Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Read on for:
CEDRR Annual Celebration on October 8 | CEDRR and KPAA Joint Mixer at Allen Pools & Spas on October 13 | Chrispin White Honored with 2026 Spartan Service Award of Excellence | Member Spotlight | CEDRR Member Benefits | What's New in Rutland County | Economic Development News & Opportunities | Real Rutland Concierge Program | The Hub CoWorks | Career Hub | Upcoming Events

CEDRR Annual Celebration on October 8

Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) will host its Annual Celebration on Thursday, October 8 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, at the Casella Theater on the Vermont State University Castleton campus. This signature celebration will honor the leaders, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and members who help to strengthen our region.

Enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and the presentation of the 2026 CEDRR Annual Awards:

• Community Leader of the Year
• Entrepreneur of the Year
• Young Professional of the Year
• CEDRR Volunteer of the Year
• CEDRR Member of the Year

Please RSVP by visiting this link and join us in celebrating the outstanding leaders, businesses, professionals, volunteers, and members making a difference throughout the Rutland region.

Learn More About CEDRR Events →

CEDRR and KPAA Joint Mixer at Allen Pools & Spas on October 13

Join Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) and the Killington Pico Area Association (KPAA) for a joint mixer hosted by Allen Pools & Spas on Tuesday, October 13, from 5 - 7 PM. This annual event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Enjoy food from Blood's Catering & Party Rentals, music by Aaron Audet, and fairy hair by Enchanted Strands! Allen Pools & Spas will also be holding its tent sale.

All October long, for everyone who takes a cold plunge at any of its three locations (Rutland/Mendon, Williston, or Lebanon, NH), Allen Pools & Spas will donate $20 to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. If you're interested in taking a "Plunge for a Cause" at 7:00 PM after the mixer, bring your swimsuit and please sign up in advance.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Learn More About CEDRR Mixers →

Chrispin White accepts the 2026 Spartan Service Award of Excellence from Larry Courcelle, President of the Alumni Association of Vermont State University Castleton.

Chrispin White Honored with 2026 Spartan Service Award of Excellence

On Sunday, September 20, the Alumni Association of Vermont State University Castleton presented the 2026 Spartan Service Award of Excellence to Chrispin White, CEDRR's Member Services & Events Manager. This award recognizes individuals whose volunteer leadership, alumni engagement, and unwavering dedication have significantly strengthened Vermont State University Castleton and its alumni community.

In his speech accepting the award, Chrispin said, “Reflecting on my journey over the years, I realize that I have devoted a substantial portion of my personal and professional life to service and community engagement. To me, service is about a collective commitment to uplifting one another."

Chrispin's commitment to service is at the heart of all he does in his role at CEDRR to support businesses and organizations across Rutland County. Please join us in congratulating Chrispin White on this incredibly well-deserved honor.

The staff of Cavacas Associates celebrated their new location at 4 General Wing Road, Suite 2 in Rutland City with a ribbon cutting on Friday, September 18. They were joined by State Senator Brian Collamore, Rutland City Mayor Tom Donahue, and CEDRR's Member Services & Events Manager Chrispin White. Cavacas Associates specializes in tax preparation, business planning, and bookkeeping.

CEDRR Would Like to Welcome Our Newest Member:

Gourmet Goat

CEDRR Would Like to Thank the Following Businesses for Renewing Their Membership:

Come Alive Outside, Cornerstone Housing Partners, Jerry Hansen, Morgan Stanley, Poultney Pools, The Gymnasium, UVM-PACE

Spring Lake Ranch held a ribbon cutting on Saturday, September 26 to celebrate the grand opening of the new Banks Transitional Living Program. This marks a significant expansion for the Ranch, which has provided residential mental health treatment in Shrewsbury, VT since 1932. 

CEDRR Perk Card Benefits

Everybody loves a deal! Our extremely popular Membership Perk Card is one of the most widely used and highly valued benefits of being a member of Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region. All member businesses receive one free Perk Card for every member of their organization.

This Week’s Highlighted Deals:

Sherwin-Williams - One free sample of paint for Perk Cardholder.

Best Western Inn & Suites - 15% discount on room rates. Cannot be combined with any other discount.

Want to Offer a Deal to Thousands of Perk Cardholders? Email us with the Perk you would like to offer!

Learn More About CEDRR Membership Benefits →

Sean Beatty of the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Pawlet Select Board member Jessica Van Oort and Justin McNulty of All Points Construction & Restoration cut the ribbon at the groundbreaking for a new geothermal heat pump project to heat the Pawlet Town Hall and Library.

Pawlet Breaks Ground on a New Geothermal Project for Municipal Buildings

The Town of Pawlet held a ribbon cutting groundbreaking event on Friday, September 18, for a geothermal heat pump project to help heat the Town Hall and Library. This project is the second of its kind in the State of Vermont, and was made possible by the State's Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP), which granted the town just over $400,000 to improve the energy efficiency of town buildings, insulation, air sealing, and HVAC systems.

Once complete, this project will help to keep the two historic municipal buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter - while saving the town a large amount of taxpayer money. The system is a closed-loop, using the same water much like a boiler in a house, so no water will be pulled out of the environment, and neighboring wells will not be affected in any way. The system works down to about -11°F - so the buildings will also keep their existing oil boilers for times of extreme cold - but this upgrade should provide significant savings on heating and cooling costs.

As the first project of its kind in Southern Vermont, project partners and attendees - including the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Efficiency Vermont, Gould and Sons Well Drilling, and State Senators representing Rutland County - were very proud to see this project move forward.

Read More About the Pawlet Geothermal Groundbreaking in the Mountain Times →

The 2026 Rutland Regional Plan Is Approved

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) Board of Commissioners adopted the 2026 Rutland Regional Plan on May 19, 2026, following an extensive three-year regional planning and public engagement process. On July 30, the Vermont Land Use Review Board issued an Affirmative Determination of Compliance, confirming that the Plan meets applicable state planning requirements.

At its core, the Plan is a coordinated and efficient guide for economic and community development - one that is flexible, locally led, and outcome-driven.

The Plan is not intended to restrict growth or impose a one-size-fits-all approach. It recognizes that housing, businesses, infrastructure, and investment are needed throughout the Region - from Mount Tabor, the Region’s smallest town, to the City of Rutland, its largest community. The appropriate scale and form of growth will differ from place to place, but every municipality has a role in the Region’s future.

The Plan’s Regional Future Land Use Map implements Vermont’s Act 181 by identifying areas best positioned to accommodate higher-density growth based on infrastructure, municipal services, existing development patterns, and local planning capacity. The map does not prohibit growth outside designated centers or planned growth areas. Rather, it recognizes that different places can accommodate different forms and intensities of development. More concentrated growth is encouraged where infrastructure and services can support it efficiently, while development in smaller and more rural communities should reflect local scale, capacity, resources, and character.

In eligible areas, qualifying development may receive exemptions from Act 250, allowing municipal plans, zoning, subdivision regulations, and local review processes to play the leading role in guiding development.

Housing is also a central priority. In collaboration with the Vermont Housing Finance Agency, RRPC completed a regional housing needs assessment and established regional and municipal housing targets.

Thank you to the residents, municipal officials, community organizations, businesses, state partners, and regional stakeholders who helped shape this Plan for the Region, by the Region.

Approval is an important milestone, but it is not the finish line. RRPC is excited to work alongside our towns and partners to turn the Plan’s policies and actions into meaningful projects, investments, and outcomes for the Region.

Explore the Plan, Regional Future Land Use Map, and supporting materials.

Learn More About the Rutland Regional Planning Commission →

Rutland Downtown Plaza Community Forum on October 15

You are invited to join us for a community forum around the Rutland Downtown Plaza.

Thursday, October 15, 5:30 PM
WIM Streetside Conference Center at The Hub CoWorks
67 Merchants Row, First Floor, Downtown Rutland

This session will review where we have been, where we are today, and our vision for the future. There will also be time for public questions and comments.

Come learn about the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district and hear about the work that has already been accomplished. Be part of the conversation as we help to envision our future!

$7.9 Million NSF Investment Brings Vermont Researchers Together to Address ‘Forever Chemical’ Contamination

The STRIVE team (Science and Technology Research Initiative for the Vermont Economy) is excited to share that a $7.9 million National Science Foundation (NSF) award has been made to address PFAS (“forever chemical”) contamination affecting Vermont’s water, ecosystems, and communities. 

A growing consortium of researchers, educators, and industry leaders is working to expand the capacity of Vermont’s smaller higher education institutions to conduct meaningful, student-centered research aligned with the State’s economic, educational, and environmental needs. 

Led by Bennington College, the PFAS Environmental Research Network (PERN) brings together researchers from Bennington College, Middlebury College, the University of Vermont, and Landmark College, along with state partners. Beyond addressing an environmental concern that touches communities across Vermont, PERN will help equip our higher education institutions with the funding, equipment, and collaborations needed to strengthen their competitiveness for future federal funding. 

As an NSF EPSCoR state - part of the federal Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research - Vermont has an opportunity to build research capacity beyond its largest institutions. This investment builds on groundwork laid by STRIVE, an NSF-funded initiative led by Landmark College, Bennington College, the Community College of Vermont, and the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC). Together, these initiatives are helping bring rural Vermont institutions into a growing, interdisciplinary network that strengthens innovative STEM leadership across the State.

Fall Funding & Events from STRIVE

It’s not too late to build a STaRS proposal! STRIVE’s Science and Technology Research Seed (STaRS) program provides early-stage research seed funding for proof-of-concept projects. Applications are due October 15. Learn more at strivevt.org/grants/.

Click here to register for upcoming webinars from STRIVE!

• October 15, 2026: 12:30–1:30 PM What Funders Want: Building a Competitive Research Proposal
• November 5, 2026: 12:30–1:30 PM Grant Writing for NSF Applications
• November 10, 2026: 3:00–4:30 PM Lightening the Load: Reducing Cognitive Load in STEM Learning Environments to Improve Student Engagement
• November 12, 2026: 3:00–6:00 PM Science and Technology Research Showcase

Learn More About NSF STRIVE →

BBB Future Leaders Summit Student Showcase Coming to Rutland

Businesses, parents, educators and community leaders: join the Better Business Bureau of Eastern New England to celebrate and support Vermont’s next generation of entrepreneurs!

Future Leaders Summit - Student Showcase

Hosted in partnership with the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR), the summit gives students the opportunity to explore what it takes to turn an idea into something real. Students will connect with local experts, learn about starting a business, explore funding opportunities, and discover how AI can support their entrepreneurial journey.

What to Expect

• Getting Started: Learn the basics of turning an idea into a business with SBA and VTSBDC.
• Gaining Capital: Explore funding and financial resources with Citizens Bank.
• AI for Entrepreneurs: Discover how AI can be used as a tool to support and grow a business with Think Dynamic.
• Student Showcase: Students will have the opportunity to share their ideas, projects, and entrepreneurial goals.
• Community Connections: Meet business leaders, mentors, educators, and community partners who are invested in supporting young entrepreneurs.
• Networking: Connect with other students and members of Vermont’s business community.

This is not a competition. It’s an opportunity for students to build confidence, ask questions, make connections, and gain real-world insight from people who have experience building businesses and organizations. Students interested in applying should visit this application page.

Event Details

📅 Tuesday, November 3, 2026
🕓 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Rutland High School Gymnasium

Come meet Vermont’s emerging entrepreneurs, hear their ideas, and help create connections that can take those ideas to the next level.

Tracy Upton, RN, Community Health's new Chief Clinical Officer.

Community Health Names Tracy Upton, RN, Chief Clinical Officer

Community Health (CHCRR) is pleased to announce the promotion of Tracy Upton, RN, to Chief Clinical Officer, recognizing her nearly 30 years of leadership, clinical expertise, and dedication to the organization, its employees, and the patients and communities it serves.

Upton joined Community Health in August 1996 as a registered nurse at the organization's pediatric clinic. In addition to providing patient-centered care, she helped improve clinical workflows, implement the practice's electronic health record, educate staff, and lead quality improvement initiatives.

In 2013, Upton was promoted to Director of Quality, where she led organization-wide performance management and quality improvement efforts for nearly nine years. Her work included strengthening data collection and reporting, redesigning clinical workflows, supporting clinical information technology infrastructure, and helping lead the implementation of telehealth services at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since December 2021, she has served as Director of Clinical Operations, providing leadership and operational oversight for Community Health's primary care practices. Working closely with practice managers, medical directors, clinical informatics staff, and senior leadership, she has advanced strategic priorities while supporting high-quality, coordinated care.

"Tracy's promotion reflects a career defined by dedication, excellence, and a deep commitment to improving patient care," said Community Health COO Christopher Chadwick. "Her ability to bring together clinical expertise, operational leadership, and strategic vision has had a lasting impact on our organization."

Throughout her career, Upton has led organization-wide quality initiatives, mentored emerging clinical leaders, and helped practices achieve NCQA Level III Patient-Centered Medical Home recognition. Most recently, she spearheaded the development of Community Health's new Medical Assistant Training Program, which launched September 21, 2026.

As Chief Clinical Officer, Upton will provide executive leadership for clinical operations, quality, patient safety, and care delivery across the organization.

"Tracy's deep understanding of our organization, combined with her commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, makes her exceptionally well-suited for this role," said Community Health CEO Mike Gardner. "Her leadership has helped shape Community Health for nearly three decades, and we are excited for the impact she will continue to make in this new position."

Community Health Flu Vaccine Clinics

An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. Community Health (CHCRR) is offering Flu Clinics that are open to everyone – including walk-ins at some of their locations.

Rutland Clinics:
Sept. 30, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Oct. 7, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Oct. 10, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Oct. 14, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Oct. 21, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Oct. 28, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Brandon Clinics:
Sept. 30, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Oct. 10, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Oct. 28, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Castleton Clinic:
Oct. 3, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Mettowee Clinics (by appointment only):
Oct. 1, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Oct. 7, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Oct. 9, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Oct. 14, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Oct. 15, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Oct. 20, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Oct. 27, 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Nov. 4, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Nov. 10, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Pediatrics Clinics (by appointment only):
Oct. 3, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Oct. 10, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Oct. 17, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Oct. 24, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Nov. 7, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Nov. 14, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Visit this link to make an appointment at any of these locations.

Learn More About Community Health →

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.

Rebuilding the Benson Village Store after a 2019 fire is one of this year's Priority Projects.

CEDRR Compiling List of Priority Projects

Each year, Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) works with the State of Vermont to produce a list of Priority Projects for Rutland County. This work is completed in partnership with the Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) and is designed to help the State prioritize which projects receive funding from a variety of sources. Each project is reviewed by a committee made up of CEDRR and RRPC representatives and scored based on a set of criteria determined by the State. As we are soliciting economic development projects, the criteria are in place to assess the potential economic impact and those projects providing the greatest economic impact will receive higher scoring.

To help you demonstrate the economic impact of your project, the following are the criteria for scoring each of the sections of the application:

• Project purpose and Benefits
• Project Timeline, Milestones, and Status
• Project Principal Experience
• Project Support and Regional Need
• Project Cost, Identified and Committed Funds/Financing, and Funding Gap
• Job Creation

For in-depth descriptions of each criteria, please visit rutlandvermont.com/rutland-county-priority-projects/.

If you are already on the list of CEDRR’s Priority Projects for Rutland County, someone will reach out to you to have you make any updates or changes.

If you are not currently on the list and are interested in being included, please download the application form.

This year’s applications are due by Sunday, November 15, 2026. Applications can be emailed to Sarah Pelkey, Director of Economic Development at CEDRR. Please call (802) 770-7067 with any questions.

Learn More About CEDRR Priority Projects →

Real Rutland Retreat Contest for Out-of-State Residents

Do you know someone who lives outside of Vermont but is curious about making a move to our area? Encourage them to enter to win the Real Rutland Retreat! This package includes a weekend here in Rutland County, complete with music, food, and breathtaking scenery!

This contest is open to residents outside of Vermont only. Entrants must like and follow Real Rutland on Facebook and fill out the entry form. Winner will be drawn on Friday, October 30!

Learn More About Real Rutland →

Rutland & Hanamaki 40th Anniversary Community Event on October 7

The City of Rutland is proud to announce the 40th Anniversary Celebration of its Sister City partnership with Hanamaki, Japan. To honor this historic milestone, a delegation of Hanamaki City officials and citizens, including members of the Ishidoriya Friendship Association, will arrive in Rutland on October 7, 2026, for a three-day cultural exchange and commemoration.

Please join us for a Community Welcome Mixer to celebrate 40 years of this partnership.

• When: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Where: The Hub, 67 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT 05701
• Details: Sponsored by The Hub and Foley Services. This event is open to all Rutland-area community members, civic organizations, and cultural groups. Past RISE program participants, families, and chaperones are strongly encouraged to attend.

The 40th Anniversary events are made possible through the generous support of the City of Rutland, Foley Services, MKF Properties, The Hub, CEDRR, and Killington Resort. The organizing team is welcoming additional donations, segment sponsorships for the October visit, and ongoing financial support to secure the future of this vital community exchange program.

To get involved as a volunteer or sponsor, please reach out to The Friends of Hanamaki committee via email at friendsofhanamaki@gmail.com.

Learn More About the Rutland-Hanamaki Community Welcome Mixer →

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. 

Learn More About CEDRR Offerings

Revolving Loan Fund   ●   Available Commercial Space   ●   Upcoming Events