Thursday, August 20, 2020

Read on for:
Updates to Vermont's Economic Recovery Grants | State of Emergency Extension | Childcare Discussion for Employers | Rutland County COVID-19 Recovery Forum | RYP Professional Development Series | Explore Rutland County: West Rutland | Career Hub | Events & Workshops

Governor Scott Announces Increase to Economic Recovery Grants 

Governor Phil Scott announced on Tuesday an increase to the maximum grant award for Economic Recovery Grants for Vermont businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in the maximum grant award is available to businesses in the lodging, retail, hospitality, arts, travel, and event-affiliated sectors that have continued capacity constraints.

Previously, businesses could receive up to 50,000 in grant funding. Now, businesses in eligible industries can receive up to an additional $100,000 in grant funding, for a total of $150,000 from the program. The increased maximum award is available to both new applicants and those applicants that have already received a $50,000 grant. All businesses that received a $50,000 grant award from the Department of Taxes are eligible to request an increase to the next maximum award amount. Starting Monday, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development will be contacting eligible businesses that already received a $50,000 grant notifying them that the supplemental grant funding may be available. If a business has not applied for a grant yet, they can still do so. 

Learn more about Vermont's economic recovery grants and apply today →

Vermont's State of Emergency Extended Through September 15

Governor Phil Scott recently announced that the COVID-19 State of Emergency has been extended to September 15, 2020. 

Governor Scott has also modified the Executive Order to enable cities and towns to enact stricter local limits for gathering sizes than those established by the State. Municipalities may also mandate shorter hours for the sale of alcohol by bars and clubs than those set forth by the Department of Liquor and Lottery. 

Stay up-to-date with the phased approach to restart Vermont's economy →

Department for Children and Families Hosts Discussion on Childcare Needs and Policies 

The Child Development Division of the Department for Children and Families would like to meet with Vermont's employers to learn more about any childcare concerns that employers may anticipate going into the fall.

This listening session on August 20 from 2-3 p.m. will be helpful to the Child Development Division as they continue to develop policies to support the needs of families. They would also like to take the opportunity to open lines of communication with employers about how families can make use of the State's existing services to match with available childcare, how to learn more about child care subsidies, and other ways the state is working to support families during this challenging time. 

Join the discussion on August 20 at 2 p.m. using Microsoft Teams or by phone by calling (802) 828-7667. 

Rutland County Virtual Forum: From Recovery to Renewal and Resilience 

The Coronavirus pandemic has hit Vermonters and our communities hard. As the summer brings re-openings and a partial restart of the economy, coming together to discuss strategies that accelerate recovery and build ongoing resilience is vital. The Local Solutions and Community Action Team established by Governor Phil Scott invites you to join a virtual forum on Thursday, August 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to connect with others in Rutland County to share challenges and ideas for community recovery; connect with others working to respond, recover, and build long-term resilience; and meet with a "visiting team" of state, federal, business, and non-profit leaders who will share recovery strategies from across the state and ideas for resources and support. This forum will be facilitated by the Vermont Council on Rural Development. 

Learn more about the Rutland County COVID-19 Recovery Forum and register →

Rutland Young Professionals Hosts Professional Development Series

Rutland Young Professionals is hosting a four-week professional development series with Dr. Karlyn Borysenko. The series will focus on playing politics in the workplace, including five concepts you need to know based on the science behind how human beings make decisions at work. This workshop will break down the topic and help you create an actionable strategy for how to navigate office politics in your workplace over the course of four one hour working sessions.

Dr. Karlyn Borysenko is the founder of Zen Workplace and works with teams all over the world to build better work experiences. An organizational psychologist and executive/performance coach, she is a leader in integrating mindfulness strategies at work to increase productivity and creativity, reduce stress, and create better work experiences.

The cost of this four-session series is free for Rutland Young Professionals members and $25 for non-members (includes all four sessions). 

Explore this professional development opportunity and register today →

Explore Rutland County: West Rutland

Like many small towns in Vermont, West Rutland offers a perfect blend of opportunities to connect with nature and a bounty of ways to tap into your artistic side. Those looking to get outside should plan to visit the West Rutland Marsh Boardwalk, a natural hideaway that provides the perfect spot for birdwatching. The West Rutland Marsh is a designated Important Bird Area and is considered an essential habitat for one or more species of birds,

West Rutland’s origins are deeply rooted in Vermont’s historic marble industry, and that rich heritage influences the town’s art scene today. West Rutland is home to the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center, which has offered instruction in a wide range of sculptural media with professional artists and crafters from around the world for more than 30 years.

Explore West Rutland and plan your day trip today! →

Photo Credit: Town of West Rutland

Rutland Economic Development Corporation's Career Hub features full-time jobs across Rutland County that provide a salary higher than the Vermont living wage.