Gourmet Goat Ribbon Cutting on June 27
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Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Read on for:
Gourmet Goat Ribbon Cutting on June 27 | CEDRR July Mixer with Four Seasons SIR on July 14 | CEDRR Legislative Breakfast | Membership Spotlight | CEDRR Member Benefits | What's New in Rutland County | Economic Development News and Opportunities | Real Rutland Concierge Program | The Hub CoWorks | Rutland Young Professionals | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
Gourmet Goat Ribbon Cutting on June 27
Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) is happy to help Gourmet Goat celebrate their Grand Opening on Saturday, June 27 with a Ribbon Cutting at 11:45 AM.
After the doors open at noon, you'll have the chance to enjoy live acoustic music from George Nostrand, pop-up vendors, a flower bar, olive oil & balsamic tastings and more!
Mark your calendars for June 27 from 11:45 AM to 5:00 PM and come experience their curated collection of gadgets, dinnerware, glassware, olive oils, gifts, textiles, fresh flowers and more at 614 Main St, Castleton, VT.
Learn More About Gourmet Goat's Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting →
CEDRR July Mixer with Four Seasons SIR on July 14
Join CEDRR, Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty and Roots the Restaurant for a Gala White Clothing Party Mixer on July 14 from 5:00–7:00 PM. This mixer will be held in the courtyard next to Roots - or the Roots Events Space in case of rain - at 55 Washington Street, Rutland, VT.
Anyone is welcome and this event is free to attend! Bring your friends/colleagues, slip into your best white attire, and enjoy an evening of summer fun, Mediterranean-style food, refreshments, and friendly competition featuring Battle Golf, Putting, Cornhole, great raffle prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and more.
Donations will be collected to support the Humane Society of Rutland County. If you are unable to attend, and would like to donate to the Humane Society, contact Makayla or Janet at Four Seasons SIR at 802-774-7007. We hope to see you there!
Vermont Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers Speaks at the CEDRR Legislative Breakfast on June 15.
CEDRR Legislative Breakfast
Vermont's Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers was the guest speaker at CEDRR's Legislative Breakfast on Monday, June 15 at Southside Steakhouse in Rutland. Lt. Governor Rodgers shared updates and insights on policy issues and priorities in Montpelier. State Senator Brian Collamore also shared some perspective and recognized Rutland Representative Mary Howard, who will be retiring from her legislative seat after nearly a decade of representing Rutland County.
CEDRR is grateful to our local legislators and members who joined us for this important conversation, and we thank PEGTV for filming the breakfast, and Omya for sponsoring the Legislative Breakfast series.
CEDRR Would Like to Welcome Our Newest Members:
CEDRR Would Like to Thank the Following Businesses for Renewing Their Membership:
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:
Hand Carved by Ernie – 10% discount
Hampton Inn Rutland – 10% discount off hotel guest rooms & meeting rooms
Want to Offer a Deal to Thousands of Perk Cardholders? Email us with the Perk you would like to offer!
Pittsford Village Farm's Outreach and Communications Coordinator Sam Stone Shares Information on the Brick Fundraiser for the PVF Community Center at the CEDRR June Mixer on June 9.
Pittsford Village Farm Brick Fundraiser
Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) held our June Mixer at Pittsford Village Farm (PVF) on Tuesday, June 9. At the mixer, PVF's Outreach and Communications Coordinator Sam Stone shared information on their Brick Fundraiser to continue raising funds for their ongoing renovations.
By the end of Summer 2026, the first phase of their Farmhouse Restoration Project will be complete. This will bring to life an Early Childhood Education Program, a new retail space, two brand-new two-bedroom apartments and space for a community room right to the heart of Pittsford! And you can be part of it all – permanently!
There is still more work to do. As Pittsford Village Farm continues to raise the funds to complete this first phase, they are also raising the funds for phase two - finishing the ground-floor community space and office. The farmhouse is being rebuilt one brick at a time, and every brick matters.
To Pittsford Village Farm, this brick project isn’t just about raising money. While every brick brings them closer to the project goal, the bricks collectively create a visual representation of the community that makes this place thrive.
To the families who enjoy picnics at Tuesday events, the kids who play on the Playscape and sled down the hill, the bird watchers who walk the trails, community members who meet up for lunch, parents who will enroll their kids in the early childhood education program, and to all the members of the extended community who have had a hand in making Pittsford Village Farm the vibrant hub of activity that it is today:
Here’s your chance to become a permanent fixture of Pittsford Village Farm. Buy a brick in your own name, for your children or grandchildren, or to memorialize someone missed in our community. Engrave your business logo or favorite phrase - the options are limitless and the impact is timeless.
Let’s finish the Farmhouse Restoration and let’s do it together!
You can choose from bricks with text only or bricks with text and a clip art symbol. There are several clip art symbols to choose from to add to your personal message.
Learn More about Pittsford Village Farm's Brick Fundraiser →
A Rendering of the Updated Pittsford Village Farm Complex
Final "Brandon: A Hub and Our Home" Event on June 25
Brandon residents and community members are invited to join the final Brandon: A Hub and Our Home event on Thursday, June 25 from 6:00-8:30 PM at the Neshobe School (17 Neshobe Circle). Attendees will build action plans for three new community task forces working to:
- Open a Laundromat in Brandon
- Expand Trails and Safe Walking and Biking Routes Across Town
- Expand and Improve Housing
All are welcome whether or not you joined the other events! FREE dinner, childcare, rides to the event, and accessibility accommodations will be provided. Find out more at bit.ly/BrandonOurHome. This is the final meeting of the 3-part process: Steps 1 and 2 were held April 30 and May 27 to generate ideas and choose the top priorities above. The Vermont Council on Rural Development has provided the overall structure and neutral facilitation each step of the way. From here forward, all action will be taken by the Task Forces.
BAYADA Hospice provides compassionate end-of-life care to individuals in their homes across Vermont. Our mission is to ensure that clients and their families receive care grounded in compassion, excellence, and reliability during one of life’s most important transitions.
We are currently seeking compassionate volunteers who are interested in making a difference in the lives of others. Volunteers play a vital role and can engage in a variety of supportive activities, including:
- Offering friendly visits and conversation
- Reading aloud, sharing stories, or reflecting on meaningful life experiences
- Engaging in simple activities like music, crafts, games, or puzzles
- Providing caregiver respite by sitting with a loved one
- Offering a calming presence at the bedside, including during the final stages of life
- Supporting legacy or memory projects (letters, recordings, keepsakes)
- Assisting with office tasks, virtual support, or community outreach
- Providing specialized services such as pet therapy or haircuts (if certified/licensed)
- Supporting our Veterans with friendly visits and service recognitions
Volunteers choose their own schedules and commit based on their availability. We provide training and ongoing support to ensure volunteers feel prepared and confident in their role.
Second Public Meeting: Rutland Center Street Revitalization Project
The City of Rutland invites residents, business owners, property owners, and community stakeholders to attend the second public meeting for the Center Street Revitalization Project.
Join the meeting to:
- Review conceptual plans for the future of Center Street
- Learn about proposed improvements
- Share your ideas and feedback
Your input will help shape the future streetscape of downtown Rutland and ensure Center Street becomes a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming destination for everyone.
Date: June 18, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Aldermen Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 1 Strongs Avenue, Rutland, VT
Even if you attended a previous meeting, we encourage you to join us again and continue the conversation.
Questions or more information? Please contact: Lucy Thayer at Bowman or Ted Gillen, Assistant City Engineer, City of Rutland.
Rutland Regional Medical Center Nurses Honored with DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses
In May, Rutland Regional Medical Center celebrated and honored six extraordinary nurses with the DAISY Award during Nurses Week.
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation was started in Glen Allen, California by family members of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. As a way of thanking the nurses who cared for Barnes, his family established the DAISY award program to recognize nurses who demonstrate exceptional care and support.
The DAISY awards are always very special, and this year was no exception. We were honored to welcome Tena Barnes Carraher of the DAISY foundation, to a luncheon celebrating our DAISY recipients. As RRMC and the American Nurses Association both celebrate 130 years, we also welcomed The Green Mountain Nurses Honor Guard to highlight the legacy and lifelong impact of nurses in our community. The event took place in the hospital’s CVPS/Leahy Community Health Education Center, and was attended by staff, providers, leaders, and family members of the awardees.
The DAISY Individual Award recognizes nurses for the extraordinary and compassionate care that they provide to patients in their practice environment. RRMC recognized three nurses with the DAISY Individual Award.
- Holly Fox, ASN, RN, OCN, Foley Cancer Center: Holly was nominated by a patient of the Foley Cancer Center who said, “she consoled me and reassured me that I would be okay,” even calling the patient at home to check on them and ease some of their worries.
- William Guban, ASN, RN, Emergency Department: William was nominated by a patient receiving care in the Emergency Department who said that William “made me feel so much better emotionally. He was incredibly reassuring, reminding me to ask as many questions as I needed to ask. He made me feel seen and heard."
- Christina Myers, ASN, RN, Emergency Department contract staff: Christina, a temporary contract RN working at RRMC, was also presented with an Individual DAISY Award from her agency. She was recognized for her work at RRMC as she exhibited a calm, soft, and caring manner, was attentive to her patient, and provided comfort during a stressful time
The DAISY Team Award is designed to honor the collaboration by two or more people, led by a nurse, who identify and meet patient and/or patient family needs by going above and beyond. RRMC recognized three nurses with the DAISY Team Award.
- Maria Francisco, BSN, RN, Danielle Fitzsimmons BSN, RN, and Felixberta “Mitzi” Giffen, LNA, Medical Oncology Unit Nursing Care Team: The team was nominated by the family of a patient who was on end-of-life care. The family expressed their appreciation when they said, “They were professional, skilled, and above all supportive, and tremendously empathetic. They treated my mom and our entire very large family with respect and dignity.”
This international nursing recognition program is celebrated twice each year at RRMC, once in May and again in November.
“All of us at RRMC are thankful for this exceptional group of nurses,” stated Chief Nursing Officer Kelly Watson. “The DAISY Award provides us an opportunity to show our appreciation and celebrate the compassion, care, and skills our nurses provide for our community.”
Cornerstone Housing Partners Annual Meeting
Cornerstone Housing Partners is holding their Annual Meeting at the Rutland Free Library on Tuesday Jun 23, 2026 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
We will be a screening the documentary "No Place To Grow Old" a film by Davey Schaupp.
Older American adults (55 and older) are aging into homelessness at unprecedented rates. Their numbers across the country are on pace to triple by 2030. Come hear the stories of three older Americans as they facing our current housing crisis.
There will also be a brief update on our accomplishments over the past year and our plans for the future.
Light refreshments and beverages will be available.
A RSVP is requested for planning purposes but not required.
Please RSVP to pinglee@cornerstonehousingpartners.org or call 802-304-4148.
We look forward to seeing you on June 23.
VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region Offering Upcoming Training for Rutland County
Maybe you’ve had a personal experience with hospice and want to give back. Perhaps you are a student looking to complete community service hours or maybe you simply have a heart for caring.
Hospice volunteers are special. They provide invaluable support and in-home care to
patients and their families.
No matter what your reason for choosing to help VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, we’re eager to find a volunteer opportunity that fits with your interests, availability and talents.
Join us for our next in-person training session on Friday, June 26 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Fair Haven Public Library, 107 N Main St, Fair Haven, VT. Preregistration is required. To register, please email Mary Pleasant or call 802.442.0540.
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.
Wolcott, Vermont, one of the communities participating in the Village Trust Initiative.
Village Trust Initiative Opens Third Round of Applications on June 17
A new round of funding and support will soon be available to help a third cohort of small Vermont towns breathe new life into the historic buildings and shared spaces at the heart of their communities.
The Village Trust Initiative (VTI) — a partnership of Preservation Trust of Vermont, Vermont Council on Rural Development and Vermont Community Foundation — is a multi-year program that is currently supporting 12 small towns across Vermont in creating or bolstering a community focused local non-profit organization to advance a transformational redevelopment project in their village. Participating communities receive financial and technical support, as well as hands-on technical assistance to ensure projects successfully meet a community identified need, contribute to a thriving village, and act as a catalyst for future projects within the village. Now in its third year, VTI opens its next application round on June 17. Towns with fewer than 2,500 people, based on the 2020 Census, are eligible to apply.
“Vermont villages have always been a place for community connection and innovation. We’ve seen those qualities in action during the first couple of years of this initiative,” said Ben Doyle, President of the Preservation Trust of Vermont. “Projects like the Lunenburg-Gilman Middle School redevelopment or the Reading Grange revitalization demonstrate that when a community has a shared vision and the right kind of support, it can be a model of resilience for Vermont.”
Applications for the 2026 Village Trust Initiative Community Cohort open June 17 and are due September 8 at 5pm. Open hours for community groups or individuals with questions on the program on Mondays at 1:00 PM and Tuesdays at 9:00 AM until a week before applications close on September 8.
“It’s been incredibly inspiring to see the Village Trust communities come together and advance their projects,” said Holly Morehouse, Vice President of Community Impact for the Vermont Community Foundation. “Not only are new uses being planned for key physical spaces in their village centers, but local residents are working together to provide input, share skills, take on leadership roles, and build a new vision for their community.”
The Village Trust Initiative, made possible with a $10 million Congressionally Directed Spending award from Senator Patrick Leahy’s office, fosters community driven revitalization of both the physical and social infrastructure at the foundation of the historical success of Vermont’s small villages.
To learn more about VTI, visit: ptvermont.org/village-trust-initiative-2026/ or vtrural.org/village-trust.
Real Rutland BBQ at Bomoseen State Park Postponed
Real Rutland has made the difficult decision to postpone the BBQ picnic originally scheduled for June 18 due to weather. They are calling for Thunderstorms and high winds. We do not feel that it would be safe or wise to hold an event in these conditions.
Please stay tuned for an updated day and time in the coming weeks!
The Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) is offering no-fee, one-on-one confidential business advising sessions through StartUp Rutland, a program of Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region at The Hub CoWorks.
Choose from one of four dates: Thurs. June 25, Thurs. July 30, Thur. August 20, Wed. September 16. 30-minute sessions are available from 9:30 AM to noon.
Advance registration is required for a 30-minute introductory advising session. These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss business questions, identify helpful resources, and explore potential next steps. To register, visit https://wkf.ms/3QttARJ.
Topics may include: Business Planning, Financial Management, Marketing, and Access to Capital
If additional support is needed, participants can learn more about ongoing advising and other services available through VtSBDC.
These sessions are funded (in part) through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
2026 RYP Annual Meeting on June 25
Mark your calendars! Rutland Young Professionals' Annual Meeting is coming up!
Join us Thursday June 25 at 5:30pm for our annual meeting at Heritage Family Credit Union's Roy Hance Operations Center.
This year, we will be announcing our Young Professional of the Year and Business of the Year at our Annual Meeting!
Official business will be followed up with networking, mingling, and refreshments. 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.
Activities Coordinator
Vista Senior Living is seeking an Activities Coordinator to join their team.
Manager of Care Coordination
Community Care Network is seeking a Manager of Care Coordination to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Rutland County Pride Festival
Downtown Rutland, VT
Saturday, June 20, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Celebrate Pride with Rutland County Pride Center in Downtown Rutland on Saturday, June 20, 2026 for a full day of community, joy, creativity, and connection! The Rutland County Pride Festival brings together 2STLGBQIA+ community members, allies, local organizations, artists, performers, small businesses, and community groups for a vibrant and welcoming celebration in the heart of Rutland.
Festival highlights include:
• Local vendors, artists, and makers
• Community organizations and resources
• Live performances and entertainment
• Activities and community engagement
• Food, music, art, and more!
Whether you’ve attended every year or this is your first Pride event, we’d love to celebrate with you.
Summer Jam 250
Northwood Park
195 Northwood Park Road, Rutland, VT 05701
Friday, July 3, 4:00 PM-8:00 PM
Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday at this collaborative event presented by The Rutland Town and Rutland City Recreation Departments. All are welcome! We are still looking to add food trucks to this event. Please email the Rutland Town Recreation Department if you would like your food truck to be added to the list.
Fireworks will not be part of Summer Jam, but we hope everyone makes their way over to the fairgrounds on July 4 to watch the Fireworks Over Rutland show!
For more information, email recreation@rutlandtown.com or info@rutlandrec.com.
Brandon Independence Day Celebration
Downtown Brandon, VT
Friday, July 3, 2026, Starting at 10:00 AM
Brandon, VT will celebrate Independence Day on Friday, July 3, 2026, with a full day of planned activities. The parade will begin at 10:00 AM and follow the Park Street/Route 7 route.
The event will include a variety of activities such as music, food, and games, all taking place downtown.
And a fireworks display! The event is expected to be a significant celebration for the community. If you would like to participate in and help with the day’s festivities please contact Committee Chair Jessie Mohan.
Summer Smash
Vermont State Fairgrounds
175 South Main St., Rutland, VT 05701
Saturday, July 4, Gates Open at 4:00 PM, Demo Derby at 6:00 PM
Independence Day Fireworks will follow the event thanks to the efforts of Fireworks Over Rutland!
- General Admission Grandstand Seating: $12 + tax/fees
- General Admission Trackside: $18 + tax/fees
- Reserved A Boxes: $140 (6 chairs) + tax/fees
- Reserved B Boxes: $120 (6 chairs) + tax/fees
- Children 5 and under: free admission
Learn More About CEDRR Offerings
