"A majority of the items produced at this facility are shipped to Boston and New York City," said President Dan MacLean. "We were the supplier of the large rock anchors that were used in the deep excavation required for the creation of the new Freedom Towers in New York City."

The company was started in British Columbia in 1983. In 2002, Con-Tech expanded east. Leeds Grenville was chosen as an ideal location to service the urban locations of Montreal, Toronto and the north-eastern United States. Con-Tech employs 15 locally with a total of 50 across North America. Products made here have gone as far west as Manitoba for a hydroelectric dam and east to Halifax for an expansion of the Irving Ship Building facility. Dan said the Leeds Grenville area has allowed the operation to expand significantly since located here 13 years ago. To learn more about Con-Tech Systems visit their website.

"This is a huge victory for us and for small wineries in general," said owner Louis Gaal. "We have been vocal advocates for the small producers and this achievement should serve as an inspiration to others to make the effort and gain a foothold in the market."

Blue Gypsy's cranberry wine will be available in some Ottawa area LCBO stores this spring or early summer. It is the first fruit wine in eastern Ontario to be sold by the LCBO. Blue Gypsy Wines, located at 1595 Lindsay Road, offers hand-crafted fruit wines and fruit wine vinegars without added sulfites. 

Blue Gypsy opened for the season on May 15. Learn more about this Leeds Grenville winery and its special events by visiting their website.