Living Local Marketplace Nominated For Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters' Ontario Made Awards

Artisanal shop Living Local Marketplace is receiving province-wide recognition after being nominated for the sixth-annual Ontario Made Awards through the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME).

Alicia Doris, Living Local Marketplace owner during the one-year anniversary ribbon-cutting ceremony of her business in 2022 since COVID-19 disallowed her to do a grand opening event. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Living Local Marketplace was nominated for the ‘Retailer Spotlight Award’ alongside Dundas-based retailer ‘ellënoire’ and Amherstburg-based year-round market, ‘The Farm House Market.’

The award recognizes retailers that strengthen Ontario’s manufacturing industry by sourcing Ontario-made products and building strong relationships with local manufacturers, according to CME.

The finalists were selected following a public voting period that ran from Aug. 10 to Sept. 30, with over 81,000 votes cast across three award categories.

“The Ontario Made Awards shine a spotlight on the businesses behind the products Ontarians use every day, and the people helping to build a stronger manufacturing sector across our province. That recognition matters, and so does creating opportunities for businesses to connect and grow together. Through Ontario Made, we are helping manufacturers build valuable B2B relationships, discover new suppliers and strengthen supply chains here in Ontario. We look forward to celebrating this year’s finalists and the important contributions they are making to our economy,” said Dennis Darby, President & CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)

Living Local Marketplace is owned by Alicia Doris, who began the business after becoming unemployed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020.

Originally a passion project that spring, Living Local Marketplace began as a seasonal subscription box that shared the work of artisans and small businesses in The Kawarthas. It pivoted to an online gift box shop that fall because demand increased.

Her shop sells locally created artisanal goods, including housewares, personal care and hygiene products and newly added gourmet goods. Customers can create customizable gift boxes that can be picked up or delivered from local artisans. She opened a brick-and-mortar store in response to growing demand and customer requests.

Winners are revealed on Dec. 1.

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