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Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Read on for:
The Parade of Heroes and Whoopie Pie Festival August 27th | Volunteers Needed | Meet Karly | CEDRR Board Nominations | Bob Fine Visits |
What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT |
Membership Spotlight | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
Coming Up: Parade of Heroes and Whoopie Pie Festival
Saturday, August 27, the first annual Whoopie Pie Festival opens at noon along with activities along Center Street in Downtown Rutland!
The all-day extravaganza begins with whoopie pie ticket sales and sampling, ending with the Newlywed Game, and Fireworks. The festival will have something for everyone! Come and enjoy the day filled with music, performances, activities, diverse foods, a Parade of Heroes and the opportunity to enjoy the company of others as we celebrate those who have helped us navigate the COVID-19 pandemic!
Volunteers Needed for the Parade of Heroes and Whoopie Pie Festival
To make the Parade of Heroes and Whoopie Pie Festival the best event it can be, we need many volunteers, so we are asking for your assistance.
Volunteering for this event will be a wonderful way to show your support for the Rutland County community. Volunteer opportunities range from passing out shirts and water, to laying sod for the Green Street, tallying votes for the "People's Choice Award," or helping deliver Rutland's largest whoopie pie to the Mission.
If you have an hour or two to assist us on the 27th, please click on the link below and sign-up. Feel free to reach out to Lori Pinkowski at lori@rutlandeconomy.com if you have any questions.
Karly Haven, Real Rutland Concierge Coordinator
CEDRR Hires Karly Haven as Real Rutland Concierge Coordinator
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) is pleased to announce the hiring of Karly Haven as Real Rutland Concierge Coordinator.
In her new role at CEDRR, Haven will connect virtually with people interested in moving to Rutland County via the Concierge Program, part of the Regional Marketing Initiative – Real Rutland. This includes providing resources to those interested in relocating to the area and learning about their interests to best pair them with a Real Rutland Concierge Program volunteer. Haven will oversee the Real Rutland Concierge Program volunteers as well.
CEDRR Seeks Board of Directors Nominations
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR), a not-for-profit board charged with championing economic development in its communities, is seeking residents of the Rutland Region with lived experience and expertise to help achieve goals related to local economic drivers: business development, entrepreneurship, marketing and tourism, advanced education, community services, and arts and culture.
Nominations for the Board of Directors are completed in accordance with CEDDR’s Diversity Statement which supports diversity in all of its forms and recognizes that cultural diversity plays a key role in economic growth, as people from diverse backgrounds bring language skills, unique experiences, new ways of thinking, innovative ideas and creative solutions to difficult problems. Consideration is given to a variety of demographic and geographic representation of the greater Rutland Region.
The deadline for nominations is noon on Friday, September 2, 2022. Rutland Region residents interested in learning more about CEDRR’s Board responsibilities and membership, CEDRR’s committees, and the work that is being undertaken, please reach out to Lyle Jepson, lyle@rutlandeconomy.com.
Robert "Bob" Fine, using virtual reality at Healthy Design in Rutland.
Executive Director of the International Virtual Reality Healthcare Association Visits CEDRR
Robert "Bob" Fine, Executive Director of the International Virtual Reality Healthcare Association (IVRHA) visited Rutland earlier this month.
In 2009, Robert started Cool Blue Media by organizing the first social media conference on the east coast of the United States, leading to the publication of the textbook, "The Big Book of Social Media Case Studies, Stories and Perspectives" and shortly thereafter the only printed magazine covering social media, The Social Media Monthly.
In May 2016, he launched VRVoice.co, a content vertical exploring virtual reality in the enterprise. In 2017, Robert started the largest annual conference on virtual reality and healthcare with events taking place both in the US and Europe.
While in Rutland, Bob toured the Hub CoWorks, visited Healthy Design, and went to The MINT Makerspace among other locations. Bob also gave a presentation to a select group about "The State and Future of Virtual Reality in Healthcare."
From Left: Marie Pavini (Healthy Design), Robert "Bob" Fine, Stephen Flint (Healthy Design)
Former College of St. Joseph campus
Community Workshop at the Former CSJ Campus
The Housing Trust of Rutland County (HTRC) is studying redevelopment options for the College of St. Joseph campus. As part of that process, HTRC will be hosting a community workshop at the former campus' Recreation Center on Wednesday, August 17.
HTRC is specifically inviting identified stakeholders including major employers and economic development professionals to participate and share ideas and perspectives on Rutland’s development needs and opportunities that may exist to site housing, businesses or other uses on the CSJ site.
There is an workshop all day on Wednesday based in the lobby of the Recreation Center. If your schedule allows, it is encouraged to drop in between 1:00 and 2:30 pm. There will also be a site walk around the campus beginning at 11:30 am if you would like to look at the property and talk about future opportunities.
$800,000 Available for Vermont Startups and Tech Companies
For the first time, Vermont has launched a Technology-Based Economic Development program, intended to accelerate the state's high tech business sector.
The program, Elevate Vermont, provides a mixture of technical assistance, grant matching, and innovation research. Some qualifications include being headquartered in Vermont and to complete and be approved for the program application. From there, the applicant can receive overall education about the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, gain valuable feedback on proposals, and hands-on guidance from experienced SBIR/STTR Advisors.
FREE Courses for Vermonters Affected by COVID-19
There is still an opportunity for Vermonters to take advantage of two FREE Northern Vermont University and Vermont State College courses and training. This funding is available for the summer and fall 2022 and spring 2023 semesters while it lasts.
You may qualify for these funds to take up to two FREE courses at NVU (or another Vermont State College). The Vermont State Colleges System offers numerous training options across many high-demand industries and classes that fit your lifestyle to help you upskill or reskill as a member of the Vermont workforce.
Town to Trails - Growing Poultney's Outdoor Recreation Economy
"Town to Trails" is a new, community-driven effort to grow and connect a thriving local economy, vibrant downtown, and world class outdoor recreation opportunities.
As the outdoor recreation culture grows in the Poultney area, the town is celebrating and strategically leveraging it by improving access from the trails to the town, strengthening the downtown amenities, and building a local brand and awareness.
In addition to determining long-term plans, Town to Trails is planning "pop-up" projects, quick, easy, and temporary improvements that demonstrate or test long-term changes. In the meantime, the group needs community input and ideas.
Events This Summer at The MINT
Vermont Works for Women Trailblazers at The MINT!
For women and gender-expansive folks interested in learning about design, build, material exploration, small hand tools and larger power machinery, we are excited to announce the second season of Trailblazers! Trailblazers is open ages 16+, no experience necessary. The next information session for the Rutland Area is on Wednesday August 31st, 7:00 pm. More information about this program, and registration can be found here.
Upcoming classes at The MINT:
Intro to Screen Printing.
Wednesday, August 17, 6:00 pm. Learn the basics of the screen printing process. This hands-on demo will show you the steps required to print single color designs on your own tee shirts, tote bags, and more! All are welcome! No prior experience with screen printing necessary. Register here!
Letterpress Greeting Cards.
Wednesday, September 7, 6:00 pm. (First Wednesday of the month) Learn how to make your own handmade letterpress cards! Print your own set of personalized greeting cards using two-color fronts and a type-set inside greeting. All are welcome! No prior experience with letterpress necessary. Register here!
STEAM powered programming continues through August on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings at The MINT. We are also at Rutland Free Library this Thursday, 8/18.
Welcome to Our New Member
Mountainside Mutts offers pet parents a range of training services including:
- Puppy Start Right – Rutland’s only socialization and foundation training program.
- Private in-person coaching sessions
- Online guidance
- Day training
- Fun group classes.
Other trainers try to solve behavior problems or puppy issues after they’ve already arisen. But the goal at Mountainside Mutts is to help you avoid these headaches altogether. Avoid the expense and heartache of trying to tackle unwanted behaviors after they’ve arisen. We can help you jump-start training your new dog as soon as you welcome them into your home.
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
Best Western Inn & Suites, BROC Community Action, The Carpet King, CDP Electric, Community Care Network, Efficiency Vermont, Green Mountain Power, H. Hirschmann Ltd, IBF Solutions, Killington/Pico Partners, LaValley Building Supply, Pratt Vreeland Kennelly Martin & White, Rutland Jewish Center, Rutland Pharmacy, Triller Print Source & Services, and VT Dining Train.
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region's Career Hub features full-time jobs across Rutland County that provide a salary higher than the Vermont living wage.
Maintenance Supervisor
Housing Trust of Rutland County is seeking a Maintenance Supervisor to join their team.
Chief Financial Officer
Parent Child center of Rutland County is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join their team.
Retail and Hospitality Coordinator
BHAKTA Spirits is seeking a Retail and Hospitality Coordinator to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Developing Effective International Business Strategies for Growth
AUGUST 17 | 2:00 PM
Join SBA and Public Private Strategies Institute for a webinar on Wednesday, August 17 at 2:00 p.m. ET to learn about resources to help you develop effective international business strategies for growth. Speakers include:
- Gabriel Esparza, Associate Administrator, Office of International Trade, U.S. Small Business Administration
- Alisa S. Joseph, Director of Programs, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
Lunch Bites: Doing Business with the State of Vermont
AUGUST 24 | 12:00-12:45 PM
Join Vermont Procurement Technical Assistance Center for an overview of the processes used by the State of Vermont to procure products and services. We will discuss the basics of contracting with the State and the support tools available to small businesses such as the Vermont Business Registry/Bid Board.
Presenter: Brenda Plastridge
Maximizing Your Impact
OCTOBER 19 & 20 | 10:00 AM-2:15 PM
The Center for Women & Enterprise’s Virtual Women Business Leaders Conference featuring the Women of Color Business Summit is the premier event for women in business, bringing together more than 350 women business leaders, owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders, supplier diversity teams, and purchasing professionals.
2022 Conference Features
Workshops, and panel discussions led by knowledgeable experts.
Women of Color Business Summit (October 20). Includes forums, panels and workshops specifically addressing the needs of women of color entrepreneurs and business leaders of color.
- Keynote Speakers
- Chely Wright, Activist and Country Music Artist
- Carmen Ortiz, Partner at Anderson Kreiger in Boston and former U.S. District Attorney for Massachusetts
- CWE WBENC Meet and Greet. Exclusive, invite-only session for WBENC-Certified businesses.
- Ample opportunities to network and make new connections.
Early Bird Pricing until August 31.
