(This story was written by Robin Smith of The Caledonian Record, where it was first published July 8, 2013.)
Two big economic development announcements are happening this week in Orleans County, both big enough to draw the governor here.
Louis Garneau USA is expected to announce the expansion of its Newport City manufacturing and retail plant in Newport City at its new location in Derby.
And the developer of the Newport State Airport, Bill Stenger’s partner Ariel Quiros, is expected to unveil the airplane manufacturer that is expected to open a plant at the Coventry airport.
On Monday, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin, in his weekly schedule, announced that he will attend the groundbreaking for a new manufacturing site for Louis Garneau USA on U.S. 5. The groundbreaking is 11:45 a.m.
Louis Garneau, president of Louis Garneau Sports, and Josee Ferland, vice president and general manager, have invited members of the local press and officials to a press conference at 11 a.m. at the company’s existing plant on East Main Street in Newport City.
The international company based in Canada, which produces cycling triathlon apparel, helmets, shoes, bags and accessories, has long had a plant in Newport City. It has outgrown the current leased plant. The company has all the permits needed to expand in the new site east of Interstate 91 in Derby.
The groundbreaking is expected to follow the press conference.
On Thursday, Shumlin plans to return to Orleans County, this time at the Coventry airport, where Quiros owns and operates the facilities.
Quiros announced earlier this year that he would be bringing a light plane manufacturing company to the airport as part of the $20 million expansion of the facilities.
The state is seeking federal approval for a 5,000-foot runway capable of handling private jets. The airport expansion, including new terminal facilities, aprons, hangars and other facilities, is the subject of a federal environmental impact study about the expansion.
The contractor doing the study said that the state has asked that a longer runway be included, a major step toward approval.
The Thursday announcement is expected to be at 11 a.m. at the airport on Airport Road.