George Tackaberry received the award, presented by Warden David Gordon and Bill's widow, Marlene, for his ongoing involvement in numerous community initiatives and events that boost the local economy and draw thousands of visitors to the region each year. The award celebrates a volunteer who has shown outstanding commitment and leadership resulting in the growth and vitality of the Leeds Grenville economy. George started his company, G. Tackaberry and Sons Construction Company, nearly 60 years ago. While growing his company, he has shown equal commitment to his community.

"I'm honoured to have received an award with Bill Thake's name on it," George said, adding he and Bill went to school together and were lifelong friends. 

"He was a great friend, a good guy."

Debbie Jewell, shown here presenting at the summit, is the Director of the Investment and Tourism with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. 

A strategy to rejuvenate inland waterways, including a plan to enhance economic development on the Rideau Canal, was outlined at the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit on November 20 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport staff Noreen Cartwright and Debbie Jewell discussed a tourism investment strategy with a focus on attracting established European tour boat companies to this region.

Darlene Upton, Executive Director of Waterways for Parks Canada, also spoke on realizing world-class potential through visitor experiences along both the Canal and the 1000 Islands/St. Lawrence Seaway corridors. 

More than 185 local business leaders and officials attended the 7th annual event themed "Economic Strength Through Diversity." The day featured a wide variety of speakers and presentations. A panel discussion included local food business entrepreneurs (see photo below) with moderator Katie Nolan from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.They discussed local food trends, how a growing number of people want to know where their food is coming from, supply and demand, the diversity of products grown and made in this region and the potential for a regional flavour trail. 

The Industry Game Changer Updates segment included the latest from the 1000 Islands Casino/Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, Scheuermann Vineyard + Winery, Tallman Group and the Aquatarium.

Learn more about the announcements by visiting our Counties Media Releases webpage.

When: Tuesday, December 1, 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Grenville Mutual Insurance Community Room, 380 Colonnade Drive, Kemptville

The seminar will look at how to build awareness, explore the topic of why buyers buy, how to identify your target market, turning a lead into a sale and attracting and retaining customers.

To register or to learn more about this and other workshops visit our Workshops and Seminars webpage.

Kathryn Pentland-Bruck will talk about identifying your target market.