KEMPTVILLE – Two people will share the distinction this year of being named recipient of the Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award.
Cathy Sheppard of North Grenville and Ken Watson from the Township of Rideau Lakes area were given the award during the 13th annual United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Summit Friday.
Sheppard runs an accounting and bookkeeping business in Kemptville and has been involved in a number of community agencies. Watson attracts tourists through a Rideau Canal information website, promoting the Rideau Lakes area and its attractions like the Old Stone Mill in Delta.
The summit was held virtually this year.
The leadership award is named after Thake, who served 52 consecutive years on Westport town council. He was also county warden four times.
There have been 42 nominees and 16 recipients of the community building award since its start a decade ago.