Click Below For Great Opportunities!

Citizen Leadership in a Connected Age

Way To Go Vermont

Sign Up Now!  Facebook 101 & More

The Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a morning and an evening instructional seminar entitled Facebook 101 & More sponsored by KeyBank.

The first seminar will be on Thursday, May 19th from 8  - 10 A.M. and the second seminar will be from 5 – 7 P.M. also on May 19th.  The classes will be held at the Franklin Conference Center  in Rutland and will be presented by Facebook guru Katye Munger.

The first hour of each seminar will be about how to create a Facebook page and the second hour will be instructions and tips for your business,  organization or personal page” said Tom Donahue, Chamber Executive Vice President.

The cost is only $25 per session for non-members and $20.00 for RRCC members and will include coffee and light snacks. Pre-registration and payment is required.

It is highly recommended that you bring your lap top computer to the seminar. Wi-Fi will be available.  Folks that already have a Facebook page can arrive for the second hour’s instructions if they choose.

For more information or to register call RRCC at 773-2747 or to download the registration form click here.

Sign Up Now! 101.5 The Fox/RRCC 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 bag, a chance to win great door prizes, team prizes and trophies. This is a great networking opportunity and an important Chamber fundraiser. 

Sign up now filling out the registration form by clicking here, email us or call RRCC (802-773-2747). 

There are hole sponsorship opportunities still available, for your $300 investment you receive sponsorship signage on sponsored hole, recognition on printed material day of the tournament, opportunity to provide materials to be placed in all golfer gift bags and 10 :60 ads on 101.5 The Fox in June, 2011.  If you are interested in sponsorship call John Gales at 802-558-2719.

Great New Chamber Member Benefit

The Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Six Flags: Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom Theme Park in Lake George, NY to offer RRCC Members discount tickets to the park.  The RRCC Member “Good Any Day” tickets will save you over $14 per Adult General Admission Gate price.  You can purchase your tickets at the Chamber Office or online.  To purchase online, simply enter the Chamber Promo Code RRCC2011 for your Special Member Discount, this will also wave the $5.00 handling fee for an additional on-line savings.  For more information go to www.rutlandvermont.com or call 802-773-2747

Chamber Nominates New Directors

As prescribed by the bylaws of the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce, the Nominating Committee hereby proposes the following candidates for a 3 year term on the RRCC Board of Directors:

Sherri Birkheimer Rooker, Executive Officer, Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Southern Vermont

Richard Rivers, President, Rutland County Agricultural Society/Manager, Vermont State Fair

Jay Morel, Manager, Diamond Run Mall

Additional names of candidates for directors can be nominated by petition bearing the genuine signatures of at least ten (10) qualified members of the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce.  Such petition shall be filed with the RRCC Nominating Committee, 50 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT  05701 within 10 days after notice has been given of the names of those nominated or by Tuesday, May 10, 2011 by 5pm.  The determination of the Nominating Committee as to the legality of the petitions shall be final.

Legislative Breakfast Series Wraps Up

The RRCC/REDC Legislative Breakfast Series wrapped up on April 11th with a discussion with members of the Rutland County Delegation on “Hot Topics” in the Vermont State House.  Those in attendance were able to write up questions for the Legislators and the moderator, Committee Chair, Larry Jensen filtered the questions to the Legislators.  There will be moderated forum with members of the Rutland County Delegation and an opportunity for the audience to submit questions to the delegation. 

RRCC & REDC would like to thank South Station Restaurant and Franklin Conference Center for hosting the 2010-2011 Legislative Events and our Legislative Reception sponsor Comcast; Legislative Bus Trip sponsors OMYA, Inc. and Rutland Herald, as well as the Legislative Breakfast Series sponsor TD Bank.

April Mixer at Merchants Bank

An overflowing crowd enjoyed the RRCC April Mixer held at Merchants Bank on Woodstock Ave. in Rutland.

2011 RRCC Motorcycle Calendar Launched

Looking for motorcycle rides or events, check out RRCC’s Motorcycle Calendar.  The Motorcycle Calendar features events put on by several local motorcycle clubs.  The motorcycle calendar joins the “Regional Calendar of Events” that provides information on virtually everything going on in the Rutland Region and the soon to be released “Summer Concert Calendar” (In process for 2011 Summer Season)  If you have information you would like added to any of our calendars call 802-773-2747 or email Ann Marie.

Workers' Comp Corner

Best Practices For Employers

Prompt Reporting

An employer must report a work injury within 72 hours of notice or knowledge of an injury. The value of prompt reporting cannot be overstated. A large number of disputes arise over late-reported injuries. Sometimes when an employer doubts the validity of a claim they do not report it. However, if an employee reports an injury to an employer, the employer should report it. Statistics show that there is a correlation between the cost of a claim in relation to the timeless of reporting.

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 Merchants Bank for hosting the April mixer.  The attendance, food, presentation, and door prizes were excellent.  

New Perk Card addition:  Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom Theme Park at Lake George, NY: Discount Tickets: Save over $14.00 per ticket from Adult General Admission Gate Price. Purchase at Chamber Office or on-line. Enter Chamber Promo Code RRCC2011 for your Special Member Discount & also $5.00 handling fee waived too for additional on-line savings.

Congratulations to Chaffee Art Center on their 50th anniversary.

Spartan arena will be opening thier new fitness center in May, which offers membership to students and the community alike.  The new arena director is Steve Wolf. Congratulations to former director Scott Dikeman who was made Dean of Administration at Castleton State College.

Once again the Chamber will present the “Fireworks Extravaganza” at the Vermont State Fairgrounds at 9:45pm on July 4th.  If you would like to sponsor this event which is free to the public and attended by thousands, please call me at the chamber office (802-773-2747 ext. 203).

Join a committee, offer Perk Card discounts and get involved to receive the most benefit from your Chamber. I look forward to seeing you all at the next mixer on May 10th at the Cortina Inn.   

Welcome New Members

Antique Mansion B & B
Sallie Gill
85 Field Ave., Rutland, VT 05701
Ph: 802-855-8372
Email: antiquemansion@comcast.net
www.antiquemansionbb.com
Bed & Breakfast accomodations in the
Proctor-Clement House, a Italianate Victorian
from 1867. Spacious suites, breakfast served
in Dining Room. Four picturesque acres, one mile
from downtown, opposite the Rutland Country Club.

Insight Satellite
John MacLean
160 Mill St., Cavendish, VT  05142
Ph: 802-226-7810 Fax: 802-226-7372
Email: jmaclean@insitesatellite.com
The “local guy” providing next day service. 
Represents DirecTV Satellite installation and
maintenance and installation of Wildblue satellite
internet service and maintenance.

Rutland Housing Authority
Kevin Loso
5 Tremont St., Rutland, VT  05701
Ph: 802-775-2626  Fax: 802-747-6180
Email: kloso@rhavt.org ~ www.rhavt.org
Dedicated to creating diverse housing opportunities
by building partnerships that support healthy, vibrant,
sustainable neighborhoods.

News From Our Members

Annie's Book Stop's Reading Group to meet on Tuesday May 3 and Monday May 9 at 7 P.M. to discuss May's book “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett, Annie's Book Stop, 170 South Main St., free, 802-775-6993.

Annie’s Book Stop will host Vermont author Janice Greenwood will be reading from and signing copies of her recently published children's book Lucy Ladybug's Hugs on May 7th, 10 a.m., free, 802-775-6993.

Cairo Shriners present their first annual 5K Walk/Rutland on May 1st at 12 noon.  51 Washington St., Rutland.  For more information call 802-747-3400

Citizens Bank is welcoming people to support our Community Appreciation Day.  Citizens Bank will be supporting the Rutland County Parent Child Center in their efforts around youth development and early education.  Please join them for a barbeque in the parking lot of Price Chopper on May 28th, 11am-2pm. 

Grace Congregational Church will host a Rummage Sale on May 5th & 6th. Used clothing, books, household goods, toy, games, puzzles and jewelry, 6 – 9 p.m., bag sale Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Heritage Family Credit Union held it’s 55th Annual Meeting on April 16th at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland.  Ed Eno was honored as the “Employee of the Year:.  Ed was recognized for his unconditional dedication and commitment to the Credit Union.  Newly elected members of the Board of Directors are:  Richard Addison and Barbara Houle.  Elected Officers for 2011 are: Chairman of the Board, Larry Jensen; 1st Vice Chairman, Tom O’Brien; 2nd Vice Chairman, Kevin Loso; Treasurer, Barbara Houle; Secretary, Rodney Ward; Director Denis Benson.

Rutland City Green Up Day will be held on May 7th  - Green Up bags will be available at the North West School parking lot on Pierpoint Ave and at the St. Peter Church Parking lot on Meadow Street. Residents are urged to help clean up the litter along the roadsides of their street. Bags will be distributed between 8am and 11am. Rutland City DPW will be picking up the Green Up Day bags. All trash must be in bags for pickup, 802-770-5364.

Rutland County Housing Coalition will host their 1st Annual Walk for the Homeless Walk-a-thon – Come on May 21st, walk in the comfort of Pine Hill Park and raise awareness for our homeless neighbors.  Fresh air, fun trails, and great for the whole family.  Four-legged friends on leashes are welcome. Light fare will be provided. Walker Registration is $10 per adult, $5 for children, All proceeds will help fund Rutland County Housing Coalition to provide case management, referrals, outreach, prevention efforts, and more, 11 am – 1 pm, Contact Kelly at 775-9286 x207.

Rutland Farmer's Market features fresh produce, Vermont products, baked goods and more direct from local farmers, Saturdays 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Tuesdays 3 - 6 p.m., Downtown Rutland's Depot Park, for additional information call Judy at 802-773-4813.

Rutland Free Library Presents Dartmouth professor Peter Saccio using clips from the films of Henry V by Laurence Olivier (1944) and Kenneth Branagh (1989), explores the ways this play speaks to our times on May 4th.  Part of the First Wednesdays series. A Vermont Humanities Council event, 7 – 8 p.m., free, 802-773-1860.

Rutland Free Library will host a Garden of Books Sale on May 6th & 7th, thousands of pre-owned books arranged by subject. Special deals, children's section, mystery, women's issues, nature, gardening, cooking, history, puzzles and more. Large selection of audio and video tapes,  9:30 a.m.- 4:30 pm, May 7, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., 10 Court Street, 773-1860.

The American Legion Post 31 is available for meetings, luncheons & banquets.  Reasonable Room Rates.  Call 802-773-9777 for more information.

 The Salvation Army 2011 Annual Community Awards Dinner Honoring Sharon Russell from the Open Door Mission, will be held on May 13th at South Station Restaurant, 6:00 p.m., tickets are $30.00 p.p. or $55.00 for 2, for more info call Capt Rose or Martha at 802-775-5150.

 The Vermont Country Store announces they will be hosting the Chester Farmers Market at their Rockingham property on Route 103 this year.  The farmers market will be held on Sundays, Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend.  It will be located between the covered bridge and the Grist Mill.

 United Way of Rutland County presents the 19th Annual Letter Carrier’s Food Drive - Please leave a bag of food donations at your mailbox, on Saturday May 14th, before your mail carrier arrives. Thank you for your continued support of United Way of Rutland County and your local food shelves. If you have any questions, please call United Way at 773-7477.

VAC will host its 19th Annual VAC Golf Classic in Memory of Pete Kelley on May 6, 2011 at the Green Mountain National Golf Course in Killington. All proceeds raised from the VAC Golf Classic will benefit the Vermont Achievement Center. For more information or to register contact Becky Wisell at 775-2395 x 103 or bwisell@vac-rutland.com

Vermont Small Business Development Center will hold a training “Starting Your Own Small Business on May 12th, 12pm-3pm at REDC, 112 Quality Lane, Rutland.  The three house session will help future business owners determine the next steps toward starting and financing a new venture. The workshop offers an overview of business planning, including where to find market information, how to tackle projections and writing a business plan.  The cost $40 per person.  For more information call VtSBDC at 802-773-9147, the registration form is available at www.vtsbdc.org

VFW presents the Rutland Loyalty Day Parade in Downtown Rutland on May 1st at 2pm. There will also be a Loyalty Day BBQ in the parking lot of the American Legion Post 31 11am-2pm.