RUTLAND—Continuing the reorganization and refocusing of the Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC), the REDC Board of Directors has elected new members from three of the region’s leading companies.
John Casella II, 31, of Casella Construction; Shana Louiselle, 30, of Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO); and Mark Werle, 52, of Ryan, Smith & Carbine, Ltd., will join the board immediately.
“All three are accomplished professionals who bring expertise in their fields as well as fresh perspectives to economic development in the region,” Executive Director Lyle Jepson said. “They also bring new vitality and a demonstrated commitment to the region, which will be invaluable as we expand REDC’s focus on business and professional recruitment.”
Casella, who lives in Castleton, is operations group manager for Casella Construction and serves on an industry-related committee advising the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources on matters pertaining to construction and demolition.
Louiselle of Pittsford manages corporate communications and governmental affairs at VELCO, where she has assisted the facilitation of the Vermont System Planning Committee, a statewide collaborative stakeholder process for addressing electric grid reliability planning in Vermont.
Werle, a Killington resident, practices insurance law in Vermont and New York and leads Ryan, Smith & Carbine’s New York practice group. He is also active in environmental, commercial and real estate litigation. Werleis a past member of the Town of Killington Planning Commission.
Board Chairman Mark Foley, Jr. said the election of the new board members followed several months of discussion by members of REDC’s Executive Committee and would provide invaluable insights. “Their background is varied, but the common denominator is a love for Rutland and Rutland County, and a commitment to helping make this an even better place in the years ahead,” Foley said.
The REDC Board recently approved a new mission statement, “to use collaboration, creativity and ingenuity to recruit talent and businesses of all kinds, grow and retain employers, and promote a healthy and vibrant commercial and residential real estate market. We believe economic development is a team sport, capitalizing on fun, fresh ideas, passionate people, and open, inventive partnerships.”
REDC’s new offices are co-located with Castleton University at Castleton Downtown, 67 Merchants Row, Rutland, Vt.
