Regional Priority Project applications are now open.
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Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Read on for:
CEDRR Annual Meeting | Apply for Regional Priority Project |
Membership Spotlight | What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
CEDRR Annual Meeting is Next Tuesday
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region's Annual Meeting is at the K-1 Lodge at Killington Resort, on Tuesday, October 28 from 4:45-7:30 p.m. with the majority of the event running 5-7 p.m.
4:45 PM Music by Extra Stout, food and beverages
6:00 PM CEDRR Annual Meeting
6:15 PM Showcase Event (StartUp Rutland Pitch Competition)
7:00 PM Post event food and drink
This event is open to the public and FREE for all to attend. We do ask that you RSVP to give Killington Resort an estimated attendance.
PLEASE NOTE: A username and password are NOT required to register for this event. Enter your email address below where it asks you to enter a username & password (underneath the word 'or'). You can also click the link below that where it reads, "Not a member? Click here to continue your event registration."
Regional Priority Project Application is Open
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region, in partnership with the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, is accepting applications from businesses, non-profits, and municipalities to be considered as a Rutland County Regional Priority Project. The goal is to produce a list of high-priority economic and community development projects that meet certain eligibility requirements. The regional lists are provided to the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development each December, with new projects considered again in May for potential updates. The lists will be used by local, regional, and statewide organizations to understand the regional funding needs and allow regional economic and community development staff to help match federal and state funding to projects. Inclusion on the Regional Priority Projects list also provides a boost to applications made for funding through the Northern Borders Regional Commission.
The deadline for applications is Monday, November 3rd at 5:00 pm. If you have questions or would like an application sent to you via email, please reach out to Lyle Jepson, CEDRR Executive Director, at Lyle@rutlandeconomy.com.
Welcome to Our New Member
SunSpark Digital helps businesses keep their digital platforms fresh, organized, and running smoothly. Led by Hope Rogers, a Digital Content Manager and Creative Generalist, SunSpark Digital connects the dots across content, design, and systems to deliver clear, user-centered solutions.
Hope partners with teams to create and manage websites, intranets, and Learning Management Systems (LMS), improve internal communications, and streamline processes. She brings a practical, collaborative approach - serving as content manager, project coordinator, or product owner as needed - to help organizations strengthen how they share information and work together online.
SunSpark Digital works with organizations on both ongoing and one-time projects, acting as a reliable teammate to optimize and support their digital platforms.
Find out how SunSpark Digital can help your organization at www.sunsparkdigital.com.
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
Learn about the VACE+ Insurance Program
We are excited to invite you to an upcoming Informational Session highlighting the VACE+ Insurance Program, an exclusive benefit available to all CEDRR members.
The VACE+ Insurance Program offers access to high-quality, competitively priced employee benefits designed to meet the needs of small & medium-sized businesses and sole proprietors. Whether you’re offering benefits for the first time or looking to expand your current program, VACE+ provides a streamlined way to deliver value to your employees while helping you attract and retain top talent.
Session Details:
Date: Wednesday, November 5th
Time: 12–1p.m.
Location: Streetside Conference Room – The Hub CoWorks – 67 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT 05701
What You’ll Learn:
Overview of the VACE+ program and how it benefits CEDRR members
Current offerings including Dental and Vision Plans
Additional plans, such as:
Life Insurance (Term & Whole Life)
Accident Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance
Short-Term Disability Insurance
Pet Insurance (with a 15% discount and a unique CEDRR landing page)
This is a great opportunity to learn how you can enhance your employee benefits package with options that are both affordable and designed with our members in mind.
Please RSVP by Monday, November 3rd to Chrispin White at chrispin@rutlandeconomy.com.
We hope you will join us to discover how the VACE+ Insurance Program can add value to your business and your employees. For more detailed information about all of the offerings, please click on the following link: VACE Insurance – Providing Vermont businesses with voluntary benefit options for their employees.
“The Pit” parking lot on Center and Wales streets is the proposed site of a new downtown Rutland hotel. File photo by Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger
Rutland City Voters Resoundingly Back Bond for Downtown Infrastructure Projects
Marble City voters signed off on a $3.9 million bond for city infrastructure upgrades, laying the groundwork for a hotel project and other development downtown.
A sweeping 85% of Rutland voters approved the bond during the special vote held Tuesday, with 1,190 ballots cast in favor and 213 against, according to an official tally released by the clerk’s office Thursday. Approximately 13% of the 11,000 registered voters in the city turned out to the polls for the special vote.
“It’s a really exciting message that the voters recognize how important these types of infrastructure upgrades are to the future development of our city,” said Rutland City Mayor Mike Doenges Wednesday morning.
This rendering shows Base Camp at Bear Mountain. Construction is currently underway for the 24 luxury slopeside residences located at Killington Resort’s Bear Mountain.
Housing Development Breaks Ground in Killington
Ground has broken on a 24-unit town house development at the base of Bear Mountain.
“Base Camp at Bear Mountain” has been in the planning phases since 2016, said Steve Malone, vice president of development at Base Camp at Bear Mountain.
“We had to go through the town permitting process, Act 250, all of those things take time, but we’re here. We got a master plan approval for the project which allows us to develop up to 100 units,” he said.
Having an approved master plan for more units, Malone said, means that if and when the project wishes to add more homes, it will still go through the town and state permitting process but it won’t be as involved as if starting from scratch.
Community Care Network Launches Veteran Care Navigator Program
“As a state-designated Certified Community-Based integrated Health Center (CCBHC), Community Care Network is committed to providing equitable, accessible and comprehensive care to all members of our community. Veterans, active-duty service members and their loved ones face unique and complex mental health and substance use challenges. The CCN-RMHS Veteran Care Navigator program was strategically developed by professionals who are deeply committed to honoring the service of Veterans and understanding the challenges they face. With compassion and respect, the program helps break down barriers to care and ensures Veterans don’t fall through gaps in the health care system.” - Cindy Taylor-Patch, Chief Quality Officer, Community Care Network
The MINT Returns to Volunteer Roots
Four months after quietly dismissing the paid staff, the leadership of The MINT says the organization is weathering a changed funding environment.
“There was nothing the staff did (wrong),” Stefania Urist said. “There was no malfeasance, nothing (like) that happened. ... The loss of those grants really tanked our budget. ... I actually was going to reach out to the Herald. We were kind of waiting to figure out that we were financially stable and had good news to share before sharing anything.”
Urist said the organization returned to its former volunteer model and has stabilized. She said they are getting smaller grants, like one from the state to provide scholarships for memberships and classes to women and nonbinary people, and are renting space to other organizations for trainings and events. They have 236 active members, are expanding classes offered through the winter and have studio space available for rent, Urist said.
“It’s nice to have a paid staff, but the way they’ve reorganized, I think they’re in great shape,” said Lyle Jepson, executive director of Chamber & Economic Development for the Rutland Region, which helped establish The MINT and leases it space on Quality Lane. “Whenever I go in there, I’m frankly impressed with how well they’re moving forward.”
Photo provided by VTSU.
Hidden History: VTSU Castleton Project Brings the Past to Life for Students Across Vermont
Three major funding sources are significantly expanding the Castleton Hidden History Project (CHHP) at Vermont State University (VTSU) Castleton, deepening its impact on K–12 education and historic preservation in the southern Lake Champlain Basin.
A new grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program will bring immersive archaeology programming to classrooms across the region; a $100,000 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization grant from the Preservation Trust of Vermont will support critical restoration work at the Granger House; and $300,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending championed by Senator Sanders is funding essential accessibility upgrades and expanded exhibition space at the site.
The CHHP began in 2022 to uncover and share stories from Castleton's past that are often overlooked, including those of Native Americans, African Americans, and women. At the heart of the project is the Granger House, a circa 1800 home listed on the National Register of Historic Places, currently being transformed into the Granger-Moulton Museum and Learning Laboratory. Archaeological work at the site is ongoing, and the museum will feature cutting-edge 3D technologies to help preserve and present the past.
Join SVCOA in Empowering Older Vermonters - Board & Advisory Board Opportunities
The Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) is seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to help guide our mission to empower Vermonters to age with dignity, independence, and quality of life.
SVCOA is seeking a few exceptional individuals to fill roles on our Board of Directors and Advisory Board. These leadership roles are vital to ensuring that the voices and needs of older Vermonters and their caregivers are heard throughout Rutland and Bennington Counties.
The Board of Directors meets once a month, with a minimum of eight meetings per year, and remote participation options are available.
- The Advisory Board meets at least once a year and up to four times annually, helping SVCOA identify service gaps, review our 4-Year Area Plan, and strengthen community connections.
Interested applicants for the Advisory Board can reach out directly to Rosemary Greene, Executive Director, at rgreene@svcoa.net →
To learn more about our Board of Directors and download the application, visit https://svcoa.org/board-of-directors →
Nominate Your Company as Outstanding Business of the Year
VermontBiz and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce are soliciting nominations for the Outstanding Business of the Year Award.
Awarded to the Vermont business whose outstanding accomplishments in 2025 complements its history of success and awareness of what makes Vermont unique.
Deadline is November 21, 2025.
Upcoming Renovations at The Hub CoWorks
The Hub CoWorks is beginning work on some construction projects to improve collaboration flow and acoustics within the Opera House Community Workspace.
The space will be open for our regular hours, Mon. – Fri. 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. The majority of this construction work will be taking place outside of business hours, but we wanted to make our members and guests aware. Please be mindful that there may be lumber and materials in the space while work is underway.
We’re excited to share the new updates with you very soon!
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.
Stained Glass 3D Pumpkins
Class date: October 26th
Join artist Laura Twarog for this Intermediate Level stained glass workshop to create one-of-a-kind 3D glass pumpkin sculptures. Perfect for fall décor!
Introduction to Handbuilding: a Coiled Cookie Jar
Class date: November 1st
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.
Craft Your Own Wooden Spatula
Class date: November 3rd
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.
The Joy of Letterpress
Class date: November 5th
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.
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.
Coder/Biller
Community Care Network is seeking a Coder/Biller to join their team.
Early Interventionist
Rutland County Parent Child Center is seeking an Early Interventionist to join their team.
Office Manager
Rutland County Restorative Justice Center is seeking an Office Manager to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Understanding IT, Cybersecurity, and Compliance: Building a Cybersecurity Program Over Time
October 23 | 1-2 PM | Virtual | Free
Explore the critical distinctions - and connections - between IT, cybersecurity, and compliance. While these areas often overlap and support one another, they also present unique challenges when aligning goals, responsibilities, and resources. Understanding these relationships is the first step toward building an effective Cybersecurity program. Join VMEC and NUARI as we dive into strategies for developing a program over time, helping your organization strengthen security, maintain compliance, and create a resilient IT environment.
Starting Your Own Business - with VtSBDC
November 5 | 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.
You’ll have an opportunity to have some of your burning questions answered by our VtSBDC Business Advisors giving the presentation.
Legal Landscape for Vermont's Creative & Nonprofit Community
November 6 | 11 AM-1 PM | Virtual
The Vermont Small Business Law Center will explore recent federal actions impacting Vermont's nonprofit and cultural organizations, the state's legal response, and what these developments mean for our creative communities.
Presenters:
Jared Carter, Professor of Law, Vermont Law and Graduate School
Nicole Killoran, Professor of Law, Director, Vermont Small Business Law Center and Clinic, Vermont Law and Graduate School
