After 40 years of entrepreneurial success, Chatham’s Armstrong-Macko Automotive has changed hands.
Taking over are Brent Fair and Lynn Vallee, a pair that bring plenty of technical and business expertise to the job.
Armstrong-Macko Automotive got its start in 1984 when Mark Armstrong leased a Petro Canada station on Keil Drive. A few short years later he joined Dave Macko to open another on Lacroix Street and Armstrong-Macko was born.
Heading into retirement, both Mark and Dave want to tell their “fantastic” clients it’s been an honour to serve them, along with many generations of family, allowing them the privilege of educating customers, showing them how to save money by maintaining their vehicles and “keeping them young – for a long time.”
The new team has a wealth of knowledge. Fair has over 30 years’ experience as a technician and was the owner of Dunnville Autopro for 12 years. Vallee, who hails from C-K, moved back with Fair to share the reins of their sister shop, Northside Autopro in 2022. She has an impressive resume and has managed various automotive operations in different capacities for more than 10 years.
Macko summed up the change by saying he and Mark have faith the new owners will continue to provide expert service.
“We are grateful to find “an experienced, dedicated and community minded team to offer you the integrity and service you deserve and expect from us. We feel confident that with the rest of the existing team and the addition of Brent and Lynn, you can continue to count on Armstrong-Macko for years to come.”
JA to sell off Chatham office
JA South Western Ontario has announced plans to sell off its location in Chatham.
The charity, which is dedicated to empowering youth with relevant hands-on learning, announced it is realigning resources post pandemic.
“After thoughtful deliberation, the board of directors has decided to sell our longstanding property in Chatham,” said Karen Gallant, president and CEO of JA South Western Ontario, in a media release. “While this building had been integral to our operations, this move allows us to concentrate more effectively on our core mission of fostering financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship among youth.”
JA officials claimed the decision to divest from property ownership “underscores JA South Western Ontario’s commitment to enhancing program delivery and community impact.”
According to JA figures, the charity has reached 3,725 Chatham-Kent students during the 2023-2024 school year – a 150-per-cent increase from 2021-2022 and a 400-per-cent rise since 2018-2019.
JA South Western Ontario engages students from Grades 4 to 12 through diverse learning experiences including in-class sessions, conferences, and digital platforms, officials said.
“We are grateful for the community’s support as we transition to this next phase,” said Gallant. “This strategic realignment enables us to expand our reach and deepen our impact on the future leaders of Chatham-Kent.”
Ride for Hospice tops $18K
Jeff Thibert’s Ride for Hospice pedalled in a total of $18,202.25, sprinting past the goal of $10,000.
With support from Van Hoof Siding’s Brad McAuliffe, Thibert headed out in early July with a goal of biking 1,000 kilometres in 75 hours.
One highlight of the ride was an encounter with two homeless brothers near Stratford. After learning what Thibert was up to, he said the men gave him their last $2.25 and set him on his way.
Fore! indoors
A new indoor golf simulator experience is coming to Chatham this fall.
Dubbed “Top Shelf Indoor Golf,” the facility will feature world class state-of-the-art indoor golf simulators, ideal for both the beginner and the seasoned pro.
Experienced golfers can fine tune their game, while newbies can experience a fun and interactive way to learn. Top Shelf’s simulators feature stunning graphics, realistic gameplay, high speed cameras to replay your swing and precise ball-tracking technology allowing golfers to improve their game. Lessons are also available, using the latest simulation technology to help customers to elevate their skills.
However, the business is about more than training, as Top Shelf Indoor Golf is also an entertainment venue ideal for a night out with friends or a corporate event. It features a licensed bar, a small food menu and decor to rival any big city venue, according to John Sulman, one of the three owners.
“We are going for the full experience,” Sulman explained, noting patrons can challenge their friends to a round of golf, enjoy some food and drinks, and have fun by experiencing the game in a whole new way.
Co-owner Lachlan Kennedy said the partners are thrilled to bring the new technology to Chatham.
“Top Shelf Indoor Golf will be world class,” Kennedy said. “We will have 24/7 access and our tech will allow golfers to get a round in even when we aren’t here.”
Co-owner Chris Beattie said the goal of the business is to create a welcoming and entertaining environment where golfers of all levels can come together to improve their game and have fun.
“We will have five bays, a billiards table, dart lanes as well as a fantastic bar and lounge area,” Beattie said.
To find out more visit topshelfindoorgolf.com. Top Shelf Indoor Golf is slated to open in early October.
- 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.
