March Mixer details, applications open for the gALPHA Program, and more!
No images? Click here
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Read on for:
Real Rutland Feud Recap | March Mixer | Applications Open for gALPHA |
What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT |
Membership Spotlight | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
The MINT Makerspace Real Rutland Feud team poses with the trophy after winning.
The MINT Makerspace Wins 2025 Real Rutland Feud
The MINT Makerspace won the 2025 Real Rutland Feud on Saturday, February 15!
The audience was filled with laughter as our ten teams made up of local businesses and organizations took to the Paramount Theatre stage to compete in this "Family Feud" inspired game.
Thank you to all ten teams, business sponsors, and community members who attended the show. Your support helps continue the success of CEDRR's Regional Marketing Initiative - Real Rutland grow.
CEDRR's March Mixer Hosted by Vista Senior Living
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) will have its March Mixer at Vista Senior Living in Killington, on Tuesday, March 11 from 5-7 p.m.
Vista Senior Living is excited to provide tours of two new areas that will open soon.
There will be food, drinks, prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and more!
Apply for the Spring gALPHA Accelerator Program
Applications for our StartUp Rutland Spring gALPHA accelerator program powered by gener8tor are now open!
gALPHA is a free, four-week venture-creation workshop designed to help entrepreneurially minded students and technologists create high-growth startups. Get product ideas, mentorship, and one-on-one coaching to develop a high-growth startup company. gALPHA is a program of a nationally ranked startup accelerator gener8tor.
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Kickoff: April 3
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
Photo of attendees of the Letter of Intent Signing Ceremony.
Public-Private Partnership Brings City and Downtown Hotel + Living Project to Rutland
The City of Rutland, in partnership with private developers, is excited to announce the Downtown Hotel + Living Project, a transformative investment that will complete the Center Street block at Center & Wales. This $40 million development will introduce a seven-story, mixed-use building featuring 99 hotel rooms, 26 market-rate apartments, and vibrant dining and social spaces, including a restaurant, bar, and a rooftop bar. Upon completion, the impact on Rutland will be significant and catalytic.
The Downtown Hotel + Living Project will revitalize Rutland by transforming a long-vacant and contaminated site into a thriving hub of activity. It will provide a welcoming space for visitors, offering modern accommodations for business guests, tourists, and families. The project also plans for 26 new apartments with premium amenities, helping to meet the demand for quality downtown housing.
Photo courtesy: UVM Office of Engagement and Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships.
Coworking Consortium Launches with Gathering in Rutland
The Leahy Institute convened the first in-person meeting of a new Coworking Consortium, in partnership with Black River Innovation Campus, The Hub CoWorks, Do North Coworking, and Hula,
The group met to begin discussing how the Consortium can help each member maximize their creative and economic impact.
Almost immediately, participants were asking questions of each other and sharing experiences. It was a rapid and wonderful start to the many conversations this program is meant to spark.
West Rutland, Vermont.
Governor Announces $4.7M in CDB Grants - Two Rutland County Towns Recipients
Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) today announced $4,764,010 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to benefit 15 projects in 14 communities. Projects include supporting the creation of the regional Orange County Parent Child Center in Randolph, renovating the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi headquarters in Swanton which includes a food pantry that serves the entire region, and increasing home ownership services provided by the Windham and Windsor Housing Trust.
Nine projects will receive a CDBG grant. The following two projects are in Rutland County:
- Town of Fair Haven – Planning feasibility study to determine if a vacant industrial building can be redeveloped so it can again produce HUD approved Manufactured Homes.
- Town of West Rutland – Subgrant to NeighborWorks of Western Vermont to fund merger of Housing Trust of Rutland County, NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, and Shires Housing in Bennington.
Dani and Becca, a mother and daughter duo, founders of YourYuckies.
Center for Women & Enterprise Announce 2025 30 Stars Nominees - Killington Business Nominated
Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) is marking its 30th anniversary by spotlighting 30 incredible entrepreneurs from our Women’s Business Centers and WBEs. Out of these outstanding individuals, six of the clients who have been economically empowered from their relationship with CWE will be chosen as the stars of their Center. YourYuckies, based out of Killington, is one of five Vermont businesses.
Meet YourYuckies, co-founded by a mother/daughter duo who were tired of stressing about managing hygiene supplies like TP, wipes, and period care products while enjoying the outdoors. Without any sustainable solutions available, during a section hike on the AT, they decided to create their own! There are enough barriers keeping people from enjoying the outdoors, managing hygiene should NOT be one of them.
The YourYuckies all-in-one bag design, made with biodegradable, plant-based material, makes stashing clean and used toiletry products in your pack a breeze. With this year's looming funding cuts, bathroom facilities in parks may be less accessible. Help support Leave No Trace principles - personal hygiene care is not yuckie, but leaving stuff on the trails is.
Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Nikki Hindman, Rutland City Mayor Mike Doenges.
Rutland County Employers Receive Over $100,000 in Unclaimed Property
Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak joined Rutland Mayor Mike Doenges on Thursday, February 13, to return over $100,000 of unclaimed property to Rutland County employers. The event was held in connection with the Treasurer’s ‘Claim Your Money’ campaign, an effort to return at least $1 million of unclaimed property to Vermonters in the month of February.
The ‘Claim Your Money’ campaign was announced in connection with National Unclaimed Property Day, Feb. 1 to encourage Vermonters to search for unclaimed property. The effort will include targeted paid advertising, collaboration with local lawmakers, and public events. Already, the campaign has returned over $600,000 of unclaimed property to Vermonters.
Mayor Doenges thanked Treasurer Pieciak for returning forgotten funds to Rutland employers, highlighting the benefit to their bottom line.
Arts Expanding in Rutland County
Rutland’s Paramount Theatre has started its $6 million expansion into the next-door Richardson Building. The renovation will include a new elevator, private event space, and an expansion of the main lobby, restroom, and concession space.
Upcoming Events at The Hub CoWorks
Patient-Centric Digital Marketing Seminar by Mimi Damm
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, March 13th
The Hub CoWorks
As the healthcare industry evolves, organizations must embrace patient-centric digital marketing strategies to enhance engagement, build trust, and drive loyalty. This free seminar at The Hub CoWorks in downtown Rutland, Vermont, will explore innovative approaches to reaching and connecting with patients through targeted digital initiatives. Whether you’re a healthcare marketer, medical practitioner, administrator, or patient engagement specialist, you’ll gain valuable insights into integrating patient-focused strategies into your marketing efforts. Space is limited—RSVP now on Eventbrite!
CO.STARTERS SPRING ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN
April 16 to June 18
Wednesdays from 5 PM to 8 PM
The FINSYNC CO.STARTERS program is a comprehensive, hands-on course designed to guide you through the process of launching a business. Over the course of 10 weeks, you’ll deep dive into every aspect of building a sustainable and successful business, from refining your idea to developing a business model, and beyond. Due to the interactive nature of the program, enrollment is limited. If you’re interested, be sure to apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.
We are excited to share that Heritage Family Credit Union will continue to partner with The Hub to sponsor and provide mentorship, with support from SCORE VT! To apply, or for more information, please email Bill at Bill@rutlandeconomy.com.
New View from the Top Featuring John Rodgers is Out Now
Bill Lucci sits down with the newly elected John Rodgers, Lieutenant Governor of Vermont, to discuss how Vermonters can build successful careers without following the traditional “college or workforce” path. From his early days working for the Speaker of the House to leading statewide workforce development efforts, Tom shares how Advance Vermont is helping connect people with the skills they need—whether through college, trades, or specialized training.
Listen now: linktr.ee/thehubcoworks
Transform How You Work at The Hub CoWorks!
Located in downtown Rutland, The Hub CoWorks offers flexible coworking memberships and high-tech meeting spaces designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. Enjoy high-speed WiFi, complimentary coffee and tea, telecom rooms, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Whether you need a hot desk, dedicated desk, or meeting room, we have options starting at just $99/month for memberships, or $30 for a day pass.
Need a space for meetings? Our state-of-the-art conference rooms can accommodate groups from 10 to 72 people, featuring cutting-edge technology for seamless collaboration. Hourly rates start at $75, with nonprofit discounts available. Elevate your work experience—schedule a tour today!
Classes and Events Upcoming at The MINT
Come and check out some of the classes and events for all ages at The MINT!
Join us on March 1 for a Chili cook-Off. This is an opportunity for our community to come together, share space, be warm, and celebrate a love of chili. It is also a chance to share The MINT with friends and family and help us raise funds in support of our programming.
We will be hosting 10 local chili competitors. We've also got some local "celebrity" judges!
February 27
Join us for an epic evening of games at The MINT! Enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks while you dive into a world of fun. Test your skills with classic board games like Connect Four and Sorry!, race your friends in a thrilling Mario Kart tournament on the big screen, challenge your mind with strategic games like Catan and Wingspan, or simply relax and connect with others in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Mosaic Tables
Transform a tabletop into a work of art!
March 27-April 17
In this introductory 4-session course, you'll explore the art of creating mosaic tabletops. From selecting diverse substrates to mastering adhesive and grouting techniques, this class will equip you to craft a stunning outdoor table that stands up to Vermont weather. Bring your own table or choose from a selection available at The MINT.
Upcoming Rutland Young Professional Events
Join RYP on March 13th from 6-9 pm at Baird Farm in Chittenden for maple syrup tasting, a farm tour, and networking with other Young Professionals! This event will be primarily outside, so please remember to dress for the elements and layer up!
Also, tickets are going fast for our Annual gala! Buy your tickets now before they sell out! Tickets available at: http://rypgala2025.eventbrite.com/
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.
School Secretary
Rutland City Public Schools is seeking a School Secretary to join their team.
Justice and Belonging Coordinator
Rutland County Restorative Justice Center is seeking a Justice and Belonging Coordinator to join their team.
Head Start Lead Teacher
Community Care Network is seeking a Head Start Lead Teacher to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
What's the Future of Tourism in Vermont?
February 27 | 5-6:30 PM | Online
Imagining what is possible for the future of Vermont's tourism industry calls for big, exciting ideas - what hasn't been covered yet that you'd like to see considered as we discuss the growth of the visitor economy in Vermont?
Why & How to Certify Your Business as Woman Owned through WBENC
March 3 | 12-1 PM | Online | $50 Fee
Are you interested in learning more about Women's Business Enterprise National Council WBE Certification?
The Center for Women and Enterprise offers WBENC Certification for fully-formed businesses that are majority (51% or more) women-owned, operated, managed, and controlled. There is no baseline business size, revenue, or length of time in business, but please note: that we do not certify non-profits.
Join us for this interactive 1-hour webinar to learn about the world of supplier diversity, State and Federal certifications, eligibility requirements, and the WBENC certification process. After a presentation filled with valuable information, there will be an opportunity to get all the certification questions you have answered.
We look forward to exploring together how the WBE certification can bring your women-owned business to the next level!
Starting Your Own Business - With VtSBDC
March 12 | 10-11:15 AM | Online
Starting your own business can be challenging, especially for first-time business owners. If you’re ready to explore turning your idea into a real business opportunity, then this is the presentation for you. By joining this 75-minute workshop, you’ll gain a basic overview of starting your own business including some practical tips/steps.
• How to evaluate if there is a viable business opportunity in your idea?
• What makes your business unique? Creating your value proposition.
• Testing your idea. Learn about the Business Model Canvas and how to use it.
• Registrations and initial legal questions.
• Basics of financials and how to calculate what you’ll need to get started.
• You’ll have an opportunity to have some of your burning questions answered by our VtSBDC Business Advisors giving the presentation.
• Following the session, you’ll leave with next steps to consider, and you will receive a copy of the program along with many resources to turn to for guidance!
Speaker(s): VtSBDC Business Advisors and Consultants
