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 robotics company Servo Socks winning the grand prize at the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards, Paper Planter Project and Eco-Care Project winning FastStart Peterborough’s Pitch It! competition, Showplace Performance Centre naming its lobby in honour of Sean Eyre, 4th Line Theatre recommending playwrights to receive funding, and other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas.

New regional business events added this week include the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture’s AGM in Keene on October 30th, the Trent Hills Chamber’s coffee chat with Mayor Bob Crate in Campbellford on November 1st, the WDB/LEPC’s information session for employers on managing different generations in Cobourg on November 6th, and the WDB/LEPC’s Experiential Learning Fair in Peterborough on November 8th.

Other newly added events include the Peterborough Chamber’s breakfast meeting in Peterborough on November 12th, the Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre marketing strategies and social media workshop in Lindsay on November 12th, Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland’s marketing seminar in Cobourg on November 13th, Port Hope Chamber’s lunch seminar on managing stress in Port Hope on November 20th, and the Bobcaygeon Chamber’s AGM in Bobcaygeon on November 27th.

Robotics company Servo Socks wins grand prize at the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards

Servo Socks took home the grand prize in the 21st annual Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards last Friday (October 25) at the Lindsay Golf & Country Club.

The Kawartha Lakes company, owned and operated by Dan Kitchen and Jon Edwards, produces cases made out of recycled plastic that snap over a servo motor, used in robotics. The cases can be cut, drilled and otherwise modified to fit over the servo motor.

Servo Socks are intended to improve access to robotics by simplifying the motorization process, while making it less intimidating and more fun.

Cyber security firm Netmechanics won second prize for its web-based platform Trybersecurity, which helps small-to-medium-sized businesses perform their own cyber security risk assessments, and implement tailored awareness training to staff and management through “gamified” video learning.

Aging GPS, a consulting firm for seniors and their families that helps them identify care solutions in the Kawarthas for their needs, won third prize.

Servo Socks won a cash prize of $750 for first place, Netmechanics won $500 for second place, and Aging GPS won $250 for third place.

Paper Planter Project and Eco-Care Project win FastStart Peterborough’s Pitch It! competition

Two teams of student entrepreneurs won FastStart Peterborough’s 5th annual Pitch It! competition, held last Tuesday (October 22) at VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough.

The competition, which was limited to students from Trent University and Fleming College, saw 13 student groups competing for prizes at the final pitch event.

Paper Planter Project, led by Vanessa Mathieu, won first place and a $350 cash prize. The social enterprise uses compostable planting containers as educational modules to teach children through experiential learning about gardening, growing their own food, sustainability, and patience.

Eco-Care Project, led by Shane Willis, won second place and a $150 cash prize for providing lawn care services in an eco-friendly way by reducing the use of traditional gas engines by using electric engines.

The Dragons’ Den style competition was judged by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development president and CEO Ronda Keenan, Peterborough Region Angel Network executive director Yves LaFortune, and Innovation Cluster president and CEO John Gillis.

Showplace Performance Centre lobby to be named in honour of Sean Eyre

Downtown Peterborough performance venue Showplace Performance Centre will be officially naming its lobby to honour well-known Peterborough personality Sean “Sunshine” Eyre.

The native of Timmins began his career in 1961 as a weather man at CHEX TV in Peterborough, where he later hosted the “Live from the Wired Woodshed” country music program on CHEX radio for 12 years. Eyre also was an actor with the Peterborough Theatre Guild, served as Peterborough’s Town Crier, was a member of Peterborough City Council, and was a founding board member of Showplace Performance Centre.

As well as running his own record label, which promoted artists including the Leahy family, he formed independent production company Rocklands Entertainment in 1981 with Brian Edwards. In 1998, Eyre established the “Pathway of Fame” that recognizes people from all walks of life in the Peterborough area for their support and dedication to their community.

Eyre will be at a public ceremony and recpetion for the naming of the Showplace lobby in his honour, which takes place at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 1st, on the occasion of Eyre’s 80th birthday. The public is welcome to attend, meet Eyre, and have some birthday cake.

4th Line Theatre recommending playwrights to receive funding

4th Line Theatre in Millbook will be recommending playwrights to receive funding of between $1,000 and $5,000 to develop new works through the Ontario Arts Council’s Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators program.

Ontario-based professional theatre artists and artists’ collectives are eligible to apply to 4th Line Theatre by the closing date of January 17, 2020 at 1 p.m. The Ontario Arts Council (OAC), an agency of the government of Ontario, is the primary funding body for professional arts activities in the province.

4th Line Theatre will administer the granting program, with the primary goal of supporting as many worthy regional playwriting projects as possible. As a secondary priority, the theatre company will also be looking for projects that align with its artistic mandate: to preserve our Canadian cultural heritage through the development and presentation of regionally based, environmentally staged historical dramas.

Special consideration will be given to culturally diverse artists and collectives, artists living with a disability, and regional playwrights.

Application forms are available at arts.on.ca/grants/recommender-grants-for-theatre-creators. The applications will be reviewed by 4th Line’s managing artistic director Kim Blackwell.

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:

• New grocery store development planned for Milltown Mini Golf Site on Lansdowne Street West in Peterborough
• Bank of Montreal building in downtown Peterborough conditionally sold
• Lakefield Pantry celebrates its 39th anniversary
• High-end flooring company Dane and Jute opens in Port Hope
• Ontario government provides $400,000 for extension of Pemberton Drive in Port Hope
• Merrett Home Hardware Run for Mental Health raises $21,063.66
• Beaver Club Gala raises $107,375 to support educational programming at The Canadian Canoe Museum
• Sharpe’s Food Market in Campbellford won a 2019 Master Merchandising Award from the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers
• Curry Chevrolet Buick GMC in Haliburton receives President’s Club Award from GM Canada.

Annual TD Economic Outlook Luncheon in Peterborough on October 30

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, along with TD Bank Group and Baker Tilly, are presenting the 2019 TD Economic Outlook Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30th at Peterborough Golf and Country Club (1030 Armour Rd., Peterborough).

The annual event explores trends, opportunities, and challenges within communities in Peterborough and the Kawarthas and across the globe. It features TD Bank Group vice-president and deputy chief economist Derek Burleton and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development president and CEO Rhonda Keenan.

Note: Registration for this event closed on October 23rd.

Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture holds its AGM in Keene on October 30

The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture is holding its annual general meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30th in the McCloskey Great Hall (the new barn) at Lang Pioneer Village Museum (146 Lang Rd. N., Keene).

All Peterborough County farmers are invited to attend the AGM, which will feature several guest speakers, including Peterborough County deputy mayor, City of Peterborough deputy mayor Andrew Beamer, Peterborough & Kawartha Economic Development president and CEO Rhonda Keenan, and more.

This free event will update local members on past achievements and help develop a new strategic plan for 2019-2020. Elections will also be held for new board members.

For more information and to RSVP, visit eventbrite.ca/e/pcfa-2019-agm-tickets-75056561195.

Trent Hills Chamber hosts coffee chat with Mayor Bob Crate in Campbellford on November 1

The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a coffee chat with Trent Hills mayor Bob Crate from 8 to 9 a.m. on Friday, November 1st at the Campbellford & District Curling & Racquet Club (381 Front St. N., Campbellford).

This event is for Chamber members only and there is no cost to attend. Muffins, coffee, and tea will be served.

RSVP by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30th at business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/coffee-chat-with-mayor-bob-crate-4014.

Haliburton Chamber presents The Breakfast Club with Catherine Oosterbaan in Irondale on November 5

The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is presenting its next Breakfast Club from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5th at Bark Lake Leadership and Conference Centre (1551 Bark Lake Dr., Irondale).

The event features Catherine Oosterbaan, agriculture and rural economic development advisor with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, on the topic “The Role of Business in Community Economic Development”.

The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Register in advance at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=lu6q9flab&oeidk=a07eghooqzcd857ace5.

Peterborough Chamber hosts PBX at the Holiday Inn in Peterborough on November 5

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next Peterborough Business Exchange (PBX) takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5th at the Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough)

All are invited to attend the free networking event.

For more information, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.

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.

Equinox Family Consulting hosts parenting a child with autism workshop in Peterborough on November 9

Sue Simmons of Equinox Family Consulting is hosting a workshop for mothers of children on the autism spectrum from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 9th in the mutli-purpose room at the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough).

Simmons is a Certified Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner and Emotional Success Coach, a Certified Professional Coach, ASD Parenting Coach (RDI trained), and a mother of two young adults with autism.

During the experiential workshop, she will share how EFT — also known as “tapping”, a gentle and evidence-based mind-body technique — can bring relief to your emotional suffering.

The event will also be streamed live online for those who can’t attend in person.

The cost is $25 per person, and light refreshments will be served. Register at parentingautism.eventbrite.ca/ or call 705-875-4605.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.

Is your business or organization experiencing challenges recruiting new talent, especially younger employees with the skills you need? Are you interested in opportunities and funding to groom job seekers and students as potential future employees?

If so, you’ll want to attend the Experiential Learning Fair, a free information session and trade show presented by the Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council (WDB/LEPC) on Friday, November 8th at the Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront in downtown Peterborough.

Experiential learning is a way for job seekers and students to get hands-on experience with a business, helping to ensure the next generation of employees enters the workforce with the competencies and skills businesses need.

Apprenticeships, cooperative work placements, and summer student programs are just a few examples of experiential learning.

“There isn’t a lot of awareness about experiential learning,” says Rachel Brown, WDB/LEPC community development and communications coordinator. “Co-op and apprenticeship programs are starting to become such an integral part of education. We have to bridge the gaps somewhere and make people aware of the programs, the funding, and everything that’s out there to support employers and the people looking for opportunities.”

The Experiential Learning Fair will not only demonstrate the practical benefits of experiential learning for employers, but will also provide opportunities for businesses to connect with local organizations providing both the opportunities and funding for experiential learning.

To make this event invaluable for employers, WDB/LEPC has brought together guest speakers and trade show exhibitors from a wide range of local economic development organizations, post-secondary institutions, and employment service agencies from across Peterborough, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton.

“The day is broken up into two parts,” Brown explains. “The first part is about getting first-hand knowledge. Presenter topics range from their own experience with experiential learning in their workplace and how it’s benefited them to the scope of experiential learning opportunities available, as well as highlights from WDB/LEPC’s experiential learning report.”

“The next part of the day is about networking — bridging connections with the people who are focused on experiential learning.”

The morning begins with breakfast and networking, followed by presentations and guest speakers that include Heather Reid, operations director of Abbey Gardens in Haliburton, a not-for profit charity that promotes sustainable living, local food, and renewable energy.

Reid will share her story about offering experiential learning opportunities at Abbey Gardens and the benefits the organization has seen as an employer.

Other speakers from Trent University and Fleming College will explain how experiential learning opportunities are becoming an integral part of many post-secondary educational programs, while speakers from Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the Innovation Cluster will describe the scope of experiential opportunities that are supported by industry partners.

Representatives from VCCS Employment Services and Employment Planning and Counselling will provide an overview of the employer supports currently available to local businesses, and the WDB/LEPC will also present findings from a report on experiential learning they completed earlier this year — a report that prompted the creation of the Experiential Learning Fair.

Following lunch, the afternoon trade show will connect employers with a variety of local organizations that provide specific opportunities or funding to support experiential learning.

At the trade show, business owners can also learn more about the employer benefits of hosting students and job seekers in the workplace through experiential learning programs.

The Experiential Learning Fair is a unique opportunity for employers, from small businesses to large organizations, to find out everything they need to know about experiential learning and to network with key local organizations that can support it.

All of this can happen in a single day and at no cost other than the investment of your time — an investment that will pay dividends by increasing the pool of qualified employees and quite possibly saving your business money in the future.

The free event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, November 8th at the Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough). To register, visit eventbrite.ca/e/experiential-learning-fair-information-session-trade-show-tickets-71548311927.

If you are interested in hearing the morning presentations but are unable to attend in person, a webinar option is also available. Register for further instructions about participating online.

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

This story was created in partnership with WDB/LEPC.