Ariel Zevon
LACE: Local Agricultural Community Exchange
Barre, VT
Robin Chase, Community Capital Board Member, poses with Ariel Zevon at the LACE opening. Below is his report on the event.

On Sunday, June 10, 2007, LACE (Local Agricultural Community Exchange) had its Grand Opening in the old Homer Fitts building on Main St. in Barre, VT. Huge crowds from throughout the Central Vermont community walked through their doors to the sound of live music and a wide array of agricultural products, fresh baked breads, soups, sandwiches, and a variety of café drink offerings.

Conceived and implemented by Ariel Zevon and supported by several financial institutions including Community Capital of Vermont, LACE is promoting and supporting local agricultural businesses through product placement, a local farmer's market, and educational outreach programs.

Given the initial response and interest from the community, LACE hopes to fulfill a need for a local Barre downtown grocery store and café while providing high quality food products from local farmers and educating the community on the value of consuming locally produced food and supporting the regional economy.