RRCC/REDC "Hot Topic" Legislative Breakfast Apr.11th

The next RRCC/REDC Legislative Breakfast will be on current “Hot Topics” in the Vermont State House.  There will be moderated forum with members of the Rutland County Delegation and an opportunity for the audience to submit questions to the delegation. 

The breakfast will take place on April 11th, 7:30am at Franklin Conference Center.  The cost is only $8 per person and includes a full breakfast buffet. 

The RRCC/REDC Legislative Breakfast Series is sponsored by TD Bank.

Mark Your Calendar! RRCC/101.5 The Fox Golf Classic

The Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with 101.5 The Fox for the 26th Annual Golf Classic sponsored by Michelob Ultra, which will take place on Thursday, June 2nd at the Killington Golf Resort. 

The day will include a shot gun start at 12:30pm with a fun day of golf, great goody bags, a chance to win a 2011 Honda Civic from Shearer Honda & Kinney Pike Insurance and a hot tub from Allen Pools & Spa's for a designated hole in one, a grand buffet awards dinner and much more. 

The tournament format is Captain and Crew with teams of four players.  The cost is still only $125 per person and includes greens fees, cart rental, awards banquet at the Killington Grand Hotel, goody bags, a chance to win great door prizes, team prizes and trophies. This is a great networking opportunity and an important Chamber fundraiser. 

Mark your calendar and watch your mail for the brochure to sign up your team, you can also call RRCC (802-773-2747) or email us to sign up now.  There are sponsorship opportunities still available by calling John Gales at 802-558-2717.

Take The GE/Chamber Challenge!  We Need You!

GE Rutland and RRCC are teaming up to challenge local businesses and organizations to accept their challenge and organize a team to walk in the March of Dimes Annual Walk for Babies on Saturday morning, April 30th beginning at Mill River Union H.S. in North Clarendon. The new goal of the walk this year is to raise $40,000.

Dan DiBattista, Plant Leader at GE Rutland is Chairing the event for the March of Dimes for the second year. Chamber EVP, Tom Donahue suggested to Dan that the two organizations team up to challenge the businesses and the community to organize a team representing their business or organization and encourage their employees, customers etc. to participate.

All we are asking today is that you please simply click the link here to respond to take up this important challenge and we will help you with all the details for your business or organization.

Tom Donahue will be leading Team Chamber. If you are an individual and want to walk please join us on Team Chamber by clicking here.

Route 4 Designated "Crossroad of Vermont" Byway

U.S. Rt. 4 has been designated by the Vermont Transportation Board as the “Crossroad of Vermont Byway.” The unanimous approval from the Board designates the 50-mile stretch of road from West Rutland to Hartford as Vermont’s 7th Byway. The designation includes the towns of West Rutland, Rutland City, Rutland Town, Mendon, Killington, Bridgewater, Woodstock, Hartland and Hartford (representing White River Junction and Quechee.)

The byways program is designed to encourage towns to work together to promote, enhance and preserve their scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, archeological and natural qualities.

The collaborative effort to designate Rt. 4 as a byway began in March of 2010 by representatives of the participating towns, spearheaded by the Town of Killington. Designation as a byway will help attract new travel, tourism and grant dollars to the region, and allows the byways communities to apply for over $40 million in available federal grant funding.

“The designation supports our efforts to attract more visitors and help create a sense of arrival in town,” says Seth Webb, Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the Town of Killington. “We’re delighted to work with the neighboring towns to pursue commons goals that benefit us all.”

“We couldn’t be more excited about the collaboration of municipalities that have joined together to create this 50 mile U.S. Route 4 east –west byway through Central Vermont,” adds Tom Donahue, Executive Vice President/CEO of the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce. “Rarely do you see this kind of collaboration and unity to accomplish a common goal with little or no opposition or dissent.”

The Byways committee met on March 30th to discuss initial marketing plans for Vermont’s newest byway.  An overview of the Vermont Byway Program can be found at http://rutlandrpc.org/tprogram.php?program_id=12

Deputy Administrator Karen Rae of the Federal Rail Administration Visits Rutland

Thanks to US Congressman Peter Welch Rutland was able to host Karen Rae, Deputy Administrator of the Federal Rail Program.  Congressman Welch has been working tirelessly on behalf of the Western Rail Corridor Project which would upgrade the rail lines on the western side of Vermont.  The goal is to continue the Ethan Allen Express up the corridor, possibly all the way to Montreal. 

Over 100 business persons and rail supporters attended the meeting held on March 28th at the Franklin Conference Center to support Vermont’s application for funding for the Western Rail Corridor Project.  The plan is being supported by Congressman Welch, Governor Peter Shumlin, Secretary of Transportation Brian Searles, the three regional Chambers of Commere and their economic development partners, local businesses using rail including OMYA and Westminster Crackers and statewide rail advocates.

Rae stated:  “It will only happen if groups like yours and leadership like yours steps up to the table,” she said. “What’s going to make the difference is that businesses care, the chambers of commerce care, that community leaders and legislators care.”

The Vermont Agency of Transportation has made this project their one and only rail project to focus on getting funding this year.

RRCC Business Show A Success!

The Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce 18th Annual Business Show on March 8th was a huge success with 87 vendors and over 500 people in attendance.  We would like to thank our sponsor, Rutland Regional Medical Center, all the businesses that participated this year, the volunteers who helped us put on the event, Civil Air Patrol for directing traffic, the Rutland Herald for helping with promotion, Catamount Radio and 101.5 The Fox for the live broadcasts, Rutland Motorcars for running the shuttle and the Holiday Inn for hosting the show.

The 2012 RRCC Business Show is already 50% sold, you can sign up now for the RRCC 2012 RRCC Business Show being held on March 13, 2012 at the Holiday Inn by calling RRCC at 802-773-2747.

Workers' Comp. Corner

Vermont Department of Labor provides online access to free health and safety workplace training programs through OSHA.  The Vermont Occupational Safety and Health program is a state run program that mirrors the federal OSHA program with a few exceptions.

For nearly 35 years, Vermont's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA) has labored diligently to protect the health and safety of working Vermonters. Operating in concert with business and industry, VOSHA has greatly reduced the number of work-related injuries and fatalities occurring in Vermont.

Workers' Comp Corner is sponsored by Poulos Insurance: For more information or rates on Workers' Compensation or any other business insurance contact Chuck Rose at Poulos Insurance, 802-775-4443.

Membership Directors Update-Joan Hill

Hi Everyone,

Thank you to the Rutland Regional Medical Center for sponsoring our very successful “Business Show 2011” at the Holiday Inn on March 8th and to all the exhibitors who participated.  The staff at the Holiday Inn did an outstanding job and was very accommodating.

Spring is here and I am selling sponsorships for our “4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza” at the Vermont State Fairgrounds.  This show is a break even proposition for the Chamber and we are only able to provide the fireworks to the community with the financial support of our sponsors. If you would like to sponsor this event please call me at the Chamber office. (802-773-2747)

Join a committee, offer Perk Card discounts and get involved to receive the most benefits from your Chamber. I look forward to seeing you all at the next mixer on April 12th at the Merchants Bank on Woodstock Avenue.

Welcome New Members

Ana’s Empanadas, Inc.
Ana & Robert DiTursi
54 Strongs Ave., Rutland, VT  05701
Ph: 802-342-2083 or 802-342-2084
Email: anasempanadas@me.com
Home made Argentine turn-overs, filled with
locally grown meats, cheeses and vegetables. 
Great food for lunch, supper or parties!

Clarendon Animal Clinic
Dr. Grace Ma-Steenbergen
Dr. Josef Steenbergen
548 Rt. 7B North, N. Clarendon, VT  05759
Ph: 802-775-4333 Fax:  802-775-6106
Email: clarendonanimalclinic@yahoo.com
www.clarendonanimalclinic.vetsuite.com
Under new ownership, we offer comprehensive
services in medicine and surgery including
orthopedic for small animals, exotics, large
animals and equine.

Earth Waste Systems
Nicole Suits
49 Wales St., Rutland, VT  05701
Ph: 802-775-7722 ~ 1-866-839-5428
Fax: 802-786-9070
Email: nsuits@earthwastesystems.com
www.earthwastesystems.com

Edward Jones
Caitlin Perry
170 S. Main St., Rutland, VT  05701
Ph: 802-747-6907 ~ 877-777-5313
Fax: 800-315-7044
Email: Caitlin.perry@edwardjones.com
Addresses the needs of the serious long term investor.

Frogs and Lily Pads
Karen McLaughlin
25 Center St., Rutland, VT  05701
Ph: 802-535-7530
Email: frogsandlilypads@yahoo.com
Opening May 1, 2011

Rock Landscaping
Tom Rock
PO Box 1262, Rutland, VT  05701
Ph: 802-770-4022
Email: rocklandscaping@hotmail.com

News From Our Members

Annie’s Book Stop will host Vermont author and illustrator Jim Arnosky who will be discussing and signing his new book "Thunder Birds Natures Flying Predators" in addition VINS will be doing a presentation with 3 live birds of prey on April 30th at 10am.  For more information call 802-775-6993.

Annie's Book Stop's Reading Group to meet on Tuesday April 5 and Monday April 11 at 7 P.M. to discuss April's book The Road by Cormac McCarthy, 170 South Main Street, free, 802-775-6993.

Arts & Antiques on Center will host the ArtHop on Friday, April 8th, 5-8pm featuring a Jewelry Party presented by Maggie Boise, hand crafted sterling silver jewelry artist.  For more information call 802-786-1530.

Best of Vermont has expanded its business to include distribution services of “the best” Vermont made products to retailers. Starting the company as a specialty gift cube business 4 years ago, Bonnie Kelsey Quinn is now delivering over 400 products from 56 Vermont producers all over Vermont and beyond. Office, showroom and distribution center at located at 20 Belden Rd.

Cape Air is expanding on its highly successful Sustainability Program with new efficiency measures for its fleet of aircraft. This month the company is completing changes to aircraft and flight procedures that will combine to reduce annual fuel use by 4 percent (110,000 gallons based on 2010 flight hours) in its fleet of sixty-four Cessna 402’s.  In addition to these fuel savings, Cape Air is contributing to the study of new national air traffic management technology with potential to reduce fuel burn significantly industry-wide. Cape Air is on target to finish data collection for an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) study of the benefits of GPS/ WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) equipment on commercial aircraft. 

Chaffee Art Center is pleased to announce its 50th Annual Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Festivals for 2011. The Chaffee is currently looking for vendors for the August 13-14 and October 8-9, 2011 shows. We are seeking fine art of any media and totally handcrafted items of good taste and high quality. Artisans and craftspeople who would like to demonstrate their craft are encouraged to do so as well. Visit www.chaffeeartcenter.org or call 802-775-0356 for more information.

College of St. Joseph will hold The 17th Annual Night of Italian Opera on April 29th  featuring professional performers singing well-known Italian arias and art song. Performance at 8 pm. Silent auction at 7 pm., College of St. Joseph- Tuttle Hall Theater, 8 – 11 p.m., $25, 802-776-5264.

Downtown Rutland Partnership will hold their Annual Egg Scramble in Depot Park, children between the ages of 2 and 8 are invited to the Easter Egg Scramble on April 23rd, 10 am -12 noon. Refreshments and prizes available, bring your own baskets to collect eggs, 802-773-9380.

Grace Church Children’s Choir and Joyful Noise (Teen Choir) will present a variety show on April 3rd. The concert is a benefit for The New Start Orphanage in Zimbabwe. Free will offering, the concert starts at 6:30 p.m., 802-775-4301.

Holiday Inn will being hosting a “Managers Reception” each Wednesday 5-6:30pm with complimentary hors d’oeuvres for local business people and in house guests.  They also run the following weekly specials:  Wednesdays: Burger and Brew $10; Thursdays: Salsa Night, free dance lessons and salsa music; Fridays: Karaoke and Saturdays: All request DJ Dance.  For more information call 802-773-2747.

 Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Southern Vermont proudly announces its 14th Annual Home & Recreation Show.  The show will be held on Saturday, April 2nd from 9:00am to 3:00pm at Spartan Arena which is located behind Diamond Run Mall on Route 7 South, Rutland, Vermont. Admission is FREE to attendees. Lots of door prizes will be given away throughout the day.  Plus, lots for the Kids--the first 50 kids will get a wooden birdhouse kit thanks to LaValley Building Supply.  There will also be free kid’s activities provided by The Boys & Girls Club and The Mentor Connector, as well as musical performances by Linda MacFarlane. There’s still time to be a part of the Home & Recreation Show!  Reserve your booth space today by calling (802)773-0672. 

Key Bank Retirement Planning Seminar will be held on April 27th, 3:30-5pm at the Rutland Free Library. Speakers will be Alfonso Cioffi, Financial Advisor, KeyBank; a representative from the Social Security Administration and Mark Daly, Regional VP, Jackson National.  For more information or to make reservations call Al Cioffi at 802-786-0432.

Killington Resort will host the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge on April 2nd & 3rd. Participants run a dual course with sudden death format; only the winners advance. Athletes and spectators alike will enjoy the Bud Light Beer Festival and concert under the tent at Bear Mountain.  For more information call 802-422-3333 or go to www.killington.com

Rutland Area Physical Activity Coalition presents the 2011 Way to Go! Commuter Challenge.  Sign up and receive giveaways and a chance for great prizes!  The Way to Go! Commuter challenge is a state-wide, one-week event encouraging everyone to walk, bike, carpool, or take the bus for one or more days during the week of May 16-20th.  Registration is open and you are encouraged to sign-up online at www.waytogovt.org, and download free giveaway coupons. All who register will be entered to win great raffle prizes.  For more information contact Jenny at the Rutland Area Physical Activity Coalition (RAPAC):  802.353.0037

Rutland Area Prevention Coalition presents the Save A Life Tour!  The tour uses cutting edge technology to raise awareness about the devastating effects of drinking and driving, including a DUI Simulator.  The tour will be at the Diamond Run Mall on April 8th, 3pm-7pm.  The event is free and open to the public.  There will also be a youth dance at the Chill Out Center in the Diamond Run Mall, 8:30am-11:00pm.  The cost is $5.00 per person for the dance.

Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice (RAVNAH) offers confidential on-site health screenings for your employees at your workplace for maximum convenience and participation.  These screenings are a vital step in identifying and controlling cardiovascular disease.  The more your employees know about their health risks, the more successful they will be in making important health changes. And, keeping employees healthy is crucial to your business success.  For more information or to schedule an on-site health screening, call RAVNAH’s Community and Occupation Health Services at (802) 770.1536 or email jhansen@ravnah.org.           

Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS) at the 5th annual "Spring for the Animals" Auction at the Rutland Country Club on April 7th, 5:30 - 7:30.  Tickets are $25 and include hors d'oeuvres, a beverage, silent auction and live music.  If you can't attend or want to see the items and bid www.rchsvt.org and join the fun.  All proceeds support the animals and programs at the Rutland County Humane Society.  For more details contact RCHS at 802-483.9171 or www.rchsvt.org. 

Rutland County Women’s Network and Shelter will hold the Second Annual Masquerade Ball and Silent Auction to benefit on April 2nd.   The silent auction will feature items donated by location merchants, hors d'oeuvres and cash bar, door prizes, dancing with music by 2Kul Entertainment, tickets $50 for you and a guest, Rutland Country Club, 7 pm - midnight, for tickets call 802-775-6788.

Rutland County Women's Network & Shelter presents Jenni and the Junketeers in a benefit performance on April 23rd at the Rutland Country Club, 7 - 10 pm, live auction and cash bar, advance tickets $15 per person, at the door $20 per person, for more information call Linda at 353-8642.

Rutland Free Library will host Retired NBC correspondent Robert Hager relating stories from 40 years on the front lines of network journalism on April 6th, 7- 8:45 pm, Fox Room, 802-773-1860.

Rutland Jewish Center will hold a huge indoor rummage sale on April 3 & 4. Lots of clothing, household items, toys, books and more, Sunday 10 am – 4 pm, bag sale on Monday 9 am – 12noon, 96 Grove St.

United Way of Rutland County and WPTZ Channel 5 News recently honored Pat and Carl Wener of West Rutland as the United Way Hometown Hero volunteers for March 2011.  Pat and Carl have supported the United Way of Rutland County for more than 25 years.  In addition to many of years of work on behalf of the United Way of Rutland County, Pat Wener has played an important role in the success of other community organizations such as the March of Dimes, Meals on Wheels and Relay for Life.  Carl Wener has been active in supporting the local Boy Scouts of America and his local church, spear heading fundraising activities and events for both organizations over the years.  Congratulations to Pat and Carl.

VT Small Business Development Center will hold a training “Starting Your Own Small Business” on April 14th, 9:30am – 12:30pm at REDC.  The fee is $40.  Registration can be done at www.vtsbdc.org.  Fore more information call 802-773-9147.