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Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Read on for:
Legislative Breakfast | February Mixer | Real Rutland Feud |
What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT |
Membership Spotlight | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
CEDRR's Legislative Breakfast is Next Week
You're invited to the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region's (CEDRR) Legislative Breakfast sponsored by Omya.
Join us on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Southside Steakhouse in Rutland at 7:30 a.m. This is an opportunity to discuss upcoming topics with our Legislative Delegation and meet Incoming Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers.
John Rodgers, Vermont's next lieutenant governor, brings a legacy of dedication to the land, family, and community. Growing up on a fifth-generation farm in West Glover, he learned the values of hard work, honesty, and hospitality, instilled by his parents and grandparents. As an entrepreneur, John built a successful masonry and excavation business, specializing in historic restorations and contributing to cherished Vermont landmarks.
Married to Brenda Brown for 33 years, John takes pride in their two sons, both accomplished professionals, and their growing family. The Rodgers' family farm remains central to their lives, with multiple generations contributing to its preservation and the family’s cannabis business. John's political career spans nearly two decades, with service in the Vermont House of Representatives and Senate, where he championed constitutional rights, bipartisan collaboration, and the needs of working Vermonters.
February Mixer Hosted by Stafford Technical Center - Celebrating 50 Years!
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!
Purchase Tickets for The Real Rutland Feud
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.
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
Three Prominent Housing Organizations become Cornerstone Housing Partners
In an exciting development for communities in Rutland, Bennington, and Addison Counties, three prominent housing organizations have joined forces to form Cornerstone Housing Partners. This new organization combines the expertise and resources of NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, Shires Housing, and Housing Trust of Rutland County, creating a powerful entity dedicated to expanding and maintaining affordable housing options and homeownership services across the region.
Cornerstone Housing Partners will offer an enhanced range of services and support to families and individuals across the communities they serve. The newly combined organization will focus on the development, rehabilitation, and management of affordable rental housing, as well as providing essential homeownership services including energy efficiency, homebuyer education, foreclosure counseling, home repair and lending services.
Cornerstone Housing Partners is uniquely positioned to increase its impact in the region. The combined organization will not only continue to provide critical housing support but also expand the availability of affordable homes through new development and extensive rehabilitation projects.
Rutland Regional Planning Commission Receives Statewide Contract to Administer Water Quality Improvement Program
The Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) has announced that the Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation, Water Quality Division has awarded the RRPC a contract to administer water quality improvement programs in partnership with the 11 Regional Planning Commissions (RPCs) across the State of Vermont. Funded through the 604(b) Water Quality Management Planning Grant Program of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this initiative aims to promote water quality planning and improvements statewide.
Regional Planning Commissions will use the funding for the following initiatives:
- River Basin Planning and Database Updates
- Municipal Outreach
- Regional Water Quality Planning
Killington's $3 Billion Dollar Expansion Aim for World-Class Appeal and Lasting Local Economic Impact
The largest ski resort in the eastern United States and home to the Audi FIS Ski World Cup, Killington Resort, is set to undergo a metamorphic development that aims to solidify its reputation as a world-class, four-season destination.
Spearheaded by award-winning North American developers Great Gulf, the ambitious project leans into public-private partnerships blending hyper-modern architecture and amenities, with community-focused initiatives.
With a projected investment of $3 billion over 25 years, the development has the potential to reshape not just the mountain but the surrounding region by enhancing its appeal to residents, tourists, and investors alike.
Jordan Spear, new Vice President of Resort Services and Sales.
Killington Resort Announces Staff Promotions for 2025
Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard resort in eastern North America, has promoted several team members to new roles within the organization. These promotions will help streamline efficiencies across the resort with a new structure within several key departments and create opportunities for growth throughout the organization.
CEDRR committee member, Jordan Spear, has been promoted from director of product marketing and sales to vice president of resort services and sales. Spear's expanded duties will include oversight of all skier service revenue and guest service areas, unifying these key functions under one leadership team. He will continue leading tickets, guest services, marketing technology, group sales and reservations.
Vermont Tourism Listening Sessions - One in Rutland
The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) has launched a statewide strategic planning process to develop the first-ever Destination Management Strategic Plan for Vermont.
As one of the first steps in this process, VDTM will be working with the Coraggio Group to conduct listening sessions across the state during the week of February 10-14. These listening sessions are designed to explore various aspects of the visitor economy in Vermont, including current and future challenges, opportunities, and priorities to support visitation around the state.
Your unique perspective is crucial in ensuring that the strategic plan is comprehensive, inclusive, and truly reflective of our community's needs and aspirations. This is an opportunity to voice your thoughts and contribute to shaping the future of tourism in Vermont. To sign up for a session, please use this RSVP form.
Free Tax Assistance
FREE TAX ASSISTANCE for seniors and low-to-middle income younger taxpayers is offered by Rutland AARP TaxAide volunteers certified by IRS. Taxes done BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Call 802-772-0530 for an appointment.
Free Energy Works Training in Rutland
Vermont Adult Learning has a FREE Energy Works training coming to Rutland in March. This training is specific to Heat Pump Installation and will run from March 24th to April 4th.
Vermont Adult Learning offers support with childcare and transportation and provides lunch on training days.
Participants of this training will come away with:
- OSHA-10 certification
- CPR/First Aid/AED certification
- EPA 608 nationally recognized credential (pending exam results)
- Introductions to local employers
- Up to $1100 in stipends
Upcoming Events at The Hub CoWorks
AN INSIDE EXIT: SELLING A BUSINESS TO FAMILY, MANAGERS, OR THE EMPLOYEES
Friday, February 7, 2025, 11:30-1:00 p.m.
$5 (covers lunch from Gill’s Deli)
The Hub CoWorks
Are you starting to think about ownerships succession for your business? For many owners, the best path is selling to those already involved in the business. Join us for a seminar that covers essential tips on assessing and preparing for internal exit options. You’ll explore three internal succession methods: selling to family members, managers, or employees. Presented by Matt Cropp, Executive Director of the Vermont Employee Ownership Center. Learn more and register on Eventbrite!
HEALTHCARE RECRUITMENT SEMINAR HOSTED BY MIMI DAMM
Thursday, February 13, 2025, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
The Hub CoWorks
Discover how to attract top healthcare talent with cutting-edge digital marketing strategies. Led by digital marketing expert Mimi Damm, this seminar explores innovative methods to enhance your employer brand, drive engagement, and stand out as an employer of choice in a competitive market. This event is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP here.
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.
STEFANIE SCHAFFER EPISODE OF ‘VIEW FROM THE TOP’ OUT NOW
In the latest View from the Top podcast episode, Host Bill Lucci sat down with Stefanie Schaffer—speaker, advocate, and inspiration to so many. Stefanie shares her incredible story of resilience, finding purpose through adversity, and empowering others along the way. You won’t want to miss this heartfelt conversation filled with valuable lessons and insights. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and let Stefanie’s journey inspire your week!
Cool Weather and Cool Classes at The MINT
We hope that everyone is staying warm in this winter-y weather! We are hard at work here at The MINT putting together our calendar of events for the year, and we are so excited to share it with all of you soon!
In the meantime, we would like to invite you in from the cold to learn a new skill, rediscover an old one, or meet some cool new friends! Check out our classes below:
Coffee (or Tea), Conversation, and Creativity
February 9th
Join us for the second Neurographics class of the season! In this session, we'll dive into the basics of this simple, fun, and creative exercise. Future classes will build on these foundations, exploring new and exciting dimensions of Neurographics.
February 5th
Join us for a short demonstration and an introduction to Letterpress equipment! Class participants will leave knowing how to:
- "Lock up a chase" - Composing the printing elements (type, blocks, furniture) into a printable configuration, ready to lead into the press
- "Set up a job" - Specifying and preparations for a printing run including paper selection and cutting, imager, ink color and press adjustments
This beginner class will get your foot i the door of the Letterpress Shop. In order to work independently in Letterpress you will need this foundational course.
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!
DIY Ski/Snowboard Tuning Class
February 5th
Learn to turn your skis or snowboard like a pro!
Join us for this hands-on workshop and gain the skills to tune your skis or snowboard at home. For the price of a shop tune, you'll leave with the confidence to maintain your gear and a custom-built tuning jig to take home!
Upcoming Rutland Young Professionals Events
Join us for our next RYP Mix at Anytime Fitness on January 30th at 6:00 PM! This exciting event is the perfect opportunity to connect with other young professionals and kickstart your fitness routine. The evening will kick off with a 15-minute mobility class that blends dynamic movements and static stretching to improve range of motion, and relieve tension. Mats will be provided. After class, enjoy light refreshments, network, and explore all Anytime Fitness has to offer! All attendees will be eligible for a FREE Evolt Body Scan at Anytime Fitness!
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Tickets are officially on sale for the Rutland Young Professionals Annual Gala on April 4th, 2025, at the stunning Killington Grand Hotel.
Prepare for an unforgettable evening of networking, celebration, and entertainment as we bring together young professionals from across the region to highlight the best of our community.
✨ Event Details:
Date: Friday, April 4th, 2025
Venue: Killington Grand Hotel
Tickets: On sale now!
Secure your spot early—this is one of our most anticipated events of the year, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly!
👉 Purchase your tickets here →
We can't wait to 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.
Patient Access Center Manager
Community Health is seeking a Patient Access Center Manager to join their team.
Practice Manager
Community Health is seeking a Practice Manager to join their team.
Chief Financial Officer
Community Care Network is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Leveraging AI for Smarter Marketing Strategies hosted by SCORE
January 30 | 10-11:30 AM | Virtual
Learn how to use the power of AI to assist your marketing strategies. We will review prompting techniques, what you can best leverage AI in using it to assist your marketing and as well as what to avoid. AI is a perfect tool, but it’s not a crutch for marketing and we will discuss the differences between human generated marketing, human and AI assisted marketing and AI only marketing. We will be focusing on the free tools available for AI use, as well as reviewing AI best practices.
Start-Up Legal Basics for Small Businesses
February 3 | 4-6 PM | Online
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!
Building Buzz: Leveraging Public Relations ad Earned Media to Grow Your Business with Alexandra Tursi
February 5 | 8:30-10 AM | Online
Public relations and earned media are powerful tools for increasing visibility, building credibility, and driving engagement for your business. Yet, for many entrepreneurs, understanding how to effectively leverage these strategies can feel overwhelming. In this presentation, Alexandra Tursi, founder and CEO of Cultivate, will break down the fundamentals of public relations and demystify the process of earning media coverage that resonates with your target audience.
