Just prior to the formal portion of the evening, the Dean family gathered under a specially designed quilt to record for the future this important event. Thompson Goddard Photo

CHESTERVILLE – There were over 125 people who attended the Mike Dean Local Grocer Appreciation Night held on Tues., June 16 at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 434 in Chesterville.  The event was hosted by the Chesterville and District Historical Society and provided the community to acknowledge the contributions made over the past 50 years by the Dean family.

“Thank you to the community for coming out, supporting our event and continuing to support our local businesses.” said Carol Johnson who led the team of organizers planning the successful event.

Light refreshments were provided by Soup to Nuts Catering operated by Chesterville resident Cindy Barkley, with beautiful cupcakes supplied by Glorious Chocolates, Cakes and Catering of Chesterville run by Gloria Poletti.

The evening began with a time for socializing which included visiting with one another, viewing the beautifully decorated hall which featured memorabilia from Mike Dean Local Grocer and being greeted by members of the Dean family.  CDHS President John Pemberton welcoming everyone and offering a note of thanks to RCL Branch 434 for providing the venue for the event and introducing the Dean family.

SDG MP Eric Duncan then spoke on the contributions to the community made by the businesses which includes supporting several local causes before stressing the importance of supporting local.  He then presented a certificate of appreciation to the family for their 50 years of being a cornerstone of the community and its continued dedication. A certificate of appreciation from SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn who was unable to attend the event was then presented.

Duncan was followed by SDG Warden François Landry who congratulated the family for their many achievements, noting how the business has touched many people in several areas of the United Counties.

North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser mentioned the importance of an independent grocery store such as Mike Dean Local Grocer to the community and his pride that the business is so successful.  He presented a certificate of appreciation from the Municipality of North Dundas following his remarks.

Claudia Solorzano, Director of Membership for the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers spoke to those gathered about the commitment and values demonstrated by Dean family members in their business life. Barry Lanteigne, President of Distribution Canada Inc and the Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance spoke on the large commitment needed in order to run an independent grocery business in the marketplace.  Gordon Dean has served both organizations in several ways throughout his career.

Carol Johnson then introduced Gordon Dean who provided an interesting and educational presentation on his family and the business which was founded by his father the late Mike Dean.  He noted that his Mom’s family has lived in the local area for seven generations and so there is a deep connection to the community.  His father grew up in Ottawa and worked his way up in the grocery business with dedication and commitment.  He eventually decided to open his own store and purchased Laflamme’s Grocery in 1976, marrying Nancy McMillan and with her had two children Gordon and Julie.

Gordon explained his father told the family many stories about starting the business, the changes in both the retail business and the community and the re-inventions made to the company which have continued to ensure success.  It was noted how his father had mentored his sister Julie and himself as they began working in the business.

Since 1988 Gordon has worked in the store, mentioned the business has branched out to several communities, with many changes over the years which have resulted in its continued success.  He noted the business was built on the foundation that Mike Dean created, accompanied on the journey by his wife, and their Mom, Nancy.

It is important to note that three generations of the Dean family are involved in the operation of Mike Dean Local Grocer.  Gordon and Pamela, Julie and Daniel play key roles in the family business, with Pam and Gordon’s children’s working at the store when not in school and while Nancy is retired, still works at the store on occasion.

Following a question-and-answer period, the family once again demonstrated its strong local commitment to Chesterville, by the presentation of several cheques of $500.00 to several organizations.  These included the Chesterville and District Historical Society, the Chesterville & District Agricultural Society, the Chesterville Rotary Club, the Green Action Gang and Faith Pantry.  Afterwards fifty gift bags were handed out to the audience by the Dean family in recognition of the 50 years the business has been in operation.

The community is indeed blessed to have the Mike Dean Local Grocer in Chesterville.  The independent grocery store, one of less than 200 family run independent grocery stories according to Gordon, not only provides a place to shop locally for food and sundry items, but also supports several local organizations.