MERRITT HERALD EST. 1905
THURSDAY, October 17, 2024 • www.X.com/merrittherald • www.merrittherald.com
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New business coming soon Laísa Condé editor@merrittherald.com
Groundbreaking ceremony at Midday Valley Road celebrates the new furniture manufactory coming to Merritt. Photo/Laísa Condé
OCEAN DOME
Ocean Wise brought its Sea Dome to the Lower Nicola Indian Band School and other Interior communities.
SEARCH AND RESCUE
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Nicola Valley Search and Rescue has received a generous donation from Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary.
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Excitement filled the air on Saturday, Oct. 12, as local and federal officials, business owners and community members gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of a new furniture manufactorer set to open in Merritt. The event took place at the future site of the facility, at Midday Valley Road, with a crowd eager to celebrate another business coming to town. Mayor Mike Goetz kicked off the ceremony expressing his enthusiasm for the project. “It’s a great business, a family business and we’re looking forward to welcoming this family into the community and be a part of it,” he said. “I’m very grateful for them to be investing in our community. I think this is what’s going to be the catalyst that makes us grow.” The new furniture manufactorer, operated by Mako Wood Furnitured Inc., is expected to create around 80 jobs within the first year of operation. The facility will focus on producing high-quality, sustainable furniture. Dan Albas, member of Parliament for the Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola riding, said that the new business in town is “an example of a small family business that has grown over the years.” “They make high quality furniture and they’ve chosen to invest in Merritt because Merritt has what it takes,” Albas said. “If I were (the mayor) or one of your councillors, I would feel very proud to see that this kind of investment is coming to Merritt as well as new jobs and just the economic benefits.” Mayor Goetz highlighted all the hard work that the family behind the business put up over 25 years. “This gentleman started 25 years ago in his garage and it has produced this. It just goes to show you the power of family and power of persistence and I’m very grateful to have your guidance.” The new furniture manufactorer is set to open sometime in 2025.
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