Save the date for the CEDRR Business Show next month!
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Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Read on for:
CEDRR Mixer Tonight | Save the Date for the CEDRR Business Show | Register for the CEDRR Business Show |
What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT |
Membership Spotlight | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
CEDRR Mixer Tonight
Join the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) for its March Mixer hosted by Vista Senior Living in Killington tonight from 5-7 p.m. Meet community members, learn more about the facility, and have fun!
Save the Date: CEDRR Business Show
On Tuesday, April 9, join us for the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region's Business Show. Meet with business owners, non-profit organization leaders, lenders, and representatives. Find job connections and learn about potential collaboration opportunities with others to further your career.
This event is April 9 from 5-7 p.m. at the Rutland Recreation Community Center.
Register Your Business for the Business Show
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region is excited to host the 2024 CEDRR Business Show on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Promote your business or organization to potential new customers and make important connections within the Rutland County community!
Join us at the Rutland Recreation Community Center from 4-7 p.m. Exhibitor set-up will begin at 2 p.m. From 4–5 p.m., network with other participating businesses and organizations. The show opens to the public at 5:00 p.m.
For more information or specific questions, please contact Chrispin White at chrispin@rutlandeconomy.com or call (802)770-7066. The deadline to register is Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Sign up below to reserve your booth!
Joe Biden Approves Disaster Declaration for Vermont's December Flooding
President Joe Biden has approved Vermont’s request for federal disaster assistance for seven Vermont counties following major flooding in December, according to Gov. Phil Scott’s office.
Municipalities in Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor counties now qualify for federal reimbursement of 75% of the costs associated with flood recovery — such as debris removal, road and public building repairs, staff overtime, and contractor assistance.
State and federal assessors found at least $1.9 million in storm-eligible costs during a preliminary survey in December, though the final number is expected to increase, according to a press release issued by Scott’s office.
Vermont Women's Fund Accepting Grant Applications
Our 2024 grant application season is here. We are seeking requests from nonprofit organizations supporting economic security and providing career opportunities and programs that drive change for Vermont women and girls.
The Women's Fund competitive grant program will make awards up to $15,000 for proposals that:
- Make pathways to economic well-being more visible, accessible, and affordable for all women and girls
- Invest in the economic security and career prospects of women, especially those earning less than a living wage
- Advance strategies that address systemic barriers to economic well-being and thriving in Vermont; and/or
- Enhance the capacity of the organization to achieve its mission and stated values
The deadline is Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 5 p.m.
Learn more or send your favorite non-profit organization to the VWF website for more details →
RRMC Opens Vermont Prevention Lead Organization Grant Application Process
Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) and its partners invite eligible community partners to apply for the Region 2 Vermont Prevention Lead Organization (VPLO) grant. Funds from $10,000 to $50,000 will be awarded through a competitive process with the objective of expanding prevention efforts for all substances and all ages/populations.
As the Prevention Lead, Rutland Regional is guiding substance use prevention activities and sub-granting funds to community partners located in Addison and Rutland counties.
Funding will start July 1, 2024, and must be used by June 30, 2025, there will be no carryover of funds. All written applications are due by 12 p.m. on March 26, 2024.
Register for the Southwest Region Spring Job Fest 2024
The Spring Job Fest is an in-person outdoor Job Fair on Thursday, May 9, in Depot Park in Downtown Rutland from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. There is no cost to participate. This unconventional job fair will feel a bit more like a farmer's market. These events have been successful in the past.
To help drive more jobseekers to your booth, the Vermont Department of Labor is offering free marketing tools to increase traffic to the event. You will have an opportunity to request materials in the registration form.
Take the 2026 Rutland Regional Plan Survey
Every eight years, the Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) updates the Rutland Regional Plan, its visionary plan for the future of the region. RRPC is in the development phase of the 2026 Rutland Regional Plan and is seeking public input.
The Rutland Regional Plan is a collaborative guide to shape a healthy, equitable, and resilient region. The final document will outline policies and actions for achieving our collective goal as it relates to community economic development.
If your organization is interested in hosting a technical workshop to dive deeper into the Plan development with staff or residents you serve, please reach out to RRPC to schedule a date convenient for your schedule.
PEGTV Seeks Applicants for Courcelle Scholarships
PEGTV will be awarding the Courcelle Scholarship to qualified Rutland County high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education at a college, university, or trade school. The awards may total up to $8000. A minimum of $1000 shall be awarded to each selected applicant. The amount of each award may vary based upon the quality of each applicant’s submissions and interview.
The PEGTV Courcelle Scholarship honors the memory of Joe Courcelle for his pioneering work for Public Access Television in Rutland. He was an active member of the original board of directors, a dedicated independent producer, and an integral part of the establishment of PEGTV.
Applications have been sent out to Rutland County high schools for distribution to interested candidates and are due by Monday, April 29, 2024, and may be submitted physically or digitally. The scholarship committee will review the applications and interview the candidates at a date to be determined.
Ann Clark Ltd Awarded STEP Grant to Support Expansion into Export Markets
Ann Clark Ltd, a Vermont-based gourmet baking supply company, was awarded a STEP grant by the Vermont Department of Economic Development for the second consecutive year. The Rutland company plans to use the grant funds to continue its expansion into international markets in Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom after seeing profitable growth since 2023 due to the grant’s support.
Ann Clark will increase its digital advertising on Amazon’s international websites, targeting each of its export market countries. The company pays close attention to international holidays and markets its cookie cutters and baking products with local customs in mind. For instance, goose-shaped cookies are part of St. Martin’s Day celebrations in Germany, fish shapes (“Poisson d’Avril”) are a popular item for April Fool’s Day in France, and Sky Blue food coloring excels in the UK whenever Manchester City FC wins the Premier League.
CEDRR Member, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Employees Donate $21,000 to Eight Non-Profit Organizations
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees recently presented more than $21,000 in donations collected through the Bank's employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for a Cause, to eight non-profit organizations serving Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Vermont recipients are as follows.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: a non-profit, community-based organization committed to the well-being of its neighbors. The organization provides emergency assistance to those in need and is sustained by donations, fundraising, and the support of other community-based organizations.
White River Land Collaborative: a farmer-led, community-driven initiative to increase land access and farm viability. The collaborative of farmers and community members is transforming a 200-acre former organic dairy farm into a community hub that supports multiple land stewards and local business owners. The initiative is also creating and supporting ecosystems that build healthy soils and sequester carbon.
Upcoming Workshops at The Hub CoWorks
The Science and Art of Proposal Writing
Attend The Science and Art of Proposal Writing' seminar, ideal for entrepreneurs and leaders seeking funding from all sources. Led by experienced facilitator Anne Lezak, this seminar will provide valuable insights into crafting successful grant proposals. Secure your spot at bit.ly/skilledwriter or contact us for group registrations at bill@rutlandeconomy.com.
The Nuts and Bolts of Succession Planning: Legal Essentials for Business Transitions Seminar
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Bring Your Lunch
For our second legal information session, Vermont Law and Graduate School faculty and students will explore different business structures and models, estate planning for businesses, and the legal processes of business transitions such as dissolution, merger, or acquisition.
Our learning objectives include:
- Understand the basics of how business transitions (dissolution, mergers, and acquisition) take place, what to expect, and options for meeting your goals with legal tools.
- Identify the strengths and challenges of different business models beyond traditional LLCs and corporations.
- Explore how succession planning for your business can ease transitions to a younger generation, and limit liabilities.
Whether you’re planning an exit strategy, hoping to pass your business to your kids, or considering taking a community-centered approach to your business, this session will help you plan for your business's future.
Please RSVP with bill@rutlandeconomy.com or by calling (802) 810-8162
Seth Gewanter, Real Rutland Concierge Volunteer.
Real Rutland Concierge Program Update
We are excited to have Seth Gewanter, a Real Estate Agent from Casella Real Estate, join the Concierge Program as a volunteer. Seth lives in Poultney and enjoys fishing, hiking, golfing, cooking, and farming.
The Concierge Program has been busy in the first few months of 2024. We have welcomed five new people to Rutland County and eight people are moving to Rutland County this spring.
Karly Haven, Concierge Coordinator, interviewed Jacob Pluta, the owner of White Cap Realty and a Concierge Volunteer for the Real Rutland Concierge Newsletter. Read the article here.
Upcoming Offerings at The MINT:
In addition to a wide variety of classes, we are now offering staff hours in many of our studios! Look for the green items on our calendar! We post new classes every week, so be sure to check back regularly. Keep in touch: email us at info@rutlandmint.org
Check out our list below for some of our upcoming events at 112 Quality Lane
Torch Fired Enameling: Introduction, Saturday, March 16
Building a George Nakashima Style Bench, Saturday, March 16
Introduction to Beaded Jewelry, Monday, March 18
Torch Fired Enameling: Advanced, Monday, March 25
Create your own Cutting Board, Monday, March 25
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
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.
Advance Practice Registered Nurse
Community Care Network is seeking an Advance Practice Registered Nurse to join their team.
Inside Sales/Warehouse Operator
Master Plumbing & Heating is seeking an Inside Sales/Warehouse Operator to join their team.
Finance Director
BROC Community Action is seeking a Finance Director to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance - Office Hours
MARCH 21 | 12-1 PM | ONLINE
Attention brokers and employers in Vermont, The Hartford’s Group Benefits team is excited to answer your questions about the new Vermont Family Medical Leave Insurance product, and the value it brings to Vermont employers, and their employees. During this interactive session, we’ll address some of your most frequently asked questions such as:
- How flexible plan designs meet business needs and aid in employee retention?
- How VT FMLI can work together with Short-term Disability to better protect employees?
- How The Hartford’s program works with other types of employer or state & Federal leaves?
- What are the advantages of using FMLI for intermittent leave?
- How much could FMLI cost Vermont businesses?
Additionally, you will have a chance to submit your own specific questions during registration.
Quoting for VT FMLI is now underway, and the benefits will be available to employees on July 1, 2024. To learn more, contact your broker or reach out to your sales representative at The Hartford.
Lean 101 Training - Lean Transformation in Manufacturing
MARCH 27 | 8 AM-4 PM | RUTLAND COUNTRY CLUB | $325 PER PERSON
Lean is a learning system that develops capability and adaptability in people and processes. Lean 101 workshops have created and reignited the spark for improvement in countless organizations in Vermont and across the globe. When paired with the commitment to further engage and develop employees at all levels, Lean has proven to result in a competitive edge that attracts customers, employees, and investors.
Lean Fundamentals covered include
• Waste / Value added
• Flow vs. Overproduction
• Problem Solving & Improvement (PDCA, Kata)
• Standard work (TWI)
• Workplace organization (5S)
• Visual controls (Kanban)
• Plant layout & Point-of-use storage (POUS) • Quick changeover (SMED)
• Batch size reduction (One Piece Flow)
and so much more!
The Search for a Good Exit
APRIL 24 | 12:00-1:30 PM
We're partnering with the Vermont Small Business Development Center for a presentation for business owners who are interested in exploring the full range of options available for when they are ready to exit their ownership and move on to their next project or enter and enjoy retirement. The presentation will feature as co-presenters Statewide Business Advisor, Sergio Alvares, and VEOC Executive Director Matt Cropp. Attendees will learn what questions to ask if considering a sale to family members, key employees or managers, or to the full group of employees through an employee-owned business model like an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, worker cooperative, or Employee Ownership Trust.
