Local business recognized for 60 years

Local business recognized for 60 years

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The Cochrane Board of Trade choose recipients each year to honour for their dedication to the community.

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“While it is great the have large companies like Canada Nickel setting up in the area setting up opportunities and boosting the economy,” said Luc Dinan member of the Board. “We also have to appreciate the small business. They are the heart and soul of any community. Tonight we are honouring a business who has been serving Cochrane over 60 years and now in its third generation. Girard Esso has been an essential part of the community for a long and recently built a brand new garage as part of its renewal business.”

The business began under the name Girard Esso in 1963 when Roger Girard purchased the garage. Since then two more generations of Girard’s have been at the helm providing the town with great service.

“Girard’s has always been a great family owned business and consistently give back to the community,” said Dinan. “Thank you for your many years of service and we hope to have you around for many more.”

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Ralph Girard and his son Trevor were at the annual general meeting recently to receive the praise from the business community.

The senior Girard, who retired from the business a few years ago, offered his appreciation for the award. “Thank you for this honour. Thank you to my wife who has been by my side for many years and my family. You don’t know how long I wanted to be at your hockey tournaments for figure skating but couldn’t because of work. I would like my customers and staff,” he said. “Usually in the olympics, they pass on the torch but here, we pass on the Esso ring which was given to my dad. I would like now to pass this on to Trevor.”

The new Girard at the helm acknowledged the support given to him from the past two generations, the staff and the community.

Over the years, Girard Esso has diversified their business. They have spent a few years sold new and used vehicles. They became a distributors for Stihl products and now they also sell Big Green Egg barbecues while maintaining a high standard of mechanical services.

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