SUBMITTED
Dave Brown humbly accepts the Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award.
Dave has been an influential figure in Leeds Grenville, contributing to economic development and heritage preservation for over forty years. A passionate advocate for community building, he has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Chaffeys Lock, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. His work includes preserving the village’s heritage through initiatives such as leading the fundraising effort to save the Chaffeys Lock Community Hall, raising $70,000 to restore the building. This space has become a hub for events and festivals, which are vital to the village’s economic and social vitality. In promotion of the area, he administers the Chaffeys Locks Rocks! Facebook group.
His depth of knowledge regarding the region has grown out of love for its rich history; his long-time experience with the Chaffeys Lock and Area Heritage Society has widened his appreciation. “It’s about the committees and the volunteers,” he added, giving recognition to those who had helped him along the way. “It’s not about needing a pat on the back, it’s about knowing you are working towards a better community,” he said, humbly.
Dave has a history of seeking answers to problems and creating effective solutions. Opportunity abounds in his mind as this early adopter of new tech navigates the way forward. In addition to his community work, Dave has dedicated his efforts to youth skills development, particularly in the marine industry. He introduced a marine technician component in the Transportation Technology program while teaching at Rideau District High School, as well as teaching a night course at St Lawrence College titled “Introduction to Marine Technician Fundamentals” He has further contributed to setting curriculum and training standards for boat motor mechanics through his work with the Ontario College of Trades (now called Skilled Trades Ontario). His expertise in the boating industry earned him the 2023 “Gord Blake Visionary Award” from Boating Ontario, recognizing his innovative leadership.
His business Brown’s Marina, lies in the Heart of the Rideau Canal Waterways, a community hub that offers essential visitor amenities and services that sustain the village’s tourist economy. It includes a general store and is authorized Evinrude, Mercury, and Princecraft dealership that sells new and pre-owned watercraft including deck boats, pontoons, and outboards. Services include financing, parts and service, dockage, storage and rentals. Friendly and knowledgeable staff ensure an outstanding experience from first inquiry through customization and maintenance. The Marina values opportunities to build long-term relationships and does so by providing the best customer service.
When asked about his advice to small business, Dave afforded, “Networking is one of the most effective tools in growing business awareness.” With the amount of networking he has done and through the many groups he has touched, the decisions he has made along the way have always involved financial spinoff components for either business or the community. “Everything in business should be about economic development.” he added.
Small business is innately close to Dave’s heart. He trusts his decisions and can foresee trends and avoid downturns, as he does by visiting annual boat shows. “It’s key to survival, as they say, ’a rising tide lifts all boats’; making the industry better as a whole makes us all better.”
Dave’s contributions to tourism, education, and heritage preservation have made a lasting impact on the economic health and cultural richness of Chaffeys Lock and the surrounding region.
The Township of Rideau Lakes Council supported the award nomination, “The personal volunteer efforts of Dave Brown over four decades has provided a positive economic impact to the Township of Rideau Lakes, and we are pleased to have him recognized at the regional level for these efforts,” says Mayor Arie Hoogenboom.
