|
Another successful Lennox & Addington Economic Development Awards was held on November 17th, 2011 at the Strathcona Paper Centre in Napanee. The 6th annual event highlighted another fine crop of businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations from L&A County.
2011 Tourism Product Winner
North American Gaeltacht
298 Gilmore Road, Tamworth
Township of Stone Mills
www.anghaeltacht.ca
The North American Gaeltacht is an organization legally known as Cumann Na Gaeltachta, and is the first gaeltacht in the world outside of Ireland. Located near Tamworth in Stone Mills Township, it is an area dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Irish language, music, dance, history and all other aspects of the Irish Culture. The organization holds an annual week-long summer immersion camp drawing people from across Canada, the United States and Ireland. In addition, the Gaeltacht also hosts an “Oireachtas”, a festival/ competition of music, dance, singing, poetry and literature.
Finalists:
Flinton Country Bluegrass Jamboree, Addington Highlands
Waterside Summer Series, Loyalist
2011 Agricultural Operation Winner
Paulridge Berry Farm
2114 County Road 5, Switzerville
Loyalist Township
www.paulridgeberryfarm.com
Paulridge Berry Farm has enjoyed a place in the summertime plans of L&A County families for over 30 years. The berry farm consists of 20 acres of strawberries, 10 acres of raspberries, as well as peas, beans, potatoes and sunflowers. As a primarily pick-your-own farm, Paulridge's customers have the opportunity to eat fresh fruit and vegetables and to experience the satisfaction of truly home-grown food. In addition to the berry operation, they farm 600 acres of soybeans and 200 acres of wheat.
4102 County Road 9, Hay Bay
Town of Greater Napanee
Finalists:
Lynch Farms, Stone Mills
Kaiser Lake Farms, Greater Napanee
2011 Small Firm Winner
Hook's RONA
13586 Highway 41, Cloyne
Township of Addington Highlands
www.hooksrona.com
Hook's RONA is a hardware retailer that supplies hardware & building materials to contractors and the general public in the Land O' Lakes area. The business is an economic force in the northern part of Lennox & Addington County, providing jobs and service for local residents. As a result of their long-standing commitment to sales and service, Hook's RONA received the distinction of being named the Best Hardware Store of the Year for all of Canada at the Outstanding Retailer Awards in 2011.
Finalists:
Kiley Paving, Loyalist
L&A Mutual Insurance, Greater Napanee
2011 Manufacturer Winner
Willy Dog Hot Dog Carts
212 Camden Road, Napanee
Town of Greater Napanee
www.willydogs.com
Willy Dog is a manufacturer of hot dog carts, building and designing a variety of vending, hot dog, and concession carts. The high quality construction of their products make Willy Dog the premier choice for hot dog cart vending since 1989. They custom build their products and welcome specialized design requests. Ulitizing 18 local trades people, Willy dog has experienced improved efficiency since relocating to their Napanee production facility in 2010. Napanee’s accessibility to a skilled labour force and strategic location for shipping are contributing factors to their successful operation.
Finalists:
Bag to Earth, Greater Napanee
Rogan Kitchen Manufacturing, Greater Napanee
2011 Award for Lifetime Achievement
Francis Savage, Loyalist
Francis Savage was the recipient of the 2011 Award for Lifetime Achievement. Francis is a life-long resident of Lennox & Addington County and has always been a significant contributor to his community.
Francis Savage was born in Odessa to the late Brendan and Nora Savage. Francis’ father emigrated from Ireland during the Great Depression and, in 1938, bought the general store in Odessa. Francis worked alongside his father until 1976 when Francis and his wife, Cathy, took over the business, now known as Savage's Home Hardware.
From an early age, Francis learned the importance of hard work and staying in tune to the needs of his customers and the necessity of ensuring the well-being of his community.
Things weren’t always easy for the family and the family business. Francis witnessed a devastating fire in 1951 where the entire store was burned to the ground. He and his father worked together to rebuild the store. Despite the sadness they felt, Francis and Cathy never forgot the generosity of the community.
Francis has been able to, throughout his life, give back to his community through his involvement in community service, recreation, political activity, and through his own personal interests and hobbies.
In 1954, at the age of 15, he joined the Odessa Fire Department where he served for 18 years. During his time with the department, Francis and a few colleagues built the skating rink in Centennial Park. They worked tirelessly for many hours from building the boards, to lining the rink, and spent many more hours flooding in the middle of the night with the Fire truck. This rink provided hours of enjoyment for community members throughout the winter months.
After his positive experience with Centennial Park, Francis became a member of Township’s Recreation Committee, which was responsible for planning and building what is now known as the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre. this facility allows community members to enjoy time on the ice nearly year-round. Although Francis was attracted to hockey, he was also always very active in softball in the community. He played for many years and has always been a proud supporter of local children’s teams.
In 1984, Francis was elected to the Lennox and Addington County School Board. There, he served as a member of several committees, and assisted in negotiating better working conditions and benefits for local teachers.
Cathy and Francis retired in December 2004. Through their hard work, they instilled a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit in each of their 4 children. At one time or another, each of THEM worked in the store and contributed to the family business. Currently, Brian is a mechanical engineer; Paul works in FINANCE; while Nancy, the youngest, teaches business at Napanee District Secondary School. Their son David and his wife Deborah have continued running the business.
Francis is still eager to help at the store and lends a hand once in a while, but also appreciates the time he now has to enjoy his hobbies, and to visit with his children and grandchildren.
The 2011 L&A Economic Development Awards were sponsored by:
 |
2011 Tourism Product of the Year
North American Gaeltacht
2011 Agricultural Operation of the Year
Paulridge Berry Farm
2011 Small Firm of the Year
Hook's RONA
2011 Manufacturer of the Year
Willy Dog Hot Dog Carts
2011 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Francis Savage
|
