Rutland County young professionals represent 24 percent of Rising Stars selected statewide

RUTLAND COUNTY— Nine Rutland County young professionals were selection by Vermont Business Magazine as Vermont’s Rising Stars Class of 2016.  The nine local winners represent 24 percent of the 40 Rising Stars. This marks the second straight year that Rutland County has produced 9 of the 40 winners.
Most of the Rutland County winners were nominated by members of the Rutland Regional Marketing Committee, representing a host of local business groups working together to rebrand and promote Rutland County, who pulled a host of worthy names together this summer and nominated them individually.
“The fact that so many Rutland Young Professionals are being honored is an indication of the great work being done in our communities by members of RYP in the greater Rutland region,” committee chairman Steve Costello said. “There are some exciting things happening in Rutland County, and these young professionals are a big part of the excitement that’s building over the area revitalization and the progress of so many individual initiatives.”
Committee members said the contest is a great way to recognize both individual and collective accomplishments of young professionals, who have integrated themselves into dozens of nonprofit boards and committees, economic development activities, and community service projects.
“We are thrilled that so many local young professionals are being honored, but even more excited about the contributions they are making to our communities,” said Mary Cohen, executive director of the Rutland Regional Chamber of Commerce and a member of the committee.
The committee, which is working on a detailed marketing plan for the entire region, includes representatives from the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce, Rutland Economic Development Corporation, Downtown Rutland Partnership, Rutland Redevelopment Authority, the City of Rutland, and Green Mountain Power.
The local winners include:
Kaitlyn Armstrong, Vermont State Police, from Rutland
Karen Bartlett, O’Brien Shortle Reynolds & Sabotka, PC, from Rutland
Collin Fingon, Cetera Advisors, from Rutland
Sarah Fortier, Mount St. Joseph High School, from Rutland
Betsy Ide Bloomer, Green Mountain Power, from Rutland
James Lambert, College of St. Joseph, from Rutland
Shana Louiselle, VELCO, from Pittsford
Charles Romeo, City of Rutland, from Rutland
Reed Wilcox, Edward Jones, from Pittsfield