For more than seven decades, Dirk (Dick) Koopmans was a fixture at Chatham’s Ford dealership. Even after his death in October, Victory Ford officials ensured he’d live on in tribute.
The dealership has named one of its shuttle vehicles, an electric Mustang, in Koopmans’ name.
Sa’id Hammoud, general manager at Victory, said the intent was to showcase the vehicle while Koopmans was still a shuttle driver with the company. Unfortunately, he passed away in October.
Koopmans began his time working for the local Ford dealer, which has changed names and ownership numerous times over the past 70 years, in the body shop, reaching the rank of manager.
He so enjoyed his time there that even after retirement, he continued working, but as a shuttle driver.
Hammoud said he was loved by everyone.
“He was a teddy bear,” Hammoud said. “He was sharp as a whip. Super friendly.”
That pleasant demeanor led to countless times Hammoud received a note from a customer “saying how kind he was, how great the conversation was with him.
“He was an incredible guy. He worked until the very end,” Hammoud added.
While he may no longer be behind the wheel of the shuttle, Koopmans will still be a part of the ferry service taking customers to and from the dealership while their vehicles are being worked on.
Koopmans passed away at age 86.
Bowling Stones throw another strike
Raising funds to help local causes is right up the Bowling Stones’ alley.
At the philanthropic organization’s recent Bowling for Bucks event, bowlers raised a total of $34,150 to be shared between Outreach for Hunger, Community Living Chatham-Kent and a St. Clair College Chatham bursary fund to assist a student in need.
The event saw 24 teams take part, with many local businesses and agencies stepping up as sponsors, including Chatham’s Bowlerama which provided lanes and shoes free of charge.
A 50-50 draw and raffles were held, with McGeachy Charitable Foundation, Brooks Tire, Links of Kent, FX Decorating, Laprise Farms, Libro Credit Union, Pain Court Market, Howell’s Marine, Pathway Law, Betty Brite Dry Cleaners and Laundromat, Fantastic Fathers, and Schinkel’s Gourmet Meats sponsoring lanes.
Tepperman’s Furniture, Imperial Eyewear, Pain Court Market, Red Barn Brewing, Tim Hortons and Retro Suites Hotel helped with raffle prizes.
Now in its eighth year, Bowling Stones is anchored by a four-member organizing committee including Jeff Burrows, Brenda LeClair, Bruce Cockburn and Paul Laprise.
Province pledges $160K
The Ontario government is giving $160,000 to support Resistance Welding in Chatham-Kent.
The company is spending in excess of $1 million to focus on the integration of advanced Swiss turning technology and universal robots.
The project will streamline the machining of complex parts by consolidating them into a single operation, optimizing cycle times and increasing productivity.
The company will also renovate their current storage space to expand the working area to accommodate the implementation of these advanced technologies.
The investment will also lead to five new jobs.
Local MPP Trevor Jones announce the provincial support recently.
“Our government is focused on building a resilient Ontario by fostering conditions for economic growth through strategic investments in our community,” the Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP said in a media release. “Resistance Welding’s investment will drive growth in Chatham-Kent’s manufacturing sector, benefiting local workers and families in Southwestern Ontario.”
The provincial support comes from funding through the Regional Development Program’s Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream.
- 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.
