2012 Nominee Bios / Overviews Business Achievement Award
This award recognizes outstanding achievement of a corporate citizen which is in operation in the Haliburton highlands.
Any company nominated should demonstrate a healthy, productive, engaged and progressive workplace.
Master’s Book Store
How does a bookstore evolve? Since its inception, Master’s Book Store has seen changes in ownership, location, concept, clientele and service. Pat Hardy opened Master’s in 1979, Kathy Stouffer came on board in 1982, and took over ownership in 1989. She has since operated the store with part-time help from Ruth Carter, who has been with her since 1999.
In 1985, Master’s moved from the Bishop Rogers building to the Village Barn where the store now occupies the main floor.
Master’s started as a Christian bookstore. Because it was at times the only bookstore in town, that concept changed as Kathy aimed to serve the greater community. She brought in a wide selection of children’s books. Nature books, music lesson books, cookbooks, craft and hobby books, reference materials, topographical maps, histories, biographies and mainstream fiction followed.
With something for everyone, Master’s is a destination store, and customers come from as far away as Ottawa, Brantford and Waterloo. This impacts the other businesses in town, as these customers patronize the stores and restaurants.
One of the most vital services Master’s offers is special orders. The staff go to great lengths to find the unique books people want. Orders can be placed by phone, email, website, or even in person. The use of technology enables quick fulfillment of most orders.
Northern Expressions
In May 2007, Northern Expressions opened its doors to the Haliburton community, filling a need for products that were mostly unavailable in our county at the time. Since then, they have not looked back. They operate a 2800 square foot retail showroom and have 2 warehouse facilities in Haliburton where they also distribute Breezesta Recycled Plastic Outdoor Furniture to their network of dealers in 7 provinces. Breezesta was brought to Canada by Northern Expressions and is manufactured in Pennsylvania, USA.
The owner Karen Burnett and partner Stephen Tomiuck bring together a wealth of skills and expertise that have helped to grow and support this successful business. Northern Expressions offers a huge choice of quality home furnishings to its customers at reasonable pricing.
Northern Expressions supports the local community: Haliburton Highlands Health Service Foundation with donations for the radio-a-thon, The Haliburton Hospital Auxiliary fundraising dinner, Canoe FM Community Radio, Community Care, Relay for Life and so many more local charities. The Haliburton community has certainly played a role in the growth of Northern Expressions. Haliburton County Development Corporation has been a significant help to establish the wholesale business now in its 5th year.
At Northern Expressions, customer service is a priority and starts with the positive attitude staff are intent on maintaining.
Old Mill Marina
With locations on Kawagama Lake & Lake of Bays, Old Mill Marina is uniquely position to deliver the widest range of full marine service to Dorset Cottagers. Carrying Ski-Doo, Mariah Boats, Princecraft Boats, Sea Fox Boats, plus Mercury Outboards, Old Mill Marina assists people in getting and keeping people on the water!
Old Mill Marina actively participates in the Ontario Marine Operator’s Association Clean Marine Eco-Rating Environmental Program. The goal of the Clean Marina Program is to reduce and prevent water, air and land pollution from recreational boating activities in Ontario and across Canada. This initiative entails a multi-year commitment on Old Mill Marina’s part.
Parker Pad & Printing
In November of 2009 when Janis Parker, owner of Parker Pad & Printing Ltd., acquired County Commercial Printers in Haliburton, she started business with just two staff members – an administrative assistant and a graphic designer.
In just two short years, that number has more than tripled to six to include an office manager, graphic designer, press operator, two sales representatives/project coordinators and a bindery person.
The company’s quick growth demonstrates that Parker Pad & Printing has formed a laudable list of clients, and remains committed to servicing their needs. With this local operation, residents, cottagers and visitors can obtain quality print and design services locally.
In order to properly accommodate their growth, the company relocated from Industrial Park Road to Mallard Road after the third month of operation. The current building, which at one point housed a car wash, was completely renovated and received upgraded equipment. After one-year in business, the building was further renovated with a 600-square-foot-addition to accommodate a Kodak NexPress (a digital high speed production colour press).
Parker Pad & Printing is proud to promote green-friendly practices: it’s accreditation from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and Bullfrog reflects this commitment.
Giving back is also part of Parker Pad & Printing’s mandate. In the past two years, the company has donated $3,000 to two local non-profits and provided free or discounted print and creative services to many worthy causes throughout the County.
Sharpleys Source for Sports
Sharpleys, owned and operated by Glen Sharpley and Joanne Sharpley has been a retail anchor in Haliburton Village for 21 years. Sharpleys employs 6 staff year-round with an additional 6 staff joining the team in the busy summer months.
As a retail business, they have become known as the destination for hockey. They are known for providing customers with good service and proper fittings- something that’s not available from their biggest competitor, the internet.
Sharpleys brings the big city brands and shopping experience to small town Haliburton – offering brands and items found in large malls, helps to keep people shopping locally and supporting the local economy.
Sharpleys has become a shopping destination – people travel from all over to shop in Sharpleys, which promotes more local shopping while they’re in town.
Over the years, Glen and Joanne have donated items and supported local charities and events and have offered discounts to local organizations and programs, (e.g. Jack Rabbit X-Country Program). They’ve brought events to Haliburton, like the Roots Wakeboard Competition and have supported other events such as Rock the Wake, contributing to the economic vitality of the community.
Three years ago, Glen expanded his successful business model into Huntsville, where the new shop is doing well and establishing a strong loyal clientele as it has in Haliburton.
Subway Restaurants – Haliburton & Minden
The Haliburton Highlands Subway Restaurants work hard at maintaining community relations and supporting local events and special fundraising initiatives – offering complimentary Subway sandwich platters to local schools, businesses, banks and municipal offices during the Christmas Holidays was just one of the many ways Subway showed appreciation to their customers this past year.
A strong supporter of the Hospital Foundation, Subway hosts a special ‘bogo’ sale (buy-one-get-one) annually and donates a portion of the sales to the foundation. They are also avid supporters of ‘cops for pediatric cancer’.
Subway is very committed to the many charitable organizations in the communities it serves and gives back through donations of food, money and coupons. Always seeking out better ways of serving the needs of its customers, the Subway ‘family’ goes the extra mile day after day.
The Pump Shop
Wade and Jane Woodward, owners and operators, of The Pump Shop have been in business since 1987. Originally the business located on Hilltop Road was known as Hilltop Electric. It was a repair depot for electric motors, water pumps, starters and alternators. As the business grew, it made four more moves before moving to its current location across from Tim-BrMart in Haliburton. The Pump Shop is a family business – son Jesse works in the business along with 10 – 15 other employees (depending on the time of year).
Both Jesse and Wade are certified Well Technicians. Wade also holds a number of Water certifications. All other members of the staff are well qualified in their fields of expertise.
The Pump Shop is marketed as “Your Water Specialist”, providing all aspects of water services. They also provide cottage opening services, plumbing products and outdoor living furnishings and spas.
Wade and Jane have lived in the community their entire lives and in addition to providing quality service to many local and seasonal residents, they also continually support the community, whether by donation or by volunteering their time. Wade is the founder of the annual Home Builders Association hockey tournament which provides funding to the local food bank. Donations are also given to many Rotary, Kinsmen, Cancer Society, Water Ambassadors, the local churches, Ducks Unlimited, children’s groups, etc.
Wade, and his two sons have travelled to third world counties such as Haiti and Guatemala, under The Water Ambassadors of Canada, giving of their time and at their own expense, to develop water wells and to provide purified water to some of the underprivileged of the world.
West Guilford Shopping Centre
The West Guilford Shopping Centre has been located on County Road 7 for the past 50 years. Since being built by Mack Prentice, the store has changed hands several times. Bill and Edna Burden are the fourth proprietors of the business and both strive to continue on the traditions of the store’s original owner by providing customers with the best service possible.
Since taking ownership in 1983, the Burdens have made two expansions to the building to accommodate the growth in the community as well as the increasing cottager population. The first expansion in the early 90′s improved the butchery department and allowed the business to increase the variety of meat products available. The second expansion, done almost ten years ago, was to include an LCBO and BEER STORE agency section.
Over the years, Bill and Edna have also accommodated the community in many ways by offering their support for local people and events. By allowing local artisans and authors a place where they can sell their items, which have included books, CDs, and greeting cards, they have helped to encourage the local economy.
Today, the West Guilford Shopping Centre still specializes in fresh meats and meat butchery while offering a variety of other goods and services ranging from fresh produce and bakery items to dry cleaning by Lindsay Dry Cleaners, an outlet for Canada Post, and a courier agent for Purolator. The West Guilford Shopping Centre strives to be your one stop shopping experience.
WRD Cottage Rental Agency
Established in 1995, and owned and operated by Bill Dewey, WRD Cottage Rental Agency has enjoyed a steady growth from initial sales in 1995 of $18,000 at 5 cottages listed back then to the current sales of $1,530,300 at 194 cottages listed during 2011 – 60% of their business is repeat business. Much of the money stays in the County of Haliburton in the form of mortgages, taxes, repairs, food, fuel and sundry other services used by the owners of the cottages as well as the money which is spent in the county by the cottage renters.
In 2011, there were a total of over 700 groups of renters or well over 5000 people who used WRD’s rental service and who would not have come to Haliburton County if not for the ability of WRD to attract their attention and ultimately service their cottage rental needs – making WRD a significant contributor to the economic health of The Haliburton Highlands.
At the present time, WRD is one of the largest and oldest agencies in Ontario and a member of TICO, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario. WRD designs and publishes an in-house, 200+ page web site – with over a million visits to their website, it is their #1 advertising medium.
WRD is an enthusiastic supporter of several local charities and organizations through contributions and assistance.
WRD’s objective is to continue to offer quality accommodations to our market segment and encourage people to evaluate Haliburton County as nature’s “Natural Work Of Art” and the #1 vacation destination in Central Ontario.
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2012 Nominee Bios / Overviews
Business Achievement Award
This award recognizes outstanding achievement of a corporate citizen which is in operation in the Haliburton highlands.
Any company nominated should demonstrate a healthy, productive, engaged and progressive workplace.
Master’s Book Store
How does a bookstore evolve? Since its inception, Master’s Book Store has seen changes in ownership, location, concept, clientele and service. Pat Hardy opened Master’s in 1979, Kathy Stouffer came on board in 1982, and took over ownership in 1989. She has since operated the store with part-time help from Ruth Carter, who has been with her since 1999.
In 1985, Master’s moved from the Bishop Rogers building to the Village Barn where the store now occupies the main floor.
Master’s started as a Christian bookstore. Because it was at times the only bookstore in town, that concept changed as Kathy aimed to serve the greater community. She brought in a wide selection of children’s books. Nature books, music lesson books, cookbooks, craft and hobby books, reference materials, topographical maps, histories, biographies and mainstream fiction followed.
With something for everyone, Master’s is a destination store, and customers come from as far away as Ottawa, Brantford and Waterloo. This impacts the other businesses in town, as these customers patronize the stores and restaurants.
One of the most vital services Master’s offers is special orders. The staff go to great lengths to find the unique books people want. Orders can be placed by phone, email, website, or even in person. The use of technology enables quick fulfillment of most orders.
Northern Expressions
In May 2007, Northern Expressions opened its doors to the Haliburton community, filling a need for products that were mostly unavailable in our county at the time. Since then, they have not looked back. They operate a 2800 square foot retail showroom and have 2 warehouse facilities in Haliburton where they also distribute Breezesta Recycled Plastic Outdoor Furniture to their network of dealers in 7 provinces. Breezesta was brought to Canada by Northern Expressions and is manufactured in Pennsylvania, USA.
The owner Karen Burnett and partner Stephen Tomiuck bring together a wealth of skills and expertise that have helped to grow and support this successful business. Northern Expressions offers a huge choice of quality home furnishings to its customers at reasonable pricing.
Northern Expressions supports the local community: Haliburton Highlands Health Service Foundation with donations for the radio-a-thon, The Haliburton Hospital Auxiliary fundraising dinner, Canoe FM Community Radio, Community Care, Relay for Life and so many more local charities. The Haliburton community has certainly played a role in the growth of Northern Expressions. Haliburton County Development Corporation has been a significant help to establish the wholesale business now in its 5th year.
At Northern Expressions, customer service is a priority and starts with the positive attitude staff are intent on maintaining.
Old Mill Marina
With locations on Kawagama Lake & Lake of Bays, Old Mill Marina is uniquely position to deliver the widest range of full marine service to Dorset Cottagers. Carrying Ski-Doo, Mariah Boats, Princecraft Boats, Sea Fox Boats, plus Mercury Outboards, Old Mill Marina assists people in getting and keeping people on the water!
Old Mill Marina actively participates in the Ontario Marine Operator’s Association Clean Marine Eco-Rating Environmental Program. The goal of the Clean Marina Program is to reduce and prevent water, air and land pollution from recreational boating activities in Ontario and across Canada. This initiative entails a multi-year commitment on Old Mill Marina’s part.
Parker Pad & Printing
In November of 2009 when Janis Parker, owner of Parker Pad & Printing Ltd., acquired County Commercial Printers in Haliburton, she started business with just two staff members – an administrative assistant and a graphic designer.
In just two short years, that number has more than tripled to six to include an office manager, graphic designer, press operator, two sales representatives/project coordinators and a bindery person.
The company’s quick growth demonstrates that Parker Pad & Printing has formed a laudable list of clients, and remains committed to servicing their needs. With this local operation, residents, cottagers and visitors can obtain quality print and design services locally.
In order to properly accommodate their growth, the company relocated from Industrial Park Road to Mallard Road after the third month of operation. The current building, which at one point housed a car wash, was completely renovated and received upgraded equipment. After one-year in business, the building was further renovated with a 600-square-foot-addition to accommodate a Kodak NexPress (a digital high speed production colour press).
Parker Pad & Printing is proud to promote green-friendly practices: it’s accreditation from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and Bullfrog reflects this commitment.
Giving back is also part of Parker Pad & Printing’s mandate. In the past two years, the company has donated $3,000 to two local non-profits and provided free or discounted print and creative services to many worthy causes throughout the County.
Sharpleys Source for Sports
Sharpleys, owned and operated by Glen Sharpley and Joanne Sharpley has been a retail anchor in Haliburton Village for 21 years. Sharpleys employs 6 staff year-round with an additional 6 staff joining the team in the busy summer months.
As a retail business, they have become known as the destination for hockey. They are known for providing customers with good service and proper fittings- something that’s not available from their biggest competitor, the internet.
Sharpleys brings the big city brands and shopping experience to small town Haliburton – offering brands and items found in large malls, helps to keep people shopping locally and supporting the local economy.
Sharpleys has become a shopping destination – people travel from all over to shop in Sharpleys, which promotes more local shopping while they’re in town.
Over the years, Glen and Joanne have donated items and supported local charities and events and have offered discounts to local organizations and programs, (e.g. Jack Rabbit X-Country Program). They’ve brought events to Haliburton, like the Roots Wakeboard Competition and have supported other events such as Rock the Wake, contributing to the economic vitality of the community.
Three years ago, Glen expanded his successful business model into Huntsville, where the new shop is doing well and establishing a strong loyal clientele as it has in Haliburton.
Subway Restaurants – Haliburton & Minden
The Haliburton Highlands Subway Restaurants work hard at maintaining community relations and supporting local events and special fundraising initiatives – offering complimentary Subway sandwich platters to local schools, businesses, banks and municipal offices during the Christmas Holidays was just one of the many ways Subway showed appreciation to their customers this past year.
A strong supporter of the Hospital Foundation, Subway hosts a special ‘bogo’ sale (buy-one-get-one) annually and donates a portion of the sales to the foundation. They are also avid supporters of ‘cops for pediatric cancer’.
Subway is very committed to the many charitable organizations in the communities it serves and gives back through donations of food, money and coupons. Always seeking out better ways of serving the needs of its customers, the Subway ‘family’ goes the extra mile day after day.
The Pump Shop
Wade and Jane Woodward, owners and operators, of The Pump Shop have been in business since 1987. Originally the business located on Hilltop Road was known as Hilltop Electric. It was a repair depot for electric motors, water pumps, starters and alternators. As the business grew, it made four more moves before moving to its current location across from Tim-BrMart in Haliburton. The Pump Shop is a family business – son Jesse works in the business along with 10 – 15 other employees (depending on the time of year).
Both Jesse and Wade are certified Well Technicians. Wade also holds a number of Water certifications. All other members of the staff are well qualified in their fields of expertise.
The Pump Shop is marketed as “Your Water Specialist”, providing all aspects of water services. They also provide cottage opening services, plumbing products and outdoor living furnishings and spas.
Wade and Jane have lived in the community their entire lives and in addition to providing quality service to many local and seasonal residents, they also continually support the community, whether by donation or by volunteering their time. Wade is the founder of the annual Home Builders Association hockey tournament which provides funding to the local food bank. Donations are also given to many Rotary, Kinsmen, Cancer Society, Water Ambassadors, the local churches, Ducks Unlimited, children’s groups, etc.
Wade, and his two sons have travelled to third world counties such as Haiti and Guatemala, under The Water Ambassadors of Canada, giving of their time and at their own expense, to develop water wells and to provide purified water to some of the underprivileged of the world.
West Guilford Shopping Centre
The West Guilford Shopping Centre has been located on County Road 7 for the past 50 years. Since being built by Mack Prentice, the store has changed hands several times. Bill and Edna Burden are the fourth proprietors of the business and both strive to continue on the traditions of the store’s original owner by providing customers with the best service possible.
Since taking ownership in 1983, the Burdens have made two expansions to the building to accommodate the growth in the community as well as the increasing cottager population. The first expansion in the early 90′s improved the butchery department and allowed the business to increase the variety of meat products available. The second expansion, done almost ten years ago, was to include an LCBO and BEER STORE agency section.
Over the years, Bill and Edna have also accommodated the community in many ways by offering their support for local people and events. By allowing local artisans and authors a place where they can sell their items, which have included books, CDs, and greeting cards, they have helped to encourage the local economy.
Today, the West Guilford Shopping Centre still specializes in fresh meats and meat butchery while offering a variety of other goods and services ranging from fresh produce and bakery items to dry cleaning by Lindsay Dry Cleaners, an outlet for Canada Post, and a courier agent for Purolator. The West Guilford Shopping Centre strives to be your one stop shopping experience.
WRD Cottage Rental Agency
Established in 1995, and owned and operated by Bill Dewey, WRD Cottage Rental Agency has enjoyed a steady growth from initial sales in 1995 of $18,000 at 5 cottages listed back then to the current sales of $1,530,300 at 194 cottages listed during 2011 – 60% of their business is repeat business. Much of the money stays in the County of Haliburton in the form of mortgages, taxes, repairs, food, fuel and sundry other services used by the owners of the cottages as well as the money which is spent in the county by the cottage renters.
In 2011, there were a total of over 700 groups of renters or well over 5000 people who used WRD’s rental service and who would not have come to Haliburton County if not for the ability of WRD to attract their attention and ultimately service their cottage rental needs – making WRD a significant contributor to the economic health of The Haliburton Highlands.
At the present time, WRD is one of the largest and oldest agencies in Ontario and a member of TICO, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario. WRD designs and publishes an in-house, 200+ page web site – with over a million visits to their website, it is their #1 advertising medium.
WRD is an enthusiastic supporter of several local charities and organizations through contributions and assistance.
WRD’s objective is to continue to offer quality accommodations to our market segment and encourage people to evaluate Haliburton County as nature’s “Natural Work Of Art” and the #1 vacation destination in Central Ontario.