On May 14, 2025
Local News

Vermont Secretary of State visits Rutland businesses as part of statewide listening tour

Submitted Brothers Carpentry –Left to right: Steven (Apprentice), James (Owner), Homeowners Bart and Barbara Kirk, Sarah Copeland Hanzas, and Jacob (Owner).

Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas visited four local businesses in Rutland on May 9 as part of an ongoing statewide listening tour to gather feedback from small business owners following recent upgrades to the Secretary of State’s online business filing system. The tour reflects her office’s effort to streamline processes and strengthen support for Vermont’s business community.

The Rutland visits included Brothers Carpentry and Renovations, Village Snack Bar, Kaleidoscope Art Supply, and Miss Jackie’s Studio of Dance. Two businesses were newly established within the past year, while the other two were longtime operations that had recently registered new LLCs.  Copeland Hanzas met with owners and staff to hear about their experiences registering with the state, challenges they’ve faced, and ideas for improving access to state services.

“Each of these businesses emphasized their commitment to Rutland and the support they’ve experienced in the community here,” said Copeland Hanzas. “We were able to discuss not only my office’s business services division, but also some of our other points of contact, such as the Office of Professional Regulation. Small businesses like those we visited today bring immense value to our state, and when it comes to my office and our state government, we’re working to make sure they find support, and not barriers.”

The listening tour will continue across the state.

For more information, visit: sos.vermont.gov.

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