Posted By BOB BOUGHNER
Dozens of one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, produced by third-year jewelry design students at George Brown College, are on display at Mitton’s Jewelry Store in downtown Ridgetown.
The unique, high-quality items are on display at the downtown Ridgetown store through Saturday.
“We are very fortunate to have the students’ work available for show and sale,” said Charlie Mitton. “The display has attracted considerable attention from the local community.”
Mitton said all proceeds from the sale of any items will go directly to students. The store is not charging a commission fee.
Mitton said he saw the display at Harbourfront in Toronto earlier this year and asked if it could be featured in Ontario’s “friendliest town.”
Two of the four cases displaying the items were discovered in the store basement and have been completely refurbished.
“The cases have spent the past 60 years in the store basement,” he said. “They required considerable work to restore them but it has been a very worthwhile project.”
Mitton said the display also includes a few of his own handmade pieces.
New name for local law firm
An old Chatham law firm has a new name.
Raphael Partners Chatham has reorganized under the name O’Brien, Jacklin, Wickett, Sulman.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the firm that was established by the late Harold O’Brien.
For more information call 519-352-0190.
Variety of cigars at Chatham shop
Cigars from more than a half dozen countries, including Cuba and Dominican Republic, are offered fresh at Ann’s Tobacco Shop in Chatham.
Ann Park and her husband, Ernie, are the new owners of the business located at 861 Charing Cross Rd., just south of Indian Creek Road.
The couple have completely renovated and renamed the longtime Quick Stop Variety Store.
“We offer one of the most extensive assortment of tobacco supplies in the area,” said Ernie Park. “In addition to cigars and cigarettes, we carry the finest in pipes and pipe tobacco.”
He said the store also features gift items as well as a huge assortment of variety store goods from ice cream and candy to food, pop, chips and lottery tickets.
Businesses to network at restaurant
Brian and Antonio Machado of Chatham’s Breakfast House and Grille on Grand Avenue are hosting a weekly business networking group and the public is invited.
The Thursday morning meetings are held from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Business Network International has been putting business professionals together for almost two decades in a word-of-mouth marketing environment.
BNI is now the largest business-to-business networking organization in the world with 90,000 plus members.
According to Carol Bell, BNI assistant director for southwestern Ontario, the organization was started in 1985 with a single purpose – to develop the referral business of the members.
“From that point, BNI has grown to the vast networking group it has become,” she said. “We allow one person per profession to join each chapter, thus guaranteeing exclusivity to the members in their business category. If you are a florist, you will be the only florist in your chapter.”
Bell said one member values his chair at the table each week to be worth over $30,000 because that is the amount of referral business his fellow members generate for his company in a single year.
“Annual membership in BNI costs less than a business suit,” said Bell. “It’s the most cost-effective way to market yourself in today’s highly-competitive marketplace.”
For more information call Bell at 519-326-5899 or the Machados at 519-355-1279.
New partner for Heritage Gardens
Aquascape, a longtime leader in the water gardening industry in North America, has partnered with Heritage Gardens and Nursery Station Inc. on McNaughton Line East in Chatham.
Heritage Gardens operates out of the former CPR station, that was dismantled stone by stone and rebuilt on a 12-acre site in the former Chatham Township.
Aquascape is regarded as a leader in water gardens, water gardening, ecosystem ponds and backyard pond designs. For more information, call 519-352-5551.
New programs at Thames Campus
Thames Campus of St. Clair College is offering several new programs this fall to attract students and fast-track the delivery of the esthetician and office administration – executive programs to accommodate students who want a diploma more quickly. Students will earn a two-year diploma in one year.
The new welding techniques program will be offered at the James Burgess Skills Centre in Wallaceburg.
The Chatham-Kent Access Centre, also located in the James Burgess Skills Centre, will provide students with online and live broadcast access to secondary and post-secondary courses and programs.
The campus will continue to offer programs such as the award-winning mechatronics and professional golf management.
The golf management program includes a three-hole course built on campus to teach students firsthand about the industry.
A new student residence will also be available this fall. The townhome-style building features 12 four-bedroom units complete with kitchen, living room, two full baths and laundry facilities.
HOG to meet at Duke’s Harley
The Harley Owners Group (HOG) will meet in Chatham-Kent July 31 to Aug. 2 at Duke’s Harley Davidson.
Havoc to host international game
The Kent Havoc Rugby Club is hosting an international Canada vs. England game on June 13 at the Chatham-Kent Athletic Complex.
Readers are invited to call or fax Daily News Business Writer Bob Boughner with their tips on new business starts, expansions, relocations, new product lines or anything else of general interest. Call Bob at 519-354-2000 ext. 317, fax him at 519-354-9489 or e-mail him at bboughner@chathamdailynews.ca.
Source: http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/
