November 28, 2011

Orillia Area Community Development Corporation, Orillia 

In 1999, Lynn Johnston decided to purchase an eyewear business.  She approached her bank for financing but was told that she did not fit their criteria.  Fortunately, her Bank Manger referred her to the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation.  Lynn, a single mother of three, was approved for her first loan and became the proud owner of Orillia Eyewear.

With her loan now paid off, Lynn is grateful for the support she received from the CDC over the years.  “I needed someone to believe in me and the CDC did just that,” she says.

Today, Orillia Eyewear is flourishing.  Her store offers many products in a warm atmosphere with friendly customer service. They have the capacity to cut lenses on-site, which decreases wait times, and an optometrist now operates in the same location.   

“This is truly a great example of a success story.  Something worth celebrating,” says Wendy Timpano, General Manager of the CDC. 

Photo:  Lynn Johnston of Orillia Eyewear