It’s here! The fall edition of Business Leader is hot off the presses!
This time we chose to feature businesses in Wellington County who are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2019. Many, if not all, have been mentioned in this column before, but Business Leader writers met with owners and managers to take a deeper dive into what helped these businesses survive and thrive for 50-plus years here in Wellington.
The longest running business featured is North Wellington Co-op, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The business started in Harriston but has since expanded to Mount Forest, Durham and Hanover.
What I found interesting about the co-op is not much has changed over the years. It still aims to serve rural customers by providing the best prices possible.
The biggest change is technology and getting into home supplies in addition to farm supplies.
This was my first foray into learning about co-ops and I must say, it’s a pretty logical format. The North Wellington Co-op works on a member loan model, where members work towards investing $500 into the co-op and whenever they cancel their membership, they get back whatever money they have invested. And once they’ve invested a full $500, they get paid interest and patronage yearly. Not a bad deal. The owners truly know what the community needs – they are residents after all.
Congratulations to North Wellington Co-op on 75 successful years. For the full story check out the fall edition of Business Leader, available now. Check back here in the coming weeks to learn about other businesses featured in the magazine that have reached the 50-year mark.
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A local business is holding an open house and raising money for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Waterloo Wellington.
Marina and Shaman Seth Financial Services in Elora is celebrating its merger with Optim Financial Solutions of Guelph on Oct. 17 and is inviting the community and clients for food and refreshments.
The open house is from 4 to 7pm at the office in Old Quarry Commons, across from the Elora Quarry. A donation will be made to CMHA to bring attention to mental health by increasing awareness and reducing stigma.
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The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce is hosting a luncheon on Oct. 10 at the Lighthouse Restaurant at the Grand River Raceway. The event is called “Survive and Thrive” and will be held from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
The four local business owners on the panel include: Janet Harrop of Harrcroft Acres, Kim Jefferson of Joanie’s and the Fergus BIA, Lori McCrae of NexGen Marketing Group, and Donna Pardy of Uprooted Farm.
The focus is on growing and advancing business in the local, non-urban community. For tickets and information visit www.cwchamber.ca.
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Don’t forget to email questions/news tips to businessleader@wellingtonadvertiser.com.
