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 downtown Peterborough creative arts hub Watson & Lou launching a new ‘economic nutrition label’, Telus Business forming a strategic alliance with Venture13 in Cobourg to develop next-generation IoT solutions, Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation announcing its new executive director Vincent Killen, Community Futures Peterborough announcing its new business and loan manager Braden Clark, and other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas.
New events added this week include women leaders in hospitality hosting an International Women’s Day Feast fundraiser in Peterborough on March 8th, the Kawartha Chamber hosting sexual harassment in the workplace seminar in Lakefield on March 25th, and the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce holding its annual general meeting in Peterborough on March 26th.
Downtown Peterborough creative arts hub Watson & Lou launches ‘economic nutrition label’
Erin Watson and Anna Eidt, owners of creative arts hub Watson & Lou (383 Water St., Peterborough) have launched a new “economic nutrition label” designed to show shoppers where the money they spend goes.
Based on the familiar food nutrition labels, the economic nutrition label provides a percentage of how much of an item’s purchase price goes towards production processes (such as materials, design and development, and labour), brick-and-mortar operations (such as rent, utilities, and labour), and other areas such as marketing and charity.
The label also shows the geographical economic benefit of the purchase.
Watson and Eidt were inspired by the economic nutrition certification developed by Shorefast, a registered Canadian charity launched by Canadian businesswoman and social entrepreneur Zita Cobb. Shorefast’s mission to build economic and cultural resilience on Fogo Island in Newfoundland.
Shorefast’s economic nutrition labels are available for most of The Woodshop on Fogo Islands’ retail items as well as for the cost of a stay at Fogo Island Inn.
Watson & Lou — home to a gift shop, workshop space, and several private artist studios — showcases and celebrates local handmade art and goods. The Shorefast approach resonated with Watson and Eidt, whose core mission is to do retail differently, in a way that continually reinvests in the local community.
“Since our very first conversation about going into business together, we’ve talked about doing things in a way that align with certain core values,” Watson says. “So our model is more about financial sustainability than profitability.”
The economic nutrition label not only lets shoppers know where their money is going, it helps Watson & Lou gather feedback on ways they can improve their business model.
“As consumers, we want to know who benefits from the money we spend,” Eidt explains. “So, as store owners, we want to be as transparent as possible.”
“We think more and more that companies need to do this in the for-profit sector. We’d love to see other local businesses join us in this initiative.”
For more information about Watson & Lou, visit www.watsonandlou.com.
Telus forms strategic alliance with Venture13 in Cobourg to develop next-generation IoT solutions
Telus Business has entered into a strategic alliance with Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre in Cobourg to provide the centre with additional membership accelerator perks, mentorship and programming opportunities, and new hardware for Venture13’s MakerLab.
Venture13 and Telus Business will provide direct support to entrepreneurs, supplying access to both innovative tools and industry experts to help accelerate their businesses.
“We are thrilled to welcome Telus Business to not only the Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre but to our community as well,” said Cobourg Mayor John Henderson. “This partnership will further accelerate and empower our entrepreneurs to leverage IoT technologies to improve their businesses and reach their connectivity goals.”
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals, or people that are provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Telus Business’ world-class LTE-M network was purpose-built to connect IoT devices, offering secure, reliable connectivity so developers can design and deploy innovative IoT solutions for virtually any situation.
“Telus believes in the power of technology to create meaningful change on our communities,” says Telus VP of IoT Michael Cihra. “Supporting an organization like Venture13 that is working to foster Canadian innovation is a perfect fit and we’re pleased to provide support for that effort. Working together, we are confident that we can advance Venture13’s already stellar programming and provide the necessary resources for the innovative companies and individuals in their programs to thrive.”
The alliance will offer all VentureZone clients a three-month Telus LTE-M Starter Kit and support from Telus Business, enabling developers and tech companies to rapidly prototype cellular-connected IoT devices on their LTE-M network. They will also provide LTE-M Starter kits to Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation’s (CFDC) Top 10 finalists for N100, Northumberland biennial open invitational $250,000 technology startup competition, as well as Northumberland CFDC’s soon-to-launch DELIA program.
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation announces new executive director Vincent Killen
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (KLCFDC) has announced the appointment of Vincent “Vince” Killen as the organization’s new executive director effective February 11th.
Killen is a strategic economic development and financial services professional with more than 25 years’ experience in finance, banking, project management, and government investment strategies for entrepreneurs. He was previously executive director of the Community Futures Eastern Ontario Network and program manager for the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment and Innovation (SOFII), during which time he worked closely with KLCFDC.
“I look forward to working with the board of directors and staff of KLCFDC, along with our local community stakeholders and partners to enhance and elevate the terrific work that has been done at the KLCFDC for many years,” Killen says.
“As we move into a new innovation economy, we look forward to working with our government partners to deliver new initiatives, spur growth, and help entrepreneurs and small business owners scale their businesses, realize their dreams, and contribute to our local economic prosperity.”
Born and raised in Peterborough, Killen attended Trent University and is an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying hiking and kayaking as well as spending time with his family.
Community Futures Peterborough announces new business and loan manager Braden Clark
Community Futures Peterborough has announced Braden Clark is the organization’s new business and loan manager.
Well established in the Peterborough business community, Clark was previously an innovation specialist with the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas, where he was chair of the economic development committee. He is founding director and vice-chair for Norwood Pride, a non-profit organization supporting the local LGBTQ+ community, and is also a board member with YES Shelter for Youth and Families.
In his role at Community Futures Peterborough, Clark will be taking the lead in providing funding for entrepreneurs.
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:
- Heads Up for Inclusion, a Peterborough not-for-profit organization that encourages full and meaningful community participation and belonging of any individual facing barriers to inclusion, has donated 390 pairs of socks to Peterborough Youth Services and Brock Mission. The socks, which were donated during the Hockey is for Everyone evening with the Peterborough Petes, will provide vulnerable individuals with a warm pair of socks this winter season.
- Nominations are now open for the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s 14th Annual Business & Community Achievement Awards in 11 categories. Nominations close on Monday, March 2nd, with the awards gala taking place on April 4th at the Haliburton Legion on April 4, 2020. For nomination forms, visit www.haliburtonchamber.com.
- Last Tuesday (February 18), Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) announced the launch of the Venture13 Policetech Accelerator in partnership with Cobourg Police Services. The accelerator will receive $100,000 in funding through FedDev Ontario’s Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario, matched by a $150,000 investment by Cobourg Police Service, to enable the development of transformative police technologies, resulting in the creation of up to 10 new full-time jobs. The Northumberland CFDC will provide additional investment of up to $150,000 through a competitive intake process-along with V13 VentureZone co-working space and strategic project support. The accelerator will offer research and development partnership opportunities, technology pilots (demonstration and validation) and investments through two streams (policetech start-ups and policetech scale-ups).
- Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation will be launching its fintech lending platform called DELIA (Develop Educate Lead Innovate Accelerate) on Monday, March 9th. DELIA will provide an easy online application process and instant decisions on commercial loan applications up to $50,000. The priority of DELIA will be investment in innovative women-owned and women-led enterprises in Eastern Ontario. Successful recipients will be automatically inducted into a concurrent program providing advisory support services, networking opportunities, accelerator space and entrepreneurial skills development through Venture13 in Cobourg.
- MicroAge Peterborough-Whitby has been named one of the 50 best-managed IT companies in Canada by TechnoPlanet, out of more than 6,000 applications received. In order to be chosen, companies must demonstrate their ability to excel in various areas of management including processes, financial management, and human resources and are evaluated through independent assessment and bench-marking protocols.
- RTO8’s 2020-2021 Partnership Allocation Program is now accepting applications within the Kawarthas Northumberland region. Available categories include experience development and enhancement, photography and videography, and workforce development and training. Up to 50 per cent RTO8 funding is available for all projects, with a minimum of three partners committed to a project. For program guidelines and application forms, visit rto8.com/partnership/allocation/.
- The Innovation Cluster and the City of Kawartha Lakes are accepting applications for the new business incubator in Lindsay. To apply, visit www.innovationcluster.ca/application/.
- The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg have announced that Garry Liboiron of Century 21 All-Pro Realty (1993) Ltd. is the recipient of this year’s James Crossen Lifetime Achievement Award, to be officially presented at the Business Achievement Awards on Friday, March 6th at the at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre. The James Crossen Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement and contribution to the business community. The award is named after James Crossen, founder of Cobourg Car Works and one of Cobourg’s earliest and most successful entrepreneurs. Liboiron is a strong community and local business supporter who is an active member of the Rotary Club of Cobourg.
- The Town of Cobourg has revoked all taxicab owner licenses for A1 Taxi, in accordance with the provisions of the town’s by-law to licence, regulate and govern taxicab owners and drivers, as A1 Taxi has failed to comply with the provisions of the by-law. This means that A1 Taxi is no longer a municipally licenced taxicab business in the Town of Cobourg and does not have the capacity to provide taxi services legally within the Town of Cobourg.
- Michael Eatson, dealer principal at Peterborough Volkswagen, will become the new president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) — which represents more than 1,100 franchised, new car and truck dealers across Ontario — for a one-year term effective April 2020.
- After a fire destroyed its Highway 36 location in December 2019, RDS Quality Cleaning Products has reopened in the LCBO plaza at 449 Kent Street West in Lindsay. RDS Quality Cleaning Products is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
Trent Hills Chamber hosts lunchtime seminar on WSIB in Campbellford on February 25
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “lunch ‘n’ learn” seminar on the WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25th in the boardroom at Team Eagle (10 Trent Dr., Campbellford).
Find out more about the program and how it can help your bottom line. Bring your own lunch and a refreshment to the meeting.
There is no fee to attend, however -registration is required in advance at business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/lunch-n-learn-wsib-health-safety-excellence-program-4507.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts new venture session in Peterborough on February 25
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting a “New Venture Session” from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25th 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-91890871069.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts business planning workshop in Peterborough on February 26
Due to popular demand, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting another “Business Fundamentals: Business Planning” workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26th 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-94657385789.
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.
Brighton & Cramahe Chamber hold annual general meeting in Colborne on February 27
Brighton & Cramahe Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 27th at the Golden Rooster (5 Toronto St., Colborne).
The meeting will begin with breakfast and a guest speaker from Friends of Presqu’ile Park, followed by details from the Chamber’s new strategic plan.
Chamber members are encouraged to attend and others are welcome. The cost is $15 to cover the breakfast.
Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland presents “Scale Up Your Business” seminar in Cobourg on February 27
Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN), in partnership with local chambers, is presenting “Scale Up Your Business” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 27th in the BECN boardroom (600 William St., Cobourg).
This practical seminar for existing businesses, presented by Andrew Patricio of BizLaunch, will cover topics including how to create a business vision, how to set 10-year goals, how to determine your core focus, how to create a simple marketing strategy, how to set financial targets, and more.
The cost is $20 plus HST. Advance registration is required at forms.northumberland.ca/BECN/Scale-Up-Your-Business-Seminar-Feb-27-2020.
Peterborough Chamber hosts networking event at Showplace in Peterborough on March 3
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next Peterborough Business Exchange (PBX) networking event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3rd at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
PBX is for anyone in business looking to interact with other businesses, influencers, and community leaders. See what Showplace has to offer and take a tour of their facilities.
Everyone is invited to attend this event. Chamber members are welcome to bring a door prize for a plug at the podium.
Northumberland Chamber and Town of Cobourg host 2019 Business Achievement Awards gala in Cobourg on March 6
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg are hosting the 2019 Business Achievement Awards gala beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 6th at Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).
The awards recognize excellence and honour high achievers in the local business community. Gala attendees can network during cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the awards ceremony beginning at 6:45 p.m.
The cost is $90 per person plus HST. Purchase tickets online at nccofc.ca/events/details/2019-business-achievement-awards-2641 or by phone at 905-372-5831.
Women leaders in hospitality host International Women’s Day Feast fundraiser in Peterborough on March 8
Susan Houde of Two Dishes Cookshop, Lisa Dixon of Black Honey, Bonnie Kubica of BE Catering, and Shannon Mak of Le Petit Bar have come together to host International Women’s Day Feast at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 8th at St Veronus Cafe and Tap Room (129 Hunter St. W., Peterborough).
Designed by Dixon, Kubica, and Houde, the five-course menu will feature: sour cherry and goat cheese terrine; two-way smoked trout with winter greens, apple and walnut; roasted sweet potato and red pepper soup; lemon thyme roasted Three Forks chicken with quinoa gravy and wild rice stuffing; and white chocolate-pumpkin mousse and almond dacquoise Napoleon. Wine and beer pairings will be provided by certified sommelier Shannon Mak.
The cost is $125 per person, with all proceeds benefitting YWCA Peterborough Halliburton. Tickets are available at Black Honey (217 Hunter St. W/, Peterborough,) and Le Petit Bar (399 Water St, Peterborough).
Peterborough Chamber and partners host business summit in Peterborough on March 11
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and RT08, is hosting “Business Summit 2020: Future Ready” from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11th at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre (840 Armour Rd., Peterborough).
The half-day conference focused on strengthening business features author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Daniel Lewis as keynote speaker along with a series of workshops and a panel discussion.
The cost is $75, which includes breakfast and lunch. Register at peterboroughchamber.ca.
Trent Hills Chamber holds annual general meeting in Campbellford on March 12
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12th at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre (36 Front St. S., Campbellford).
The event features networking and light refreshments at 6 p.m. followed by the annual general meeting, including a review of the Chamber events, activities, and programs that took place in 2019, at 6:30 p.m.
There is no cost for Chamber members to attend, but advance registration is required at business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/annual-general-meeting-for-the-trent-hills-chamber-of-commerce-4505.
Kawartha Chamber hosts sexual harassment in the workplace seminar in Lakefield on March 25
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) seminar, on the topic of sexual harassment in the workplace, takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25th at the Lakefield Legion (10 Nicholls St., Lakefield).
The seminar will help you to understand the duties and responsibilities of businesses and organizations including training, obligations to report and investigate, resources, domestic violence, how to deal with a disclosure, what can be considered sexual harassment, and more. The speaker (to be announced) will use real-life examples and encourage discussion amongst the attendees.
Breakfast will be catered by Jack’s Family Restaurant. The cost is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Register at business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/register/11408.
Peterborough Chamber of Commerce holds annual general meeting in Peterborough on March 26
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26th at The StoneHouse Hall (2195 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough).
The meeting will include a look back at 2019 and will feature Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli will be the keynote speaker.
Chamber members will be asked to approve the audited financial statements of the corporation and the actions of the board of directors for 2019, as well as proposed by-law changes.
Registration takes place at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m., business at 12 p.m., and the guest speaker at 12:30 p.m.
The cost for the meeting, which includes lunch, is $30 plus HST for members and $40 plus HST for non-members. Register at www.peterboroughchamber.ca (registration deadline is Thursday, March 19th).
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
