WESTFIELD - The Grape Discovery Center vision is becoming a reality in Westfield thanks to a major investment in economic growth announced Wednesday morning by Senator Cathy Young.
"Westfield is very pleased to be selected to host the Grape Discovery Center," said Westfield Town Supervisor Martha Bills. "A great deal of time and energy has gone into efforts to adjust to changing times and find ways to boost the local agricultural economy."
The grant will provide $1.05 million through the Upstate Revitalization Capital Investment Fund.
"We've seen the loss of some jobs in Westfield over the past few years, and local restaurants and other small businesses have seen a drop in their revenues as well. This new attraction should pump new life into our small businesses and boost the local economy," Young said.
The Grape Discovery Center is the brainchild of the Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association, a group founded in 2002 to encourage and support the dynamic economic development of the grape and wine industries.
This new venture with be a partnership between the state and growers, processors, wineries, universities, tourism and industrial development agencies, and local governments.
"I am very excited because this project weaves together several of our area's economic engines: tourism and agriculture," Young said.
"Agriculture-related projects are the future for economic growth in our state, and as Senate Agriculture Committee Chairperson, I couldn't be more thrilled."
It will be modeled after the successful Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center that draws tens of thousands every year.
The center will feature educational and interactive exhibits that showcase Chautauqua County's grape and wine industry, celebrate the region's grape heritage, and promote grape products. "It will feature a gift shop and snack bar, and future plans include a Wine Tasting Center and offering vineyard tours.
"This is a true testimony to regionalism because the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association is made up of grape growers and wineries stretching from Erie, Pa. to Silver Creek here in our county," said Greg Edwards, Chautauqua County Executive. "Senator Young has once again stepped forward to promote Agri-Business and Agri-Tourism in her district."
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