KEMPTVILLE – Community volunteers are key to economic development, says this year’s recipient of the counties’ annual economic development award.

The Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award was presented Friday to Brian Purcell, of James Purcell Insurance Broker Ltd., Founded in 1973 in Spencerville.

With a voice that denotes a quiet, sanguine mind imbued with sound judgment, Purcell accepted the award with a short speech marked with deep appreciation.

Presenting the award, during Friday’s economic development summit in Kemptville, was Bill Thake’s widow, Marlene, and United Counties Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke.

“It’s certainly a big honour to be recognized with this award,” said Purcell, who encouraged all to volunteer. “I do not feel I do anything special; I simply

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