Richmond Area Business Association

Local Food Production & Wedding Destination Initiatives On the Move

On March 8^th, REDC hosted the first in a series of initiative specific summits at On the Rise Bakery.  The “Farm and Garden Happy Hour / Agricultural Summit” enjoyed a turnout of close to 30 people who participated in a lively discussion that explored ways our local food producers can collaborate to build sustainable business, job and community growth. 

Conversation about the development of a shared use commercial kitchen / production space in Richmond sparked great debate about how it could be used, where it could be located, if this is a viable model and if this concept could stimulate further opportunities for existing and / or new food entrepreneurs.  It seems that if we can build it, they will come.  They meaning consumers, visitors, food producers and business who, in addition to providing awesome locally produced food, are also helping develop a vibrant local economy. 

To further stimulate conversation about the Ag Center initiative, REDC will be focused on four specific tasks in the coming months.

1.  We have opened on online community forum with the hope interested parties will continue to share ideas that will help to turn the shared use kitchen into reality.  We encourage all with ideas to participate.  Please contact Chris Brown at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for information about how to join.

2.  We’ve proposed a monthly “Farm and Garden Happy Hour” to be held the second Monday of every month at On the Rise Bakery at 7pm.  We are thinking locally grown food potlucks, a few local refreshments and continued in person conversation.  Join us if you can on Monday April 12^th.

3.  We are developing a “Food Shed Map.”  The goal of this map is to provide information about local food entrepreneurs to potential consumers, visitors and business partners via a central location, most likely a website.  Details still be finalized but if you are a food entrepreneur and would like to be a part of this project please contact Chris Brown at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

4.  We are planning a book reading / signing / discussion with Ben Hewitt, author of the recently released book titled “The Town That Food Saved.”  This book investigates the town of Hardwick, Vermont and Hardwick’s recent success developing a sustainable local food system that has created jobs, revitalized the downtown and stimulated new entrepreneurial ventures.  Final date to be determined.  Please keep your eyes out for announcements on Front Porch Forum, RABA email blasts, Facebook pages etc. 

REDC will be having a monthly meeting, open to the public, on Monday April 5^th, 7 pm at On the Rise Bakery.  The meeting will focus on the four items discussed above.  We will also be working out the details for the second in our series of initiative specific summits, the Richmond area as a Wedding Destination.  We would like to gather community members who participate in weddings (think: caterers, flowers, venues, photographers, gifts, lodging etc.) to identify ways the Richmond area can brand itself as a wedding destination which could be a great economic driver for our community.  The summit will be held on Monday April 26^th from 6:30 – 8 at On the Rise Bakery.

Until next time,

Chris Brown

Committee Chair