CEDRR July Mixer with Four Seasons SIR on July 14
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Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Read on for:
CEDRR Closed Friday, July 3 | Starlights Dance Academy Ribbon Cutting on July 9 | CEDRR July Mixer with Four Seasons SIR on July 14 | Four Seasons Dermatology Ribbon Cutting on July 17 | Membership Spotlight | CEDRR Member Benefits | What's New in Rutland County | Economic Development News and Opportunities | Real Rutland Concierge Program | The Hub CoWorks | Made at The MINT | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
CEDRR Closed Friday, July 3 in Observance of Independence Day
Please note, the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) office, located at 67 Merchants Row in Downtown Rutland, will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day and the United States of America's 250th birthday.
We wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe Fourth of July weekend!
Starlights Dance Academy Ribbon Cutting on July 9
Join Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) on Thursday, July 9 at noon for a ribbon cutting at Starlights Dance Academy’s new location at 155 Woodstock Avenue in Rutland.
At 5:00 PM that day, they will also be holding an Open House, along with enrollment for their 2026-27 Season. The open house will feature food and drink, a bouncy house,
and other fun activities!
We hope to see you there!
CEDRR July Mixer with Four Seasons SIR on July 14
Join CEDRR, Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty and Roots the Restaurant for a Gala White Clothing Party Mixer on July 14 from 5:00–7:00 PM. This mixer will be held in the courtyard next to Roots - or the Roots Events Space in case of rain - at 55 Washington Street, Rutland, VT.
Anyone is welcome and this event is free to attend! Bring your friends/colleagues, slip into your best white attire, and enjoy an evening of summer fun, Mediterranean-style food, refreshments, and friendly competition featuring Battle Golf, Putting, Cornhole, great raffle prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and more.
Donations will be collected to support the Humane Society of Rutland County. If you are unable to attend, and would like to donate to the Humane Society, contact Makayla or Janet at Four Seasons SIR at (802) 774-7007. We hope to see you there!
Four Seasons Dermatology Ribbon Cutting on July 17
Join us for a ribbon cutting on Friday, July 17 at 12:30 PM to help welcome Four Seasons Dermatology to our region!
This full-time clinic, now accepting new patients, offers comprehensive dermatologic care, including medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology services.
Led by Steven Partilo, MD, MPH, Four Seasons Dermatology extends its commitment to accessible patient care with this addition, joining established locations in Colchester, VT, Waterbury, VT, and Plattsburgh, NY.
Patients can schedule appointments by calling (802) 864-0192 or visiting www.skinvt.com.
West St Grille
West St Grille is a restaurant in Rutland, VT serving American cuisine with a touch of flair. Our locally-owned and operated establishment is committed to serving up delicious food and exceptional customer service to locals and visitors alike. Our menu features a wide variety of dishes to suit every taste, including gluten free options. Our bar is also a popular destination, with a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits to complement your meal. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a delicious meal in a welcoming atmosphere, West St Grille is the perfect destination.
The ribbon cutting and grand opening at Gourmet Goat Kitchen & Home in Castleton, VT on Saturday, June 27. Those pictured include Castleton Selectboard Member Mark Brown, co-owner Greg Fucci - holding the large scissors, co-owner Jillian Fucci - holding the small scissors, Chrispin White, CEDRR's Member Services Manager, and Greg & Jillian's moms holding the ribbon.
CEDRR Would Like to Welcome Our Newest Members:
CEDRR Would Like to Thank the Following Businesses for Renewing Their Membership:
CEDRR Perk Card Benefits
Everybody loves a deal! Our extremely popular Membership Perk Card is one of the most widely-used and highly-valued benefits of being a member of Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region. All member businesses receive one free Perk card for every member of their organization.
This Week’s Highlighted Deals:
Exotica Flowerz – 10% discount
Wallingford Village Market – 10% storewide
Want to Offer a Deal to Thousands of Perk Cardholders? Email us with the Perk you would like to offer!
Save the Date for VCRD Community Leadership Summit on October 6
Join hundreds of community builders from across Vermont for the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) annual Leadership Summit - a full day of connection, learning, and inspiration for anyone working to strengthen their town.
This year’s Summit will be held at the Vermont State University Castleton Campus, and is grounded in the newly updated Vermont Community Leadership in Action Guide, which will shape workshops, panels, group discussions, and networking throughout the day. Sessions will explore practical tools and strategies for leadership and facilitation skills, community engagement and volunteerism, local economic vitality, advancing community projects, and more.
Whether you’re a longtime local leader or someone just beginning to get involved, you’ll find space to learn, share, and gather ideas you can bring home to your community. All people who care about their town and the future of our state are encouraged to attend.
Registration opens in mid-August. In the meantime, stay tuned to vtrural.org/summit and VCRD newsletters for agenda and speaker announcements, info about the Castleton campus, and more!
Celebrity Dinner for a Cause on July 9
Join invited state officials, local dignitaries, business leaders and community advocates for a dinner to benefit the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. This dinner will take place at Nonna’s Italian Ristorante on Center Street in Downtown Rutland on Thursday, July 9, 2026, with dinner seatings at 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, and 8:00 PM.
CEDRR’s Executive Director Sarah Furman is one of the participating servers, along with CEDRR board member David Sunderland of Carris Reels, State Senator Brian Collamore, Greg Markowski of Markowski Excavating, VT House Majority Leader Patti McCoy, and VT Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers.
Your reservation and tips will support the Seniors Helping Seniors team in this September’s 2026 Rutland Walk to End Alzheimer’s. To reserve your seat, call (802) 772-7316 and ask to be seated with your favorite local “celebrity.” Together, we can provide hope, support families, advance research, and create a future without Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions.
The 2026 graduates of Vermont State University's Resort & Hospitality Management program at Killington Resort's K-1 Lodge.
Killington Resort and Vermont State University Celebrate This Year’s Graduates of Resort & Hospitality Management Program
At the base lodge of the East Coast's largest ski resort, seventeen graduates crossed the stage Saturday, marking the latest milestone for one of New England's most distinctive higher education partnerships between Killington Resort and Vermont State University (VTSU). The Resort & Hospitality Management (RHM) program class of 2026 received their diplomas on June 20, 2026, at Killington Resort's K-1 Lodge.
The seventeen graduates completed the three-year program this spring, eleven of whom have already secured jobs at Killington Resort. Collectively, the class completed 680 courses, achieved an impressive 3.58 average GPA, gained extensive professional experience across 59 different job titles, and contributed 38,702 hours of work, all while skiing a combined 2,019 days.
"These graduates are the next generation of leaders in the resort and hospitality industries," said Kristel Killary, Assistant Professor and RHM Program Coordinator at Vermont State University. "What makes this program, and its graduates extraordinary is the depth of real-world, hands-on experience students gain alongside their academic coursework. By the time they graduate, they are prepared and proven."
Delivered entirely in-person at Killington, the VTSU RHM program offers a fast-track, three-year path to a Bachelor of Science that integrates classroom learning with at least three paid work experiences at the resort. Students live and learn in the heart of the industry, gaining hands-on exposure to resort operations, leadership development, financial management, marketing, and guest services. Many take on supervisory roles before graduation, furthering the experience they bring to the field following graduation.
"This program has been essential to building and sustaining Killington's workforce," said Mike Solimano, president and CEO of Killington Resort. "It serves as a critical pipeline for developing highly skilled and motivated professionals who are ready to contribute from day one. Many of our current team members and leaders have come through this program, including two members of my own leadership team, and its impact on our resort community can be seen every day through the people it brings to our team."
Close mentorship from university faculty and resort leadership ensures graduates leave with robust professional networks and a deep understanding of the evolving hospitality landscape. They are all well positioned to advance quickly within the industry.
"There truly is no classroom like Killington," Killary added. "Our students graduate with both the confidence and competence to lead — whether on a mountain, in a hotel, or anywhere in the global hospitality sector."
Learn More About VTSU’s Resort & Hospitality Management program →
Highlights from the Vermont Chamber of Commerce’s Biennium Report
Over the past two years, Vermont businesses have faced rising costs, workforce shortages, housing constraints, healthcare affordability challenges, and economic uncertainty. Through it all, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce remained focused on advancing practical solutions that strengthen affordability, competitiveness, and economic opportunity.
This biennium also marked an important shift in Vermont's economic conversation. Through the Vermont Economic Action Plan, the Competitiveness Dashboard, and the Business Climate Survey, the Vermont Chamber helped strengthen the connection between data, policy, and action, creating a clearer roadmap for Vermont's future.
Meaningful progress was made on housing, workforce development, economic growth, and healthcare reform. Just as importantly, there is growing recognition that Vermont's affordability challenges require long-term thinking, sustained leadership, and collaboration across sectors.
The Vermont Chamber’s Legislative Biennium Report highlights the policy outcomes, advocacy efforts, and economic priorities that shaped the past two years. Some highlights from the Biennium Report include:
A Trusted Voice for Vermont Employers: The Vermont Chamber testified 87 times before legislative committees and monitored nearly 2,000 hearings throughout the biennium, bringing real-world business insight and economic expertise to policy discussions affecting employers across every sector and region of Vermont.
Affordability Takes Center Stage: Policymakers increasingly focused on the interconnected challenges of housing, workforce, healthcare, education, and economic competitiveness as Vermont's affordability crisis emerged as a defining issue.
A Blueprint for Vermont's Future: The Vermont Futures Project launched the Vermont Economic Action Plan, a long-term roadmap shaped by more than 5,000 Vermonters to address workforce shortages, housing constraints, and population growth.
Progress on Key Business Priorities: Meaningful advances were made in housing, healthcare reform, workforce development, economic development, and tax policy.
Preventing Additional Cost Burdens: Numerous proposals that would have increased costs for employers, consumers, and communities were defeated or improved through advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
Greater Transparency and Accountability: Legislative voting records on key economic issues provide employers and voters with a clearer understanding of where elected officials stand on policies affecting Vermont's economy.
Please save the date for Wednesday, July 22 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM for a Post-legislative Session update in the Workforce in Motion Streetside Conference Center at The Hub CoWorks, 67 Merchants Row, 1st Floor Rutland. Amy Spear, Megan Sullivan, and Kevin Chu from the Vermont Chamber of Commerce will provide more context around what happened in the State House – and what it means for local businesses, look ahead to the next Biennium, and answer questions.
Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging Earns Prestigious NCQA Case Management Accreditation
Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) is proud to announce that it has been awarded Case Management Accreditation for Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), one of the nation’s most respected independent organizations dedicated to improving health care quality.
Effective June 1, 2026, SVCOA received NCQA’s highest accreditation status for a period of three years, with accreditation extending through June 1, 2029. This distinction recognizes organizations that demonstrate strong performance and adherence to rigorous national standards for case management services.
NCQA accreditation evaluates organizations on their ability to coordinate care, engage individuals and caregivers, measure performance, and continually improve quality and outcomes. Accreditation standards are designed to ensure that organizations provide effective, evidence-based services that support individuals in navigating complex health and long-term care systems. NCQA is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. Through accreditation, certification, measurement, and data analytics, NCQA works to raise standards and improve health outcomes nationwide.
“Achieving NCQA accreditation is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and compassion of our staff. Receiving this accreditation reflects years of intentional work to strengthen our systems, enhance staff development, and continuously improve the quality of services we provide.” said Rosemary Greene, Executive Director of the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging. “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to the older Vermonters, their families, and unpaid caregivers who place their trust in us every day,” added Samantha Brennan, Director of SVCOA Case Management Services.
If you have news that you would like CEDRR to share in a future newsletter, please email a press release to Matt Britt, Communications & Marketing Manager at matt@rutlandeconomy.com.
The restaurant available for lease at the Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport. Letters of Interest are due July 13 by 3:00 PM.
Restaurant Available for Lease at the Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport
The Vermont Agency of Transportation, Aviation Program is requesting Letter of Interests (LOI) from parties who would like to operate a family friendly restaurant at the Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport located at 1002 Airport Road, North Clarendon, VT 05759.
Don’t miss the chance to lease one of the most unique restaurant spaces in Vermont. This space is positioned on the second floor of the commercial passenger terminal building overlooking the gorgeous green mountains and aircraft apron. The terminal welcomes approximately 10,000 passengers through its door every year, with a busy general aviation and private aviation presence, and strong support of the local community. Preferred hours for restaurant operations include at least 5 days a week with breakfast and lunch service. The airport is looking for an operator who can open during the summer or fall 2026. To view a sample/draft lease, see Exhibit C of the Letter of Interest.
Total lease price is $293.60/ month (.80 cents/ sq ft) for the 367 sq ft. commercial kitchen fully equipped with appliances and storage space. The tenant is responsible for the cost of trash, recycling, composting, electric, and propane in the kitchen. The airport covers water, building heat, and A/C. The space and appliances are leased as-is. Any tenant paid-for renovations or improvements to the lease space are welcomed and need prior approval by the State of Vermont Aviation Program.
View the Letter of Interest here.
Letter of Interest Timeline:
- Monday, 6/22 – Monday, 7/13: Optional Site Visit
- Monday, 7/13 (by 3:00pm): Letter of Interest Due
- Tuesday, 7/14: Notification of Shortlist
- Tuesday, 7/28: (by 3:00pm): Shortlisted Contractors provide Business Plan/More Information
- Thursday, 7/30: Selection of Awarded Vendor
- August 2026: Lease Finalization and Move In
Schedule a tour to see the restaurant space with Nicoletta Salvatore at nicoletta.salvatore@vermont.gov or (802) 498-8708. (24-hour notice is preferred but not required.)
Questions about the Letter of Interest? Contact Sari Tiersch & Scott Krumm AOT.CAServices@vermont.gov.
Seek & Savor Vermont
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has launched Seek & Savor, a new statewide agritourism marketing campaign designed to help connect visitors with Vermont farms, food producers, and on-farm experiences. The campaign will promote Vermont agritourism through social media outreach, influencer visits, travel shows, welcome center promotions, and expanded content on VermontVacation.com
Vermont farms and food businesses are encouraged to ensure their offerings are listed on VermontVacation.com and to incorporate Seek & Savor into their own marketing efforts. Free campaign resources, including logos, branding guidelines, a marketing toolkit, and a stock photo library, are available at https://agriculture.vermont.gov/seeksavor.
New Date for Real Rutland BBQ at Bomoseen State Park
The Real Rutland Concierge Volunteers and New Residents BBQ that was postponed due to weather has been rescheduled to Thursday, July 16 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at Bomoseen State Park.
This Meet & Greet BBQ is a chance to acknowledge and appreciate all of the incredible concierge volunteers and help welcome our recent residents to Rutland County. There will be games by the lake and food provided! Vegetarian and gluten free options will also be available.
The Hub CoWorks welcomed the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants (VTCPA) to the Workforce in Motion Streetside Conference Center for a training session on Wednesday, June 24.
The Hub CoWorks Closed Friday, July 3
The Hub CoWorks will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day.
We wish everyone a happy Fourth of July weekend, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, July 6!
Summer Youth Camps at The MINT
The MINT Makerspace offers Summer Youth Camps for students in Grades 4-6 and Grades 7-12. Camps are offered in CAD/3D Print, Pottery and Glass and are held at 112 Quality Lane in Rutland.
Space is limited, so register today at rutlandmint.org. Scholarships are available.
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.
Psychiatric Services Nurse
Community Care Network is seeking a Psychiatric Services Nurse to join their team.
Aviation Maintenance Worker - Temporary
The Vermont Agency of Transportation is seeking an Aviation Maintenance Worker - Temporary to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Summer Jam 250
Northwood Park
195 Northwood Park Road, Rutland, VT 05701
Friday, July 3, 4:00 PM-8:00 PM
Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday at this collaborative event presented by The Rutland Town and Rutland City Recreation Departments. All are welcome! We are still looking to add food trucks to this event. Please email the Rutland Town Recreation Department if you would like your food truck to be added to the list.
Fireworks will not be part of Summer Jam, but we hope everyone makes their way over to the fairgrounds on July 4 to watch the Fireworks Over Rutland show!
For more information, email recreation@rutlandtown.com or info@rutlandrec.com.
Brandon Independence Day Celebration
Downtown Brandon, VT
Friday, July 3, 2026, Starting at 10:00 AM
Brandon, VT will celebrate Independence Day on Friday, July 3, 2026, with a full day of planned activities. The parade will begin at 10:00 AM and follow the Park Street/Route 7 route.
The event will include a variety of activities such as music, food, and games, all taking place downtown.
And a fireworks display! The event is expected to be a significant celebration for the community. If you would like to participate in and help with the day’s festivities please contact Committee Chair Jessie Mohan.
Poultney Independence Weekend
Poultney, VT
Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, 2026
Join us for a festive Independence Weekend celebration in Poultney as we honor our nation’s heritage and celebrate our community under the theme “Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future.”
The festivities begin on Friday, July 3, with a Community Party at the Poultney Elementary School grounds starting at 5:00 PM. Families can enjoy food vendors, live music, a DJ, face painting, and activities for all ages. The evening will also feature a special No Strings Marionette performance followed by a magic show, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.
On Saturday, July 4, the celebration continues with a Magic Show at 9:30 AM at Slate Quarry Park, followed by the community’s beloved Fourth of July Parade at 10:00 AM, beginning in East Poultney. The parade will feature floats, marching bands, community groups, and special guests.
Following the parade, everyone is invited to the American Legion (689 Granville Street) for live music, food vendors, bounce houses, outdoor games, and family-friendly fun.
Come celebrate Independence Day with friends, neighbors, and visitors during one of Poultney’s favorite annual traditions.
Summer Smash
Vermont State Fairgrounds
175 South Main St., Rutland, VT 05701
Saturday, July 4, Gates Open at 4:00 PM, Demo Derby at 6:00 PM
Independence Day Fireworks will follow the event thanks to the efforts of Fireworks Over Rutland!
- General Admission Grandstand Seating: $12 + tax/fees
- General Admission Trackside: $18 + tax/fees
- Reserved A Boxes: $140 (6 chairs) + tax/fees
- Reserved B Boxes: $120 (6 chairs) + tax/fees
- Children 5 and under: free admission
Learn More About CEDRR Offerings
