Lincoln Progress Magazine 2022

Message from Mayor Sandra Easton

The residents and businesses in the Town of Lincoln have risen to the occasion over the past two years. Challenges have been faced individually, professionally, and as a community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The strength, cooperation, and grace that I have witnessed in Lincoln are encouraging and inspiring. Collectively building resilience as a community has led us to sustained growth and economic prosperity as we continue the road to recovery.

In 2021, the Town’s economic development program was in full force. We remain focused on supporting the local business community, on skills development and training, and on growing the local tourism industry through the recently adopted Niagara Benchlands brand. Tourism and the related value-added agricultural business unique to Lincoln are significant drivers of the local economy, evident in the large concentration of local beverage manufacturing jobs compared to the rest of Ontario.

Town Council remains committed to the future of our community. We proactively identify opportunities that align with our approved Town priorities and the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan, with the goals of investing in our future, providing a high quality of life to our residents, and creating a community where everyone prospers and belongs.

I look forward to continuing down the path together, creating a stronger, more resilient Lincoln. Please stay informed and engaged by visiting and participating on our community engagement site, SpeakUpLincoln.ca.

Message from Chief Administrative Officer, Michael Kirkopoulos

I am amazed and inspired by the strength the Lincoln community continues to demonstrate. It seems that a day doesn’t go by that we aren’t faced with a challenge or in many cases, what I like to consider an opportunity. The global pandemic has challenged us in ways we didn’t know possible, but it has also allowed us to look at things straight on, challenge our mindset, see the good, and move forward together.

We remain committed to leading and building a community where our residents, visitors, and the business community feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged. The path to recovery hasn’t been easy but we are moving in the right direction.

The Town of Lincoln concluded 2021 with its highest ever overall value of building permits issued for new construction, at $182.9 million. Construction value is

$14 million higher than the previous record and the 10-year average of $90.8 million. An increase in building activity leads to more development charges, which is a significant source of funding for the Town and reduces the burden on the taxpayer, resulting in lower property taxes.

Our advocacy program has been instrumental in securing investments to support our growing community. Relationships with all levels of government create the opportunity to deliver valuable, targeted programs across all sectors to kindle economic prosperity.

Abundance surrounds our Town and the residents of Lincoln. Together, we will pave the way for the future of Niagara, here in Lincoln.

The Lincoln Chamber Is Business Working Together

During the pandemic, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce worked tirelessly to support its members with the same benefits and networking opportunities they always had, but in new ways.

Two years later, we are finally in recovery mode from a difficult two years and the Chamber is eager to further support the local business community.

One such initiative saw the Chamber participating in the provincial government’s Covid-19 Rapid Testing Program. Since June 2021, the Chamber has provided more than 74,000 rapid tests to over 70 local organizations, helping our business community keep their employees safe.

In addition, the Chamber is hard at work planning an energetic event line-up for 2022. Now that restrictions have lifted, in-person events are back!

Their popular networking and signature events have returned to in-person formats, including the upcoming Mayor Easton’s State of the Town on April 27, 2022 at Rockway Vineyards.

The Chamber has also partnered with Mayor Easton for the annual Charity Golf Tournament. This popular event is taking place on May 30, 2022 and is being featured as a ‘Hole-in-One’ style tournament with many exciting prizes to be had. It is sure to be a fun day, celebrating our vibrant community.

Back again this year will be the popular Outstanding Business Achievement

Now more than ever members of the Chamber have come together to support each other

Awards Gala this September 2022 at Sue Ann Staff Estate Winery. Nominations for this event are now open and are a great way for the community to recognize and celebrate the achievements and excellence of Lincoln’s local businesses and the hardworking individuals behind the scenes.

Networking is just one of the many reasons to join the Chamber. Businesses of any size can take advantage of affordable employee benefit programs through the Chamber Group Insurance Plan. There are notable exclusive discounts to be had from Meridian Credit Union, BarterPay, Esso and UPS, just to name a few.

The Chamber also provides businesses with cost effective advertising, information and resources, group insurance rates, political advocacy and the opportunity to be involved in your community.

To keep up to date with everything happening at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, follow them on social media. If your business is ready to join this advantageous organization, go to www.lincolnchamber.ca or call 905-563-5044 for more information.

The Lincoln Chamber is an active, engaged organization of business professionals dedicated to growing and sustaining the economic prosperity of our community by serving, connecting and representing our members.

“Business Working Together”

If you’re part of a business or organization that operates in the Town of Lincoln and surrounding area, if you’re passionate about connecting, growing, and having a voice in your community, then membership in the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is the right choice for you.

• Network with business owners & decision makers in your community

• Opportunities to advertise & promote your business

• Online Business Directory

• Great learning opportunities

• Access to resources of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

• Unbeatable pricing for things like health & dental benefits, insurance, shipping, merchant services and more!

After COVID-induced delay, optimism returns to

he 2020 edition of NewsNow’s Lincoln Progress Magazine was one filled with hope and optimism. There was concern, but no real understanding of what was to come.

Last year’s offering was purely about survival - at least for much of the local business community - as all understood the seriousness of COVID-19 and its impacts.

Now, this year, we return to optimism, hope and a realization of what could be. While health concerns are still at the forefront for many, there is also an understanding that society must move because standing still - socially and economically - are options.

The Town of Lincoln rolled out its new Niagara Benchlands marketing initiative – a great way to harness the promotional power of “Niagara” combined with a geographic feature which connects many tourism dots from end to end in the municipality.

While that program will serve as an umbrella for promoting all under its

canopy, many major initiatives are in motion the ensure a solid foundation underneath that.

Downtown Beamsville is a work in progress, as is much of Ontario Street. Greenlane, in 2-3 years will appear like nothing of its current form and Main Street Jordan in the east end will prove to a wonderful, well-thought-out destination for locals and tourists for decades to come.

A key thing for Lincoln residents to remember is, all these wheels in motion were not just started yesterday and they were not manufactured in a silo. Going back to former Mayor Bill Hodgson’s days and magnified with the tenure of Mayor Sandra Easton, Lincoln has planned the work and worked the plan with unison across all communities and Town departments.

All these things were done with ample public input, adherence to concerns and logical melding of ideas to chart a course for a very bright future. Lincoln’s model is one of which other municipalities should be jealous.

Service and smiles greet Shoppers customers

Variety, quality products and great service will all greet customers at Shoppers Drug Mart Beamsville, says its owner associate/pharmacist Siva Sivapalan.

With everything from food/ groceries to passport pictures, skincare, fragrance and beauty product choice, there is no shortage of products for virtually all one’s needs.

“But we are first and foremost here to look after the community. We are a health care provider. If the community wants us to be, we will be here for them,” said Siva.

The store itself is described as a “large format” location, which means it has everything other Shoppers location has to offer, including delivery of prescriptions.

“Our pharmacy team offers an array of different health services such as dispensing prescriptions. disposal of unwanted medicines, counseling patients on how to live

healthier such as quitting smoking and eating better and immunization against the flu,” said Siva.

“More advanced services also offered include diabetes education by a certified diabetes educator, and medication reviews.

Our Post Office is now open Monday-Saturday 9 am-7 pm.

“We are able to offer most of these services at times that our customers find most convenient. We are open every day of the year except Christmas day.”

The store hours are 8 am-10 pm, except statutory holidays where it is from 10 am - 6 pm.

As well as offering a wide array of products and services, Shoppers Beamsville has also offered considerable support to local community groups.

West Niagara Second Stage Housing, Beamsville District Secondary School’s co-op work program, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Business Achievement Awards, Mayor Easton’s Golf Classic, West Niagara Community Care and McNally House have been but a few recipients from Beamsville Shoppers Drug Mart’s community support programming to date.

Your local Shoppers Drug Mart® is proud to continue to serve this community.

We’re dedicated to helping you with your health needs by providing services and solutions to help make managing your health easier including:

Personalized Advice and Counseling

We’re here to answer your questions and help you achieve the best health possible.

Extended hours for your convenience. Our pharmacists are always available during store hours to help you with your health needs.

Seniors’ Day

Seniors save *20% on regularly priced merchandise when you use your Shoppers Optimum Card.

Transfer your prescription to our Pharmacy today.* It’s easy. Simply speak to one of our Pharmacists and we’ll take care of the rest.

Niagara’s Future Starts Here

Lincoln’s Economic and Social Advantage

The Town of Lincoln is an exceptional community in west Niagara and boasts a healthy and diverse economy. From exceptionally productive agricultural and horticultural sectors to manufacturing, value-added agricultural businesses, and tourism, Lincoln is on the move.

Lincoln is the sixth most populated of Niagara’s 12 municipalities, outpacing the region as a whole in growth from 2016 to 2021. Over the past two decades, Lincoln has grown steadily with a 24.7 per cent increase since 2001.

Lincoln’s key economic and employment sectors are agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. In 2016, Lincoln led both the Niagara region and the entire Golden Horseshoe in gross farm receipts with $253 million. Lincoln boasts the highest concentration of greenhouses in Niagara and dominates the greenhouse floriculture production in Ontario.

Lincoln’s vision – a place to grow, a place to prosper, a place to belong – represents the economic and social advantage to live and do business in Lincoln. Our vibrant and prosperous community prides itself on having policies and procedures in place that help foster growth and development in our entire economy.

TOP SECTORS include 12%

15% MANUFACTURING (Including Beverage Manufacturing)

SOCIAL SERVICES

12%

Niagara’s Future Starts Here

Key Activities Supporting Economic Development

Here are some of the key activities underway that support our Economic Development and Tourism strategies and lead to continued growth and prosperity in Lincoln.

YOUTH SKILLS STUDIO

DIGITAL MAIN STREET 3.0

In early August 2021, the Town of Lincoln received $23,000 from Digital Main Street Ontario for our third consecutive Digital Service Squad (DSS) since 2019. The DSS has assisted Lincoln businesses with several activities, including developing a Google My Business profile, enhancing their social media presence, and providing support for a basic website and e-commerce set-up.

Since the initial launch of the Digital Service Squad program in 2019, we have assisted approximately 150 businesses to improve their online presence, making their businesses more competitive and viable in this digital age.

YOUTH SKILLS STUDIO

In partnership with Civiconnect, a local not-forprofit, the Town of Lincoln received over $2 million in funding from the province of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund to develop the Youth Skills Studio (YSS). The YSS is a work-integrated learning environment that provides paid employment to youth aged 15-29 to work on technology-based projects for local businesses.

The program is designed to support youth retention and talent attraction here in our community, while also supporting our local businesses to grow and enhance their digital presence, all of which are key goals in our Economic Development Strategy.

TENT & PATIO FAST TRACKING

At the beginning of the pandemic, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced a patio policy that allows for the temporary physical extension of liquor licensed premises. Under the patio policy, which has now been extended until January 1, 2023, all eligible liquor sales licensees and holders of a By-the-Glass endorsement may add or temporarily extend their licensed premises without having to apply to the AGCO, provided that they meet certain criteria.

The Town of Lincoln continues to fully support the temporary extension of patios, while also expediting the necessary applications and permitting processes to reduce red tape for our restaurant and hospitality businesses.

A place to grow, a place to prosper, a place to belong.

This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Dykstra Brothers offer roofing with personal touch

Experience, personal attention from a family which puts its reputation behind its work and quality workmanship are all on the table for anyone who needs roofing work in the Niagara West area - courtesy of Dykstra Brothers Roofing.

Brothers Nicolai and Martin were born into the business started by their father, Marty, in 1968. Today they have modernized the products they offer while fine-tuning their craft to ensure top-quality work.

“We’re totally hands-on,” said Nicolai.

“We manage all employees and projects, provide all estimates and take care of all of the behind-the-scenes day-to-day to keep things moving forward.”

Their customers can

expect nothing but the best from the Dykstra team.

Residential roofing jobs are executed with fibreglass asphalt shingles.

Commercial and residential flat roof work is done with a two-ply torched

system. Options for a Duradek vinyl roofing system when using a flat roof as a walk-out patio are also available. Dykstra Brothers also offer residential siding and eavestrough work as well as custom metal work,

repairs and replacements.

For Martin and Nicolai, ensuring quality both for customers and their employees are part of their successful business formula.

“Running a family owned operation, we want to maintain the “family atmosphere” for clients and staff,” said Martin.

“We take care of everyone on our team – as well as our customers.”

With that philosophy in mind, Dykstra Brothers is looking to expand.

“We are looking for new people to start their careers with our team,” added Martin.

With a busy 2022 expected, Dykstra Brothers is also offering financing packages on jobs of all sizes. Call 905-563-7374 for details.

Nicolai, right, and Martin Dykstra.

Robert Foster

Niagara Region | Councillor, Town of Lincoln

I am very proud of our Lincoln community and the effort we all made as we faced the challenges of the past two years. My family, like yours, are looking forward to great things as we return to normalcy in 2022.

My focus as your Regional Councillor remains the continued and ongoing efforts to ensure safe roads for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, particularly around schools. Community Safety Zones are an important part of these initiatives. And we will be seeing many improvements to regional roads in Jordon, Vineland and Beamsville over the next two years.

I am pleased to be serving for our community in the following roles at Niagara Region:

• Chair, Corporate Services

• Member: Planning, Public Works, Audit, Budget, Procedural by-law & Public Health

• Chair, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA)

• Niagara’s representative for SWIFT, and on the AMO Board of Directors

(905) 563 7219

robert.foster@niagararegion.ca

Dear Me: Upscale results a visit away

Despite launching her new business at a very tumultuous time in January 2021, Dear Me Cosmetic Clinic owner Jennifer Turbide is fully aware of what has allowed her venture to go very well.

“I want to thank all of my patients as well as the town of Lincoln for a successful first year in business,” says Jennifer.

The clinic, located at the corner of King and Queen Streets, offers a wide range of skin care services to clients with varying needs.

When the clinic opened, a full range of services were on the menu and Jennifer notes her offerings will continue to evolve and stay current for her clients.

“We are continuously growing and will be adding new services, and hopefully in the very near future new staff as well,” says Jennifer, who is also a registered nurse.

And with that nursing training, Jennifer is no stranger to putting in the time and effort to round out her expertise.

“I went to school for esthetics right out of high school. That program taught me a lot about customer service and a spa-like atmosphere, but I knew right away I wanted to go into a more medical form of esthetics,” says Jennifer.

“After obtaining that diploma, I continued on to become a registered nurse. I’ve worked for several dermatologists

and plastic surgeons which provided me with me a solid foundation for the practice that I have.”

With a great education and knowledgebase established, Jennifer has paid very close attention to honing the overall experience at her clinic.

“The vibe of the clinic is upscale casual. The service you will receive and the results we strive for are upscale, but when you come in you will feel relaxed and comfortable,” Jennifer says.

In a relatively new area of personal care, Jennifer realizes there are many curious people who have a wide variety of questions. Uncertainty can be a big factor for some, so special detail is paid attention to addressing those queries and concerns.

“I treat many people for their first time, and I understand how nerve racking it can be. I always take my time and

try to make your visit as comfortable as possible,” says Jennifer.

By taking that extra step of care, Jennifer believes it sets her up for success on her overall goals.

“My goal has always been to make the type of services I offer accessible to everyone. Botox isn’t only for celebrities!,” Jennifer points out.

For her, planning a clients’ care is the key to achieving the look they want.

“I want to leave each patient feeling refreshed and renewed. Rejuvenating millimetres at a time allows for the most natural looking results to be achieved,” says Jennifer.

“My promise is to deliver superior results with high quality products while most importantly maintaining safety and being a nurse first.”

Some of the cuttingedge services offered at Dear Me Cosmetic Clinic

are:

• Anti-wrinkle injections

• Dermal fillers

• Microneedling

• Microneedling with PRP (vampire facial)

• PRP injection for rejuvenation

• PRP injection for hair loss

• Laser treatments for:

• Rosacea, redness, brown spots, sun damage, pigmentation, pores, rejuvenation, melasma, laser hair removal

• Medical Facials

• Glycolic peels

• Under-chin fat reduction

• FREE consultations!

Jennifer is also proud to offer customized packages and a luxurious space for private events such as bachelorette and bridal parties as well as girls’ get-a-ways.

“Small groups can come in and relax, have a fun get-together all while each of them are treated to a treatment of their choice!” says Jennifer.

Dear Me Cosmetic Clinic owner Jennifer Turbide

Proudly serving the Community since 1969

Complete Collision to Restoration Repairs After

When it comes to experience and expertise with autobody restoration and repair, few can match the Jerry’s Auto Body name.

From the time Jerry Gerritsen first opened his autobody shop in 1969, to when he retired and passed on the

Beforetorch to his son, Alan in 2011 to today, Jerry’s Auto Body has been a steadfast part of the Lincoln Community.

Alan attributes his business’ longevity to his team of veteran technicians. Jon Jorritsma has been with Jerry’s for 15 years after start-

ing off as a co-op student. Ryan van Andal, who has more than 10 years of experience as a body repair technician, was hired more than a year ago to take the place of Gerald Koop, who had recently retired after 46 years at Jerry’s.

YOUR NIAGARA HOME TEAM

For All Your Real Estate Needs

COMPANY PROFILE

Each of us calls Niagara our home and are proud to represent this region locally and internationally to clients, friends and contacts. We have over 60 years of combined experience in real estate and many more in related fields such as sales, marketing, construction, staging and design. We maintain a strong working knowledge of our market conditions and continue to seek out ways to increase our professional skill set. A commitment to service is key to our success. We believe in using Christ’s instruction of loving your neighbour in all apsects of life, including our work life. We use that theme throughout our business model with community events, giveaways and sharing our thoughts and ideas through social media and blog posts. Join us in our quest and follow our #YNHLoveYourNeighbour initiative. We seek to serve our Lord, our clients and our community in all that we do.

WE ARE A TEAM OF DEDICATED FULL TIME REALTORS

The Day Care Centre ‘a special place’ - Beamsville’s first licensed child care facility - has been a family affair since Day 1.

Launched by Judith and Max Shevchick in 1982 and now run by their daughter Sandra - a.k.a. Miss Sandy - the Centre has seen a lot of changes over the years, all put in place to serve the community’s needs.

Among those changes was growing from one location to two.

Sandra first got involved when her father passed away in 2004 and took over as the operator/licensee when Judith retired about 10 years ago - though you’ll find her in the garden from time to time.

“We offer care for Toddler and Pre-school aged children at our Hixon Street location which has been

licensed for 40 years. Our Mountain Street location, opened in 2000, we offer JK/SK up to 12 years. Before school care, after school care, PA days and full-time summer care program are also offered. Our schoolage program stands by our expectations/guidelines, ‘We are Kind, We are safe,

We are Respectful’ - or Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Respectful,” notes Sandra.

The family connections developed through 40 years of care has led to long-term relationships.

“Children learn what they live. If we can give our children those things, that’s all that matters. Our door has

always been open. We’ve had kids who we used to take care of come back to say “hello’. Some have registered their children with us,” said Sandra.

The Day Care Centre offers children 15 months-four years of age homemade meals created from all fresh ingredients.

The staff is second to none, she points out.

“We’ve got amazing caretakers,” says Sandra.

The team includes: Hixon Street’s supervisor and lead pre-school teacher; Miss Sarah (RECE); lead Toddler teacher Miss Alicia (RECE); BAS Program; supervisor and lead, Miss Nancy (RECE); Junior/Senior teacher, Miss Jen, and; Senior teacher, Miss Meggie. Miss Nancy and Miss Jen also fill in as “chef” at Hixon Street.

The Day Care Centre Team

Visiting Volunteers provides one to one support to the client and caregiver, in person or by phone. We serve those of any age living with a life limiting or progressive illness in our community. All volunteers complete extensive Hospice Palliative Care Ontario training and undergo a vulnerable sector police check.

Legacy Program Clients work with a trained legacy volunteer, talk about their life and create a book that celebrates their life story for their family.

Our Bereavement Program, A Hand Along the Way is a place for you to share your grief with others who understand what you are going through. Under the guidance of volunteer facilitators, you have a space to share your grief and receive support. Our Bereavement groups are held in:

• Beamsville;

• Vineland, and;

• Smithville

Client/Caregiver Testimonial:

“Thank you for all you did to provide comfort, joy, companionship, assistance, peace … and dignity to my dad in his last journey in life. Thank you for providing a few hours each week for me to have a somewhat normal life. You are always gracious and accommodating” - Jan

Volunteer Testimonial:

“I decided to volunteer with Rose Cottage after visiting my husband in hospital and realized that there are many people that do not have any visiting relatives or friends. I love to interact with people and it makes me happy when I know that I can make a difference by volunteering

- Barbro

Niagara’s Future Starts Here

Key Activities Supporting Tourism

NIAGARA BENCHLANDS TOURISM AND DESTINATION BRAND IDENTITY

In October 2021, The Town of Lincoln’s Council unanimously supported Staff ’s recommendation of the ‘Niagara Benchlands’ as Lincoln’s new tourism and brand identity.

The Town of Lincoln’s new Niagara Benchlands destination brand will look to:

■ Create and build an identity for Lincoln that stands out from other competitive destinations, and communicate its benefits and strengths to potential investors, visitors and residents

■ Attract skilled labor, investment, and visitation

■ Make decisions around city planning, infrastructure investment, and public policy support

■ Create a unified voice and vision for the Lincoln-centered destination that focuses on the strengths of our diverse tourism sector

■ Bring the Town of Lincoln to life, by seeking inspiration from our unique culture, cuisine, technology, architecture, heritage, art, and future vision

The Town’s Economic Development and Tourism team will continue to work in partnership with Lincoln’s local tourism sector and stakeholders to implement and activate the Town’s five-year Tourism Strategy and Action Plan (2020-2025), with the support of its new Niagara Benchlands destination identity.

SHOPLINCOLN.CA

Established in May 2020, ShopLincoln.ca was activated to support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and help residents and visitors alike get connected with our diverse business community. Although the website was developed initially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the platform has quickly become a permanent resource for continued tourism adaptation and recovery marketing initiatives to support all businesses in Lincoln.

Niagara’s Future Starts Here 2021 Economic Indicators & Investments

PERMITS & CONSTRUCTION

Promoting an “Open for Business” message and attracting new investment is an important role that will drive results in terms of economic development for the Town of Lincoln. The success of investment attraction can be measured through residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional construction statistics.

Although COVID-19 restrictions once again posed many difficulties across all industries, the Town still saw over $164 million of private sector investment in 2021, exceeding the 10-year average. More specifically, the Town saw significant building activity spikes in sector-specific permits related to the following sectors:

NEW BUSINESS & EXPANSIONS

Business Retention and Expansion is a key priority as outlined in Lincoln’s Economic Development and Action Plan. It is said that approximately 70-80% of new jobs are generated from existing businesses, however, staff knows that in Lincoln this number is closer to 90%, which is why our top priority has been working with our existing businesses. In 2021, Lincoln saw an influx of business investment and growth throughout some of our key economic sectors.

A place to grow, a place to prosper, a place to belong.

Community Care of West Niagara

Growing Our Community Beyond Hunger

Doreen's Cupboard

Access to a variety of pantry staples, perishables, canned and baked goods as well as household items are available to clients on a monthly basis and weekly basis

Return to School

We provide registered families with backpacks filled with grade appropriate supplies to reduce the financial costs related to preparation for the new school year

Income Tax Preparation

Assistance with income tax completion is available to low income individuals in our community (not solely clients)

Information & Referrals

This service is available to individuals that are experiencing difficulties in meeting their financial obligations, and various other requirements. CCWN provides a much needed connection to community resources available in the area.

Housing Assistance

We provide support for the completion of Niagara Regional Housing applications and encourage our clients to actively participate in housing selection (location and unit)

Holiday Hampers

Receive hampers during the holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving, to assist in the deferral of expenses typically associated with the festive holiday season.

We exist to provide essential services and support to families and individuals in Lincoln who are facing economic hardship.

Customers valued at Mountaineer Movers

When Mountaineer Movers celebrated 41 years of business in 2019, the team looked back into its past to remind ourselves of the history the company has drawn from.

In 1951, Harry Mans immigrate to Canada from Holland with his family.

Harry’s first job was to work on the farm that sponsored them when they came to Canada.

“As our family got older, Harry saw the need for his family to work together. The family started delivering mail routes, then a newspaper routes and soon flowers, as well,” as the late co-owner Wendy Mans-Keddie has told the story.

“One day Harry saw an advertisement for a moving business that was up for sale. After some careful deliberation, he purchased the business name Mountaineer Movers. Thus, the ‘family’ business began!”

Their consideration of their customers is what sets them apart.

“As a family, we understand and realize that moving can be one of the MOST stressful times in a person’s life,” said Wendy, who worked along side Harry for 47 years.

“We strive to remember that we are servicing a wide variety of people and demographics and they are confronting a major change in their life. They are leaving a place they have called home for a new and unfamiliar place that will soon become their new haven.”

Wendy’s husband Andrew, who has over 40 years of experience, does all in-home estimates as well as Tom Ensign, an employee of several years. Their daughter Sarah oversees the office administration.

“We would not be a moving company without out movers – our ‘guys’. These men make Mountaineer a continuing success. ,” noted Wendy.

The company’s philosophy is simple, she noted, success is

honesty.

“All in all – trust your instincts and treat all those around you, whether they are family, customers, or employees with respect, dignity and encouragement. This is our philosophy on running a successful and prosperous business,” said Andrew.

Andrew Keddie (holding Lola), with his daughter Sarah Mans-Keddie (holding Abby), late wife Wendy Mans-Keddie.

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