It’s here! The summer edition of Business Leader is hot off the press and it’s chock-full of information about businesses right here in Wellington County.
One of our feature stories is about Rootham Gourmet Preserves. I met owner Will Rootham-Roberts at the Innovation Guelph and Bioenterprise Corporation’s 2018 Innovation Expo back in November. From the moment he started telling me about Rootham Gourmet Preserves, I knew it would be a great story.
But it wasn’t until I met with him at his Puslinch canning facility that I realized just how much the company does.
What originally intrigued me was that Will took over from his mom, Marilyn Rootham, a few years ago. When Marilyn decided to step down, Will was there to take over.
What I didn’t know was how much Will made the business his own, taking it from primarily original preserves to helping other businesses develop and package their own preserves and sauces. Now that’s ingenious.
I had a great time touring the facility, learning how preserves are packaged, certified and kept safe, and finding out where some of my favourite sauces are actually made. I always enjoy writing stories where I learn a surprising thing or two.
The 36-page magazine is full of interesting stories that will keep you entertained, and maybe teach you a thing or two as well. Make sure you check out the Chamber Round-up to find out what your local chamber has planned and their viewpoint on various questions posed to them this issue.
Another story that’s out just in time for the summer is about three new distilleries headed for Wellington County. By 2020 craft distilleries are expected in Arthur, Elora and Moorefield.
An interesting tidbit is that Mapleton staff reached out to the Ontario Craft Distillers Association to promote the municipality to the association’s members.
Pepprell Distilling Company chose to open in Moorefield because the municipality was flexible and willing to work with the distillery.
Look out Mapleton, Pepprell is hoping to open this summer.
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While I’m always coming up with new story ideas, it’s nice to hear from you. If you know of a story or business that would be a good fit for Business Leader please reach out to businessleader@wellingtonadvertiser.com.
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If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, stop by Dreamland Pet on July 20 to help celebrate the business’s 10th anniversary. The celebration will run from 10am to 3pm with an ice cream truck and barbecue offered from 11am to 2pm.
Dreamland Pet is located at 6484 Wellington Road 7 in Elora (beside the Grand River Raceway).
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Don’t forget to email questions/news tips to businessleader@wellingtonadvertiser.com.
