NEK Tasting Center one step closer to locating in downtown Newport

The Northeast Kingdom Tasting Center, LLC is pleased to announce it has entered into a definitive Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with Yves Cotnoir of Newport, Vermont. If completed, this means a number of local food-related entities will be located on Main Street Newport in the old â Downtown Discount’building.
Bringing the Tasting Center project to this significant step of a Purchase and Sale Agreement is a team that includes Eden Ice Cider, Newport City Renaissance Corporation (NCRC), Northeast Kingdom Travel & Tourism Association (NEKTTA) Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA), Northern Community Investment Corporation (NCIC), Community National Bank, as well as partnerships with private investors.
â Eden Ice Cider is thrilled at the prospect of locating in downtown Newport,’said Eleanor Leger, co-owner of the award-winning Eden Ice Cider, currently located West Charleston, VT. â We are looking forward to the Tasting Center being another destination for experiencing local food talent as part of the Northeast Kingdomâ s (NEK) cultural heritage.â
The Tasting Center will house several area commercial producers including Eden Ice Cider; a bistro/restaurant, and potentially part of the storage and distribution operation of Green Mountain Farm to School ‘further contributing to making Newport a food hub. Visitors will taste and buy products, learn something about production, and enjoy a meal. The producers will create, market and distribute their wares from the center. The NEK Tasting Center will serve the Newport community by recognizing the hard work, innovation and creativity of local farmers, community gardens, and entrepreneurs who develop and expand businesses that will benefit from the Tasting Center.
The Tasting Center will provide information about all Northeast Kingdom producers, not just those with operations in the Tasting Center, with opportunity for events and displays showcasing regional products.
â The Northeast Kingdom Tasting Center is a vital link that will help connect residents and visitors alike with the locally sourced and produced foods and beverages of the region,’stated Gloria Bruce the Executive Director of the Northeast Kingdom Travel & Tourism Association (NEKTTA).â We have been supportive and engaged with this effort from the beginning; as such we are delighted to see the project move forward.â
Downtown Newport is the most attractive location for the Tasting Center based on an analysis of traffic patterns, area demographics and visitor trade market values throughout the Northeast Kingdom. In addition, Newport has invested in a major redevelopment effort that has advantages for projects including reduced permitting time and cost, property tax stabilization programs and destination marketing programs. There are several other projects contemplated that all together will increase economic activity in the city in ways that would benefit the Tasting Center project.
Two recent events highlight the continued momentum in Newport
·The Newport City Renaissance Corporation received a USDA RBEG grant in the amount of $171,000 in July 2011 to support marketing Newport as a food destination. These marketing activities directly benefit the Tasting Center. A portion of these funds supports the planning for the commercial/demonstration kitchen and local food distribution center through Green Mountain Farm to School.
·In August 2011, it was announced that a Bio-tech firm has committed to building a plant in Newport that will bring at least 200 jobs to the area.
One other project that is still in early planning phase is the renovation of the Waterfront Plaza area to construct a resort hotel and conference center that would take advantage of the beautiful Lake Memphremagog waterfront.
â Newport City Renaissance Corporation acts as a catalyst for community and economic development in downtown Newport,’said Patricia Sears, NCRCâ s Executive Director. â We are proud to be a partner in marketing the Northeast Kingdom Tasting Center.â
â TheNewport. Fresh by Nature. program connects local farms and producers with downtown Newportâ s restaurants, celebrates its community gardens, promotes the Newport Farmers’Market and markets downtown Newport as a culinary destination for a true farm to table experience,’Sears said. â Bringing the Northeast Kingdom Tasting Center and its beautiful presentation to fruition supports the enhancement and expansion of businesses in downtown Newport and neighboring communities, resulting in protecting and creating jobs.â
Planning for the Northeast Kingdom Tasting Center project is supported in part by local, state and federal funds.
Newport City Renaissance Corporation 6.7.2012