by Stuart Harrison
Monday, October 24, 2005

Welcome to The Business Beat.

Big changes from the Patel family

Sheila's in Lansdowne Place is a women's wear store that has been in Lansdowne Place since it opened 25 years ago. Watch for big changes as the Patel family have purchased the former Women's Health Centre building at 69 George Street, right across from Crary Park. They'll spend the winter renovation and next spring will be opening a 3000 square foot store under the names Sheila's Women's Wear and Classic Lane Men's Wear. The Patels some might remember also operated Classic Lane Men's wear in Portage Place for many years. Congratulations to Sheila, Rita and Biren Patel. For more information call 705-745-6112.

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Flowers By Kay

Another recognizable name from the clothing business is Mary Nisbett. Mary has recently purchased Flowers By Kay in the Brookdale Plaza on Chemong Road. Mary says she has a PHD in flowers - Packer, Handler, Deliverer! Mary purchased the business from Janet Dodge and all of the same staff remains. You can find fresh flowers, planters, and giftware for every occasion plus Mary has just added a line from Cathleen Hurst of Grapevine Design. Flowers By Kay is in the Brookdale Plaza, 811 Chemong Road call 705-742-8524.

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Kawartha Custom Motorcycle

To switch gears, Kawartha Custom Motorcycle has just opened this month at 382 Parkhill Road East, just East of Alf Curtis. Owners Judd "Smokey" Smoke, Rick Edgerton, and Daryl Doucette offer motorcycle parts and accessories, and service to all makes and models, with particular expertise in Harley Davidson. They'll do polishing, powder coating. sandblasting, chrome and custom paint jobs as well. They are open Monday - Friday 9 - 6, Saturday 10 - 4. You can call 750-HOGG (4644) for more information.

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Workshops for Strategic Planning

Two events coming up - if you are in need of a strategic plan Jan Dupuis and Associates is hosting Karen Liberman, who apparently eats, sleeps and breaths strat-plans, for two workshops, one this Thursday (October 27) the next on November 29. The October 27 Workshop is called Putting The "Strategic" Back In Planning, and will focus on Vision and Mission Statements. The November 29 workshop will cover strategic alliances and partnerships, and setting objectives. In order to catch this Thursdays workshop, you must register by first thing Tuesday morning by calling Jan at 705-745-5200.

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Skills Canada-Ontario presents "Skills Work!® for Women"

The second event is presented by Skills Canada-Ontario. Called "Skills Work!® for Women", this is the fifth year for this unique networking dinner. It's on Thursday, November 3, 2005 at The Parkway Centre, 1135 Lansdowne Street West from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. The award-winning program is designed to introduce young women in high school, who are interested in the skilled trades and technologies, to female mentors who are currently working, studying or teaching in a related career field. If you are a woman who works in the trades, or a female student who is interested in a career in the skilled trades, this is a great opportunity. More information is available online at www.skillsontario.com, or you can call Barb Woolner at 705-750-0726.

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