An effort to start a new furniture company in Island Pond has received a big boost. Island Pond Woodworkers Incorporated has been awarded a one-million dollar grant from the U.S. Commerce Department. That will enable it to free up an additional half-million dollars in state funds.
A group of about 120 woodworkers are starting the new company. They were laid off last year by Ethan Allen Furniture. Organizers of the new company hope to employ at least 30 people by February.