Features Community Event reports
Classy celebration for Applewood’s 35th

July 23, 2014 – Applewood Glass and Mirror of Mississauga, Ont., hosted a
classy event to celebrate its 35th year in business on July 17. About
200 guests representing a who's who of the local glazing trade mingled
in the sparkling clean and spacious left side of Applewood's
42,000-square-foot plant, taking in an eye-catching violinist on a lift
platform, a similarly elevated DJ and slideshows of Applewood's many
outstanding projects. Food and drink flowed freely, served by caterers
organized by Jennifer Menecola, daughter of company president, Tony
Menecola.

July 23, 2014 – Applewood Glass and Mirror of Mississauga, Ont., hosted a classy event to celebrate its 35th year in business on July 17. About 200 guests representing a who's who of the local glazing trade mingled in the sparkling clean and spacious left side of Applewood's 42,000-square-foot plant, taking in an eye-catching violinist on a lift platform, a similarly elevated DJ and slideshows of Applewood's many outstanding projects. Food and drink flowed freely, served by caterers organized by Jennifer Menecola, daughter of company president, Tony Menecola.

The event was a family affair, with Tony, his wife Eva, Jennifer and son Anthony in attendance. Company founder and Tony's father, Lorenzo Menecola was also on hand with his wife, Filomena. Many of the guests had long association with Applewood, and were happy with the chance to greet and congratulate Lorenzo on the success of the company he started in 1971.

Tony acknowledged the hard work his family has put into the business over the years. From the top left are Eva, Tony, Jennifer, Anthony, Filomena and Lorenzo. Advertisement

George Carlson, a Mississauga city councillor, and Steve Mahoney, a candidate for mayor of Mississauga, were on hand to congratulate Applewood and present the Menecolas with certificates. Both noted the importance of companies like Applewood to the region's success. Tony thanked the crowd in a emotional address.

Councillor George Calson passes along the city's congratulations.

"Time flies when you are having fun," Tony commented. "A lot of the credit goes to our employees. We have employees that have been with us 20-plus years and without them none of this would be possible." Tony says he is more surprised by what has stayed the same than by what has changed since he joined the company at the age of 20, and credits Applewood's ongoing success to a culture of innovation and early adoption of techniques such as pre-glazing to streamline processes and improve quality.

Tony says careful and measured expansion lies ahead for Applewood. "I've had opportunities to grow big and grow fast but that is never a good idea," he explains. "It is always controlled expansion for me."

The fiddler on a lift platform was a cool touch. Is that a regulation safety tie-off?

All the photos from the event can be seen on Facebook at facebook.com/GlassCanada . Photos courtesy of Nick Kachibaia.

For more information
Applewood Glass – Movin' and Shakin'
applewoodglass.com