AGP Executive Report

Energy & Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an Energy Emergency Alert for the PJM grid during extreme heat, ordering curtailments that can hit power-hungry data centers to prevent blackouts. Vermont Power Use: Burlington Electric and Vermont Electric Cooperative urged customers to cut electricity from 5–8 p.m. during peak days, as heat drives demand. Heat & Work Safety: Vermont outdoor workers are adjusting routines—more breaks, water, and cooling steps—as temperatures climb. Public Health: Vermont is seeing record-level tick activity, with officials warning this may be the new normal; a UVM researcher is also pushing a grant-backed effort to develop better treatment for tickborne babesiosis. Agriculture & Food Prices: Canadians are paying sharply higher strawberry prices, tied to weather-driven supply issues and strong demand. Local Business/Industry: Alta Equipment Group announced a preferred stock dividend, while a new Vermont film grant program aims to support in-state productions using Vermont crews and businesses. Policy & Clean Energy: New Jersey lawmakers advanced plug-in solar access for renters and apartment dwellers, joining Vermont and other states allowing balcony solar.

Extreme Heat & Power Demand: Burlington Electric issued a “Defeat the Peak” alert for Thursday, urging residents to cut electricity use from 5–8 p.m. as New England demand spikes. Labor & Utilities: Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, Burlington Electric Department, and IBEW Local 300 signed a new three-year union contract, extending the partnership through June 30, 2026. Education & Community Debate: The Champlain Valley School District advanced a controversial $5.7 million artificial turf field plan in Hinesburg despite resident concerns about health and environmental impacts. Economic Development Financing: Vermont Economic Development Authority wrapped its fiscal year’s fourth quarter with $11.64M in financing across 35 projects, including brownfield cleanup, renovations, solar, and ownership transitions. Agriculture & Compliance: DOJ and state AGs reached an egg price-fixing settlement; Cal-Maine will pay $1.5M and donate 30M eggs, with other producers also settling. Workforce Housing: A Vermont farmworker-housing program is helping orchard operators fund repairs and replacements for worker homes, addressing a long-running rural labor challenge. Higher Ed Leadership: Dr. Sherry Kollmann began her tenure as president of Vermont State University, emphasizing enrollment growth and flexible learning pathways.

Waste & Recycling Leadership: Casella Waste Systems named Damian Ribar EVP/COO and promoted Shelley Sayward to EVP and General Counsel, signaling continued operational focus in the region. Power Grid Reliability: Vermont’s seven petroleum-based plants may run more often as extreme heat tightens demand, raising questions about cost and fossil backup capacity. Municipal Finance: Chester’s auditor warned the town’s tax base is “artificially low,” urging stronger reserves to avoid borrowing when storms hit. Advanced Manufacturing Workforce: VMEC and River Valley Technical Center are rolling out CNC and advanced manufacturing training, including a July 2 open house and July boot camp. Aerospace Expansion: Beta Technologies is seeking a 100-acre South Burlington expansion to bring more large components manufacturing in-house. Ag Tech in the Field: UVM Extension is demonstrating driverless weeding robots for Vermont farmers, using drone mapping to automate row-level weed control. EV Charging Buildout: Vermont AOT issued an RFQ to qualify EV charging providers for public fast-charger projects. Consumer Privacy Update: Vermont’s new data privacy law (VDPOSA) pushes companies to revisit compliance ahead of a 2028 start date. New Vermont Laws (July 1): Ticket resale rules, cannabis purchase limits, and other consumer-focused changes take effect. Extreme Heat Impacts: Heat is reshaping outdoor plans and even shipping operations, with some Vermont businesses pausing deliveries to prevent product melting. Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: Vermont is set to receive 915,000 eggs and $56,000 from a multistate settlement tied to alleged nationwide egg price manipulation.

Eggs & Antitrust: Vermont will receive 915,000 eggs and about $56,000 from a multistate settlement after federal and state investigators alleged major producers colluded to manipulate an egg price benchmark from 2022 to 2025; the nationwide deal totals 53 million eggs and $3.3 million, with Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark saying the scheme “took money out of Vermonters’ pockets.” Transportation Infrastructure: Burlington’s long-awaited Champlain Parkway opened after decades of work, adding a direct four-lane connection to I-189 plus sidewalks and a shared-use path. Energy & Housing Efficiency: Efficiency Vermont’s Advanced Manufactured Home program is bringing in a new batch of superefficient, all-electric, heat-pump manufactured homes that cut energy use by more than half, with incentives for builders and lower bills for residents. EV Charging Buildout: AOT issued an RFQ to qualify electric vehicle charging providers for Vermont’s public fast-charger network, setting up future design, construction, and operations bids. Workforce Training: VMEC and River Valley Technical Center announced a free July 2 open house and a July 13–24 CNC Boot Camp aimed at fast-tracking advanced manufacturing careers. Public Health & Safety: Vermont’s paraquat ban takes effect Nov. 1 with exceptions through 2030, while the EPA is also planning a roundtable on paraquat’s safety concerns. Weather & Business Impact: Extreme heat is changing how Vermonters and nearby New York residents spend time outdoors, and it’s disrupting shipping for some local food makers as products melt in transit. Local Governance: Vermont’s residential contractor registry is expanding protections for homeowners by requiring larger contractors to register, use written contracts, and carry insurance. Regional Development: Southern Vermont agencies opened the annual CEDS/RPP project submission process, with a July 22 webinar and a Sept. 18 deadline.

Vermont Agriculture & Water Risk: Climate change is pushing more Vermont farmers to irrigate pastures as rainfall swings between drought and downpours, with UVM Extension weighing the costs and benefits of new irrigation plans. Vermont Policy & Industry: Vermont’s paraquat ban takes effect Nov. 1, with farm exceptions through 2030, as the state moves to curb a weedkiller linked to Parkinson’s. Local Infrastructure: Burlington’s long-delayed Champlain Parkway “Southern Connector” finally opens to the public, adding a new car and bike route through the South End after decades of planning and lawsuits. Manufacturing & Packaging: ASHE Converting Equipment, a family-run Vermont-linked maker of packaging slitter-rewinders, marks 50 years and sells machines worldwide. Food & Supply Chains: AFFI names a new communications chief, while Peak Processing expands into the U.S. THC beverage market via a Fryday Kush manufacturing deal. Health & Compliance: Vermont officials warn swimmers about cyanobacteria blooms and share quick steps to spot and avoid exposure. Dairy Sector Pressure: U.S. lawmakers back the Milk from Family Dairies Act, aiming to stabilize dairy markets and protect family farms amid consolidation. Business Growth in Vermont: Leunig’s Bistro & Café is expanding to South Burlington’s City Center with a second location opening this winter.

Transportation & Infrastructure: Burlington’s long-awaited Champlain Parkway “Southern Connector” opened to the public Monday, adding a 2.8-mile link from Interstate 189 to the South End and aiming to ease congestion on Shelburne Road; the full project is about $85 million. Local Business: Nostalgia Toys & More on Burlington’s Church Street is closing July 5 after seven months, citing rent, staffing and theft; the Church Street Marketplace already has multiple empty storefronts. Food Safety & Health: A new push is gaining momentum to protect infants from toxic heavy metals in baby food, with research using baby teeth to pinpoint when exposure is most dangerous for brain development. Public Health (Environment): Vermont officials are warning swimmers about cyanobacteria blooms and how to spot them and respond. Workforce & Economy: Vermont’s unemployment rate held at 2.6% in May, while labor force participation fell to 62.5%. Agriculture & Industry: Vermont’s dairy sector gets a new Dairy Processor Modernization Grant application process, with about $1 million available to modernize processing and packaging. Policy Watch: Vermont’s July 1 law changes include school district consolidation steps, expanded animal cruelty definitions, higher marijuana possession limits, and new trucking fees for Smugglers’ Notch.

Dairy Industry Funding: Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture is taking pre-applications for a Dairy Processor Modernization Grant, with about $1 million available (grants $15,000–$250,000 and a 25% match) to help processors buy equipment and modernize packaging and production. PFAS & Turf Debate: The CVSD board is set to decide on a proposed $6 million artificial field at CVU, with supporters pointing to a study suggesting low PFAS leaching risk while opponents challenge the findings and raise broader groundwater and public-policy concerns. Manufacturing Workforce: The Manufacturing Collaborative’s Paul Dana told the Springfield Rotary Club how Vermont manufacturers are tackling workforce and capability shortages through training pathways and advanced contract manufacturing. Housing & Manufactured Homes: Fair Haven’s manufactured home park is facing imminent closure, leaving residents with limited options and highlighting the pressure on affordable housing. Agriculture & Chemicals: Vermont’s paraquat ban takes effect Nov. 1, with farmers receiving exceptions through 2030 as the state weighs Parkinson’s-linked health concerns against farm economics. Public Health Watch: Vermont detected its first mosquito-borne virus of the 2026 season (Jamestown Canyon virus) in mosquitos collected in Charlotte, prompting bite-prevention reminders. Business Leadership: ScottsMiracle-Gro named Nate Baxter president and CEO, continuing its internal succession plan as the company leans on operational improvements and product innovation.

Dairy Industry: Vermont officials say Jamestown Canyon virus has been detected in mosquitos in Charlotte, the first mosquito-borne virus finding in the state this year, with health leaders urging bite prevention as more detections may come. Manufacturing & Workforce: The Manufacturing Collaborative’s Paul Dana told the Springfield Rotary Club how the group is linking students, job seekers, educators, and employers to close manufacturing workforce gaps. Regional Economy: A Rutland-area economy update points to major shifts ahead, including Walmart’s planned move to the former Diamond Run Mall site and Killington’s Village development expanding housing and amenities. Dairy Processing: Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is offering about $1 million in grants (with a 25% match) to help fund equipment for dairy processing and packaging modernization. Infrastructure & Traffic: VTrans’ weekly road construction report outlines paving and shoulder work on I-89 and I-91 that will bring lane closures and delays across multiple corridors. Aviation: A Middlebury aircraft maintenance firm says it has lost about half its technicians to Beta Technologies’ rapid expansion. Community & Culture: Weathersfield and partners announced a second round of America 250 grants totaling $79,025 across 36 projects statewide.

Rutland Region Development: Walmart plans to relocate from downtown Rutland City to the former Diamond Run Mall site in Rutland Town by 2028, as Killington pushes ahead with its Route 4 Village expansion that will add housing and amenities. Local Governance & Infrastructure: This week’s VTrans roadwork includes I-89 paving in Bethel–Brookfield and major delays on I-89 south in Montpelier–Waterbury, plus I-91 Exit 3 paving and other lane closures statewide. Vermont Dairy Industry: A Franklin County dairy plant is set to reopen this fall under new ownership, offering a rare bright spot after recent shutdowns; Vermont dairy farmers also continue to worry about more closures. Water & Land Use: The Hinesburg Planning Commission urged the Champlain Valley Union High School board to reconsider a proposed artificial turf field, citing groundwater and drinking-water protection in the town plan. Public Health: Vermont health officials detected Jamestown Canyon virus in mosquitoes in Charlotte, prompting reminders to prevent bites as the season progresses. Workforce & Community: KeyBank was again named to the Points of Light Civic 50 for long-running community investment, including affordable housing and workforce development.

Vermont Dairy Update: A Franklin County dairy plant is set to reopen this fall after a shutdown wave, with longtime manager John Ovitt buying the Franklin Foods site and restarting production as Franklin County Cheese—starting with about 20 workers. State Policy & Public Health: Vermont’s new tobacco law (Act 148) signed June 16 raises retailer licensing fees, boosts penalties for under-21 sales, and bans certain kid-appealing nicotine products. Mosquito Watch: Health officials detected Jamestown Canyon virus in mosquitoes in Charlotte, the first mosquito-borne virus detection in Vermont this year, urging bite prevention. Local Economy & Development: Beta Technologies is seeking a near-100-acre campus buildout in South Burlington, shifting from rigid project-by-project reviews to a long-term master planning approach. Infrastructure & Traffic: VTrans posted this week’s highway work, including I-89 paving with delays near Montpelier-Waterbury and I-91 Exit 3 paving/shoulder work affecting routes around Brattleboro. Community & Business: Bennington Community Market is closing its storefront after unsustainable losses, but its board says it’s moving to a more sustainable path forward.

Vermont Dairy: Dairy Farmers of America’s St. Albans plant is set to “idle” in August, raising alarms for Vermont milk haulers and farmers about higher transportation costs as production gets rerouted to other states. Local Economy & Jobs: Orvis, a Vermont-based retailer, is relocating its Roanoke operations into about 100,000 square feet, with a city economic development grant aimed at retaining 60 jobs and decades of operations. Agriculture Research: UVM and Penn State Extension are recruiting Northeast dairy producers to study nurse-cow calf rearing, with visits to organic farms in Vermont and Pennsylvania and a small participation stipend. Public Health: Vermont detected its first mosquito-borne virus of the 2026 season—Jamestown Canyon virus—in mosquitoes from Charlotte, prompting bite-prevention reminders. State Policy: Gov. Phil Scott signed a new tobacco law raising retailer licensing fees, tightening youth-focused nicotine rules, and increasing enforcement funding. Business & Development: Beta Technologies is seeking a near-100-acre campus buildout in South Burlington, shifting to a more flexible long-term master plan approach. Community & Culture: Brainerd Memorial Library in North Danville is keeping its doors open through volunteer-run operations, even as access changes.

Rutland Region Development: Rutland City’s downtown retail shake-up is underway as Walmart plans to relocate to the former Diamond Run Mall site in Rutland Town by 2028, while Killington’s Route 4 “Village” buildout adds housing and extends the ski season. Local Economic Leadership: The Rutland Region Chamber and Economic Development names Sarah Furman its new executive director, signaling a fresh push for growth. South Burlington Aviation Expansion: Beta Technologies is seeking a near-100-acre campus expansion off Williston Road, pitching a more flexible, long-term master plan to keep pace with electric aviation. Transportation & Construction: VTrans lists major paving and shoulder work affecting I-89 and I-91 corridors, including speed-limit reductions and delays around Montpelier-Waterbury and Exit 3. Dairy Industry Pressure: Dairy Farmers of America’s St. Albans plant closure in August raises concerns about higher transportation costs for Vermont milk. Public Health & Food Access: Vermont’s new tobacco law (Act 148 of 2026) tightens retailer licensing, youth penalties, and bans kid-appealing nicotine products. Community Fundraising: Lakeview residents are raising money for the Town of Lakeview with an “Outback Naked Calendar” concept, modeled on prior local calendar fundraising.

Vermont policy and business climate: A new op-ed argues Vermont’s long-running approach treats growth like a threat, contributing to housing shortages, workforce strain, and population decline. Housing and redevelopment: St. Johnsbury is getting a $3.8 million EPA grant to clean up the old True Temper Factory brownfield, clearing the way for new housing and downtown-area development. Public health and harm reduction: Vermont CARES will take over Burlington’s needle-exchange/syringe services starting July 1 after the Howard Center Safe Recovery program closes. Child safety enforcement: Vermont’s child sex abuse investigation teams face staffing and funding gaps, raising concerns about whether the state’s specialized model is holding up. Water contamination: State agencies updated residents in Bennington and Shaftsbury on ongoing PFOA/PFAS concerns tied to Saint-Gobain, including well testing and waterline work. Agriculture and jobs: A dairy processor modernization grant is set to put $1 million into the Northeast dairy sector, while DFA’s Vermont plant closure continues to ripple through local communities. Energy/tech: Vermont-based BETA Technologies is partnering with Mokulele Airlines to test electric cargo aircraft in Hawaii, a sign of aviation electrification moving from pilots to trials.

Paraquat Ban: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a weed killer tied by lawmakers to Parkinson’s disease, with farmers getting exceptions through 2030 as the EPA reviews the chemical’s safety. PFAS & Water Safety: State agencies held a public update in Bennington and Shaftsbury on additional PFOA contamination, including well testing and waterline plans tied to Saint-Gobain. School District Reshaping: Gov. Phil Scott signed a law that pushes Vermont school districts into merger study groups starting this fall, with potential boundary votes on Town Meeting Day 2028. Dairy Industry Support: Pre-applications opened for a $1 million Northeast Dairy Processor Modernization Grant to upgrade equipment and expand processing capacity using regionally sourced milk. Workforce & Tech Education: Xometry launched the Xometry Foundation with $1 million per year for engineering education, community programs, and workforce development. Community & Local Business: Westford Provisions marked its first year as a village market and gathering spot, while Sweetspot Cannabis Dispensary celebrated a grand opening in Hamilton, N.J. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A judge ruled a Los Angeles bus project can proceed for now without bike lanes, and Vermont’s paraquat ban and PFAS updates keep safety policy in the spotlight.

Herbicide Ban: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a widely used weedkiller tied by lawmakers to Parkinson’s disease concerns, setting up a major test for farmers who rely on it while the EPA reviews safety claims. Forestry Training: The 10th year of Vermont’s Mechanized Logging Operations and Forest Trucking Program kicked off with a 20-week, hands-on certificate track, including Vermont students, as demand for skilled operators stays high. Local Housing Rehab: Essex Town’s recovery housing project in partnership with Vermont Foundations for Recovery wrapped after seven years of renovations, updating three Fort Ethan Allen homes for safe, managed stays. Municipal Cost Controls: A new town administrator in Vermont says his frugal approach will focus on cutting inefficient spending while keeping staff workload steady. Transportation Work: Milton residents face alternating one-way traffic next week on Middle Road and Railroad Street as VTrans continues the Hourglass Project. SNAP Pressure: New USDA SNAP payment-error data could force some states to share costs, raising stakes for food assistance budgets. Dairy Update: A Franklin County dairy facility is set to reopen this fall under new ownership, offering a rare bright spot after multiple Vermont plant shutdowns.

Workforce & Training: Vermont’s demand for technical education is outpacing local career and technical centers, with schools exploring ways to expand trade-focused learning closer to home. Public Health: Vermont’s “canary in the coal mine” mosquito trap network is driving early detection of eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus. Infrastructure & Construction: Milton drivers face alternating one-way traffic next week as VTrans continues work on the Hourglass Project. Food & Manufacturing: A Franklin County dairy facility is set to reopen this fall, offering a rare bright spot after multiple Vermont production shutdowns. Local Governance & Housing: The Vermont State Housing Authority is seeking Hartford-area land donations or sales to build single-family homes via Move-In Vermont. AI & Data Centers: Royalton leaders are sharing AI data center perspectives after passing a local ban, while Vermont policy debates continue. Business & Tourism: Portman closed on $540M financing for a Cincinnati Downtown Marriott hotel, signaling continued regional development momentum. Corrections: Vermont approved nearly $10.5M for permanent cooling systems in state prisons. Water & Utilities: Londonderry has begun construction on the South Village Wastewater Project, funded in part by ARPA dollars. Privacy & Tech: Vermont’s new law classifies “neural data” as sensitive, tightening rules for neurotech companies. Logging & Forestry Careers: A 20-week mechanized logging and forest trucking certificate program is underway in Maine, including two Vermont students.