Tepperman’s joins the century club this month, as the southwestern Ontario furniture business marks its 100th anniversary.
One of Canada’s largest family owned home furnishing retailers began back in 1925 when Nate Tepperman came to Canada after the Russian revolution. He began selling rugs door to door in Windsor.
His business grew and by 1929 he had his first storefront.
Nate’s son, Bill, took over the business in 1970, and led expansion of operations into Chatham, Sarnia and London. The Chatham store opened in 1981. It has had multiple locations over the years, but calls Grand Avenue East home now.
Today, brothers Andrew and Noah Tepperman lead the company, which has grown to include locations in Kitchener, Ancaster, and St. Catharines.
“This 100th anniversary is more than a celebration of our business –it’s a celebration of our valued customers, employees, and business partners who have contributed to our success over the decades,” Andrew Tepperman said in a media release.
Tepperman’s also serves the communities of southwestern Ontario through charitable initiatives, having invested $1 million towards student scholarships.
Boys, girls and local businesses
The Boys and Girls Club (BGC) of Chatham-Kent is looking to create a children’s book featuring local businesses.
The book, a collaborative project between the BGC and the Hashtag Charitable Foundation, aims to showcase ways youth can contribute to their community while also featuring the real-life professionals and business owners they meet along the way.
BGC and #charitable are currently on the hunt for sponsorships for the book, according to Amanda Clark, executive director of the BGC Chatham-Kent.
“There’s still time for businesses to be part of this incredible project,” said Clark in a media release. “It’s an amazing opportunity to connect with the community, inspire young minds, and show local support.”
The release states the book will be produced with the help of a Canadian artist and writer with the goal of featuring local business and organizations, providing a realistic likeness of the owners, as well as the name.
Sponsorship packages start at $2,500 and include single or multiple-page options.
The BGC’s mission is to provide safe, supportive places where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life.
Businesses interested in participating can contact #charitable at [email protected].
For more information contact Derek Dochstader, vice-president of partnerships and growth at Hashtag Charitable Foundation, [email protected] or 519-330-2267, hashtagcharitable.com.
Worldwide Mattress closing
Chatham is losing another longstanding business as Worldwide Mattress Outlet is closing its doors.
Everything is on clearance, including display beds, racks and even store fixtures.
The store was a fixture on Richmond Street for 15 years.
Free tax clinic
St. Clair College accounting students are hosting two free tax clinics for seniors this month.
The students, who work under the guidance of accounting program instructor Shelley Cook, will run the clinic March 15 and March 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the college on Grand Avenue West.
The only stipulation is that to qualify, a senior must have an annual income of under $25,000.
Participation is by appointment. Call 519-809-1778.
Fishing for a cure
A&A Marine Foods in Tilbury is participating in Play for a Cure in support of cancer research.
But instead of taking part in the Pro-Am event, people can come in and buy fish.
For every pound of product sold to the public, $1 will be donated to the cause.
A&A Marine Foods is located at 75 Lyons Ave. N. in Tilbury.
- 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 [email protected].
