Cedar representatives ask Rutland Town to keep regional marketing vote on ballot after citing 218 relocations
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Summary
Representatives of Cedar’s 'Real Rutland' program presented to the Rutland Town Select Board Nov. 19, reporting 218 relocations to Rutland County through the concierge program and asking the board to place a level-funded ballot item (historically about $4,094) asking voters to continue supporting the initiative.
Representatives of Cedar, the regional marketing and concierge program, told the Rutland Town Select Board on Nov. 19 that the initiative has helped 218 people relocate to Rutland County as of Oct. 18 and asked the board to place a level-funded ballot item so voters can decide whether to continue town support.
A Cedar representative said the program uses weekend-getaway visits, a volunteer concierge network and targeted online advertising to connect prospective residents with local employers and housing options. "Our goal…is to try and bring more people to the county," the presenter said. The group described spending between about $120,000 and $140,000 annually on the campaign and said about 30% of that funding comes from participating towns.
The presentation named Olivia Buck as the program’s communications and marketing manager and described a volunteer pool of more than 30 local concierge volunteers who match prospective relocators with residents who share occupations, family status and interests. The presenters showed campaign metrics and said targeted advertising in July produced a 412% increase in page views during an advertised weekend-getaway campaign.
Cedar asked that the board put the program on the town ballot at a level-funded figure similar to prior years (the presenters said the historical Rutland Town amount has been roughly $4,094). The group emphasized the multi-town sponsorship model (towns plus local businesses) and said their work complements separate housing/placement committees who are addressing where new residents might live.
Select board members asked about retention work and whether the program tracks residents who leave; Cedar said retention programming (meet-and-greets and community connections) is part of its work and that published relocation totals reflect only people the program assisted directly. Board members also pressed for local marketing to raise awareness of hidden, high-paying manufacturing employers.
Next steps: Cedar’s request will be considered for placement on the town ballot and for inclusion in municipal budget materials and the town report as appropriate.
