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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Dragon has got a sweet tooth for OMG's

By: Geoff Kirbyson

Posted: 02/10/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

MARAYNA DICKINSON PHOTO Enlarge Image

Arlene Dickinson (behind) has invested $250,000 in the new confectionary created by Larry Finnson (left) and Chris Emery of Clodhoppers fame.

IT didn't take long for Chris Emery and Larry Finnson to find an equity partner.

The brains behind OMG's candy -- milk- and dark-chocolate graham clusters mixed with diced almonds and crunchy toffee bits -- have been given a cash infusion of $250,000 from one of the investors on the Dragons' Den television show. In return, Arlene Dickinson, CEO of Venture Communications, a Calgary-based marketing firm, gets a 50 per cent equity position in the firm and a seat on the board.

"I'll be working with them on marketing and supporting the public relations efforts and profile of the brand. Chris and Larry will do the day-to-day operations and management of the company," she said.

She said the pair's experience building up their previous confectionary offering, Clodhoppers, to a North America-wide brand was what attracted her to the opportunity.

"They have a proven track record in the same industry. They have shown their ability to build a business and drive a successful company. They've learned what went wrong and what went right, they have a vision for what they want to do with this new company and they've got a great product," Dickinson said.

Emery said Dickinson's investment, which was announced on Wednesday night's show, will be an incredible boost to his and Finnson's efforts.

"She is easily one of the most recognized female entrepreneurs in Canada. Our (target market) is primarily women between the ages of 18 and 54 and she resonates really highly with them," he said.

OMG's are set to hit the shelves in Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaw stores early next month.

geoff.kirbyson@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 10, 2012 A2

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