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When the public and the private sector work together (7 photos)

Today marked the official launch of Stitch Co., an entrepreneurial venture that creates quality locally handcrafted products from durable and attractive materials.

Today marked the official launch of Stitch Co., an entrepreneurial venture that creates quality locally handcrafted products from durable and attractive materials.

As part of the Superior Skills program pioneered by Destination North in partnership with Ontario Works, Stitch Co. aims to empower individuals by teaching them new skill sets while offering them gainful employment.

Today's launch at Shabby Motley showcased Stitch Co.'s Wholesale Collection Line of totes, bags and aprons all designed and crafted right here in Sault Ste. Marie.

"It's a great example of what we can do when the public and the private sector work together," said Mayor Christian Provenzano.

"When people come together with collective intention and collective effort to achieve a collective goal, you're building a community," he continued. "You're doing more than stitching bags and aprons. You're actually bringing something to the City of Sault Ste. Marie, and I appreciate that. We need more of that."

"This has really brought a lot of different people together to develop new skill sets and strengthen what is locally available," said Melanie Lemieux, Stitch Co. production coordinator.

While the company currently only offers wholesale items, Lemieux said expansion plans are in the works to include additional retail items and leather goods once Stitch Co. moves into its permanent location at Mill Square in 2016.

Interested parties are encouraged to look for Stitch Co. display units at Shabby Motley, the Art Gallery of Algoma, Mill Market and other locations across the city for product examples.

Visit Stitch Co. online for additional product and wholesale order information.

Stitch Co. is just one of a number of initiatives developed through the Superior Skills program.

Others include FlutterGo, a commercial insect-rearing training partnership with Entomica, and Grow Co. which teaches essential farming techniques.


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Donna Hopper

About the Author: Donna Hopper

Donna Hopper has been a photojournalist with SooToday since 2007, and her passion for music motivates her to focus on area arts, entertainment and community events.
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