Join CEDRR in Downtown Rutland for a historical event!
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Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Read on for:
Whoopie Pie Festival this Saturday | A Few Volunteer Spots Left | Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region Annual Meeting |
What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT |
Membership Spotlight | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
Rutland's Whoopie Pie Festival is This Weekend
Special thank you to our Signature Sponsor: Casella Waste Systems Inc.
Thank you to all of our additional sponsors:
The Third Annual Whoopie Pie Festival is this Saturday from noon until 5 p.m. in Downtown Rutland! We are so excited to see Dream Maker Bakers attempt to break the World Record for Largest Whoopie Pie - over 1,100 pounds!
Twenty vendors from across the East are participating by bringing samples of their whoopie pies for you to try. Attendees will get to vote for their favorite! A panel of judges will determine the "Most Creative" and "Best Overall" whoopie pies.
Check out the photo below for the schedule of events throughout the day!
This year, you can purchase tickets to sample whoopie pies before the event. Skip the long line and buy online!
There is free parking in the parking garage! Please use the parking deck to leave parking spots for customers at local businesses.
Volunteer for the Whoopie Pie Festival!
Rutland's Whoopie Pie Festival is a fun event for all! We need a few more people to help make this all-day festival successful.
Now is your chance to volunteer for the Whoopie Pie Festival on Saturday, September 14. We have opportunities beginning at 2 p.m. until 7:30 that evening. Help give water to vendors, wear the whoopie pie costume, help Come Alive Outside, roll up sod at the end of the day, and more!
CEDRR appreciates our community and the help you all provide. All volunteers will receive a CEDRR t-shirt and five tickets for whoopie pie samples. Thank you!
Save the Date: CEDRR Annual Meeting
Wednesday, October 23 from 5-7 p.m. is the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region Annual Meeting. Join us at The Paramount Theatre for networking, food, and drinks.
During the evening, the teams from StartUp Rutland will host a Pitch Competition. The audience will have a chance to vote for their favorite, and a panel of judges will determine the winner.
More information to come soon!
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
Reasons to Join the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR)
Building Relationships, Building Business.
Being active in the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) is an effective community strategy. It communicates to consumers that a company uses good practices, is reputable, cares about its customers, and is involved in its community on a variety of levels. Here are a few of the many benefits for CEDRR members:
Networking
Expand your business through contacts made at CEDRR events. By partnering through your membership and attending events, you’ll create a valuable presence in the community. These events provide the opportunity to come together to exchange ideas, create working relationships, and expand your business network.
VACEplus – Dental and Vision Plans
Affordable and quality dental & vision insurance through VACEplus. The dental and vision plans are designed especially for CEDRR members and their employees.
VACEplus | Providing Vermont businesses with voluntary benefit options for their employees.
To learn more about how the VACEplus insurance plans can benefit you and your employees, feel free to inquire by emailing vacebenefits@vtchamber.com
Marketing
CEDRR will cross-promote member events through our bi-weekly newsletters, social media platforms, and on our events calendar.
Ribbon Cuttings
A ribbon cutting is the ceremonial opening of a brand-new or newly renovated/relocated business and CEDRR would like to help you celebrate. A ribbon cutting marks a very significant moment in the business’s history, so this is also a great photo opportunity. The ceremony also gives the business owner or manager a chance to say a few words to those in attendance.
Referrals
CEDRR is often the first place visitors and business owners look for referrals on products, services, events, and happenings. When the office phone rings or we receive an inquiry requesting information about a business or service in town, we refer them immediately to the appropriate member(s).
For more information about these and other CEDRR benefits, please contact Chrispin White at chrispin@rutlandeconomy.com or (802) 770-7066.
$1.25M Announced in Grant Funding for Workforce Development in the Rutland Region
The Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) is thrilled to announce a transformative $1.25 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor through the Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) Program. This significant funding is set to address critical areas of need in the Rutland Region and drive meaningful economic growth.
The RRPC in cooperation with the Rutland Region Workforce Investment Board (RRWIB) will lead a coalition of key education and workforce partners, including Stafford Technical Center and Vermont Department of Labor. The coalition will partner with Casella Construction, Naylor & Breen, the City of Rutland, and other regional employers to enhance technical training and create new employment pathways.
Over the next three years, the grant will support job growth in critical sectors across the Region, focusing specifically on the fields of infrastructure, construction, and clean energy. Over the course of the next three years, this grant will help pilot a new ‘bridge’ model to train local high school graduates for high-growth, high-demand, high-paying jobs in the Rutland Region. Each summer, short-term professional and technical skills training will be followed by job placements with local employers, culminating with a guaranteed interview for those who complete the program. While this grant focuses mainly on creating new job training pathways for graduating high school seniors, additional training will also be offered tailored to youth who have dropped out of school, as well as New Americans who have settled in the Region.
Rutland Regional Medical Center Announces Vermont Prevention Lead Organization Grant Recipients in Rutland and Addison Counties
Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) is pleased to announce the selection of second-round sub-grant recipients of the Region 2 Vermont Prevention Lead Organization (VPLO) grant funds. The Region 2 service area includes Addison and Rutland Counties.
The sub-grants will enhance and expand prevention efforts throughout the region, for all substances and populations, from July 2024 to June 2025.
Rutland Count sub-grant recipients are as follows:
- Come Alive Outside: Will be offering a free collaborative community event called Winterfest, which will engage and provide leadership opportunities for local teens.
- Companions in Wholeness: Will be offering meals and a safe space for Rutland’s unhoused population.
- Rutland County Pride Center: Will be offering Rutland County a safe and affirming space for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. The Rutland County Pride Center will be offering a Queer book club for Adults, a Queer book club for youth, Queer Co-working hours, and population-specific support groups through community collaborations with mental health and substance use providers/services.
- The Boys and Girls Club of Rutland County: Will be offering Rutland teens a safe space to go after school to hang out, work on homework/job/college readiness, make connections, and access resources.
- The MINT Makerspace: Will be offering creative and exploratory programming for middle school students through community collaborations and craft/makers classes.
Job Training for Women in Energy Efficiency is Coming to The MINT Makerspace in Rutland
Vermont Works for Women and Vermont Adult Learning are excited to announce that a new collaborative workforce development program, Trailblazers: Energy Works, is coming to The MINT - Rutland’s Makerspace October 1 – November 23.
“For decades, Vermont Works for Women has been working with women to provide direct training and support to pursue careers in the trades and other high-demand fields across Vermont,” said Rhoni Basden, Executive Director of Vermont Works for Women. “We are eager to partner with Vermont Adult Learning to leverage our organizations’ strengths into a new training program to help meet the increasing demand for a diverse climate workforce.”
The two non-profits will come together to offer a free eight-week joint training program for women and gender-expansive individuals ages 18+ who are interested in seeking employment in Vermont’s climate workforce.
Improved Efficiency for an Improved Business
Efficiency Vermont recently spent time with a handful of local businesses, chatting with staff about efficiency accomplishments as well as their plans for the future.
Whitney Maxham of Sunset Lake Farm makes sure energy efficiency is thoughtfully integrated into her Alburgh-based dairy farm operation.
Check out Whitney’s video and then find out how your business can save with Efficiency Vermont.
Multiple Events to Register for at The Hub CoWorks
CO.STARTERS FALL COHORT REGISTRION IS NOW OPEN
Duration: 10 weeks
Format: Live, in-person sessions
Schedule: Weekly meetings, 3 hours each
The FINSYNC CO.STARTERS program is a comprehensive, hands-on course designed to guide you through the process of launching a business. Over the course of 10 weeks, you’ll deep dive into every aspect of building a sustainable and successful business, from refining your idea to developing a business model and beyond. Due to the interactive nature of the program, enrollment is limited. If you’re interested, be sure to apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.
To apply, or for more information, visit our page here. Please email Bill with any further questions at Bill@rutlandeconomy.com.
VERMONT LAW SCHOOL: STARTUP ESSENTIALS FOR A NEW SMALL BUSINESS – FREE SEMINAR
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
2:00-4:00 p.m.
The Hub CoWorks
Calling all new business owners, or soon-to-be owners! Join faculty and law students from the Vermont Small Business Law Center of Vermont Law and Graduate School for a FREE seminar/discussion on what legal matters you'll need to complete or contemplate. There is no charge to attend this event, but you must RSVP as space is limited. Click here for the full seminar description and save your spot!
IGNITE: EMPOWERING NEW VENTURES
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Streetside Conference Room
Heritage Family Credit Union will be hosting a New Business Mentor Roundtable at The Hub CoWorks. The roundtable will bring together a group of mentors offering valuable insights and strategies for small business owners! Panelists include experts from HFCU, the Rutland Redevelopment Authority, SCORE and more. The event is free, but please RSVP here by September 20th. A light meal will be served. We look forward to seeing you there!
DIGITAL MARKETING FOR RECRUITMENT AND FUNDRAISING
Thursday, September 12, 2024
9:00-11:00 a.m.
The Hub CoWorks
Hosted by seasoned digital marketing strategist Mimi Damm, dive into the latest strategies and tips to boost your online recruitment and fundraising! This event is free, but space is limited. RSVP/Learn more here.
FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKETING: STRATEGIES OF THE FUTURE
Thursday, November 14, 2024
9:00-11:00 a.m.
The Hub CoWorks
Join Mimi Damm for her second free marketing event at The Hub this fall and learn how to keep up in today’s fast-paced, digital era. This session will explore the following topics:
- Fundamentals of marketing
- Effective marketing techniques
- Understanding consumer behavior
- Data and analytics
- Brand development and storytelling
To learn more or RSVP for this FREE event, visit our site, here.
Coming up fast!
What has our undivided attention at The MINT? The Soap Box Derby, of course! Keep an eye out on social media for pictures, team bios, and early voting. We cannot wait to see you there.
The Soap Box Derby will take place at the Whoopie Pie Festival downtown on September 14th! We have seven incredible teams, and our make days have been in full swing. We cannot wait to see these cars flying down Center Street!
We are also pretty excited about our fall class lineup! We have a whole bunch posted and many more in the pipeline, so make sure to check back regularly.
Casting Metal Type: Meet the Ludlow Typograph: September 11th
Group Share and Art Critique: September 12th *72 Merchants Row Location
Intro to Stained Glass-Rhombus Suncatchers: September 17th and 24th
Multi Color Letterpress Printing: September 25th
Raku Ghosts: October 2nd, 9th, and 12th
Stained Glass Pumpkins: October 5th and 12th
Paws & Professionals
Don't forget to bring your furry friends and join us for a morning of networking and fun at our Paws & Professionals Mixer at the West Rutland Dog Park!
📅 Date: September 28th
🕒 Time: 10am-12pm
📍 Location: West Rutland Dog Park
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow professionals while your dogs enjoy some playtime. Whether you're new to the area or looking to expand your network, this is the perfect chance to meet like-minded individuals in a relaxed, pet-friendly environment.
Refreshments will be available!
We can't wait to 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.
PATH Housing Support and Outreach Specialist
Homeless Prevention Center is seeking a PATH Housing Support and Outreach Specialist to join their team.
Shipping/Receiving Clerk
Bodycote is seeking a Shipping/Receiving Clerk to join their team.
Loan Processor/Closer
NeighborWorks of Western Vermont is seeking a Loan Processor/Closer to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
AI for Small Biz & Non-Profits
September 12 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Virtual
Embracing AI can revolutionize the way small businesses and non-profits operate, enabling them to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness. By leveraging AI technologies, these organizations can automate routine tasks, gain valuable insights from data, and provide personalized experiences to their customers or beneficiaries.
The 13th Annual Best Practices Exchange
September 18 and 19 | Killington, VT
The 13th Annual Best Practices Exchange is less than two weeks away! On behalf of Efficiency Vermont, we invite you to join us Wednesday & Thursday, September 18 & 19 in Killington, VT.
An updated complete schedule of events is available to view on our website.
Registration is free for attendees from non-sponsoring organizations, but advance RSVP is required.
Register by noon on September 10 to participate in golf, mountain biking, or disc golf on Wednesday, September 18!
Lean 101 - Lean Transformation Training
September 18 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Rutland Country Club, Rutland | $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 the competitive edge that attracts customers, employees and investors. We have streamlined our popular Lean 101 training opportunity to ensure it's applicable across all environments including manufacturing, administration, healthcare, government, services and much more.
