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Business notes: Arbutus Ridge Farms opens big new facility

Staff said that a lot of thought has gone into planning the layout of this new building
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BC Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick

Arbutus Ridge Farms, which started operating out of the Farmers Market in Duncan and now prepares fresh deli foods for shipment as far away as Winnipeg, has been in business for 19 years and boasts a loyal work force.

They were cheerfully working around a small army of enthusiastic visitors, each clad in white lab coat and hairnet, during tours of the building at the official opening of their new facility.

Staff said that a lot of thought has gone into planning the layout of this new building to allow for efficient workflow and that was obvious to everyone who took a tour.

BC Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick, who was one of the guests, said the fact that many of the workforce were young parents when they started and now have grandchildren speaks volumes about the McMurrays as employers.

Chamber to hear the latest in education news

The Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon at the Cowichan Golf & Country Club will give members of the business community the chance to hear what’s happening in local public schools.

Board chair Candace Spilsbury and schools superintendent Rod Allen of the Cowichan Valley School District are the keynote speakers at the event on Thursday, Nov. 24.

Now that the province is embracing a new curriculum, based on cutting edge research, it’ll be interesting to see how students make better connections with sources of knowledge in their communities, Allen said.

Rather than accumulating a lot of facts, the fast-moving world of work looks for students with inquiring, nimble minds and this session offers help understanding why education is one of the foundations of a vital economy. Spilsbury, a career educator who has spent years on the school board, and can bring those perspectives to the talk as well.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the presentation starts around 12:15 p.m.

Call Elizabeth Croft, the Chamber’s events & membership manager at 250-748-1111 to reserve seats.

Moo’s Pizza helping to fill the cupboard

Moo’s Pizza is going to help their friends down at Island Savings with their campaign called The Full Cupboard.

Starting today, Nov. 15, and running until Dec.15, Moo’s is going to donate $2 for every 2 for 1 pick up order. All you have to do to help is drop in and grab your order instead of getting it delivered and the folks at Moo’s will donate $2.

It’ll be Madness in Chemainus on Dec. 9

Moonlight Madness, the one-day sale and special event in Chemainus on Friday, Dec. 9, offers free family fun activities, shopping, specials, and prizes.

This second annual Moonlight Madness will be a one-night-only shopping event with lots of activities, sales, giveaways and specials throughout the town. Start, continue or wrap up your Christmas shopping while enjoying the true spirit of Christmas in Chemainus.

There will be specials in most stores, one-night-only in-store pricing, hourly draws, spot prizes, shop and win your purchase, gift wrapping, activities for kids, free Santa photos, spot the elves throughout the town, S’mores, other food specials and take-aways, hot cocoa, cookies, apple cider, gifts and more.

Mural Town’s businesses are going flat out for this special night.

Bring a canned good or donation for the local food bank.