RENFREW COUNTY (Pembroke) — The Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce (UOVCC) took time at their Annual General Meeting to announcement the recipients of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. UOVCC Board President Meghan Sutherland had the privilege to announce the Lifetime Achievement Award is being presented to Jay and Linda McLaren.
Jay and Linda McLaren owned and operated Sunset Nursery for 34 years. During their ownership they grew from a very small business to one that employed 25 employees during peak seasons. Jay recalls his Dad Donald once told him to, “take note – these people from the surrounding community are doing you a service of buying from your business. Don’t ever take that for granted and always remember to give back to your community”.
Jay and Linda certainly took those words to heart and followed that advice. Give back to the community is what they have done over the years and continue to do. Volunteerism has played a big part in lives.
Jay and Linda have both been involved in many organizations over the years. They have won numerous service awards for their work in the community. Ms. Sutherland stated in her announcement, “it was very clear after reading all their accomplishments and work over the years that Jay and Linda McLaren were very deserving of this award and the Board of Directors of the UOVCC were pleased to honour them with the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The official award will be handed out at the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards on Friday May 8 at Festival Hall Theatre for the Arts.
