Two CEDRR events this month!
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Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Read on for:
Rutland City Vote Today | CEDRR and KPAA October Mixer | CEDRR Annual Meeting October 28 |
Membership Spotlight | What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
CEDRR Supports Voting "YES" at the Polls Today
Impactful changes to Downtown Rutland are necessary and they won’t raise your taxes.
What’s Coming to Center Street:
Upgraded infrastructure: improved stormwater management, buried electrical lines, and a beautifully updated streetscape
Expanded sidewalks and improved lighting
A new hotel with a restaurant and a rooftop bar to attract visitors and boost downtown business
What You Should Know About TIF:
Uses future growth in property values to pay for public infrastructure
Does NOT raise your property taxes
Proven successful in White River Junction, Killington, and St. Albans
CEDRR and KPAA Mixer Hosted by Allen Pools & Spas
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region and Killington Pico Area Association October Mixer is at Allen Pools & Spas in Mendon, on Tuesday, October 14 from 5-7 p.m. This yearly event is part of a fundraiser for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Donate to Making Strides to take part in the dunk tank! There will be live music by James Joel and Liz Reedy of Enchanted Strands will help attendees shine with fairy hair. Bloods Catering will provide the food. There will be giveaways and the annual raffle for a hot tub!
CEDRR Annual Meeting on October 28
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region's Annual Meeting is at the K-1 Lodge at Killington Resort, on Tuesday, October 28 from 4:45-7:30 p.m. with the majority of the event running 5-7 p.m.
4:45 PM Music by Extra Stout, food and beverages
6:00 PM CEDRR Annual Meeting
6:15 PM Showcase Event (StartUp Rutland Pitch Competition)
7:00 PM Post event food and drink
This event is open to the public and FREE for all to attend. We do ask that you RSVP to give Killington Resort an estimated attendance.
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
Building Community Grants Now Open
Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region serves the business community by submitting the Regional Economic Development Grant applications on their behalf.
If you know of a business that is in need of funding for equipment or facility upgrades, up to a match of $25,000, please reach out to Lyle Jepson at Lyle@rutlandeconomy.com .
Please note that job creation and/or retention is a requirement. Information is due to CEDRR by October 15th.
Regional Priority Projects Applications are Open
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region, in partnership with the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, is accepting applications from businesses, non-profits, and municipalities to be considered as a Rutland County Regional Priority Project. The goal is to produce a list of high-priority economic and community development projects that meet certain eligibility requirements. The regional lists are provided to the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development each December, with new projects considered again in May for potential updates. The lists will be used by local, regional, and statewide organizations to understand the regional funding needs and allow regional economic and community development staff to help match federal and state funding to projects. Inclusion on the Regional Priority Projects list also provides a boost to applications made for funding through the Northern Borders Regional Commission.
The deadline for applications is Monday, November 3rd at 5:00 pm. If you have questions or would like an application sent to you via email, please reach out to Lyle Jepson, CEDRR Executive Director, at Lyle@rutlandeconomy.com.
From left to right, Marianne Klimchuk, Carol Driscoll, Noel Sinozich, Carolyn Enz Hack and Jeff Yates cut the ribbon unveiling the new pavilion at the Carving Studio & Sculpture Center in West Rutland. Photo by Madelyn Nonni/CNS
New Carving Studio & Sculpture Center Director Ready to Shape Organization's Future
After stepping into his new role of executive director at West Rutland’s Carving Studio & Sculpture Center, Noel Sinozich is shaping the start of the organization next chapter with the unveiling of two new pavilions.
Following the retirement of longtime studio director Carol Driscoll, Sinozich stepped into the role earlier this summer and is taking on the responsibility of honoring the foundation Driscoll laid for the future.
With a long-time background in finance, working for companies such as Boston Globe Media and its umbrella companies as a business and financial analyst, Sinozich brings strong organizational management skills to the studio.
Photos of all VermontBiz Rising Stars Class of 2025.
Three Rutland County Rising Stars Recognized
Congratulations, Dylan Watts, Kevin Molloy, and Mike Mitrano!
VermontBiz is proud to announce the winners of its Rising Stars recognition award. The list is comprised of 40 winners under the age of 40. Award recipients were selected by a panel of judges for their commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and involvement in their communities.
Over 120 nominations were received this year. More information about each Rutland County recipient is below.
Dylan Watts works for Heritage Family Credit Union and is 30 years old.
Kevin Molloy works for Spring Lake Ranch and is 32 years old.
Mike Mitrano works for Dark Shadows Entertainment and Paramount Theater and is 33 years old.
You May be Eligible for an SBA Disaster Loan
The SBA has declared a disaster in the following counties: Caledonia, Essex, Orange, Windham, and Windsor. These regions are declared to be the most affected, and businesses in the area affected by the drought can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).
Applications are due by May 18 2026 and offer a maximum interest rate of 4% with a maximum term of 30 years, for up to $2 million dollars. This information is from the general guidance on EIDL loans but if we get more specific information we will share it with you.
On the SBA lending landing page, follow these steps:
- Select 'Disaster Assistance Loans' which is in the middle of the three options presented in the image below
- When you have the option to select 'Determine Your Eligibility' be sure to click 'yes' to include the Secretary of Agriculture Declarations
- When you indicate the date of the damage, it should be on or before September 9 2025.
SVCOA Can Assist with 2025 Medicare Open Enrollment
Many Vermonters with Medicare Advantage Plans received cancellation notices effective at the end of 2025. Affected beneficiaries should carefully review and save their cancellation letter, which provides information on how and when to timely enroll in a new plan.
Vermont's five Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) administer the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), offering free, unbiased, and confidential health insurance counseling, including assistance with Medicare Plan changes, for individuals, their families, and caregivers during annual open enrollment. The annual Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7. This is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to review and make changes to their coverage.
Please contact Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging if you have questions or concerns →
Vermont Employers: Help Shape Statewide Policy and Advocacy
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the Vermont Futures Project are partnering to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing Vermont employers. Your input is critical. This five-minute survey will help shape statewide policy and advocacy informed by research and data on current business conditions. Whether you’re optimistic, concerned, or somewhere in between, we want to hear from you. Take the survey and help us elevate your voice in Montpelier.
Now Accepting Presentation Proposals for 2026 Vermont Tourism Summit in Killington
The 41st Annual Vermont Tourism Summit will be held April 28 & 29, 2026, at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel in Killington. Make plans now to participate!
Building on the success of the last 40 Summits, the 2026 event is expected to draw over 200 attendees and will feature ample networking opportunities, 12 educational workshops, 2 general sessions, 2 evening receptions, and lots of fun!
The deadline to submit proposals is October 15.
Program topics will focus on:
- Communication: Crisis Control - Front lines in disaster response
- Research: Economic Impact, Traveler Sentiment, etc.
- Policy: Strengthening Tourism Governance Systems for Industry Resilience
- AI
- Destination Development
- International/Canada
- Marketing
- Promoting Upcoming Major Events/Anniversaries
- Employee Wellness/Preventing Burnout
Proposals that address one or more of these sub-topics will be prioritized for inclusion in the program:
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, belonging
- Research, trends
- Sustainability
Get 2x Rebates for Efficiency Upgrades
Your to-do list is already filled to the brim. We’ll help you check off custom efficiency upgrades that will reduce your operating costs. Oh, and whatever rebate you would have normally gotten... double it. Don’t miss this limited-time offer.
Updates and Upcoming Events
Sign up for emails from The Hub CoWorks!
Want to know more about what’s going on at Rutland’s premier coworking and meeting space? Visit https://thehubcoworks.com/#emailsignup to be added to our email list and learn more about upcoming events and activities here at The Hub.
Upcoming Events at The Hub CoWorks
Thursday, October 9 at 6:00 pm – Vermont
Community Foundation “Press Forward” event
Join a 90-minute listening session to explore how Vermonters get local news and information – what’s working, what’s not, and what’s missing.
Streetside Conference Room at The Hub CoWorks, 67 Merchants Row, 1st Floor, Rutland, VT
Register here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/VermontCommunityFoundation/CommunityListeningEventRegistration
Thursday, October 23 at 12:00 pm – Financial Features – Budgeting for Home Ownership
Join Heritage Family Credit Union as they share insights on what you need to know as you budget in preparation to buy a home.
Streetside Conference Room at The Hub CoWorks, 67 Merchants Row, 1st Floor, Rutland, VT
Lunch will be provided. This program is free to the public, but RSVPs are required. To RSVP, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1716873537969
Wednesday, October 29 at 12:00 pm – Financial Features – Green Energy Loans
Join EastRise Credit Union as they share insights around Green Energy Loans for both businesses and consumers.
Streetside Conference Room at The Hub CoWorks, 67 Merchants Row, 1st Floor, Rutland, VT
Lunch will be provided. This program is free to the public, but RSVPs are required. To RSVP, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1738254910229
Real Rutland Update
September saw a changing of the guard at the Real Rutland Concierge Program. Caitlin Gates has taken over for Karly in the position of Concierge Coordinator. Caitlin is a lifelong Vermonter and is excited to share her passion for the region with folks who are moving here.
Real Rutland is also excited to announce that our October meet and greet will be a joint function with Rutland Young Professionals. On October 25th we will be taking over The Hub CoWorks for a parade viewing party. The Rutland Halloween Parade is one of our favorite local traditions and we are excited to share it with some brand-new Vermonters! We look forward to joining our friends at RYP for a frightfully good time!
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.
Adult Clinician
Community Care Network is seeking an Adult Clinician to join their team.
Human Resources Manager
Donuts of Rutland is seeking a Human Resources Manager to join their team.
Substance Use Disorder Care Manager
Community Care Network is seeking a Substance Use Disorder Care Manager to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
VermontBiz2Biz Expo
October 9 | 9 AM-3 PM | South Burlington | Ticket required
The VermontBiz2Biz Expo will offer a unique opportunity for businesses to meet, listen, learn and celebrate throughout the one day business event of the year. Featuring exhibitors, the TD Bank Vermont Business Growth Awards Breakfast, the Senator Welch Business Luncheon and insightful Business Sessions.
The Way We Work: Boundaries
October 23 | 5-7 PM | Sparkle on the Rocks, Wallingford, VT | $12-32
In the mission-driven world, it can be hard to find real opportunities for open, human-to-human conversations across organizations.
Even at conferences or networking events, we don’t usually get the chance to turn to someone new and say something like, “Hey, I’m having trouble setting a boundary. Will you tell me about one that’s important to you and how you got to that decision?”
I love many professional development events. But this event is meant to feel different: more conversational, more spacious, more human.
I’m endlessly curious about the minutiae of people’s day-to-day lives. What feels heavy right now? What’s bringing you joy? What do you wish more people knew about the work you do?
Too often, the non-profit sector runs on scarcity — of time, money, and emotional bandwidth. We don’t always get the space to slow down, to celebrate, or to reflect. The Way We Work is meant to be that pause: a place for listening, learning, and remembering we’re not in this alone.
VMEC's 30th Anniversary Dinner
November 13 | 5-10 PM | Essex Junction, Vermont | $85 per person
VMEC is proud to announce its 30 year anniversary as Vermont’s solely-focused manufacturing resource. To commemorate this significant milestone, VMEC will host a special anniversary dinner for manufacturers, key partners, community stakeholders and the general public on Thursday, November 13 from 5:00 - 10:00 pm at The Farmhouse at The Essex Resort & Spa, Essex Junction, Vermont.
"We are thrilled to mark 30 years in business," said Patrick Boyle, VMEC Center Director & CEO. “The support we’ve received over the years has led to this year being the 30th anniversary of VMEC. It is a testament to the partnerships created and maintained, whether it be on the federal, national, state or local level. We want to show our thanks to all who have worked for and with VMEC over our three decades. This special event is our way of expressing gratitude and sharing our excitement for the future.” The evening will feature a cash bar, buffet dinner, networking, a surprise award presentation, photo booth, caricatures and live music - a celebration of the strong relationships built within the Vermont manufacturing community!
