This week’s round-up of business news includes the upcoming deadline to apply for the 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition, the appointment of Kirsten Armbrust as the new executive director of CCRC Peterborough, the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s 2019-20 board of directors, Trent University’s VP of finance and administration retiring at the end of June, and Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes receiving $8,100 from the Ontario government.
Also featured this week is Tiny Greens in downtown Peterborough celebrating its 10,000th customer, Lakefield Farmers’ Market accepting vendor applications for the 2019 season, Trillium Lakelands District School Board seeking local businesses to participate in a Math Career Fair on March 1st, Peterborough photographer Samantha Moss being offered an opportunity with Photographers Without Borders in Africa, and Sullivan Law Ptbo delivering sweet news about its new office location in downtown Peterborough.
New regional business events added this week include Northumberland CFDC presenting a customer acquisition workshop featuring Sarah Stockdale on March 1st in Cobourg, the 2019 Win This Space finale in Peterborough on March 5th, the Lakefield Career Fair and and Community Information Session on March 6th, the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting in Campbellford on March 7th, and FastStart Peterborough’s E-Connect for International Women’s Day featuring Female Founders on March 7th.
One more week to apply for 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition
If you want to enter the 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition, you have one week left to apply at www.bearslairptbo.ca.
The application deadline is Tuesday, February 26th.
This year’s competition features a total cash pay-out of $20,000, with each of the winners in two category streams receiving $8,000, and two runners-up in each category receiving $1,000 each.
VIDEO: 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition
Semi-finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses on Tuesday, March 26th at The Venue, when the Bears’ Lair judges will select six finalists to move on to the final pitch event on Tuesday, April 30th at The Venue.
Bears’ Lair 2019 is presented by Community Futures Peterborough, Innovation Cluster, Peterborough Region Angel Network, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development, and Mega Experience, with kawarthaNOW.com as the media sponsor.
Kirsten Armbrust appointed as new executive director of CCRC Peterborough
Last Friday (February 15), Community Counselling Resource Centre (CCRC) Peterborough announced the appointment of Kirsten Armbrust, as the organization’s new executive director, effective April 1, 2019.
Armbrust, a Master of Social Work (MSW) and Registered Social Worker (RSW), will replace the retiring Casey Ready.
Armbrust has worked with CCRC since 2003 and has been its Manager of Professional Counselling since 2011. Previously, she had held social service worker roles with the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society and Catholic Family Services Durham, teaching roles at Trent University and Sir Sandford Fleming College, roles as an accreditation reviewer with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, and involvement on a variety of community service planning tables.
In addition to Casey Ready, two managers are also retiring from CCRC this spring: Rosemary O’Donnell, Manager of Housing Resource Centre, and Steve Wesley, Manager of Credit Counselling Services.
CCRC will be hosting an open house to introduce Armbrust as the new executive director from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20th at the CCRC’s office at 540 George Street North in Peterborough.
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism announces 2019-20 board of directors
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism held its annual general meeting last Wednesday (February 13) at the Village Inn in Lakefield.
As well as discussing highlights of 2018, approving by-laws, presenting sponsorshops and donations, and welcoming new Chamber members, the Chamber presented its 2019-20 slate of directors, including new directors Mary Brown of Bowes & Cocks Ltd. Brokerage in Apsley and Roberta Hubble, owner of Tim Hortons Lakefield & Bridgenorth.
The full slate of 2019-20 directors is Casey Kidd (Savage Arms), Cindy Windover (Windover Plumbing), Chris Wilson (Let’s Get Digital), Jillian Harrington (Clearview Cottage Resort), Kevan Herod (Herod Financial Services), Leslie Nunes (Kinetic Therapeutics), Lynn Woodcroft (Royal LePage Frank Real Estate), Mary Brown (Bowes & Cocks Ltd. Brokerage Apsley), Mike Walker (Agilec), Penny Wilson (The Cozy Home), Roberta Hubble (Tim Hortons Lakefield & Bridgenorth), Scott Matheson (CIBC), Sheri Hockaday (Salon Sorella & Day Spa), Tonya Kraan (Strexer Harrop & Associates), and Tracy Logan (Logan Tree Experts).
The board executive will be elected at the next board meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 11th at The Village Inn in Lakefield.
Trent University’s VP of finance and administration retiring at end of June
After seven years as vice-president of finance and administration at Trent University, Steven Pillar will retire on June 30, 2019.
Pillar came to Trent University in 2012 from Brock University, where he had served as vice-president of finance and administration from 2002 to 2012. Prior to his appointment at Brock, Pillar had been Saskatchewan’s deputy minister of labour, after a number years in the Saskatchewan provincial government including senior roles in finance, social services, education, and health.
During his tenure at Trent University, Pillar oversaw a number of initiatives, including: the development of a new hydro-electric dam on the Otonabee; phase two of the Water Street residences; new Trent sports fields; the construction of the Student Centre in partnership with Trent students; an Ameresco contract which has allowed the university to cut costs by reducing its energy consumption and carbon footprint; Trent’s bond issue, reducing the university’s debt payments and leading the way for the development of smaller universities; the arena project; the renovation of the Bata Library; Cleantech Commons; the installation of the new turf on Justin Chiu stadium; and ongoing work on the Trent (and the UPP) pension plan.
Following his retirement date, Pillar will maintain a role with Trent University working on special projects.
Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes receives $8,100 from Ontario government
The Ontario government is providing $8,100 to Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes to help the organization upgrade its fire protection and life safety equipment.
The funding is part of the province’s annual partner facility renewal program, which will invest a total of $1.6 million in more than 60 projects to upgrade and repair infrastructure at community agencies across Ontario.
The investments are intended to help agencies maintain their buildings so they can provide better services for people with developmental disabilities, women and children experiencing domestic violence, indigenous people, and children with mental health needs.
Tiny Greens in downtown Peterborough celebrates its 10,000th customer
WE DID IT! We had our 10,000th customer in our store!
We did it!! Shani Newman was our 10,000th Customer at Tiny Greens Plant Cafe! WATCH this awesome moment in our Business. We are here for all your needs — whether it's plant-based foods, juices, Plants of all sorts, succulents and terrarium, microgreens or just a friendly place to hang downtown, we have you covered. Thank you to all of our Supporters (Too many to list here) Community Futures Peterborough, Downtown Peterborough, kawarthaNOW.com, PtboCanada
Posted by Tiny Greens on Friday, February 15, 2019
Tiny Greens in downtown Peterborough celebrated its 10,000th customer last Friday (February 15).
The vegan and vegetarian hub, which offers plant-based food, a smoothie and juice bar, and plants and microgreens, recognized Shani Newman as the store’s 10,000th customer.
For more information about Tiny Greens, visit www.tinygreens.ca.
Lakefield Farmers’ Market accepting vendor applications for 2019 season
The Lakefield Farmers’ Market is now accepting vendor applications for 2019, its 10th season.
Returning vendors, who have first right of refusal, have until Friday, February 22nd to indicate their interest in returning before the market begins accepting new vendors. New vendors who wish to apply have until Friday, March 8th (this is also the deadline for returning vendors).
To apply, visit www.lakefieldfarmersmarket.net/applications.
This year’s market will run Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May 23 until October 7, 2019.
Trillium Lakelands District School Board seeking local businesses to participate in Math Career Fair on March 1
Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) seeking City of Kawartha Lakes businesses and organizations within the skilled trades, manufacturing, environmental, technology, and digital media industries to take part in a Math Career Fair.
The fair, scheduled to take place on Friday, March 1st at Woodville Elementary School, is an opportunity for Grade 8 students to connect with industry professionals to learn about career opportunities within their region. The students will also see how the math they are currently learning in school will be applied in the workforce.
The deadline to register your business or organization is Friday, February 22nd. If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please TLDSB Experiential Education Consultant Jacki McPherson at jacki.mcpherson@tldsb.on.ca.
Peterborough photographer Samantha Moss offered opportunity with Photographers Without Borders in Africa
Peterborough photographer Samantha Moss of MossWorks Photography has been offered an opportunity to work as a photojournalist with Photographers Without Borders in Zambia, Africa this summer.
Photographers Without Borders (photographerswithoutborders.org) is a registered not-for-profit organization based in Toronto that connects volunteer photographers and videographers to grassroots causes, non-governmental organizations, and nonprofit partners.
To secure her spot with the organization, Moss needs to raise $5,000 in the next month to cover air fare, a work visa, vaccinations, and health and travel insurance.
If you are interested in supporting Moss, you can make a donation at www.grouprev.com/PWBFundraiser-LusakaProvinceZAMBIA-1930, or support her business by hiring her for a photoshoot.
Sullivan Law Ptbo delivers sweet news about its new office location in downtown Peterborough
Peterborough law firm Sullivan Law Ptbo recently moved to new offices at 195 Sherbrooke Street in downtown Peterborough, and announced the “sweet news” in a unique way earlier this month.
The firm hand-deliverd a box of sweet treats to various local people, organizations, and businesses, including the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area and kawarthaNOW.com.
The treats came from Dooher’s Bakery in Campbellford, which was selected as the Sweetest Bakery in Canada in 2018 in a contest run by Dawn Food Products.
For more information on Sullivan Law Ptbo, visit www.sullivanlawptbo.ca
Workforce Development Board hosting labour market workshops in Lindsay and Peterborough on February 21 and 22
The Workforce Development Board / Local Employment Planning Council (WDB/LEPC) is hosting two upcoming labour market workshops entitled “Top Industries: Understanding Key Business Sectors.”
The Kawartha Lakes workshop takes place from 8 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 21st at Days Inn & Suites Lindsay (134 Angeline St. S., Lindsay) and the Peterborough workshop takes place from 3 to 4 p.m. on Friday, February 22nd at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
Each workshop is intended for individuals and organizations looking to further understand the workforce in Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough. Andrew Bell, WDB/LEPC’s Labour Market Information Analyst, will be on hand to walk attendees through the latest report.
The workshops are free, but registration is requested at www.eventbrite.ca/o/workforce-development-boardlocal-employment-planning-council-7347888677.
Peterborough DBIA breakfast network meeting with Peterborough police chief Scott Gilbert on February 20
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA)’s next breakfast network meeting takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, February 20th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Chief Scott Gilbert of the Peterborough Police Service will be the guest speaker.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
Tickets are $5 at the door, and the meeting is open to everyone.
Port Hope Chamber holds its annual general meeting in Port Hope on February 26
Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26th in the Sculthorpe Theatre at Cameco Capital Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope).
Trevor McPherson, vice president of member services at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, will be the guest speaker.
The meeting will also feature the election of new board members, review and approval of by-law revisions, new style guidelines and marketing materials, and more.
A light lunch will be provided. To RSVP, email admin@porthopechamber.ca or call 905-885-5519.
Agilec hosting spring hiring fair in Peterborough on February 26
Employment services company Agilec is hosting a multi-employer hiring fair from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26th at Northminster United Church (300 Sunset Blvd., Peterborough).
Numerous employers looking to hire part-time, full-time, and seasonal positions will be in attendance.
For more information, contact Arlayna Curtin at Agilec at 705-740-2577 ext. 5210 or acurtin@agilec.ca.
Trent University’s Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre presents Drew Dudley in Peterborough on February 28
The Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre (ESIC) at Trent University is presenting leadership guru Drew Dudley from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 29th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Dudley is the founder and chief catalyst of Day One Leadership, Inc., which helps organizations around the world increase their leadership capacity. His clients have included some of the world’s most dynamic companies and organizations, including McDonald’s, Dreamworks Animation, JP Morgan Chase, and over 75 colleges and universities.
This event is run in collaboration with the Royal Bank of Canada and the Innovation Cluster.
Doors at 6 p.m. The event is free, but you must reserve your seats by registering at www.eventbrite.com/e/trent-university-esic-presents-drew-dudley-live-at-market-hall-tickets-54553981427.
Northumberland CFDC presents customer acquisition workshop featuring Sarah Stockdale on March 1 in Cobourg
Northumberland CFDC is presenting a one-day interactive workshop called “Innovating in Customer Acquisition for Tech Startups” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at on Friday, March 1st at Venture13 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Centre (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The day will feature a morning session led by Chris Gillies (entrepreneur, venture catalyst, and manager of applied research and business development at Durham College) and an afternoon keynote from Sarah Stockdale, founder and CEO of Valkerie (a boutique growth consultancy for startups and innovation focused companies).
The workshop is free, but you must register at www.eventbrite.com/e/innovating-in-customer-acquisition-featuring-sarah-stockdale-tickets-54555591242.
Peterborough Chamber presents Power Hour with local elected officials on March 1
Recheduled from the original date of February 12th because of weather, the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is presenting its annual “Power Hour” featuring Peterborough’s elected officials from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 1st at The StoneHouse Hall (2195 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough).
The Power Hour is a lively interactive dinner and question-and-answer session with Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones, and City of Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien.
Peterborough City and County councillors, along with the Chief Administrative Officers of the City and County of Peterborough and First Nations leaders, will be invited to join individual tables.
The event will be recorded for broadcast on Cogeco’s YourTV Peterborough/Lindsay.
Tickets are $65 per person or $450 for a table of seven for Chamber members, and $75 per person or $525 for a table of seven for non-members. REGISTRATION CLOSES 12:00PM FEBRUARY 26th 2019
For more information and to register, visit peterboroughchamber.ca.
Harvest Haliburton hosts Food and Agriculture Economic Development Forum in Minden on March 5
Sustainable food association Harvest Haliburton is hosting the Food and Agriculture Economic Development Forum from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5th at the Minden Community Centre (55 Parkside St., Minden).
The forum is a chance for interested residents, food producers, farmers, retailers, restauranteurs, elected politicians, municipal staff, and others to learn about the exciting food and agriculture-related projects underway in Haliburton County. Participants can also discover how they can support and shape the future of the local food sector.
Staff from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will deliver a keynote address on the tools and strategies available to help the area’s local food sector thrive. There will also be discussion topics including selling and branding local food, culinary and food tourism, municipal food planning, and more.
The forum is free to attend and includes a lunch showcasing ingredients from many of the area’s primary food producers.
For more information and to register by February 20th, visit www.harvesthaliburton.com.
2019 Win This Space finale in Peterborough on March 5
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is presenting the finale of the 2019 Win This Space competition from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5th at ARIA (331 George St. N., Peterborough).
The winner of the annual competition will be announced at the event. The grand prize package, valued at more than $40,000, includes a free year-long least of a storefront in downtown Peterborough and thousands of dollars in donated prizes including office and computer supplies, marketing and financial services, and advertising and promotion.
The top 10 contestants vying for the grand prize are Sheneese Wilkins of Mink Magic, Becky and Kent Sheehey of Sweat Happy Wellness, Sandra Young of Statement House Vintage, Anthony and Samantha Lennan of The Food Shop, David Searle of Moloko, Emma Pineo of Studio Pineo, Jonathan MacKay of Sustain Your Eco Living & Building Store, Laura and Dave Clark of Knook & Cranny, Lacey Klatt of Cozy Home Designs By Lacey, and Jules Diotallevi of The Rabbit Hole.
Lakefield Career Fair and and Community Information Session on March 6
The City and County of Peterborough, Agilec, the Municipality of Trent Lakes, and the Township of Selwyn have organized the Lakefield Career Fair and Community Information Session from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6th at the Lakefield Legion (10 Nicholls St., Lakefield).
The free event is for job seekers of all ages, and will feature employers offering include year-round and seasonal positions including skilled and general labour, nursing, food service, cleaning, and more.
Employers at the event will include AGTA Home Health Care, Burleigh Falls Inn, Cameron Steel Inc., Canadian Armed Forces, Concentrix, Katchiwano Golf & Country Club, Lockstop Café\Coons Cottage Care, Nightingale Nursing, Ontario Provincial Police, Otonabee Conservation Authority, R&J Machine, Savage Arms, SGS Canada, Six Foot Bay Resort, and Regency Retirement Lakefield.
Lindsay Chamber hosts its annual general meeting in Lindsay on March 6
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual general meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6th at The Auk’s Lodge on Fleming College’s Frost Campus (200 Albert St. S., Lindsay)
You can view the Chamber’s activities and successes of the past year, learn about Chamber initiatives for the year ahead, and review the 2018 financial statement. A motion will be passed for member to accept the next slate of board members.
Refreshments will be provided by The Olympia Restaurant and a cash bar will be available.
For more information, contact Colleen Collins at 705-324-2393 or colleen@lindsaychamber.com. To register, visit events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eg23a1s2f0dd87e6
Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting in Campbellford on March 7
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual general meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7th at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre (36 Front St. S., Campbellford).
The event will include networking, light refreshments, and a review of Chamber events, activities, and programs over the past year.
To register, visit business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/annual-general-meeting-for-the-trent-hills-chamber-of-commerce-3508.
FastStart Peterborough presents E-Connect: International Women’s Day – Female Founders on March 7
FastStart Peterborough’s next E-Connect session, “International Women’s Day – Female Founders”, takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 7th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
The event features a panel discussion with Dana Empey (Carlson Wagonlit Stewart Travel Services), Gwyneth James (Cody & James Chartered Professional Accountants), and Michelle Ferreri (Michelleferreri.com and MF Media Group).
The event is free, but register at www.eventbrite.com/e/e-connect-international-womens-day-female-founders-tickets-55525255534 to secure your seats.
Men are also encouraged to attend.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts inaugural Business & Entrepreneurship Conference in Peterborough on March 28
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is bringing together business owners from across Peterborough & the Kawarthas for the inaugural Business & Entrepreneurship Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 28th at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club (1030 Armour Rd., Peterborough).
This is a must-attend event for entrepreneurs looking to learn from industry thought leaders, network with like-minded professionals to develop partnerships and collaboration, and grow and improve their business. Keynote speakers are Nikki Pett on the topic “Relationship Marketing” and Darrell Keezer on the topic “Digital Disruption”, wiht special guest speaker George Anastasopoulos.
There will be an afternoon panel on customer service in the digital age features local business people include Katie Dempsey of Blind Ambition, Bob Gauvreau of Gauvreau & Associates, Mike Watt of Providence/S.O.S./Flavour Fashion, Scott Murison of Wild Rock, and Nicole Truman of Fox Law.
Early bird tickets $40+HST until February 15th ($55 after February 15th) and include breakfast and lunch.
For the complete program and to register, visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/2019-business-entrepreneurship-conference-tickets-54945307895.
Peterborough Emergency Management and Safety Forum on April 4 and 5
The Peterborough Emergency Management and Safety Forum is taking place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4th and Friday, April 5th at Stonehouse Hall (2195 Lansdowne St. Peterborough).
This two-day event is an opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field of emergency management and safety planning and execution. The forum will cover incident management and mitigation, emergency planning and responses, public safety, business continuity planning, interoperability in times of crisis or serious event, and coordinated collaborative response.
There will be guest speakers from Orlando, Florida speaking on lessons learned from the Pulse Night Club shooting, Peterborough Police Chief Scott Gilbert speaking on the 2018 Toronto van incident, Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the O.P.P. speaking on communications and the media in a crisis, Tom McKay (President of the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners), and an expert panel on cyber security.
Early bird tickets are $75 until Friday, February 15th and $100 thereafter. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/peterborough-emergency-management-and-safety-forum-2019-tickets-53587643083.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
