Gov. Phil Scott to attend CEDRR's Legislative Breakfast.
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Tuesday, June 17, 2025
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CEDRR Legislative Breakfast | CEDRR July Mixer | Real Rutland Interactive Map |
Membership Spotlight | What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
CEDRR Legislative Breakfast
Join the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region and our Rutland County legislators as we host a Legislative Session Wrap Up Breakfast sponsored by Omya, Inc. The event will be held at Southside Steakhouse on Monday, June 30 at 7:30 a.m. Governor Phil Scott will be a special guest and address the attendees.
Cost is $25 per person and includes fresh baked muffins, assorted pastries and bagels, cream cheese, and fruit salad, plus juice, coffee and tea.
The Legislative Series is made possible by the generous support of Omya. There are a limited number of seats, please register to secure your admission.
PLEASE NOTE: Once you've registered, a confirmation email will be sent and it may end up in your Spam folder.
CEDRR July Mixer
Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty will host the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region's July Mixer on Tuesday, July 8 from 5-7 PM at its Downtown Rutland location. This mixer is always a hit! More information to come!
Find it. Do it. Love it. - Real Rutland Just Got Easier to Explore
We’re thrilled to introduce the Real Rutland Interactive Map — a brand-new online tool showcasing the very best of our region’s recreational, historical, and cultural assets.
Built through a collaboration between the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region and the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, this easy-to-use map puts hundreds of curated destinations right at your fingertips. Whether you're a visitor, a resident, or a local business owner, you'll find inspiration for your next outing—from hiking trails and historic sites to murals, festivals, and community events.
🔍 Browse by interest. Discover by location. Mobile-friendly.
Over 450+ locations and growing!
📍 Start exploring today:
realrutland.com/map
📬 Want to help spread the word?
We’ll soon be printing rack cards to help promote the map. If you'd like copies for your business, organization, or visitor-facing location, please reach out to:
👉 welcome@realrutland.com
Thanks for helping make the Rutland Region an even more connected, vibrant, and welcoming place to be.
CEDRR and Rutland County Are Featured in Vermont Biz
In June’s VermontBiz, we take a close look at Rutland. From one side of the county to the other, its communities are buzzing with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Our conversations with community leaders indicate that the county’s economy is steady and providing new opportunities but organizations are braced for federal funding cuts and potential losses.
In Environmental news, Vermont missed its emissions goals, despite a drop in fossil fuel use and pollution levels. And a verdict is expected soon in the tree cutting case in Green Mountain National Forest.
VermontBiz also gets into the summer spirit with a “Scoop” on Prouty’s Parlor - a new mother-daughter owned and operated Ice-Cream shop located in Merchant’s Row in Rutland!
Devon Neary, executive director at the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, left, and Lyle Jepson, executive director at the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region. Photo courtesy to CEDRR.
Rutland County Economic Report: Region's Economy is Steady and Providing New Opportunities
Things are hopping in Rutland County these days. From one side of the county to the other, its communities are buzzing with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Here are three recent examples:
Bernie Carr, executive director at the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce, marvels at Brandon’s revitalized downtown. Driving home on a recent Saturday afternoon, he stops at a new intersection and is amazed by the number of people enjoying the area after years of construction and the pandemic. “I’m looking around and seeing people scurry here and there, and the parking spaces are full, and I’m like, ’We’re finally here!’,“ Carr says.
Vermont State University President Dave Bergh is focused on the governor. While loading up his car for a trip to Castleton for the Bring Back the Trades Expo, he apologizes to a reporter for having to rush. “I think I’m introducing the governor, which is one reason I can’t be late,“ Bergh explains.
Real estate broker Nathan Mastroeni is building furniture. On a phone call with a reporter, he explains why a particular date won’t work for a virtual interview. “I’m working on building some of the furniture at our new office in Killington that day,“ he says, “so I probably won’t be presentable for Zoom.“
Jeff Weld, vice president of communications at Casella Waste Systems, observed the various projects underway in the county, ranging from large initiatives like Killington Forward to smaller enhancements like new signage in downtown Rutland, and emphasized their cumulative impact.
“Residents should be optimistic about the investments happening here. The work being done doesn’t always have to be big and flashy to make a difference,“ he said.
Indeed, this year has seen numerous stories of ongoing efforts that are gradually reversing previous downward trends.
Apply for CEDRR's Revolving Loan Fund
CEDRR Revolving Loan - Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region provides fixed-rate loans between $5,000-$250,000 through its Revolving Loan Fund. These loans are generally amortized over 10 years with fixed rates based on the current WSJ Prime loanrate at the time an application is submitted. CEDRR members receive a 1% discount on their interest rate. This Loan Fund is typically used as “gap financing” to help finance portions of a project for which a business cannot finance using traditional lenders such as a bank or credit union.
Contact Lyle Jepson at 802-773-2748 or lyle@rutlandeconomy.com for more information.
Regional Economic Development Grant Opportunity
Applications are expected to open soon for the Building Communities Grants program, administered by the Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services (BGS). A subcategory of this grant opportunity is the Regional Economic Development Grant, which if awarded, provides up to $25,000 to support construction and capital improvements for businesses that create additional jobs within the region. All grants require one-to-one matching funds. The deadline for applications is expected to be September 10, 2025. Details and applications will be available on the Department of Buildings and General Services website. Contact Lyle Jepson for further details at Lyle@rutlandeconomy.com.
Welcome to Our New Member
When George Merck began buying land parcels in the 1940s, he wasn't just looking for a family retreat. He had a vision for thoughtful forest management that led him to establish the Vermont Forest and Farmland Foundation in 1950, making us one of the first land management experiments in the United States.
Today, our approach is worlds apart from the clear-cutting that stripped Vermont's hillsides during colonial times. At Merck Forest, every tree harvested serves a purpose in creating healthier, more diverse woodland for generations to come.
The best way to understand our approach to forestry is to see it firsthand. Visit our trail network to explore forests in different stages of management, from recently harvested areas to old growth sections.
Watch for interpretive signs along the trails explaining what you're seeing, or join one of our guided walks to learn directly from our forestry team.
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
Best Appliance & Kitchens, GE Aerospace, H&R Block, Jerry Hanson, NewStory Center, and UBS.
Casella Celebrates 50 Years at Nasdaq Opening Bell on Global Garbageman Day
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. ("Casella") (Nasdaq: CWST), a regional solid waste, restyling, and resource management services company, announce that is will ring the Opening Bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
Casella Chairman and CEO John W. Casella, President Ned Coletta, and Founder and Vice Chairman Doug Casella will be joined by members of the Casella leadership team and its board of directors.
"It's an honor to be invited to ring the Opening Bell at Nasdaw in recognition of our 50th Anniversary," said John W. Casella. "Since our initial public offering in 1997 to where we stand today, Nasdaq has been a tremendous partner in our success."
Vermont Foodbank Completes $1.2 Million Renovations to Rutland Warehouse
The Vermont Foodbank has wrapped up a $1.2 million renovation of its Rutland warehouse.
The upgrades began last year and include a new cooler powered by carbon dioxide and an improved freezer to store meat and dairy.
The Foodbank’s Casey Thomas says completion of the project gives the organization more options to feed more people across their three statewide distribution centers. “Having the resource in our backyard is really helpful. We’re able to offer a larger variety of items we didn’t see previous to the renovation, and it really just opens up opportunities for us to explore other areas of the state that are in need as well,” she said.
She says they expect to start welcoming back more volunteers soon to the Rutland site.
Wellness Revolution Rutland Welcomes Women to Join the July 2025 Session
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (Blue Cross VT) and Terry Bicycles are welcoming the return of the Wellness Revolution Cycling Program in Rutland for the 2025 season. This free program serves those who identify as women to help them break through barriers that keep them from getting out on their bikes. This program builds community with other women in the pursuit of a healthy activity. We are proud to continue this partnership with Terry Bicycles and to work with an incredible local team who makes this program happen in the Rutland community year after year.
The Wellness Revolution program starts on July 31st, 2025, in Rutland and will run through August 17th. These programs often fill up fast and are completely free to participants. Once registered, Wellness Revolution Rutland 2025 Registration Survey participants will receive detailed information about the program schedule.
Vermont offers incredible opportunities for riding across the state on bike paths, around town, on mountain bike trails, and on rural gravel roads. Cycling provides accessible transportation, mental and physical wellness, and connection to our environment.
VT Ski Areas Boast Growth with 4.16 Million Skier Visits
Vermont’s alpine ski areas reported 4.16 million skier visits for the 2024–25 season, an increase of 1.1% over the previous year and 6.2% over the 10-year average. These totals put Vermont 0.6% ahead of the New England region’s 0.4% growth, and just 0.6% behind the national average visitation increase of 1.7%.
With strong visitation and continued year over year growth, Vermont remains the top ski state in the east and fourth largest in the nation, measured by skier visits, a key performance indicator for the snow sports industry. The state’s ski areas averaged 117 operating days this season, slightly lower than the 10-year average of 123 days. Average snowfall of 218 inches was a 19-inch increase over last year, and 35 inches above the 10-year average.
Download the Business Agility Guide Road Map
Building an agile and resilient business empowers you to adapt and thrive amid both challenges and opportunities. Our new Business Agility Guide serves as a roadmap to help your business become more adaptive and responsive in an ever-changing world.
Apply for a T-Mobile Hometown Grant
T-Mobile is investing $25M in 500 rural towns over 5 years to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. Together, we can help upgrade tech at your local library, build new hiking trails, revitalize historic buildings, and so much more.
Get up to $50,000 to bring your community project idea to life. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2025.
Brandon Free Public Library received a $2,500 grant in 2023.
Apply for the Walter Cerf Community Fund
The Walter Cerf Community Fund awards grants focused on education, historic preservation, and social services in Addison County, the Town of Brandon, and to organizations serving a statewide constituency.
The fund will consider both small ($500-$5,000) and large (up to $25,000) grant requests. If you apply for and are not awarded a large grant, your request will still be considered for a small grant.
Small Grant Eligibility
- Project/program specific
- General operating funds
- From organizations in or serving the Addison County/Brandon area
- From organizations serving a statewide constituency
Large Grant Eligibility
- Project/program specific
- From organizations in or serving the Addison County/Brandon area
Grant activities must take place between September 2025 and September 2026 to be eligible for funding. The deadline to apply is June 24, 2025.
Real Rutland Concierge Program Update
The Concierge Program has been busy so far this year. The total number of people who have relocated to Rutland County through the program is currently 14 people. They have come from all regions of the United States.
We are also working on implementing a new software program for lead retention in the Concierge Program that should be live this month.
The MINT's New Structure is Successfully Evolving!
The MINT has returned to its roots with a fully volunteer-run organizational model - and the transition is going strong. Stefania Urist has stepped into the role of President of the Board of Directors and is leading the organization through this next phase. A professional artist and active MINT member since 2020, Stefania has used The MINT's tools to create public art and sculpture. She is energized by the passion and dedication of the core group of member volunteers who are keeping The MINT running smoothly.
Artist, Stefania Urist, is the new President of the Board of Directors of The MINT Makerspace.
🔧 Upcoming Classes at The MINT – Sign Up Now!
Get ready to learn something new! The MINT has a fantastic lineup of upcoming classes, including:
Glass-Made Gifts from Flame
Introduction to the X-Carve CNC Machine
Stained Glass Support Group
🌞 Even more classes will be added throughout the summer—so be sure to check the MINT Class Calendar regularly and reserve your spot!
🎟️ Thinking about becoming a member?
You can also sign up for a tour during staff hours right from our calendar. Come see what The MINT is all about!
RYP Annual Meeting This Month
Mark your calendars! 🗓️ Our annual meeting is coming up!
Join us Thursday June 26th at 5pm for our annual meeting at Heritage Family Credit Union.
Official business will be followed up with networking, mingling, and refreshments. See you there!
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.
Chief Human Resources Officer
Community Care Network is seeking a Chief Human Resources Officer to join their team.
Clinical Supervisor
Community Care Network is seeking a Clinical Supervisor to join their team.
Central Vermont Heat Squad Auditor
Cornerstone Housing Partners is seeking a Central Vermont Heat Squad Auditor to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Navigating Lean's Many 5S Solutions Webinar
June 19 | 12-1:30 PM | Online
5S is a powerful methodology in the Lean toolkit for gaining efficiency and reducing human error in operational processes. It covers a wide range of process constraints and brings forth the physical changes that mitigate those constraints, reduce cycle times, and improve human performance and pride.
Topics covered will include: a quick review of 5S and the various areas where it is applied, how to select your own 5S solutions and obtaining additional ideas and 5S tactics from those who attend. Join us to learn how to add to your 5S toolbox!
Copyright Basics
June 25 | 10-11:30 AM | Online
This introductory course covers the essential principles of copyright law. Participants will learn about the types of works protected by copyright, the rights of copyright owners, and the concept of fair use. The course also addresses copyright infringement and the duration of copyright protection.
Starting Your Own Business with VtSBDC
July 9 | 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.
