Showcase Wellington North proved to be a star attraction to promote local businesses – for a second year in a row.
The event was held March 28 at the Mount Forest community Sportsplex.
As Sandy Van Dongen, of TD Canada Trust in Mount Forest welcomed participants, Wellington North’s Business Economic Manager Dale Small said that company was host for the business night
The event is a partnership of Wellington North’s economic development committee and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, The Saugeen Economic Development Corporation, TD Canada Trust, The Mount Forest and District Chamber of Commerce, The Arthur and District Chamber of Commerce.
Van Dongen said, “We have 74 businesses from Wellington North being showcased here … This complex is definitely the place to be for this evening.”
Councillor Dan Yake brought greetings on behalf of Mayor Ray Tout. Four Wellington North councillors were in attendance and there was representation from adjacent municipalities.
Yake said, “On behalf of the mayor and council, I’d like to welcome you and thank you for coming to set up your displays and let the community know what’s going on in your business and other businesses within our community.”
He invited participants to take the time to talk to their neighbours “so you all get to know and meet each other.”
He thanked Small, Leah Holiday, and township staff who helped organize the event.
“It takes a lot of time and effort into making this work. We much appreciate that.”
The second day of the event was open to the public.
That part of the showcase included business seminars and the results of the township’s business and expansion survey.
Van Dongen said, “With TD Canada Trust, we’re always looking for opportunities to partner with other organizations in the community.”
Last year, when they had talked to Small and the economic development committee, he expressed an interest in such a partnership because “we’re located in both communities in the Township of Wellington North.”
Small said he was very pleased with the turnout.
As for the businesses in attendance, Small said the requirement is the owner or business is located in the township. “We tried to keep it to a Wellington North showcase. It’s great because we have businesses of all sizes, from the independent business person all the way up to large banks and Wightman Telecom. We have a good mix of business either located in Wellington North or doing business here.”
He said, “Our hope is to hold the showcase next year in Arthur and have it in a rotational basis.”
“But we have a great cross section of businesses from the Arthur community as well, which is great.”
