Friday, July 31, 2020

Read on for:
REDC, Chamber Vote to Merge | Mask Mandate | PPP Deadline Approaching | Vermont's Economic Restart | Efficiency Vermont Energy Visits | Career Hub | Events & Workshops

REDC, Chamber to Merge to Improve Community Development, Services 

The boards of Rutland Economic Development Corporation and Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously Thursday to create a merged, streamlined organization to better serve our members and the greater Rutland region.

“We applaud REDC and the Chamber for doing the difficult work of re-imagining what has been in place for decades to create a more efficient and dynamic one-stop-shop for community development in Rutland County,” said Ted Brady, deputy secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. “This is the kind of thinking we all should be doing to ensure the best possible outcomes for Vermont.”

Lyle Jepson, who served as REDC’s executive director from 2016 to 2018 and now serves as director of career and technical teacher education at Vermont Technical College, will return as executive director when the merger is completed in September.

A new name for the united organization will be announced at a future date.

“With COVID-19 and the economic challenges we face, this isn’t about merely rebranding,” Jepson said. “This is personal to these organizations, and to me. This merger is about supporting our businesses as efficiently as possible, highlighting our strengths to recruit new people to the region, and protecting and preserving what we love. It’s about our businesses’ and families’ futures. It’s about hope.” 

Mary Cohen, executive director of the Chamber, was recently named executive director of the Housing Trust of Rutland County. She will join the board of the new merged organization.

“It has been a privilege to serve the people, businesses, and communities of Rutland County, and I am thrilled to join the board so I can continue that work in a new capacity,” Cohen said.

The merger announcement comes after four months of intensive conversation about how the nonprofits could strengthen and expand services to better meet the economic and community development needs of businesses and residents.

Learn more about the merger and its benefit to businesses and our community →

Governor Scott Announces Mask Mandate

Governor Phil Scott has announced strengthened mask requirements in public places and congregate settings effective August 1, 2020. The executive order amendment, which was announced on July 24, requires all Vermonters to wear masks or cloth facial coverings any time it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from others from outside their household. Those who are not required to wear masks include those exercising outdoors, those under the age of two, those with a medical or developmental condition that is complicated by a facial covering, and those with difficulty breathing. Businesses and other entities may require customers to wear masks, including signage explaining mask requirements and denial of entry or service to those who decline to wear masks. 

The Agency of Commerce and Community Development has made signage for businesses, organizations, and partners to help inform that masks will be required beginning Aug. 1. The signage options include posters to help explain why it is important to wear a mask and are part of the larger statewide mask education effort being coordinated through ACCD and the Vermont Agency of Human Services. 

Learn more about the Governor's strengthened mask requirements →

Paycheck Protection Program Deadline 

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The Small Business Administration will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met and the funds are used for eligible expenses. The deadline to apply for funding through the Paycheck Protection Program is Saturday, August 8, 2020. 

Learn more about PPP and how to apply →

Vermont's Economic Restart Continues

Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development continue to announce openings under the phased approach to restarting Vermont's economy. 

This week, the Governor announced he will sign an executive order calling for a universal school start date of Sept. 8, 2020, which will give schools more time to test and fine-tune plans for the start of the academic year. 

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

Energy Visits Help Businesses Spot Energy-Saving Opportunities

Efficiency Vermont is offering free energy consultations to Vermont small and medium businesses to uncover savings opportunities that owners are often too busy to notice or address. While businesses work to recover from the economic recession brought on by COVID-19, these consultations can help businesses access new incentive offers, financing solutions, and technical advice to lower their energy costs and make their businesses more resilient in the future. 

These consultations can take place over the phone, via video conference, or in-person in limited cases and following strict health and safety protocols.

Learn more and schedule your energy visit today →

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