This week’s round-up of regional business news includes the upcoming semi-finalist showcase for the Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition, the Ontario government’s announcement of $3.8 million in one-time funding for rural municipalities in Peterborough-Kawartha, the Innovation Cluster launching the H2O Makerspace to support clean technology research, and Rustically Signed opening a new store and workshop space at Pie Eyed Monk Brewery in Lindsay this May.
Also featured is the Peterborough DBIA and GreenUP being nominated for an award for the Vibrancy Depave Project, Sarah Lazure leaving the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra as its general manager, Trent University raising $114,300 for United Way Peterborough, and the opening of nominations for the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s 2019 Business Awards of Excellence.
New regional events added this week include the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s Business & Community Achievement Awards Gala on March 30th in Haliburton, the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough’s Women in Business Award and the Judy Heffernan Award Dinner on April 9th in Peterborough, the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council’s community celebration and annual general meeting on April 17th in Omemee, the Haliburton Highlands Chamber’s breakfast meeting with MPP Laurie Scott on April 23rd in Haliburton, and the Trent Hills Chamber’s Celebration of Business Excellence Awards Ceremony on April 27th in Hastings.
Bears’ Lair finalists to be announced at semi-finalist showcase on March 26 in Peterborough
The Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition is hosting its semi-finalist showcase from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough), where the six finalists will be announced.
Bears’ Lair is an annual competition for up-and-coming entrepreneurs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
During the showcase event, 24 semi-finalists in two categories (Goods and Services and Innovation) will be displaying information about their businesses and how they operate.
The Goods and Services semi-finalists are Uff Eats, Zumbini with Amber, PtboDTS, Farmhill Wedding and Events, Electric Juice Factory, KEG for KCBF, Three Sisters, Direct Visual Care, You’re Welcome, Mink Magic Beauty Bar, PedalBoro, Solid Leather, Refreshingly New, Tiny Greens, Rasa Ayurveda, and Emily Mae’s Cookies & Sweets.
The Innovation semi-finalists are Netmechanics, AVROD, Alexander Optical, Biosphere GPS, Devout Fitness, Transit One, GWF, and Foreign Language 4 Life.
Attendees at the showcase event will have the chance to ask the semi-finalists entrepreneurship-related questions in a one-on-one Q&A session.
The Bears’ Lair committee judges, along with judges from the local business community, will select six finalists (three in each category) during the showcase and will announce the finalists at the end of the event.
The finalists will move on to the final pitch event on Tuesday, April 30th at The Venue, where they will compete for thousands of dollars in cash and business support services.
Register for the free showcase event at www.eventbrite.ca/e/bears-lair-semi-finalist-showcase-tickets-58268112493.
Ontario government announces $3.8 million in one-time funding for rural municipalities in Peterborough-Kawartha
Rural municipalities in the provincial riding of Peterborough-Kawartha will be receiving $3,783,351 from the Ontario government.
Last Wednesday (March 20), Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced $200 million in one-time funding for 405 small and rural municipalities, including $3,783,351 for municipalities in the provincial riding of Peterborough-Kawartha.
Funding is allocated based on the number of households in a municipality and whether the municipality is urban or rural. The breakdown of funding for Peterborough-Kawartha is as follows:
- $725,000 for Peterborough County
- $627,696 for Trent Lakes Municipality
- $627,696 for Selwyn Township
- $600,086 for North Kawartha Township
- $611,047 for Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township
- $591,826 for Douro-Dummer Township
The funding is intended for municipalities to modernize and improve the delivery of services. Municipalities will decide how to best target funding to benefit their local communities, but some examples could include service delivery reviews, development of shared services agreements, IT solutions, capital investments, or other projects.
Innovation Cluster launches H2O Makerspace to support clean technology research
Last Thursday (March 21), the day before World Water Day, the Innovation Cluster Peterborough & the Kawarthas launched “H2O Makerspace: Powered by Franklin Empire Inc.” at the organization’s business incubator in the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough.
At the H2O Makerspace, startups specializing in clean technology (“cleantech”) will have access to more than 30 pieces of equipment to aid in the research and development of cleantech in water testing and more. The equipment includes culture incubators, a sample transport kit, a plan achromatic microscope, membrane filters, petri dishes, sterile glass pipets, and more.
The October 2018 issue of Water Canada named Peterborough as the first best place to launch a watertech startup in Ontario and the second-best in Canada.
“As Peterborough is ranked the best place in Ontario to launch a watertech startup, we couldn’t think of a better way to further the region’s innovative developments than by launching a makerspace for research and testing,” says Innovation Cluster CEO and president Michael Skinner. “The Innovation Cluster is always looking for new ways to help cleantech companies in Peterborough and the Kawarthas reach a global marketplace.”
Geographer and entrepreneur Jennifer Pate, known for her passion towards environmental sustainability and social accessibility to global waterways, was the keynote speaker at the H2O Makerspace event. She spoke about the affects of pollution on our bodies of water.
Following the launch, a showcase was held featuring cleantech clients supported by the Innovation Cluster (including Aclarus Ozone Water Systems, SGS, and Simbi H2O) as well as representatives from Trent University, Fleming CAWT, Noblegen, and Cleantech Commons.
Headquartered in Montreal with offices in Quebec and Ontario including in Peterborough, Franklin Empire Inc. is the largest independent electrical distributor in Canada. Founded in 1942, the company supply electrical components for new construction, renovation and the maintenance of industrial plants, residential and commercial buildings, and also specialize in automation systems for manufacturing processes.
Rustically Signed opening new store and workshop space at Pie Eyed Monk Brewery in Lindsay this May
Rustically Signed will be opening a marketplace and workshop space on the third floor of Pie Eyed Monk Brewery (8 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay) on May 4, 2019.
Holly Suddick of Little Britain and Stephanie Buckley from Lindsay started their home décor business in 2016 as a “side gig” three years ago, creating custom hand-crafted items, and it has since grown into a booming business.
They will be offering sign-making and woodworking DIY workshops in the new space, and are also looking for around 20 vendors selling unique handmade items to join the marketplace.
For more information on Rustically Signed and to become a vendor, visit rusticallysigned.com.
Peterborough DBIA and GreenUP nominated for award for Vibrancy Depave Project
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and Peterborough GreenUP have been nominated for an “Streetscaping and Public Realm Improvements – Large” award from the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) for the Vibrancy Depave Project.
GreenUP partnered with the Peterborough DBIA and the City of Peterborough in 2018 to bring the Depave Paradise project to downtown Peterborough, as part of the Downtown Vibrancy project led by the Peterborough DBIA. The first phase of the project saw 782 square metres of asphalt removed from an unused loop of road at the southern end of Water Street next to Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough.
The next phase of the project, to be completed in late spring, will see the creation of a rain garden on the site. More than 1,000 plants will be added to the garden, providing water management to help protect the water quality of the Otonabee River and to mitigate flooding in the downtown area.
The winner of the award will be announced on April 1, 2019 at the OBIAA Gala Awards Night in Ottawa.
Sarah Lazure is leaving the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra as general manager
The board of directors of the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has announced that Sarah Lazure is leaving the organization in April to pursue another career opportunity.
Lazure has been the PSO’s artistic director since August 2015 and also held the role of general manager during the current season.
“Since joining us, Sarah has been on the ground floor of the PSO’s artistic and logistical planning,” says the PSO’s music director and conductor Michael Newnham.
“Her energy and commitment to excellence in everything she does has been a very large reason for the success that the orchestra has been experiencing in audience growth and expanding its profile in our community.”
The PSO is currently recruiting a new general manager. Until a new general manager is hired, the board of the PSO will guide the organization with the assistance of Newnham.
Trent University raises $114,300 for United Way Peterborough
Trent University faculty, staff, and retirees have raised $114,328 for United Way Peterborough & District’s 2018-19 campaign.
“We really challenged our faculty, staff and retiree’s by setting a $100,000 goal for the 2018 campaign, our highest ever,” says external relations and advancement vice-president Julie Davis “Trent University’s annual campaign is the largest corporate campaign in the community and it’s an important way for us to give back and support the Peterborough region.”
The funds were raised through payroll pledges and donations as well as many employee-led special events, including a chili cook-off, white elephant tables, and a gift basket raffle before the holidays.
Trent University has supported the United Way since 1965 and has raised more than $2 million for the organization.
Nominations now open for Kawartha Chamber 2019 Business Awards of Excellence
Nominations are now open for the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s 20th annual Business Awards of Excellence.
Any business, individual, or organization within Peterborough County or the City of Peterborough can be nominated in one of 10 categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Professional, Outstanding Business Achievement, Commercial Development or Renovation, Customer Service Excellence, Entrepreneur Innovation, Not-For-Profit Excellence, Retailer of the Year, Service Sector Excellence, and Tourism/Hospitality.
The deadline to submit a nomination at kawarthachamber.ca/nominations is April 30, 2019.
The awards will be presented at a gala event on October 10, 2019.
Peterborough Chamber hosts annual general meeting on March 26 in Peterborough
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 130th annual general meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough)
Guest speakers include Ashley Challinor, vice-president of policy with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and Trevin Stratton, chief economist with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber members will be asked to approve the chamber’s audited financial statements and the actions of the chamber’s board for 2018.
The cost for the event, which includes lunch, is $30+HST for members and $40+HST for non-members. For mroe information and to register by March 19th, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition hosts semi-finalist showcase on March 26 in Peterborough
The Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition is hosting its semi-finalist showcase from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
Bears’ Lair is an annual competition for up-and-coming entrepreneurs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Six finalists in two categories (Goods and Services and Innovation) will be selected to pitch their business to a panel of judges and the local community for a chance to win a cash prize.
The competition’s semi-finalists will showcase their businesses in hopes of competing in the top six at the final pitch event on April 30th.
Register for the free event at www.eventbrite.ca/e/bears-lair-semi-finalist-showcase-tickets-58268112493.
Kawartha Chamber hosts Business After Hours in Peterborough on March 26
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its first Business After Hours of 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26th at The Canadian Canoe Museum (910 Monaghan Rd, Peterborough).
The evening features networking, learning about some of the non-profit organizations in the area, and exploring The Canadian Canoe Museum. Non-profits with small displays at the event will include Abbeyfield House Society of Lakefield, Camp Kawartha, Community Care, Cuddles for Cancer, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, Indian River Reptile Zoo, Peterborough Humane Society, and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation.
To register for the free event, visit a href=”http://business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/register/10128″ rel=”noopener” title=”Business After Hours Registration – kawarthachamber.ca” target=”_blank”>business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/register/10128.
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.
The conference registration also includes the opportunity to participate in the “Headshot Photo Booth”, where business owners can get a professional photo taken.
Tickets are $55+HST ($40+HST for members of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce) and include breakfast and lunch.
For the complete program and to register, visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/2019-business-entrepreneurship-conference-tickets-54945307895.
This event is being presented with the support of Kawarthas Northumberland, Canada Business Ontario, and the Peterborough Region Angel Network.
Northumberland Chamber hosts 2018 Business Achievement Awards in Cobourg on March 29
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Business Achievement Awards from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, March 29th at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).
The annual awards recognize excellence and honour high achievers in the local business community.
Tickets for the gala, which includes a multi-course dinner, are $90+HST. Purchase tickets by March 25th by phone at 905-372-5831 or online at nccofc.ca/events/register/1364
Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts Business & Community Achievement Awards Gala on March 30 in Haliburton
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 13th Annual Business & Community Achievement Awards Gala at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 30th at Pinestone Resort & Conference Centre (4252 Haliburton County Rd. 21, Haliburton).
Awards will be presented in the following categories: Business Achievement, Customer First – Business, Customer First – Employee, Entrepreneur of the Year, Highlander of the Year, Innovation & Creativity, New Business, Not-for-Profit of the Year, Skilled Trades & Industry, Tourism & Hospitality, and Young Professional of the Year.
The event will feature a reception with live entertainment and cash bar along with a dinner and awards ceremony emceed by Mike Jaycock.
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.
Women’s Business Network of Peterborough presents Women in Business Award and the Judy Heffernan Award Dinner on April 9 in Peterborough
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) is presenting the Women in Business Award and the Judy Heffernan Award at an awards dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m on Tuesday, April 9th at Personal Touch Banquet Hall (1135 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough).
The Women in Business Award will be awarded to a women showing exceptional business leadership. The Judy Heffernan Award will be awarded to a women who demonstrates the empowerment of other women. Enjoy cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., speaker at 7:30 p.m. and the awards celebration at 8 p.m.
Rhonda Barnet, Chief Operating Officer of Steelworks Design and past chair of the National Board of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, will be the keynote speaker.
Cocktails and networking begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m., the keynote speaker at 7:30 p.m. and the awards celebration at 8 p.m.
Tickets for the awards dinner are available at a cost of $65 for WBN members or $75 for non-members (tables are also available). For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.womensbusinessnetwork.net/awards-event/.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism hosts second annual Rural Tourism Symposium on April 11 in Keene
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism is hosting the second annual Rural Tourism Symposium from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 11th in the Agriculture Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village Museum (104 Lang Rd., Keene).
This symposium for tourism industry professionals will include a keynote presentation from Lisa LaVecchia, president and CEO of Destination Ontario, as well as presentations by: Beth Potter, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario; Trevor Benson, director of food tourism innovation with Culinary Tourism Alliance; Jewel Cunningham, director of Ontario Waterways with Parks Canada; and David Robinson of Destination Canada.
There will also be a tourism town hall by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, one of a series presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Destination Canada, and local industry partners.
The cost of $125, which includes a continental breakfast and a market-style lunch. For more information and to register, visit ruraltourism.biz.
Kawartha Lakes Arts Council hosts community celebration and annual general meeting on April 17 in Omemee
The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council is hosting its 4th annual community celebration and annual general meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17th at Coronation Hall (1 King St. W. Omemee).
The annual general meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by a tribute to artist Michael Poulton, a live auction of original artworks and creative experiences, a Neil Young tribute by Gerald Van Halteren, and more.
The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council is a not-for-profit volunteer organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the arts community in Kawartha Lakes by advocating for artists and the arts, promoting a vibrant arts community, fostering professional development and educational training, and cultivating investment and support of the arts in the community.
Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts a breakfast meeting with MPP Laurie Scott on April 23 in Haliburton
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting The Breakfast Club with MPP Laurie Scott from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23rd at Mckeck’s Tap & Grill (207 Highland St., Haliburton)
Scott, who is MPP for Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, will talk about her role as Ontario Minister of Labour and what she is planning on for 2019.
The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eg76zk9ob91259d5
Trent Hills Chamber hosts Celebration of Business Excellence Awards Ceremony on April 27 in Hastings
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Celebration of Business Excellence Awards Ceremony from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th at The Grand Maple (19 Abert St. E., Hastings).
Awards will be presented in the following categories: Excellence In Business (Retail-Based Business), Excellence In Business (Service-Based Business), Pride And Progress, Customer Experience Award (Service Business), Customer Experience Award (Retail Business), Community Impact, Non-Profit Organization, and the Chair’s Award.
A reception takes place at 6:30 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m., and are available at business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/celebration-of-business-excellence-awards-ceremony-3316.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
