Mamma Maria’s Ristorante in Chatham has another feather in its cap.
Well, more fans of one of their signature sandwiches actually.
The downtown Chatham eatery finished in the top 10 in this year’s Ontario’s Best Veal Sandwich competition.
The judging panel for the competition was in Chatham recently to taste the vaunted sandwich, which received thumbs up all around.
The top two restaurants will be announced sometime this month, after which they will compete in a head-to-head cook-off for rights of being named creator of Ontario’s Best Veal Sandwich 2024.
The competition has taken place since 2016.
Provincial officials tour Dajcor
Dajcor Aluminum in Chatham hosted the provincial government’s top money man recently.
Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy and Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones toured Dajcor Aug. 15.
“Ontario’s manufacturing sector is a significant driver of the provincial economy, giving good-paying jobs to hundreds of thousands of workers while building world-class products – and Dajcor Aluminum is no exception,” Bethlenfalvy said in a media release. “Our government was elected on a plan to rebuild our province’s economy. That’s why we’re helping local manufacturing companies invest and expand so that we can ensure the products of the future get made right here in Ontario.”
Cindy Marks, president of Dajcor, said the visit was appreciated.
“Dajcor Aluminum is a manufacturing centre of excellence which supports the local economy with over 250 jobs. The future growth of the manufacturing industry throughout the Southwestern Ontario corridor relies heavily on the province’s support and it is an honour for our organization to be recognized by the Minister of Finance,” she said.
Discussions also touched on the alignment of public and private sectors in driving Ontario’s economy.
“The Minister of Finance’s budget is focused on building Ontario, and at Dajcor, we believe in this vision of the public sector partnering with and supporting private industry to not only compete on the global scale but to be best in class,” Jamie Neil, Dajcor’s chief financial officer, said.
Following the visit, Jones praised Dajcor’s efforts and contributions.
“Dajcor Aluminum’s dedication to innovation and quality is propelling our economy forward. We remain committed to providing the support these businesses need to thrive and continue generating valuable jobs for our community,” he said.
Dajcor Aluminum is Canada’s leading supplier of extruded, fabricated, machined, and anodized aluminum components and assemblies for a diverse range of markets, including automotive, renewable energy, medical equipment, transportation, building trades, military, recreation, and consumer products.
New leadership at CFDCCK
There’s a new boss in place at the Community Futures Develoment Corporation of Chatham-Kent (CFDCCK).
David Argenti replaces Donna Pollock as executive director. Pollock retired after five years heading the corporation.
Jack McFarlane, board chair of CFDCCK, said the appointment of Argenti follows a thorough local and national search.
Argenti joins CFDCCK from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where he has been a Branch Manager for the last nine years. He has built a career in the Chatham-Kent region in the financial services sector over the past 20 years, holding numerous positions from life insurance, to financial planning, to being an investment representative and a small business advisor.
Pollock will remain on board until the end of October to help with the transition.
“The board of directors is thrilled to see Donna move on to a new chapter of her life, and at the same time, we are incredibly grateful for her significant contribution over the last five years,” McFarlane said in a media release.
Essex & Kent hands out scholarships
Five area students have received $1,000 scholarships this year from Kent & Essex Mutual Insurance.
Included in those five are two Chatham-Kent teens.
Chatham’s Ava Grenier, who attended CKSS, and Wheatley’s Alexa Derikx, a Leamington high school student, are the two local beneficiaries.
Students were asked to submit essays on the topic of the expected future impact of Artificial Intelligence on the insurance industry in Canada, and how it is currently being used.
“I am truly honoured to receive this recognition and am grateful for the support and encouragement it represents,” Grenier said in a media release. Your generosity and recognition will remain a driving force as I pursue a career in police foundations at St. Clair College.”
Derikx said she appreciated being selected.
“This scholarship truly means a lot and it will significantly help pay for my post-secondary education,” she said.
Kent & Essex has been awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors for more than 12 years, amounting to more than $60,000.
Grand opening
Tiles, Planks and Rolls is gearing up for the grand opening of its new location.
The store is located on 785 St. Clair St. in Chatham. It had previously been located on Grand Avenue.
The grand opening is slated for the Sept. 13-15 weekend.
- 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.
