumer Protection: Vermont will receive $4.5 million from GM’s $220 million multistate settlement over sharing drivers’ data with insurers; the deal requires new privacy safeguards. Forestry: Vermont loggers say diesel costs, mill closures and rising expenses are squeezing an industry that has little power to pass costs on to buyers. Dairy: A $1 million regional grant program offers Vermont farms $15,000 to $100,000 for modernization projects; pre-applications are open through Dec. 17. Winter Energy: State leaders approved $15.3 million in added heating aid as fuel costs surge, supplementing federal assistance for eligible households.

Heating Assistance: Vermont committed $15.3 million to help lower-income households cover winter fuel costs, as heating oil prices rose about 76% over the past year. Around 15,000 homes received aid last winter. Dairy Investment: A $1 million Northeast grant program is open to Vermont dairy farms, offering $15,000 to $100,000 for modernization projects; applications require a 25% match. Clean Energy: Vermont and Nova Scotia signed an agreement to explore wind power development, advancing cross-border energy planning. CBD Producers: A new hemp rule is upending Vermont’s CBD industry, adding uncertainty for local producers.

Clean Energy: Vermont and Nova Scotia signed a three-year agreement to explore bringing offshore wind power to New England through Vermont, as the state seeks more clean, affordable electricity. Aviation Manufacturing: Beta Technologies’ rapid expansion in South Burlington is drawing concern from some residents. The electric-aircraft maker has acquired property as it scales up and advances toward customer test flights. Farms and Forestry: Dairy farm improvement grants open Oct. 29, while expanded federal disaster assistance offers support to Vermont farmers and timber producers. CBD Industry: A new hemp rule is reshaping the outlook for Vermont CBD producers. Infrastructure: Pownal is considering a five-year pause on data-center permits, while an upgrade to Southwestern Vermont rail is aimed at supporting the regional economy.

Hemp Industry: A federal rule taking effect Dec. 11 could force Vermont CBD producers, including Hardwick-based Sunsoil, to remove THC from products or rethink their businesses. Workforce & Business: Gov. Phil Scott says a shrinking labor pool is Vermont’s biggest barrier to growth, as Perrigo, Dairy Farmers of America and Vermont Information Processing announce closures or layoffs. Border Economy: U.S.-Canada tensions and reduced Canadian travel are hurting businesses in Beebe Plain and other Vermont border towns whose communities and commerce span the line. Agriculture & Timber: Federal disaster assistance is expanding for Vermont farmers and timber producers, while Dairy Farm Improvement Grants open Oct. 29. Aviation Manufacturing: Burlington-based Beta Technologies is helping equip four Michigan airports with electric-aircraft chargers, extending its network beyond Vermont.**

Freight and Infrastructure: Vermont is getting $60.3 million in federal funding to replace 60 miles of rail between Rutland and North Bennington, improving freight safety and efficiency for regional businesses. In Jericho, crews are building Vermont’s first engineered log jam near a major road to protect Route 117 from erosion while restoring the floodplain. Data Center Debate: Pownal is considering a five-year pause on data center permits amid concerns about electricity and water demand and rumors of interest in the former Green Mountain Race Track site. Local Businesses: Burlington’s Vermont Pub & Brewery is closing after 38 years; its founder helped change state law to allow breweries to make and sell beer on-site. Onyx Tonics is moving to Pine Street, while Burlington Bagel plans a St. Albans location this winter. Agriculture and Materials: Vermont is offering disaster assistance to farmers and timber producers, and dairy farm improvement grants open Oct. 29. A Brattleboro compost facility expansion earned an engineering award for boosting regional food-waste processing. Energy Costs: Upper Valley residents are bracing for steep winter heating bills as fuel prices rise; Vermont has set aside $15.3 million for heating assistance.

Small Business: Onyx Tonics is moving from College Street to Pine Street in Burlington, while Burlington Bagel plans a St. Albans location. Westford Provisions, however, closed at the end of September. Waste & Recycling: Windham Solid Waste Management District’s expanded Brattleboro composting facility won an ACEC/VT merit award for boosting food-waste processing and compost production. Workforce: Vermont State University reports 11% growth in new students, with record online enrollment and strong numbers in nursing, early childhood education and business. A Killington career event also connected 180 students with jobs across Vermont’s ski industry. Agriculture & Manufacturing: USDA expanded disaster assistance for Vermont farmers and timber producers, and dairy farm improvement grants open Oct. 29. The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation also earned a national economic-development award, while a recent roundtable focused on building the region’s manufacturing workforce.

Industrial Technology: Japan’s OMRON agreed to acquire Vermont-based OnLogic for $675 million; OnLogic will keep its Vermont headquarters as the companies combine industrial computing and automation expertise. Ski Industry Workforce: A career day at Killington introduced 180 students from nine schools to year-round mountain jobs, from snowmaking and lift electrical work to food service. Reuse and Manufacturing: Stowe’s BirdieBlue turns discarded ski gear and fabric into accessories, keeping materials out of landfills and supporting a home-sewing network. Agriculture and Forestry: Vermont producers can apply for more than $30 million in USDA disaster aid for weather-related crop, timber and infrastructure losses from 2023 and 2024; dairy improvement grants open Oct. 29. Economic Development: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation won a national gold award for returning a contaminated Wilmington machine-shop site to productive industrial use. Business Advocacy: Vermont Chamber government affairs leader Megan Sullivan was named one of the nation’s 100 top lobbying professionals.

Farm and Timber Aid: Vermont producers can apply for more than $30 million in USDA assistance for weather-related crop, timber and farm-infrastructure losses from 2023 and 2024. Ski Industry Workforce: About 180 students from nine schools explored technical, mountain-operations and food-service careers at Killington, as resorts look to build their future workforce. Industrial Development: BDCC won a national gold award for restoring a contaminated Wilmington machine shop site for industrial use; the group also convened manufacturers and educators to strengthen regional career pathways. Dairy Modernization: Applications open October 29 for grants supporting farm upgrades, animal welfare, milk quality and worker conditions. Winter Resorts: Stowe, Okemo and Mount Snow are targeting November 21 openings, with Okemo touting new snowmaking capacity.

Manufacturing Workforce: Southern Vermont manufacturers and state officials are working to strengthen career pathways, following a Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation roundtable and tours at local factories. Mack Molding will hold a hiring fair Oct. 29, with on-site interviews and a $1,500 sign-on bonus for eligible hourly hires. Farm Investment: A dairy modernization grant opens Oct. 29 to help Vermont farms upgrade operations, improve milk quality and animal care, and strengthen long-term viability. Housing and Hospitality: Lawson’s Finest will direct proceeds from its Cosmic Shift IPA to Downstreet Housing, supporting affordable homes in Central Vermont. The Vermont Lodging Association has also opened registration for its Nov. 17 annual conference. Outdoor Economy: Outdoor recreation contributed $2.2 billion to Vermont’s economy in 2024—nearly 5% of state GDP—and supports jobs and small businesses, especially in rural communities. Energy and Aviation: Vermont has committed $15.3 million to heating assistance as fuel costs rise. Meanwhile, Beta Technologies has secured FAA authorization for electric vertical-takeoff aircraft to conduct flights with prospective customers.