Why Lyle Jepson is voting "YES" for the Rutland City Bond.
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Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Read on for:
Welcome Caitlin Gates | Voting "YES" for Rutland City Bond | October Mixer | Annual Meeting | Whoopie Pie Festival Thank You |
Membership Spotlight | What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
Photo provided by Caitlin Gates.
Welcome Caitlin Gates to CEDRR Staff
Please join us in welcoming Caitlin Gates to the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) staff as our new Real Rutland Concierge Coordinator.
Caitlin was born and raised in Rutland County. She loves Vermont and has spent much of her time exploring this state in all seasons. Caitlin will be the first to tell you that she never could pick a lane when it comes to careers. She has a B.S in Biology from UVM and has worked at State Parks (in both Vermont and Utah), Immunology Labs, Farms, Pottery Studios, and Non-Profit Organizations. This breadth of work experience has given her a deep appreciation for the people and resources that Rutland County has to offer.
Caitlin’s interests outside of work range from outdoor exploration to fine art. In her spare time, she can be found in her garage pottery studio, playing with clay.
In addition to her role with CEDRR, she also works as a Veterinary Assistant. Caitlin currently resides on her family farm in Hubbardton with her horses, sheep, and cats.
CEDRR Executive Director Lyle Jepson.
Why I Support Voting "YES" for the Rutland City Bond
I am taking a moment to highlight how important it is to me that the City Infrastructure Bond be approved on Tuesday, October 7. As a City resident, I am asking you, as either a Rutland City voter or influencer of your Rutland City friends, to join with me in voting “YES”.
This is a historic moment for Rutland City. We have been provided with a once in a lifetime tool, the TIF. The TIF is an opportunity to provide future economic prosperity for Rutland City and Rutland residents without incurring undesirable costs. The bullets below tell the story. In addition, the Rutland Redevelopment Authority FAQ found here answers many commonly asked questions.
Why vote yes?
- The hotel is a gateway project. When we pass this bond, we'll ensure that not only will these infrastructure upgrades be made to support the new hotel, but existing—and future—businesses will benefit.
- Boom for the local economy. With a hotel in place—just in time for the Paramount to increase its capacity—we'll draw in more tourists, business travelers and other events to the area. These visitors will eventually be hungry and curious, so they'll eat at our restaurants and shop at our local stores.
- No more pit. Passing the bond means we can address the issues that have persisted for decades in the long-vacant lot. We'll finally turn that eyesore into a vibrant destination.
- Improvements without raising taxes. TIF does not raise taxes (it's not your typical bond). It simply allows the City to invest in infrastructure by using the future tax revenue from the private development to pay for it.
- It's a job creator. From construction to hotel personnel, and all of the supporting services in between, this cornerstone project creates good jobs for people in our area.
- Safer streets. The improvements proposed include streetscape redesign, which includes better lighting. This will make people feel safer as they walk home after work, or from a local restaurant back to their hotel room.
- It will provide Rutland with a well-deserved aesthetic update. The planned improvements include wider sidewalks, buried electrical lines and beautifying streetscape. These will complement the rich, historic buildings in our downtown and make it truly picturesque.
- Builds a long-term tax base. The idea behind TIF is that it catalyzes future private investment. This will result in growing our tax base, which means more resources for our schools, emergency services and other community needs without having to raise tax rates.
- It's time. We have all talked about what Rutland could do to improve the experience downtown, and now is the time to take action on our vision. After years of planning, public input, and studies, we have finally arrived at the moment.
If you would like to show your support, you can pick up a lawn sign at the Chamber & Economic Development office on Merchants Row, or contact me and I will deliver one to you. I can be reached at Lyle@rutlandeconomy.com.
Thank you, in advance, for working together to take control of our future in a very positive way.
Lyle Jepson, CEDRR Executive Director
CEDRR October Mixer Hosted by Allen Pools & Spas
Join us for our CEDRR October Mixer 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.
Stay tuned for more details about activities, collaborations, and giveaways.
CEDRR Annual Meeting on October 28 in Killington
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 - 5:45p.m. Music by Extra Stout, food and beverages
6:00-6:15 CEDRR Annual Meeting
6:15-7:00 Showcase Event (StartUp Rutland Pitch Competition)
7:00-7:30 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.
Photo from 2025 Rutland's Whoopie Pie Festival.
Fourth Annual Whoopie Pie Festival Success
On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region hosted the Fourth Annual Whoopie Pie Festival in Downtown Rutland.
The event was well attended, featured 17 bakers with Whoopie Pies and other sweets, and dozens of vendors with crafts, other food, and drinks.
For the first time, we held two eating contests and Come Alive Outside and the Rutland Recreation and Park Department had a Whoopie Pie Mile Fun Run/Walk. Sweet Birch Bakery in Wallingford, VT won two awards, Best Overall and Most Creative, determined by the judges. The Gettin' Place from Whitehall, NY won the People's Choice Award determined by festival attendees.
This would not have been such a success if it were not for all of our volunteers, committee members, and sponsors. A special thank you goes to Casella Waste Systems, our Premier Sponsor.
CEDRR looks forward to continuing this annual event. See you at the 2026 Whoopie Pie Festival!
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
Photo from our CEDRR July Mixer in 2025 during the door prize portion of our event.
CEDRR Networking Mixer Door Prize Request
Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) networking mixers are casual, fun gatherings that bring together CEDRR members, community leaders and Rutland County residents. Each month, a member business or organization partners with us to host a mixer, providing an opportunity to showcase their location, products, and services while fostering new relationships and community connections.
Door prizes are a popular, value-added benefit of our monthly mixers. While the host business provides prizes, we also welcome contributions from other member businesses and organizations.
Benefits of donating a door prize include:
Increased Visibility: Your business gains recognition in front of a wide audience of professionals and community members.
Networking Opportunities: Prizes create conversation starters and connect you with potential clients and partners.
Promotion of Local Businesses: Showcase your products or services while encouraging attendees to visit and support your business.
Community Engagement: Help foster a sense of connection and belonging at one of the region’s most popular networking events.
Business Growth: Winners are more likely to become future customers, contributing to your business success and CEDRR’s mission of economic growth.
We would love to feature your business as a door prize sponsor at an upcoming mixer! For more information, or to provide a prize, please contact Chrispin White, Member Services & Events Manager at chrispin@rutlandeconomy.com or by calling (802)770-7066.
Alzheimer's Walk This Weekend
Join the Alzheimer's Association: Vermont Chapter on Saturday, September 27, in Rutland! As of Monday afternoon, 96% of the $67,200 goal has been raised! It is not too late to register your team or make a donation.
Hampton Inn Rutland Grand Re-Opening
Join us at the Hampton Inn Rutland on Monday, October 6, at noon for a Grand Re-Opening of the hotel. Nineteen years to the day, the hotel will be celebrating its renovations.
This is an opportunity for everyone to see the big changes they have made to take part in the revitalization that Rutland City and Rutland Town are undergoing. Learn more about the hotel rooms via tours, enjoy some light fare, and possibly win a door prize!
We will have more information as the event approaches and hope to see you there!
Foreplay Golf Company Sponsorship Opportunity
This isn't your normal gold event sponsorship. Foreplay Golf Company is on a mission to provide a true return on investment on your sponsorship package. This means a combination of branding, content creation, and sales. Imagine in one day being able to get a photo shoot, video shoot, brand awareness, and the ability to sell your product and service to new customers? That's what Foreplay Golf Company will provide to you.
The investment is $500, includes all above and in the graphic above, and includes a 9-hole team on Friday, hole sponsorship, digital promotion, and event branding.
If you are interested in learning more, contact Ben Killary.
Nancy Shuttleworth holds award. Photo from VtSBDC.
Nancy Shuttleworth is Recognized as VtSBDC's 2025 State Star
This year’s State Star, Nancy Shuttleworth, was recognized at the recent ASBDC event in Orlando. The award celebrates a member of our team—selected by our advisors and staff—who makes significant contributions to their clients and region, and is deeply committed to Vermont’s small businesses. Nancy is the Area Business Advisor for Rutland and Bennington counties.
Statue of Dr. Charles Caverly during the unveiling event on Friday, September 19, 2025.
Rutland's Newest Sculpture Honors Local Doctor Who Identified First Polio Epidemic in the U.S.
Rutland’s sculpture trail unveiled its newest addition on Friday, September 19, 2025. The 13th statue of the series honors a Rutland doctor who identified the first polio epidemic in the country.
Dr. Charles Caverly was born in 1856 and spent his early life in Pittsford. He had been practicing medicine for barely 10 years when he identified an outbreak of polio in the Rutland area in the summer of 1894.
At the time, sporadic cases of paralysis and related symptoms had been noted in the US and Europe but they weren't typically connected to polio and the illness wasn’t thought to be contagious.
That changed after Caverly did extensive research on the 132 cases reported in Vermont.
Community Health Receives Gold for Heart Health Quality
Community Health has been recognized for its leadership in heart health initiatives by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Heart disease affects 42,000 Vermonters each year and is a leading cause of death in Vermont and overall in the U.S. In Rutland County, heart disease deaths occur at a rate higher than the statewide average, supporting Community Health’s focus on heart health prevention.
Having met or exceeded three target goals set in 2024 among primary care patients, the Community Health Quality Recognition Heart Health badge recognizes notable achievements in the areas of access, quality, health information technology, and health outcomes. Data gathered annually is used to evaluate targeted goals and programs that address heart health and cardiovascular disease prevention.
Farrell Distributing Unveils Major Energy Efficiency Upgrades at Rutland Warehouse with Efficiency Vermont Partnership
Farrell Distributing, Vermont’s trusted beverage distribution partner for over 90 years, has completed a major energy efficiency upgrade at its 50,000-square-foot Rutland warehouse. In partnership with Efficiency Vermont and Turner Piping and Refrigeration, the company installed an innovative, natural CO₂ refrigeration system designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve building performance.
The upgrade is part of Farrell’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and community stewardship. As a fourth-generation, family-owned Vermont business, Farrell Distributing continues to lead by example—blending innovation with tradition to serve both customers and the planet.
Final Draft of the 2026 Rutland Regional Plan is Here
After more than two years of development and three phases of public engagement, the final draft of the 2026 Rutland Regional Plan is now complete and ready for review. This Plan represents the collective vision of our towns, commissioners, partners, and community members who shared their time and ideas to help shape the future of the Rutland Region.
The Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) Board of Commissioners will be asked this month to authorize submission of the draft to the Vermont Land Use Review Board (LURB) for pre-application review. This marks the first time in Vermont that a regional plan will undergo review under the new Act 181 framework.
Thank you to everyone who contributed your input throughout this process—your voices are central to ensuring that the Plan reflects the priorities of our communities.
Photo from Rutland City Police Department's Facebook page.
Rutland Police Create "Safe Exchange Zone" for People Who Use Online Marketplaces
The Rutland City Police Department is encouraging members of the public to use a space in front of their building to safely buy, sell or exchange goods from websites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
The department has made the sidewalk area on Wales Street along its building’s north side available as a “Safe Exchange Zone” since late August. The department said the zone is well-lit, under constant surveillance, centrally located and open to the public any time.
Inviting the public to use the space outside its building allows the department to provide a useful service to residents without the need for more manpower or direct officer involvement, he said.
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 7.
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
Nominate a Vermont Small Business for a National Small Business Week Award
For more than 60 years, National Small Business Week has celebrated the incredible impact that small businesses have on communities and our nation’s economy. The U.S. Small Business Administration is now accepting nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards—including the prestigious Small Business Person of the Year!
To nominate a small business in Vermont and download related forms, criteria, and guidelines, visit sba.gov/nsbw. All nominations must be submitted electronically by 7 a.m. ET on Dec. 8, 2025. National awards will be presented during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., next May during National Small Business Week.
Vermont Community Foundation Event at The Hub CoWorks in October
Help shape the future of local news in Vermont! The Vermont Community Foundation is conducting a statewide project to understand how Vermonters get their local news and information, what’s working, and what’s missing.
Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region and The Hub CoWorks are partnering with VCF to host a listening session for our community. We invite you to join a 90-minute listening session where you’ll have the opportunity to share your experiences and ideas—what matters to you, what you rely on, and how local information could better serve you and your neighbors.
Location: Streetside Conference Room at The Hub CoWorks, 67 Merchants Row, Rutland VT
Date and time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 6:00PM
Spots are limited, and preregistration is required. Register here.
Your input will directly inform recommendations to strengthen Vermont’s local media ecosystem that will be shared with local news providers statewide. To thank you for your time and perspective, participants will be offered a $50 Visa gift card. Refreshments will be provided.
If you have questions about this project or VCF’s Press Forward Vermont initiative, please email grants@vermontcf.org.
If you can’t attend the listening session, but still want to share your views on local news, please fill out VCF’s community news survey.
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.
Retail Sales Consultant
Xfinity is seeking a Retail Sales Consultant to join their team.
Eye Care Supervisor
Community Health is seeking an Eye Care Supervisor to join their team.
Restaurant Store Manager
Donuts of Rutland is seeking a Restaurant Store Manager to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Business Model Canvas with AI
September 25 | 9-10:30 AM | Virtual | $10-50
Feeling overwhelmed by starting your business?
Does the thought of making a business plan make you quake in your boots?
Break it down into easier to tackle chunks with the Business Model Canvas!
Employee Ownership 101 Webinar
October 6 | 12 PM | Online
This session will provide attendees with an introduction to the world of broad-based employee ownership. We will cover the basics of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), worker cooperatives, and employee ownership trusts, and discuss some of the factors that influence when different models are appropriate for a company.
NNEdigital Connected TV (CTV) and Targeted Video Ads FREE Educational Seminar
October 7 | 11AM-1PM | Fireside Inn & Suites, West Lebanon, NH
Explore the cutting-edge trends and breakthrough strategies transforming digital advertising. Learn how to harness CTV's powerful targeting to reach your perfect audience, drive results, and stay ahead in the fast-moving world of video marketing.
You'll leave inspired and ready to elevate your ad game.
Lunch is provided.
