The spirited op-ed by Kevin Chu and Amy Spear, about how the eclipse drew thousands to discover Vermont’s beautiful assets, renewed my hope that every Vermonter can become an advocate and ambassador for our state.
In Rutland alone, the burgeoning array of upcoming activities that contribute to our region’s economic vibrancy, invokes anthropologist Margaret Mead’s eloquent praise for collaboration: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
While there are numerous civic organizations responsible and accountable for driving beneficial economic development here, the reality is that much of the successful economic development in Rutland over the past decade has resulted from collaborations – among private citizens, business executives, and nonprofit leaders in the arts, education, and recreation sectors. A few examples:
- The Paramount Theater, a testament not only to executive director Eric Mallette as one of the hardest-working arts visionaries anywhere but also his success in masterfully engaging a diversified cadre of stakeholders.
- Wonderfeet Kids Museum’s executive director, Danielle Monroe, is nothing short of a powerhouse as the guardian of one of Rutland’s most precious assets. Wonderfeet is breaking attendance records every year, fulfilling the longstanding dream of community benefactor Paul Gallo, who a decade ago commandeered educators, business leaders and philanthropists to create this astonishing educational haven.
- Come Alive Outside is another successful result of a strategic collaboration between private companies and educators. Under the leadership of the indefatigable Arwen Turner, CAO has evolved into a nationally renowned organization promoting the holistic health benefits of being active outdoors.
- From the remains of the historic Opera House, Rutland property executive and philanthropist Mark Foley Jr. envisioned a luminescent and airy community space brimming with modern offices, conference rooms, and event facilities. Before proceeding, Foley sought input from dozens of community stakeholders. Today, the block-long space on Merchants Row known as the Hub CoWorks attracts entrepreneurs and other visionaries, adding new faces and voices that are invigorating our downtown.
- Without the boundless energy of Donald Billings and dedicated visionary partners, Roots the Restaurant likely would not exist as one of downtown’s most preferred destinations for delicious food and camaraderie.
These local leaders are just a few examples of Rutland’s thoughtful committed citizens. Yet, critical time-sensitive economic development challenges linger; among them:
- Contentious debate about the Center Street redesign has persisted for four years, apparently centered among three otherwise talented and conscientious leaders whose very job descriptions indicate responsibility and accountability for accelerating economic development.
- The Downtown Rutland Partnership (DRP) describes its mission, in part, as “…manage, market, and maintain Downtown Rutland…and…help improve the vitality of the business community and enhance the cultural and physical climate of the district.” Yet, the trees are nonexistent on Merchants Row; flowers there are placed and tended by volunteers. On Saturdays, some shops don’t open until 11:30, and close again at 2PM. It’s unacceptably challenging to secure a taxi at the Amtrak station at night, and the area around the station is not welcoming at all. Is the DRP solely responsible for these issues?
- To that point, the DRP’s website indicates nearly 80% of its budget is spent on overhead and labor-intensive events that also entail high out-of-pocket expenses, and only 7% on business development. If “enhance the cultural and physical climate of the district” is a DRP priority, shouldn’t this be the demonstrable function – and outcome – of business development?
There are esteemed corporations in the Rutland region whose leaders have made enormous economic investments here; at the very least the workplans of economic development organizations should include engaging more proactively with such leaders. Rutland Regional Planning Commission’s executive director Devon Neary is doing this in developing RRPC’s strategic plan, and CEDRR’s Lyle Jepson routinely consults and informs community advocates, beyond CEDRR’s board.
Everyone who cares about Vermont should review information about the Vermont Futures Project – which Kevin Chu, VFP’s executive director, and Amy Spear, of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, referenced in their op-ed. As political activist and literary genius George Bernard Shaw declared, “We are made wise not by the recollection of our past but by the responsibility for our future.”
