Equine Emporium has a new owner.
Makayla Mercer took over the business, which sells mainly quality western and English horse tack, apparel, boots, hats and other accessories, two months ago after the former owner retired.
Mercer worked at the store for two years before she took over ownership and saw great potential in the 30-year-old business, located at the Crossroads Centre on the corner of Koksilah Road and the Trans-Canada Highway.
“We had an open house last weekend that was really well attended,” she said.
“I’m hoping that the future looks bright.”
12 artists opening studio doors for Cowichan Valley Artisan’s Tour
The 2017 Cowichan Valley Artisan’s Tour will take place on Nov. 4-5.
Ever wonder what it takes to be a full-time artisan? Where does artistic inspiration come from? How long does it take to master a skill?
Over the course of the weekend, 12 professional, full-time artisans will open their studio doors to share experiences and showcase their work.
Eclectic offerings range from fine furniture and pottery to jewelry and dichroic glass vessels.
There are also paintings reflecting Cowichan scenes, intricate stone mosaics and smooth wooden bowls and boxes.
The artists include ceramic artist Cathi Jefferson, glass jewelry artist Peggy Brackett, watercolour painter Jennifer Lawson and custom furniture maker Cam Russell.
Information, brochures and maps are available online at www.cowichanartisans.com and at the visitor information booth in Mill Bay, The Garage and the visitor information centre in Duncan and at the Waterfront Gallery in Ladysmith.
Cobble Hill woodlot managers recognized for excellence in field
Keith Granbois and Ridley Wilson, managers of Cobble Hill’s R. & K. Woodlot Ltd., are being recognized by the province for innovation and excellence in woodlot management.
The woodlot, which won for the coast region, is just one of three in the province to have been presented with the Minister’s Award for Innovation and Excellence in Woodlot Management.
Since 2010, the annual awards recognize a woodlot licensee representing each of the south, coast and north areas of the province.
Award winners are nominated through official submissions received by the Federation of B.C. Woodlot Associations.
In addition to the award recognition, the recipients of three awards take home $2,500.
Doug Donaldson, minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, said B.C.’s woodlots create employment and promote long-term stewardship of our forests.
“This year’s award recipients have all demonstrated innovation and excellence in woodlot management,” he said.
“Their high standards encourage all of us to look for innovative and effective ways to manage our forests.”
Get your nominations in for 15th annual Small Business BC Awards
The 15th annual Small Business BC Awards has been officially opened for nominations.
The awards recognize the incredible achievements of small business owners and the contributions they make to their local and global communities. They also present the unique opportunity for the public to show their favourite local businesses some love and appreciation for what they do.
People can nominate any small business or entrepreneur to win a coveted award in one of 10 different categories, including Best Community Impact, Best Employer, Best Innovation and Best Immigrant Entrepreneur.
Nominations will be accepted until Nov. 30 for all new and existing small businesses in B.C.
Nominations can be made at sbbcawards.ca and the winners will be announced at the Small Business BC Awards gala on Feb. 23.