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Grape Discovery Center Receives Donation

WESTFIELD — Area residents are well aware of the expansive agricultural district in Chautauqua and surrounding counties. A long-standing, local business recently learned of a need at the Grape Discovery Center in Westfield and rallied to assist.

“With only one paid employee at the Center, the upkeep of the grounds is dependent upon our board members and volunteers. We all thank Sam and Tom LaPorte for this wonderful donation that will enable these individuals to have a mower on site versus trailering personal equipment to the Center to perform routine mowing,” said Phil Baideme, President of the Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association Board of Directors.

LaPorte Farm Equipment is a family owned and operated business begun in 1965 by Joseph LaPorte, father to Sam and Tom. The company sells farm equipment, lawn and garden equipment and provides repair service as well.

“We have many customers in the dairy, beef and cash crop areas of farming, but the main focus is on grapes in the immediate area” Sam LaPorte said.

When asked why they were responding to a need at the Discovery Center, Sam LePorte noted, “Our Company has many opportunities to make donations to various organizations. The Grape Discovery Center is a true gem in our community that brings tourism to Westfield and tells an important story of the history of agriculture in our area. We believe in the Center’s mission that focuses on the very important grape industry, including the growers and processors, along with the many products that are produced from the grapes.”

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