Trade show later this month.
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Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Read on for:
Mixer Hosted by Cape Air | Bring Back the Trades Event |
What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT |
Membership Spotlight | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
Free Plane Rides at CEDRR May Mixer
Join the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) for its May Mixer hosted by Cape Air on May 13, from 5-7 PM! This event will be held at the Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport, 1002 Airport Rd, North Clarendon.
During the mixer, Cape Air will offer FREE plane rides over Rutland County in one of the Tecnam P2012 Travellers.
All of us at CEDRR hope to see you there!
CEDRR Hosts Bring Back the Trades Event
The Bring Back the Trades Skills Expo, presented by F.W. Webb, is gearing up to be one of the most impactful trade-focused events in Vermont! With about 2,000 students from nearly 40 schools and hundreds of community members already pre-registered to attend, and 68 businesses in the trade, this event is set to provide hands-on experiences and career exploration opportunities for students, parents, and community members alike.
Brought to you by Title Sponsor F.W. Webb and in collaboration with the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) the event is hosted by Vermont State University Castleton Campus. The Skills Expo will take place on May 20, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, offering a unique opportunity for students to explore high-demand, high-paying careers in the skilled trades.
Why This Event Matters
With the “silver tsunami” of retirements looming, where five tradespeople retire for every two entering the workforce, the skills gap in the trades is more pressing than ever. The Bring Back the Trades Skills Expo provides a solution by exposing students to real career opportunities in fields such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical work, construction, welding, cosmetology, culinary and more—all through hands-on experiences and direct engagement with industry professionals.
Event Highlights
Interactive Exhibits: Experience hands-on trade demonstrations from businesses eager to showcase their work and technologies. “It’s like touch-a-truck for teens and grown ups - there are so many amazing exhibits happening at the Vermont event - I can’t wait for the students, parents, and community members to see the creativity,” said Bring Back the Trades Executive Director Shana Brunye.
Equipment & Tool Demos: See trade professionals in action, high tech industry tools, and learn about cutting-edge innovations.
Industry Engagement: Network with professionals and potential employers looking to invest in the next generation of skilled workers.
Scholarships & Giveaways: Businesses are stepping up to provide scholarship opportunities, prizes, and giveaways to students pursuing careers in the trades.
Click here for more information about Bring Back the Trades →
Welcome to Our New Members
Wellness Café is located at 230 N. Main Street, Building 3 in Rutland. Purchase food to go, to eat in the restaurant or next door at Pure Restorative Wellness Aesthetics, or for catering. This café offers healthy options for breakfast and lunch, plus baked goods, drinks, and sn
Owner and founder of Pure Restorative Wellness Aesthetics, Kathleen has been a dedicated nurse since 1988. With a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Saint Anselm College and a degree in Nurse Anesthesia from Albany Medical College, she’s a board-certified nurse anesthetist. Transitioning into aesthetics, Kathleen trained under leading experts and specializes in anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, and PRP procedures. Her passion lies in helping clients feel confident with personalized, natural-looking results. During consultations, she provides clear insights into the aging process and tailors treatments to achieve your beauty goals.
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
Bodycote, Clarendon Animal Hospital, Hammond Chapman Foundation, Hampton Inn, Garland's Farm and Garden, Heritage Family Credit Union, Jones' Donuts, K&V Properties, Longview Commercial Real Estate, OMYA, Rutland Housing Authority, TPW Real Estate, Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, Sugar and Spice, United Way of Rutland County, and Wright Construction.
CEDRR Event Sponsorship Opportunity
4th Annual Whoopie Pie Festival
Saturday, September 13th, 2025
Join us for Rutland’s Whoopie Pie Festival, a vibrant celebration in the heart of historic Downtown Rutland. Each year, Merchants Row and Center Street are transformed into a lush, grass-covered “Green Street,” filled with energy, flavor, and fun for all ages. With almost two dozen vendors from across the Northeast, the event features whoopie pie sampling and fierce—but friendly—competition for the titles of:
· People’s Choice Award
· Overall Best
· Most Creative
Beyond the sweets, the community and visitors enjoy live music, street performers, and a festival atmosphere that builds all afternoon. We are also proud to partner with community organizations to spotlight important causes. Some of those partners include NewStory Center, Habitat for Humanity, Partners for Prevention, American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association and many, many more.
Over 7,500 people attended the 3rd Annual Whoopie Pie Festival on September 14th, 2024, and watched the assembly and weighing of the world record 1,187-pound whoopie pie created by Dream Maker Bakers from Killington, VT. The previous world record was 1,062lbs. The event saw a large media presence including WCAX, WPTZ, Vermont Public, Catamount Radio, WMUD, the Rutland Herald, and the Mountain Times. We also had news reports on WCAX & WPTZ that aired the week prior to the event, along with several local morning radio show appearances.
A variety of sponsorship levels are available. Depending on the level, specific sponsor benefits include:
1. Sponsor an event such as the Real McCoy Show
2. DJ Shout Out/Special Thanks
3. Local radio broadcast mentions
4. Logo on event posters
5. Logo on "Day of Schedule"
6. Logo on Whoopie Pie Festival newsletter emails
7. Social media posts on multiple platforms
8. Logo on general posters
9. Logo on special CEDRR webpage for festival
The Whoopie Pie Festival is a unique opportunity to connect with thousands of local Rutland County residents and regional visitors. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Rutland’s sweetest tradition! For more information or to schedule a meeting to discuss, please contact Chrispin White at (802)770-7066 or at chrispin@rutlandeconomy.com.
NBC5 Rutland Bureau Ribbon Cutting
Monday, May 5, local representatives and NBC5 affiliates cut a ribbon at the new Rutland Bureau in Downtown Rutland. The news station allowed attendees to tour the new bureau and explore the First Warning Weather Lab.
The space is located at 48 Merchants Row in Downtown Rutland.
2025 Downtown and Village Center Tax Credit
In FY2026, at least $3 Million in state income tax credits are available. Credits are awarded to projects that improve building safety, attract new business, and create jobs. Projects must be within a state-designated downtown, or village center. Funding supports general rehabilitation and code compliance work. The program also funds flood mitigation upgrades and exterior façade improvements.
Applications for the next round of tax credits are due Friday, August 1, 2025.
Submit applications via email to: accd.DowntownVillageCenterTaxCreditProgram@vermont.gov.
Application materials are available to download on the website.
An applicant webinar will be hosted in June. Stay tuned for more information with registration details soon. The webinar will cover program basics and required attachments, the scoring criteria, and how to compile a strong application for those looking for a competitive edge.
Announcing the Vermont Capital Guide
An inherent challenge for expanding employee ownership is access to capital. If a company wants to maintain its status as employee-owned, its avenues for taking investment are limited in key ways compared to “investor owned” firms.
Fortunately, a number of developments have considerably improved the capital environment to make EO more accessible. For worker co-ops, the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast’s maximum loan size has grown five-fold, making the model a possibility for companies of a whole new scale. In the ESOP space, SBA loan guarantees are finally becoming accessible, and we’ve recently seen several local financial institutions close on their first deals. And more exciting developments are on the horizon, like the proposed Employee Equity Investment Act.
While this growth of institutional support is exciting, capital gaps that require creativity to bridge are still commonplace, particularly in transactions that transition companies to employee ownership. It’s often possible for individuals and communities to make up the difference, but navigating how to make that work without running afoul of securities laws can be an intimidating prospect for people raising investment money for the first time.
So, as a tool intended to make the process more accessible, we are pleased to announce the release of the Vermont Capital Guide!
Elevate Vermont Matching Grants Available to Tech Businesses
The Elevate Vermont program of the Vermont Department of Economic Development (DED) is accepting applications for grants of up to $50,000 to help innovative technology-based businesses grow and commercialize new technologies in Vermont.
“These Elevate Vermont grants are a powerful tool to help tech start-ups and small companies grow and bring their ideas into the marketplace,” says Interim DED Commissioner Brett Long. “Vermont is heavily invested in innovation and the high-quality jobs it creates.”
Non-competitive matching grants are available to companies that have received a federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award and are committed to developing and commercializing their technology in Vermont. Elevate Vermont participants and companies that have not used Elevate Vermont may be eligible. Grants may be used for marketing, market research, development of sales materials, and other costs that advance the commercialization of the research.
To qualify, businesses must be:
- For-profit entities with their principal place of business in Vermont
- Recipients of a Phase I or Phase II SBIR/STTR award
- Actively pursuing Phase II funding (for Phase I recipients), or commercialization (for Phase II recipients)
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and will be evaluated based on eligibility. The application includes a project narrative, a timeline with milestones, and a project budget. Each business is eligible for one grant per federal award and can receive up to five awards over the life of the business.
StartUp Rutland Business Participant Transforms Waste
When it comes to environmental awareness and sustenance, some companies are making great strides toward recycling waste, but one company has discovered the use of our own human waste for sustainability.
“Pee-cycling” is taking efficiency to a new level, converting human waste into liquid fertilizer for “beneficial reuse.”
Brightwater Tools is a company that is introducing technology that company officials say will transform the way we feel about our own waste.
Brightwater Tools really took off when the company joined the StartUp Rutland program, where mentor and Director of Venture Capital for StartUp Rutland Mose Cassaro helped promote their business.
“I met them as a mentor through the LaunchVT program,” Cassaro said.
Cassaro chose Brightwater Tools as one of the startups he wanted to work with, as there were other companies also working to promote their businesses.
NNEMoCA Comes to The Hub CoWorks
NNEMoCA – Northern-New England Museum of Contemporary Art comes to The Hub in Rutland
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Open Studio. May 24th & 25thand
A Gala Reception on Sunday, May 25th from 3 -7pm
To introduce and celebrate NNEMoCA’s installation of more than forty works from its collection to become Rutland’s newest art venue will participate in the Vermont Craft Council’s Spring Open Studio, Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th, from 10am to 5pm and will host a Gala Reception, Featuring Music, Food, and a Cash Bar.
The Hub CoWorks of Rutland, Vermont and Northern New England Museum of Contemporary Art (NNEMoCA) are pleased to announce a collaboration allowing the long-term exhibition of works of contemporary visual art from the permanent collection of NNEMoCA to be displayed in the common space of The Hub CoWorks.
“The positive effects of being in the presence of original art are well known and provide many benefits to those having this exposure. Additionally, this artwork provides substantive enhancement to the environment within The Hub,” Mark Foley, President of MKF Properties and developer of The Hub CoWorks.
“Our vision is to transform and enrich humanity through visual art and ideas. One of the most direct ways to begin accomplishing this is to create additional opportunities for art to be seen and to provide mechanisms for people to be in the presence of original visual art. This ‘completes the circuit’ which exists between the artwork, its maker, and the viewer,” Mark S. Waskow, President of NNEMoCA.
This program encapsulates NNEMoCA’s mission by providing long-term regional hubs to introduce the public to the museum’s resources. To discover more about NNEMoCA, visit www.nnemoca.org.
For inquiries, please contact Mark S. Waskow by phone (802) 793-8482 or email nnemoca@gmail.com.
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.
Clinical Manager
Rutland County Health Partners is seeking a Clinical Manager to join their team.
Program Director
Rutland County Restorative Justice Center is seeking a Program Director to join their team.
Childcare Supervisor
Killington and Pico Resort is seeking a Childcare Supervisor to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
The Power of Energetic Choice: Mindful Decision-Making & Creative Living with Lisa Hopkins
May 7 | 8:30-10 AM | Online
What if the key to transforming your business—and your life—was learning to choose your energy before your actions? In this dynamic Zoom session, transformational coach and author Lisa Hopkins introduces The Choice Capacitor, her signature tool designed to help you access The Power of Energetic Choice. You’ll learn how the 5 Energetic Choices are quietly influencing your mindset, your leadership, and your results—and how to shift from reactive patterns into intentional, creative action. This experiential session includes a live coaching experience with two volunteer participants. Whether you’re in the coaching seat or observing, you’ll leave with practical tools, fresh insight, and renewed clarity to move forward with purpose.
How to Hire and Work with a Lawyer
May 14 | 2-3 PM | Virtual and Free
Navigating the legal system can be scary, costly and time consuming. The process of securing a lawyer who will have your best interest in mind is key. Join the Vermont Small Business Law Center at Vermont Law and Graduate School for an hour-long webinar where they will discuss the value a lawyer brings to your business, when to seek legal help, and how to find the right attorney. Learn what to expect when working with a lawyer and how they can help protect and strengthen you and your company.
This valuable and complimentary session will include a broad overview of how to hire and fire a lawyer, what they can do for a small business, negotiating fees, and how to make efficient use of their time, as well as details like billing, including retainers/fixed-cost/hourly, and ethical obligations.
Starting Your Own Business With VtSBDC
June 4 | 10-11:15 AM | Online
Starting your own business can be challenging, especially for first-time business owners. If you’re ready to explore turning your idea into a real business opportunity, then this is the presentation for you. By joining this 75-minute workshop, you’ll gain a basic overview of starting your own business including some practical tips/steps.
• How to evaluate if there is a viable business opportunity in your idea?
• What makes your business unique? Creating your value proposition.
• Testing your idea. Learn about the Business Model Canvas and how to use it.
• Registrations and initial legal questions.
• Basics of financials and how to calculate what you’ll need to get started.
• You’ll have an opportunity to have some of your burning questions answered by our VtSBDC Business Advisors giving the presentation.
• Following the session, you’ll leave with next steps to consider, and you will receive a copy of the program along with many resources to turn to for guidance!
