There are many positive initiatives and spotlights on Rutland County!
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Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Read on for:
CEDRR July Mixer Tonight | Welcome Dominique Winter to the CEDRR Staff | Welcome Matt Britt to the CEDRR Staff |
Membership Spotlight | What's New in Rutland County | Made at The MINT | Career Hub | Upcoming Events
Mixer Tonight! Taco Tuesday at Rutland Appliances
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 tacos 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 Dominique Winter to the CEDRR Staff!
Welcome Dominique Winter to the CEDRR staff as the Office Manager and Events Coordinator!
Dominique is a detail-obsessed operations pro with 10+ years of experience streamlining chaos – whether managing high-volume retail logistics, coordinating flawless accounts, or organizing anything that crosses her desk. A recent Rutland transplant, she’s thrilled to bring her love of systems and community to CEDRR’s mission.
When not wrangling membership renewals or event RSVPs, she’s probably playing disc golf, paddle-boarding, or convincing coworkers that color-coded filing *is* an exciting hobby.
Dominique hails from Queens, NY, is a graduate of the State University of NY at New Paltz and has lived abroad in the UK, Germany, and Lebanon! She and her husband, Fouad, are beyond excited to contribute to this community.
Welcome Matt Britt to the CEDRR Staff!
Welcome Matt Britt to the CEDRR staff as the Community Growth Manager in The Hub CoWorks!
Matt joined the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region and The Hub CoWorks from Heritage Family Credit Union, where he spent six years in Marketing and Business Development roles.
Originally from Queensbury, NY, Matt started his career wearing technical hats off-off-Broadway at the HB Playwrights Foundation & Theatre in Manhattan, followed by nearly a decade supporting advertising campaigns for over 150 Broadway shows at Serino Coyne. He also has experience as a graphic designer at a marketing agency in Glens Falls, NY and in sales for Snyder Printer in Troy, NY. Matt is a proud graduate of SUNY Geneseo.
Matt and his wife have lived in Rutland City since 2019, and they love taking advantage of all that Rutland County has to offer. In his spare time he loves to travel near and far – he has completed the MLB ballpark tour and is well on the way to visiting all the towns in Vermont as part of the Vermont 251 Club.
Volunteer Opportunity at the Whoopie Pie Festival
Do you want to help make a super successful event even better? Sign up to volunteer at the Fourth Annual Whoopie Pie Festival on Saturday, September 13!
We have jobs from handing out water to attendees, helping check in vendors in the morning, roll up sod at the end of the day, or wear the whoopie pie costume!
All of us at Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region thank you for helping us make this event a wonderful experience for our community and beyond!
Skip the Line and Purchase Whoopie Pie Tickets Now
The Whoopie Pie Festival is FREE to attend, but you do need to purchase tickets to sample whoopie pies. One ticket = one whoopie pie sample. Each ticket is $1.
This year, skip the line and purchase your tickets ahead of time!
CEDRR Featured on MyNBC5
Recently, Chrispin White, Membership Services & Events Manager, was interviewed by NBC5 to discuss the Whoopie Pie Festival and ticket sales.
CEDRR Featured on WCAX Channel 3 News
Recently, Chrispin White, Membership Services & Events Manager, was interviewed by WCAX Channel 3 News to discuss the Whoopie Pie Festival and ticket sales.
Welcome to Our New Member
History of Our Club
In response to community concerns about gang activity, the Rutland Youth Services Center opened its doors in September 1996. The center was made possible through funding from a Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities grant for Rutland Public Schools. The center provided drop-in services and organized activities for youth ages 12 through 18. The Rutland Area Mentor Program joined with the Youth Services Center to provide mentoring to serve younger children. The goal of the Youth Services Center was to provide comprehensive services to youth in the Rutland area. An additional grant from the Bowse Health Trust enabled the expansion of services to include outreach to other local community schools. In June 1998, the Center was awarded a grant from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to expand its services, programs, staff and training.
Today
The Boys & Girls Club has grown in the 25 years it has been in existence. In addition to now serving youth ages 5 to 15, with expanded resources, the Club has attracted and retained a qualified youth development staff to help run age specific programs. Our staff has degrees in a diverse number of fields, including Health and Physical Education, Individual and Family Studies, Business and Human Relations, Social Work. The Club has continued to grow since 2003, after opening our doors at a new site in downtown Rutland.
In addition to our home base at 75 Merchants Row, we have 12 other sites. Rutland Town School, Fair Haven Grade School, Castleton Elementary School, Orwell Village School, and Benson Village School, West Rutland, Proctor elementary, & Poultney Elementary, Wells, MSES, Neshobe, & Lothrop. We serve 300 youth over the 13 sites, with over 90% of our members on Rutland’s free and reduced lunch program.
We have a history of unique collaborations within the Rutland community. Our highly successful summer camp was started in collaboration with the Rutland Recreation Department, allowing the community to offer the same quality programming at a lower price. This provided opportunities to Rutland youth that didn’t have access to a summer camp experience in the past.
CEDRR would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership:
AAA Northern New England, Baird Farm Maple Syrup, Berkshire Bank, Best Western Inn & Suites Rutland-Killington, Cairo Shriners, Calvary Bible Church, Carpet King of Vermont, Dr. Richard DelBianco, Optometrist, Fox Creek Inn, Garvey Nissan, Giancola Construction & Real Estate, HireAbility (formerly Voc Rehab VT), Hop'n Moose, Hull Maynard Hersey Agency, IBF Solutions, Little Lambs Early Learning Center, Marble Valley Regional Transit District, McDonald's, Morton Buildings, Pratico's Landscaping & Fencing Services, Proctor-Pittsford Country Club, Rutland City Public Schools, Rutland Veterinary Clinic & Surgical Center, Town of Proctor, and VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region.
Lace up for the Tastiest Mile in Town: Whoopie Pie Mile Fun Run & Dash Debuts Sept. 13
Rutland's sweetest new tradition is hitting the streets this fall. The first-ever Whoopie Pie Mile Fun Run & Dash will take place on Saturday, September 13 at 11 a.m., starting and ending at the corner of West Street and Merchants Row in downtown Rutland.
This one-of-a-kind event invites participants to run, walk, skip, or stroll a one-mile route with a very special incentive: a whoopie pie awaits at the halfway point. It's untimed, full of cheer, and comes with bragging rights for anyone who crosses the finish line - especially the first three who'll earn some extra applause and prizes.
All proceeds support local outdoor programs through Come Alive Outside and Rutland Recreation and Parks, helping to bring more movement, fun, and connection to our community year-round.
What's better than a fun run? A fun run with frosting. More information to come soon!
Jessica Alexzandrikc with the big scissors and her daughter, Novah holds the gold scissors.
Ribbon Cutting at Clover Exploration
On August 2, Clover Exploration hosted a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting event. Kids collected stamps from various learning stations inside for a prize and played in a pile of bubbles on the sidewalk. We are excited to see what owner, Jessica Alexzandrikc will do in the future.
Merck Forest's new basketball hoop dedication in honor of Vermont coaching legend.
Jamboree Ribbon Cutting & Shootout
In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Merck Forest & Farmland Center (MFFC) invited basketball players and fans of all ages to dedicate the new basketball hoop at a special Ribbon Cutting & Shootout in the Merck Forest Parking Lot on Friday, July 18, prior to that evening’s Caretakers Jamboree alumni reunion.
Chrispin White of the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) who played under legendary NBA coach Stan Van Gundy, was a special guest at the event. Van Gundy “cut his teeth” in Vermont–first at UVM, then with the Spartans at Castleton State College (now Vermont State University) where he compiled a 68-18 record over three seasons, a .791 winning percentage.
“As we celebrate 75 years of Merck Forest’s evolution as a place of learning, stewardship, and connection,” said Rob Terry, Executive Director. “What better way to connect than through a game of basketball, and what better place than here under a big Red Oak!”
Disaster Recovery Funding Application Now Open
The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) announced the opening of the application process for $67,845,000 in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding in response to the July 2023 floods. These funds will benefit communities most impacted from the 2023 floods in regions designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in consultation with state officials. Designated Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) areas include Lamoille, Washington, Caledonia, Orleans, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor counties.
The State of Vermont developed its CDBG-DR Action Plan through a public process this spring and the final plan was approved by HUD this week. ACCD is currently receiving and reviewing pre-applications, which are due by August 5. ACCD anticipates opening up the full application by late August, with full applications due by September 30. The first round of funding awards are anticipated to be made by the end of 2025.
More information, instructions, guidelines and guidance on how to apply can be found on the CDBG - Disaster Recovery Webpage.
Efficiency Vermont Doubles Custom Business Incentives - up to $25,000 in Extra Cash
As businesses in Vermont continue to face rising costs and economic uncertainties, Efficiency Vermont is stepping up with additional support. For a limited time, businesses can double their custom incentive for energy efficiency projects. That means up to an additional $25,000 bonus for businesses, nonprofits, farm operations, and institutions that complete projects by November 2026.
"We're doubling our custom incentives now so businesses of all sizes can improve their operations while dealing with economic uncertainties, policy changes, rising prices, and other challenges," said Peter Walke, managing director of Efficiency Vermont. "Doubling our custom incentives helps Vermont businesses achieve greater financial stability, reduces operating costs, and gives them more control over how they use energy."
FREE Wellness Program for Individuals and Worksites
My Healthy Vermont (MHVT) is a program offering free, evidence-based workshops to help improve health and well-being and prevent chronic disease. From building healthy behaviors to quitting smoking to managing pain and other long-term health issues, MHVT offers companies an opportunity to help prevent chronic illness and reduce the burden of disease on their employees and business.
Did you know…?
Research suggests that employees with common chronic conditions, such as cancer, COPD, and heart disease lost up to 80 productive work hours per year, with an annual cost of up to $10,000 per employee.1
According to the American Heart Association, hypertension (high blood pressure) alone raises an employee’s health care costs by nearly 33%, and absenteeism due to this condition costs employers $10.3 billion per year, nationally.2
By helping employees to better prevent or manage chronic health conditions, businesses can improve employee health and well-being, save money, and improve productivity. MHVT workshops provide employees with a set of skills and tools that they can continue to apply even after program completion, and represent a long-term investment in employee health and productivity.
For more information on My Healthy Vermont, visit our website at: https://www.myhealthyvt.org/, or email Jo Lemay at jmlemay@rrmc.org
Need other resources or information on worksite wellness? Email Jonah Stoller at jonah.stoller@vermont.gov.
Vermont Economic Progress Council Approves First Phase Filing for Rutland TIF District
The Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC) has approved the City of Rutland’s first phase filing in its Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, paving the way for the City to move forward with critical infrastructure upgrades along Center and Wales Streets in support of the proposed hotel.
VEPC unanimously approved the first phase filing during its July 31 meeting. It outlines the City’s plans to begin work on burying overhead electrical lines, as well as upgrades to water, sewer and stormwater systems. Streetscape enhancements, such as wider sidewalks, improved lighting and landscaping, are also included in the scope.
“This is a major milestone for Rutland,” said Ed Bove, Rutland City Planning Director. “We’re now one step closer to making long-overdue improvements in an area that has been in need of attention for decades. They literally lay the foundation for future private investment. It’s an exciting time for Rutland.”
The Center Street improvements represent the beginning of a series of infrastructure and development projects that will occur within the TIF District over the next decade. Future phases will include redevelopment at sites such as the Downtown Plaza, the area known as “Key West” at the intersection of Wales and West Streets, and several others.
Governor Phil Scott, members of the administration, legislators, community partners, and others in Fair Haven on Wednesday. Courtesy photo.
Governor and Others Celebrate CHIP in Fair Haven
Governor Phil Scott, members of the administration, legislators, community partners, and others celebrated the passage of S.127, An act relating to housing and housing development (Act 69), in Fair Haven on Wednesday. The bill was signed into law on June 12, 2025. It includes the Community and Housing Infrastructure Program. CHIP will launch in 2026 with the potential for over $2 billion in housing infrastructure investment by 2035. See details below.
The bill passed late in the session, but with an overwhelming, bipartisan majority.
The CHIP section, which is the centerpiece of the law, allows up to $200 million per year of tax increment financing annually for 10 years to be spent by Vermont communities on infrastructure that will serve a public good and support the development of new housing.
Over the next decade, CHIP will create thousands and thousands of new homes. The Joint Fiscal Office projects it could add at least $380 million to the state’s flailing education fund without raising taxes or rates on existing homeowners and renters.
Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak.
Summer of Savings: How Vermont Saves Can Help Employers Navigate Uncertainty and Support Workers
What does the future of Vermont’s economy look like? How can we build it together?
Join us for a morning of coffee and conversation with State Treasurer Mike Pieciak on Thursday, August 21 at 8:30 AM at The Hub CoWorks - 67 Merchants Row - to discuss how the Vermont Saves program can help employers navigate economic uncertainty and strengthen the financial security of their workers.
The discussion will also explore how policy changes under the Trump administration and potential cuts to federal funding are impacting local businesses, our communities, and our economy.
Join us for this opportunity to meet with state leaders, ask questions, and learn more about the policies and programs shaping Vermont’s economy for the long term.
The event is open to the public and light refreshments will be served, courtesy of the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region. All are welcome and encouraged to RSVP in advance.
Rutland Regional Medical Center Earns Blue Distinction® Center+ Designation for Knee/Hip Replacement and Spine Surgery
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (Blue Cross) has selected Rutland Regional Medical Center as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Knee/Hip Replacement and Spine Surgery. This designation is part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated healthcare facilities shown to deliver improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies with input from the medical community.
Rutland Regional Medical Center is currently the sole Blue Distinction® Center+ for Knee/Hip Replacement and Spine Surgery in the state of Vermont.
VermontBiz Reveals Inaugural 91 Influencers - Lyle Jepson and Other Rutland County Residents Named
It is with great excitement that VermontBiz Magazine celebrates the remarkable achievements of all the individuals chosen as the inaugural 91 Influencers here in Vermont. This prestigious honor highlights their unwavering dedication, innovation, and impact in their field and within the community, as they also inspire and lead those around them.
The name 91 Influencers was inspired by the date that Vermont became the 14th state, March 4, 1791. We believe that number of honorees was fitting considering we are a state with just over 645,000 residents but with so many influential people in Vermont.
Being chosen as a VermontBiz 91 Influencer signifies more than just professional achievement, it represents a deeper commitment to excellence, community, and positive change. Their work has not only resonated within their industry but has also contributed to shaping Vermont’s business landscape in meaningful and lasting ways. This accolade reflects their hard work, vision, and the respect they’ve earned from peers and colleagues alike.
Rutland County Influencers:
John Casella — Casella Waste Systems Inc
Dick Courcelle — Community Care Network/Rutland Mental Health Services
Lyle Jepson — Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region
Eric Mallette — Paramount Theatre
Linda Rossi — Vermont Small Business Development Center
President Ned Coletta Appointed Casella's Next CEO
Casella Waste Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, today announced that John W. Casella, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, will transition from Chief Executive Officer to Executive Chairman of the Board, effective January 1, 2026. Edmond R. “Ned” Coletta, currently the Company’s President, will succeed Mr. Casella as CEO and will join the Board as a Class II director effective on the same date. As Executive Chairman, Mr. Casella will continue to serve as Chair of the Board and, in collaboration with the CEO, support the Company’s strategic development, stakeholder engagement and organizational culture.
John Casella, who joined his brother Doug in 1976, a year after Doug founded the company, has led the growth and expansion of Casella Waste Systems into a leading waste management and resource solutions company in the eastern United States, significantly enhancing value for shareholders, customers, and communities.
“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work from our entire Casella team over five decades,” said John Casella. “It has been my privilege to lead this company and witness its evolution into an industry leader committed to sustainability and innovation. I have great confidence in Ned and the executive leadership team to build on our legacy of delivering exceptional service and sustainable solutions.”
Community Health Names Christopher Chadwick as Chief Operating Officer
Christopher Chadwick, MS, LADC, AFC, is Community Health’s new Chief Operating Officer. For the past six years, Chadwick served as Director of Behavioral Health and MAT Services for Community Health and has been a valuable member of the Community Health executive leadership team, contributing to the growth and expansion of primary healthcare services accessible through Vermont’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center.
“Chris has demonstrated remarkable success in his role at Community Health, where he has been leading our Behavioral Health service line since June 2019,” said Mike Gardner, Community Health’s CEO.“His dedication, expertise, and leadership skills have greatly contributed to the growth and development of our team. We have no doubt that Chris will bring the same level of excellence and commitment to his new role.”
Under Chadwick’s leadership, patient visits in the Behavioral Health service line more than doubled from 15,487 visits by 2,450 patients in 2019 to 35,519 visits by 4,300 patients in 2024. With more than 23 years’ experience in the social services field, Chadwick is an active member of the community, serving on the board of Adirondack Spay and Neuter and as an associate professor in psychology and social work at Castleton University.
CCV Announces New Academic Dean
The Community College of Vermont (CCV) is pleased to name Candace Lewis as its new Dean of Academic Affairs. She succeeds former Academic Dean Debby Stewart, who retired in June after 31 years at CCV.
“I am thrilled to welcome Candace into this role,” said CCV President Joyce Judy. “Candace believes deeply in the transformative power of community college education, and she will be key to ensuring that CCV continues to deliver high-quality, valuable, relevant programs to Vermonters. I look forward to her academic leadership as our new dean.”
Lewis has served in various academic leadership roles at CCV since 2007, most recently as associate academic dean. She holds an M. A. in Anthropology from Northern Arizona University and brings an interdisciplinary background to her work in higher education. She has contributed to program and curriculum development, educational partnerships, and workforce initiatives throughout the Vermont State Colleges System. Lewis lives in Georgia, Vermont and has served as a director for the Franklin Grand Isle Workforce Investment Board and is a former board member for the Franklin County Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2025, she was appointed to the board of Vermont Humanities.
“I am excited for this opportunity and eager to collaborate with partners from within and outside the College to discover innovative ways to meet the programming needs of Vermont and Vermonters, while building on the strong record of teaching excellence at CCV,” Lewis said.
Lewis stepped into her new role on July 1.
Vermont Prevention Lead Organization Announces Third-Year Grant Awardees for Addison and Rutland Counties
Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) is the Region 2 Vermont Prevention Lead Organization (VPLO) and has announced the selection of the third-year grant awardees for VPLO funding. The Region 2 service area includes Addison and Rutland Counties.
These sub-grants will enhance and expand prevention efforts throughout the region, in all substances and populations, from July 2025 to June 2026.
Rutland County awardees are as follows:
Come Alive Outside (CAO)
CAO will be enhancing their teen intern program to design and lead prevention activities for inclusive third space events that serve youth ages 11-17.
Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region
Community Health will be supporting individuals with a history of trauma through weekly peer support groups using education and evidence-based services to prevent substance use or achieve and sustain recovery.
Easter Seals Vermont
Through their Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) program, they aim to prevent risks associated with substance use using an in-school curriculum, motivational interviewing, and an evidence-based tool to tailor plans, connections, and referrals between schools, families, and local health organizations.
Kingdom County Productions (KCP)
KCP will be facilitating a series of Writers for Recovery workshops across Region 2 in collaboration with the Turning Point Center of Addison County, Turning Point Center of Rutland County, Godnick Center, and Rutland County Pride.
Rutland County Pride (RCP)
RCP will be offering safe, affirming, and substance free spaces for the LGBTQIA2S+ community by hosting weekly All-Recovery groups, collaborating with Writers for Recovery, and facilitating peer support groups.
Volunteers and local dignitaries celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking last month of a $4.3 million renovation of the historic house that's part of the Pittsford Village Farm. Courtesy photo Vermont Public.
After Years of Fundraising, Pittsford Village Farm's Vision is Taking Shape
Imagine if someone gave your town a farm — complete with a historic house, barn and land. Then they asked you and your neighbors to dream big and come up with a new use for the property that would strengthen your community.
That’s what happened in Pittsford in 2017 when longtime residents Baird and Betsy Morgan bought a farm and gifted it to their community.
After years of hard work and fundraising, the Morgans and others involved with the project say they're thrilled by what’s happened since.
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports and Bart Adaptive Sports Center to Merge
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports and the Bart Adaptive Sports Center announced today their intent to join forces through a planned merger. The proposed combination reflects a shared commitment to empowering independence for individuals with disabilities through year-round access to sports and outdoor recreation. Bart Adaptive currently offers programs at Bromley Mountain, Stratton Mountain Resort, and in the Manchester region. Vermont Adaptive provides winter programs at Pico Mountain/Killington Resort, Sugarbush Resort, Bolton Valley Resort, Saskadena Six Ski Area, and multiple locations throughout the state in the summer and fall.
A joint merger transition is underway, pending legal finalization, and expected to be completed by July 31. At the closing of the merger, Bart Adaptive will merge with and into Vermont Adaptive. The corporate existence of Bart Adaptive will cease, and Vermont Adaptive will continue its existence as the surviving organization. Programs, volunteering and participation will continue without interruption.
Bird’s Eye Mountain is the defining landmark of the Castleton Management Unit. ANR photos.
ANR: Long Range Management Plan for Castleton Management Unit Finalized
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has finalized the Long Range Management Plan (LRMP) for the Castleton Management Unit (CMU). Located six miles west of the City of Rutland, the CMU spans the towns of Castleton, Poultney, and Ira. It consists of 4,725 acres split between two Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) owned and managed for wildlife habitat and public access by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department in collaboration with the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.
Birdseye WMA (3,573 acres) consists of two parcels with five parking areas to support public access. It is one of the largest blocks of uninterrupted forest in the Taconic Range. Its defining feature is the rocky summit of Birdseye Mountain, a known nesting site for peregrine falcons.
Blueberry Hill WMA (1,152 acres) is more remote and is made up of four separate parcels with limited access for management and the public. Forests in the WMA include mast-producing hardwoods like oak, hickory and hornbeam that provide food for wildlife such as wild turkeys and black bears. Its softwood stands also provide important winter habitat for white-tailed deer.
Inclusive Spaces Audit Workshop in Poultney
The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals and the Outdoor Recreation Design Lab invite you to join us for the Inclusive Spaces Audit Workshop on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Poultney, Vermont. This hands-on event is made possible with generous support from the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Council and is designed to help outdoor professionals and community leaders make public spaces more inclusive for all.
This one-day, hands-on workshop is designed for anyone who works in, manages, or stewards outdoor recreation spaces. You’ll learn how to apply a practical audit tool to evaluate parks, trails, and other outdoor areas through the lens of universal design, accessibility, and cultural inclusion.
By the end of the day, you’ll walk away with new insights and concrete skills to make your spaces more welcoming to people of all backgrounds and abilities - and you'll leave with the tool in hand to use in your own work or community.
There is a small registration fee to attend, but scholarships are available to ensure cost is not a barrier.
For those interested in facilitating these workshops in the future, we’re also offering a Train-the-Trainer program - but participation in Tuesday’s workshop is open to all, with no commitment to the TtT.
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.
Updates and Changes within The Hub CoWorks
Last week, board members of Rutland Young Professionals joined staff and committee members of CEDRR and The Hub CoWorks for a working meeting to tour the space and discuss some adjustments that might be made to improve flow.
Using only furniture already at the Hub, the group left no floor of the Opera House untouched, moving tables, chairs, bookshelves, plants and desks to create some new areas for individuals to collaborate in different ways.
If you haven’t visited the Hub CoWorks in a while, visit https://thehubcoworks.com to book a day pass and see the new setup.
BEFORE
AFTER
Group of college students focusing on co-working spaces with Matt Britt. Alana Bauer is third from the left, standing next to Britt.
Alana Bauer - who has been interning here at the Hub CoWorks this summer - helped us welcome Summer Colley and Jake Thomas from The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships, as well as Sam Keller who has been interning at Hula in Burlington. Alana and Sam are part of a group of UVM students who are interning at spaces across Vermont while working on a long-term research project focusing on rural coworking hubs around the state.
During their visit on August 7, Alana and Sam recorded a podcast about their program in the Hub’s state-of-the-art podcast room and the group had a spirited discussion with CEDRR and Hub staff around the current state of coworking and rural economies in central VT.
Real Rutland Concierge Program Update
The Concierge Program has had increased interest this summer. We had the highest monthly number of new leads to the program in June with thirty-two new leads from our typical sources, the Real Rutland website and Vermont Dept. of Tourism and Marketing, ThinkVermont, website.
The total number of people who have relocated to Rutland County through the program in 2025, is seventeen people. We are expecting an additional twenty people by the end of the year.
One of our recently moved families is from Queens, New York. Dominque Winter and her husband, Fouad Bocti, moved here in May. Dominque recently joined CEDRR as Office Manager and Event Coordinator. She is featured in this week’s newsletter.
The Concierge Program has also recently completed our Customer Relationship Management program conversion. The new program brings added organizational efficiency and communication that increases the outreach potential for the Concierge Program.
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.
Craft Your Own Wooden Spatula
Class date: August 19th
As part of the class, you’ll create your very own wooden spatula—a fun and approachable project that introduces you to the essential tools and techniques of woodworking.
The Joy of Letterpress
Class date: September 3rd
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.
Painting with Rae
Class date: Starts September 17th
Join Rae Newell for a 10 week exploration in oil and acrylic painting. Rae brings to The MINT decades of painting and art instruction and we are very excited to have her!
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.
Street Outreach Team Lead
Community Care Network is seeking a Street Outreach Team Lead to join their team.
Child and Family Clinician/Intake Clinician
Community Care Network is seeking a Child and Family Clinician/Intake Clinician to join their team.
Account Executive
WPTZ/NBC5 is seeking an Account Executive to join their team.
View Rutland County career opportunities & post your position →
Why Influencers Matter & How to Work With Them
August 22 | 3-4 PM | The Hub CoWorks, Rutland
Join the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing (VDTM) for an in-person info session on why we're working with influencers and how they can work for your business as well. We'll be joined by our influencer agency partner, DCI, who will discuss why working with influencers is important and how you can tap into the work that VDTM is already doing with them. There is a virtual option available and we will also be recording the presentation. Anyone that signs up for the session will receive a copy of the recording.
The session will take place on August 22, 2025 from 3:00pm - 4:00pm. The in-person session will be at the Hub CoWorks, 67 Merchants Row, Rutland VT 05701 in the Casella Room.
If you sign up for the virtual option, you will be emailed a Teams link.
If you have any questions, please email Katharine.Ingram@Vermont.Gov.
Get Lean with Us in September!
September 24 | 8 AM-3 PM | Rutland Country Club, Rutland | $98 per person ($325 per person value!)
Lean is a learning system that develops capability and adaptability in people and processes. Lean 101 workshops have created and reignited the spark for improvement in countless organizations in Vermont and across the globe. When paired with the commitment to further engage and develop employees at all levels, Lean has proven to result in the competitive edge that attracts customers, employees and investors.
Participants will begin this workshop as a new employee in a chaotic manufacturing company. The results of the first round of simulation provide the basis on which Lean principles will be applied. Participants revisit the manufacturing environment and apply the Lean fundamentals that are taught “in the classroom." Simple financial statements prepared after each round of the simulation show the impact of the improvements on a company’s bottom line. Participants will walk away recognizing the 8 wastes and with an introduction to mindsets and methods that they can use to eliminate these wastes in their own companies.
Rising Together We Thrive
September 30 | 10 AM-4:30 PM | Echo Leahy Center, Burlington, VT | $99-$199 depending on member status and date purchased
WBON’s 2025 Conference, Rising Together We Thrive, celebrates the strength and resilience of women-led businesses in Vermont. This high-impact day brings together WBON members, aspiring entrepreneurs, and allies for meaningful connection, practical skill-building, and collaborative visioning for a thriving future.
Why Attend
Build relationships with fellow women business owners across Vermont
Learn actionable strategies to grow and future-proof your business
Explore AI, funding, state and national change impacts, handling uncertainty, and more — all with a mission-aligned lens
Connect with potential collaborators, mentors, clients, and supporters
Discover how collective advocacy can shape the future for women-led businesses
Leave inspired, informed, and ready for what's next
