Kemptville YIG co-owner comes to town with extensive background
BY LAURIE WEIR
After 15 years in Smiths Falls, Dan and Wanita Andress have retired from Your Independent Grocer.
“It has been an incredible journey filled with meaningful experiences, growth and cherished memories,” they said in their farewell Facebook post on Dec. 31.
The duo credited their team’s hard work, commitment, and passion as the driving force behind their collective achievements.
“We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the community members who has made our time here so rewarding,” the post stated. “Thank you once again to our community, our team and the opportunity to be a part of something special in our hometown.”
Andress’ Your Independent Grocer has been instrumental at many local functions with financial and food support. They are well known for going above and beyond for their community.
For the RCL Automotive Build a Mountain of Food fundraising campaign, it’s been a lifelong partnership.
“Dan this year did a one-shot donation of 10,000 pounds. They also sold well over the 1,200 bags (of prepackaged food),” co-organizer Jim Wright said. “They are going to be missed. They did so much for the Build a Mountain of Food campaign.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County also offered their thanks for a supportive relationship: “Thank you for your many years of generosity and kindness to our agency and the local children we serve. You had a very positive impact on Smiths Falls and the area and will be missed!”
Sylvie Jonsson is the new owner of the Smiths Falls YIG, who will take over physically on Feb. 24, but will be present in the Smiths Falls store and the Kemtpville store until then, noted Carley Hess, social media manager at the Kemptville YIG.
In a media release from Loblaws, it was noted that Jonsson brings over 35 years of experience in store management as co-owner at Jonsson’s YIG in Kemptville.
“Sylvie is a friendly enthusiastic co-owner with natural leadership skills which have been valuable in mentoring new team members and driving sales,” the release noted.
“Sylvie’s hard work ethic through five renovations and close community involvement has helped build a stronger business and partnerships in the area with the local food bank and multiple schools.”
In addition, Jonsson is a bilingual co-owner who has core business skills and valuable management experience in many departments. She is a Blue Culture Ambassador who supports and participates in the Go Further Women pillar.
“Sylvie is excited to become YIG franchisee and is eager to connect with staff and customers in the Smiths Falls community.”
