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 the new retail marketspace hub Electric City Works opening in downtown Peterborough in October, kawarthaNOW.com launching its new digital section for the 2019-20 Women’s Business Network of Peterborough, Pensieri Shoes rebranding as Blue Shoes Ptbo, Grant Thornton becoming the new box office naming rights partners for the Peterborough Memorial Centre, and the Town of Cobourg appointing Ian Davey as interim CAO.
New regional business events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber’s next breakfast meeting in Peterborough on September 10th, Community Futures Peterborough hosting a business focus group in Peterborough on September 12th, the Peterborough Chamber hosting a digital marketing seminar in Peterborough on September 18th, the Bobcaygeon Chamber hosting a Stoney Lake evening cruise for members in Woodview on September 23rd, Community Futures Peterborough hosting s financial workshop in Peterborough on September 24th, FLEX Fitness and AW Media Consulting hosting a fall refresh women’s networking event in Lindsay on September 26th, local business organizations hosting a members-only all-candidates debate on economic growth and development in Peterborough on September 30th, and Venture13 hosting the TechXpo Cybersecurity Challenge in Cobourg on October 5th.
Retail marketspace hub Electric City Works opening in downtown Peterborough in October
Electric City Works, a new retail marketspace hub for up-and-coming businesses, will be opening at 200 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough in October 2019.
The 5,000-square-foot space will be run by Adam and Tara Genge of Chalk Therapy, a business that refinishes antique and vintage furniture and teaches others how to do it.
Chalk Therapy will be moving from its current location at Erskine Avenue beside One Fine Food into one half of the new space, located in the former Goodlife building.
The other half of the space will be for makers, creatives, artisans, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, as well as a potential incubator for small businesses to build their brands.
Tara Genge, co-owner of Chalk Therapy, says she has been looking for an opportunity to be in downtown Peterborough and connect more with the community and local artists. She was one of the finalists in the 2017 Win This Space competition, and opened up her original location on Erskine Avenue in July 2017, moving to its current location in December 2018.
Makers at Electric City Works will have their own space (or display stand) and can also make use of a shared workshop area. Overhead will be shared among the businesses to keep costs manageable and realistic for small and micro businesses.
Electric City Works will also feature a small cafe offering local beers, wines, and snacks.
Makers and small businesses owners who might be interested in applying for a space can visit electriccity.works for more information including rates and to complete an application.
kawarthaNOW.com launching new digital section for 2019-20 Women’s Business Network of Peterborough
kawarthaNOW.com will be launching its new digital section for the 2019-20 Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) this week, to coincide with the first member meeting of the season on Wednesday, September 4th at the Holiday Inn – Peterborough Waterfront.
The new digital section will introduce the 2019-20 board, the president’s theme for this year, the 2019-20 program, as well as more information about the Kawarthas’ preeminent women’s networking organization and resources for members.
The section will also feature profiles of 25 selected WBN members and the businesses they operate or the organizations to which they belong.
Check our website later this week to see the new section.
Pensieri Shoes is rebranding as Blue Shoes Ptbo
Pensieri Shoes (373 George St. N., Peterborough) is rebranding as Blue Shoes Ptbo.
The locally owned and operated store, founded in 1989 by Joseph Saraceni and his wife Silvia Ferreri, will be closed from September 1st until September 8th for a refresh, and then will reopen on Monday, September 9th under the new name.
Other than the name, everything else will remain the same. The store will continue to have the same owners and staff and will offer the same brands, including Blundstones, Birkenstocks, Josef Seibel, Dorking by Fluchos, Finn comfort, Gabor, Kamik rain boots, Algeria, and more.
The new Blue Shoes Ptbo logo was designed by Amy LeClair of Tenth Line Graphic Design & Brand Studio in Millbrook.
Peterborough Memorial Centre box office is now the Grant Thornton box office
The City of Peterborough has announced that business advisory firm Grant Thornton LLP is the new box office naming rights partner for the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
The Memorial Centre box office will now be called the Grant Thornton box office.
“Grant Thornton LLP is pleased to expand our partnership with the Peterborough Petes, the City of Peterborough, and all of the tenants at the Memorial Centre,” says Peterborough Grant Thornton Partner Brad Collyer. “With this expanded partnership we are excited to contribute to the growth of our community and those making Peterborough a better place to live, work, and play.”
Operationally, fans won’t experience any difference. Tickets for all games and events are still available at www.memorialcentre.ca, by phone at 705-743-3561 and in person at the Grant Thornton box office inside the Memorial Centre.
Town of Cobourg appoints Ian Davey as interim CAO
The Town of Cobourg has appointed Ian Davey as interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) effective August 30th for a period of six months until February 28, 2020.
Davey is currently the municipality’s Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer. A lifelong resident of the Cobourg area, he joined the senior management team of the Town of Cobourg in 2002. Prior to that, he practised public accounting in Cobourg.
The decision to appoint Davey was made during a closed council meeting on August 12th, and the by-law was passed in an open council meeting following the closed meeting.
A staff report for the recruitment process for a permanent CEO and next steps will be issued in early 2020.
Open house for outgoing KLCFDC general manager Andrew Wallen in Lindsay on September 3
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation is hosting an open house for its outgoing general manager Andrew Wallen from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3rd at Pie Eyed Monk Brewery (8 Cambridge St. S., Lindsay).
The event will celebrate Wallen’s contributions to the community and to wish him farewell.
Peterborough Chamber hosts PBX at Loomex Group in Peterborough on September 3
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next Peterborough Business Exchange (PBX) takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3rd at the Loomex Group (925 Airport Rd., Unit 550, Peterborough)
All are invited to attend the free networking event.
For more information, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
Lindsay Chamber and Ouellet Connection host Fall Golf Classic Tournament in Lindsay on September 5
The Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce and Ouellet Connection Inc. are hosting their Fall Golf Classic Tournament from 12 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 5th at the Lindsay Golf & Country Club (282 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay).
Registration is at 12 p.m. with tee-off at 1 p.m.
The cost is $125 per person, which includes a BBQ lunch, 18 holes of golf, golf cart, dinner, and a swag bag. There will be prizes for women’s and men’s closest and longest drive and most honest and winning team, with putting and chipping contests.
For more information and to register, visit lindsaychamber.com/event-3444786
Bobcaygeon Chamber hosts Coffee Connection networking event in Bobcaygeon on September 9
The Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber of Commerce’s next Chamber Coffee Connection networking event takes place from 8 to 9 a.m. on Monday, September 9th at Kawartha Lakes Retirement Residence (60 West St., Bobcaygeon).
Enjoy a coffee and get to know your fellow Chamber members. Non-members are welcome.
Peterborough Chamber hosts Chamber AM breakfast meeting in Peterborough on September 10
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Chamber AM breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10th 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).
Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts The Breakfast Club in Dysart et al on September 10
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting The Breakfast Club from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10th at Abbey Retreat Centre (1150 Garden Gate Dr., Dysart et al).
The guest speaker is John Purkis, senior associate with The Natural Step Canada, who will speak on the topic “Incorporating Environmental Sustainability Into Your Organization”. Purkis is a sustainability expert, facilitator, and systems change specialist who works with municipal governments and other organizations in Canada and around the world to implement sustainability into their operations and planning.
The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=lu6q9flab&oeidk=a07eghi9i7db8ca279d.
Substance abuse and addiction information session for employers in Peterborough on September 11
The Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council is hosting an employer education information session about substance abuse and addiction from 8 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11th at the Peterborough Chamber Of Commerce (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
The free information session will feature guest speaker Paul Schauber, the case management and intake program manager for the Canadian Mental Health Association in Peterborough location. He will be delivering a presentation that highlights best practices for employers to navigate the issue of substance abuse and addictions in the workplace.
A webinar will be available for those unavailable to attend in person (details will be provided upon registration).
Register at seventbrite.ca/e/employer-education-series-substance-abuse-addiction-information-session-tickets-68468550277.
Agilec hosts a multi-employer hiring event in Peterborough on September 11
Agilec is hosting a multi-employer hiring event from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11th at Northminster United Church (300 Sunset Blvd., Peterborough).
If you are an employer and would like to register, contact Arlayna Curtin at 705-740-2577 x5210 or acurtin@agilec.ca.
Enactus Fleming College presents entrepreneur Richard L’Abbé in Peterborough on September 11
Enactus Fleming College, a non-profit organization that encourages youth entrepreneurship in the community, is presenting entrepreneur Richard L’Abbé from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11th at Fleming College (599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough).
L’Abbé, winner of 2003 CEO of the Year by the Ottawa Business Journal and 2008 Business Person of the Year by the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, began his company Med-Eng in 1981 and since then has held over 80 per cent of the global share market within his industry. He will speak on the topic “How to Grow a Startup into a Multi-Million-Dollar Business.”
Fleming College’s VP of Academic Experience Tom Phillips will provide opening remarks, and there will be a question-and-answer period as well as a networking portion for attendees. Light refreshments will be provided.
The free event is open to students and community members, but you must register at eventbrite.com/e/how-to-grow-a-startup-into-a-multi-million-dollar-business-tickets-68803397815 to reserve your seats.
Community Futures Peterborough hosts a business focus group in Peterborough on September 12
Community Futures Peterborough is hosting a focus group for business owners and entrepreneurs from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Are you under the age of 40 in the City and County of Peterborough? Do you want input into local business services? Do you think you can provide valuable insight into supports and services that are lacking for entrepreneurs? Join Community Futures Peterborough for a round table discussion on developing meaningful supports or programming that will add value to your business.
This event is free. For more information and to register, email heather@cfpeterborough.ca.
Lindsay Chamber of Commerce presents networking event at Habitat for Humanity Lindsay ReStore on September 12
The Lindsay & District Chamber Of Commerce is presenting a networking event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 12th at Habitat for Humanity Lindsay ReStore (55 Angeline St. N., Lindsay).
Enjoy an afternoon of networking while you learn about Habitat for Humanity and the ReStore in Lindsay. Refreshments will be available.
To RSVP, email Sara at sarag@habitatpkr.ca.
Peterborough Chamber hosts digital marketing seminar in Peterborough on September 18
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Lunch Box Learning seminar takes place from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18th at the Chamber’s boardroom (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
Toby Macleod of Stradegy.ca will speak about implementing your business’s digital marketing strategy.
The seminar is free to attend for members of the Chamber and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. Bring your own lunch.
To register, visit peterboroughchamber.ca.
Kawartha Chamber hosts Business After Hours in Apsley on September 19
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its next Business After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 19th in Apsley.
Stops so far include Anstruther Marina (Highway 28 & McFadden Rd) and North Kawartha Community Centre (340 McFadden Rd).
More details will be provided closer to the event date.
Register at business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/details/business-after-hours-apsley-hop-10697.
Bobcaygeon Chamber hosts Stoney Lake evening cruise for members in Woodview on September 23
The Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting an evening cruise for its members from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, September 23rd at Stoney Lake Cruises (610 Julian Viamede Rd., Woodview).
Network with fellow members while enjoying the spectacular scenery of Stoney Lake from Stoney Lake Cruises’ Spirit of the Kawarthas.
Snacks will be provided and a cash bar will be available.
The cost is $25+HST per person. Register at www.bobcaygeon.org/event-3536672/Registration.
Community Futures Peterborough hosts financial workshop in Peterborough on September 24
Community Futures Peterborough is hosting “Financial Foundations”, a workshop from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24th in the boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
At this workshop, entrepreneurs and those interested in starting a business will learn about federal and provincial funding, local resources available, and how to enter the Company Startup Plus program. Keynote speaker Marie Dietrich, partner at Grant Thorton, will discuss the top five common mistakes young companies make.
The workshop is free, but registration is requested at www.facebook.com/events/1643251439138969/.
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace information session in Lindsay on September 26
The Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council, in partnership with the Lindsay DBIA and the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce, is hosting an information session on diversity and inclusion in the workplace from 8 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 26th at Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lindsay (134 Angeline St. S., Lindsay).
The free session will feature guest speaker Lindsay Kretschmer, executive director of the Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council. Her areas of expertise include Indigenous social justice issues and well being, provincial and federal negotiations, program and training development, research and evaluation, policy and advocacy, and capacity and partnership building.
A webinar will be available for those unavailable to attend in person (details will be provided upon registration).
To register, visit eventbrite.ca/e/employer-education-series-diversity-inclusion-information-session-tickets-68623537849.
FLEX Fitness and AW Media Consulting host fall refresh women’s networking event in Lindsay on September 26
Cathy Steffler of FLEX Fitness and Ashley Webster of AW Media Consulting are hosting a fall refresh women’s networking event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 26th at FLEX Fitness (66 William St. N., Lindsay).
The event features networking and conversation with like-minded business women along with wine and chocolate. Ashley Webster owner of AW Media Consulting will provide a 45-minute hands-on social media workshop focused on Instagram and Facebook, covering social media best practices, handling negative comments and reviews, social media advertising, building your brand online, and technical tips.
FLEX Fitness is a child-friendly space with a play area, so children are welcome.
The cost is $40 and includes one glass of wine, chocolate treats, and the social media workshop. To register, visit eventbrite.ca/e/fall-refresh-womens-networking-event-tickets-69820132897.
Local business organizations host members-only all-candidates debate on economic growth and development in Peterborough on September 30
Local business organizations are hosting a members-only all-candidates debate on economic growth and development from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Monday, September 30th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
This event is hosted by the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtors, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Homebuilders Association, Kawartha Manufacturers’ Association, Women’s Business Network of Peterborough, and the Peterborough and District Construction Association.
For more information and to register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
Venture13 hosts TechXpo Cybersecurity Challenge in Cobourg on October 5
The TechXpo Cybersecurity Challenge takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 5th at Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
This event is part of the global CyberLympics, sponsored by SiberX, Durham College AI-Hub, and Venture13. The purpose of the event is to encourage developers to bring forward innovative ideas for cybersecurity applications that are technically feasible and commercially viable.
Teams will have one day to advance their concepts and pitch them to a panel of experts. Mentors and advisors will be available to help teams rapidly iterate their concepts and prepare a pitch presentation to the judges. The winner of the TechXpo Cybersecurity Challenge and the $1,000 cash team prize will be announced at the Cyberlympics finale at Durham College on October 26th, 2019.
TechXpo is sponsored by Venture13 VentureZone Members Eagle Aerospace and ConnexHealth Inc. and the Cobourg Police Service.
For more information and to register, visit www.cobourg.ca/en/venture-13/techxpo.aspx.
Business & Entrepreneurship Conference Northumberland in Cobourg on October 10
The second annual Business & Entrepreneurship Conference Northumberland takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 10th at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).
Presented by Northumberland County, Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland, Destination Ontario, and Kawarthas Northumberland, the one-day high-level business growth conference is designed to educate, motivate, and promote collaboration.
Keynote speakers include Ron Tsang on the topic “Influential Communication for Entrepreneurs” and Andrew Patrico on the topic “How to Cost and Price Your Products and Services Profitably”.
The cost is $45+HST, which includes breakfast and lunch.
For the full agenda and to register, visit www.becn.ca/conference/.
Kawartha Chamber hosts Awards of Excellence and Social Gala in Lakefield on October 10
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its 20th Annual Awards of Excellence and Social Gala from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, October 10th at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29, Lakefield).
There will be a silent and live auction, light hor d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a social hour for networking in Upper Hadden Hall before the presentation of the awards in the Bryan Jones Theatre.
Tickets are available for $50 per person at business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/details/awards-of-excellence-social-gala-10424.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
