Toast to the town

Recognition, says economic development coordinator David Keddy, is “long overdue.”

He’s referring to the role local businesses play in Berwick and the Western Kings community, through direct employment, purchasing and spin-offs and charitable support.

“We need to recognize and appreciate the people who make a difference.”

Keddy’s got lots of projects on his plate from the Economic Development Advisory Committee’s strategic plan and priorities, but it’s most important, he figures, the community “buy in:” so, the “Toast to the Community” event July 7.

“This really serves three purposes: recognize the people in the community who have been here a long time - residents and businesses, launch our EDAC committee and let people know what our ideas are, and provide an opportunity to introduce the board of trade and update people on community projects like the Apple Dome, the fire hall and beautification.”

That’s a lot on one evening’s agenda, but Keddy says it’s a start - and he hopes to organize future events.

“It’s to pull people together, find partners and get people excited.”

While there will be displays and refreshments, the highlight July 7 will be Larsens’ manager Mike Lee, eager to talk about the pork processing plant’s past - and future.

“He’ll talk about Larsens’ status in the community, its success story and its people,” Keddy says. “We want them engaged - and we want people to know what Larsens’ contribution is.”

The informal evening gets underway at the Berwick town hall at 6 p.m.