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The Review-Mirror October 27, 2016 – 16 Focus on business success stories at SBARA meeting Driver and vehicle, health card and Ontario Photo Card services now available in Westport. 3 Church Street inside Westport Village Pharmacy Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Services provided on behalf of Westport Village Pharmacy 613-273-2922 westportvillagepharmacy@gmail.com 24 Family Lane, Smiths Falls Corner of Hwy. 15 S. and Bay Rd. 613-205-1212 streetmotorsales.com streetmotorsales@cogeco.net *All prices are plus HST & License Hwy. 15 to Smiths Falls to Kingston Golf Club Rd. Bay Rd. Rob Street Charlie Franklin 2012 Nissan Juke SL FWD, sunroof, 84,900 km, auto., 4 cyl. $ 14,995 2010 Dodge Journey SE 5 pass. crossover, 94,500 km, auto., 4 cyl. $ 9,995 2010 Chevy Cobalt Coupe Sporty, auto., 147,880 km, air, 4 cyl. New Price $ 5,995 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 HD Outdoorsman, crew, 4x4, diesel, 49,304 km $ 42,995 2012 Ford Focus SE Sedan FWD, seats 5, auto.109,742 km, 4 cyl. New Price $ 8,885 2010 Chevy Silverado Shortbox, V6, air, 89,200 km, white $ 14,995 By Margaret Brand The Review-Mirror Last Thursday's See- ley's Bay Area Residents Association's AGM fea- tured a series of local busi- ness success stories along with the election of offi- cers and a panel discus- sion. The organization has been concerned with the retention and expansion of businesses to Seeley's Bay and in its program last week put the focus on local businesses. Hany Girgis, Seeley's Bay Drugmart; Brian Berry, Rockaberry Farms; Earl Thompson, Thomp- son Electric; and Cindy Healy, Ridgeway Confec- tions were featured in the presentation moderated by Ontario Ministry of Agri- culture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Eco- nomic Development Offi- cer Katie Nolan. "I found a big potential in Seeley's Bay," said pharmacist Hany Girgis who was looking for an opportunity to offer his service where it wasn't available. In choosing Seeley's Bay as a location Girgis had the benefit the pres- ence of a medical clinic and a retirement home. "It's completely differ- ent – in the city you depend on pricing," said Girgis who understands that in a small community you need to address indi- viduals' needs by bringing in the products they want or need. Girgis has expanded his business to Tamworth and to Verona where he was also the only pharmacy in the community. Thompson Electric has also expanded out from its start in Seeley's Bay where after WWII, founder Russell focused on service to the seasonal residents and local farm- ers. In 1971 Earl took over the business from his dad and in 2009 he passed the operation to his son Jason. The company has expanded to industrial pro- jects as well as large resi- dential and alternative energy projects. "If you work hard you can reap those benefits," said Thompson who cred- its the hard work of resi- dents who came to work for his company equipped with a good work ethic. Rockaberry Farms looks beyond borders for its success in exporting embryos in demand because of the dairy farm's breeding for type and pro- duction. "They have to have a really good pedigree," said Brian Berry whose herd is chocking up the records around Ontario. "The positive is that if you hit it really big, it's endless-the possibilities," he said. Cindy Healy and her husband Derek Ouellette opened a commercial kitchen in their home where they make choco- late and other confections and opened a retail outlet. "It's very cool to care," said Healy whose business had created the Truffle Shuffle, a 5K walk run which beyond its expenses provides a contribution to the ROLL Aid Food Bank. The group has complet- ed many projects in the village including beautifi- cation, branding and building a reputation as a paddling destination. This year the group hopes to complete the final phase of a provincial Rural Economic Development grant with wayfinding and village entrance signs. Last Thursday's Seeley's Bay Area Residents Association featured a panel of local businesses which included (l-r) Hany Girgis, Seeley's Bay Drugmart; Brian Berry, Rockaberry Farms; Earl Thompson, Thompson Electric; and Cindy Healy, Ridgeway Confections; OMAFRA Economic Development Offi- cer Katie Nolan, moderator.