A group of Chatham female business owners is looking to start a new holiday shopping tradition.
Dubbed the Holiday Shop Hop, the event runs Nov. 14, 15 and 16, and prizes will be handed out to those who attend.
According to Wanda Bell of Mrs. Bell’s Tea Room and Treasures, the idea is a collaboration between seven businesses, including the Tea Room, Rubies Inc., the Encore Shop, Pizazz, KM Greetings, Lavender and Honey, and Porchlight.
In a media release, Bell said the idea builds on a Christmas in July event held this past summer.
“The comment we received in July was that it was too much to do in just one day, so this time, folks will have three days to shop, so it won’t seem so much like a race,” Bell explained.
Holiday Shop Hop features a passport system. Shoppers will be able to pick up a passport at any of the participating businesses and those who visit the businesses over the three days can get stamps from each shop, making them eligible for seven different prizes.
Every store is donating a prize, Bell said, with winners chosen randomly and posted on social media. The draw will be held Nov. 18 live on Rubies’ Facebook page.
“We are encouraging folks to start the holiday season out by shopping local, and each of us are also offering special events, discounts and/or promotions to make it a great experience,” Bell said.
Passports can be picked up prior to Holiday Shop Hop. No purchase is necessary.
AgMedica purchased by Decibel Cannabis
Decibel Cannabis Company Inc. is in the process of acquiring AgMedica Bioscience Ltd.
AgMedica, a leader in international medical cannabis exports, has various operation locations in Chatham-Kent.
The deal is contingent on approval by the TSX Venture Exchange, and, if applicable, the approval of the disinterested shareholders of the Company. It is hoped to be wrapped up by early December.
“I am excited to announce the acquisition of AgMedica. The AgMedica facility becomes the cornerstone of our international strategy as it allows us to extend our products and brand to the rest of the world,” said Benjamin Sze, Decibel CEO, in a media release.
Celebrating a Decade of partnership
CF Industries and Wallaceburg District Secondary School (WDSS) recently celebrated a decade-long partnership. This collaboration demonstrates how shared resources can enhance learning for both students and the community.
Over the years, CF Industries has contributed financial support for a variety of WDSS initiatives, including the school-wide holiday dinner, hospitality program, welding program, and the installation of water bottle filling stations.
This year, funds will be directed toward enhancing the school’s science and horticulture programs.
Additionally, CF Industries organized summer staff barbeques to raise funds, resulting in more than $2,000 to address local student needs for food and hygiene items.
The company also awards two annual scholarships of $1,000 each to assist students in their pursuit of post-secondary education.
The partnership has fostered unique learning experiences for WDSS students. Notable activities include Earth Day tree planting events and hands-on projects in construction classes, where students built purple martin bird houses, bat houses, duck house boxes, and a barn swallow shelter to support local wetlands.
Co-operative education students have benefited from career panels featuring local industry experts, gaining insights into various career paths.
“We at WDSS are happy that our partnership with CF Industries has continued over the past few years. CF has remained a true community partner, helping our students by making yearly donations to the school. We appreciate how they have given back to their local community, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future,” Jeremy Gower, WDSS principal, said in a media release.
Davina Anderson, manager of human resources at CF Industries, echoed this sentiment.
“We take great pride in our partnership with WDSS. It is a privilege to give back to our community through both volunteer efforts and financial contributions that have a meaningful impact on students’ lives,” she said.
Holiday Market Nov. 9
Links of Kent is hosting a Holiday Market on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
There will be crafts on display from 45 different vendors.
Entry is a non-perishable food item. These items will be donated to Outreach for Hunger food bank.
- 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.
