The old adage, “I’ll scratch your back, you scratch mine” can, at times, apply to the business world.
It’s the philosophy behind the third annual Wellington North Showcase held at the beginning of the week at the community centre in Arthur.
It is also designed to give residents from the township and surrounding area an opportunity to view goods and services offered on their doorstep.
Ernie Hunter, owner-operator of Mount Forest’s Meat the Butcher, sees the showcase as a chance to meet and discuss rural business strategies with other business owners.
Hunter has been to the showcase since its inception, but it was a chance encounter that had him teaming up with another new business venture in Arthur: Supper Time owned and operated by Joel Duquette and partner Christine Malanson, who is the baker.
Hunter was looking to sell baked goods along with his meat and fish selections and the opportunity arose when one of his customers mentioned a new Arthur bakery and restaurant.
“A customer told Ernie about us and he phoned and we started doing all the baking,” Duquette said.
Hunter thought selling the Arthur store’s baked goods for him was a perfect fit with quality buns for homemade sausages and hamburgers.
Mike and Carol Armstrong, owners of Mount Forest’s Foodland, also see the merits of the showcase.
“There’s got to be some perceived value here,” Mike Armstrong said from the booth next to Hunter.
On the evening of March 26, the doors were open for vendors and dignitaries, with a public open house on March 27 from 1 to 7pm.
Township economic development manager Dale Small said this year’s event attracted 30 per cent more vendors than last year’s 68.
He was hoping the open house would see a similar increase over last year.
“The networking among the businesses is the best thing,” Small said.
The showcase is co-sponsored by the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), which secured initial funding for it, as well as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and TD Canada Trust.
Wellington County Warden Chris White told those gathered he was pleasantly surprised to learn 90 businesses had turned out.
White said the showcase is a big part of economic development efforts throughout the county.
Township councillor Andy Lennox said he is encouraged by the attendance.
“It’s wonderful to see a full room,” Lennox said. “Hopefully this is successful … in developing new business opportunities.”
