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If I asked you to name our community's top economic powerhouses for the future, you might think of any number of businesses. It's unlikely that arts and culture would make your list - probably not even the top 10.

That might change, thanks to efforts under way by the Memphremagog Arts Collaborative. The opening of the MAC Center for the Arts on Nov. 17th aims to strengthen individual artists and cultural groups while at the same time bolstering the local economy. This was evidenced by the increased business generated at the businesses on Main street during our Art On Main day in September.

Governor Jim Douglas will join us at 11 am for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and a day of special happenings at the Center. We're sure that you will be impressed by the work we have done to get the Center up and running.

MAC, which is leading the project, is hoping to assemble a large group of supporters in Newport and Orleans County who have embarked on a carefully plotted path... bringing and keeping the arts alive and well in our area.

Certainly, the effort is driven in part by unstable funding for arts groups. It's no secret that current economic conditions have pummeled sales for individual artists and performing arts, as well as donations to nonprofits and state funding in the form of grants. But this kind of strategic planning should take place regardless of the economy.

The Vermont Community Fund has great faith in our mission by giving us a generous grant, as has funding from Jay Peak Resort, Jay Peak Area Chamber of Commerce and the North Country Chamber of Commerce, and donations from area businesses to get us to the point we are today. But it doesn't stop there. We need other organizations, businesses and the local community to help us keep the momentum going.

To help envision the potential of bringing together the arts and cultural community in a coordinated way, we ask you to stop by the Center, see what it has to offer and how you, the local government, business owners and community-at-large can help us reach this goal.

It's easy to see the potential in Newport and the surrounding area.. It's making it happen that matters. The area is already blessed with a strong group of artists. Imagine marketing a "creative weekend'' package, where visitors would stay at locally owned bed-and-breakfasts, spend an afternoon or two working with artists at the Center, dine at local restaurants and catch a performance at the Center - events that could touch all communities in this area.

Imagine the hundreds of visitors who come here for ski season (especially families who are constantly seeking somewhere to go ‘after' skiing) and fall foliage and giving them a reason to stay longer or return to explore other parts of the area. Imagine marketing the Center to individual artists and to people who live in our own town and community, but who have never before explored the opportunities available.

Our time has come! We are embarking on a journey and want as many people as possible to get on board. We don't yet know the final destination, but it sounds like a very promising ride.