Get your tickets for the Real Rutland Feud!
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Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Read on for:
CEDRR Mixer Tonight | Real Rutland Feud Tickets Available | Legislative Breakfast |
What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT |
Membership Spotlight | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
Tonight is CEDRR's January Mixer Hosted by SVCOA
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 →
Purchase Tickets for the Real Rutland Feud
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) is excited to announce the Real Rutland Feud on Saturday, February 15 on the Paramount Theatre stage at 7 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased during regular business hours at the Paramount Theatre Box Office or online anytime at www.paramountvt.org beginning Monday, January 13 at 10 a.m.
Ten teams from local businesses and organizations, will compete on the Paramount Theatre stage for a trophy and the title of 2025 Real Rutland Feud Winner!
Teams facing off in the 7th Annual Real Rutland Feud will be:
*Team sponsored by Thicket Adventure
**Team sponsored by Great Gulf
***Team sponsored by Heritage Family Credit Union
This event is a fundraiser for CEDRR's Regional Marketing Initiative, Real Rutland.
Less Than Three Weeks Until CEDRR's Legislative Breakfast
You're invited to the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region's (CEDRR) Legislative Breakfast sponsored by Omya.
Join us on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Southside Steakhouse in Rutland at 7:30 a.m. This is an opportunity to discuss upcoming topics with our Legislative Delegation and meet Incoming Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers.
John Rodgers, Vermont's next lieutenant governor, brings a legacy of dedication to the land, family, and community. Growing up on a fifth-generation farm in West Glover, he learned the values of hard work, honesty, and hospitality, instilled by his parents and grandparents. As an entrepreneur, John built a successful masonry and excavation business, specializing in historic restorations and contributing to cherished Vermont landmarks.
Married to Brenda Brown for 33 years, John takes pride in their two sons, both accomplished professionals, and their growing family. The Rodgers' family farm remains central to their lives, with multiple generations contributing to its preservation and the family’s cannabis business. John's political career spans nearly two decades, with service in the Vermont House of Representatives and Senate, where he championed constitutional rights, bipartisan collaboration, and the needs of working Vermonters.
CEDRR Spoke with NBC5 About New Businesses in Downtown Rutland
Rutland County has seen various economic developments in 2024, according to The Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region.
Some of the notable developments include businesses in the city of Rutland’s downtown. According to the Downtown Rutland Partnership, at least seven businesses opened their doors last year, and more will open this year.
According to CEDRR, one of the initiatives with more than $2.5 million dedicated to it is trying to get more tech-based businesses into the region.
StartUp Rutland gives any business in the county an opportunity to apply for their benefits as long as they are interested in relocating to the region.
"We anticipate that in the spring, we will have up to 20 different businesses going through a portion of the StartUp Rutland Generator process," Executive Director of CEDRR Lyle Jepson said.
Welcome to Our New Member
At Telemedicine Essentials of America, we provide holistic care for seniors, offering Geriatric Mental Health, and Medication Management—all while extending compassionate resources to caregivers. Our hybrid model combines telemedicine with on-the-ground nursing support, ensuring seniors can easily access essential services without the obstacles of long waits or travel.
We’re here to address critical healthcare needs for seniors and caregivers:
• Access: Serving rural and underserved areas where quality geriatric care is limited.
• Mental Health & Caregiver Support: Supporting seniors facing anxiety, depression, dementia, and end-of-life care needs, while empowering caregivers with coaching, education, and therapy to enhance their ability to provide compassionate care.
• Holistic Approach: Integrating mental health care to meet each patient’s full spectrum of needs, alongside tailored caregiver support.
Our team of Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Certified Nurse Practitioners provides seamless virtual and in-person care. At Telemedicine Essentials of America, we’re not just improving healthcare access—we’re enhancing quality of life for seniors and equipping caregivers to thrive.
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
VACE+ Open Enrollment Ends Wednesday, January 15
The VACE+ Insurance Program offers CEDRR members access to high quality, competitively priced employee benefits that are tailored to meet the needs of both small & medium sized businesses and sole proprietors. VACE+ understands the importance of offering a robust employee benefits package to attract and retain top talent. The goal is to simplify how CEDRR members can begin offering employee benefits for the first time or easily add new benefits to their existing program.
Current VACE+ Offerings:
Dental and Vision Plans – Affordable and quality dental & vision insurance for CEDRR members and their employees through VACE+. The dental and vision plans are designed especially for CEDRR members and their employees.
New VACE+ insurance employee plans for 2025:
Voluntary Benefits
• Life Insurance (Term & Whole Life)
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
Pet Insurance
Unique landing page for each Chamber
15% discount off market rates
Enrollment closes on Wednesday, January 15th. For more information and/or to sign up, please clink the link below:
Imagine Your Library - Rutland Free Library Public Forums to Discuss Proposed Civic Center Project
Rutland City and Rutland Free Library are hosting open public forums to discuss the proposed Civic Center project.
All meetings are now in the Fox Room of Rutland Free Library, 10 Court St.
Thursday, Jan. 16, 5:30 PM. This will comprise a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation, a short speech from Mayor Michael Doenges, and an open Q&A.
“Lunch with the Library.” Wednesday, Jan. 22, 12 noon. State Librarian Catherine Delneo will be featured speaker, along w/ Rutland Mayor Michael Doenges, followed by a Q&A. Light refreshments to be served. The public will also be invited to tour 10 Court St. w/ library Director Randal Smathers in advance to see the issues first-hand.
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 5:30 PM. The goal will be to steer a forward-looking conversation into the needs / desires of the community for a new library / civic center.
Public tours: There will be two tours of the 10 Court St. building ahead of the Jan. 22 Lunch at the Library. Members of the public interested in seeing the condition of the building are welcome to do a free tour on either Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 6 PM or Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 10 AM, with Director Randal Smathers. Expect the tour to run about 45 minutes.
Please indicate your interest with an email to rutlandfree@rutlandfree.org Persons with limited mobility will need special accommodations, which we will be happy to provide.
Killington's $3 Billion Ski Village Takes Shape
Killington, the state's largest ski resort, has seen a lot of recent changes. In September, the ski resort was sold for an undisclosed sum to a group of private investors, many with local ties.
In 2023, Great Gulf, a Canadian developer paid $43 million to purchase 1,095 acres of land, including land and development rights at the base of the Killington mountain with hopes to do something many other developers have tried and failed to do — build a ski village in Killington, with new condos, homes, shops, restaurants and what Great Gulf is calling the largest “ski beach” in the East.
The idea of a ski village at Killington, the state’s largest ski resort, has been around for decades.
Even Preston Smith, who opened Killington in the late 1950s, had some village designs made in the 1960s. But over the years, all the various plans fell through.
An artist rendering of some of the outdoor activities that will be developed by Great Gulf Killington as part of their proposed mountain village.
But local officials today, despite some hiccups and delays, feel a lot more confident that it’s finally going to happen. They point to a combination of town investment and Great Gulf’s plans and corporate portfolio.
VEDA Provides $26.7 Million to Vermont Businesses to Date - Stewart Enterprises LLC of Cuttingsville One of Latest Recipients
The Vermont Economic Development Authority, or VEDA, has ended the first half of its fiscal year by providing $26.7 million to Vermont businesses.
A total of 71 loans to businesses in 13 of Vermont’s 14 counties were closed July-December.
Stewart Enterprises LLC, Cuttingsville – Stewart Enterprises is a family-owned and -operated maple sugaring and real estate business, operating since 1915. VEDA provided a $520,000 loan for new equipment, including installation of 5,000 additional taps and a new pumpline to the sugarhouse — reducing trucking by 250 hours each season. This loan was part of a financing package totaling $1.7 million, which refinanced and consolidated loans at VEDA.
The Mentor Connector Receives 2024-2025 Vermont Mentoring Grant
MENTOR Vermont announced today the recipients of the 2024-2025 Vermont Mentoring Grants, the only mentoring-specific funding available to youth mentoring programs throughout the state. This year, MENTOR Vermont awarded 20 grants, totaling $620,000, which will support more than 1,750 youth in communities across Vermont.
Upcoming Events at The Hub CoWorks
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.
CO.STARTERS SPRING ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN
April 16 to June 18
Wednesdays from 5 PM to 8 PM
The FINSYNC CO.STARTERS program is a comprehensive, hands-on course designed to guide you through the process of launching a business. Over the course of 10 weeks, you’ll deep dive into every aspect of building a sustainable and successful business, from refining your idea to developing a business model, and beyond. Due to the interactive nature of the program, enrollment is limited. If you’re interested, be sure to apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.
We are excited to share that Heritage Family Credit Union will continue to partner with The Hub to sponsor and provide mentorship, with support from SCORE VT! To apply, or for more information, visit our page here. Please email Bill with any further questions at Bill@rutlandeconomy.com.
JANE LINDHOLM EPISODE OF ‘VIEW FROM THE TOP’ OUT NOW
Vermont Public’s Jane Lindholm sat down with host Bill Lucci on the latest edition on ‘View from the Top’. Longtime host of ‘Vermont Edition’ and creator of ‘But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids’, get to know more about her career and life experiences. Tune in to this episode featuring one of Vermont’s most talented storytellers, out now on your favorite platform!
Happy New Year, Everyone!
We are so excited to launch into 2025 with all of you. We are working on a calendar of mixers (stay tuned) and are planning to bring back some fantastic community programs in the coming months! Be sure to join our mailing list and stay up to date on all of our offerings.
As always, we have some very exciting classes on the horizon!
Pet Portrait (Mosaic) Workshop: February 5-19
Coffee, Tea and Creativity: February 9th
Happy New Year from Rutland Young Professionals
As we step into a new year filled with fresh opportunities and exciting possibilities, Rutland Young Professionals (RYP) is thrilled to continue building connections, fostering growth, and making an impact in our vibrant community.
2025 is set to be a big year for RYP, with inspiring events, engaging networking opportunities, and meaningful initiatives that bring young professionals together to learn, lead, and thrive. Whether you're looking to expand your professional network, explore new skills, or give back to the Rutland region, RYP is here to help you achieve your goals.
Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming events, including our monthly mixers, career development workshops, and of course, our annual gala (more details coming soon!). Together, we’ll make this year one to remember!
Thank you for being part of our growing community. Here's to a successful, fulfilling, and connected 2025!
Warm wishes,
The RYP Board of Directors
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.
Inclusion Coordinator
Community Care Network is seeking an Inclusion Coordinator to join their team.
Adult Clinical Programs Manager
Community Care Network is seeking an Adult Clinical Programs Manager to join their team.
Director of Billing
Community Care Network is seeking a Director of Billing to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Free Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses
January 16 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Virtual
Explore the essential tools and services available at no cost to help your business meet federal contracting cybersecurity requirements such as FAR 52.204-21 and CMMC 2.0. This webinar introduces a variety of free cybersecurity resources from Project Spectrum, NSA (National Security Administration), CISA (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency), DAF (Department of Air Force) Blue Cyber Initiative, and DAU (Defense Acquisition University), all designed to strengthen your cyber posture while minimizing costs. Gain actionable insights and practical strategies to protect your systems and ensure compliance with federal standards.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand how to use Project Spectrum tools to enhance compliance and security.
- Access free cybersecurity services provided by the NSA to address key vulnerabilities.
- Navigate CISA resources to implement robust cyber hygiene practices.
- Leverage Blue Cyber Initiative guidance for practical solutions tailored to small businesses.
- Integrate training from DAU to meet FAR 52.204-21 and CMMC Level 1 & 2 requirements.
Join Apex to learn about safeguarding your operations and stay ahead in the competitive world of government contracting while reducing expenses.
New Year, New Laws: What Federal HR Regulations are Changing in 2025?
January 21 | 2-2:45 p.m. | Virtual
In 2025, the New Year will bring several new federal HR compliance obligations for employers. After the tumultuous events of 2024, HR professionals may be left with more questions than answers on the status of key regulations and federal requirements.
To get the most up-to-date information with a side of informed analysis, join OneDigital's team of HR compliance leaders in this live webinar event.
Strategy Deployment - Engaging Everyone with Focus, Alignment, and Swiftness
January 24 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual and free
Join VMEC Advisors 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
