In this episode of Business Matters, presented by Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, host Rob Cupello sits down with Jamie Needham, president of Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA) to chat about how the Rutland community is growing and thriving despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

URBA’s mission is to grow and strengthen Rutland's hard-working business community through authentic connections and strategic opportunities. Jamie and the rest of the URBA board of directors are always working with their 220 member businesses to help them thrive and overcome hurdles—be it navigating funding opportunities or pushing through a global pandemic.

When COVID-19 hit, URBA, like many organizations and businesses, had to rethink their work, which was previously centered around hosting community events.

“COVID turned into an opportunity,” says Jamie. After shifting away from events, URBA was able to reposition their priorities to be, according to Jamie, more beneficial to the Rutland business community.

“Our focus can now be with city council, it can be with developers wanting to build in the Rutland area, [and] attracting new businesses,” he says.

Watch the full episode to learn more about Jamie, URBA, and what they’re doing to support and grow the vibrant, down-to-earth Rutland community.