FY2025-26 at a glance
The past year brought new leadership and new programs to the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR). Sarah Furman, who spent more than 11 years in banking and commercial lending, became Executive Director, and Russ Marsan completed his final year as Board Chair after a decade of service.
Highlights from the report
- Whoopie Pie Festival: the fifth annual festival, on September 12, 2026, drew more than 8,000 attendees and 13 whoopie pie vendors to downtown Rutland.
- Workforce in Motion Summit: the inaugural summit and Equipment Rodeo, on May 21, 2026 at Vermont State University Castleton, brought together more than 1,000 students, employers, educators and industry partners.
- Monthly mixers: a different host business or nonprofit each month, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- StartUp Rutland: now built on three pillars: Actuator entrepreneurship cohorts with Black River Innovation Campus, pathways to business ownership, and education and events. Its first Small Business Resource Mixer drew about 100 attendees and more than 35 resource providers.
- Real Rutland: since January 2026, 17 families (31 new residents) have moved to the region through the concierge program.
- Revolving Loan Fund: fixed-rate loans up to $50,000 funded by CEDRR, with larger loans made in partnership with USDA.
- Regional Priority Projects: seven of the 13 projects on the 2026 lists were awarded funding during the year.
Read the full report below, or download the PDF.
