businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
The week’s news features the Innovation Cluster and Fleming College bringing entrepreneur and CBC Dragons’ Den investor Manjit Minhas to Peterborough for a talk on March 10th in celebration of International Women’s Day, the Kawartha Chamber receiving $35,000 to launch a Digital Main Street initiative, and Weston Foods closing its Cobourg baking plant in 2020 and eliminating 180 jobs.
Also featured this week is Fleming College offering free carpenter and electrician pre-apprenticeship programs, nominations open for business awards across the Kawarthas, and other notable business and organizational news from across the Kawarthas.
New events added this week include Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosting a new venture session in Peterborough on February 4th and a business planning workshop in Peterborough on February 6th, the Kawartha Chamber holding its annual general meeting in Lakefield on February 19th, and the Port Hope Chamber holding its annual general meeting in Port Hope on February 26th.
Entrepreneur and CBC Dragons’ Den investor Manjit Minhas speaking in Peterborough on March 10
The Innovation Cluster and Fleming College are bringing entrepreneur and CBC Dragons’ Den investor Manjit Minhas to Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) on Tuesday, March 10th.
Minhas is the co-founder, president and CEO of Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Winery, the 10th largest brewery in the world. The company produces more than 120 beers, spirits, liqueurs, and wines that ship all across Canada, the U.S., and overseas. She is best known as one of the investors on CBC Television’s entrepreneurial series Dragons’ Den.
Minhas’ talk, entitled “Empowering Women: Achieving Business Success in Male-Dominated Industries”, is being presented at the Innovation Cluster’s Electric City Talks series, in celebration of International Women’s Day.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and a cash bar will be available. Following Manjit’s keynote, there will be an opportunity for a question-and-answer session as well as a photo opportunity for all attendees.
Admission is free for Fleming College students and $10 for everyone else. Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com/e/electric-city-talks-an-evening-with-manjit-minhas-tickets-89053095205.
Kawartha Chamber receives $35,000 to launch Digital Main Street initiative
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has received a $35,000 grant from Digital Main Street, an initiative funded by the Ontario government and delivered by the Ontario BIA Association to assist main street businesses with adopting technology, to create a Digital Service Squad to help main street small businesses improve their online capabilities.
The Digital Service Squad will consist of trained digital specialists who will visit and assist main street small businesses at no cost to help them set up Google Business and conduct a digital-readiness assessment. The grant will cover qualifying businesses located in Trent Lakes, North Kawartha, Curve Lake First Nation, Douro-Dummer, Selwyn, and Asphodel-Norwood. Membership in the Kawartha Chamber is not required to benefit from the program.
“We are excited to be working with our municipal partners to implement this program to support member and non-member businesses in our region,” says Kawartha Chamber board chair Mike Walker. “We will be leveraging the expertise of local business and digital experts acorn30 to help deliver this program to qualifying businesses. Together we will provide access to digital tools and resources that will allow area businesses to modernize and stay competitive.”
For more information, visit kawarthachamber.ca/blog/.
Weston Foods to close its Cobourg baking plant in 2020 and eliminate 180 jobs
Last Monday (January 13), Weston Foods announced plans to close its baking plant in Northam Industrial Park in Cobourg, resulting in the loss of 180 jobs.
The Cobourg plant opened in 1994 as The Weston Fruit Cake Company and later became Maplehurst Bakeries, producing a line of white and chocolate cakes as well as Swiss rolls and fruit cake.
“Weston Foods has made the difficult decision to close our Cobourg, Ontario bakery in the second half of 2020,” the company says in a statement. “Production from this facility will be relocated to other bakeries in the Weston Foods network. Regrettably, up to 180 jobs will be lost. This equates to a decrease of less than four per cent in our total workforce.”
“As a company, we are always working to understand consumer needs and to meet changing customer demands, and that important work informs our decisions to re-evaluate our bakery network and make changes to ensure our future success.”
“Closing a bakery is one of the toughest decisions we ever face. We deeply regret the personal impact this closure will have on our Cobourg employees and are committed to providing support and resources to all those affected.”
“As always, our top priorities are the wellbeing of our employees, meeting our compliance standards, and continuing to deliver top quality products seamlessly to our customers.”
The decision to close the bakery comes a year after the company announced plans to expand the Cobourg operation and hire 50 new full-time employees.
Fleming College offers free carpenter and electrician pre-apprenticeship programs
Fleming College is offering two carpenter and electrician pre-apprenticeship programs, which will be completely free to successful candidates (including tuition, books, safety equipment, and trade-specific tool kits).
The Pre-apprenticeship Carpenter program will begin on Monday, March 16th and the Pre-apprenticeship Electrician program will begin on Monday, March 30th.
Both programs are full-time (30 hours per week) and run Monday to Friday. The programs begin with in-class academic studies, job readiness, and secondary trade training for eight weeks. Students then progress to primary training for 12 weeks before concluding the program with a paid work placement.
Due to space limitations, those interested in the programs must be registered to attend information sessions at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus (on Tuesday, January 28th for the carpenter program and on Tuesday, February 25th for the electrician program). Attendees are asked to bring a copy of a current resume, a cover letter outlining the individual’s interest in the program, and a copy of a high school, college, or university transcript.
Online registration for the carpenter program at flemingcollege.ca/cae-info is open now until January 26th and online registration for the electrician program at flemingcollege.ca/pae-info opens February 17th and runs until February 23rd.
Nominations open for business awards in Northumberland, Lindsay, Haliburton, and Peterborough
Nominations are now open for the following business-related awards across the Kawarthas:
- The 19th annual Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards in nine categories. The nomination deadline is Monday, February 3rd. For more information and nomination forms, visit nccofc.ca/form/view/18818.
- The annual Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce Evening of Excellence Awards in 14 categories. The nomination deadline is Friday, February 28th. For more information and nomination forms, visit lindsaychamber.com/evening-of-excellence.
- The 14th annual Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Achievement Awards in 11 categories. The nomination deadline is Monday, March 2nd. For more information and nomination forms, visit www.haliburtonchamber.com/14th-annual-business-community-achievement-awards-gala-nominations/.
- The 2020 Businesswomen of the Year Awards and the Judy Heffernan Award, hosted by the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. Previously known as the Women in Business Award, the 2020 Businesswomen of the Year Awards will be given in two categories: a female entrepreneur and a female employee in an organization (business or non-profit organization). The recipient of the Judy Heffernan Award will be a female entrepreneur, mentor or student. The nomination deadline is Monday, February 24th. For more information and nomination forms, visit www.womensbusinessnetwork.net/awards-event/.
- The County of Peterborough’s 2020 Recognition Awards, with categories for businesses and organizations include Accessibility Recognition, Agricultural Leadership, Business Leadership, Environmental/Sustainability Recognition, and Heritage Preservation. The nomination deadline is Sunday, March 15th. For more information and nomination forms, visit www.ptbocounty.ca/awards.
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:
- Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre (1460 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough) is renovating and expanding its store by 8,000 square feet.
- Dancing Bee Equipment plans to renovate the former Osland Farm Market building (5029 County Rd. 2, Port Hope) and add a 10,000-square-foot addition. The company received $65,000 in funding last year from the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation under the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario.
- Northumberland County is seeking public input to build a business case for the expansion of GO Transit to Northumberland, to be presented to regional transportation agency Metrolinx. The business case will highlight the local need, interest and opportunity for increased transit options within Northumberland County and connecting to neighbouring regional transit systems. An online survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZL5SMCR until Monday, February 10th.
- On Monday (January 20), Peterborough city council voted against a plan by Big Boy’s Burgers to convert a convenience store at 51 Lansdowne Street West (beside McKnight’s) into a restaurant, due to issues with available parking. City staff has already twice rejected the plan by Big Boy’s Burgers, which has four locations in the GTA and one in Cobourg.
- On Monday (January 20), Peterborough city council voted not to block an application by BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada to produce uranium dioxide pellets at its location at 1160 Monaghan Road in Peterborough. A public campaign objecting to the plan had been launched by a group called Citizens Against Radioactive Neighbourhoods.
- A celebration for Kim Dolan, the former executive director of PARN – Your Community AIDS Resource Network who will be the new executive director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28th in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough). To RSVP or to participate, contact Brittany Cameron at brittany@parn.ca or 705-749-9110 by Friday, January 24th.
- Mary Spence has been appointed as director of human resources of Peterborough County. She has been acting in the role for the past seven months, and was previously a human resources manager with the county for 16 years.
- The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtors has announced The Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough) as the association’s 2020 selected charity. The Mount’s affordable housing units provide a safe and accessible place for low-income individuals and families.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts new venture session in Peterborough on January 22
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting a “New Venture Session” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22nd in the VentureNorth board room (270 George St., Peterborough).
Intended for entrepreneurs starting a new business, the session will provide an overview of the foundations of starting and running a business, resources and programs available to entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, how to work with the Business Advisory Centre to build a plan of action for your business, and completing the start-up checklist
The session is free, but advance registration is required at eventbrite.ca/e/new-venture-session-tickets-89240218897.
Innovation Cluster hosts workshop on patents in Peterborough on January 22
The Innovation Cluster is hosting “Hands-ON: Pizza and Patents” from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22nd at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
This workshop is presented by Marcelo König Sarkis, senior patent agent with Prima IP. He will describe what a patent is, world and provisional patents (myth or reality), how to search patents, and tips for startups.
A pizza lunch will be supplied to attendees of the workshop.
The event is free, but advance registration is required at eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-pizza-and-patents-tickets-89606123327 to secure your spot.
Peterborough Chamber hosts lunch seminar on international students in Peterborough on January 22
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next “Lunch Box Learning” session takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22nd at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
Tracey McConnery (Manager of English Programs & International Student Services, Fleming College) and Paul Longhurst (International Student Advisor, Trent University) will present on how international students can help you meet your labour needs and will discuss opportunities for collaboration.
The free event is open to Chamber members and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. Bring your own lunch.
Venture13 hosts “Fireside Chat: Smart Cities” in Cobourg on January 23
Venture13 is hosting “Fireside Chat: Smart Cities” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 23rd at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The discussion, featuring a panel of guest speakers, will cover how the development of “Smart Cities” presents new opportunities and advances in artificial intelligence and data science, which can be applied to manufacturing, health care, communications, transportation, and digital and physical infrastructure.
All are welcome to attend this free event. To reserve a spot, visit eventbrite.com/e/fireside-chat-smart-cities-tickets-87964467089.
Innovation Cluster hosting breakfast session on the Internet of Things in Peterborough on January 24
The Innovation Cluster is hosting “Power Breakfast: The Internet of Things” from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Friday, January 24th at Best Western Plus Otonabee Inn (84 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).
The Internet of Things (IoT) consists of all the internet-enabled devices that collect, send, and act on data they acquire from their surrounding environments using embedded sensors, processors, and communication hardware.
Over a hot breakfast you will hear from Adam Burley, senior IoT specialist for Telus Communications, who will speak about fleet management, remote monitoring, and more.
The event is free, but advance registration is required at eventbrite.com/e/power-breakfast-the-internet-of-things-tickets-84266544503 to reserve your spot.
Betty Halman-Plumley of IG Wealth Management presents “Women and Wealth” seminar in Peterborough on January 27
Betty Halman-Plumley of IG Wealth Management is presenting “Women and Wealth” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 27th at Peterborough Golf & Country Club (1030 Armour Rd., Peterborough).
The in-depth seminar that will explore the unique financial concerns and opportunities facing women today. From wealth creation to retirement, estate planning, business success and charitable giving, the seminar will share expert insights.
Light refreshments will be served.
Limited seating is available. To reserve a spot, RSVP by Wednesday, January 22nd by emailing betty.halman-plumley@investorsgroup.com.
Kawartha Lakes CFDC hosts Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario information sessions in Lindsay and Fenelon Falls on January 28 and 29
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) is hosting information sessions on the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28th at the Lindsay Recreational Complex (133 Adelaide St. S., Lindsay) and from 12 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29th at Fenelon Falls Community Centre (27 Veteran’s Way, Fenelon Falls).
Kawartha Lakes CFDC will be accepting applications for projects that support small and medium-sized enterprises to foster innovation, technology adoption and digital connectivity in Kawartha Lakes. Priority sectors include advanced manufacturing, clean tech, digital industries, and agri-food and food processing. Minimum project size is $50,000, with the ability of participants to provide a 50 per cent ($25,000) matched cash contribution.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/KawarthaLakesCF/.
Northumberland Chamber holds its annual general meeting and chair’s dinner in Cobourg on January 29
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29th at The Woodlawn Inn (420 Division St., Cobourg).
All members in good standing are invited to attend the meeting and hear an overview of the Chamber’s activities for the past year, including presentation of the Chamber’s audited year-end financial report. The 2020 executive will be introduced, and elections will be held to fill the available seats on the board of directors.
The annual chair’s dinner will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. following the meeting. For Chamber members and guests, the dinner features a four-course gourmet meal (vegetarian and vegan options are available). The cost is $69 per person.
For more information and to register for the meeting or the dinner, visit nccofc.ca/events/details/nccofc-annual-general-meeting-2629.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts new venture session in Peterborough on February 4
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting a “New Venture Session” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4th in the VentureNorth board room (270 George St., Peterborough).
Intended for entrepreneurs starting a new business, the session will provide an overview of the foundations of starting and running a business, resources and programs available to entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, how to work with the Business Advisory Centre to build a plan of action for your business, and completing the start-up checklist
The session is free, but advance registration is mandatory at eventbrite.ca/e/new-venture-session-tickets-86583636989.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts business planning workshop in Peterborough on February 6
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting “Business Fundamentals: Business Planning” from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 6th in the VentureNorth board room (270 George St., Peterborough).
The session is designed to give entrepreneurs a strong foundation in business planning and to explain the importance of a comprehensive business plan. Tools available for creating a business plan will be shared as well as top tips for creating a plan ready to share with banks and funding agencies to secure financing.
The session is free, but advance registration is mandatory at eventbrite.ca/e/business-fundamentals-business-planning-tickets-90222206047.
Peterborough Chamber presents “Power Hour” in Peterborough on February 12
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is presenting “Power Hour” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
The annual chat with elected officials is an interactive lunch event and question-and-answer session with Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, City of Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien, and Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones. A moderator will present questions from the audience.
Peterborough city and county councillors and chief administrative officers, as well as First Nations leaders, will also be invited to attend.
The cost is $65 for Chamber members or $75 for non-members (tables for seven are also available for $450 for members and $525 for non-members). For more information and to register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
Kawartha Chamber holds annual general meeting in Lakefield on February 19
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is holding its annual general meeting beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19th at The Village Inn (39 Queen St., Lakefield).
Open to all Chamber members, the meeting will feature highlights from 2019, networking, and light refreshments. The 2018-19 annual report will be circulated before the meeting.
Port Hope Chamber holds annual general meeting in Port Hope on February 26
The Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26th in the Sculthorpe Theatre at Cameco Capitol Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope).
Open to all Chamber members, the meeting will include a review of by-law changes and “Fostering an ecosystem of entrepreneurship”, a presentation by Lindsay Jeremiah, manager of entrepreneurship services at Durham College.
A light lunch will be served by Brandon Manor Bed & Breakfast.
To RSVP, contact the Chamber at admin@porthopechamber.com or 905-885-5519.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
