MacPherson made the comment during an acceptance speech after Station Grocery in St. Fintan’s was named recipient of the CBDC Long Range Business Award of Distinction on Wednesday night at Dhoon Lodge in Black Duck Siding.
“When we had no money, (banks) didn’t want anything to do with us, but now that we’re doing okay they’re approaching us to do business,” said MacPherson, who owns Station Grocery, along with his wife Cathy.
The store also houses a liquor store and post office.
Today if they need financial assistance, he said it’s back to CBDC, and the development corporation’s work is has been nothing but superb.
MacPherson said Cathy is the “power behind the throne,” and his full-time staff of six go beyond for the customers.
“I just hope we can see a day when we can pay our people what they are worth,” he said.
The business wasn’t in good shape when the MacPherson’s took it over 12 years ago, but revenues have increased every year since.
He said it’s largely thanks to the people in the community that have supported them. A significant part of business is tourism-related, with cabin owners and campers from the Crabbes River and Wishing Well parks regular customers for four months a year.
MacPherson said receiving this award is something that he, Cathy and their staff will take great pride in.
The Business Award of Distinction each year acknowledges the outstanding commercial achievement of a CBDC client.
In addition to Station Grocery, the MacPhersons also own Star Variety, which they have been running for 16 years. Nine years ago, MacPherson started his own farm, providing stores in the area with fresh local produce.