Final preparations are underway for an event later this month that will honour two cornerstones of the local business community.
The Quinte West Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 2026 President’s Dinner and AGM on Thursday March 26 at Occasions by the Bay in Bayside. This is a special night in Quinte West where the business community comes together to recognize the accomplishments of the Chamber, the success of its business community, and to pay their respects to this year’s Honorary Lifetime Membership recipient Mike and Nickey Eden.
“It is our privilege this year to recognize Mike and Nickey Eden with the Honorary Lifetime Membership,” said Quinte West Chamber President Jeff McKerracher. “Mike and Nickey Eden are proud third-generation business owners carrying forward a family legacy that has shaped retail in Quinte West since 1957.”
Their story begins with Mike’s grandparents, Terry Eden Sr. and Marjorie Eden, who founded Van Luven Furniture in 1957. The business evolved over the decades, becoming Eden’s Furniture in 1971 and later one of the first Leon’s Furniture franchises in Canada in 1983. Under the leadership of Phil Eden, the company expanded significantly, including construction of the current 60,000 square foot showroom and warehouse at Highway 401 and Glen Miller Road in Trenton.
In 2006, Mike and Nickey began writing their own chapter of the family story with the launch of Custom Carts Golf Car and Trailer Supply. Their entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking approach quickly led to further growth. Mike took ownership of Leon’s Trenton in 2011, and in the years that followed, they expanded with The Battery Outlet in 2016 and The Factory Store, which is Canada’s first Husqvarna Outdoor Power Equipment dealership, in 2018. Together, these ventures formed what was known as the CC Group of Companies.
In addition to their business accomplishments, Mike and Nickey Eden have also helped create a moment of national pride for Quinte West. In June 2019, through Mike’s leadership and community collaboration, nearly 4,000 residents gathered at Centennial Park in Trenton to form the Guinness World Record for the Largest Human Maple Leaf. The powerful show of unity supported the Canadian Armed Forces charity Soldier On and brought widespread attention to the strength and spirit of the local community. The achievement reflected the very values that define Mike and Nickey’s leadership — bringing people together, celebrating community, and thinking boldly on a national stage.
In 2022, their business was reimagined and rebranded as Homestead Marketplace. This name reflects the breadth of products, services, and experiences they now offer. Today, Homestead Marketplace is a collection of more than a dozen like-minded, community-driven companies designed to create more than just a shopping experience. Mike and Nickey have intentionally built a welcoming destination where families can shop, dine, and spend time together.
Mike and Nickey’s dedication to both business excellence and community building truly sets them apart,” states Quinte West Chamber CEO Suzanne Andrews. “As third-generation business owners, they have honoured their family’s legacy while boldly reimagining what local retail can be. Through Homestead Marketplace, they have created more than a collection of businesses. They’ve built a welcoming destination that brings families together and strengthens our community. It is inspiring to see their continued investment in Quinte West and the positive impact they make every day.”
With a deep commitment to Quinte West and a passion for community-building, Mike and Nickey continue to expand their vision. Their leadership blends tradition with innovation, honouring a multi-generational legacy while shaping an exciting future for local business and family-centered experiences.
The Honorary Lifetime Membership is awarded to local businesspeople that have given freely of their time and expertise over the years to contribute to the growth of our community. Past recipients of this award are: Lt. General Howard Graham; Dr. W.A.L. McDonald; Wilf Wilkinson; Ian Darling; Doug Whitley; Eben James Sr.; Phil Panelas; Paul Tripp; Peter Davis; Rob Brown; Hugh O’Neil; Tom Kotsovos, John Williams, John Smylie, Paul Whitley, Mike Cowan, Mark Phillips, Kelly Scott, Lanny Huff, Aleesha Camp, Ken and Cynthia Schmidt, Chandy Davis and Josephine Robertson.
If you would like to attend, tickets are available to the dinner and awards, which features a full course dinner by Occasions by the Bay and live music. Tickets are $130 per person and can be purchased online at www.quintewestchamber.ca.
