Join us for a ribbon cutting this weekend at Clover Exploration!
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Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Read on for:
Clover Exploration Ribbon Cutting | CEDRR August Mixer |
Membership Spotlight | What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
Ribbon Cutting at Clover Exploration
You and your family are invited to the Grand Opening of Clover Exploration!
Come celebrate with us as Clover Exploration opens its doors to a world of connection, exploration, and sustainability. Bring the kids, bring your curiosity, get ready for hands-on fun, playful activities, and a chance to see what Clover is all about.
When: August 2nd, 10:00 a.m.
Where: 146 West Street in Downtown Rutland
Ribbon Cutting: 11:00 a.m.
Grab a Play Passport! Kids can visit three different imaginative and innovative play stations, stamp their passport at each station, and win a special prize!
Walk through the downtown location and get information about upcoming classes, open play times, parties, and more!
Win a Mixer at the CEDRR August Mixer!
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) August Mixer will be hosted by Rutland Appliances on August 12 from 5-7 PM.
Breanna & The Boys will perform during the event. There will be fun and food catered by Kamuda's Country Market. Two KitchenAid stand mixers are part of the monthly raffle.
Rutland Appliances is located at 439 US Route N in Rutland Town. We hope to see you there!
Welcome to Our New Member
Modern Woodmen exists to improve quality of life for our members and the communities where they live, work and play. We do this through financial guidance and social, educational and volunteer activities.
Modern Woodmen of America is a fraternal financial services organization built to help families throughout life. Together, with nearly 700,000 members, we pioneer bright futures in the communities we serve.
Modern Woodmen members work together to identify local needs, volunteer and make an impact in communities nationwide. It’s part of what makes us unique as a fraternal financial services organization.
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
Allen Pools & Spas, Carris Reels, Gagnon Lumber, Homeless Prevention Center, Interstate All Battery Center of Rutland, Maples Senior Living, Mendon Mini Golf and Snack Bar, Midway Oil Corporation, Rotella Building Materials, Rutland Free Library, Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, and Southside Steakhouse.
CEDRR Event Sponsorship Opportunity
4th Annual Whoopie Pie Festival
Saturday, September 13, 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, activities, 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 included 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 1,187lb 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, 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.
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.
Register Now for Best Practices Exchange, Sept. 17-18
Get ready to nerd out. At Best Practices Exchange, industrial facility managers and HVAC contractors from across the state will gather to share learnings, discuss new technologies, and find ways to advance energy efficiency in their operations. This year's free conference will be at the Killington Grand Hotel on September 17 and 18.
Secure a Booth for Your Company Today
The VermontBiz2Biz Expo will offer a unique opportunity for businesses to meet, listen, learn and celebrate throughout the one day business event of the year. Featuring over 100 exhibitors, the TD Bank Vermont Business Growth Awards Breakfast, the Senator Welch Business Luncheon and insightful seminars.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for your company to advertise and promote your services with a booth. Business leaders and customers will be attending the one day event. Once registered your company logo, information with a link to your website will be posted on vermontbiz2bizexpo.com.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ellen Sheehey directly at ellen@vermontbiz.com.
Village Trust Initiative Now Accepting Applications
The Vermont village is often recognized as an iconic hub of general stores, churches, and community gathering spaces where residents come together. These villages have no shortage of people who want their communities to thrive and the Vermont village continues to be the stage of vibrant social life.
The Village Trust Initiative (VTI), made possible with a $10 million Congressionally Directed Spending award from Senator Patrick Leahy’s office, fosters community driven revitalization of both the physical and social infrastructure at the foundation of the historical success of Vermont’s small villages.
Launched in 2024, VTI is currently supporting seven communities with technical assistance and funding to create a Community Trust and take on a transformational revitalization project.
Artist Development Grants Available
The Vermont Arts Council is now accepting applications for its FY26 Artist Development Grants, which support artists at all stages of their careers.
Artist Development Grants fund activities that enhance mastery of an artist’s craft or skills or that increase the viability of an artist's business. Funding may also support aspects of the creation of new work when the activity allows the grantee to accept a rare and important opportunity. Grants are up to $2,000. The grant is offered two times in the fiscal year. Application deadlines are below.
Application Deadline: Sept. 7, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Help the VT Department of Tourism and Marketing Shape a Possible "Neighbor Pass" for Canadian Visitors
The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing is continuing to explore the Neighbor Pass, a potential new program to encourage cross-border travel by offering exclusive perks to Canadian visitors — and we’re still gathering interest from Vermont businesses and organizations who may want to participate.
The idea: Canadians show proof of residency or a valid passport and receive a special offer — a discount, free item, or custom package — from participating businesses like yours.
If you haven’t yet filled out the short survey, we’d love your input. Your response will help us determine next steps. Thanks again to everyone who has already responded, and for helping us roll out a warm welcome to our neighbors to the north.
Nominate a Rising Star in Rutland County
Nominate someone today who is under 40 in the business community and is A GO-GETTER!
Vermont has a wealth of talented and enthusiastic youth in our business communities (both for-profit and non-profit). VermontBiz has recognized these top 40 under 40 individuals over the last thirteen years by naming them Vermont's Rising Stars!
VermontBiz will again honor Vermont's most accomplished young leaders in November's issue. The nomination process is open from July 1 to September 1, 2025. Award recipients will be selected by a panel of judges for their commitment to business growth, professional excellence and involvement in their communities and will be notified after the judges have made their final decision in September.
TO BE ELIGIBLE, THE CANDIDATE:
- Must be employed in Vermont
- Must live in Vermont
- Must be involved in the community
- Must be 39 years old or younger on October 1, 2025
- May be nominated by self or another person
In 200 words or less please describe why you are nominating this person. Be sure to fill out all the required fields indicated. VermontBiz will then contact each nominee for a resume and a list of community involvement.
There is Still Time to Apply
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
🗓 Apply by August 31
🌐 Learn more at StartUpRutland.com
Let’s accelerate the next batch of breakout startups—right here in Rutland!
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
Class date: August 6th
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.
Intro to the Wheel Bootcamp
Class date: August 9th
New to the wheel, or just need a refresher? This class is for you! Learn how to center, throw, trim and glaze a simple form to get you started in the clay studio.
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.
Radiology Technologist
Rutland Regional Medical Center is seeking a Radiology Technologist to join their team.
Teller
The Bank of Bennington is seeking a Teller to join their team.
Southern Vermont Heat Squad Auditor
Cornerstone Housing Partners is seeking a Southern Vermont Heat Squad Auditor to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Strategic Short-Form Video: How to Get Seen by the Right People - Webinar via Zoom
July 29 | 11:00-12:30 AM | Online | Free
Short-form video is one of the most powerful tools small businesses have today—but success isn’t about chasing viral moments. It’s about showing up consistently with content that connects. In this strategy-focused session, you’ll learn how to create videos that reflect your brand, resonate with your ideal audience, and actually support your business goals. We’ll cover how to clarify your message, plan engaging content, and use structure and creativity to get your videos seen—without needing a huge following or fancy gear.
Note: This session is Part 1 of a two-part series. It focuses on strategy and content planning and does not cover filming or editing techniques. However, it can be attended as a standalone training.
Lunch and Learn: 5 Ways to Use ChatGPT (AI) for Small Business
July 31 | 1-2 PM | Online | Free
AI (Artificial Intelligence) can make you a more efficient marketer. Learn to use ChatGPT (AI) for marketing your small business, starting with your own information for:
1. Condensing/Expanding Messages: ChatGPT assists in summarizing complex ideas for social media/email, and elaborating on brief concepts for blogs/newsletters/presentations.
2. Understanding Consumer Problems: By analyzing vast online data, ChatGPT aids in consumer research, identifying sentiments/preferences, and simulating customer interactions.
3. Filling Branding Gaps: ChatGPT helps you strengthen your branding by ensuring consistency in tone/messaging, suggesting refinements, and generating ideas for unique selling propositions.
4. Technical Quick Reference: ChatGPT provides step-by-step instructions for technical tasks, eliminating barriers to technical competency.
5. Social Media Post Generation: ChatGPT can automate social media post creation, streamlining marketing efforts for solopreneurs and small businesses.
Strategies to Identify and Reach Your Target Customers
August 5 | 12-2 PM | Online | Free
In this Marketing workshop, we start by helping you identify your target market. These are your best potential customers and knowing them helps you create a better product or service. It also makes all your promotional efforts more focused and effective.
We show you how to finalize the design of your product or service and make sure it’s right for your target market. Then we take you through how to create a value proposition that perfectly captures the unique value your product or service brings to your customers. Next you have to build your marketing message. That’s the information for your brochures, websites, and anything else you use to sell your product or service. We will also review a number of promotional methods and help you draft a promotional plan for your business.
This workshop focuses on hands-on exercises to help you create a target market, value proposition and promotion plan for your business.
