AnC Bio, the Korean company planning to build a bio-tech facility in Newport, is now likely to create 450 permanent and 50 seasonal jobs. That’s double the number proposed in September.
The company will need more clean rooms for research and development than originally thought. Developer Bill Stenger announced the increase at a recent meeting of state and local officials that known informally as "the impact committee." That panel involves agencies that are working together on workforce development and related needs for transportation, housing, and services.
The meeting was led by Vermont Deputy Commerce Secretary Pat Moulton Powden. Moulton Powden appointed Cindy Robillard, a regional supervisor for the Labor Department, as chairman of a construction committee charged with locating or creating workforce training programs.
Vermont State Colleges Chancellor Tim Donovan is expected to hire a project manager to link resources from the state college system to the new construction, companies, and surrounding communities.
Stenger says he has also been working with other educational insititutions on ramping up curricula to meet the needs of the new employers.
In addition to AnC Bio, the Northeast Kingdom project list includes a German window manufacturer. A marina and convention center will be linked to new retail and residential space in a redeveloped city block in Newport. And the state airport at Coventry will be expanded.
At Jay Peak, construction has already begun on a new parking garage, among other amenities. At Burke Mountain, Stenger has recently proposed more amenities than first announced. In addition to four new lodges with restaurants, Stenger has raised the possibility of an indoor bicycle park and tennis facility.
"It all fits with his concept of a four-season destination resort," said Tim McGuire, general manager at Burke. "But our immediate focus is on the new lodges. And those plans will soon be submitted to Burke’s Development Review Board. The talk about indoor bike and tennis is only in very preliminary stages," he added.
Stenger’s impact committee will meet again next month.