businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
This week’s business and organizational news includes Kawartha Dairy CEO and general manager Brian Kerr being profiled in the Globe and Mail, federal funding announced to make Peterborough a ‘green economy hub’, the launch of the PedalBoro multi-passenger bike service in downtown Peterborough, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation making an $837,838 first-quarter payment to the City of Peterborough, the Peterborough Yoga Festival donating $3,500 to two local organizations, and the ‘Remembering Romeo’ pet photo event raising $700 for the Peterborough Humane Society.
Also featured this week are Kit Coffee Espresso Bar and Bake Shop opening in downtown Peterborough, The Cat and The Fiddle in Cobourg closing without warning, Peterborough video game studio Canuck Play’s upcoming release being mentioned in Sports Illustrated, the Peterborough Chamber seeking members for its 2020 board of directors, and the Town of Cobourg launching a redesigned and improved website.
New regional business events added this week include Fleming College’s Innovation and Technology Showcase in Peterborough on July 25th, the Lindsay Chamber’s breakfast networking meeting in Lindsay on July 31st, Rebound Child & Youth Services hosting the Northumberland Chamber’s next networking event in Cobourg on August 13th, and the Port Hope Young Professionals and Port Hope Chamber hosting a “house party” in Port Hope on August 16th.
Kawartha Dairy CEO and general manager Brian Kerr profiled in the Globe and Mail
Kawartha Dairy’s CEO and general manager Brian Kerr was profiled in The Globe and Mail on Sunday (July 21).
The 46-year-old Bobcaygeon native began his role at the dairy in September 2018, a little more than a year after he left Kraft Heinz Canada where he was most recently chief marketing officer. He worked at Heinz for nearly 19 years.
The Globe and Mail story by Camilla Cornell notes that Kerr first worked for Kawartha Dairy when he was 11 years old, when he was hired to scooping ice into bags for fishermen’s coolers.
Kerr, who went to Fenelon Falls Secondary School, later began loading and driving delivery trucks and continued to work part-time with the company until he was 19.
Also a member of the board of directors of the Ontario Dairy Council, Kerr is hoping to expand Kawartha Dairy’s own retail outlets and also expand its distribution to other retailers in urban areas, according to the Globe story.
“I think urban expansion makes sense,” he tells Cornell. “And we’d be silly to not look at Toronto. It’s the biggest market in Canada.”
Kawartha Dairy produces and distributes ice cream, milk, and butter, but only its ice cream products are available outside of central Ontario in limited locations. The company recently opened a new 54,000-foot distribution centre as well as two new retail outlets in Barrie and Newmarket.
The Globe story points out that Kawartha Dairy faces a potential risk in moving outside of its traditional stronghold in cottage country, where it has benefited from word of mouth advertising and customer loyalty. There is greater competition in urban areas and the relatively small independent dairy does not have the same economies of scale as its big dairy competitors.
Kawartha Dairy was founded in 1937 by Jack and Ila Crowe, who bought a small dairy in Bobcaygeon and later, in the mid-1950s, began to produce ice cream. Kawartha Dairy continues to be owned and operated by the Crowe family and has 150 employees, along with seasonal staff.
Federal funding announced to make Peterborough a ‘green economy hub’
Peterborough is about to join seven other Ontario communities to become a “green economy hub” that will help local businesses achieve their energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
On Thursday (July 18) at the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough, Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, on behalf of natural resources minister Amarjeet Sohi, announced $256,250 in federal funding for three new green economy hubs.
Green economy hubs support local networks of businesses to set and achieve sustainability targets, including carbon emission reductions. The hubs are an initiative of Green Economy Canada, a non-profit organization founded in Waterloo in 2014 as Sustainability CoLab.
PedalBoro multi-passenger bike service launches in downtown Peterborough
Hillary Flood and Peter Rellinger have launched PedalBoro, a 15-passenger group pedalling experience that will take participants to downtown core pubs for pub crawl “brew stops” featuring samplings of their beer.
The service plans to expand offering later this summer to include “dish crawls” to four downtown Peterborough restaurants.
Current pub crawl partners are The Olde Stone Brewery Company, The Publican House Brewery, Next Door, and The Twisted Wheel.
With the launch of PedalBoro, Peterborough is just the fifth Canadian city offering the party bike experience, the others being Vancouver, Calgary, London, and Montreal.
For more information and to register as an individual or a group, visit www.pedalboro.com.
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation makes an $837,838 first-quarter payment to the City of Peterborough
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has issued a first-quarter non-tax gaming revenue payment of $837,838 to the City of Peterborough for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough (1400 Crawford Dr., Peterborough).
The payment for the period April 1 to June 30, 2019 brings the total non-tax gaming revenue payment to the city to more than $2 million since October 2018.
The funds municipalities receive from OLG for hosting a gaming facility are based on a graduated scale of gaming revenue that is consistent across all sites in Ontario. Municipalities will use the revenue for various projects, including investment in local infrastructure, community programs and services, roads, and public transit.
Peterborough Yoga Festival donates $3,500 to two local organizations
The Peterborough Yoga Festival has donated $3,500 to two local organizations: $2,500 to Alternatives Community Program Services Peterborough and $1,000 to the United Way Peterborough & District.
The funds were raised during the fifth annual festival held on June 22nd. Every year, all proceeds of ticket sales from the festival are donated to charitable organizations.
In addition to the $3,500 to local organizations, the festival donated the remaining $1,500 to Nanhi Dunya, an organization in India that offers educational opportunities to underprivileged children.
‘Remembering Romeo’ raises $700 for Peterborough Humane Society
‘Remembering Romeo’, a pet photo fundraiser held on July 14th, has raised $700 for the Peterborough Humane Society.
Organized by local businesswoman Tracey Ormond and photographer Heather Doughty, the fundraiser offered digital photos by Doughty of people with their pets.
While there was no cost for a portrait, people were encouraged to make a donation to support the Peterborough Humane Society’s Safe Nights for Pets program, which provides temporary shelter for pets when their owners are faced with hospitalization, domestic abuse, or temporary displacement.
The $700 raised by the event will cover 14 safe nights for pets.
Ormond was inspired to create the fundraiser after the passing of her cat Romeo in June. At the time, Ormond realized she didn’t have very many photos with Romeo and waned to ensure that other pet owners did, while supporting a good cause.
“I am humbled by the support of my friends and this community,” Ormond says. “It was amazing to back a great cause in the name of Romeo … we look forward to having this fundraiser again next year.”
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce donated space at its offices for the event.
Kit Coffee Espresso Bar and Bake Shop opens in downtown Peterborough
Kit Coffee Espresso Bar and Bake Shop has opened in downtown Peterborough.
Owned and operated by Helen McCarthy, the cafe features espresso, americano, machiatto, latte, cappuccino, and more, along with made-from-scratch baked goods — including gluten-free scones.
Kit Coffee is located at 144 Hunter Street West, the former location of Caffeina.
For more information, visit kitcoffeeptbo.ca.
The Cat and The Fiddle in Cobourg closes without warning
Popular Cobourg pub The Cat and The Fiddle (38 Covert St., Cobourg) closed without warning or explanation last Friday (July 19).
Established in 1985, the business is owned by Barrie and Eira Jones and the building is owned by local property developer Phoenix Genesis.
Last Monday (July 15), the pub announced on its Facebook page that Barrie Jones would be retiring on July 31, 2019. On Friday, customers arrived at the pub to find its doors locked.
It is unknown if or when The Cat and The Fiddle will reopen.
According to a report by Northumberland Today, Phoenix Genesis representative John Lee said on Friday that he is unaware why the pub has closed.
Several reader comments on the pub’s official Facebook page, which was unavailable over the weekend but has now been restored, accuse Phoenix Genesis of locking the doors.
On Sunday (July 21), when the official Facebook page was unavailable, a second Facebook page called “Cat N Fiddle Cobourg” was created, levelling various accusations against the pub’s owners.
Peterborough video game studio Canuck Play’s upcoming release mentioned in Sports Illustrated
Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football 2019. (Graphic: Canuck Play)
Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football 2019, an upcoming video game created by Peterborough-based game studio Canuck Play with Spear Interactive, was mentioned in Sports Illustrated last Monday (July 15).
In the “Ten Takeaways” section of an article by Robert Klemko, he writes “I’m a few weeks late on this but if you’re like me and you don’t play video games often but you miss the hell out of the EA Sports’ NCAA football games, this may be welcome news to you. Doug Flutie has partnered with a video game developer to make Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football.”
“It’s being produced by a former online producer for all the EA Sports titles, and while it won’t have the budget of an EA game and the state of the art gameplay that comes with that, it will have a college football franchise mode, with an impressive-looking recruiting platform. Competing for recruits in dynasty mode was always the big draw for me growing up, so I’m pumped to give Flutie’s game a try when it comes out this fall.”
Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football 2019 is set for release in September 2019 on Xbox One and PS4.
Peterborough Chamber seeks members for its 2020 board of directors
The 2019 board of directors of the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. (Photo: Peterborough Chamber)
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is seeking members who are interested in serving on its 2020 board of directors.
The board plays a significant role in the development of Chamber policies and focuses on governance of the organization through policy governance.
Volunteers must be willing to make the appropriate time commitment. Only members in good standing may apply.
The deadline for applications is August 14, 2019.
For more information and to download an application form, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
Town of Cobourg launches redesigned and improved website
The Town of Cobourg has launched a redesigned and improved website at www.cobourg.ca.
The revision of the town’s website took five months of digital market research where hundreds of other municipal, tourism and private sector websites were reviewed for best practices. The site was improved to ensure a clean appearance, ease of navigation, and improved content and functionality driven by the needs of citizens, including feedback gathered from a citizen survey.
The website continues to be responsive and easily readable by any type of device including smartphones and tablets. In addition, the new website meets the accessibility standards required by the Province of Ontario and includes accessibility features such as a screen reader and the ability to change font size and contrast.
Fleming College hosts Innovation and Technology Showcase in Peterborough on July 25
Fleming College is hosting an Innovation and Technology Showcase from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 25th at the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre on the Sutherland Campus (599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough).
The free event will showcase applied projects developed by graduating Fleming technology students and will demonstrate experiential learning in action, where students take on real world challenges and find real world solutions.
Project sponsors and hosts include local community businesses, industries, and public and private sector organizations.
VentureNorth hosts “Celebration of Collaboration BBQ” in Peterborough on July 26
VentureNorth is hosting a “Celebration of Collaboration BBQ” from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, July 26th at the VentureNorth building (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The business hub in downtown Peterborough is home to various local economic development organizations including the Innovation Cluster, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, and Community Futures Peterborough. Ashburnham Realty, Junior Achievement Peterborough, Lakeland, Muskoka, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, and the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce will also be participating in the event.
The open house event is an opportunity to learn more about these organizations and more, and will feature a BBQ catered by Franz’s Butcher Shop & Catering with samples from Publican House Brewery, live music from Paper Shakers, and prizes.
Lindsay Chamber hosts breakfast networking meeting in Lindsay on July 31
The Lindsay & District Chamber Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next M2M Breakfast Meet Up from 8 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31st at Smittys Family Restaurant (370 Kent St., Lindsay).
Bring your business cards and chat with other like-minded people while enjoying a breakfast you order from the Smitty’s menu.
No registration required and this is a free event (just pay for what you order).
Port Hope Chamber hosts Women in Business Breakfast Series in Port Hope on August 6
The Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting the next seminar in its Women in Business Breakfast Series from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Jack Burger Sports Complex (60 Highland Dr., Port Hope).
Local women in business are invited to attend the session, which will focus on the importance of self care and resources available locally.
The cost for the session is $5 per person, in advance or at the door.
For more information, email admin@porthopechamber.com.
Peterborough Chamber hosts Chamber AM breakfast meeting in Peterborough on August 13
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Chamber AM breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking begins at 7 a.m., with breakfast orders taken at The Edison at 7:30 a.m. At 7:45 a.m., you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room), followed by a mystery guest speaker at 8 a.m.
There is no cost for the event (order what you like and pay for what you order).
Rebound Child & Youth Services hosts Northumberland Chamber’s next networking event in Cobourg on August 13
The Northumberland Central Chamber Of Commerce’s next Meet and Greet event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13th at Rebound Child & Youth Services Northumberland (700 D’Arcy St. N., Unit 20).
The monthly business networking events are hosted by Chamber members on the second Tuesday of every month. This is an opportunity both for networking and to learn more about the services provided by the host Chamber member.
The event is free for Chamber members and $10 for non-members. Advance registration is requested at nccofc.ca/events/details/nccofc-meet-greet-rebound-child-youth-services-1605.
FastStart Peterborough hosts “Goodbye Summer, Hello Entrepreneurship” seminar in Peterborough on August 13
The next FastStart E-Connect seminar, “Goodbye Summer, Hello Entrepreneurship!”, takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13th at the Silver Bean Cafe in Millennium Park (1130 King St., Peterborough).
Donna Floyd, founder and CEO of Cottage Toys, and Jillian Scates, sales and operations analyst with Central Smith Creamery, will discuss family business and working in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
FastStart Peterborough is a partnership between Trent University, Fleming College, and the Innovation Cluster.
The event is free, but registration is requested at eventbrite.com/e/e-connect-goodbye-summer-hello-entrepreneurship-tickets-64432741063
Innovation Cluster hosts “Hands-ON: Maintaining Mindfulness as an Entrepreneur” workshops in Peterborough starting on August 14
On Wednesdays in August, the Innovation Cluster is hosting “Hands-ON: Maintaining Mindfulness as an Entrepreneur”, a three-part series emphasizing mindfulness for entrepreneurs.
“No Stress Zone: Pilates with the Healthy Sweet Potato” is a Pilates class at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough) on August 14th, followed by “Managing Stress and Burnout with Legendary Coaching” on August 21st, and “Pause for Paws – Therapy Dogs” on August 28th, when East Central Therapy Dogs will bring in volunteers to do an hour of de-stressing with their dogs.
All workshops will have a limited amount of space and registration is mandatory. Registration for the series will open in August, and businessNOW will have all the details when available.
Port Hope Young Professionals and Port Hope Chamber host a “house party” in Port Hope on August 16
Port Hope Young Professionals and the Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce are hosting a “house party” starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 16th at the Penryn Park at the Port Hope Golf & Country Club (82 Victoria St. S., Port Hope).
The event for the Port Hope business community will feature live music by the Brown Bag Tour Company, local food, a cash bar, and more.
More details will be available closer to the event date.
Venture13 hosts The Employer Event in Cobourg on August 20
The Community Employment Resource Partnership, Northumberland County, and the millennial team of Canada Summer Jobs students at the Community Training and Development Centre are presenting “The Employer Event” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20th in the lecture hall at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The focus of the event is how to recruit, retain, and train millennials (employees aged 20 to 45) who, by 2025, will make up 75 per cent of the workforce. You will learn information from experts in recruitment, retention, and training, explore a variety of techniques and resource, and discover innovative ideas, insights, and strategies.
If you are an employer interested in the event, RSVP by August 9th by emailing theemployerevent2019@outlook.com.
Bancroft Chamber hosting Mineral Collecting Tours now until August 31
The Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting Mineral Collecting Tours now until Saturday, August 31st at various locations in Hastings County.
Registration is held at 9 a.m. at the Chamber office (51 Hastings St. N., Bancroft) on the day of each tour, with tours departing at 9:30 a.m. The tours take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with each tour lasting around five hours.
Participants are responsible for their own equipment (mandatory safety glasses and closed-in footwear and rockhounding equipment) and transportation. The cost is $17 for adults, $12 for youth aged 16 and under, or $50 for a family of up to five people. Additional fees are required for specific sites.
For a tour schedule and more information, visit www.bancroftdistrict.com/bancroft-nature-discovery-tours/.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
This story has been edited to remove an entry about a planned business at the request of the business owner.
