BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

WINTHROP – High Peaks Winery was approved for a $15,000 loan through the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency's Micro Enterprise Revolving Loan Fund to support continued product development and expansion.

The loan was approved unanimously during a recent IDA meeting.

According to IDA Director Patrick Kelly, High Peaks Winery planned to use the funding for equipment and working capital.

He said the IDA has worked with High Peaks Winery previously, including providing a pilot program and sales tax exemption when the business was getting started.

"They are looking at doing some continuing product development and expansion and have asked for a $15,000 microloan for equipment and working capital," Kelly said. "We recommend approval."

IDA board member Jim Reagen said the loan also demonstrated that the agency's economic development efforts extend beyond larger businesses and industrial projects.

"I think it's good for the public to realize that in addition to all the things the IDA does with big businesses, we also work closely with small businesses like High Peaks," he said.

Reagen said High Peaks has become an important part of the economy in an area of the county with relatively few employment opportunities.

While the winery provides economic activity locally, Reagen said it also contributes to tourism by bringing visitors into the region and participating in the area's wine trail.

The wine trail encourages visitors to travel among local wineries and breweries, creating additional tourism activity throughout the county.

"They do bring a lot of tourists into the region and, as being part of the wine trail, help move people around to visit some of our breweries and some of our wineries," he said

The $15,000 loan was approved unanimously.