Whoopie Pie Festival Honored with 2nd Place by Lakes Region Freepress!
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Thursday, April 23, 2026
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Workforce in Motion Summit| Whoopie Pie Festival Recognized in Best of Lakes Region| Membership Spotlight | What's New in Rutland County | Economic Development News and Opportunities | Real Rutland Concierge Program | The Hub CoWorks | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
Workforce in Motion Summit on May 21
The inaugural Workforce in Motion (WIM) Summit will be held in just under a month on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the Vermont State University Castleton Campus. This one-day event, hosted by Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR), and sponsored by Casella Waste Systems, will bring students, employers, and educators together for a hands-on career exploration showcase. Dozens of local and regional businesses will be on hand to share knowledge and build relationships that extend beyond the event, and an Equipment Rodeo will provide the chance to see a wide assortment of machinery and technology used by construction, manufacturing, and other skilled industries up close.
The Workforce in Motion Summit is not limited to high school students. Adult job seekers looking to make a career change are also welcome to attend the Workforce in Motion Summit. To register an individual or group to attend the WIM Summit, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/workforce-in-motion-summit-tickets-1978174353743. For more information about the Workforce in Motion Summit and ongoing efforts to enhance Vermont’s workforce, visit rutlandvermont.com/workforce-in-motion-summit. If your organization is interested in being a sponsor of the Workforce in Motion Summit, please visit https://workforceinmotion.org/join-wim/.
CEDRR is also seeking volunteers to support event set-up, clean up and other logistics, beginning at 7:00 AM on May 21 and continuing into the afternoon. If you or members of your organization are interested in volunteering, please complete our volunteer form. Please note that, due to insurance requirements, we must conduct a background check for all volunteers. We kindly ask that volunteers include your date of birth on the form.
Read More About the Workforce in Motion Initiative in the Rutland Herald →
Whoopie Pie Festival Earns Second Place in Best of the Lakes Region Contest
The Rutland Whoopie Pie Festival earned the Second Place award for Best Annual Event in the Best of the Lakes Region contest, voted on by readers of the Lakes Region Freepress and NYVT Media. We appreciate the support from voters and event attendees and look forward to hosting the 5th Annual Rutland Whoopie Pie Festival on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Learn About All of This Year's Winners in Best of the Lakes Region →
CEDRR's Member Services Manager Chrispin White and Jennifer Walker of Hand Carved by Ernie
Did you know that Hand Carved by Ernie is now serving breakfast? In addition to their popular lunch offerings, stop by 37 Center Street in Rutland, Monday through Friday between 7:00 – 10:00 AM, for delicious breakfast sandwiches, muffins, frittatas and more!
CEDRR Would Like to Welcome Our Newest Member:
CEDRR Would Like to Thank the Following Businesses for Renewing Their Membership:
Bead Warehouse, Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County, Cape Air, Casella Real Estate, Catamount Radio, Clarendon Animal Clinic, Commercial Building Services, Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires & Southern Vermont, JDW Mechanical, Killington/Pico Ski Resort Partners LLC, Rutland Housing Authority, Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, Sugar & Spice, Wonderfeet Kids' Museum, and Wright Construction Company.
Recent Ribbon Cuttings
Attendees gather on Friday, April 10 for the ribbon cutting and grand opening at CaptainAquatics Fins & Scales. Pictured are Chrispin White, Member Services Manager at CEDRR - left ribbon holder, Emily Marchinkowski, Alex Knapp, owner and founder - holding the big scissors, Rutland City Mayor Tom Donahue, Shawn Marchinkowski, Rutland City Alderman Larry Cupoli, Sarah Furman, Executive Director of CEDRR, and Dominique Winter, Events Manager at CEDRR - right ribbon holder.
CaptainAquatics Fins & Scales opened its doors at 162 North Main Street in Rutland on Friday, April 10. Guests can view and interact with a variety of reptiles, amphibians, arthropods, and aquatic life! CaptainAquatics Fins & Scales also serves as a rescue to rehabilitate animals, sells various reptile & aquatic supplies and provides educational outreach programming at schools, events, expos, fairs, and in their location.
Read More About CaptainAquatics Fins & Scales in the Mountain Times →
Attendees gather on Saturday, April 18 for the ribbon cutting and grand opening at Max + Dot. Those pictured include include Billy Weir - left ribbon holder, CEDRR’s Member Services Manager Chrispin White, Rutland City Mayor Tom Donahue, Kara Wevurski, co-owner - holding the large scissors, Jillian Fucci, co-owner holding the small scissors, Sal Vitagliano - right ribbon holder, and a number of collected guests and friends.
Max + Dot held their Grand Opening at 26 Center Street in Rutland on Saturday, April 18! CEDRR is happy to welcome this hip & casual boutique, featuring athletic, leisure, sun and apres-sport apparel for women and young ladies to downtown Rutland!
2026 Vermont Tourism Summit April 28 & 29 at Killington Grand Resort Hotel & Conference Center
The 41st Annual Vermont Tourism Summit is being held next week on April 28 & 29, 2026, at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel & Conference Center in Killington, Vermont. This summit draws one of the largest gatherings of tourism professionals in the state of Vermont, including owners, managers and employees of the many businesses connected to this important segment of the economy.
If your business is interested in sponsoring this important event and gaining visibility for your organization, visit https://www.vttourismsummit.org/sponsor.html. Sponsorship options include a range of benefits such as brand recognition, networking opportunities, and engagement with attendees throughout the event.
There is also still time to register as an attendee. Review the recently updated schedule of events.
Vermont Future Leaders Summit on May 27
The Better Business Bureau, Eastern New England is hosting a Future Leaders Summit at Rutland High School on Wednesday, May 27 from 4:30-6:30 PM. This exclusive event gives high school students a chance to build confidence, showcase business ideas, and connect with mentors and community leaders. If you know a student with a passion for entrepreneurship, encourage them to apply today.
Virtual sessions leading up to the event will be held on May 6th, May 13th, and May 20th from 7pm-8pm via Google Meet.
Businesses, parents, educators and experts who want to cheer on the students may also register to attend.
Members of the Rutland Area Robotics IBOTS team
IBOTS Heading to FIRST Robotics World Championships
The Rutland Area Robotics IBOTS are headed to Houston, TX next week to compete in the FIRST Robotics World Championship!! This is the 5th time the team has qualified since 2022 and will be the 4th time attending since then. Attending this competition carries a big cost for the IBOTS, but provides these students with a meaningful STEM experience. The IBOTS are located in the MINT Makerspace here in Rutland.
Some members of the community have asked how they can help support the IBOTS team. If your business/charity/fund would like to help provide support, you can find more information at: https://www.rutlandarearobotics.org/get-involved - Rutland Area Robotics is a 501(c)(3) non-profit so donations are tax deductible. If you would like to make a direct donation, you may also do so through this link.
Congrats to the Rutland Area Robotics IBOTS team, and good luck at the World Championships!
West Rutland School's Winning Destination Imagination Team
West Rutland School's Destination Imagination Team Seeking Support to Compete in Global Destination Imagination Finals
One of West Rutland School’s Destination ImagiNation (DI) Teams won the DI Vermont state DaVinci award for creativity and has qualified to go to Global Finals in Kansas City, MO. The team is looking to raise $14,000 by May 15 to make this opportunity a reality. This is the first time in over a dozen years that a team from the Rutland area would attend the DI Global Finals competition.
Destination ImagiNation (DI) is a non-profit educational program where students learn to solve open-ended science and performance challenges as a team and present their solutions at tournaments. All solutions are student-led and team created.
West Rutland School’s DI team consists of four middle school students who took on a technical and performance challenge to create a game show with three mechanical devices to operate and enhance the show. The team studied physics, performance, problem solving, and teamwork and would like to be able represent West Rutland and Vermont and encourage other students’ interest in science, problem solving and creativity.
The team will include sponsors in their national competition materials. Current fundraising efforts have covered approximately half the costs of the travel and competition - any contributions would be appreciated to make up the difference.
Contact Wendi Dowst at WRS with any questions at 802-438-2288. Please make any tax deductible donations to West Rutland School, 713 Main Street, West Rutland, VT 05777, to the attention of DI.
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.
Capital with Purpose: Women Investors Building Stronger Communities Event on May 11
Join the Vermont Women’s Investors Network at The Mad Rose in Rutland on May 11, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 PM for an engaging conversation with four women leaders who are reshaping how capital flows into communities. This event will highlight women-led Vermont based investment funds and development organizations that are financing innovative companies, strengthening regional economies, and driving positive social and environmental change.
Hear from Janice St. Onge of Flexible Capital Fund, L3C, Heather Henyon of Mindshift Capital, Jenny Barba of Features Capital, and Clair Purcell of Sussera Properties as they share insights into their investment strategies, the entrepreneurs they support, and the growing role of women in shaping the future of finance, community and housing development.
Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, or simply interested in how capital can be a force for good, this conversation will offer inspiration and practical insight into the power of women investing in communities. This event is being sponsored by the Vermont Women's Fund, Vermont Community Foundation, and Brown Brothers Harriman's Center for Women & Wealth.
Green Up Day is Saturday, May 2
Join the Real Rutland Crew for Green Up Day on Saturday, May 2 from 10AM-12PM at Bomoseen State Park.
Caitlin Gates, our Real Rutland Concierge Coordinator, will be handing out bags at the entrance, so drop in any time! There is a Real Rutland Team registered on the app, click here to download and join us.
Upcoming Events at The Hub CoWorks
Tuktu Informational Session on May 6
Finding reliable support for daily tasks can be challenging - from companionship, home assistance, travel help, and more - but Tuktu makes it simple. If you are seeking part-time employment and enjoy helping people, you are welcome to attend this information session in the Streetside Conference Room at The Hub CoWorks on Wednesday, May 6 from 4:00 – 5:30 PM. RSVPs are requested.
Financial Features with Greenhill Financial Partners on May 13
Join Greenhill Financial Partners in the Streetside Conference Room at The Hub CoWorks on Wednesday, May 13 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM for a workshop on business planning, professional support, and protecting your time.
Building and maintaining a business is a labor of love, but it demands time and energy across many areas - some of which aren’t as enjoyable or may get overlooked. The most successful business owners focus on their passions and strengths, while relying on other professionals for the rest.
Key content areas of this presentation will include cash flow & budgeting, risk management, and retirement & succession.
Food will be provided. Our Financial Features series is free to the public, but registrations are requested.
Vermont Federal Credit Union Home Buying Seminar
Looking to purchase a home, but aren't sure where to start? Attend Vermont Federal Credit Union's free home buying seminar in the Streetside Conference Room at The Hub CoWorks on Wednesday, June 17 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM and start your home search today!
Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, this event is designed to answer all your questions and equip you with tips to navigate the home buying process with confidence. Think of it as your personal roadmap to making informed decisions in the Vermont real estate market. Register for this seminar here.
Many of the events listed in this email are presented by independent organizations and do not represent the views, opinions, or endorsements of The Hub CoWorks. We provide our space as a venue and are not responsible for the content of these programs. Please direct any questions about specific events to the hosting organization.
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.
Medical Director
Community Care Network is seeking a Medical Director to join their team.
Developmental Services Consulting Registered Nurse
Community Care Network is seeking a Developmental Services Consulting Registered Nurse to join their team.
Child Outpatient Clinician
Community Care Network is seeking a Child Outpatient Clinician to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Cinco de Mayo Dine & Discover Fiesta
Vista Senior Living
5709 US Route 4, Mendon, VT
Tuesday, May 5, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Join Vista Senior Living for an evening of food, fun, and celebration!
Second Annual Cake Picnic
St. Raphael's Parish
21 East Main Street, Poultney, VT
Saturday, May 9, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The second annual Cake Picnic at St. Raphael's Parish in Poultney is open to all home bakers. A homemade cake is required for entry - limit one cake per household. Cake tasting will begin at 1:30 PM, followed by a Cake Swap at 2:00 PM. A suggested donation of $10 supports the St. Raphael's Maintenance Fund.
"Dances in Bloom" from Marble Valley Dance Collective
Casella Auditorium at VTSU Castleton
62 Alumni Drive, Castleton, VT
Sunday, May 10, 2:00 PM
Marble Valley Dance Collective will present “Dances in Bloom,” a performance of new dance pieces by members of the collective, on Sunday, May 10. Tickets are available at sevendaystickets.com/e/dances-in-bloom, and will also be available at the door. “Dances in Bloom” features 13 new works by members Margaret Francoeur-Dunne, Zoe Marr Hilliard, Candy Jones, Stephanie Jones, Em Marinelli, Twyla Marr, Suzanne Mueller, Nicole Ullman, Alex Welych-Miller, Kristen Whitman, and Susan Wood. All 24 members of MVDC will be dancing in the show, along with 6 guest dancers. The pieces span a range of styles, including tap, modern, hip hop, contemporary, and contact improv, and reflect the varied interests and experiences of the choreographers.
Learn More About CEDRR Offerings
