Companies to create 50 new jobs
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Rutland Economic Development Corp. President Scott Dikeman cracks a joke during the annual meeting held Thursday at South Station in Rutland. Albert J. Marro / Rutland Herald |
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By Bruce Edwards STAFF WRITER - Published: November 13, 2009
A Canadian company is teaming up with a Vermont company at the Airport Business Park in a move that will create a minimum of 50 jobs.
Rutland Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Jamie Stewart made the announcement Thursday afternoon toward the end of his report at the organization's 72nd annual meeting held at South Station restaurant.
Stewart told the large gathering that he wasn't at liberty to disclose further details. However, during an interview following the meeting he said the Canadian manufacturing company and the service company from northern Vermont complement each other. He declined to identify the type of industry.
Stewart said both would occupy a 30,000-to-40,000-square-foot building in Phase II of the Airport Business Park in North Clarendon.
He said the Canadian company was looking to expand here to get a foothold in the United States. Asked about pay, he said the two companies will create a minimum of 50 high-paying jobs within two years.
"That's the base line for us," Stewart said, adding that the Vermont company pays an average of $15 an hour, plus benefits.
He said within the next two weeks the Vermont company is expected to sign a final purchase and sale agreement for a lot in the Airport Business Park on Route 7B. Some minor changes also need to be made to the park's Act 250 permit, he said.
There is currently one tenant in Phase II of the Airport Business Park — Vermont Wood Pellet, which recently began manufacturing fuel for pellet stoves.
Owner Katie Adams and partner Chris Brooks were honored at the annual meeting with one of two Business Excellence Awards.
"They are the first enterprise in the state to establish a commercial wood pellet manufacturing facility," Stewart said. "They source feed stock through area loggers, utilize a regional distribution company, as well as operate three shifts at their plant."
Overall, Stewart estimated that the pellet mill will create 31 direct, indirect and induced jobs. In addition, he said the plant will generate $123,284 in new revenue for the state and create $1.8 million in new economic activity.
The other Business Excellence Award was presented to Central Vermont Eye Care and Dr. Praveen Keshava. The new facility at 69 Allen St. was recognized for having the latest medical procedures, including Lasik surgery. The building is awaiting its LEED certification for energy efficiency and sustainability. Dr. Christina Huth of Rutland Optical shares the same facility.
REDC's first Member of the Year Award was presented to longtime board member Peter Giancola.
Stewart praised Giancola for his 10 years of dedicated service to the organization, including two years as president. "He's somebody who gets stuff done," he said.
In accepting the award, Giancola said REDC is a key driver in the region's economic development efforts. "When I joined the board, I really didn't get what REDC was, what our purpose was, what we do," he said. "It turns out REDC is the piece of the puzzle that completes the deal to get it done."
bruce.edwards@rutlandherald.com
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