Economic Development eNews | April 12, 2016

Business Profile

The store is located at 4 Quabbin Road in Mallorytown.

Butcher Rob Ladouceur takes pride in offering a range of fresh meat products.

Mike Purcell stocks the bakery goods shelves.

Purcell's Freshmart turning 30

MALLORYTOWN - Purcell's Freshmart is a popular business hub in Front of Yonge Township.

The family-owned and operated business opened its doors three decades ago this coming June. The anniversary of the business will be celebrated on June 11th at the store's annual BBQ, popular Customer Appreciation Day and Community Yard Sale.

"We've been so fortunate to get such great support from the community and we have a great staff," says Mike Purcell, who is also the Deputy Chief of the Front of Yonge Fire Department. Mike, his wife Dana, brother and business partner John agree welcoming their customers - Mallorytown residents and the greater Leeds Grenville community - is the best way to celebrate the business milestone.

Purcell's has evolved over the years into a one-stop market. Today the store offers a large produce section, a full line of groceries with President's Choice products, a bakery, a deli and fresh meat counter, as well as a new preparation area for their catering business. Rob Ladouceur, the in-store butcher, is well known for his cuts of meat and speciality foods prepared in house.

In the area and hungry for lunch? Purcell's sells hundreds of their famous submarine sandwiches each week. Pizzas, salads and veggie trays are big sellers too.

"Our customers are loyal and we have people who come from a broad area to buy our freshly cut meats, store-made items and bakery goods, like our Bruschetta," Dana says.

The family offers products and services to match the season. There is a garden centre during the warmer months and Christmas trees are sold over the holidays. Wood kindling, hardware, cottage and barbecue supplies are kept well stocked.

The Purcells closely follow customer needs. There is also a full-service RBC bank machine. Last but not least, Purcell's is a LCBO and Beer Store outlet. They employ 20 full and part-time staff.

Purcell's is a business that has been recognized for its community service. Donations at their annual barbecue are given to local charities. Mike, Dana and John were nominees for the Bill Thake Award for Economic Development Leadership in 2012.

Learn more about Purcell's, store hours and the services they provide on their website. You can email them if you have catering questions.

Community Events

First Teeny Tiny Summit a big success

with area small towns represented

SEELEY'S BAY - More than 135 people attended the inaugural Teeny Tiny Summit on economic development for Ontario's smallest communities on March 30th.

"We put together this summit in order to place a spotlight on the unique challenges and opportunities for revitalization in Ontario's smallest places," said Katie Nolan, Leeds Grenville respresentative with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The event was hosted by the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands in partnership with the ministry. It attracted business and municipal government leaders from across Leeds Grenville and beyond.

"We were very gratified by the overwhelming response, which is a direct reflection of the committment that volunteers, staff and councillors have for their communities," Katie said.

The keynote speaker was Doug Griffiths, author of "13 Ways to Kill Your Community." He is a former Member of the Alberta Legislature (MLA). During his 15 years in government he was part of a Rural Development Strategies Task Force and a MLA Steering Committee for Rural Development. Changing attitudes is the greatest challenge, he said.

The summit, held at the Seeley's Bay Community Hall, featured two panel discussions. Rideau Lakes CAO and presenter Mike Dwyer said the potential of small villages is significant but many villages suffer from a data analysis gap. "We would benefit from a holistic conversation about how we can adapt current tools and develop new approaches to drive policy and technological innovation and flexibility," he said.

Leeds and the Thousand Islands Councillor Liz Huff, another local panelist, said there is a "diversity of opportunity" for volunteers and community "stars" to become involved. Having a "passion of place" helps raise the visibility of small villages like Seeley's Bay, she said.

Edwardsburgh Cardinal Community Development Coordinator Shelbi Deacon outlined how Spencerville, a community in her area, helps stay vibrant by hosting special events led by strong volunteer groups. "It's a positive cycle we see with these events," she said.

Mike Dwyer, CAO and planner with the Township of Rideau Lakes, was part of a "Strength in Teeny Tiny Places" panel.

Shelbi Deacon, Community Development Coordinator with the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, joined the panel discussing successful municipal-volunteer partnerships.

Upcoming events

Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association

hosting AGM this month in Smiths Falls

Registration is now open for the Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association's Annual General Meeting set for Wednesday, April 20, 3-4:30 p.m. Networking begins at 3 p.m., followed by the meeting at 3:30 p.m.

The event is being held at the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre at 34 Beckwith Street South, Smiths Falls.

You can register online with free admission. Tickets will be emailed to attendees once they have registered. You can also register by contacting Marie White at 1-888-452-6275 or via email.

Strategic framework sessions on tourism in Ontario

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport is asking you to share your views on tourism at upcoming sessions throughout the province.

Free sessions close to Leeds Grenville include:

Ottawa: Thursday, April 14: The Westin Hotel, Confederation Ballroom at 5 p.m.

Kingston: Friday, April 15: Fort Henry Discovery Centre at 10 a.m.

Tourism stakeholders are invited to register in advance.

Awards

Deadline for Agri-Food Innovation this week

The 2016 Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence deadline is approaching. Applications are to be submitted by Friday, April 15, 5 p.m.

The Premier's Award program supports and recognizes the dedication, hard work and innovation of local agri-food businesses and individuals who are adding value to existing products, helping create jobs and contributing to economic growth.

The program includes the Premier's Award ($75,000), Minister's Award ($50,000), Leaders in Innovation (3 awards of $25,000) and the Provincial Award (45 awards of $5,000).

Learn more about the Premier's Award by visiting the ministry's website.

Jasper farmers Brad Wright and Leela Ramachandran, of Bluegrass Farm, were the recipients of the Premier's Award in 2015. They are shown here with Sophie Kiwala, MPP of Kingston and the Islands.

Job Opportunities