Ribbon cutting this Friday and more!
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Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Read on for:
CEDRR April Mixer April 14 | Ribbon Cutting April 10 | 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
CEDRR April Mixer Hosted by Alzheimer's Association: Vermont Chapter at The Hub CoWorks
Join the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) for the CEDRR April Mixer on April 14 from 5-7 pm as we highlight the strong community connection the Alzheimer's Association: Vermont Chapter has built in Rutland.
CEDRR's April Mixer will be held in the Streetside Conference Room at The Hub CoWorks, 67 Merchants Row, First Floor, Rutland City. At this special event, we’ll be planting our own mini Promise Garden - a powerful symbol of support for families impacted by Alzheimer’s and a preview of the Rutland Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
This is a great opportunity for businesses to connect with the community, show local leadership, and learn how partnering with the Walk can make a meaningful impact. There will be door prizes and proceeds from the 50/50 Raffle will benefit the Alzheimer's Association. This event is free and open to the public.
Let’s plant hope, strengthen Rutland, and grow something meaningful, together.
CaptainAquatics Fins & Scales Ribbon Cutting
Join Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) for a Ribbon Cutting at CaptainAquatics Fins & Scales on April 10 from 12-1 PM. The ribbon cutting at 162 North Main Street in Rutland will coincide with their Grand Opening to the public.
You’ll have the opportunity to view and interact with a variety of reptiles, amphibians, arthropods, and aquatic life! They also serve as a rescue, bringing in animals to rehabilitate them with the goal of adopting them out once they are healed. CaptainAquatics Fins & Scales also runs a supply store for various reptile & aquatic supplies and provides educational outreach programming at schools, events, expos, fairs, and more!
Visit CaptainAquatics Fins & Scales' Facebook Event for more information →
CEDRR's Member Services Manager Chrispin White recently visited with Anna Lang of Ida's House of Vermont in Brandon.
Ida’s House of Vermont Level 3 Residential Care Home was created from a place deep in the heart—born out of love, respect, and a profound sense of responsibility to care for our seniors the way they deserve. This is not just a residence; it is a home built on compassion, where every person is seen, valued, and treated with unwavering dignity and kindness.
With just ten beds, Ida’s House allows us to create something truly special—an intimate, family-like environment where no one is overlooked and every story matters. We embrace person-centered, trauma-informed care because we understand that each resident carries a lifetime of experiences, and they deserve to feel safe, understood, and genuinely cared for.
The most difficult part of this journey has been hearing the stories of families—the love they have, the exhaustion they carry, and the fear they feel when faced with placing a loved one into someone else’s care. That fear is real, and we hold it with them. Our purpose is to ease that fear, to be the place where families can finally exhale, knowing their loved one is not just cared for, but truly at home.
Our team is here for more than a job—we are here with a shared calling to do better, to give more, and to create meaningful change in how care is delivered.
At Ida’s House, we are more than caregivers—we are family, a safe haven, and a place where life can still be lived fully, with joy, connection, and purpose.
CEDRR Would Like to Thank the Following Businesses for Renewing Their Membership:
CEDRR Restaurant Coupon Book
Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) is working on an upcoming Restaurant Coupon Book to help boost sales for restaurants in Rutland County.
We are excited to develop this resource and look forward to working with many of our local establishments to promote all the great food options in our area!
If you are interested in learning more about being included in this book, please email us at info@rutlandeconomy.com.
BeMobile Verizon Offering Five $1,000 Grants to Business Owners
BeMobile Verizon is proud to support local business growth! We’re giving five $1,000 grants to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in our communities.
Whether you’re starting fresh or expanding your existing business, this is your chance to make a real local impact. Applications are open to anyone 18+ with strong ideas and a passion for bringing people together. Learn more at bemobile.com/roots/.
Applications close April 30th.
Attendees gather at a Benson Community Celebration and Store Raising event held in 2024 to begin raising funds to rebuild the Benson Village Store.
Updates From The Benson Village Trust
The Benson Village Trust was established to rebuild the Benson Village Store, a local institution that burned down in 2019, after serving the community of Benson, VT for over a century. The idea behind the Trust is to create a community enterprise, allowing for us to raise money as a non profit, and then lease the store to an operator when it is complete. To date, we have received $1 million in grants: $500k from Northern Borders Regional Commission, $475K from the Village Trust Initiative, and $25k from Preservation Trust of Vermont. We have also raised $940k from individual donations. We anticipate having to raise an additional $250k before the project is completed.
Currently, we are planning to break ground this summer. We have engaged Naylor and Breen to act as construction managers, and are using the architectural firm SHKS for the building design. With a little luck, the store should be open by summer 2027!
Recently, we hosted a Mardi Gras dinner at The Wheel Inn in Benson as a fundraiser. It was a fun and successful evening, with 80 people attending. We are currently planning some additional fundraisers in the coming months.
Mardi Gras dinner fundraiser held at The Wheel Inn in Benson in February, 2026.
We are planning to have our Pop-Up Farmer’s Market again this summer. Last summer, this was a lovely, weekly community event, where local produce and baked goods were sold on the site of the store.
Also, we just recently posted an RFI (Request for Information) looking for potential operators to run the new store.
There are currently about 15 people actively volunteering for this project, and it has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm this has generated in Benson. One of the most gratifying parts of this effort has been the extraordinary support we have received from other general stores in Vermont. The advice and support we have received has been priceless.
2026 Vermont Tourism Summit to be Held April 28 & 29 at Killington Grand Resort Hotel & Conference Center
The 41st Annual Vermont Tourism Summit will be held 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 you are part of a tourism-related business or have an interest in the Vermont tourism industry, you are encouraged to attend to:
- Strengthen your business with expert insight from leading consultants
- Master the latest tools, technologies and tactics
- Learn smart strategies from marketing and media practitioners
Make plans now to participate!
- Registration is OPEN! Sign up now to join as an attendee.
- New this year! The Networking Mixer and Welcome Reception are included with conference registration.
- Review the recently updated schedule of events.
- Discounted Killington ski tickets are available for Vermont Tourism Summit attendees! Head here for more info.
Beacon Bank invests $2.6 million in local nonprofits in 2025
Beacon Bank and the bank’s foundation invested more than $2.6 million in its communities in 2025 through grants to more than 650 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont.
“When we support our communities close to home, the impact is personal,” said James J. Morris IV, president of the bank’s Berkshire & Capital region. “Our charitable giving reflects our belief that lasting change starts locally, where it can make the greatest difference.”
Beacon Bank invests in the success and vibrancy of its local communities by supporting programs and organizations that focus on one of three areas: Neighborhood revitalization and preservation, education and critical services.
“We believe thriving communities are built through collaboration and care” said Lori Kiely, director of the bank’s foundation and charitable giving. “Supporting local nonprofits is important to us because it helps expand opportunity, strengthen connections, and create lasting positive change in the communities that Beacon Bank serves.”
Beacon Bank has five branches in Vermont. They are located in Manchester (2), Rutland, Arlington and Ludlow.
Community Health Welcomes New Director of Population Health and Quality
Biswas Pradhan, Community Health's new Director of Population Health and Quality
Biswas Pradhan (Bis), MPH, MSW, Community Health’s new Director of Population Health and Quality, brings experience, insight, perspective and public health strategy to Community Health’s executive team as population health becomes a vital part of delivering quality health care.
Earning degrees in business administration, social work and public health at prestigious universities in the US including the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Pradhan has addressed timely public health issues while working at federally qualified health centers serving Chicago’s southside and Boston’s underserved communities.
“I serve as a collaborator, working closely with interdisciplinary teams throughout the organization to support workflow standardization, enhance efficiency, and foster a strong sense of teamwork,” he said. For instance, Pradhan is collaborating with the providers workgroup to redesign the dashboard that displays information about each provider's patient panel. “Understanding their patient panel, including patients' demographics and health status through risk stratification, is essential for the providers,” he added.
As part of the organization’s strategic plan, he will be prioritizing efforts to collaborate with Aledade, Community Health's new Accountable Care Organization (ACO) partner. “Aledade offers an advanced dashboard that helps us identify Medicare patients who are due for annual wellness visits and those recently discharged from inpatient or emergency department admissions. We have begun training practice managers and care managers, so they become familiar with this new tool and its application,” Pradhan said.
Pradhan praises Community Health’s workplace culture of openness, collaboration teamwork and accessibility to leadership. “It's very well organized, and very collaborative,” he said. “The environment is very much supported. There's a system in place focused on the value-based care model, giving equal emphasis on employee engagement, and not just patients’ health outcomes. This collaborative and communicative environment is uncommon among other community health centers.”
As a long-term goal, Pradhan aims to have Community Health recognized by the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) through achieving National Quality Leaders (NQL) badges in each of the four categories: access, clinical quality, health outcomes, and health information technology. “This goal is bold, yet entirely within reach. By working together—collaborating, communicating, and coordinating—our team has the potential to become a role model for excellence in quality initiatives,” he said.
“I truly feel the importance of community health, and rural health is where I belong,” he said. “Social work, public health, giving back to the community and developing a system emphasizing on preventive care and timely health screenings, really aligns with what I studied in my Master of Public Health program.”
Having grown up in the mountainous regions of Nepal, Vermont makes him reminiscent of his rural childhood upbringing, feeling an instant connection to the valleys, mountains, and stunning landscapes that surround Community Health. “Having lived in cities like Chicago, Boston, and Baltimore, I truly felt the importance of community health. Now, rural healthcare is where I belong.” Outside of work, he enjoys taking road trips, hiking in nature, going to the gym, or relaxing with a good movie. He also likes swimming, dancing, and is learning to cook different ethnic cuisines.
About Community Health
Community Health is Vermont’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), providing comprehensive primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, dental, eye care, and pharmacy services. We serve patients in Rutland, Brandon, Castleton, Shoreham, and West Pawlet, with specialized services available at additional locations: dental care in Rutland and Shoreham, pediatrics and eye care in Rutland, and pharmacies in Rutland and Brandon. Our Express Care centers in Rutland and Castleton are open seven days a week.
2026 Best Places to Work from VermontBiz and Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce revealed the ranking of the top 65 Best Places to Work in Vermont 2026 at a ceremony on April 2nd at the Doubletree Hotel in South Burlington, VT. There were over 400 people in attendance.
“With Vermont’s tight labor market, businesses are finding it difficult to fill open positions. These businesses can say to perspective employees that their company has been chosen as a best place to work in Vermont. This will give them a leg up on recruitment,” said Katie Kittell, publisher of Vermontbiz.
The following CEDRR members were recognized as 2026 Best Places to Work in Vermont:
2026 Best Places to Work in Vermont Winner Rankings:
SMALL BUSINESSES
(15 - 99 U.S. EMPLOYEES)
Davis & Hodgdon Advisory Group
The Bank of Bennington
MEDIUM BUSINESSES
(100-249 U.S. EMPLOYEES)
The Richards Group
Vermont Federal Credit Union
LARGE BUSINESSES
(250+ U.S. EMPLOYEES)
Edward Jones
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.
The U.S. National Science Foundation Science and Technology Research Initiative for the Vermont Economy (STRIVE)
The National Science Foundation’s Science and Technology Research Initiative for the Vermont Economy (NSF STRIVE) is working to strengthen research, expand educational programming, and grow an innovation-driven economy for rural Vermonters.
Through seed funding opportunities, professional development, and collaborative support, NSF STRIVE helps build STEM capacity at educational institutions, community organizations, and businesses to support researchers and educators at every level.
Connect with NSF STRIVE to explore upcoming workshops, funding opportunities, and ways this growing resource can help expand access to STEM in your community.
The restaurant available for lease at the Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport. Letters of Interest are due April 13 by 3:00 PM.
Restaurant Available for Lease at the Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport
The Vermont Agency of Transportation, Aviation Program is requesting Letter of Interests (LOI) from entities (Interested Parties) interested in operating a family friendly restaurant at the Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport located at 1002 Airport Road, North Clarendon, VT 05759.
Don’t miss the chance to lease one of the most unique restaurant spaces in Vermont. This space is positioned on the second floor of the commercial passenger terminal building overlooking the gorgeous green mountains and aircraft apron. The terminal welcomes approximately 10,000 passengers through its door every year, with a busy general aviation and private aviation presence, and strong support of the local community. Preferred hours for restaurant operations include at least 5 days a week with breakfast and lunch service. The airport is looking for an operator who can open during the start of summer 2026. To view a sample/draft lease, see Exhibit C of the Letter of Interest.
Total lease price is $293.60/ month (.80 cents/ sq ft) for the 367 sq ft. commercial kitchen fully equipped with appliances and storage space. The tenant is responsible for the cost of trash, recycling, composting, electric, and propane in the kitchen. The airport covers water, building heat, and A/C. The space and appliances are leased as-is. Any tenant paid-for renovations or improvements to the lease space are welcomed and need prior approval by the State of Vermont Aviation Program.
View the Letter of Interest here →
Letter of Interest Timeline:
- Tuesday 3/31 – 4/13: Optional Site Visit
- Monday, 4/13 (by 3:00pm): Letter of Interest Due
- Friday, 4/17: Notification of shortlist
- Friday, 5/01 (by 3:00pm): Shortlisted Contractors provide Business Plan/More Information
- Tuesday, 5/05: Selection of Awarded Vendor
- May 2026: Lease Finalization and Move In
Schedule a tour to see the restaurant space with Nicoletta Salvatore at nicoletta.salvatore@vermont.gov or 802-498-8708. (24-hour notice is preferred but not required.)
Questions about the Letter of Interest? Contact Sari Tiersch at sari.tiersch@vermont.gov.
Participants in the first "Take a New Vermonter to Dinner" month enjoy dinner together at Tokyo House restaurant in Rutland.
First "Take a New Vermonter to Dinner" Month Was a Success!
Real Rutland would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to everyone who participated in our fist “Take a new Vermonter to Dinner” program this March!
We are very excited about the friendships that were forged and fostered through this initiative. This community is special because of the way we value connection, and it is always great to see that in action. We look forward to an even bigger turn out next year!
Free Educational Digital Marketing Seminar
Reach a Hyper-Relevant Audience on Mobile, Desktop and Connected TV
Learn to leverage behavioral, location & demographic data & stop wasting money on ads that target the wrong prospects. Presented by NNEdigital in partnership with The Hub CoWorks.
SAVE THE DATE
Tuesday, April 28
The Hub CoWorks, 67 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT 05701
Streetside Conference Room
Choose ONE
Midday Session:
Registration from 11:15 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by Lunch, Seminar, and Q&A.
Evening Session:
Registration from 5:15 PM to 5:30 PM, followed by Light Fare, Seminar, and Q&A.
Key Aspects Covered
• Website Retargeting • Keyword Search Targeting • Geo-Fencing • Addressable Geo-Fencing • CTV Targeting • Conversion Zones • Email Marketing • Targeted Display •
Targeted Advertising and Connected TV are the fastest growing digital trends of our time – exploding in growth and being adopted by businesses of all sizes. Learn how you can take advantage of technology that will allow you to reach your ideal prospects on their computers, smartphones, and connected TVs by leveraging online and offline behavioral data. Better yet, learn to track the impact of your advertising campaigns by measuring increased web traffic, lead generation and even foot traffic to your business.
Email support@nnedigital.com or register here
Guest Speaker - David McBee
Internet marketing speaker, educator, and consultant David McBee has been sharing his knowledge with local businesses since 2003.
As one of Google’s first Certified AdWords Trainers, David has worked in the fields of SEO, paid search, social media, and display advertising. He speaks to thousands of business owners each year about the latest trend in marketing technology: targeted display and geo-fencing.
2026 RYP Futures Scholarship
Rutland Young Professionals will be awarding a 2026 RYP Futures Scholarship in the amount of $600 to one Senior graduating from a Rutland County High School who plans to continue their education/growth at a college, university, trade school or program in Vermont!
Please share this post with any high school seniors in your life who may qualify.
How to apply:
• Visit www.rutlandyoungprofessionals.org/scholarship
• Submit your completed application by Friday, April 17
• Applications will be reviewed by the RYP Board of Directors. RYP will inform the recipients no later than Monday, May 4.
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.
Program Director
Rutland County Restorative Justice Center is seeking a Program Director to join their team.
District Manager
Midway Oil Corporation, dba Tenneybrook is seeking a District Manager to join their team.
Medical Director
Community Care Network is seeking a Medical Director to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
MSJ Annual Auction
Mount Saint Joseph Academy (MSJ)
127 Convent Ave, Rutland, VT 05701
Saturday, April 11, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Mount Saint Joseph Academy (MSJ) is excited to announce its highly anticipated Annual Auction. This signature event brings together parents, alumni, faculty, and friends of the MSJ community for an evening of celebration, connection, and support. Guests will enjoy a lively night featuring curated auction items, exciting raffles, and memorable experiences. Proceeds from the event directly benefit student programs, facility initiatives, and educational opportunities that empower MSJ students. Tickets are available for $20 in advance (presale) and $25 at the door. Event is for attendees age 21 and over. A cash bar will be available and hosted by Blonde N Boozy. For more information, ticket details, or to donate auction items, please contact Co-Presidents Erin Cavalieri & Beth Mormando, Office Manager Janelle Alt, jalt@msjvermont.org, Director of Development Carly Ward, cward@msjvermont.org
Learn More About CEDRR Offerings
