Lifetime Achievement Award presented at IWD Event

Second Vice-President and currently holds the position of President with the Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC).

As President of the CFA, Currie will lead the organization in advocating for policies and programs that support Canadian farmers and promote sustainable and profitable agriculture. He will also work to strengthen the CFA's relationships with government officials and other stakeholders.

"Keith has a wealth of knowledge, experience and insight when it comes to Canadian agricultural production and will be a valuable leader for our industry, said Peggy Brekveld, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. "We are privileged to have an Ontario representative in this role and I have no doubt that he will continue to be a strong voice for farmers across the country."

Local farm-to-table food champion Wendy Banks is the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ms. Banks, owner of Wendy’s Country Market and Furnace Falls Farm, received the award at the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration at the Brockville Memorial Centre tonight. She is the 10th recipient of the esteemed award presented by the Leeds Grenville Small Business Centre.

“This is an important annual award and event bringing dynamic women leaders together,” said Leeds Grenville Warden Nancy Peckford. More than 100 attended the sold-out celebration with the theme #EmbraceEquity.

“We are honoured to pay tribute to Wendy’s amazing entrepreneurial skills and the caring heart she has shown in her community for over

40 years,” said Jeanette Johnston, the Centre’s Small Business Development Officer.

The Leeds Grenville Small Business Centre’s Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize a woman who has been in business for more than 20 years and has demonstrated hard work, creativity and resilience.

“My favourite thing is I have been able to work with family all of these years,” Mrs. Banks said in accepting the award. She noted it has been their multigenerational “team heart” working together to create a lasting community hub focused on the importance of farming and bringing people together.

Ms. Banks opened her Country Market on Old Briar Hill Rd in Rideau Lakes Township as an outlet for lo- cal food. She is a 6th generation farmer, selling produce, meat, frozen entrees, artisan cheese, crafts and so much. Her shop features her own farm products along with those of 70 area producers. More recently, she launched Furnace Falls, a working farm, B&B retreat and barn rental venue next door to her market and in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands.

Furnace Falls Farm is the setting for educational classes, teaching tourists and locals alike about sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Ms. Banks also holds dinners and concerts to provide entertainment in a beautiful country setting. This master entrepreneur works with local Chambers of Commerce, agricultural organizations, restaurants and churches to build community and local food capacity. She is known as one of the region’s top agricultural ambassadors and for the “Harvesting Hope” initiative.

The local International Women’s Day event also featured a Brockville Women in Business (BWB) Business Showcase, an inspirational keynote address by entrepreneur Karla Briones, dinner, gifts and door prizes.

With a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear sweet Mama in her 94th year surrounded by her family and close friend on March 7, 2023 at the Kemptville District Hospital. Predeceased by her husband Willard Cousins, son Wayne Cousins and great grandson Darren Cousins-Eburne. Loving mother to Walter Cousins, Sandra Mackenzie (Allan), Judy Andrews (Dana), Daren Cousins, Betsey Stewart (Andy) and Velda. Cherished grandmother to Tammy (Donnie), Tracy (Gord), Kyle, Travis (Jess), Krystal, Tanya and Jason (Kitty). Great Grandmother to Chelsea, Asia, Nicole, Zoe, Sarah, Lysander and Scarlett. Great great grandmother to Abigail , Theo and Rory. Survived and loved by many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to her amazing friend Maria who visited her often, her homecare team Georgie, Ruth and Belinda who took such amazing care of our Mama and to the amazing team of nurses and staff at the Kemptville District Hospital.

Friends are invited to visit at the Kemptville Chapel of Hulse Playfair and McGarry, 805 Prescott Street on Saturday March 18th from 1-3 pm, A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel at 3 pm. Donations may be made to Kemptville District Hospital. Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca

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