News, Events, Announcements
Did You Know?
Since the recession “officially” ended in June 2009, Vermont ranks 44th out of 51 (District of Columbia included) for personal income. Prior to the recession ending in June 2009, Vermont ranked 25th.. More...
The Facts Speak for Themselves!
We all know the enormous challenges facing business owners in Vermont. Whether you are trying to open a new business or grow and maintain an existing business the current tax and spend policy, as well as permitting uncertainty, are hurdles that are becoming more and more difficult to clear.Take a look at the FACTS here! They affect you...
Vermont Government Transparency Site Goes Live!
The new website, a joint venture of Ethan Allen Institute and Public Assets Institute, has a wealth of information about state revenues and spending, both current and historical. Please go here and take a look: http://www.vttransparency.org
State House Bills
Stay informed, track all the bills being put before the Vermont State Legislature. See how your elected official is voting. Find out how to reach your elected official. http://www.leg.state.vt.us/
Pole Results
See the results of the wethepeoplevt.com pole here.
2010 Legislative Wrap-Up
The results of the 2010 legislative session as published by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce will be posted soon.
Act 250 Site
Go directly to the Act 250 site. more...
City of Rutland
View the City of Rutland web site. more...
Experience the ingenuity and creativity of artisans from Vermont and other parts of the U.S.A. Featuring VT pottery, VT slate, VT hand-blown glass, cards, wooden cutting boards and bowls, VT Danforth Pewter, VT gourmet foods, bird houses, t-shirts, VT photography, windchimes and much more! Truly Unique Gift Shop, 1114 US Rt. 4 East, Rutland, Vermont. (802) 773-7742.
Enman Engineering, P.C., Rutland, Vermont, established in 1982, is Rutland City's longest practicing, locally owned, civil engineering, sanitary engineering and environmental permitting, consulting engineering firm.
Bonnie Quinn is one savvy businessperson who really knows how to diversify. Not only is she one of our area's best real estate professionals, she's also launched one smart idea. bestofvermont.com
Pro Business, Pro Jobs...
Pro Vermont
The Rutland County Pro-Business Coalition is dedicated to promoting and protecting a competitive business climate in Rutland County. RCPBC is a non-partisan organization made up of Democratic, Republican and independent members. Our goal will be met through active participation by our membership. Our members include business owners and like minded individuals that are invested in Rutland County and need to protect their investment through education and political activism.
As we all know, small business is the backbone of Vermont’s economy.
Our Goals:
- Actively promote issues important to business and job growth
- Follow and inform our membership of State and Rutland County issues that involve current or future business growth initiatives
- Hold local officials accountable for their voting record
- Interview, select and support local pro-business candidates
RCPBC Questionnaire
On August 31, 2010 the Rutland County Pro Business Coalition sent a questionnaire to all Rutland County candidates running for office in the upcoming elections. The purpose of this questionnaire is to find out directly from the candidate how they stand on issues important to our membership.
The questions posed to our local candidates ask for simple yes or no answers relating to important issues which affect our local small business climate. You can download a copy of the questionaire below.
Questions for Rutland County Candidates
Responses are in...
The responses are all in and we are preparing a report to post on the website. Unfortunately, we are very disappointed in the decision by all the Democratic candidates not to respond individually, but to collectively stand behind a response sent from the Rutland County Democratic Committee.
The Rutland County Democratic Committee also sent a copy of their response to the Rutland Herald, so we feel justified in making it available to the public. You may download and review it below.
RCDC Response to Questionnaire
Our Response to the RCDC...
We feel the questions posed to the candidates were fair regardless of your party affiliation. Again, our intention was to find out directly from the candidate how they stand on issues important to our membership.
Candidate Pro-Business Voting Ratings
On October 1, the Rutland Herald ran an editorial titled, “If you’re scoring at home”. The editorial attempts to dismiss the results of voting records of politicians. While there is some truth in the statement that scorecards over simplify the results, the fact remains that actions speak louder than words.
Please take the time to read the scorecards, understand the issues and then support the candidates who are working to promote the business community and job creation. And please share your information with others.
Click here for 2010 Voting Records
Video - "Vermont's Fiscal Realities"
On Feb. 8th, the Rutland County Pro-Business Coalition (RCPBC), in conjunction with the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and Associated Industries of Vermont (AIV), presented a panel of three speakers discussing, VERMONT’S FISCAL REALITIES.
If you missed it live it is now available to view below:
Featured Speakers:
Mr. Jeb Spaulding, Vermont State Treasurer
Retirement Fund Liabilities
Mr. Richard Westman, Vermont Commissioner of Taxes
Property Tax Issues
Mrs. Patricia Moulton Powden, Ex - Vermont Commissioner of Labor
Unemployment and Worker’s Comp. Fund
This is an opportunity for you to learn the facts and the fiscal liabilities from the people that administer the laws passed by our elected Representatives.
For more information contact Jim@censorsecurity.net or 773-4441.
How Financially Healthy is Vermont?
Take a look at this recent news video as FBN's Brian Sullivan breaks down state budget gaps.
So, What Else is On This Site?
This web site, along with the organization itself, is here for your and your business' benefit. We believe in transparency and information that you can use. When you get a chance, take a look at some of these pages:
- Rutland County Legislatures - Just who are our elected officials? How do you contact them? Get the scoop here.
- Voting Records - They can vote, but they can't hide. Just how active are your senators and representatives?
- Archives - Information and other items of interest. Check this page regularly, since it will update frequently.
These pages and more can be found in the menu along the top of any page. Feel free to look around.
Vermont Employee Income Ratios
Government salaries vary from state to state, as you might imagine. But, how does Vermont compare to its surrounding neighbors? Take a look at this downloadable PDF copy of the Vermont Employee Income Ratio. It's based on April 2007 US Census data. You might be surprised at some of the figures.
Some Items of Interest on the Internet
- Vermontprosperity.org and see how your Senators and Congressmen are really voting.
- Act 250, presented on the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources web site.
- City or Rutland web site
Join Us
The Rutland County Pro-Business Coalition is here for you. If you would like to become a member, it's as simple as clicking here. Otherwise, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us.
We look forward to having you on board!