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Gil and Kelly Rouire, founders of Point West Electrical in Portage la Prairie, have officially retired after 25 years in business. The couple marked the occasion Thursday with a noon-hour community barbecue, directing proceeds to Central Plains Cancer Services.
“I'd just like to thank the community for supporting us for the past 25 years. Without the community we couldn't have done it. Plus all of our workers have been fabulous. None of this would have been possible without them, and now we're looking forward to our new adventures and retirement. This was a chance to thank everybody for supporting us and a good chance to support the community as well, we appreciate people coming out for the barbecue” notes Kelly Rouire.
“It decided to rain buckets and be a cold day, but lots of people came out and supported us anyway, so we appreciate that,” added Rouire.
New ownership team takes over
The Rouires’ retirement coincides with a transition to new ownership, as three longtime employees step in to lead the business.
Rodney Fehr, who has been part of Point West’s leadership for several years, is now joined by Adam Blight and Mark Jordan as the new ownership team.
“First of all, we're celebrating 25 years of Point West. As well as Gil and Kelly's retirement. The three of us are taking over and it's a celebration of the past years and the present,” says Fehr.
“Moving forward, I've been planning this for a while, looking at the future and owning the company for sure. I've been part owner for three years now, and have been planning this for years before that. The event just kind of came up as part of the retirement. The turnout has been fantastic. Honestly. I'm surprised, I'm glad everyone made it out considering the weather. We tried to do our best. and we're happy to see all the all the familiar faces around,” adds Fehr.
Giving back to cancer care
Directing barbecue proceeds to Central Plains Cancer Services was a natural choice for the Rouires, who have long supported the charity.
“I think everybody has been touched by cancer in some way, It's always been our one of our main charities. We like to give back and this is a good way to do it, by inviting them here to be with us for our day, so we hope we raised a lot of money for them, it goes to a good place and good cause,” continues Rouire.
