Community National Bank to be lead sponsor for Newport City Downtown Development

NEWPORT — Newport City Downtown Development (NCDD), founded in 2007 as Newport City Renaissance Corporation, recently announced that Community National Bank has donated $10,000 to support NCDD’s general budget.

NCDD’s mission is to develop a sustainable, four-season, outdoor recreation economy that makes Newport a great place to live, work and play. The organization is critically important to Newport’s downtown redevelopment efforts because there must be a non-profit partner to the city in order for the city to maintain the downtown designation to be prioritized for State grants and business tax credits.

“NCDD is coming back to life after a time of low-energy during the pandemic,” said Rick Ufford-Chase, who has been the Director of the organization for more than a year.

“We have an active crew of volunteers who are creating events like the Winter Saturdays Dances at the Gateway Center, making plans for public art, downtown walking tours, sculptures, and creating partnerships to rehab houses and create new businesses on Main Street.”

NCDD Board President Sarah Chadburn who is Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at Community National Bank and has led the Board into this time of renewed energy and enthusiasm, said that the organization is hoping to raise $60,000 in such sponsorships this year to increase the capacity and scope of NCDD’s work.

“We’re almost halfway to our goal,” said Chadburn. “Community National Bank’s commitment to offer $10,000 provided credibility and made it easy to ask for sponsorships from others. Built by Newport, Pick and Shovel, and The Work Commons have all followed with commitments of $5,000, and several other businesses are considering what they will be able to offer to support the exciting vision for downtown Newport that is emerging. 

“I’m very glad to hear our sponsorship has helped encourage others to come on board,” said Tracy Roberts,  Vice President and Marketing Director at CNB. “We are very happy to support Newport City Downtown Development and all of the initiatives planned for the year and beyond.”

Ufford-Chase reflected that something significant is happening in Newport right now.

“The city of Newport has steadily demonstrated its support of this important organization by giving $30,000 out of its operating budget each year. Almost every week, someone new sends an email to ask how they can get involved. There are no overnight miracles, but the revitalization of our Main Street and Waterfront Plaza is clearly on the move.”

For more information about the activities promoted by Newport City Downtown Development, go to www.discovernewportvt.com, or e-mail [email protected] to get involved.