It was more than just a tent sale – it was the continuation of a family tradition – with a twist.
This year’s sale not only included live entertainment, but the entertainer was [Tim] Archer, a top 10 Canadian country music artist.
Wellington North Mayor Ray Tout offered a thank you to Sussman’s with its 104 years in business.
“Wow, that is phenomenal. That is fantastic,” Tout said.
“It is not easy in any economy. I highly applaud their contributions to the village of Arthur over those years.”
Tout noted Dave Kozinets involvement in municipal council and other aspects of community life.
“It is people like this who are leaders in our community, who help make us thrive.”
He congratulated Sussman’s for the tremendous feat of 104 years of operation.
Wellington County Councillor Lynda White considered it a privilege to celebrate Sussman’s success.
“Steve and Sue Kozinets are very special friends of mine.”
White noted that she and Susan were in university together and “It was Steve and Sue who introduced me to my husband.”
White stressed “Business in small municipalities is so important and Wellington County is very involved in economic development.”
She congratulated Sussman’s role in keeping the community vibrant and hoped it would continue on for at least another 104 years.
Steve Kozinets quipped “obviously I haven’t been here 104 years.”
He pointed to his mother Shirley in the audience “who is an actual Sussman.”
“Joe Sussman was my grandfather who came to the area.”
He quipped that when his mother became of marrying age, Joe Sussman wanted to find her a Jewish husband “so he moved to Toronto … and kidnapped my father … so he says.”
David has been running the business for 60 years and Steve and his brother Harvey have been in the business since 1976.
Steve noted there have been ups and downs over the years, “but we’re doing our best to keep the economy going.”
He also expressed pleasure at being able to be an official sponsor of Archer.
“Tim came to us about a month ago, and is going on tour.”
He noted Archer’s recent record contract in the United States, “we’re happy to partner with him [with his new look].”
“I think he’s a really great guy, the way he talks to his fans, he’s not just there to take the CD money.”
Wellington North councillor Andy Lennox also offered congratulations.
“It’s certainly been a fixture of the community as long as I’ve been around – and then some.”
He quipped “my wife is always giving me a hard time that I should look elsewhere to buy clothes, but this is the place where I’ve come for many, many years.”
