January Mixer at Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging
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Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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January Mixer at Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging | Add Your Business to CEDRR's Perk Card |
What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT |
Membership Spotlight | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
CEDRR's January Mixer at Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region's (CEDRR) January Mixer will be hosted by the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) on Tuesday, January 14 from 5-7 p.m.
Join us as we begin the new year and create new community connections. SVCOA will host tours of the building and discuss opportunities for partnerships. TRIO Community Meals is catering the event.
Learn more about Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging here →
Add Your Business to the CEDRR Perk Card
Everybody loves a deal! The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) distributes Perk Cards to member businesses at the beginning of each year. This extremely popular Membership Perk Card is one of the most widely used and highly-valued benefits of being a CEDRR member.
CEDRR is seeking businesses to offer discounts to other member businesses on the 2025 Perk Card. Visit our website here to learn more about the 2024 offers.
Contact Lori Pinkowski if your business would like to offer a deal.
Welcome to Our New Member
With 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and a master’s in nonprofit administration, I specialize in helping small organizations plan their strategies, raise funds, and tell their stories effectively. My work has supported dozens of nonprofits across North America, with missions spanning agriculture, food security, arts, humanities, mental health, and advocacy. I’m especially proud to have partnered with organizations in nine of Vermont’s counties, including several in Rutland County, where I’ve helped local nonprofits strengthen their impact and build sustainable futures.
As a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northern New England Chapter, I champion the unique needs of smaller nonprofits, staying connected to best practices and emerging trends. My approach combines strategic vision with meticulous attention to detail, empowering organizations to achieve lasting impact and deepen their connection to the communities they serve.
Based in Wallingford, Vermont, I’m deeply invested in our region’s vibrancy and believe nonprofits play a vital role in local economic and community development. I love spending time with my family, reading, tending my vegetable garden, and singing with my vocal ensemble, the Howling Hens.
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
James T. Bowse Health Trust Announces 2025 Grant Awards
Rutland Regional Medical Center’s James T. Bowse Health Trust (BHT) committee is pleased to announce funding for three important projects in the Rutland region.
The ARC-Rutland Area, Inc., Come Alive Outside, and the Tapestry Program of Rutland City Public Schools have been awarded funds over the next three years to implement important projects in our community.
Each project addresses priority needs identified in the 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment with a focus on improving health equity in the areas of Housing, Childcare/Parenting, Mental Health, and Supporting the Aging Community. As the Bowse Health Trust transitions to using the recently completed 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment priority areas, these projects will also address critical needs identified for populations of focus within our community. To learn more about the Community Health Needs Assessment please visit, www.rrmc.org/about/community-health-needs-assessment.
Jessica Boutin, New CEO of VNA & Hospice of Southwest Region
VNA & Hospice of Southwest Region Promotes Jessica Boutin to CEO
Jessica Boutin has been an integral part of VNAHSR for 24 years, serving in various roles that have allowed her to cultivate a deep understanding of the organization’s values, goals, and needs of the communities it serves. Her leadership as chief quality officer has been characterized by collaboration, strategic thinking, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring the highest standards of care for patients and their families.
Ana Araguas cuts the celebratory ribbon with her sons Luca and Nico.
Ana's Empanadas Opens in Downtown Rutland
A ribbon cutting on Monday, December 16 celebrated the grand opening of Ana's Empanadas' new location. The business is located at 24 Wales Street in Downtown Rutland.
Donna Hunt, RD, CDCES, left, poses with Marty Irons, RPh, CDCES, center, and Robin Meyers, DNP, right, at the 2024 Vermont Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists Conference.
Donna Hunt RD, CDCES from Rutland Diabetes & Endocrinology Center is Recognized as the Vermont Diabetes Care & Education Specialist of the Year
The Vermont Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (VTADCES) annually recognizes a diabetes educator who has made a special contribution to diabetes education through dedication and innovation in the daily practice of patient care. The 2024 recipient of the Vermont Diabetes Care and Education Specialist of the Year Award is Donna Hunt RD, CDCES, Rutland Diabetes and Endocrinology Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center.
Donna’s award was presented to her at the Vermont Chapter’s ADCES Annual Meeting in Stowe in early November. Dr. Philip Lapp, from the Rutland Diabetes and Endocrinology Center worked with Donna for nearly thirty years. In a letter read to Donna at the award ceremony, Dr. Lapp, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Rutland Regional, praised Donna’s important contributions to the daily practice of patient care through her dedication and innovation.
Rutland Child Care Awarded Make Way for Kids Grant
First Children’s Finance VT has announced the recipients of the Fall 2024 Make Way for Kids Grants. These grants, totaling $641,107 to 29 projects in 13 counties, are designed to help Vermont’s early childhood educators meet their local demand for high-quality, affordable child care. These projects are projected to create or maintain 117 infant slots, 148 toddler slots, and 118 preschool slots, supporting families across the state.
“Our goal is to make child care accessible to every family in Vermont by providing financial support to child care businesses to help them achieve long-term sustainability,” said Erin Roche, Director of First Children’s Finance VT. “The Make Way for Kids grants play an important role in entrepreneurs in Vermont to start up and expand their child care businesses.”
Amanda Stone Family Child Care Home was the only Rutland County awardee.
RRMC Named to U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care and 2025 Maternity Care Access Hospital
U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Rutland Regional Medical Center as a 2025 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study. Rutland Regional was the only hospital in Vermont to attain this recognition. To see RRMC’s detailed ratings, visit RRMC Best Performing Maternity Care.
The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, birthing-friendly practices and reporting on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures.
Kids play during the first free monthly playtime for children under five sponsored by Rutland County Head Start at Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum in Rutland on Wednesday, December 11. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger.
Wonderfeet Kids' Museum and Rutland County Head Start Create New Partnership
Rutland County Head Start, which is a part of the Community Care Network, offers education, childcare, services and resources to families whose incomes fall at or below the federal poverty line.
Through the partnership, Head Start and Early Head Start families have access to free memberships with free admissions to Wonderfeet Kids' Museum on Merchants Row in downtown Rutland. There will also be free community playdates for children under five years old, held on a monthly basis through June of next year.
Open Enrollment for Public Retirement Initiative, Vermont Saves, Has Begun
Vermont Saves, a new retirement program administered by the Treasurer’s Office, is now open for enrollment, announced Treasurer Mike Pieciak. The program establishes a workplace retirement plan for Vermonters who are not currently offered a retirement plan through their employer.
Vermont Saves earned unanimous support from the Legislature and Governor Phil Scott in 2023. A successful pilot program has been up and running for several weeks.
Employers with 5 or more employees who do not currently offer their workers a retirement plan will be required to sign up for Vermont Saves by the end of February 2025. Their employees will automatically be enrolled in a Roth IRA account with flexible options to save at their own pace.
The 2025 Historic Preservation Matching Grants Application is Open
The 1772 Foundation announces 2025 Vermont Historic Preservation Matching Grants for Private Non-Profit Organizations in cooperation with the Preservation Trust of Vermont. Grants in the form of 1:1 matching grants of up to $10,000 will be made available for historic preservation projects in Vermont.
To be eligible to apply, your building must be owned by a 501(c)(3) IRS designated non-profit. Organizations must have closed any previously awarded 1772 matching grants. Funding will NOT be provided for municipally owned buildings, schools or active churches.
Your project building must be listed or determined eligible for listing on the National Register to be eligible for a grant.
Letters of Inquiry will be accepted until 5 pm on December 19, 2024. Invited applications will be due February 28, 2025.
Community Care Network Recognizes Employee Service Milestones
Community Care Network (CCN) recently recognized 31 employees for their dedicated service to the organization and its clients at CCN’s annual service awards luncheon held in Rutland.
Among those recognized at the event were long-time employees Diana Fouracre, Deb Esslinger, and Tanya Hall for 30 years of service, and Debbie Avison, Claire Waterman, and Anna Pietryka for 35 years of service.
Photo courtesy of VermontBiz from the December 6 event.
Vermont Foodbank x Tito's Vodka Join Forces to Give Back to Rutland Community
Love, Tito’s, the philanthropic heart of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, teamed up with Vermont Foodbank, the state’s largest hunger-relief organization and only food bank, providing nourishing food through a network of more than 350 community, network, and program partners.
Tito’s joined a recent fresh produce distribution event in the Rutland, Vermont area. The event created a dignified, welcoming, and comfortable atmosphere where free food was distributed to community members in an environment where there are no eligibility requirements, no questions asked.
Ahead of the holidays, the December 6 event enabled the Vermont Foodbank and their volunteers to distribute some of the more than 4 million pounds of fresh food that will be shared with neighbors this year.
To help support the organization’s mission, volunteers from Tito’s and the community assisted with sorting and bagging produce, loading those bags into neighbors’ cars, and managing traffic flow for around 435 families and individuals who received fresh fruits and vegetables including apples, sweet potatoes, carrots and more.
The distribution event with Vermont Foodbank further builds upon the support that Tito’s Handmade Vodka has provided to the organization over the past few years. Earlier this year, the Vermont Foodbank was the recipient of a $50,000 gift from Tito’s which helped to enhance and improve their Rutland Distribution Center to more effectively distribute food across the state of Vermont.
Vermont Gained 7,500 New Residents in 2023
In 2023, Vermont experienced a net gain of 7,500 residents moving from other states, according to a Treasurer’s Office analysis of recent U.S. Census data.
The report highlights Vermont’s strong appeal in the post-pandemic era.
In 2023, Vermont had the highest per capita net migration in New England and the third-highest per capita net migration of any U.S. state. Over the past three years net migration to Vermont has already significantly exceeded the net migration of the previous decade (+25,121 for 2021-23 vs. +16,067 for 2010-19).
Treasurer Mike Pieciak noted remote work flexibility and outdoor recreation opportunities have helped attract new Vermont residents—which has brought both opportunities and challenges.
Real Rutland - CEDRR's Regional Marketing Initiative has also seen an increase in people moving to our region or planning their relocation.
Upcoming Classes and a New Podcast
AN INSIDE EXIT: SELLING A BUSINESS TO FAMILY, MANAGERS, OR THE EMPLOYEES
Friday, February 7, 2025, 11:30-1:00 p.m.
$5 (covers lunch from Gill’s Deli)
The Hub CoWorks
Are you starting to think about ownerships succession for your business? For many owners, the best path is selling to those already involved in the business. Join us for a seminar that covers essential tips on assessing and preparing for internal exit options. You’ll explore three internal succession methods: selling to family members, managers, or employees. Presented by Matt Cropp, Executive Director of the Vermont Employee Ownership Center. Learn more and register on Eventbrite!
HEALTHCARE RECRUITMENT SEMINAR HOSTED BY MIMI DAMM
Thursday, February 13, 2025, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
The Hub CoWorks
Discover how to attract top healthcare talent with cutting-edge digital marketing strategies. Led by digital marketing expert Mimi Damm, this seminar explores innovative methods to enhance your employer brand, drive engagement, and stand out as an employer of choice in a competitive market. This event is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP here.
‘VIEW FROM THE TOP’ WITH AARON BLINKA OF CAPE AIR IS OUT NOW
Aaron Blinka, Vice President of Planning at Cape Air, joined View from the Top to share his insights on leadership, aviation, and connecting communities. From operating in Essential Air Service Networks to supporting economic growth in the Northeast and Caribbean, Aaron discusses how Cape Air’s 750 employees keep businesses and travelers moving. Plus, hear about his surprising hobbies—like skydiving once (and never again!) and his love for free diving. Tune in now on the platform of your choice!
David Trenor, new Real Rutland resident.
December 2024 Real Rutland Update
In the November issue of our Real Rutland Concierge Connection Newsletter, we sat down with new Rutland County resident David Trenor. David and his family relocated here earlier this year from Illinois. Click Here to read the article to learn more about their relocation journey and experience with the Concierge Program.
The Concierge Program has seen healthy growth this year. Currently, 47 people have relocated to Rutland County through the program in 2024. The new residents have come from all regions of the United States and internationally. We have also brought in six new Concierge Volunteers this year. That brings the total number of Concierge Volunteers in the program to 39 people.
Photos from the Real Rutland Meet and Greet in December.
A Winter Whirlwind
What a whirlwind December has been. The MINT Makerspace had a wonderful time hosting the Real Rutland Meet and Greet on December 5, what a fun crowd! The MINT Downtown participated in the Jingle Bell Shop on December 12, when we got to enjoy the festivities of the season and celebrate with the community. Thank you to everyone who came in to visit! Now it is time for us to shift gears in preparation for our youth December break camp. If you have a little one in your life that would like to join us, please check out our Youth Offerings for December Break!
Don't worry, we have not forgotten about the adults! If you are thinking ahead to New Year's Resolutions, and you have "start a new hobby" on your list, we have you covered! Check out our upcoming offerings below:
Make Your Own Garland: December 18
Micromosaics: January 3
Sewing T-Shirt Quilts: January 4-25
Beginners’ Guide to Drawing: January 6-20
Fundamentals of Handbuilding: January 7-February 11
Join us for our Annual Give Back Mix!
Every year, we dedicate our December mix to help raise funds for a local non-profit. This year, we are pleased to be hosting our Giveback mixer to raise funds for the Rutland County Humane Society
The mix will be held on December 18 at The Hub Streetside Conference Center in Downtown Rutland. Join us from 6-8 p.m. for a fun evening of networking! $5+ suggested donations and/or bring an item to donate from the list of needed supplies.
Don't forget to wear an ugly Christmas sweater to the event for a chance to win a prize!
See you all 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.
Warranty Administrator
Allen Pools & Spas is seeking a Warranty Administrator to join their team.
Retail Store Manager
Allen Pools & Spas is seeking a Retail Store Manager to join their team.
Dental Assistant
Community Health is seeking a Dental Assistant to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
How to Spot Online Business Scams Using Google Search hosted by SCORE
December 19 | 9-10:30 AM
In this workshop, you'll learn how to effectively use Google to research companies and how to identify online business scams. We'll cover key techniques for verifying business legitimacy through Google searches, business reviews, and official business listings. Participants will explore how to spot fake websites, misleading claims, and customer feedback red flags. Discover how to use Google tools like Google Maps, reverse image search, and business listings to uncover potential fraud. This workshop will empower you to confidently evaluate businesses and make informed decisions when engaging with online services.
Legal Considerations when Starting a Business
January 8 | 12-1:30 PM | Virtual
This workshop provides a high-level overview of a range of legal issues that entrepreneurs should be aware of when starting a new company. Attend this workshop to learn how to avoid common mistakes and employ preventative measures that can protect and ensure the success of your new business. Workshop topics will include:
- Entity formation
- Contract basics
- IP considerations
- Licenses and regulations
Strategy Deployment - Engaging Everyone with Focus, Alignment, and Swiftness
January 24 | 12-1 PM | Virtual and free
Join us for a Noontime Knowledge webinar led by Otto Funke, GlobalFoundries Manufacturing Engineer, as he shares effective practices he uses to:
- Initiate Strategy Deployment
- Implement Standard Strategy Deployment Elements
- Sustain Strategy Deployment year-to-year
- Apply Accountability Systems That Work
- Carry out the Strategy Deployment process to develop leadership and problem-solving skills
