RUTLAND – The boards of two Rutland County community and economic development organizations have agreed to merge with each other.
The action came by unanimous vote of the two boards Thursday.
If all goes according to plan, staff at the Rutland Economic Development Corporation will move into the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce offices, located in downtown Rutland on the corner of Merchants Row and West Street, in September.
Lyle Jepson, who served as REDC’s executive director from 2016 to 2018 and now serves as director of career and technical teacher education at Vermont Technical College, will return as executive director when the merger is completed in September. A new name for the united organization will be announced at a future date.
REDC president John Casella II said the corporation, whose mission has included recruiting and growing business in Rutland, aligns with the chamber’s mission to promote existing businesses.
“Throughout the years, both organizations have had a common purpose,” he said. “Combining our efforts only strengthens our abilities to deliver our services.”
The organizations began working collaboratively several years ago, according to Jepson.
“Probably five years ago, the organizations combined some of their committees,” he said. “There’s the marketing committee that now has done the regional marketing work through the REDC Real Rutland Campaign. They also combined the policy committees so we could speak as one voice. So that was already happening.”
Businesses that were members of one organization or the other will see their dues remain unchanged for the coming year. Businesses that are members of both organizations will see a decrease in their dues.
Jepson cited efficiency as a main driver of the decision, and mentioned both organizations would be able to cut costs — while keeping all staff members — through consolidating building space, web platforms and communications with the public. The staff of both organizations will have modified new roles.
Additionally, Mary Cohen, executive director of the Chamber, was recently named executive director of the Housing Trust of Rutland County. She will join the board of the new merged organization, and her previous position will be phased out.
“It has been a privilege to serve the people, businesses, and communities of Rutland County,” Cohen said in a statement. “I am thrilled to join the board so I can continue that work in a new capacity.”
The merger announcement comes after four months of intensive conversation, sped up by Covid-19.
“This has been discussed off and on for years, and the pandemic helped highlight the importance of thinking differently, rapid planning and delivery of information, access to financial support, and member and customer care,” Casella and Chamber President Laurie Mecier-Brochu said in a joint statement. “The merged organization will provide the best of both worlds while cutting duplication of services, expenses, and effort.”
Jepson said he is energized to take on the challenges facing Rutland County and Vermont.
“This is personal to these organizations, and to me,” Jepson said at a press conference Thursday. “This merger is about supporting our businesses as efficiently as possible, highlighting our strengths to recruit new people to the region, and protecting and preserving what we love. It’s about our businesses’ and families’ futures.”
