Standing Ovation for Joe Hudson

KEMPTVILLE – Warden's Award winner Joe Hudson received a standing ovation from the sell-out crowd at the Leeds Grenville 15^th Anniversary Economic Development Summit.

The Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership was accepted by two of Joe's daughters - Burnbrae Farms President Margaret Hudson and Sue Hudson, Director, Communications and Digital Marketing - at the event Friday.

"Our father Joe Hudson, and the entire Hudson family and everyone at Burnbrae, are all very grateful for this recognition," Margaret Hudson said in addressing the summit audience of more than 200 business and political leaders. She noted her father wanted to attend but his health does not permit him to travel.

“We are very proud to have contributed to the economic development in the area for over 130 years and continue to do so," Margaret said. Burnbrae Farms is a 6th generation family business employing more than 400 people locally and 1,700 at facilities from coast to coast to coast, she said.

It started from humble beginning in the 1940s with Joe and his brother Grant working on a high school agricultural project with 50 laying hens. The project would eventually transform Burnbrae Farms into what it is today.

Leeds Grenville Warden Nancy Peckford welcomed attendees to the event at Kemptville's North Grenville Municipal Centre.

"We are invested in this region’s economy,” the Warden said, adding it was great to see businesses, organizations, elected officials and representatives from all 13 Leeds Grenville municipalities.

“As leaders of this region, it is more important than ever to be strategic in our partnerships and in our support of each other,” the Warden said.

A keynote address from the Honourable David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, was a highlight of the day-long summit. The Minister discussed progress on the plan to build a stronger Ontario for all workers.

"I welcome being challenged," the Minister said, adding he is building on the momentum of groundbreaking protections for workers.

Last week he introduced "Working for Workers Four Act," which, if passed, will amend several employment statutes.

The segment 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways – Building an Appetite for Culinary Tourism featured a panel discussion with four area businesses. Speakers included Cynthia Peters, of Maison Maitland Cooking School and Villas, Erin Kergen of Pickle and Myrrh, Matthew Shapton of Hall's Apple Market and Martha Kudrinko of Rosie Yumski's Fine Foods (shown in the photo above starting second from left to right). They shared their insights into how they are growing their businesses while the tourism and hospitality sectors recover from the pandemic.

Representatives from Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands, located in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, discussed how the operation has come out of the pandemic and is moving forward once again as a leader in tourism and hospitality. General Manager Dale Deane and Chuck Keeling, executive vice president, stakeholder engagement Community and Social Responsibility with Great Canadian Entertainment, said there are many plans for the future and a new hotel to be built by the casino will help business.

Other Highlights of the Day:



• Preparing for Our Aging Community – Doug Struthers, Chair of the Maple View Lodge Redevelopment Project Fundraising Committee; and Jen Powley, Administrator, Maple View Lodge | Director, Maple View Landings Redevelopment
• Planning for our Infrastructure - Brian Lennie, Specialist, Economic Development ENBRIDGE GAS

“I’m so proud of the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office team for hosting an outstanding, sold-out 15^th Annual Summit celebration,” said Ann Weir, Counties Economic Development Manager.

“This summit is known as ‘the business event of the year’ with its outstanding presenters and top business and municipal leaders coming together to share what’s ahead and the opportunities for this region," she said.

The 2024 Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit is being held on Friday, November 22. Mark your calendars!

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