Join us on July 8 for a Mixer hosted by FSSIR
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Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Read on for:
CEDRR Legislative Breakfast | CEDRR July Mixer | Office Closed for Independence Day | Bring Back the Trades Highlight
Membership Spotlight | What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
Olivia Bucksbaum, Governor Phil Scott representing Real Rutland, and Karly Haven.
Governor Addresses CEDRR Legislative Breakfast Attendees
More than one-hundred people attended Monday morning's Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region End of Session Legislative Breakfast.
Governor Phil Scott spoke about this latest session and answered questions from the audience ranging from changes in Vermont's education system to housing the homeless population, and ICE. CEDRR gifted him a Real Rutland hat and vest, which he proudly wore for the remainder of the event.
If you missed the breakfast, you can watch the video on PEGTV here →
CEDRR July Mixer Next Tuesday
Join the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) for its July Mixer hosted by Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty (FSSIR) in Downtown Rutland on July 8 from 5-7 PM.
This event is always one of our largest mixers of the year. There will be networking, the annual putting challenge, delicious food and beverages, raffles, and more! For the first time, you can take the Rutland County Quiz for a special drawing!
All donations collected will be donated by FSSIR to VFW Post 648. FSSIR will match up to $500 in total contributions.
CEDRR Office Closed for Independence Day
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) office, located at 67 Merchants Row in Downtown Rutland will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025. Our employees will be observing Independence Day. We wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July!
Bring Back the Trades Highlights VT Skills Expo and Thanks CEDRR
In a newsletter, Bring Back The Trades recently wrote the following:
When the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region invited us to bring our Skills Expo to Vermont—and offered to secure a venue, rally local sponsors, and help with logistics—we knew we had to say YES.
Working closely with area guidance counselors, business leaders, and community champions, the event came to life in a big way.
We initially hoped to welcome 1,000 attendees and award $10,000 in scholarships. What actually happened far exceeded expectations: more than 2,500 attendees joined us, and we awarded $25,000 in scholarships thanks to the incredible support of local businesses in the Rutland region.
Want to see the impact for yourself?
Check out the highlight video below from the event and feel the energy that’s helping us bring back the trades in Vermont and beyond!
Welcome to Our New Member
Clover Exploration was founded on a simple belief: childhood should be full of wonder, creativity, and meaningful play.
As an early childhood educator, mom of four, and lifelong advocate for hands-on learning, I created Clover Exploration to bring imaginative, themed enrichment experiences to schools, daycares, camps, libraries, and community spaces across Rutland County.
Clover Exploration is an enrichment and outreach program offering joyful, curiosity-driven learning for children of all ages. We specialize in hands-on, imagination-rich classes and pop-up events that blend sensory exploration, social-emotional learning, creative construction, movement, and sustainability. Whether it’s building with giant magnetic tiles, mixing flower potions, managing a pretend chicken coop, or solving real-world challenges using recycled materials — every Clover experience is designed to spark wonder, build confidence, and foster connection.
Our programming includes preschool enrichment classes, afterschool clubs, seasonal camps, birthday parties, school visits, and special events — all rooted in the philosophy that play is not a break from learning; it is learning. We also offer unique leadership and innovation programming for older youth, with a focus on environmental stewardship and creative problem-solving.
With a strong commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability, Clover Exploration adapts to your space, your theme, and your learners — indoors or out, all year round.
Together, we can raise a generation of thinkers, tinkerers, and compassionate community builders — one playful experience at a time.
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
2025 VACE Insurance Program
CEDRR members are eligible for VACE Insurance. Please see the graphic above to learn more.
Groups that are new to VACE can join the dental and vision plans at any time throughout the year. The worksite benefits are also available at any time for both existing and new groups – no need to wait for open enrollment.
If you have questions, please reach out to Chrispin White.
Benson and Rutland City Awarded NBRC Grants
The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) announced $53.9 million in new awards as part of the Commission’s Spring Round competition across its Catalyst and Timber for Transit programs. The 69 awards will benefit communities throughout the Commission’s member states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.
Spring Award to: Benson Village Trust, Inc.
Project: NBRC funds will be used to rebuild the Benson Village Store, restoring a vital economic and social hub for the rural community of Benson, Vermont. This project will construct a new 2.5-story general store with a deli, gas station, post office, and gathering spaces, providing essential services while fostering local engagement and economic growth. By revitalizing the village center, BVT aims to strengthen business activity, support tourism, and enhance quality of life in this historically significant town.
Grant Amount: $500,000.00
Total Project Amount: $1,309,000.00
Spring Award to: Rutland City
Project: NBRC funds will be used to modernize Downtown Rutland’s infrastructure, enhancing economic growth and resilience. The initiative will replace aging water mains, improve stormwater management, upgrade wastewater systems, and redesign streetscapes to support accessibility and pedestrian safety. By revitalizing critical infrastructure and supporting downtown redevelopment, this project strengthens Rutland’s long-term economic sustainability and public health.
Grant Amount: $3,000,000.00
Total Project Amount: $6,741,410.00
Photo taken from VermontBiz.
Casella Rings in 50 Years at Nasdaq
On Tuesday, June 17, Casella Chairman and CEO John Casella, President Ned Coletta, and Founder and Vice Chairman Doug Casella rang the Opening Bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square in recognition of Casella's 50th Anniversary.
The day also marked Global Garbageman Day and the official start to National Waste and Recycling Workers Week and was specifically chosen to recognize the hard work and dedication of the more than 5,000 Casella employees throughout our company.
“It’s an honor to be invited to ring the Opening Bell at Nasdaq in recognition of our 50th Anniversary,” said John W. Casella. “Since our initial public offering in 1997, to where we stand today, Nasdaq has been a tremendous partner in our success.”
Many people gathered at the Paramount Theatre in Downtown Rutland to watch the livestream video of Casella, Casella, and Coletta ringing the opening bell.
Subaru Share the Love®️ Donation Supports New Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scanner at Rutland Regional Medical Center
On Monday, June 16, Oliver Subaru of Rutland donated $40,000 from the 2024 Subaru Share the Love® event to support the cost of a new positron emission tomography (PET) scanner at Rutland Regional Medical Center.
A PET Scanner uses safe radioactive drug tracers that allow the machine to see where parts of the body may be diseased. The PET scanner is combined with a computed tomography (CT) scanner that takes x-rays of the body, so that precise location of the abnormal area can be mapped, measured and identified.
Representatives from Oliver Subaru of Rutland, including Jose Oliver; Curtis Vanepps, Managing Partners of Oliver Subaru of Rutland, and representatives of Subaru of New England presented the donation to providers and staff at RRMC in support of the Scanning for a Brighter Tomorrow campaign to help cover the cost of the new PET scanner.
This year’s Subaru Share the Love donation is the result of months of promotion by Oliver Subaru and Subaru of New England. The Subaru Share the Love event runs annually from mid-November through early January, and with every new Subaru purchased or leased, Subaru donates $250 to select charities. In addition, in 2024, Oliver Subaru donated $75 to Rutland Regional for each sold or leased vehicle, as well as an additional $5 for every routine service visit during the Subaru Share the Love event.
Marble Valley Regional Transit District Re-Establishes Program
The Marble Valley Regional Transit District in Rutland County is re-establishing a program that supports older adults and those with disabilities, starting July 1.
The transit district said taking over the O&D Community Transportation program will help them to better manage costs and the people they serve.
People use the bus service to make it to doctor's appointments and to get to the grocery store, among other transportation needs.
The transit district said taking full responsibility for the program will not impact its operation and will work the same as it did before. The service is run entirely by volunteer drivers.
Those who need the bus are able to call the transit district to schedule their ride, which is tailored to their needs. It is available to all residents of Rutland County who are aged 60 and older or living with an Americans with Disabilities Act-recognized disability.
Agency of Transportation Announces Awards for Grants-in-Aid Program
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) announced the awards for the SFY26 Municipal Roads Grants-in-Aid Program, which provides funding for municipalities to implement best management practices in accordance with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Municipal Roads General Permit. This year, 233 municipalities are participating.
A total of $5,273,500 in awards will be granted in this cycle. Municipalities will submit reimbursement requests directly to AOT for work completed, and AOT will reimburse up to 80% of each municipality’s documented construction expenses, including in-kind support, for best management practices on hydrologically connected roads.
Benson, Brandon, Castleton, Chittenden, Clarendon, Danby, Fair Haven, Hubbardton, Ira, Killington, Mendon, Middletown Springs, Mount Holly, Mount Tabor, Pawlet, Pittsfield, Pittsford, Poultney Town, Poultney Village, Proctor, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Tinmouth, Wallingford, Wells, and West Haven are all participating.
Mother-Daughter Duo Grows Ice Cream Business in Downtown Rutland
“I am just so blessed to be here,“ said Sherri Shearer-Prouty, as she glanced around her new ice-cream shop in downtown Rutland, which she runs with her daughter Paige. This spring the pair relocated their business, Prouty’s Parlor, to a recently purchased building on Merchants Row — just one block away from its original spot, which first opened in March 2024.
Shearer-Prouty is no stranger to business ownership.
“Seventeen years ago, I had a tearoom upstairs in this building,“ she said. “I probably would have opened another one, but Loose Loona is just around the corner.“ After weighing her options, she settled on an ice-cream shop, saying its hours were a good fit for her lifestyle — open not too early and not too late.
Shearer-Prouty and her daughter set out to create a nostalgic space where families could relax and spend time together. Not only is the new location more centrally located, but its spacious layout and full kitchen have allowed the Proutys to grow beyond ice-cream sales. They now offer custom ice-cream cakes and host special events.
Save the Date for the 2025 Vermont Community Leadership Summit
The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) has announced their 2025 Vermont Community Leadership Summit: Communities in Action! The event will take place on Monday, August 11th at Vermont State University in Randolph, Vermont.
Join hundreds of community builders from across the state to gain skills and cultivate connections for a vibrant future. Workshops, panels, and networking sessions will explore how we work together to get things done, even when times are tough and resources are limited. There will be many topics to choose from including this year’s optional Participation Pathways: Community Leadership Skills; Arts and Culture: Building Community, Solving Problems; From Idea to Action; or Navigating Change and Uncertainty.
All who want to support their community and the future of the state are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Lighting Rebates End Soon
Our biggest lighting offers of the year are getting switched off soon. Don’t miss your chance to get up to 100% cash back on lighting upgrades for large facilities. Your business could see significant savings on your energy bills. Contact us to see if your project qualifies for these custom offers.
Applications Now Open
StartUp Rutland gBETA Accelerator is back this fall! In partnership with nationally ranked accelerator and venture fund gener8tor, we’re selecting 5 high-growth potential teams for a free, 7-week sprint—kicking off September 5 and culminating in a live Demo Day showcase on October 28 at Killington’s iconic K1 Base Lodge.
This program has already helped several Vermont-based venture-backed startups sharpen their story, strategy, fundraising path, and more. We prioritize Vermont-based founders (or those excited to plug into our ecosystem), but applications are open nationally—with past participants joining from across New England, New York, and even Internationally!
No fees. No equity. Just access.
✅ 1:1 mentorship from seasoned operators, investors & experts
✅ Hands-on workshops
✅ International network of mentors & investors
✅ Free office space during the program
👥 Who should apply:
Founders with a live MVP, early customer traction, or a clearly defined go-to-market strategy who are looking to accelerate growth, raise capital, or sharpen their positioning.
🗓 Apply by August 31
🌐 Learn more at StartUpRutland.com
Let’s accelerate the next batch of breakout startups—right here in Rutland!
The Hub CoWorks will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025 for Independence Day. The co-working space will reopen on Monday. Have a great Fourth of July and see you next week!
Upcoming Events at The MINT Makerspace
At The MINT, we welcome folks of all ages and orientations to gather, make, play, and build community. We are so excited to highlight our classes we have upcoming for the next few weeks.
The Joy of Letterpress
A hands on class to learn the process of letterpress printing. Attendees will be guided through the entire process of planning, preparing a chase with printing blocks, setting up a table top press, inking up a press, and making prints.
ReMake - Traditional Drawing 101
Get back to the basics of drawing, including: how to hold the drawing tool correctly, stretches for your body, and exercises for brain-hand connection, as well as breaking down basic references.
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.
Human Resources Manager
Midway Oil dab Tenney Brook is seeking a Human Resources Manager to join their team.
Community Resource Specialist
Rutland City Police Department is seeking a Community Resource Specialist to join their team.
Clinical Case Manager
Spring Lake Ranch is seeking a Clinical Case Manager to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Business Contracts: Basics and In Practice
July 2 | 4-6 PM | Virtual and free
Who needs contracts, and why? The Vermont Small Business Law Center from Vermont Law and Graduate School will explain how to use contracts to get “on the same page” as your customers, clients or suppliers, and how contracts can prevent harm to your business if something goes wrong.
Contract basics, practical practices and how to handle disputes will be covered. Learn when and why to put things in writing, how contracts can help you set and manage expectations in your professional relationships, and what to do if things fall apart. Come ready with your questions as there will be plenty of time for Q&A.
VT PoC Virtual Office Hours Series - Business Support
July 11 | 10-11 AM | Virtual
Looking for help with your business? VT PoC is hosting virtual office hours throughout the summer months. These informal sessions are open to BIPOC professionals who could use technical assistance, business support, or just someone to bounce ideas off of.
Drop in any time during the hour, no registration or appointment needed!
MySBA Certification Training: Navigating the Application Process
July 17 | 2-3 PM
This webinar will assist small business owners who have successfully submitted a MySBA certification application to navigate the application process. Presenters will discuss how to respond and resubmit an application that has been “Returned to Business”, responses to requests for information “RFI”, and other frequently asked questions.
