SaveEasy = Customer Service
Paul and Bev Clark have been running our local SaveEasy for nearly 30 years. The Clarks moved to Perth from Woodstock to take over this store when the franchise became available shortly after they were married.
Their store is one the staunchest supporters of our local economy. Our SaveEasy currently employs 36 people, and has employed over 200 young people and high school students over the years as bag boys and cashiers, thus helping them to save up for college and get a start on their adult lives.
Many of the kids started working part time at the store while they were in the 10th grade or so, and continued working until they were ready for university. In some cases, these youthful employees stayed on as full time staff. Bev and Paul work around their young employees’ school schedules and accommodate their needs while providing them with jobs, structure and valuable life lessons.
Customer service is a given at the SaveEasy….I usually feel robust enough to lug my own groceries out to the car and so sometimes I have to wrestle my groceries away from the bag boy, or even Paul himself! Delivery is available for older folks and business accounts.
The Clarks are also among the most generous supporters of youth programs and charities within our village. Bev told me that they believe our young people are the future of our community, and so they offer many programs their full support and encouragement.
Since we are a small village the store can’t carry as much stock as the big stores. But they will do their darndest to get in any exotic items customers crave if they possibly can.
I’ve been pretty happy to be able to get shallots at the store on a regular basis. These little onion relatives have a milder, sweeter taste than onions, and they caramelize and dissolve beautifully in smooth sauces. They’re also handy to have around for when you need just a little bit of minced onion for a dish. I like them in tuna salad. I’ve included my favorite super easy balsamic vinaigrette recipe for you to try if you like, which includes a little minced shallot.
Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ workers at decent wages and serve primarily local customers. It means becoming more self sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant companies and back into the community.
My Favorite Easy
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cop balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & fresh ground pepper
Combine all ingredients in a glass jar, cover and shake vigorously. Store in refrigerator
