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 features Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. soft opening its new taproom, Elmhirst’s Resort being named Tourism Employer of the Year at the 2019 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence, Electric City Works holding a grand opening of its new downtown Peterborough store and marketspace, and Culcherd’s dairy-alternative products now available in the Kawarthas.
Also featured this week is the Innovation Cluster launching its Electric City Talks speaker series with Canadian innovator Robert Lane , the grand opening of Sustain Eco Store in downtown Peterborough on November 7th, and other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas.
New regional business events added this week include the Northumberland Chamber’s “Meet and Greet” networking event in Cobourg on November 12th, the Trent Hills Chamber’s lunch-and-learn photography seminar in Campbellford on November 13th, the Peterborough Chamber’s financial wellness seminar in Peterborough on November 20th, the Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre’s tax seminar for small business in Lindsay on November 25th, the Kawartha Chamber’s cyber security session in Lakefield on November 27th, the Haliburton Chamber’s Inspiring Women’s Luncheon in Haliburton on November 28th, and the Brighton & Cramahe Chamber’s digital tools for small business seminar in Brighton on November 28th.
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. soft opens its new taproom
Craft brewery Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. (4 May St., Fenelon Falls) opened its new taproom for business on Tuesday (November 5).
The soft opening of the taproom showcases the brewery’s craft beers paired with an all-day menu, created using local and seasonal ingredients, including shared bites and charcuterie platters.
To start, the taproom will feature five draught beers: Vienna Lager, Red Ale, Kawartha Sparkling Ale, East Coast IPA, and Farmhouse Saison. The taproom will also have local Ontario wine available as well as non-alcoholic beverages.
The taproom is open from noon to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
While reservations are not necessary, you can book a table through www.fenelonfallsbrewing.com.
Founded by husband and wife Vinh and Agatha Mac, Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. has transformed its historic building, previously a livery stable and then a blacksmith shop, into Kawartha Lakes’ newest craft brewery.
Elmhirst’s Resort named Tourism Employer of the Year at the 2019 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence
Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene) was named Tourism Employer of the Year at the annual Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala held last Wednesday (October 30) at the Blue Mountain Village Conference Centre
The Tourism Employer of the Year award recognizes an organization that has developed an admirable reputation as a great place to work, and that has established itself as an upstanding example of Ontario’s tourism industry.
According to a media release issued by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario announcing the award:
“Elmhirst’s Resort is a year-round destination resort in the Kawarthas, that 50 years on, is still a family business committed to providing exceptional guest experiences. Human resource development is a priority at Elmhirst’s Resort, as the organization strives to maintain a high-standard of service through all of its operations, training is key to ensuring delivery remains consistent, current, and professional. Career development is encouraged and available on a regular basis and the Resort seeks to hire locally, with many of its seasonal workers being students that return year-over-year during the summer break.”
Electric City Works holding a grand opening of its new downtown Peterborough store and marketspace
Electric City Works is holding a grand opening of its new store and marketspace located at 200 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough.
The 5,000-square-foot space is run by Adam and Tara Genge of Chalk Therapy, a business that refinishes antique and vintage furniture and teaches others how to do it.
The grand opening takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 15th, and will feature giveaways, contests, complimentary food and drinks, and live music from Peterborough band Paper Shakers beginning at 7 p.m.
Along with Chalk Therapy (which breathes new life into old, vintage, and antique furniture), other makers at Electric City Works include Coyles Cubby (handmade trendy clothing and accessories for babies and kids), Dwyer Art Studio (original abstract works), Kawartha Design Co. (handcrafted home decor), Bethany LeBlonc (a local artist working with watercolour, acrylic paint, found materials, and different fibre art techniques), The Rebel Crafter (repurposed vintage dinnerware), Victoria Rose Collection (handcrafted sterling silver and gemstone jewelry), Little Miss Knotty (wooden tables, bowls, and serving boards), Burnin Beads (handmade glass beads and jewelry), Wooden Alternatives (wooden spoons, spatulas, and serving ware), Fresh Essences (bath and body products), and Rainbow Jewelry Shop (jewelry and accessories made from tiny glass beads).
For more information, visit electriccity.works.
Culcherd’s dairy-alternative products now available in the Kawarthas
Capitalizing on the plant-based foods trend, Toronto dairy-alternative company Culcherd has launched product line extensions and new sustainable packaging and is expanding across Ontario and the rest of Canada.
The company’s dairy-free artisanal cheeses and butters, which are certified as organic and vegan, are now available at Jo Ann’s Place in Lindsay and Peterborough, as well as Abbey Gardens, Nourished, and Mathew & Madlyn in Haliburton.
“Our offerings are focused on being both healthy and environmentally friendly,” says Culcherd co-owner Tim Donnelly. “We are extremely excited and proud because this new packaging accomplishes both, our products are certified organic, rich in probiotics, and packaged with completely plastic-free compostable materials.”
Chef-created by co-owner Liz Gallagher, Culcherd’s products include “It’s Not Butter”, which melts just like dairy butter and can be used as a one-to-one replacement. Cultured, organic, palm free, and soy free, the product also looks like butter, as it is sold in stick form rather than in a plastic tub. The “It’s Not Cheese” product line of artisanal cheeses, available in six flavours, are “aged” and have a natural rind, which sets them apart in the market.
“Our new products are really unique,” Gallagher says. “We now have a Turmeric Black Pepper Butter, Cinnamon Swirl Butter, and an Everything Bagel Cheese.”
For more information, visit culcherd.com.
Innovation Cluster launches Electric City Talks speaker series with Canadian innovator Robert Lane
The Innovation Cluster is launching “Electric City Talks”, a new speaker series that will bring global disruptors to Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
The inaugural talk, “An Evening With Robert H. Lane”, takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19th — during Global Entrepreneurship Week — at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
Robert Lane is a Canadian innovator and seasoned business executive who has worked at Commodore International, General Electric, Nortel, and Nedco. Commodore International was one of the world’s largest personal computer manufacturers, launching the Commodore 64 in 1982, the single most popular home computer system ever sold.
Other confirmed speakers so far include Pickering Nuclear Generating Station director of engineering Jason Wight in January, and social entrepreneur and WE founder Craig Kielburger in May.
To reserve your seats for the inaugural talk, which is free, visit eventbrite.com/e/electric-city-talks-launch-an-evening-with-robert-lane-tickets-73870323125.
Grand opening of Sustain Eco Store in downtown Peterborough on November 7
Jonathan and Celine MacKay of Sustain Eco Store, which won the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s 2019 Win This Space contest, will be hosting a grand opening of their store at 418 George Street North in downtown Peterborough on Thursday, November 7th.
Sustain is a retail store providing sustainable, nontoxic, and practical solutions for your home and body. As the Win This Space winners, the MacKays won a grand prize valued at more than $40,000, including free rent for a year.
“Since we opened our door on July 1, we have been met with support and encouragement and couldn’t be happier to be part of the amazing downtown business community,” says Celine MacKay. “Now having had time to polish the store, all the final details are in place. We would be thrilled if you would join us for an evening of celebration and gratitude towards all the organizers, sponsors and supporters of Win This Space and for our growing family of patrons.”
The grand opening begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. followed by a celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. featuring food and refreshments.
Other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas
Here’s a summary of other notable business and organizational news from across the Kawarthas over the past week:
- One-Eyed Jack Pub and Grill opening at former location of the Carousel restaurant on Lansdowne Street East in Peterborough
- Nancy Wiskel is the new owner of Dan Joyce’s Classic Clothing in downtown Peterborough
- Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtors (PKAR) announce implementation of electronic lockboxes on listings
- Jeff Purvey’s Fish and Chips in Peterborough celebrates 100 years in business on November 9
- Cobourg Downtown Business Improvement Area implements digital service squad through Digital Main Street.
WDB/LEPC hosts information session for employers on managing different generations in Cobourg on November 6
The Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council (WDB/LEPC) is hosting “Managing Different Generations”, an information session for employers, from 8 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The event features guest speaker Michelle Dagnino, executive director of the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre in Toronto, who will be sharing best practices for employers to navigate the issue of managing different generations in the workplace.
The event is free. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/employer-education-series-managing-different-generations-info-session-tickets-75720932347.
For those unable to attend in person, a webinar opportunity is available.
Kawartha Chamber hosts speed networking event in Burleigh Falls on November 7
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is hosting a speed networking event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 7th at Burleigh Falls Inn (4791 Highway 28, North Kawartha).
With speed networking, you spend a few minutes of one-on-one time with another participant, and then rotate to the next person when the bell rings.
The event is free to attend. Register at business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/details/kawartha-chamber-speed-networking-10686
WDB/LEPC hosts Experiential Learning Fair in Peterborough on November 8
The Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council (WDB/LEPC) is hosting the Experiential Learning Fair from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, November 8th at the Holiday Inn – Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough).
The event features a morning information session, where guest speakers will describe the benefits of experiential learning to employers, and an afternoon trade show where employers can connect with organizations offering funding for experiential learning opportunities.
Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be offered at this free event. To register, visit eventbrite.ca/e/experiential-learning-fair-information-session-trade-show-tickets-71548311927.
Peterborough Chamber hosts Chamber AM breakfast meeting in Peterborough on November 12
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Chamber AM breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12th 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).
Northumberland Chamber hosts “Meet and Greet” networking event in Cobourg on November 12
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce’s next monthly Meet and Greet” business networking event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
Venture13 brings together early-stage entrepreneurs with innovative partners to connect, empower, and accelerate new ventures. It is a place and a pathway for business growth synchronized with economic development and diversification. In addition to business networking, you’ll have an opportunity to see the facilities including the V13 Venture Zone, MakerLab, and Innovation Commons.
The event is free for Chamber members and $10 for non-members. Advance registration is required at nccofc.ca/events/details/nccofc-meet-greet-venture-13-2623.
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre presents marketing strategies and social media workshop in Lindsay on November 12
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is presenting a workshop on marketing strategies and social media from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12th in the downstairs meeting room at the Lindsay Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
Facilitated by Sandy Greenberg, established business coach and former business advisor at Centennial College Centre of Entrepreneurship, the workshop will cover topics including target marketing, developing your brand, reviewing your marketing channels, online and offline marketing strategies, and monitoring the effectiveness of your marketing activities.
Wi-fi access is available, but bring your own laptop and refreshments. The cost for the workshop is $10; register at eventbrite.ca/e/marketing-strategies-and-social-media-workshop-tickets-73487891261
Trent Hills Chamber hosts lunch-and-learn photography seminar in Campbellford on November 13
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a lunch-and-learn photography seminar from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13th at Clock Tower Cultural Centre (36 Front St. S., Campbellford).
In this hands-on workshop, Laurie Anne King Photography will teach you how to take better portraits with your phone. The session begins with 15 minutes of networking, followed by a 30-minute presentation, and then a question-and-answer session.
The event is free for Chamber members, but registration is required at business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/take-better-portraits-with-your-phone-lunch-n-learn-series-4115.
Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland hosts marketing seminar in Cobourg on November 13
Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN) is hosting “Stand Out, Connect & Grow: Creating & Sharing Exceptional Marketing Messages” from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13th in the BECN boardroom (600 William St., Cobourg).
Kevin Bulmer will provide a fun and engaging group coaching session on crafting unique and effective marketing messages and creative online content to help attract, sustain and grow new sales to your business.
Register at forms.northumberland.ca/BECN/Creating-Sharing-Exceptional-Marketing-Messages.
Port Hope Chamber hosts lunch seminar on managing stress in Port Hope on November 20
The Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Lunch and Learn: 10 ways to simplify the Holidays!” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20th at the Port Hope Public Library (31 Queen St., Port Hope).
Professional organizer Louise Nettleton of Simplify will discuss ways for you to lower stress during the holiday season.
Peterborough Chamber hosts financial wellness seminar in Peterborough on November 20
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Lunch Box Learning seminar takes place from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20th at the Chamber’s boardroom (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
David Nohora of BDO will provide information, tools, and resources on the subject of financial wellness and literacy.
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.
Haliburton Chamber hosts lunchtime bookkeeping seminar in Haliburton on November 21
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting a lunch-and-learn seminar from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 21st at the Chamber office (195 Highland Ave., Haliburton).
Angelwings Solutions will lead the seminar, called “Bookkeeping 101”.
The seminar is free for Chamber members or $15 for non-members. Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=lu6q9flab&oeidk=a07egoiwp9eb67041f2.
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosts tax seminar for small business in Lindsay on November 25
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting a tax seminar for small business from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, November 24th at Kawartha Lakes Public Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
Presented by representatives from Canada Revenue Agency, the seminar is offered to owners of small businesses and self-employed individuals who need help in understanding their tax obligations. The presentation is geared towards unincorporated businesses and will provide participants with the basic principles and resources needed to navigate the tax system, and will cover common tax errors, general bookkeeping concepts and best practices, and more.
The seminar is free, but registration is required at eventbrite.ca/e/canada-revenue-agency-tax-seminar-for-small-business-tickets-78238380101.
Kawartha Chamber hosts cyber security session in Lakefield on November 27
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s next B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Sharing Solutions) session takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27th at Beachwood Resort (3043 Beachwood Dr, Lakefield).
The event will feature a panel discussion and question-and-answer session about cyber security for you and your business. Panelists include Detective Sergeant Vern Crowley of the Ontario Provincial Police Cybercrime Investigations Team, marketing specialist Brendan Quigley of acorn30, and CIBC financial services representative Lisa Callaghan.
The cost is $10 for Chamber members or $20 for non-members. Register at business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/details/b-o-s-s-cyber-security-11-20-2019-10608.
Bobcaygeon Chamber holds its AGM in Bobcaygeon on November 27
The Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual general meeting from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27th at the Bobcaygeon Municipal Service Centre (123 East St. S., Bobcaygeon).
The Chamber is currently accepting applications from members in good standing for new directors for 2020. The directors will be confirmed at the meeting.
For more information and to apply, download a PDF application at bobcaygeon.org.
Haliburton Chamber presents Inspiring Women’s Luncheon in Haliburton on November 28
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is presenting the first annual Inspiring Women’s Luncheon from 12 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 28th at the Haliburton Legion (719 Mountain St., Haliburton).
The event features a keynote from inspirational speaker and trainer Sharon Campbell Rayment. She will speak about strategies and tools you can use to thrive in the midst of challenge and change, overcoming adversity and remaining focused, effective, and productive.
This cost for the event, decorated by Elegant Events Inc. and catered by McKeck’s Fine Catering, is $30. Register at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=lu6q9flab&oeidk=a07ego3l3h0585215d6
Brighton & Cramahe Chamber offers digital tools for small business seminar in Brighton on November 28
The Brighton & Cramahe Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland, is offering a “Free Digital Tools for Small Business” seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 28th at King Edward Park Community Centre (75 Elizabeth St., Brighton).
This seminar is targeted at do-it-yourself business owners who want to know how to generate more business through their online presence without spending more money. Attendees will come out with knowledge search engine optimization techniques and skills that will help them attract more business.
The cost is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. To register, call the Chamber at 613-475-2775.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
