Dave Brown Honoured with Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award

Elgin – This year’s Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award will be awarded to Dave Brown an influential figure in Leeds Grenville contributing to economic development and heritage preservation for over forty years in the Rideau Lakes region.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Economic Development Office.

The Bill Thake Award will be presented at the upcoming Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit being held on Friday, November 22nd at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.

In a media release, it stated that Brown has been an influential figure in Leeds Grenville contributing to economic development and heritage preservation for over forty years. A passionate advocate for community building, he has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Chaffey’s Lock, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

His work includes preserving the village’s heritage through initiatives such as leading the fundraising effort to save Chaffey’s Lock Community Hall and raising $70,000 to restore the building. This space has become a hub for events and festivals, which are vital to the village’s economic and social vitality. In addition to his community work, Dave has dedicated his efforts to youth skills development, particularly in the marine industry.

He introduced a marine technician component in the Transportation Technology program while teaching at Rideau District High School, as well as teaching a night course at St Lawrence College titled ‘Introduction to Marine Technician Fundamentals.’ He has further contributed to setting curriculum and training standards for boat motor mechanics through his work with the Ontario College of Trades (now called Skilled Trades Ontario). His expertise in the boating industry earned him the 2023 Gord Blake Visionary Award’ from Boating Ontario, recognizing his innovative leadership. Dave’s contributions to tourism, education, and heritage preservation have made a lasting impact on the economic health and cultural richness of Chaffey’s Lock and the surrounding region.

His business, Brown’s Marina, includes the operation of the general store and marina, a place that offers essential visitor services that sustain the village’s tourist economy.

The Township of Rideau Lakes Council, supported the award nomination, “The personal volunteer efforts of Dave Brown over four decades have provided a positive economic impact to the Township of Rideau Lakes, and we are pleased to have him recognized at the regional level for these efforts,” says Mayor Arie Hoogenboom.

The Bill Thake Award will be presented at the upcoming Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit being held on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. Registration is $55 and advance payment is required. The deadline to Register is Friday, November 15th at noon, or until sold out. The event will feature top speakers from the region.

For more information or to register, visit invest.leedsgrenville.com/summit2024

This is the 14th year the award has been presented to an individual who has shown outstanding commitment and leadership resulting in the growth and vitality of the Leeds Grenville economy.

Since being introduced in 2011, the award has been presented to 19 individuals from across Leeds Grenville. Many deserving women and men have been nominated. Last year’s recipient was Joe Hudson, of the Municipality of Elizabethtown-Kitley.

During his lifetime, Bill Thake was known for his leadership and mentoring skills. He served 52 consecutive years on Westport Council to set a Canada-wide record as the longest-serving head of a municipality.

The summit is hosted by the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office in partnership with Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MP Michael Barrett, MPP Steve Clark, 1000 Islands, Valley Heartland and Grenville Community Futures Development Corporations, and the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board.