This week’s business news features the grand opening of Lock Stop Café in Buckhorn, a zero-carbon certification for Olympus Burger in Port Hope, BlushDrop Wedding Video’s audition for CBC’s Dragons’ Den, Regional Tourism Organization 8 seeking volunteer board members, an award for B!KE Executive Director Tegan Moss, Kavtek and Percheron Plastic winning the 2018 Peterborough Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition, and a new owner for The Black Horse Pub in downtown Peterborough.
New regional business events include a Peterborough Chamber tourism networking lunch event on April 24th, a Community Futures Peterborough small business financing workshop on April 25th, and a municipal election information session for Peterborough candidates and third party advertisers on April 26th,
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Kelli Coon opens her new Lock Stop Café in Buckhorn
There was a big turnout for the grand opening on Saturday (April 21) of Kelli Coon’s new Lock Stop Café at 1919 Lakehurst Road in Buckhorn.
The café and restaurant features coffee from locally roasted beans, loose leaf and bag tea, a variety of sandwiches on home-baked bread, soups, and sweets like croissants, petit fours, eclairs, and butter tarts. Take-out dinners will be featured every Friday. The restaurant also contains a marketplace showcasing products from local artisans and others.
Beginning today (April 23), Lock Stop Café will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. When the Trent-Severn Waterway opens (usually on Victoria Day weekend), the café will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the summer.
In addition to the new café, Coon also runs Coon’s Cottage Care and Ship Shape Service in Buckhorn. She was a semi-finalist in the 2017 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition.
Olympus Burger in Port Hope is Canada’s first “carbon zero” certified restaurant
Port Hope’s Olympus Burger has been certified by as carbon neutral by Toronto company Carbonzero, the first restaurant in Canada to receive that certification. (Graphic: Olympus Burger)
George Kallonakis, co-owner of Olympus Burger (55 Mill St. S., Port Hope) announced that, as of Earth Day (April 22), it is the first Carbonzero-certified restaurant in Canada and one of the few restaurants in Canada to achieve carbon neutrality.
Carbonzero is a Toronto-based company that helps transform organizations by aiding them in assessing, reporting, and reducing their emissions.
To acquire its Carbonzero certification and carbon-neutral status, the burger restaurant switched all its plastic — including cups, cutlery, and straws — for eco-friendly alternatives including wooden cutlery, compostable cups that are made from 100 per cent renewable resources, and paper straws.
To offset unavoidable carbon emissions created by the restaurant’s use of electricity and natural gas, Olympus Burger is investing in carbon-offset projects offered by Carbonzero, specifically a tree-planting project in Niagara Region.
VIDEO: Burger joint goes carbon neutral
In 2017, Canadian Living magazine named Olympus Burger as the best burger restaurant in Canada.
For more information about Olympus Burger, visit www.olympusburger.ca.
Peterborough tech startup BlushDrop Wedding Video to audition for CBC TV’s Dragons’ Den
BlushDrop Wedding Video, the innovation winner of the 2016 Peterborough Bears’ Lair competition, is stepping it up a notch by auditioning for CBC Television’s reality show Dragons’ Den on Thursday, April 26th.
Rick Dolishny founded BlushDrop to give newlyweds control over their wedding video costs by creating professional videos from clips shot on their wedding guests’ phones. Smartphone users drag and drop video footage into an easy-to-use interface and then the BlushDrop team create a professionally edited movie from the content.
Starting at $349, a BlushDrop package is purchased online by the bride and groom, or as a gift from friends and family. The company has customers across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Middle East, and Brazil.
If CBC selects BlushDrop for the show, the company will appears during the new season of Dragons’ Den which premieres this fall.
Regional Tourism Organization 8 seeking volunteer board members
Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) — a not-for-profit organization promoting regional tourism activity in the City of Kawartha Lakes, the City and County of Peterborough, and the County of Northumberland — is seeking volunteers to sit on its Board of Director.
Volunteers should have a commitment to regional tourism efforts, a knowledge of and passion for the tourism industry, and an interest in becoming an active participant in RTO8 matters.
If you are interested, submit an expression of interest by completing an application form available on the RTO8 website at rto8.com/call-nominations-board-directors/.
Completed and signed nomination forms must be sent to: Regional Tourism Organization 8, 175 George Street North, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 3G6. Nomination forms must be received by Friday, May 11th. For more information, contact Brenda Wood at 705-874-6565 or brendawood@rto8.com.
Board member elections will be held at RTO8’s annual general meeting, which takes place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20th at Iron Horse Ranch (804 Ontario 7A RR1, Bethany).
B!KE Executive Director Tegan Moss wins award at 2018 Ontario Bike Summit
Tegan Moss, Executive Director at B!KE, won the “Wheels of Change – Educating the Next Generation” award at the Ontario Bike Summit’s 10th Anniversary Reception and Awards Dinner last Tuesday (April 17).
B!KE is an incorporated not-for-profit business located in downtown Peterborough that provides cycling education and support for members, including teaching bike maintenance, repair, and riding skills.
One of 12 award winners, Moss was honoured for her efforts and energy in championing bike education and accessibility.
She initiated programs such as Pedal Power and Earn-a-Bike, which aim to build comfort and confidence in young riders and provide access to the equipment necessary to make riding a bike a viable transportation option.
She has run an Open Shop program at B!KE for over seven years, where volunteers and staff assist community members in fixing up their own bikes. Last year alone, Moss supervised more than 20 volunteers in delivering 1,721 hours of service to support 550 B!KE members at over 3,000 Open Shop visits.
For more information on B!KE, visit communitybikeshop.org.
Kavtek and Percheron Plastic Inc. win 2018 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition
Kavtek and Percheron Plastic Inc. are the winners of the 2018 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition. The final pitch competition was held last Wednesday (April 18) at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
Kavtek, a digital startup that creates virtual and augmented reality platforms for realtors and tech companies, won in the innovation category. Percheron Plastic Inc., a plastic tank and material handling manufacturer that develops FireStraw fire starters made 100 percent from natural straw and a little wax, won in the goods and services category.
The two businesses will each receive a grand prize package valued at $35,000, which includes $6,500 in cash and in-kind prizes including public relations, accounting and consulting services, a promo video, and more.
New owner for The Black Horse Pub in downtown Peterborough
Ray Kapoor has sold The Black Horse Pub and Restaurant in downtown Peterborough to Desmond Vandenberg of Toronto. The deal closes on May 7, 2018.
Vandenberg is a Trent University graduate who says he intends to keep running the business as a pub and restaurant, while retaining existing staff and continuing to host live music events.
The sale means Kapoor and his wife Nancy Kerr, who opened The Black Horse in 2005, will be able to retire.
In March 2017, local developer Parkview Homes had a conditional offer on The Black Horse and had obtained a demolition permit, intending to repurpose the property, but the deal ultimately fell through.
Peterborough Chamber hosts tourism networking lunch event on April 24
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting a tourism networking event from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24th at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club (84 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).
“Leaders Lunch Series – Harnessing the Power of Local Ambassadors in Tourism” features keynote speaker Michele Harris, CEO of Headwaters Tourism, who will speak about the value of the tourism industry in Ontario and provide information related to harnessing the power of the local community to boost tourism to our region.
There will also be an interactive panel discussion with local experts Michael VanDerHerberg from Silver Bean Café, Anne Marshall from Elmhirst’s Resort, and more.
The event costs $25. For more information and to register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
Community Futures Peterborough small business financing workshop on April 25
The Innovation Cluster is partnering with Community Futures Peterborough to host a small business financing workshop from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
“Hands-ON: Expand Your Small Business with Community Futures Peterborough” will feature Business & Loans Officer Ryan Plumpton who will provided information about Community Futures Peterborough, loan criteria, and provide assistance to attendees with a hands-on completion of a loan application.
In addition, Michelle Cathers, SOFII Loans Manager from Community Futures Ontario East, will provide information about the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII).
The workshop is free, but advance registration is required.
Municipal election information session for Peterborough candidates and third party advertisers on April 26
The City of Peterborough is hosting a municipal election information session for Peterborough candidates and third party advertisers from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 26th at the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough).
The free information session will focus on the recent changes to the Municipal Elections Act, and provide an overview of campaign-related items specific to the City of Peterborough.
The session will be live-streamed on the City’s election website at www.peterboroughvotes.ca beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development Annual General Meeting and Open House on April 26
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) is holding its Annual General Meeting followed by a Community Open House on Thursday, April 26th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The open house, which takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the main level, offers the general public the opportunity to learn more about the economic organization’s role in the community.
A celebration of the PKED’s first year at VentureNorth, the open house will include a meet-and-greet with the organization’s clients and a tour of offices including the Visitor Centre and the Business Advisory Centre. Refreshments will be available, catered by Hard Winter Bread Co. and EC Catering.
PKED’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) takes place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the lower level and will include reports, the election/reappointment of board members, by-law amendments, an update from PKED President and CEO Rhonda Keenan, and volunteer and board member recognition. Seating is limited for the AGM and free registration is required at pked-agm-2018.eventbrite.ca.
Kawartha Lakes Construction offering free renovation workshop on April 26
Kawartha Lakes Construction (KLC) is hosting “The Value of Design-Build: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Renovation” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 26th at its offices at 3359 Lakefield Road in Lakefield.
The free event includes an interactive presentation led by KLC’s Scott Wootton which discusses the elements of a great project and why solid planning is so important, including local by-laws to be aware of and choosing the right products and materials for your project.
Following the presentation, you will be able to spend one-on-one time with KLC’s team of designers and project developers to discuss your questions and concerns. Light refreshments will be provided.
Space is limited, so you must register in advance at Eventbrite.
Innovation Cluster Agriculture Tech Power Breakfast on April 27
The Innovation Cluster’s next quarterly Power Breakfast is on the topic of growth and innovation in agriculture technology and takes place on Friday, April 27th at the Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront (150 George St., Peterborough).
Presented by Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation, guest speakers are Jeal Leal (Peterborough MPP, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Minister Responsible for Small Business), Thien Quoc Nguyen and Suresh Narine of the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research at Trent University, and Darren Goldin (Co-Founder and VP of Operations for Entomo Farms).
The breakfast event takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and features a buffet breakfast of eggs benedict, fresh baked muffins, seasonal fruit yougurt parfaits, smoothies, and pan-friend potatoes.
The Power Breakfast is free, but registration is required.
Nominations for Lindsay Chamber of Commerce 2018 Excellence Awards open until April 27
Nominations for the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Excellence Awards are open until Friday, April 27th.
Awards will be given out for Agricultural Excellence, Arts Excellence, Business Leader of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Customer Service Excellence, Design Excellence, Employer of the Year, Marketing Excellence, New Business of the Year, Not-For-Profit Excellence, Tourism Excellence, and Youth Mentorship Excellence.
The winners will be announced at the Evening of Excellence awards ceremony on Friday, June 1st at Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon.
For more information and nomination forms, visit www.lindsaychamber.com
Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce Awards of Excellence on April 28
The Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce’s annual Awards of Excellence takes place from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 28th at the Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon).
Awards will be presented in the following categories: Employee Achievement, Not for Profit Achievement, Business Achievement, Citizen of the Year, New Business Achievement, Tourism Achievement, Hospitality, and Creative Arts Achievement.
For more information, visit www.bobcaygeon.org.
Trent Hills Chamber Business Excellence Awards Ceremony on April 28
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony for the 2018 Celebration of Business Excellence takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 28th at Island Park Retirement Residence (18 Trent Drive, Campbellford).
Awards will be presented in the following categories: Emerging Entrepreneur Award, Customer Experience Award (Service-Based), Customer Experience Award (Product-Based), Pride And Progress Award, Ignite 2018 – Business, Ignite 2018 – Non-Profit Organization, Excellence In Business, Community Impact Award, Inclusive Community Employer Award, and Chair’s Award.
A cocktail reception begins at 7 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $35+HST, available at trenthillschamber.ca/business-awards/.
Business Owners Sharing Solutions (BOSS) – Mental Health in the Workplace on May 9
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next Business Owners Sharing Solutions (BOSS) seminar takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9th at the Lakefield Legion (10 Nicholls St., Lakefield).
The session will focus on coping strategies and techniques to encourage mental wellness in your workplace, with panelists Jack Veitch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Dave Pogue of Team 55, and Ashley Challinor of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
The cost is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Registration is requested.
Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting on June 20
Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator will be the guest speaker at the Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting. (Photo: Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre)
RTO8’s Kawarthas Northumberland is inviting tourism operators from within the Kawarthas Northumberland region (City of Kawartha Lakes, City and County of Peterborough, and Northumberland County) to its annual partners meeting (annual general meeting) from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20th at Iron Horse Ranch (804 Ontario 7A RR1, Bethany).
The meeting will provide tourism operators with the opportunity to meet Kawarthas Northumberland board members and staff, along with representatives and advisors from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and to network with other tourism operators.
The guest speaker at the session will be Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator. Lucier will speak on how tourism operators can leverage their own resources to build new and exciting visitor experiences, with an appreciation for the importance of community collaboration.
The event is free, but advance registration is required by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 8th. Register at Eventbrite.
