Angelo Tourlas always knew he’d return to Chatham.
And it’s a decision that for the past five years has literally put smiles on the faces of local residents.
Tourlas, a denturist and owner of Maple City Smiles Denture Care Clinic, said his roots brought him back.
“My family. My roots are here. I was always coming back,” he said. “After finishing school and then gaining my experience, I knew I could come back and offer the community a fresher perspective on the services.”
Tourlas spent time working in a denture clinic in London gaining that experience.
“It gave me a lot of confidence,” he said. “I can ensure I’m providing a lot of quality service to our clients.”
Since opening five years ago, Maple City Smiles has built up a strong client base.
“We continue to grow. The big thing is our clients appreciate that we take the time to listen to their needs,” Tourlas said. “Putting them first is what helps us grow.”
The pandemic threw many businesses a curveball, including Maple City Smiles, but Tourlas said it also helped control business growth.
“At times it made it difficult because of the lockdowns, but it did allow us to grow at a healthy rate and work out any growing pains,” he said.
As for the future, Tourlas said he plans to keep learning to continue to best serve his customers
“Our number one priority is to continue learning and staying innovative in our profession. Staying up to date and current will allow us to bring new techniques into our office,” he said.
Maple City Smiles is open six days a week. All work is hand crafted at the business’ in-house laboratory.
“It allows us to control quality and price,” Tourlas said. “And getting items to our clients at a faster rate as well.”
Maple City Smiles is located at 450 Grand Ave. E. in Chatham.
Van Hoof to expand
Van Hoof Siding is growing.
Owner Brad McAuliffe announced the business, which has been serving Chatham-Kent since 1963, has expanded into the former RB Fabric store.
The expansion allows Van Hoof to have a more personal experience for customers, as well as have an expanded showroom.
The store is hosting a spring open house May 3 at the location at 747 St. Clair St.
There will be a barbecue and free draws for the event. Everyone is welcome.
Smile Cookie campaign underway
It’s spring Smile Cookie time and Chatham-Kent Tim Hortons outlets have funds flying in two worthy directions this year.
For people who frequent Tim Hortons in Chatham, Wallaceburg and Dresden, proceeds from the Smile Cookie sales will support the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent.
For patrons purchasing the chocolate chunk cookies topped with pink and blue icing smiles in Blenheim, Ridgetown, Tilbury and Thamesville, proceeds will support the VON’s Ontario Student Nutrition Program.
OSNP provides funding and support to 41 schools in Chatham Kent.
The campaign runs to May 5.
New Life supports C-K Hospice
Chatham’s New Life Thrift Store continues to give back.
In its latest donation, the Queen Street outlet gifted the Chatham-Kent Hospice $4,350 to be used to help patients and their caregivers.
The store is entirely run by volunteers, thereby allowing it to turn plenty of profit over to a number of deserving agencies.
New Life is looking to help even more. The store has expanded its hours of operation and will stay open late on Thursdays and Friday to 8 p.m.
General manager Doug Bruinsma said the business, which started during the pandemic, is going well. Ninety per cent of profits go to the Chatham Christian School, with the remaining 10 per cent going to other charities and causes.
“We’ve been able to donate over $125,000 to different agencies since we opened,” Bruinsma said.
In May, R.O.C.K. Missions is New Life’s designated charity.
- Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com.
