Sunday, May 25, 2008

Nice Going Rodney...One of PEI's great promoters

Rodney is truly one of Prince Edward Island's greatest promoters...some Islanders may not know him but if you mention Rodney's name in Toronto or some of our other Cities, not only do they know him, they will probably be able to tell you a great story about him. Rodney grew up in Summerside as the son of another great Island promoter J. Arthur Clark, who owned and operated a large number of businesses, including MAPCO a Maritime based building supply distributor. His dad died many years ago but the family still owns Holman's Island off Summerside harbour and Rodney has owned a cottage in MacCallum's Point for many, many years. Lots of times when I'm in Toronto on business I'll run into Rodney's crew, at the very "best" business functions, and there is simply nothing that is not Top Notch about these catering spreads or his restaurant. Rodney and his staff are ALWAYS promoting our Island and our products. Congratulations Rodney, you're a great example of what can be done through hard work and the oyster fishers of PEI and all Islanders should be proud of you. Best of luck in this new venture as Bill Hogg and I are hoping you make a little more coin, so you might be able to buy a "pacer" and we'll see you at the CDP.
Clark shells out for oyster depot
JIM DAY
The Guardian
A native Islander who has been shucking with success for years in Toronto is set to take a big plunge into the oyster industry in P.E.I. Rodney Clark, who for 20 years has been running Rodney’s Oyster House in downtown Toronto’s financial district, is building a major oyster depot plant at the wharf in Nine Mile Creek. Construction of the 345- sq. metre plant is expected to be complete by the end of August. The facility, called The Rodney’s Oyster Depot, will buy, grow, grade, package and ship oysters to customers throughout North America and internationally. The facility will include an oyster tasting room, retail, and an oyster interpretive centre. Clark, in a statement, said he has a vision for the P.E.I. oyster industry. He sees a future when the Island’s reputation for producing quality oysters is enhanced, when the oyster industry is stable, self-sustaining, and profitable for growers. “I see a future where P.E.I. growers can take pride in producing the world’s best for oyster aficionados within Canada and internationally,’’ he said. Clark has made his mark at Rodney’s Oyster House, drawing oyster lovers from all over the world. In addition to the fine seafood offered at the restaurant, the establishment also operates a wholesale business and catering service. His new plant in Nine Mile Creek will be environmentally friendly, utilizing geo-thermal and solar energy as well as other green technologies. “I am a supporter of environmental causes, and I believe that current and future oyster consumers will embrace products handled in this manner,’’ he said. Clark has hired Dale Small as general manager and Dean MacEachern as plant manager. Both are from Rice Point. Clark describes Small as one of the key developers of the Island’s aquaculture industry over the past 30 years.

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