Wolfville had seven new businesses open in the past year, five expanded and four closed, according to the Wolfville Business Development Corporation.
The WBDC is looking at a “at a dynamic and exciting time,” said incoming president Wil Lang at the annual general meeting. “It’ll be interesting to see where we can take this town.”
The group met June 18, electing a new board of directors at the Al Whittle Theatre.
Lang succeeds Suzanne Balcom. He spent his early years in Banff, Alberta. Lang is a former competitive freestyle skier, a theatre studies graduate of Acadia University and holds a Master in Architecture from the University of Calgary. He relocated to Wolfville in 2012 to raise his family and opened Green Army Design. With extensive experience in the hospitality sector, he recently became a partner in Troy Restaurant.
“Wolfville is where it’s at,” he noted, recalling a poster popular in town during the 1960s. “The challenge for the WBDC is to help keep the momentum we are enjoying moving and continue to create opportunities for business to thrive in Wolfville.”
Executive director David Hovell reported on the success of Wolfville Magic Winery Bus and a number of initiatives and events designed to attract visitors and investors.
Hovell said the winery bus had a projected economic impact of $500,000 for the community. It is being expanded from 11 to 14 weekends this year.
Treasurer Marcel Godbout indicated that the winery bus had lifted the WBDC’s finances into the positive. He projects a $12 surplus for this coming year. The corporation has roughly $140,000 in liquid assets.
The WBDC recognized the entrepreneurial spirit and 43 years of service of retiring merchants Rick and Michelle Daniels of The Market.
Miranda Collins of the Inquisitive Toy Company will serve as vice-president. Other board members include: Darren Booth, Acadia Sports Therapy Clinic
Kelly Marie Redcliffe, Wolfville Farmers’ Market - Doug Lutz, Lutz Law and Noel Whitten of Victoria’s Historic Inn.
