While taking time off from his duties presiding over the Vermont State Senate, Lt. Governor Phil Scott got a scare but thankfully was not harmed in an incident involving two alpacas. As part of Scott’s continuing Vermont Everyday Jobs Campaign Tour(an initiative to promote the Lt. Governor and showcase his relationship with the business community)the Lt. Governor spent the day making the rounds with Northern Vermont large-animal veterinarian Dr. Eda Fitchew.

While making a “house call” and photo op at the newly operational Vermont Alpaca Meats and Products Co. (VAMP) in the North East Kingdom, Scott and Dr. Fitchew were briefly pinned in a stall between an unusually aggressive older male and a young female alpaca. Luckily workers at the state-of-the-art farming operation acted quickly and pried open the stall gate which had jammed shut. The slightly shaken Lt. Governor and veterinarian made a hasty retreat from the stall away from the rowdy ungulates to safety.

After thanking the helpful farmhands and dusting himself off Lt. Governor Scott regained his composure and said “It was a really interesting experience,” and added “Each ‘Everyday Job’ generates information that I can bring back to Montpelier, and this visit showed me how much our state needs capable large-animal vets like Dr. Fitchew.”

Vermont Alpaca Meat Products Company (NYSE: VMPCO) opened just two years ago and is attempting to capture the growing market for alpaca specialty meats and associated products.

“In addition to our current slaughterhouse, The Olde Time Butcher Shoppe and snack bar the longterm goal is to capitalize on efficient functional use of the entire animal resource” says a VAMP Co. spokesperson. “To achieve that the former site of a miniature golf course/drive-in movie  will eventually house a tannery and high end retail clothing boutique featuring locally made Alpaca leather gloves, hats and handbags.”

With the aid of extensive state and local tax incentives and Federal EB-5 foreign investment status, VAMP Co. is growing rapidly, and has plans to “one day employ four or five seasonal part time workers” says the company spokesperson. Although still headquartered in Vermont, VAMP Co. also operates a newer but smaller Guanaco meat canning facility in South Carolina.

Vermont: Where your EB-5 funds are on the hoof and providing up-close-and-personal inspection opportunities for elected officials!