Sign up for CEDRR's Legislative Breakfast and more!
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Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Read on for:
CEDRR Mixer Tonight | Sign Up for CEDRR Legislative Breakfast | Sarah Pelkey Named CEDRR's Director of Economic Development | Real Rutland Receives GROW Grant |
Membership Spotlight | What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
CEDRR Mixer Tonight Hosted by Rutland Bowlerama
Join the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region for bowling, food, and fun at the CEDRR February Mixer on February 10 from 5-7 p.m. at the Rutland Bowlerama!
This is your opportunity to test your bowling skills! There will be discounted games of bowling for mixer attendees and food will be provided by The Golden Bull. As always, there will be door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.
The Rutland Bowlerama is in Rutland City, 158 South Main Street. We hope to see you there!
CEDRR Legislative Breakfast - Sign Up by February 18
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) will host a Legislative Breakfast on Monday, February 23, at Southside Steakhouse in Rutland at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $25 and includes a breakfast buffet. You must register to attend this event. Seating is limited, reserve your seat by February 18!
This is a valuable opportunity for employers, community leaders, and stakeholders to hear directly from the statewide business voice about the policy landscape ahead and how legislative decisions this session may impact businesses and communities across Rutland County and Vermont.
Our guest speaker is Megan Sullivan, Vice President of Government Affairs from the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Megan leads the statewide Chamber's policy and advocacy work at the Statehouse, representing employers of all sizes and sectors as Vermont’s legislative priorities take shape. As the 2026 Legislative Session begins, Megan will provide an overview of the Vermont Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Priorities, including efforts to improve affordability, modernize regulatory and permitting systems, strengthen the workforce and housing pipeline, and support key industries that drive Vermont’s economy. She will also offer early insight into how the session is unfolding, what issues are gaining traction in Montpelier, and what the business community should expect in the months ahead.
This event is sponsored by Omya.
Sarah Pelkey, CEDRR's Director of Economic Development.
CEDRR Welcomes Sarah Pelkey as Director of Economic Development
Sarah Pelkey, community development director for the town of Poultney, joined the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region on February 2 as its new director of economic development.
Pelkey brings to CEDRR strong regional experience in community and economic development. In her current role in Poultney, she focuses on downtown revitalization, community planning, marketing and business development.
Real Rutland Receives GROW Grant
The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening communities around the state by announcing 15 partner organizations were approved for grant funding in the second cycle of the Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) program. The grants support local, regional, county-wide, or state-wide organizations conducting new resident relocation, recruitment, and retention activities.
“GROW is a strategic investment in Vermont’s long-term workforce and community vitality,” said Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lindsay Kurrle. “By investing in locally led relocation and retention efforts, the program helps communities grow and reinforces the connections that keep new residents here.”
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region's Real Rutland program has received a GROW grant. This is the second time the grant has been available and the second time Real Rutland has been selected as a recipient.
Read about all grantees here →
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
Pictured with ribbon from left to right, Mike Bishop of The Popular Pioneer, Eric Solsaa, Board President, Rebekah M. Stephens, Executive Director of HFHRCVT, and Susan Ahearn, HFHRCVT Board Treasurer.
Habitat for Humanity of Rutland County Celebrates New Location
Congratulations, Habitat for Humanity of Rutland County (HFHRCVT)! On February 2, HFHRCVT celebrated the new space located at 3092 Cold River Road in Rutland. This location is home to the new ReStore, open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for all to shop, and the Panel Workshop. The new shop will allow them to build homes year-round for Rutland County and communities across Vermont.
Over $2 Million Invested in Rutland County
Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Economic Development announced that the State Brownfields Revitalization Fund (BRF) State Program is investing $3.51 million to clean six properties in Bennington, Rutland, St. Johnsbury, Williston, and Montpelier.
The BRF promotes the productive reuse of sites that are currently abandoned or not fully utilized due to contamination on the site. By providing financial assistance to clean up these sites, the program has enabled meaningful housing development while advancing environmental stewardship, community investment, and economic growth.
Since the program opened in October 2021, $23 million in cleanup funding has been awarded to 46 projects in 11 counties. The projects combined are anticipated to clean up more than 96 contaminated acres and create 993 jobs and 745 units of housing.
Rutland County Properties:
Cornerstone Housing Partners
- Location: Rutland, Rutland County
- Award: $596,205.00
- Purpose: Convert existing structures and develop vacant property into housing units.
- Anticipated outputs: Preserves 9 affordable units while creating 14 new affordable units across multiple sites. 1.11 acres remediated
Center & Wales LLC
- Location: Rutland, Rutland County
- Award: $1,500,000
- Purpose: Construction of an infill, mixed-use building combining both housing units and a hotel on a site devasted by a fire more than 50 years ago.
- Anticipated outputs: Will bring 26 much-needed housing units online while helping to continue revitalization efforts in Rutland’s downtown by adding 100 hotel rooms, which will create 25 jobs. 0.89 acres remediated.
Christina Campo, Berkshire Bank's Volunteer of the Year
Christina Campo Chosen as Berkshire Bank Volunteer of the Year
Berkshire Bank, now a division of Beacon Bank & Trust, has named Rutland branch manager Christina Campo as recipient of its 2026 Volunteer of the Year award, presented annually to an employee who exhibits "extraordinary dedication" to the communities served by the bank.
Campo was selected based on her donation of more than 200 hours last year, the variety of organizations she works with and her active participation in both company-sponsored events and personal activities. In appreciation for Campo’s efforts, the Berkshire Bank Foundation will make a $1,000 contribution to the Rutland County Parent-Child Center, which Campo selected to receive the special grant.
Governor Phil Scott Announces Launch of Community and Housing Infrastructure Program
Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) announced the application portal for the new Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) is now open.
CHIP, a statewide tax increment financing (TIF) tool, represents one of the largest investments in municipal infrastructure in Vermont history, with the potential to invest $2 billion between now and 2035. The program is designed to help Vermont communities of all sizes unlock housing opportunities by investing in critical public infrastructure.
"I've talked a lot about the need to revitalize rural areas of Vermont with more housing and better infrastructure," said Governor Phil Scott. "With our aging demographics, shrinking workforce, and fewer kids in our schools, we have to focus on what's driving us in the wrong direction. Along with regulatory reform, including Act 250, the CHIP program will allow smaller, more rural communities to leverage the TIF model for projects in their communities." CHIP is flexible and allows communities of all sizes the ability to grow their grand lists and meet local needs by investing in wastewater systems, roads, utilities, brownfield remediation, and other essential infrastructure. These investments are often the primary barriers preventing housing projects from getting off the ground.
Register for the 41st Vermont Tourism Summit
The Vermont tourism industry is evolving - and it starts this spring in Central Vermont.
Registration is now open for the 41st Annual Vermont Tourism Summit, taking place April 28–29, 2026, at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel. This year’s Summit is more than a conference. It’s about making new connections, hearing about major announcements, plus new statewide collaboration initiatives are all on the agenda, making this a must-attend event for anyone that is a part of shaping the future of tourism in Vermont.
This year’s Summit brings expanded networking opportunities, highlights of key initiatives from the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, and the official introduction of the new Vermont Tourism Alliance—a statewide organization created to strengthen, align, and advance Vermont’s tourism industry. Attendees will be among the first to hear what’s next for tourism marketing, strategy, and collaboration across the state.
Vote for the Best of Vermont
VermontBiz asks its readers – the business leaders of Vermont – who they trust to provide their services in over 100+ different categories. The go-to list in the state for everything from Best Bank and Best Public Relations Firm to Best College for an Online Degree is compiled. Some of the questions and answers are based on a regional perspective while most of the categories were looking for statewide winners.
VermontBiz has spent the last 50+ years forging its relationship with Vermont's business community and the BOB Awards provides an opportunity to tell us, other readers and the rest of the state which companies in Vermont have the best products and services for businesses.
The results of the BOB Awards speak to the stand-out businesses in Vermont: the ones that offer the best customer service, that are willing to go above and beyond and to pay attention to detail.
Attend the First Annual Real Rutland Community Roundup on March 5
There is always something to do in Rutland County! This event provides an opportunity to meet other community members who share the same hobbies and interests as you!
Join us for the First Annual Real Rutland Community Roundup on March 5 from 5-7 p.m. at The Hub CoWorks in Downtown Rutland. Whether you recently relocated, have lived here forever, or made a New Year's resolution to meet new people or join a club this event is for you. No matter your motive, you are sure to find something of interest here! We have gathered together the faces of some wonderful groups across the county, and they are so excited to meet you. There will be food, friends and door prizes!
Upcoming Events at The Hub CoWorks
Rutland City Municipal Plan Update Meeting
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 5:30 pm
The City of Rutland will be hosting an introductory public meeting in the Streetside Conference Room here at The Hub CoWorks (67 Merchants Row) to introduce and discuss the Rutland Municipal Plan Update.
This first public meeting is an opportunity to learn about the planning process, find out about the many ways you can contribute to the discussion, and provide early input on the process. All Rutland City residents, property and business owners are invited and encouraged to attend!
For more info, visit www.tinyurl.com/rutlandcityplan
Tickets are now on sale for RYP x SPEAK!
Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Are you a young professional who wants to learn better public speaking skills and strengthen your communication? Sign up now for this professional development event from Rutland Young Professionals and SPEAK in the Streetside Conference Room here at The Hub CoWorks.
The debate topic for this session will be: “Should early career professionals prioritize work-life balance over career advancement?”
SPEAK seeks to promote growth through offering debate and public speaking training to increase educational opportunities and enable individuals to confidently advocate for themselves and their passions.
Head to https://rutlandyoungprofessionals.org/ for more information or https://rypspeak2026.eventbrite.com/ to register today!
Upcoming Events at The MINT Makerspace
At The MINT, we welcome folks of all ages and orientations to gather, make, play, and build community. We are so excited to highlight our classes we have upcoming for the next few weeks.
Sea Glass Pendants
Class date: February 20th
Come create jewelry from the ocean! In this sea glass class we will create pendants out of ocean tumbled sea glass and learn jewelry finishing techniques to complete the look.
Pottery Wall Candle Holder
Class date: Starts February 20th
Do you love candlelight and want to make your own work of art to display them? This is the class for you! Combining wheel throwing, hand building, and painting, this class is a great way to train all your pottery skills!
Intro to Coil Pottery
Class date: Starts February 21st
Coil pottery is often considered the most beginner-friendly method. You don’t need a wheel - just roll your clay into coils, layer them up, and shape them at your own pace.
The Joy of Letterpress
Class date: March 4th
A hands on class to learn the process of letterpress printing. Attendees will be guided through the entire process of planning, preparing a chase with printing blocks, setting up a table top press, inking up a press, and making prints.
Pottery Intro Bootcamp
Class date: Starts March 7th
New to the wheel or need a refresher? This class is perfect for pottery beginners looking to learn a new skill and create something beautiful!
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.
Sales Operations Administrator
Casella Waste Systems is seeking a Sales Operations Administrator to join their team.
Project Development Assistant
Cornerstone Housing Partners is seeking a Project Development Assistant to join their team.
Human Resources Director
Cornerstone Housing Partners is seeking a Human Resources Director to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Financial Literacy 101
February 18 | 5-7 PM | 14 Chaplin Ave. Rutland, VT | Free
During this Rutland County Parent Child Center workshop, parents will learn how to calculate income, track expenses, categorize spending, set financial goals, budget planning, monitor and adjust, and stick to a budget.
Contact Bodie by email bodie.barton@rcpcc.org or call 802-855-0737 to sign up.
Small Business Tax Workshop Session
February 19 | 9-10:30 AM | Virtual | $10-$50
Lesson 2: Schedule C and Other Small Business Taxes
• Qualified Business Income (Section 199A) Deduction
• Completing Schedule C
• Gross Profit and Gross Income
• Business Expenses
• Net Profit and Loss
• Calculating Self-Employment Tax
Lean 101 - Lean Transformation
March 11 | 8 AM-3 PM | Rutland Country Club, 275 Grove Street, Rutland, VT | $98 per person
We have streamlined our popular Lean 101 training opportunity to ensure it’s applicable across all environments including manufacturing, administration, healthcare, government, services and much more.
Lean is a learning system that develops capability and adaptability in people and processes. Lean 101 workshops have created and reignited the spark for improvement in countless organizations in Vermont and across the globe. When paired with the commitment to further engage and develop employees at all levels, Lean has proven to result in the competitive edge that attracts customers, employees and investors.
