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 Dooher’s Bakery in Campbellford defending its title as “Sweetest Bakery in Canada”, Publican House Brewery and Bobcaygeon Brewing Co. taking home 2019 Ontario Brewing Awards, Stewart Tours donating $6,375 to Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation, Swish Maintenance winning the Balpex Member of the Year Award for the second year in a row, and TD Canada Trust and Otonabee Conservation planting 250 new trees and shrubs in Millbrook.
New regional business events added this week include the Innovation Cluster’s hands-on seminar on cyber security in Peterborough on October 2nd and the Peterborough Chamber’s 2019 Business Excellence Awards in Peterborough on October 16th.
Dooher’s Bakery in Campbellford defending its title as “Sweetest Bakery in Canada”
Dooher’s Bakery (61 Bridge St. E., Campbellford) is in the running again for the “Sweetest Bakery in Canada” contest, sponsored by Michigan-based Dawn Food Products, Inc.
The family-run bakery took home the grand prize in the inaugural contest last year. This year, as of the date of this story, Dooher’s is currently in second place, both nationally and in Ontario, with Belleville Bakery in the lead.
The national grand prize winner will receive a prize package valued at $6,721, which includes a trip to Dawn’s innovation studio to participate in a workshop with Dawn’s executive pastry chef. There will also be seven winners, one from each province or region, in the categories sweetest donut shop, sweetest cake/cupcake shop, and sweetest full line bakery (this is the category Dooher’s is in).
Dooher’s was founded in 1949 by Muriel and Harry Dooher, and is currently operated by the founders’ granddaughter Cory Dooher. Using special family recipes, the bakery produces sweet rolls, pastries, squares, pies, short breads, muffins, donuts, cookies, and more.
In addition to Dooher’s, there are three other Kawarthas bakeries in the competition. Doo Doo’s Bakery (187 County Rd. 28, Bailieboro) is the leading contender in Ontario in the sweetest donut shop category. The Kawartha Buttertart Factory & Bakery (895 Water St., Warsaw) and Memories (33057 Highway 62, Maynooth) are also in the contest.
Online and text message voting in the contest began on July 1st and continues until midnight on Monday, September 30th. You can vote for your favourite bakery once a day at sweetestbakeryincanada.com.
If you want to help Dooher’s edge out Belleville and hold onto its title as Canada’s sweetest bakery, you can vote directly online at sweetestbakeryincanada.com/bakery/doohers-bakery/ or by texting SBC5039 to 393939.
Publican House Brewery and Bobcaygeon Brewing Co. take home 2019 Ontario Brewing Awards
Both Publican House Brewery (300 Charlotte St, Peterborough) and Bobcaygeon Brewing Co. (17 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon and 649 The Parkway, Peterborough) have won medals at the 2019 Ontario Brewing Awards ceremony held in Toronto last Thursday (September 12).
Medal winners in each of the 30 categories were evaluated by a team of Beer Judge Certification Program judges.
Publican House Brewery took home a gold medal in the American Brown Ale category for their Henry’s Irish Ale (the brew had previously won a silver award at the 2017 awards). They also won silver in the Kölsch category for their flagship Pub House Ale and another silver in the Experimental Beer category for their seasonal Brut Ale.
Bobcaygeon Brewing Co. took home silver in the Belgian Ale category for their Bobcaygeon Firefly Belgian White and bronze in the New England IPA category for Bobcaygeon Northern Lights Hazy IPA.
Stewart Tours donates $6,375 to Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation
Local travel agency Stewart Tours (232 Brock St., Peterborough) has donated $6,375 to Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation.
The donation was made last Thursday (September 12) on the occasion of the final flight to New York City in the Stewart Tours 2019 Peterborough Departures program, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Peterborough Airport and marking the 45th year in business for G. Stewart Travel Services, Ltd. (which recently merged with Blowes Travel and Cruise Centres of Stratford to form Blowes & Stewart Travel Group Ltd.).
“We are grateful to Stewart Tours and all of the travellers enjoying this wonderful trip to New York City,” said Lesley Heighway, president and CEO of PRHC Foundation which recently celebrated its own 40th anniversary.
“This generous donation will help our doctors and nurses have access to the very best tools and technology that support innovative, compassionate, world class care for patients from across our region.”
Swish Maintenance wins Balpex Member of the Year Award for second year in a row
Peterborough-based sanitation and maintenance supply company Swish Maintenance has won the Balpex 2019 Member of the Year in the cleaning and hygiene category.
This is the second consecutive year that Swish Maintenance has won the award.
Balpex is a not-for-profit collective buying group for independent Canadian distributors and has more than 50 members, including Swish. Voted on by Balpex members, the Member of the Year award is based on criteria including the ability to commercialize new product innovations and professional sales support from representatives.
“It is rewarding to be compared to our peers and recognized for this award by our vendors,” says Swish CEO Andre Peters. “This is a tribute to our general managers, sales, branch, and head office teams who work with vendors to bring our brand to life,.”
Established in 1956 in Peterborough, the Swish Group of Companies is a family-owned business and a distributor of sanitation solutions through 15 locations in Canada and the United States.
TD Canada Trust and Otonabee Conservation plant 250 new trees and shrubs in Millbrook
Last Saturday (September 14), more than 50 volunteers planted 250 new native trees and shrubs in Millbrook, along the shoreline of the Millpond at Medd’s Mountain and along the Station Trail.
The native species — which included eastern white cedar, speckled alder, dogwood, elderberry, nannyberry, and willow — will support natural diversity and wildlife habitat.
Otonabee Conservation staff were on site to provide technical support and share information about the value of trees within the natural environment.
The planting was part of TD Tree Days, in partnership with TD Canada Trust. Through the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, TD Tree Days — which aims to plant one million trees by 2030 in communities across the country — provides TD employees and their families and friends, along with the community, the opportunity to volunteer and help build healthy and vibrant communities.
“The day was a great success,” says Erin McLeod, an employee with TD Canada Trust employee and volunteer site leader. “TD and so many community volunteers had a great time and did an amazing job, which speaks well of the commitment of TD staff, their families, and municipal support from the Township of Cavan Monaghan to improving the local environment and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities through TD Tree Days.”
Since 2010, almost 400,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted across Canada under the TD Tree Days program. Millbrook is one of more than 100 sites across Canada where TD Tree Days is planting trees and shrubs this fall.
Peterborough DBIA breakfast network with Su Ditta in Peterborough on September 18
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its next breakfast network meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Guest speaker Su Ditta, executive director of Electric City Culture Council (EC3), will bring an illustrated talk offering a behind the scenes look at the arts scene in Peterborough and its impact on our social, economic, and cultural vitality.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
The event is open to everyone. Tickets are $5 at the door.
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.), Four Seasons on Wellington (next to Apsley Home Hardware), and North Kawartha Community Centre (340 McFadden Rd.).
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.
Ontario Chamber of Commerce presents “Scaling Up Small Business” in Peterborough on September 27
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is presenting “Scaling Up Small Business”, a regional panel discussion and report launch event, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, September 27th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The event will bring together private and public sector stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges related to growing a business in Ontario. Ontario Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Prabmeet Sarkaria will make remarks, followed by a keynote presentation by Diane Richard, Director of Product Development, Charlotte Products. A panel discussion moderated by Derek Newton (Assistant Vice President, Innovation Partnerships and Entrepreneurship, University of Toronto) will feature Rhonda Keenan (President and CEO, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development), Dylan Trepanier ( CEO, Alexander Optical), and John Porter (President and CEO, BarterPay).
The event is free. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/scaling-up-small-businesses-registration-68296656137.
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.
Venture13 presents Fireside Chat on Technology Adaptation and Healthcare in Cobourg on October 7
Venture13 is presenting its next Fireside Chat, on the topic “Technology Adaptation and Healthcare”, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, October 7th in the Innovation Commons at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg)
Sponsored by ConnexHealth, the free event features a keynote by Dr. Mukesh Bhargava (Chief of Staff, Northumberland Hills Hospital) and a panel discussion led by practitioners, innovators, and policy leaders, moderated by Rhonda Cunningham (Director, Northumberland CFDC and Executive Director, Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation).
To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/fireside-chat-technology-adaptation-and-healthcare-tickets-71555332927.
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.
Peterborough Chamber hosts 2019 Business Excellence Awards in Peterborough on October 16
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2019 Business Excellence Awards at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Awards will be presented in 20 categories, including Business Citizen of the Year.
The event begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. on the Nexicom Studio followed by the awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m. in the Erica Cherney Theatre.
Tickets are $50+HST, available at excellencepeterborough.ca/tickets. Your tickets includes one complimentary beverage and light hors d’oeuvres catered by The Imperial Tandoor.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
