Spencerville’s Brian Purcell Recognized with 2025 Bill Thake Memorial Award

SPENCERVILLE – Brian Purcell, co-owner of James Purcell Insurance Broker Ltd., has been named the 2025 recipient of the Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership.

A respected business owner and long-time community leader, Purcell has built his career on the principle that a strong community and a strong economy go hand in
hand.

“This is a great honour to be recognized by my peers for this award,” said Purcell. “I grew up to be aware of who Bill Thake was and what he stood for. His example reminds us that building relationships, volunteering, and caring about your community are at the heart of true economic development.”

Purcell established James Purcell Insurance Broker Ltd. in 1996 in downtown Spencerville, providing clients across Eastern Ontario. Over nearly three decades, his business has grown steadily while maintaining a strong focus on customer care and local engagement.

His tireless work with the Spencerville Mill Foundation, the Spencerville and District Optimist Club, the Edwardsburgh-Cardinal Fire Department, South Grenville Minor Hockey, and many more reflects his deep commitment to supporting community resilience and economic growth opportunities. He is also an active volunteer with other community events and charitable causes, contributing both time and expertise to local initiatives.

The Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership, also known as the Warden’s Award, recognizes outstanding individuals who have shown 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.

Purcell will be officially recognized during the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit, taking place on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the North Grenville Municipal Centre in Kemptville. The event will feature top speakers.

• Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
• Time: 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Registration: $58. An advance payment is required.

Deadline to Register: Friday, November 14th at 3 p.m. or until sold out. More details available at https://invest.leedsgrenville.com/summit2025. To purchase tickets, visit the event webpage.

This is the 15th 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 20 individuals from across Leeds & Grenville. More than deserving women and men have been nominated. Last year’s recipient was Dave Brown from the Township of Rideau Lakes.

During his lifetime, Bill Thake was known for his leadership and mentoring skills. He served 52 consecutive years on the 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 CDC, Grenville CFDC, Valley Heartland CFDC, and the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board.