A new store specializing in olive oil and balsamic vinegars from around the world has opened at #7-225 Canada Ave. In Duncan.
Grant Easterbrook, owner of The Olive Station, said he currently carries 24 different types of olive oil and 26 balsamic vinegars, and he has a tasting room on the premises where people can try them out.
He said the nearest businesses dealing strictly with olive oil and balsamic vinegars are in Nanaimo and Victoria, so he saw a need for one in the Cowichan Valley.
‘The surge in healthy eating has led to an increased interest in these products for cooking, and we’ve had lots of people come in telling us how happy they are to have a store like this right in the neighbourhood,” Easterbrook said.
Catalyst looking for new chief financial officer
Catalyst Paper has announced that Frank De Costanzo, senior vice president and chief financial officer, is leaving the forestry company to pursue a CFO position with another organization.
De Costanzo will stay with Catalyst, which owns the Crofton pulp and paper mill, until the end of September to effect an orderly transition.
Gerrie Kotze, the company’s corporate controller, has been chosen to replace Costanzo on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is found.
“While this was a difficult decision for me to make, I am truly proud of the work we have done during my tenure at Catalyst,” Costanzo said.
“My new position will allow me to return to the U.S. and be closer to my family.”
Galaxy adding 30-foot totem to new dealership
The new state-of-the-art Galaxy Motors dealership in Duncan will be erecting a large 30-foot totem pole that will welcome people to the Cowichan Valley.
Galaxy Motors commissioned carver Harold Joe, who is from Cowichan Tribes and is a highly accredited elder from the local campus of Vancouver Island University, to do the carving.
Joe is being tasked to create the story that will be associated with the totem pole, carve it on site, and host a blessing and raising celebration for all to enjoy.
The log the totem pole will be carved from was harvested locally and in partnership with the Teal-Jones Group.
“We are extremely proud of our heritage in the Cowichan Valley and launched the totem initiative in celebration with it,” said a statement from Galaxy Motors.
Robert.Barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com