Hosted by the folks at the Castleton University Bank Gallery
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Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Read on for:
January Mixer | Perk Card Discounts | Real Rutland Concierge Volunteers |
What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT |
Membership Spotlight | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
January Mixer at CU Art Gallery
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) January Mixer will be hosted by the folks at the Castleton University Bank Gallery, located at 104 Merchants Row, in Downtown Rutland. Castleton University will cater the event.
The evening will be filled with fun and raffles as usual, but it will also bring awareness to the art gallery and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The current exhibit honors those who took part in Vermont's first Pride March in 1983.
We are excited to kick off CEDRR's 2023 mixers with this one! All are welcome to attend the event. You do not need to be a CEDRR member or affiliated with Castleton University to attend.
Last Call for Discounts for 2023 Perk Card
The Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) is proud to offer its member-to-member Perk Card Program, which was created to provide our members with another service to add value to their CEDRR membership. This program promotes member-to-member buying, assists with boosting sales for our members, and increases member visibility. Through this program, CEDRR member businesses and their employees are encouraged to patronize fellow members.
As part of the Perk Card Program, CEDRR members can simply present their card at participating businesses to receive a discount on many products and services. We encourage our members to take advantage of this opportunity to save money, as well as generate new exposure and new clients for your business.
If you are interested in adding your business to the list of participants for 2023, please contact Lori Pinkowski at lori@rutlandeconomy.com. Thanks!
Real Rutland Concierge Program Seeking Volunteers
Do you enjoy speaking to people from diverse backgrounds? Do you like promoting the Rutland Region?
The Real Rutland Concierge Program is looking for more concierges. Our Concierge Program matches concierge volunteers with interested people who are looking to move to Rutland County. You become a kind voice sharing knowledge of the area and connecting prospective residents with people who live here. It is not a large time commitment; you would only speak to interested people a few times per year.
We are looking for concierges from all demographics, but especially people between the ages of 25-45, those with school-aged children, and anyone new to the region (less than five years living in Rutland County).
Please spread the word to all your colleagues and connections. If you know anyone who may be interested, please email karly@rutlandeconomy.com.
Photo taken during the introduction of Casella's Electric Truck in Killington, Vt. Photo courtesy of Casella.
Casella Debuts Vermont's First Electric Truck
Casella introduced Vermont's first electric truck during a ceremony in Killington, Vermont, earlier this month.
The Mack LR Electric Refuse Vehicle is expected to conserve over 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel per year, eliminating over 78 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year - the equivalent of taking about 16 passenger cars off the road.
This truck will be used on residential routes in the Rutland Region.
James T Bowse Health Trust Announces Equity Grants
The Bowse Health Trust established in 1996, by Rutland Regional Medical Center, funds collaborative, community-based programs aimed at creating a healthier community. Last week, the Bowse Health Trust announced three new projects that will receive $100,000 each, over the next three years.
Social Tinkering receives the grant for its "JEDI Movement," working toward justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion for all by removing barriers and increasing awareness in the community through activities, diversity policy writing, and bias training.
Castleton University is receiving the grant for its Center for Social Justice and Trauma-Informed Care. The center furthers education on diversity, equity, and inclusion, to dismantle structural inequality and the trauma it generates. The money will help conduct trainings and support events such as conferences with guest speakers.
The Housing Trust of Rutland County will put its award toward its Services Program, helping residents connect more easily to services.
Trade Show Assistance Grants
Is your Vermont agriculture or forestry business looking to expand into new markets? Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets’ Trade Show Assistance Grants might be able to help! These grants provide financial support to help businesses exhibit and sell their Vermont products at out-of-state and international trade shows or virtual trade shows that target out-of-state buyers. These matching funds can mitigate the financial risks associated with exhibiting at trade shows, which provide excellent opportunities to network with wholesale buyers. Applicants may include up to five trade shows in their yearly marketing plan, requesting a total of between $2,000 and $5,000 in eligible reimbursements for shows that take place between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.
HOW TO APPLY
- Review the full Trade Show Assistance Grant Request for Applications.
- Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days).
- Complete your application in WebGrants using this Application Guide.
The application period will close on January 31, 2023, at 11:59 PM. Please email Kristen Brassard at Kristen.Brassard@vermont.gov with any questions.
Looking Forward to 2023 at The MINT Makerspace
As we wrap up 2022 and look ahead to 2023, we have loads to celebrate! Since we’ve already shared an annual report to this audience, I won’t go too deep into reflection. What I would like to celebrate on this final newsletter, though, is the growing community that is The MINT.
As of this writing, our active membership totals 132 members, and counting! That number is up 23% from this time last year. We are confident that our membership will continue to grow as we cultivate new relationships with community partners.
Our physical space is transforming, as well. Thanks to the renewed energy and employment of Morgan Over - our Physical Plant Manager - studios and shops are shifting and strengthening! We are gearing up to relocate the Stained Glass Studio, enlarge the Pottery Studio, upgrade and re-organize the Woodshop, and increase rentable studio space for member use.
Big thanks to Liz DiMarco Weinman for her interest in and support of our mission. Her recent piece in The Mountain Times beautifully captures the story of The MINT, which is no easy task on paper and in words. She filled pages diving into the essence of what we do, how we got here, and where we’re headed.
The calendar is filling up…
Thursday, December 22: Intermediate Stained Glass - Night Light Class
We are hosting a December Break Camp for youth ages 6-12 with half day & full day options.
If you love the wood, stone, and steel lamps in the pop-up shoppe, come in and learn to make one yourself in January!
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and creative holiday season. See you in the New Year!
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
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.
Construction Crewmember
Morton Buildings is seeking a Construction Crewmember to join their team.
Program and Outreach Manager
Come Alive Outside is seeking a Program and Outreach Manager to join their team.
Office Manager
Rutland Regional Planning Commission is seeking an Office Manager to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
2022 Recap of SBA Resources and 2023 Look-Ahead
DECEMBER 21, 2022 | 2:00 PM
Join Small Business Administration and Public Private Strategies for a webinar about resources to prepare small business owners for the new year. This webinar will also highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the American Rescue Plan, and Made in America initiative are creating new opportunities to help small businesses grow. Speakers include:
- Malik Lee, Managing Principal and Founder, Felton & Peel Wealth Management
- Anne Zimmerman, Owner and Founder, Zimmerman & Co CPAs Inc.
- Jennifer Kim, Associate Administrator, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Small Business Administration
Canva for Content Creation: 5 Projects for Authentic Marketing and Client Engagement
JANUARY 3, 2023 | 12:00-1:30 PM
Whether you’re marketing to new clients or engaging with current ones, Canva is a powerful tool for up-leveling your content game. If you’re not familiar with this drag-and-drop design software, learn how amazing it can be.
In this interactive session you will Discover how you can use this tool to create:
- An eye-catching social media post
- A flyer for your latest offering or pilot
- A signature webinar for marketing your services
- A worksheet for client engagement or use as a freebie
- A short how-to video
This workshop is for:
- Freelancers in their first few years of building a purpose-driven brand
- Founders who want great content but don’t have a design budget
CEDRR Mixer at the CU Bank Gallery
JANUARY 10, 2023 | 5:00-7:00 PM
January's Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) Mixer will be hosted by the folks at the Castleton University Bank Gallery, located at 104 Merchants Row in Downtown Rutland.
This event will bring awareness to the art gallery and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through the current exhibit, honoring Vermont's first Pride March in 1983. Castleton University (CU) will cater the event and as usual, there will be raffles and fun.
All are welcome! You do not need to be a CEDRR member or affiliated with CU to attend.
