About Us

Our
Story

In the Spring of 2025, a small group of community members began discussing the potential of converting Green Mountain Natural Foods (GMNF) into a cooperatively owned store, café, and community space. A long-standing staple of downtown Newport, GMNF has been connecting our community to natural, organic, and locally sourced foods for decades. Founded as a co-op and now returning to its roots, we’re laying the groundwork for a multi-stakeholder cooperative that brings together consumers, employees, and producers. Come join us in shaping this exciting future. Your voice and support will help build a stronger and more connected Northeast Kingdom.

Founding Board

L to R: Felicia Updyke, Kevin Vandever, Erica Wilson, Thomas Goodwin, Ben Fuller

Erica Wilson (she/her) - President

With over a decade of management experience spanning hospitality, agriculture, and food processing, Erica brings operational expertise directly aligned with the co-op's vision of a grocery store, café, and event space. She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Strategic Human Resources from Johns Hopkins University. Most recently, Erica served as General Manager of Butterworks Farm in Westfield, where she developed a deep appreciation for the farmers and families behind locally produced food. A Northeast Kingdom resident since 2012, she is driven to bring a community-owned co-op to the region she calls home.

Kevin Vandever (he/him) - Vice President

A retired technology executive with four decades of experience in the software industry, Kevin remains active as a writer and technology consultant. He brings a strong foundation in business strategy, consulting, and technical project development to the co-op's leadership team, along with a perspective shaped by his ongoing work exploring themes of human connection and community. A passionate advocate for the project, Kevin joined the board because he believes a community-owned grocery store, café, and gathering space on Main Street is exactly what Newport and the Northeast Kingdom need.

Felicia Updyke (she/her) - Secretary

Felicia is a community advocate and marketing specialist dedicated to fostering local development in the Northeast Kingdom. Since relocating to the region in 2022, she has utilized her background in entrepreneurship and strategic communications to strengthen community initiatives and support local business growth.

In her current role as Growth and Outreach Coordinator for Blue Spruce Health, Felicia specializes in marketing, building local partnerships, and connecting Vermont residents and employers with accessible healthcare solutions. Her professional perspective is informed by years of experience managing musicians—a role that gave her a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by small business owners and independent contractors.

A committed civic leader, Felicia has held various leadership roles, including serving as the Associate Director for Newport Downtown Development and Secretary for Memphremagog Community Maritime. Her dedication to community service is further demonstrated by her extensive board experience across multiple nonprofits, ranging from animal rescue and LGBTQ+ pride groups to regional community efforts.

When she isn’t working on community expansion, you can find her reading, petting all the animals, and spending time with her sassy daughter.

Thomas Goodwin (he/him)

Thomas grew up in Newport and returned to the community five years ago after a long career in retail and sales that included living and working in multiple regions across the country, as well as traveling internationally—experiences that broadened his cultural perspective and approach to food, people, and community. At Whole Foods Market in New Jersey, Thomas progressed into the role of Buyer for supplements and body care, gaining extensive product knowledge, building strong vendor relationships, and refining his expertise in natural and wellness-focused retail. Thomas also brings managerial experience from both restaurant service and clothing retail, strengthening his people-centric leadership approach.

Recently hired as General Manager of the Green Mountain Natural Foods store, he is already receiving positive feedback from customers and staff regarding the store’s improved look, feel, and operations.

A founding member of the cooperative board seeking to purchase the store, Thomas is deeply aligned with the co-op’s mission and believes in the role of high-quality, natural food in supporting health and well-being, with a strong emphasis on local sourcing—particularly in dairy and produce. He leads by example, values fairness and compassion, and is committed to empowering staff while maintaining strong merchandising and inventory systems. Thomas is dedicated to stewarding Green Mountain Natural Foods as a locally owned, community-centered business for the long term, alongside his team.

Ben Fuller (he/him) - Treasurer

Ben Fuller, a member of the founding board of the Kingdom Co-op, is helping shape a community-owned natural foods store in Newport. Since March 2013, he has been part of the team at Green Mountain Natural Foods, formerly Newport Natural Market & Café, where he has developed a genuine care for local, natural, organic products and the people behind them. Living in Morgan, VT, in a home he built with his wife and family, Ben enjoys learning how things work and appreciates a simple, self-reliant way of living. He is dedicated to helping Main Street in Newport thrive as a welcoming, resilient community hub—right here on the border—where healthy food access, local economic strength, and neighbourly ties grow stronger through projects like the co-op.

What is a Co-op?

Community Owned
Value-Driven
Profits Stay Local
Community Involvement
Support for the Local Economy
Member-Owned & Member-Governed
Democratic Decision-Making (One Member, One Vote)
Built to Serve Community Needs, Not Outside Shareholders
Long-Term Stability Over Short-Term Profit
Shared Benefits for Shoppers, Workers, and Local Producers

What Happens Next?

Founding Board Development
Fundraising Events
Community Conversations
Brainstorming with Locals
Member-Owner Recruitment & Outreach
Vision, Values & Cooperative Structure
Producer & Partner Engagement
Bylaws

About Us

Our Story

What is a Co-op?

What Happens Next?

Our
Story