This week’s round-up of regional business news includes the Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition final pitch event on Tuesday night at The Venue in downtown Peterborough, Community Futures Peterborough’s ignite100 competition semi-final live pitch event on Thursday night at the Fleming College Trade & Technology Building in Peterborough, the Canadian Canoe Museum welcoming two new board members at its 2019 annual general meeting held last week, the City of Peterborough receiving $1.4 million from OLG for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough, and a summary of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s 2019 annual general meeting held last week.
Also featured this week are Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka’s 2019 Business Hall of Fame, Induction Ceremony, and Culinary Showcase on May 23rd, Peterborough business owner Shelby Watt helping a 13-year-old cancer patient find a dress for her Grade 8 graduation, Little Britain entrepreneurs Michael Bryant and Pauline Kiely launching a free rural transit service in Kawartha Lakes, and Cottage Toys celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2019.
New regional events added this week include Peterborough Airport manager Lisa Davidson speaking at the Rotary Club of Peterborough meeting on April 29th, the “Launch Your Side Hustle” workshop with serial entrepreneur Nevin Buconjic on May 1st in Cobourg, and the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast Club featuring County Warden Liz Danielsen on May 7th.
Six local entrepreneurs will make their final pitch for a cash prize at Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition
The 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition is hosting its final pitch event on Tuesday, April 30th at The Venue (268 George St. N., Peterborough). Doors open at 6 p.m., with the event set to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Before a live audience, six finalists in two categories will pitch their businesses to three judges: Teresa Kruze (partner at skin care and wellness company Neora, and former broadcaster, TV producer, best-selling author, and community activist), Steve Reble, owner of natural food wrap company ETEE (Everything Touches Everything Else), and Brenda Hogan (senior investment manager at Ontario Capital Growth Corporation).
The three finalists in the Innovation category are:
- Transit One – Husayn Dharshi founded Transit One to promote public transit by providing information to riders and to connect businesses and organizations with transit riders.
- AVROD – Trent University student Jeremy Brooks created the Archaeological Virtual Reality Online Database (AVROD) to advance the way archaeologists work and learn, for which he won the 2018 Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurial competition.
- Alexander Optical – Dylan Trepanier created Alexander Optical to organize pop-up clinics with eye care professionals on site to perform comprehensive eye exams, to find eye wear solutions, and to provide an option for people to finance their eye care, for which he won the 2019 Slingshot program pitch challenge.
The three finalists in the Goods and Services category:
- Electric Juice Factory – Based in Port Hope with a retail location in downtown Peterborough, Cheryl Gould and Will Harvey founded Electric Juice Factory to manufacturer organic, raw, cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies.
- Emily Mae’s Cookies & Sweets – In her home-based business, owner Jen Wight specializes in creating decorated and personalized sugar cookies.
- PedalBoro – Hillary Flood and Pete Rellinger’s multi-passenger bike tour company provides an eco-friendly transportation alternative for exploring pubs and restaurants in downtown Peterborough.
By the end of the evening, one winner in each category will be selected to win a cash prize.
Tickets are available for $10 at www.eventbrite.ca/e/bears-lair-finale-event-tickets-60062306977, with the proceeds to be split equally between the two winners in each category. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available.
Community Futures Peterborough hosts ignite100 competition semi-final live pitch night on May 2
Community Futures Peterborough is hosting the ignite100 competition semi-final live pitch night from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 2nd at the Fleming College Trade & Technology Building (599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough).
ignite100 is an innovation challenge where existing business in the Peterborough region compete for significant funding opportunities that support business expansion and growth.
Eight semi-finalists will pitch their business idea in front of a live audience to a panel of judges: Joanathan Bennett of Laridae, Jeff Taylor of Baker Tily, Stuart Harrison of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Raymond Yip Choy of Fleming College, and Sally Harding of Nightingale.
The eight semi-finalists are Iron Equipment Ltd., Cottage Toys, Cambium Inc., Percheron Plastic Inc., ATL Distributing, Treewell Limited, Goodwin Metal Products Limited, and Keene Trucks.
Each semi-finalist will have five minutes to present their idea, followed by a five to 10 minute Q&A. By the end of the evening, the panel will select three finalists.
The event is free to attend but registration is required at www.eventbrite.ca/e/ignite100-live-pitch-competition-tickets-60145269119.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development held its 2019 annual general meeting
Representatives of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) shared some of the economic development organization’s 2018 achievements at its annual general meeting, held last Thursday (April 25) in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough.
The event included updates from Dana Empey, chair of PKED’s board of directors, and from PKED president and CEO Rhonda Keenan. ‘Advancing Prosperity’ was PKED’s mandate for 2018, and the organization demonstrated how it did that through its support of six key sectors: agriculture and rural development, aerospace, small business, advanced manufacturing, cleantech, and tourism.
Economic development industry thought-leader Eric Canada was the keynote speaker at the event.
City of Peterborough has received $1,448,903 from OLG for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has issued a fourth-quarter payment of $743,297 payment to the City of Peterborough for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough.
The payment for non-tax gaming revenue, for the period January 1st to March 31st, brings the total payment to $1,448,903 since the casino opened in October 2018.
OLG shares revenues with host municipalities to help them invest in local priorities, including community services and infrastructure.
The Canadian Canoe Museum welcomes two new board members at its 2019 annual general meeting
The Canadian Canoe Museum held its annual general meeting last Wednesday (April 24) and welcomed two new board members to the organization: Meredith Brown and Brian Groves.
Brown, a champion for freshwater protection, is widely known throughout the vast Ottawa River Watershed as the founding Riverkeeper and former leader of the charitable organization Ottawa Riverkeeper, a licensed member of Waterkeeper Alliance.
She holds degrees in biology, environmental engineering, and resource and environmental management. She is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and was awarded the Nature Inspiration Award from the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Groves is an avid paddler and outdoor enthusiast originally from Temagami who now lives in Whitehorse in Yukon. He is a graduate of both Trent University and Fleming College and had his first job in the museum sector welcoming visitors to the Kanawa Canoe Museum – Temagami Collection.
He has been working in the museum and heritage sector for close to 20 years, and is currently Manager, Museums and Heritage for the Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Yukon.
At the annual general meeting, Canadian Canoe Museum executive director Carolyn Hyslop and board chair John Ronson shared the museum’s work in support of its four strategic directions and the museum’s 2018 Year In Review.
Ronson also provided an update on the architectural design and the exhibit design for the new museum, and told attendees that the museum is working to complete components of the planning process over the next six months.
Robin Binèsi Cavanagh, the museum’s director of Indigenous peoples collaborative relations provided an overview of how the organization is working to broaden and deepen reciprocal relations with First Peoples, Métis, and Inuit.
Tickets on sale for Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka’s 2019 Business Hall of Fame, Induction Ceremony, and Culinary Showcase on May 23
Tickets are now available for Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka’s 2019 Business Hall of Fame, Induction Ceremony, and Culinary Showcase, which takes place the evening of Thursday, May 23rd at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
The fundraising event recognizes local entrepreneurs for their contribution to the community, as well as the role they play in modelling entrepreneurial and business acumen for youth.
The 2019 Business Hall of Fame inductees include John Gillis (Measuremax), Michael Konopaski (Inclusive Advisory), Dr. Ramesh Makhiji (R and R Laboratories), Janet McLeod (East City Flower Shop), Dave Smith (DNS Realty), Dana Empey & Scott Stewart (Carlson Wagonlit Stewart Travel), Glenn Stuart (Kawartha TV & Stereo), Mike and Shelby Watt (Flavour Fashion, S.O.S. and Providence), Robert Winslow (4th Line Theatre), and Scott Wood (Ashburnham Ale House).
In addition to celebrating these esteemed members of the business community, attendees will enjoy food and drink from local food vendors as part of the Culinary Showcase. The food vendors at this year’s event include Amuse Café, BE Catering, Central Smith Creamery, Curry Village, Electric City Bread Company, Fresh Dreams, Imperial Tandoor, La Mesita Restaurante, SKH Events and Catering Company, and more.
The event runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23rd at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-876-0008). Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased online at eventbrite.ca or in person at the JA-PLM office (270 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-0024).
Peterborough business owner helps 13-year-old cancer patient find a dress for her Grade 8 graduation
Shelby Watt, owner of women’s clothing retailer Save Our Soles in downtown Peterborough, donated her time along with some of her products last Tuesday (April 23) to help a teenage cancer patient at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).
When staff at PRHC’s Pediatric Outpatient Clinic found out that 13-year-old Kristey’s chemotherapy treatments meant she was unable to shop for a dress for her Grade 8 graduation, they contacted Watt to see if she could help. Not only did Watt immediately visit PRHC with a selection of dresses for Kristey to try on, she also donated a dress — along with a pair of matching shoes — to Kristey.
Little Britain entrepreneurs launch free rural transit service in Kawartha Lakes on Tuesday
Michael Bryant and Pauline Kiely of Little Britain are launching a free rural transit service in Kawartha Lakes on Tuesday (April 30).
Every Tuesday morning and afternoon, a 20-passenger shuttle bus will make stops in Lindsay, Woodville, Oakwood, Little Britain, Cameron, Long Beach, Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon, Dunsford, and Omemee. The White Lightning Shopping Bus is fully accessible with professional drivers and features air conditioning, stereo music, and complimentary snacks.
White Lightning Bus Tours is the latest business venture of Bryant and Kiely, who also own Dromoland Orchard & Stables and Town Trolley, a chartered trolley bus tour service.
The weekly shopping bus is a community-led service, supported by local businesses and residents, and is not associated with any municipality.
The concept of a shopping shuttle is supported by the Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls, and Lindsay Chambers of Commerce. The first official sponsor of the shuttle is Miskin Law of Peterborough, which will use the bus for advertising.
For up-to-date schedules, including pick-up and drop-off points, visit whitelightningbus.tours.
Cottage Toys celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2019
Local water sports and surf lifestyle retailer Cottage Toys is celebrating its 30th anniversary this yaer.
Donna Rork, a former windsurf instructor, founded the business in 1989. It now has locations in Peterborough, Lakefield, and Stoney Lake, as well as an e-commerce website.
Cottage Toys is one of the eight semi-finalists in Community Futures Peterborough’s ignite100 competition, and will be participating in the live pitch night on Thursday, May 2nd at the Fleming College Trade & Technology Building in Peterborough.
Peterborough Airport manager Lisa Davidson speaks at Rotary Club of Peterborough meeting on April 29
The Rotary Club of Peterborough is holding its next meeting from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, April 29th at Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough).
Lisa Davidson, director of airports at The Loomex Group and manager of the Peterborough Airport, is the guest speaker.
Rotarians and guests will enjoy a buffet lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., followed by Rotary business at 12:15 p.m. and the guest speaker at 12:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Rotary Club of Peterborough program chair Jay Amer at 705-755-1141.
Deadline for nominations for Kawartha Chamber 2019 Business Awards of Excellence is April 30
The deadline for nominations for the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s 20th annual Business Awards of Excellence is Tuesday, April 30th. The nomination period for this year’s awards has moved from the fall to the spring.
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 awards will be presented at a gala event on October 10, 2019.
For more information and to submit a nomination, visit kawarthachamber.ca/nominations.
“Launch Your Side Hustle” workshop with serial entrepreneur Nevin Buconjic on May 1 in Cobourg
The Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland, Northumberland CFDC, and Venture13 are hosting “Launch Your Side Hustle” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1st at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
Award-winning serial entrepreneur Nevin Buconjic, founder of StartUP Sault Ste. Marie and author of Starting Your Own Business: An Entrepreneur’s Guide and 25 Money-Making Businesses You Can Start in Your Spare Time, will teach you how you can turn your passion or hobby into a business. He will take you through the steps of identifying a business idea to launching your business in less than a month.
The workshop costs $10, and tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com/e/launch-your-side-hustle-tickets-55671079698.
Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts Breakfast Club featuring County Warden Liz Danielsen on May 7
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting The Breakfast Club from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7th at Sandy Lane Resort (17592 Highway 35, Algonquin Highlands).
Liz Danielsen, Haliburton County Warden and Deputy Mayor of Algonquin Highlands, is the guest speaker.
Tickets are $30 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members.
Space is limited and registration is required.
Sold out – Inclusive Advisory hosts “Conscious Shift” workshops on May 10 in Peterborough
Inclusive Advisory, a multidisciplinary firm practising accounting, law, and wealth management with offices in Peterborough and Port Perry, is hosting a series of workshops called “Conscious Shift” from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10th at The Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough).
With the tagline “leadership and management uncensored”, the workshops will feature four speakers sharing their experiences on leadership. Each speaker will give an original 20-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session.
The speakers are: Paul Bennett, owner of Ashburnham Realty; Mike Skinner, president and CEO of the Innovation Cluster; Chief Kelly LaRocca of the Mississaugas of Scucog Island First Nation; and Sacha Lai-Svirk, director of digital health at Outpost379.
The workshops, which promise to “challenge the participants to step outside of their comfort zone” by introducing them “to alternative insights that challenge the status quo in management”, are designed for business owners, executives, managers, and community leaders.
Tickets are $200 each, with $150 from each ticket donated to The Mount Community Centre, Peterborough’s sustainable and inclusive urban village (charitable receipts will be provided).
For tickets, email Montana Scott at Inclusive Advisory at mscott@inclusiveadvisory.ca.
Note: This event is now sold out.
Kawarthas Northumberland hosting regional ambassador training on May 13 in Peterborough
Kawarthas Northumberland (Regional Tourism Organization 8) is hosting a training session for regional ambassadors from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, May 13th in the boardroom at the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
The half-day course is free to attend and open to all Kawarthas Northumberland tourism operators and tourism businesses.
Space is limited. Register by Wednesday, May 1st by contacting Julie at partner@rto8.com or 705-874-8505 ext. 102.
Kawartha Chamber presents B.O.S.S. cyber security seminar on May 15 in Lakefield
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is hosting its next Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) seminar from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at Beachwood Resort (3043 Beachwood Dr., Lakefield).
A panel discussion will focus on concerns specific to small business, including as website security, email and telephone scams, and online banking security. Panellists include Detective Sargent Vern Crowley of the OPP Cybercrime Investigations Team, Brendan Quigley of acorn30, and Graeme Barrie of Netmechanics. The panel discussion will be moderated by David Wilson of Let’s Get Digital.
Tickets are $15+HST for Chamber members and $25+HST for non-members. Register at business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/details/b-o-s-s-cyber-security-10421.
Venture13 celebrates one-year anniversary on May 21 in Cobourg
Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre is celebrating its one-year anniversary from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21st at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The agenda will include a review of the past year’s accomplishments, the economic impact to date, and Venture13’s future strategy, as well as announcements regarding funding, community partnerships, and innovation in action.
Tech expert and entrepreneur Takara Small will deliver a keynote address about creating and encouraging rural and urban linkages, driving innovation and growth, and creating the exchange and flow of people, investment, and resources.
Following the keynote address, there will be a self-guided tour of the VentureZone where booths and demos will be set up to showcase Venture13’s entrepreneurs and community partners. A community BBQ hosted by the Cobourg Police Service will be taking place just outside of the building, with all proceeds going towards Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Rebound Child & Youth Services Northumberland. P
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
