When the Renfrew Industrial Commission (RIC) closes its doors after 66 years of operation in the community we may finally get to hear as much of its untold story as can be shared.
Formed in 1955, it at first functioned as the local equivalent of the Federal Business Development Bank, kick-starting many existing and former town enterprises over its tenure.
Executive Director Dave Lemkay says while the Industrial Commission has had a number of different forms for its operation, the mandate remained consistent over time.
The Industrial Commission will be wrapping up its operations later this year- but the formal arrangement with the municipality comes to an end this month.
Since 2002 the Renfrew Industrial Commission had operated the Innovation Centre in the former Westinghouse plant on a 20 year-agreement with the Town of Renfrew, but with that deal coming to an end this year, consensus on the RIC volunteer board was to wind things down.
Dave Lemkay says there are a lot of confidential files being shredded, but there’s still quite the story to be told.
Lemkay is no stranger to compiling tomes- the former Industrial Commission Executive Director says the new challenge will be his sixth effort.
Dave Lemkay retired from his government Forestry job in 2010, only to assume his role with the Renfrew Industrial Commission.
As the RIC winds down, he’s hoping what he compiles will pay fitting tribute to the individuals involved in the behind-the-scenes work of celebrating the fervour and fanfare of industrial growth in the community.
