Be there for our first mixer hosted by two separate businesses!
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Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Read on for:
Mixer Tonight | Economic Resilience | The Hub CoWorks Awarded Grant |
What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT |
Membership Spotlight | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
First CEDRR Mixer Hosted by Two Businesses
Join us tonight, from 5-7 p.m. at Wonderfeet Kids' Museum and Prouty's Parlor for our April Mixer! Each month one community business or organization hosts a Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) Mixer, but this month TWO businesses will host!
Come to explore Wonderfeet Kids' Museum. Sample a free dessert at Prouty's Parlor and buy some ice cream while you're there. Enter our raffle with great prizes, including a gift certificate for an ice cream cake!
We are excited about this event and hope to see you there!
CEDRR Executive Director, Lyle Jepson
Economic Resilience
The staff at the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region recognize that we are currently experiencing a level of economic disruption and uncertainty. With this uncertainty comes personal and professional stress. CEDRR staff want you to know that we are available to you if you have questions or concerns. We do not pretend to have a crystal ball that foretells the future or that we are experts in managing economic impacts from forces that we do not control. Yet, time and time again, our region consistently has proven to be resilient. We successfully support one another by confidently communicating and working together as a team. Please reach out to us if you have any issues for which you believe we can be helpful. Rutland County stands together and that makes this a special place to live.
The Hub CoWorks is One of Four CoWorking Spaces Awarded Grant from Leahy Institute
The Hub CoWorks, located at 67 Merchants Row in Downtown Rutland has received a $10,000 grant from the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships. Below is an excerpt from a VermontBiz article featuring The Hub CoWorks and three other coworking spaces around Vermont, all working together this year.
"Hula is proud to be part of a consortium of coworking spaces and innovation hubs receiving a $10,000 grant from the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships (Leahy Institute). This funding will catalyze a partnership with the University of Vermont (UVM) and coworking spaces across the state to build and strengthen partnerships, create new opportunities for student learners, and build a stronger connection among Vermont’s innovation hubs. The goal is to create a network of spaces that foster connections between regions and among Vermonters, whether you are a student looking for an internship, a start-up looking for funding, or a mid-stage company looking to hire new talent.
Hula is one of four innovation hubs participating in this year-long program, joining forces with Black River Innovation Center (BRIC) in Springfield, The HUB Coworks in Rutland, and Do North Coworking in Lyndon. The consortium will collaborate through regular meetings and UVM-led research to understand the needs and impact of rural coworking spaces. Together, the hubs will explore resource sharing, business mentorship, and program development. Additionally, each participant will host a summer intern to advance their projects and strengthen community connections.
'The Leahy Institute is thrilled to partner with these coworking spaces as they seek to grow their impact and in turn, strengthen rural economic development,' said Tricia Coates, Director of the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships. 'We are excited to see how these hubs create opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and communities. No one community is exactly like another, but both our common and unique needs offer insight into how we can be engines of vitality and innovation for our state.'”
Welcome to Our New Members
Based in New England, NNEdigital specializes in customized digital advertising solutions for businesses at the local, regional, and national levels. For the past 20 years we have been leveraging cutting-edge programmatic techniques to precisely target audiences across multiple devices, delivering impactful digital ads and strategic email campaigns.
Our comprehensive services include Digital Display, Programmatic Video, Email Marketing, Content Marketing, Website Design, and Social Media Marketing. Whether you’re looking to enhance brand awareness, drive conversions, or increase engagement, our tailored strategies help businesses of all sizes achieve their goals.
In addition to our marketing services, we offer educational seminars to help businesses and organizations navigate the evolving digital landscape. These sessions provide valuable insights into the latest trends, strategies, and best practices in digital marketing, empowering attendees to make informed decisions that drive success.
At NNEdigital, we are committed to delivering measurable results through innovative solutions that connect businesses with the right audience. Whether through compelling content, targeted advertising, or website development, we ensure your digital presence stands out in a competitive market. Let us help you maximize your reach, engagement, and return on investment with our expert-driven approach.
We look forward to meeting and collaborating with the CEDRR business community!
Contact:
Nerissa Osborne
NNEdigital
📧 nosborne@nnedigital.com
📞 603-313-5963
NNEdigital.... we deliver results
As many of you may already know, in November 2021, Kinney Pike Insurance, a long-standing insurance agency in the Rutland community, joined OneDigital.
Despite the name change, our values remain unchanged, and our friendly staff in Rutland and other Vermont locations continue to serve our clients' insurance needs. We are proud to be part of OneDigital, a champion of business growth and human potential. Our insurance, financial services, and HR platform offers personalized, tech-enabled solutions for a modern work-life experience.
Nationally recognized for our culture of caring, we empower employers and individuals to perform their best work and live their best lives.
Locally, here in Vermont, OneDigital supports over 11,000 clients and individuals with their insurance needs. With a team of over 70 employees, we currently operate seven office locations throughout Vermont.
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
Boost Your Business with CEDRR Member-to-Member Deals!
Everybody loves a great deal! Our highly popular Membership PERK Card continues to be one of the most valued benefits for members of the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR). Members and local residents alike can receive a free PERK Card, giving them access to exclusive offers at participating businesses.
We're excited to announce a new benefit in our recently updated Member Portal: Member-to-Member Deals! This exclusive program allows CEDRR members to promote special offers to other members, enhancing visibility, and creating new business opportunities.
How it works:
- Submit a Deal - Members can propose a special offer, and CEDRR staff will review and approve it.
- Automatic Notifications - Once approved, members with notifications enabled on the ChamberMaster app will receive an email announcing a new deal.
- Increased Exposure - Your deal will be visible in the Member Portal, providing ongoing visibility to fellow members.
- Confirm CEDRR Membership - To confirm your CEDRR membership when visiting a participating business, please download the ChamberMaster app. For information on how to access the Member Portal or download the app, please contact Lori Pinkowski at Lori@rutlandeconomy.com.
We encourage all members to download the ChamberMaster app and enable notifications to stay up-to-date on the latest deals.
Interested in participating?
Would you like to create a deal or meet to brainstorm ideas? This is a great opportunity to increase awareness of your business and attract new customers. Once we gather enough deals, we'll schedule regular promotional emails highlighting new offers on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. If you have questions or would like to set up a time to discuss, feel free to reach out to Chrispin White at Chrispin@rutlandeconomy.com.
Everyone gathered at the Killington Public Safety Building to sign Contract 4.
Killington Voters Approve Water Line Bond, Work begins in April on Contract 4
At Town Meeting Day Killington voters overwhelmingly approved Article 4, a bond not to exceed $11.2 million for the final portion of the new municipal water system — Contract 5, 6A, and 7. The vote was 225 yes to 106 no.
The next day, Wednesday, March 5, the town signed a contract with SUR Construction West, Inc. of Winchester, New Hampshire, to continue the water line from its intersection at East Mountain Road to Ravine Road — Contract 4. The bid for construction was $6.96 million and the total project cost is $8.37 million for this portion.
A portion of Contract 4 — East Mountain Road through the proposed village — is within the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. The portion from The Lookout to Ravine Road is outside of the TIF district and will instead be financed through a combination of the town’s Catalyst grant (managed by the Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region), American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant and State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan.
Work is scheduled to begin the week of April 21 (pending frost levels) and will take 435 days to complete, with a planned break in the schedule next winter. Production assumes an average of 400 feet per day of construction with two crews working from each end of the project; paving is scheduled for Fridays. One lane will remain open to traffic at all times. Work hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with federal holidays off.
GE Aerospace Invests $32M in Rutland
GE Aerospace will invest nearly $1B in U.S. manufacturing sites and suppliers, including $32M at its site in Rutland. This investment in Rutland is critical for the future of GE Aerospace's industry and the communities where it operates.
The $32M will be put toward several new machines, upgrading other machines, precision equipment, and specialized tooling to support the production of components used in narrowbody and widebody aircraft engines, along with military helicopter and fighter jet engines. Improvements to the main building’s utilities are planned.
GE Aerospace Investment and Interview with Lyle Jepson, CEDRR Executive Director
MyNBC5 reporter, James Maloney, interviewed Lyle Jepson, Executive Director of the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) to discuss the $32M GE Aerospace is investing in its Rutland site.
In the report, CEDRR said the investment is a benefit to the area's economy. "We think about two things when we hear about investment: One, that there is demand and two, that they believe that the supply can be met right here in Rutland,” CEDRR Executive Director Lyle Jepson said.
VTSU Castleton Spring Career and Internship Fair
Register for a Table at the VTSU Castleton Spring Career and Internship Fair on April 22
Vermont State University Castleton cordially invites you to participate in our Castleton Spring Career and Internship Fair on Tuesday, April 22, from 11:30 am–2:00 pm, in Glenbrook Gym on the Castleton campus. This event will host numerous employers/agencies to promote seasonal, part-time, and full-time jobs, internships, and career opportunities.
The registration fee is $100 and covers an 8-foot table, two chairs, a cookie bar, and lunch consisting of sandwiches, chips, and assorted beverages.
Please register HERE.
The career fair is an excellent opportunity to:
- Connect with potential interns, volunteers, and new hires
- Showcase your business
- Share your career expertise with VTSU students, alums, and community members
- Gain exposure and community support for your business
Students at VTSU are strongly encouraged – and many are required – to complete an internship that provides a real and tangible benefit to a community business or organization. Even if there are no current openings at your business, the Career and Internship Fair is your direct link to potential interns who can carry out that unique project you’ve been trying to get started.
We also have students looking for a part-time college job, a seasonal job, or the all-important first job after college!
*Please bring a raffle item with your company logo – students who attend the fair will be entered into the raffle to win these items and will wear and/or display your item proudly!
Vermont Prevention Lead Organization Grant Application Opens for Addison and Rutland Counties
The Vermont Prevention Lead Organization (VPLO) Region 2 and its partners are pleased to invite eligible community partners to apply for the Region 2 Vermont Prevention Lead Organization (VPLO) grant. Funds up to $50,000 will be awarded through a competitive process with the objective of enhancing and expanding prevention efforts for all substances and all ages/populations.
VPLO Region 2 collaborates with partners across Addison and Rutland Counties to assess, prioritize, and evaluate substance use prevention activities. This includes awarding funds to community partners located in Addison and Rutland Counties to address substance use prevention efforts.
Funding will start July 1, 2025, and must be used by June 30, 2026, there will be no carryover of funds. All written applications are due by 5:00pm on April 18, 2025.
Tariff Resource Page for Vermonters
The Agency of Commerce and Community Development has created a tariff resource page for Vermonters to learn more about evolving tariff circumstances. This resource will continue to be updated if more information becomes available. Additionally, the Vermont Tariff Taskforce created by Governor Phil Scott continues to meet regularly to analyze possible scenarios created by new tariffs and evaluate their potential impact on Vermonters and Vermont businesses.
Across state government, we are following Governor Scott’s direction: “We need to stay focused on Vermont and remain disciplined as we distinguish between what is fact and what is rhetoric before we react to any change in federal policy or law. We will follow through on Vermonters’ priorities: housing, education, public safety, and affordability, and do our part to unite Americans by focusing on solutions and results, not the chaos and anger being used to divide us.”
If you have particular impacts from the tariffs or other federal actions, please share with us so we know more about how it impacts Vermonters.
Seeking Comments and Edits of Final Draft
The final draft of the Rutland City Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is now available to encourage input from local officials and the public.
The comment period is open from March 17 – April 21. View the final draft Plan at City Hall or online at https://tinyurl.com/rutlandlhmp25.
All submissions, including suggested edits, should be sent to maggie@rutlandrpc.org.
Over $500K in grants awarded to 22 Vermont Child Care Programs - One in Rutland County
First Children’s Finance VT has announced the latest recipients of the Make Way for Kids (MWFK) Infant/Toddler Capacity Building Grants. These grants support Vermont’s early childhood entrepreneurs in addressing the state’s critical need for high-quality, affordable child care.
Last year, Make Way for Kids grants supported the creation of more than 750 child care slots and 225 new jobs across Vermont. Among the newest grantees are Sabrina Weber Family Child Care in Bennington and The Balancing Act Enrichment Center in Essex. Both projects will expand access to early childhood education, with a focus on infants and toddlers, the age group facing the most significant shortage of available child care slots in the state.
In the latest round of grants, 22 projects in 9 counties were awarded a total of $543,000.
New grantees include (by county):
- Rutland: Littlest Lambs at Grace
Commerce Secretary Lindsay Kurrle announces the Historic Preservation and Barn Preservation Grant awardees at the State House March 18.
2025 Vermont Barn Preservation Grants Fund 23 Projects - 2 in Rutland County
Commerce Secretary Lindsay Kurrle announced the 2025 Historic Preservation and Barn Preservation Grant awardees at the State House on Tuesday. The program is awarding $373,026 in matching grants to 23 preservation projects across eleven Vermont counties. The program is awarding $373,026 in matching barn grants to 23 preservation projects across eleven Vermont counties and 22 preservation grants.
“These grants will help to preserve barns across Vermont, which are an important part of our agricultural heritage,” said Governor Phil Scott. “This funding will put Vermonters to work so future generations can continue to enjoy these iconic landmarks.”
Awarded Project Summaries:
- Brandon, Brandon Congregational church, $20,000: The Brandon Congregational Church, incorporated in 1785, was built in 1832. The church is a public place of worship conducting Sunday services, funerals, weddings, baptisms, a yearly community remembrance service and prayer vigil, and providing space for a variety of community events. The church was awarded matching grant funds to make repairs to its steeple, including the town clock.
- Rutland, Unitarian Universalist Church of Rutland, $20,000: Build for St. Paul's Universalist Parish in 1890, this church has been in continuous use as a house of worship since its construction. Designed by Vermont native Eldridge Boynton, it is the only example of High Victorian Gothic architecture in Rutland. In addition to religious services the church provides space for a senior citizens center, a winter famers market, meetings, and since 2003, a daycare. Grant funds will be used to help restore the building's stained-glass windows.
Michael Solimano.
Vermont Mutual Insurance Group Welcomes Solimano as Board Member
Michael Solimano, president and general manager at Killington/Pico Ski Resort, has been elected to the board of directors of Vermont Mutual Insurance Group. Solimano joined Killington/Pico in 2001 as vice president of finance and was promoted to his current position in October 2012.
He holds multiple board positions at companies and organizations throughout the state. These include audit and finance chair at Vermont Electric Power Co., board member and past chair at SKI Vermont, and board member at the Vermont Business Roundtable, Vermont Futures Project and Killington Mountain School.
Jackie Gold, Director of Business Development, Kim Nace, Co-Founder and CEO, Abraham Noe-Hays, Co-Founder and CTO. Brightwater photos.
StartUp Rutland Participant: Brightwater Tools Puts Vermont on the Map as a Leader in Sanitation and the Circular Economy
Brightwater Tools, a pioneering Vermont-based company, is making a national wave with its groundbreaking approach to sustainability and resource recovery. The company is turning human urine into a viable and environmentally friendly fertilizer alternative—helping to combat soaring fertilizer prices and worsening water pollution while strengthening Vermont’s reputation as a hub for innovative startups.
A spin-off of the Rich Earth Institute, Brightwater Tools is scaling up technology that has already proven successful in addressing key agricultural and environmental challenges. With nitrogen fertilizer prices up 300% since 2021 and over 15,000 U.S. bodies of water contaminated by nutrient pollution, the need for alternatives is more urgent than ever.
Brightwater Tools’ solution significantly reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers and cuts harmful environmental waste by safely collecting and repurposing human urine as a nutrient-rich agricultural input.
Transform How You Work at The Hub CoWorks!
Located in downtown Rutland, The Hub CoWorks offers flexible coworking memberships and high-tech meeting spaces designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. Enjoy high-speed WiFi, complimentary coffee and tea, telecom rooms, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Whether you need a hot desk, dedicated desk, or meeting room, we have options starting at just $99/month for memberships, or $30 for a day pass.
Need a space for meetings? Our state-of-the-art conference rooms can accommodate groups from 10 to 72 people, featuring cutting-edge technology for seamless collaboration. Hourly rates start at $75, with nonprofit discounts available. Elevate your work experience!
Free Events in The Hub CoWorks
Join us at The Hub CoWorks, 67 Merchants Row in Downtown Rutland, for these free events! There is no need to RSVP, just show up!
April 9th, 12-2 - Customer Discovery + Workshop
🗣 Learn how to ask the right questions to build something people actually want.
April 14th, 12-2 - Markets & Competition + Workshop
📊 Discover how to stand out in your industry and understand your competition.
April 16th, 12-2 - How to Build an MVP + Workshop
💡 No budget? No problem. We’ll show you how to build a product without breaking the bank.
April 21st, 12-2 - How to Pitch Your Startup + Pitch Deck Workshop
🎤 Learn the secrets of winning pitches and how to craft a deck that gets investors' attention.
Kelly Weiland, new Rutland County resident.
March 2025 Update
In the March issue of the Real Rutland Concierge Connection Newsletter, Karly Haven sat down with new Rutland County resident, Kelly Weiland. Kelly and her family relocated here in the fall of 2023, from Illinois. Click here to read the article to learn more about their relocation journey and experience with the Concierge Program.
Real Rutland has been active the first quester of 2025. Although only one person has relocated here so far this year, another forty people are relocating here in the second quarter. The frigid winter across the U.S. was a large factor for the delay of people moving to the region. Most people who are planning to relocate are coming from the Eastern Seaboard. Real Rutland has also had a major uptick in leads to the Concierge Program. The numbers are up 30% in the first quarter, over Q1 in 2024.
Upcoming Events at The MINT Makerspace
At The MINT, we welcome folks of all ages and orientations to gather, make, play, and build community.
Maker Monday is back! Join us on Monday, April 14th for our second evening of making and community. See you there!
April Break Camp registration is open! We have two age groups for camp: kindergarten-3rd grade and 4-6th grades. We have 1/2 week options for those who travel.
Summer Camp Registration is now open too! Check out all the themes and dates here!
Learn to craft your own beautiful and functional butter keeper in our upcoming 4-session pottery class! Register now to reserve your spot and enjoy fresh, spreadable butter.
Ready to create a beautiful stained glass orchid plant stake? This intermediate class builds on basic skills - prior experience and comfort with glass cutting and soldering are a must. Sign up here!
RYP Annual Gala Awards Revealed
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Gala this past Friday!
Each year, we’re honored to host an unforgettable evening filled with celebration, connection, and of course—plenty of dancing!
Special thanks to the Killington Grand Hotel for hosting us, and to the Better Business Bureau for sponsoring our champagne toast.
Congratulations to this year’s award winners!
🌟 Young Professional of the Year: Hali Issente
Hali has shown exceptional leadership in his first year as Executive Director of the Downtown Rutland Partnership. His vision and dedication have already made a lasting impact on our community, and we couldn’t be more proud to call him a friend and colleague.
☕ Business of the Year: Speakeasy Cafe
After more than a decade of serving up incredible coffee and creating a warm, welcoming space for all, Speakeasy Cafe has truly earned this recognition. Congratulations to Bridget and the entire team—your passion continues to shape the heart of our downtown.
It’s nights like these that remind us how fortunate we are to be part of a community that uplifts, supports, and celebrates one another. Here's to continued success, growth, and the people who make it all possible!
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.
Dental Hygienist - $15,000 Sign On Bonus
Community Health is seeking a Dental Hygienist to join their team.
Program and Outreach Manager
Come Alive Outside is seeking a Program and Outreach Manager to join their team.
Culinary Lead/Kitchen Production Manager
Pierce's Store is seeking a Culinary Lead/Kitchen Production Manager to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Customer Discovery + Workshop
April 9 | 12-2 PM | The Hub CoWorks 67 Merchants Row, Downtown Rutland
🗣 Learn how to ask the right questions to build something people actually want.
FREE EVENT. No need to RSVP.
Markets & Competition + Workshop
April 14 | 12-2 PM | The Hub CoWorks 67 Merchants Row, Downtown Rutland
📊 Discover how to stand out in your industry and understand your competition.
FREE EVENT. No need to RSVP.
How to Build an MVP + Workshop
April 16 | 12-2 PM | The Hub CoWorks 67 Merchants Row, Downtown Rutland
💡 No budget? No problem. We’ll show you how to build a product without breaking the bank.
FREE EVENT. No need to RSVP.
