ATHENS – Lifelong resident, business owner and community leader Bill Dixie Jr. has been named the 2026 recipient of the Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership.

For over 35 years, Dixie's community leadership has reflected the belief that creating opportunities for people, supporting local organizations and building a strong community all contribute to a stronger local economy.

Dixie is the owner of Dixie Electric Services Inc., an Athens-based electrical contracting business established in 2009. The company employs 12 full-time employees, a part-time administrative employee and a co-op student, providing residential, commercial and service work, along with some industrial projects. Five licensed electricians and four apprentices are part of the team, many of whom trained locally through Dixie Electric.

After completing his electrical apprenticeship, Dixie eventually established his own business and has since created opportunities for others to enter and advance in the skilled trades. “Many local skilled tradespersons have trained here and stayed here,” said Dixie. This speaks volumes to staff retention.

His commitment to the next generation extends beyond employment and training, it also involves youth development. Dixie has coached with Athens Minor Hockey, the Rideau St. Lawrence Kings and Leeds Chargers, and currently serves as President of the Athens Aeros. He organizes their annual golf tournament, its largest fundraiser, while bringing together local volunteers, sponsors, businesses, players and supporters. In 2025, his leadership was recognized by the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League when he received the George Giroux Memorial Award as EOJHL Executive of the Year.

For Dixie, supporting youth is an investment in the future of the community. “Don’t be afraid to give back, to your local ball diamonds, your rinks,” he encouraged. “If you can do a fundraiser, make a donation, help clean, coach or mentor, it makes it better for all the kids and the next generation.”

His community leadership also includes providing rent-free space and annual financial support to the Athens Food Bank. When the organization needed an accessible location, Dixie worked with volunteers to adapt space at his property. His staff also raise Remembrance Flags on Main Street, and he makes portions of his property available for winter recreational trails.

Dixie has also continued to reinvest in Athens through entrepreneurship. With assistance from the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation, he purchased the original building that enabled the fledgling business to grow. Recently, he launched Dixie Storage and Property Inc. with the CDC's financial help. It continues to grow with a third building planned for next year.

Athens Township Council described Dixie as a “community-minded individual” who continues to give back while mentoring youth and supporting high school trades co-op opportunities.

“Receiving the Thake Award has been both a surprise and humbling,” he said. Through business, mentorship, volunteerism and community investment, Bill Dixie Jr. demonstrates how leadership can help create a thriving rural community where the next generation can learn, work, contribute and build a future.

Complete the 2026 Business Survey!

Leaders from Municipal Economic Development Offices, Chambers of Commerce, Employment Services, Community Futures Development Corporations, Small Business Enterprise Centres, Business Improvement Areas and local business support organizations are once again collaborating with all levels of government to assess the state of the local economy and support businesses in Leeds Grenville.

As a business leader or owner, your input is critical to understanding how local businesses are performing, the implications of the U.S. trade war, and the support businesses need today and for future planning. The survey also provides an opportunity to request specific assistance.

MerkaMa Rejuvenations Opens in Mallorytown

Saria Larocque of MerkaMa Rejuvenations, an esthetics salon and another graduate of Starter Company Plus, opened her new location at 34 Quabbin Road in Mallorytown. "I feel so welcomed in this neighbourhood, to share this exciting opportunity with my clients and new friends. I've already booked referrals," she shared. The new space is entirely on a single level and has more room to customize treatments for clients. The open house saw a number of her supportive network, clients and potential customers visit.

No Go Coffee Co. in Prime Feature Movie

Karin Rabuka, owner of No Go Coffee Co. had a cameo appearance in a full-featured movie. She shared her excitement on social media. "Look for the (No Go) coffee truck in The Love Hypothesis. We had so much fun being a part of this and we can’t wait to watch the movie at our watch party!" she added. The movie is a new full feature release, produced by Prime. It is now available to view.

Kemptville Welcomes The Shanry Collective

Shannon T. Thompson, owner of The Shanry Collective and current participant in the Starter Company Plus program with Carol Hardy, Leeds Grenville Small Business Development Officer celebrate the grand opening at 136 Prescott Street in Kemptville. Pictured here are Leeds Grenville Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke and Darren Gallacher of Community Futures Grenville. The business offers a coworking environment for entrepreneurs and creators, flexible workspaces, private offices, meeting rooms and a media studio.

The Leeds Grenville’s Greatest Entrepreneur initiative showcases the region’s most innovative small business owners and their ideas. Open to businesses in the service areas of the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation and Community Futures Grenville, this premier business pitch competition offers expert coaching, valuable networking, and the chance to present your vision.

Finalists will compete for a generous prize package at the high-energy gala event in February 2027 with support from local business and community leaders who contribute to the prize fund. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain visibility, grow your business, and inspire the community.



Application Deadline: Tomorrow, October 14 at 12 noon.

Who should attend?

• Manufacturers
• Suppliers & Distributors
• Logistics & Transportation Companies
• Industrial Service Providers
• Engineering & Technical Firms
• Business Development Professionals

Note: the event is not open to the public

Date: November 26

Time: 9-11:30 a.m.

Where: Brockville Memorial Civic Centre

100 Magedoma Drive, Brockville

In the heart of Downtown Kemptville, 28 Prescott Street presents a rare opportunity to acquire a standalone commercial property in one of Eastern Ontario's fastest-growing communities. The property benefits from exceptional visibility, strong pedestrian activity, and direct exposure to one of Kemptville's primary commercial corridors. The building contains approximately 1,326 sq. ft. of ground-floor commercial space situated on a 2,249 square foot freehold parcel. It is ideally suited for retail, professional, wellness, medical, or office. Zoned C1. Gas forced air heating, municipal water connection.

View map for 28 Prescott Street in Kemptville.

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Sharpen Your Knowledge With Foodpreneur

Hosting Influencers & Media:

A Guide for Tourism Operators

When destination partners or Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) bring influencers or media to your region, tourism operators play a key role in delivering a seamless and memorable experience. Join this session to help you understand what to expect—and what’s expected of you—when participating in coordinated influencer and media visits.

Designed for businesses participating in hosted experiences, this webinar will walk through how these partnerships work, including how influencers and media are selected, how itineraries are developed, and how operators are invited to take part.

Participants will gain practical guidance on how to prepare for and support these visits, from providing exceptional service and hosting experiences to assisting with bookings, timing, and communication. Hosted by RTO9 and Attractions Ontario.