This past week, Woolwich councillors were able to hear a good news, success story — heartening news indeed, in these times of economic distress.

The Elmira Produce Auction has become so successful that it has created the need for a spinoff business.

The auction, conceived by area farmers, is a way for farmers to sell their produce directly to those who need it — grocers, restaurateurs, and other retailers.

It created a produce market close to home for these businesses, and provided a steady source of income for producers.

Now, Nelson Wideman, who managed the produce auction, will be moving on to a new venture, in which produce will be sold directly to business owners who don’t have the time for an auction.

After all, as Wideman so eloquently described at the council meeting, auctions can be all-day affairs — fun for those who have the time, but a little frustrating for those who don’t.

So, Wideman and some others have seen the need for a new venture, one that will likely be as successful as the produce auction.

It is also recognizing the entire “buy local” movement, and finding a way to help local farmers fit into this new trend that seems to be one that will last.

It is this kind of entrepreneurial spirit at work that has helped Woolwich Township weather the economic storm much better than other parts of the country.

While we are not immune to trouble, there is a sense that we are willing to face it head on, and come up with solutions that work.

This is something to celebrate.

The Mennonite heritage, with its interesting mixture self-reliance and willingness to support one another, has given this community something that few others have — an ability to dream, in spite of the doom and gloom we are hearing all around us.

We suspect that spirit will continue to be at work as the economy recovers, putting this community in a very good position, come the new year.