its exceptional spices and unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and community. Founded by entrepreneur, Deb Kussmann, this proudly Canadian, woman-led company has grown from a passion for flavour into a flourishing retail and wholesale brand with locations in St. Thomas, Port Stanley, Bayfield, and London. Offering Canada’s largest selection of additive-free spices and handcrafted blends made in St. Thomas, Pepper Tree Spice Co. further inspires food lovers through immersive cooking classes, supper clubs, and international culinary retreats that celebrate the joy of flavour. Business of the Year – Redemption Tent Events
munity development specialist and gifted facilitator with a lifelong commitment to social justice, she returned to Elgin County in 2010 to launch the Central Community Health Centre (CCHC). There, she built a high-performing interdisciplinary team focused on supporting those facing barriers to wellbeing. Under her leadership, CCHC became a regional leader in accessible healthcare, offering mobile outreach, the Elgin Ontario Health Team, opioid avoidance initiatives, and crucial community-wide partnerships. Business of the Year – Evelyn’s Sausage Kitchen Since the Harris family assumed ownership three years ago, the business has grown from a small sausage-making operation into a regional food brand and an emerging community food hub. Now expanding its processing capacity and opening a new retail market in the historic Shedden Firehall, the company is creating local jobs and highlighting products from more than 50 area vendors. Guided by a vision of a resilient, community- focused food system, Evelyn’s Sausage Kitchen is building not just a thriving business but a welcoming destination that brings people together. Business of the Year – Pepper Tree Spice Co. Evelyn’s Sausage Kitchen is a proud family-owned food producer built on quality, community, and local tradition.
Redemption Tent Ev- ents is a proud fam- ily-owned tent and event rental company serving St. Thomas, Elgin County, and Southwestern Onta-
rio. Founded in 2019 in loving memory of their son Reed, the business is rooted in faith, resilience, and a sincere commitment to being part of life’s most meaningful celebrations. Specializing in premium tented experiences - from elegant sailcloth and Clearspan structures to beautifully curated furnishings and décor – the team transforms open spaces into unforgettable settings for weddings, celebrations, and corporate events. Known for exceptional service, meticulous detail, and flawless execution, Redemption Tent Events is honoured to help create moments that become lasting stories.
Pepper Tree Spice Co. has been elevating kitchens across Canada since 2010, gaining national recog- nition – including being featured on MasterChef Canada in 2025 – for
OPEN: Wed - Sun 11am-5pm
215 Main Street, Port Stanley 519-782-7467 www.studiostyle.ca
Page 54 Hometown St. Thomas • April 2026
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