Thurs. May 14 at Party City at Staples and Mon. May 18 at Cornerstone Caregiving
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Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Read on for:
Party City at Staples Ribbon Cutting May 14 | Cornerstone Caregiving Ribbon Cutting May 18 | 2026 Vermont Tourism Summit | Volunteer at Workforce in Motion Summit | Membership Spotlight | 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
Party City at Staples Ribbon Cutting
Join Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) for a ribbon cutting at Staples on Thursday, May 14 from 12 - 1 PM as they celebrate their strategic partnership with Party City.
Party City at Staples is now a one-stop shop for personal and business celebrations - from party supplies and balloons, to printing custom invites, banners, signs, and more.
Cornerstone Caregiving Ribbon Cutting
CEDRR will also be holding another ribbon cutting on Monday, May 18 from 12 – 1 PM with Cornerstone Caregiving, located at 734 U.S. Route 4, Units 4 & 5 in Rutland.
Come celebrate their grand opening and learn more about the wide range of in-home services they provide to help individuals age safely in the comfort of their own home.
CEDRR's Executive Director Sarah Furman delivers the welcome remarks at the 2026 Vermont Tourism Summit. Photo courtesy of Matt McAlary, Killington Resort.
2026 Vermont Tourism Summit Shared Rutland County with Tourism Professionals from Across the State
CEDRR’s Executive Director Sarah Furman provided the welcome remarks to kick off the 2026 Vermont Tourism Summit, held this year at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel & Conference Center. Sarah shared stories of progress and potential happening here in Rutland County with tourism professionals from all over the state of Vermont.
Prior to the Summit, a group toured Killington and Downtown Rutland as part of the "FAM Tour," providing insights around key projects that are strengthening the tourism economy in Rutland County. Stops included the K1 Lodge at Killington Resort, the Killington Welcome Center, construction site for the Downtown Hotel and Living Project on Center Street, Downtown Rutland's sculptures and murals, and a tour of the Paramount Theatre. Buses for the tour were provided by Killington Resort and the Town of Killington. On the Summit's second day, the re-launching of the Vermont Tourism Alliance was announced.
We applaud the Vermont Tourism Summit’s work to help attendees explore partnership opportunities, learn from one another, and grow together. CEDRR is proud to have been part of the Summit planning committee. Everyone was excellent to work with - from the organizers to the tour bus drivers - and we appreciate the opportunity to support their efforts and help show off two Rutland County communities with strong tourism sectors.
Volunteers Needed for Workforce in Motion Summit
CEDRR is still seeking volunteers to support the Workforce in Motion Summit on May 21. We are looking for volunteers to assist with event set-up, clean up and other logistics. Time slots begin at 7:00 AM on May 21 and continue into the afternoon. If you or members of your organization are interested in volunteering, please complete our volunteer form. Please note that, due to insurance requirements, we must conduct a background check for all volunteers. We kindly ask that volunteers include your date of birth on the form.
Presenter David McBee, CEDRR's Member Services Manager Chrispin White, Brian Frampton, Dan Bessette, Sean McKenna and Nerissa Osborne of NNEdigital at the Digital Marketing Seminar at The Hub CoWorks on April 28.
NNEdigital partnered with CEDRR and The Hub CoWorks to host a Digital Marketing Seminar in the Streetside Conference Room on Tuesday, April 28. Guest presenter David McBee shared insights on a wide range of strategies, from geotargeting to video solutions that won't break the bank, while challenging some common assumptions around digital marketing. We appreciate NNEdigital for sharing their expertise with businesses here in Rutland County.
CEDRR Would Like to Welcome Our Newest Member:
CEDRR Would Like to Thank the Following Businesses for Renewing Their Membership:
Attendees gather at the Otter Valley Middle & High School for the community dinner and discussion to begin the "Brandon: A Hub & Our Home" initiative.
Brandon: A Hub & Our Home
CEDRR’s Executive Director, Sarah Furman, attended the community dinner and discussion on April 30 to launch the Brandon: A Hub & Our Home initiative. This initiative is hosted by the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), an independent nonprofit that has worked with more than 90 towns across Vermont. Sessions in this first session included conversations around Development, Housing & Jobs, as well as Public Safety & Infrastructure.
Steps 2 and 3 of “Brandon: A Hub & Our Home” will be held May 27 at the Brandon Town Hall and June 25 (location to be determined). The goal of these events will be to decide top priorities and build action plans.
The strong sense of pride Brandon residents have for their community and one another is evident, and their ideas for the future are inspiring, particularly in how they approach solutions to the challenges their community faces. Brandon is a deeply welcoming and supportive community, and CEDRR is grateful for the opportunity to support their efforts.
Rutland Regional Medical Center Awarded Sustainable Healthcare Certification from The Joint Commission
Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) has earned The Joint Commission’s Sustainable Healthcare Certification (SHC) by prioritizing environmental sustainability through decarbonization efforts. The certification demonstrates RRMC’s achievement in establishing structure, rigor and accountability to accelerate these efforts.
The healthcare industry accounts for nearly 9% of the nation’s carbon emissions. In reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, organizations commit to cost-effective and efficient operations that seek to address climate change and the impacts that climate-related events can have on individuals.
RRMC underwent a virtual review on April 20, 2026. During the review, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including the organization’s contribution toward global sustainability, its baselines for measuring three sources of GHG emissions and its actionable plans for reducing them.
RRMC’s sustainability work encompassed all levels of the hospital from clinical to non-clinical areas. Everything from proper hospital waste disposal to energy efficiency efforts were all part of the sustainability work over the past year.
For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.
Spring Lake Ranch seeks $1.5MM to “Raise the Barn”
for their farm-based mental health programming.
Since 1932, Spring Lake Ranch (SLR) in Vermont has provided long-term treatment for adults experiencing serious mental illness and substance use challenges. Their unique approach adds therapeutic work on a farm to psychiatric care.
In addition to attending therapy, psychiatry appointments, and recovery group meetings, residents spend their days working with animals, gardening, woodworking, and maintaining the surrounding forests and trails. This time-tested and effective programming has outgrown the dilapidated barns that currently support SLR’s cows, chickens, pigs, and sheep. It’s time to build something new.
“This model works. Generations of residents and families have told us SLR made the difference when other treatment centers didn’t. It’s imperative our property can sustain programming for future generations,” says Rose McCracken, Development & Communications Director.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Spring Lake Ranch relies on donations not only to provide access to their services, but also to fund facility upgrades. In 2024, SLR launched a three-year $18MM capital campaign. The campaign ends in December 2026, and SLR is asking donors to help them “raise the barn,” focusing their efforts on the $1.5MM still needed for a new farm complex.
Construction will replace the main barn, poultry barn, and resident workshop. SLR has engaged the Farm Viability Program at UVM as well as an animal housing expert to maximize the spaces and ensure long-term sustainability.
“We’re being intentional in our planning,” says Executive Director Rachel Stark, “so that we build exactly what we need in a way that supports the land and animals that mean so much to us. What we build now will serve its purpose for the next 100 years.”
Donors are helping build more than barns; these structures are the heart of SLR’s therapeutic experience. A former resident said it best: “At a point when I really didn’t know how to take care of myself, Farm Crew asked me to show up and care for the animals. That responsibility mattered. It grounded me, and over time, it helped me start building those same skills for myself.”
Donations can be made at https://springlakeranch.org/raisethebarn. Naming opportunities are available. For questions, contact Rose McCracken, Development & Communications Director.
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.
NSF STRIVE Accepting Applications for Funding to Support STEM Programming
The National Science Foundation’s Science and Technology Research Initiative for the Vermont Economy (NSF STRIVE) is now accepting applications for funding opportunities to support research and STEM programming that expand Vermonters’ access to science and meaningful learning. These seed grants are designed to be approachable and support is offered throughout the application process.
NSF STRIVE is an EPSCoR collaboration between Landmark College, Bennington College, Community College of Vermont (CCV), and the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation.
For K-12 educators that are looking to build or expand STEM programming in their classrooms, the STEAD funding deadline is August 15, 2026.
For researchers & partners who are interested in piloting ideas that can grow into larger, long-term funding, the STaRS seed grant deadline is October 15, 2026.
If you’re planning an event or program that doesn’t quite fit these categories, reach out. NSF STRIVE may be able to support it through sponsorship.
Learn more and apply at STRIVEvt.org. Email admin@strivevt.org with any questions.
Some of the items collected from Bomoseen State Park to help clean up on Green Up Day.
Real Rutland Green Up Day
Thanks to those who participated in the Real Rutland Green Up Day trash collection at Bomoseen State Park. A wide range of trash was collected to help the park look its best for Spring!
Presenter David McBee shares insights on digital marketing at The Hub CoWorks
NNEdigital Digital Marketing Seminar
The Hub CoWorks thanks NNE Digital for hosting an engaging and informative Digital Marketing Seminar in the Streetside Conference Room at The Hub CoWorks on Tuesday, May 28.
It was wonderful to see so many business professionals from across southern Vermont (and beyond) in attendance - and we truly appreciated the insights and strategies shared by guest speaker David McBee.
Tuttle Printing & Promotional Products installs graphics on the Workforce in Motion Streetside Conference Center at The Hub CoWorks.
The Workforce in Motion Streetside Conference Center at The Hub CoWorks
We’re excited to reintroduce the Streetside Conference Center at The Hub CoWorks, now sponsored by Workforce In Motion (WIM).
This versatile space can accommodate 30-40 guests seated at tables, or more than 70 with theater-style seating or high-top tables for networking events.
We are grateful to Workforce in Motion for their support of The Hub CoWorks’ efforts. Special thanks also go out to Tuttle Printing & Promotional Products for being great to work with as they produced and installed graphics for the room’s windows and doors on Thursday, April 30.
Haley Elkins, Executive Director of the Vermont Cheese Council, introduces Adam Davidson for “The Art of Storytelling”
2026 Artisan Cheesemakers Conference at The Hub CoWorks
The Hub CoWorks had the good fortune to host the Vermont Cheese Council’s 2026 Artisan Cheesemakers Conference on Friday, May 1. Fifty cheesemakers, cheesemongers, food producers, and other industry professionals came together from all over Vermont for a day of presentations and demonstrations focused on “Storytelling: Guiding Cheese from Farm to Plate.”
Presentations in the Workforce in Motion Streetside Conference Center included “The Passion Economy” and the two-part “The Art of Storytelling” from Adam Davidson, a journalist, author, and consultant whose work includes positions with “The New Yorker,” “New York Times Magazine,” and as co-founder/co-host of National Public Radio’s “Planet Money.” In the Casella Learning Lab, attendees learned about “The Art of Tasting” from Yvonne Yeoh, Cheesemonger and Sales Manager with Neal’s Yard Dairy in the United Kingdom; and “The Art of Tabling” from Emilia D’Albero – the first American to win “World’s Best Cheesemonger” from the Mondial du Fromage in France – and Kat Filipkowski, Manager and Head Cheesemonger at DiBruno Bros. Italian Market in Philadelphia, PA. The upstairs of the Opera House Community Workspace provided a backdrop for networking and conversation to close out the day.
We are grateful for the opportunity to share our space with the day’s attendees and presenters – and for the delicious samples that were shared with those of us who regularly work at The Hub CoWorks!
Cheese samples being cut for “The Art of Tasting”
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.
The Joy of Letterpress
Class date: May 6th
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.
Sign up here
Pottery Intro Bootcamp
Class date: Starts May 23rd
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!
Sign up here
Create a Wooden Spatula
Class date: May 26th
As part of the class, you’ll create your very own wooden spatula—a fun and approachable project that introduces you to the essential tools and techniques of woodworking.
Sign up here
Make a Honey Pot Pottery Wheel Class
Class date: Starts May 27th
You won’t BEE-lieve how much fun you’ll have creating your very own honey pot! This sweet class is designed for potters who already have some experience on the wheel and are ready to expand their skills.
Sign up here
Rapid Prototyping Orientation
Class date: May 21st
This session covers the different rapid prototyping technologies and a brief history, focusing on FDM 3D printing and how printers work today.
Sign up here
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.
Correctional Officer
Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility is seeking a Correctional Officer to join their team.
Speech Language Pathologist
Rutland City Public Schools is seeking a Speech Language Pathologist to join their team.
Medical Director (Psychiatrist)
Community Care Network is seeking a Medical Director (Psychiatrist) to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Financial Features: Get Back to the Work You Love with Greenhill Financial Partners
The Hub CoWorks
67 Merchants Row, 1st Floor, Rutland, VT 05701
Wednesday, May 13, 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
The Hub CoWorks is excited to host this series, highlighting financial institutions and organizations throughout the Rutland Region.
Join Greenhill Financial Partners for a workshop on business planning, professional support, and protecting your time.
Building and maintaining a business is a labor of love, but it demands time and energy across many areas—some of which aren’t as enjoyable or may get overlooked. The most successful business owners focus on their passions and strengths, while relying on other professionals—attorneys, CPAs, electricians, mechanics, and financial advisors—for the rest. This approach not only frees up time for what matters most, but also creates a network of support that strengthens our businesses and communities.
This program is free to the public, but RSVPs are required. Food will be provided. Support for this series is provided by the Vermont Small Business Development Center and Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region.
Public Meeting: Rutland Center St. Streetscapes
The Hub CoWorks
67 Merchants Row, 1st Floor, Rutland, VT 05701
Thursday, May 21, 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Rutland City residents and business owners are invited to a public meeting where three final alternatives for the Rutland Center St. Streetscapes project will be presented: two one-way and one two-way options.
Rutland South Rotary Annual Raffle
Spartan Arena
100 Diamond Run Mall Place, Rutland, VT 05701
Friday, May 29, 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
May has arrived, and the BIGGEST SOCIAL EVENT OF THE SEASON; Rutland South Rotary's Annual Fundraising Raffle is on Friday, May 29, 2026. Tickets are ON SALE NOW - and they WILL sell out.
$125 = admission for TWO adults (21+)
GRAND PRIZE: $10,000 + tons of cash & door prizes!
Don’t miss your shot - secure your tickets TODAY: www.rutlandsouthrotary.org, call 802-558-4979 (or grab them from your favorite Rotarian!)
This isn’t just a night out - it’s your chance to win BIG while supporting local youth programs and community causes.
Learn More About CEDRR Offerings
