Real Rutland Awarded $150,000 Through GROW Program
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region‘s (CEDRR) regional marketing initiative, Real Rutland, has been awarded $150,000 through the Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) program. The two-year grant, administered by the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, will support relocation and retention efforts through 2027.
CEDRR’s commitment to increasing the population of Rutland County helps ignite economic growth and strengthen the region for everyone. Since the launch of Real Rutland in 2016, more than 250 individuals have relocated to Rutland County, filling available job positions, opening businesses, starting families, and encouraging friends and relatives to make the move as well.
Real Rutland is a leading connector for individuals and families interested in relocating to Rutland County. Through its Concierge Program, the initiative offers personalized support by connecting prospective residents with realtors, employers, community volunteers, and local resources. During the first GROW grant cycle, more than one-third of all families who relocated to Vermont through the program, 34 of 95 families, chose Rutland County, highlighting Real Rutland’s significant role in statewide relocation success. In 2025, Real Rutland helped 14 families relocate from 11 different states and is currently assisting 129 additional families exploring a move to the region.
“We are excited to continue promoting Rutland County as a great place to live, work, and play,” said Olivia Bucksbaum, CEDRR’s communications and marketing manager. “We were fortunate to receive funding during the first GROW grant cycle, and this continued investment allows us to expand our outreach, host more community events, and connect with even more future Vermonters over the next two years.”
In addition to recruitment, Real Rutland focuses on retention by hosting events that help new residents build connections within the community. The next event, the Real Rutland Community Roundup, will take place on March 5 from 5-7 p.m. at The Hub CoWorks in Downtown Rutland. The event brings together local clubs and organizations such as the NAACP, Pine Hill Partnership, Mount Tabor-Danby Historical Society, and Cast Off 8’s Square Dance Club to help residents connect with others who share similar interests. The event is free and open to the public.
