Real Rutland Feud is this weekend!
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Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Read on for:
Mixer Tonight at Stafford Technical Center | Real Rutland Feud This Saturday | Real Rutland Leads ThinkVT | Two New Accelerator Programs in Vermont in 2025 |
What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT |
Membership Spotlight | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
CEDRR February Mixer Hosted by STC
Join the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) for its February Mixer hosted by Stafford Technical Center (STC) on February 11 from 5-7 p.m.
This is a celebration of STC's 50 years! There will be door prizes, tours of STC, the Culinary Arts Program will cater, and more fun!
We hope to see you there!
Real Rutland Feud is This Saturday!
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) is excited to announce the Real Rutland Feud on Saturday, February 15 on the Paramount Theatre stage at 7 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased during regular business hours at the Paramount Theatre Box Office or online anytime at www.paramountvt.org beginning Monday, January 13 at 10 a.m.
Ten teams from local businesses and organizations, will compete on the Paramount Theatre stage for a trophy and the title of 2025 Real Rutland Feud Winner!
Teams facing off in the 7th Annual Real Rutland Feud will be:
*Team sponsored by Thicket Adventure
**Team sponsored by Great Gulf
***Team sponsored by Heritage Family Credit Union
This event is a fundraiser for CEDRR's Regional Marketing Initiative, Real Rutland.
Rutland Has Most New Vermonters in ThinkVT Program
Real Rutland, the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region's Regional Marketing Initiative, has attracted the highest number of new Vermonters according to the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing.
On a call last week with other recipients of the GROW (Grants for Relocation Outreach Work) Program, the state said Rutland is leading the way! Of the 97 new Vermonters over the last year of the GROW grant, 34 have moved to Rutland County.
According to the GROW Grantee meeting, 35% of the new Vermonters have moved to Rutland County! Burlington added 17 new residents and Brattleboro welcomed 12 new Vermonters. This is great for the state and our county! Go Real Rutland!
Two Accelerator Programs Coming to Vermont in 2025
Following the success of our inaugural StartUp Rutland accelerator in 2024, we are excited to share that we are expanding our work at StartUp Rutland and gener8tor. to bring TWO accelerator programs to Vermont in 2025!
1️⃣ gALPHA StartUp Rutland (April 3 - May 1) – A 4-week workshop-based accelerator designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs validate and build their startups. Open to Vermont-based founders.
2️⃣ gBETA StartUp Rutland (Fall 2025) – A 7-week accelerator for high-growth early-stage startups looking to scale quickly. Open to founders nationwide.
📢 Applications for gALPHA are NOW OPEN! (Application Deadline - March 31)
Apply here: gener8tor.com/galpha/startup-rutland
How You Can Help:
🔹 Refer Startups: If you know of entrepreneurs who could benefit, please connect them with Mose directly at mose.cassaro@gener8tor.com or have them apply.
🔹 Become a Mentor/Speaker:
We are seeking experienced founders, investors, and subject matter experts to mentor and join our lunch and learns as speakers to help guide our startups. If you or anyone you know would be a good fit - please reach out!
Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers at the CEDRR Legislative Breakfast.
CEDRR Legislative Breakfast
Last week, CEDRR held a Legislative Breakfast at Southside Steakhouse. Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers was the guest speaker. Attendees had the opportunity to meet him, listen to his goals for this legislative session, and ask him questions.
PEGTV recorded the Legislative Breakfast. A link to the entire event is below.
Welcome to Our New Member
Kaleidoscope Art Supply is an eclectic art and paper store on Center Street across the street from The Paramount Theatre. The shop is curated with unique art supplies and local art from underrepresented artists in Vermont. There's an art gallery that displays and sells original art during shows that the store puts on and the two workshop rooms double as space for pop-up art markets and birthday parties. There's even a little room for vintage clothing that is for sale behind the secret door that from first glance looks like a bookshelf!
Raven is a mixed media artist, writer and owner of Kaleidoscope Art Supply.
Please show this ad for a special gift with purchase or bring in the CEDRR Perk card for up to $10 off.
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
2025 VACE Insurance Program
CEDRR members are eligible for VACE Insurance. Please see the graphic above to learn more.
Groups that are new to VACE can join the dental and vision plans at any time throughout the year. The worksite benefits are also available at any time for both existing and new groups – no need to wait for open enrollment.
If you have questions, please reach out to Chrispin White.
Mamava Lactation Pod at Rutland Regional Medical Center.
Rutland Regional Medical Center Installs First Mamava Lactation Pod in Rutland County
Staff and leaders from Rutland Women’s Healthcare, Women’s and Children’s Unit (WACU) and Birthing Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center joined hospital leadership to cut the ribbon on a new Mamava Lactation Pod.
The state-of-the-art lactation suite is located on the main level of RRMC near the Allen Street entrance. To access the pod, visitors will use the Mamava app on their phone.
The idea for the installation of the lactation pod was first presented to hospital leadership in September 2024 after a suggestion was made by an RRMC employee, herself a new mom. It moved through the approval process quickly with support from leaders in human resources, nursing, and clinical operations.
Vermont Gets Nearly $4 Million in NBRC Projects
Governor Phil Scott, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Congresswoman Becca Balint, along with the Northern Border Regional Commissioner (NBRC), today announced the recipients of the NBRC’s Fall 2024 Catalyst Program and Forest Economy Program Awards. Seven projects in Vermont will receive a cumulative $3.88 million in funding, which will support projects including early childhood education, a new surplus crop processing center and food hub, and rural health care clinic upgrades.
The 2024 Catalyst Fall Competition Awardees include:
- Vermont Council on Rural Development (Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor Counties) - $472,192.28: Provide 9 rural communities with targeted, holistic capacity building services and support for long term economic development success. This project will scale up services to meet the overwhelming demand for facilitated community-led prioritization, technical assistance, leadership coaching, and resource guiding.
Pittsford Village Farm. Photo by Greta Solsaa/VTDigger.
Pittsford Village Farm Makes Headway on Child Care Center, Part of Larger Community Effort
The Pittsford Village Farm took a step forward by partnering with the Rutland County Parent Child Center to create a child care center, part of a larger effort to transform a historic farmhouse centrally located in the town of Pittsford into a thriving community center.
Lorrie Byrom, chair of the Pittsford Village Farm’s Board of Directors, said the board has acquired necessary funding for the project, and the plan is to break ground on the child care center on the first floor of the farmhouse this spring and to open the center next year.
Pittsford Village Farm sought applications from child care providers before signing a memorandum of understanding in January with Rutland County Parent Child Center. They agreed the latter would operate the child care facility when construction is completed.
Take the Rutland City Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Draft Survey!
The second survey is live for the Rutland City Local Hazard Mitigation Plan update!
Rutland City residents, the Rutland Regional Planning Commission is seeking your reaction to the draft mitigation actions developed by the local Planning Team to address our highest risk natural hazards: Flooding, Extreme Heat, Strong Wind, and Severe Winter Storms.
From February 3 to February 28, you can access the survey directly at https://tinyurl.com/Rutland-LHMP25-Survey2. Don’t forget to check in on the plan development process at https://tinyurl.com/rutlandlhmp25.
Events at The Hub CoWorks
Patient-Centric Digital Marketing Seminar by Mimi Damm
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, March 13th
The Hub CoWorks
As the healthcare industry evolves, organizations must embrace patient-centric digital marketing strategies to enhance engagement, build trust, and drive loyalty. This free seminar at The Hub CoWorks in downtown Rutland, Vermont, will explore innovative approaches to reaching and connecting with patients through targeted digital initiatives. Whether you’re a healthcare marketer, medical practitioner, administrator, or patient engagement specialist, you’ll gain valuable insights into integrating patient-focused strategies into your marketing efforts. Space is limited—RSVP now on Eventbrite!
CO.STARTERS SPRING ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN
April 16 to June 18
Wednesdays from 5 PM to 8 PM
The FINSYNC CO.STARTERS program is a comprehensive, hands-on course designed to guide you through the process of launching a business. Over the course of 10 weeks, you’ll deep dive into every aspect of building a sustainable and successful business, from refining your idea to developing a business model, and beyond. Due to the interactive nature of the program, enrollment is limited. If you’re interested, be sure to apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.
We are excited to share that Heritage Family Credit Union will continue to partner with The Hub to sponsor and provide mentorship, with support from SCORE VT! To apply, or for more information, visit our page here. Please email Bill with any further questions at Bill@rutlandeconomy.com.
New View from the Top episode out now!
Bill Lucci sits down with Tom Cheney, Executive Director of Advance Vermont, to discuss how Vermonters can build successful careers without following the traditional “college or workforce” path. From his early days working for the Speaker of the House to leading statewide workforce development efforts, Tom shares how Advance Vermont is helping connect people with the skills they need—whether through college, trades, or specialized training.
Listen now: linktr.ee/thehubcoworks
Work Smarter at The Hub CoWorks!
Located in downtown Rutland, The Hub CoWorks offers flexible coworking memberships and high-tech meeting spaces designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. Enjoy high-speed WiFi, complimentary coffee and tea, telecom rooms, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Whether you need a hot desk, dedicated desk, or meeting room, we have options starting at just $99/month for memberships, or $30 for a day pass.
Need a space for meetings? Our state-of-the-art conference rooms can accommodate groups from 10 to 72 people, featuring cutting-edge technology for seamless collaboration. Hourly rates start at $75, with nonprofit discounts available. Elevate your work experience—schedule a tour today! thehubcoworks.co
Checkout Some Upcoming Classes at The MINT!
Build Your Own Fish Landing Net
February 21st-23rd
Attention outdoor enthusiasts!
Create your own landing net for your fishing adventures. In this four-part class, you’ll cut and assemble all the parts needed to craft a unique, signature net. By the end of the course, you’ll leave with a custom 15-inch landing net ready to hit the water!
February 27th
Join us for an epic evening of games at The MINT! Enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks while you dive into a world of fun. Test your skills with classic board games like Connect Four and Sorry!, race your friends in a thrilling Mario Kart tournament on the big screen, challenge your mind with strategic games like Catan and Wingspan, or simply relax and connect with others in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Join us on March 1st for a Chili Cook-Off. This is an opportunity for our community to come together, share space, be warm, and celebrate a love of chili. It is also a chance to share The MINT with friends and family and help us raise funds in support of our programming.
We will be hosting 10 local chili competitors. We've also got some local "celebrity" judges!
Two RYP Events in February
Join RYP at our February meetup during Winterfest! The meetup will be during the Center Street Night Sledding event on February 18th from 6-8pm!
Also, don't forget to cheer on RYP at the Real Rutland Feud Saturday February 15th at the Paramount theater!
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.
Southern Vermont Heat Squad Auditor
Cornerstone Housing Partners is seeking a Southern Vermont Heat Squad Auditor to join their team.
Central Vermont Heat Squad Auditor
Cornerstone Housing Partners is seeking a Central Vermont Heat Squad Auditor to join their team.
Finance Assistant
Rutland Regional Planning Commission is seeking a Finance Assistant to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Foundations of Sustainable Product and Service Design for Small Businesses
February 12 | 5-7 PM | Virtual
Gain an essential introduction to sustainable product and service design in this foundational workshop, perfect for small business owners looking to make a positive environmental impact. In this interactive session, you'll explore key concepts and basic strategies to start integrating sustainability into your business.
Where Finance Meets Opportunity: How to get the most out of your banking relationship
February 19 | 10-11 AM | Virtual
Join VMEC and Northfield Savings Bank for a “real” conversation about banking relationships. Your relationship with your bank matters more than you might realize and like any other important relationship in your life, a banking relationship has its “goods” and its “not-so-goods.” But how can you tell the difference? What does a truly healthy banking relationship look like and how can you ensure you’re getting the best value, support, and services?
This hour-long session will include an introduction about the importance of having the right financial advice that fits your business needs, regardless if you’re a five person, 25 person or much larger VT-based manufacturer. Rosemarie White, Senior Vice President Commercial Banking for Northfield Savings Bank.
Legal Basics for Start-Ups
March 3 | 4-6 PM | Virtual
Thinking about starting a business, or have some questions you have been waiting on since you started? Join faculty and students from the Vermont Small Business Law Center at Vermont Law & Graduate School, for a conversation about the legal essentials of launching and managing your small business. These interactive sessions cover critical topics such as business formation, contracts, intellectual property protection, and basic regulatory compliance. Each session includes a live Q&A, so bring your questions!
