Bill Dixie Jr. Honoured with 2026 Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership

Brockville – Lifelong resident, business owner and community leader Bill Dixie Jr. has been named the 2026 recipient of the Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership.

For over 35 years, Dixie’s leadership has reflected the belief that creating opportunities, supporting local organizations and building a strong community contribute to a stronger economy.

Owner of Dixie Electric Services Inc. in Athens, the company employs 12 full-time employees, a part-time administrative employee and a co-op student. Five licensed electricians and four apprentices are part of the team, many of whom trained locally through Dixie Electric.

Since starting the business, Dixie has created opportunities for others to enter and advance in the skilled trades. “Many local skilled tradespersons have trained here and stayed here,” said Dixie.

His leadership extends beyond employment and training to youth development.

“Don’t be afraid to give back, to your local ball diamonds, your rinks,” he encourages. “If you can do a fundraiser, make a donation, help clean, coach or mentor, it makes it better for all the kids and the next generation.”

Dixie has extensive experience with regional hockey teams and currently serves as President of the Athens Aeros.

In 2025, he was recognized with the George Giroux Memorial Award as EOJHL Executive of the Year by the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League.

Dixie’s community leadership also includes providing rent-free space and annual financial support to the Athens Food Bank. When the organization needed an accessible location, Dixie worked with volunteers to adapt space at his property. His staff also raise Remembrance Flags on Main Street, and he makes portions of his property available for winter recreational trails.

Through business, mentorship, volunteerism and community investment, Bill Dixie Jr. demonstrates how leadership can help create a thriving rural community where the next generation can learn, work, contribute and build a future.

The Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership, also known as the Warden’s Award, recognizes outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the economic growth and vitality of Leeds Grenville. Recipients demonstrate leadership, volunteerism and a lasting positive impact on their local economy and community.

Bill Dixie Jr. will be officially recognized during the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit, taking place at the North Grenville Municipal Centre in Kemptville.

• Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Registration: $65. Advance registration is required.

Deadline to Register: Friday, November 13th at 3p.m. or until sold out. More details available at https://www.investleedsgrenville.com/summit2026

To purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2026-leeds-grenville-economic-development-summit-tickets-1975811322854?aff=media.

Since its introduction in 2011, the Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership has recognized 21 individuals from across Leeds Grenville. This year marks the 16th presentation of the award, which honours the legacy of Bill Thake, known throughout his lifetime for his leadership and mentorship.

Thake served 52 consecutive years on Westport Council, setting a Canada-wide record as the longest-serving head of a municipality. The 2025 recipient was Brian Purcell of the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal.

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