This week’s round-up of business news features the Innovation Cluster and Trent Business Students Association celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week with daily events, the Ontario government announcing grants for rural communities in the Kawarthas, the recipients of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Awards of Excellence, and the Digital Main Street grants program for small “main street” businesses and local business groups.

Also featured is the recognition of Peterborough Utilities as one of Canada’s safest employers, Kawartha Credit Union staff raising funds for neonatal intensive care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, a local entrepreneur appearing on CBC Dragons’ Den, and Trent University and Quaker PepsiCo being recognized for energy conservation.

New regional business events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber’s breakfast meeting on augmented reality in business on November 13th, the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s business fundamentals workshop on November 14th, the application deadline for the federal Women Entrepreneurship Fund on November 15th, the Kawartha Family Business Group cannabis and the workplace seminar in Peterborough on November 19th, more details about the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Funding Forum on November 20th, and a seminar in Peterborough on emerging issues in human resources law on November 27th.

Innovation Cluster and Trent Business Students Association celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week

This week (November 12-16) is the ninth annual Global Entrepreneurship Week, an international initiative celebrated across six continents that connects entrepreneurs through networking events, organizations, educational groups, and more.

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas has partnered with the Trent Business Students Association (TBSA) to hold and promote various events for anyone interested in becoming more connected within the local entrepreneurial community.

Events are happening each day throughout the week, including the FastStart Peterborough’s E-Connect seminar, a women in business networking event, social gatherings, and the Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition.

“We are very excited to help host so many events this week for aspiring entrepreneurs and students to meet new people and learn more about the resources available in Peterborough,” says Rosalea Terry, Marketing Manager and Senior Innovation Specialist at the Innovation Cluster.

“The events hosted this week are a great opportunity for anyone who is looking to meet potential collaborators, mentors, and investors.”

Global Entrepreneurship Week is celebrated in 170 countries, and has previously had 20,000 partners holding 35,000 events with 10 million people.

“Global Entrepreneurship Week is something the TBSA looks forward to every year,” says TBSA president Mackenzie Mills. “It’s incredibly exciting to be bringing together this community of entrepreneurs through a week of engaging events and networking opportunities.”

The list of events include:

• Monday, November 12th: TBSA Entrepreneurship Week Opening Ceremony Breakfast Launch from 9 to 11 a.m. in OCA 203 at Otonabee College at Trent University and Startups in the City radio show (12:30 p.m. on Trent Radio 92.7FM)
• Tuesday, November 13th: E-Connect networking event featuring Nancy Nickle and Tracey Ormond from 6 to 8 p.m. (The Venue, 286 George Street North)
• Wednesday, November 14th: TBSA Women in Business networking event from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Ceilie (1770 West Bank Dr., Peterborough)
• Thursday, November 15th: Meet the Entrepreneur Networking Social from 4 to 6 p.m. at McThirsty’s Pint (166 Charlotte St., Peterborough) and the Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition from 7 to 10 p.m. in Room B3250 at Fleming College (599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough)
• Friday, November 16th: Global Entrepreneurship Week Closing Ceremonies from 6 to 9 p.m. at Junction Nightclub (275 George St., Peterborough)

For more details, visit www.innovationcluster.ca/ and the TBSA’s Facebook page.

Ontario government announces funding for rural communities in the Kawarthas

Peterborough Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock MPP Laurie Scott made several funding announcements in the Kawarthas last week (November 5-9) on behalf of Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman.

The funding announcements were made under the Ontario Government’s Rural Economic Development program to support rural communities. The announcements included:

• $20,000 for Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development to create an agriculture new entrant support program to reduce barriers and provide support for new entrant farmers in a centralized online platform
• $22,500 for the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen to hire a consultant to develop an economic development and tourism strategy
• $55,300 for Abbey Retreat Centre in Haliburton County to complete phase two of its retreat centre project, including a commercial kitchen upgrade, renovations to the lower garage, and training for leadership
• $33,500 for the Township of Minden Hills to prepare a community improvement plan that will identify community priorities for revitalization of the historic downtown core
• $5,000 for the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce and the County of Haliburton to hire a consultant to develop a marketing video.

Under the Rural Economic Development program, more than 80 rural communities across the province are receiving funding to boost and diversify their local economy. Eligible projects include such things as developing a downtown revitalization plan or marketing, branding and promotional activities to attract investment to the community.

Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism hands out 2018 Awards of Excellence

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism announced the recipients of its 2018 Awards of Excellence last Thursday (November 8) at Lakefield College School. The recipients in each of the 11 categories were:

• The Not-For-Profit Excellence – Peterborough Humane Society
• Retailer of the Year – Trinkets & Treasures
• Service Sector Excellence – The Regency of Lakefield
• Tourism/Hospitality Excellence – Lang Pioneer Village Museum
• Commercial Development or Renovation – Jack’s Lake Lodge Cottage Rentals
• Entrepreneur Innovation – Vetterview
• Customer Service Excellence – Logan Tree Experts
• Young Professional Award – Emily Wilkins of Adventure Outfitters
• Outstanding Business Achievement – Lakefield Foodland
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Audrey Von Bogen
• Citizen of the Year – Cindy Windover

Applications open for Digital Main Street’s Grants Program for small “main street” businesses and local business groups

Applications are open for Digital Main Street’s Grants Program in Ontario, supported by the Ontario government and the Ontario Business Improvement Area (BIA) Association.

Launched in October, the $12 million grant program is available to small “main street” businesses as well as BIAs (or Chambers of Commerce where BIAs don’t exist).

The program offers two types of funding:

• The Digital Transformation Grant includes 2,000 grants of $2,500 each, available to qualifying small main street businesses to help them adopt new digital technologies
• The Digital Service Squad Grant includes 300 grants of $10,000 each, available to qualifying business groups to develop and implement local squads of digital vendors and experts to directly help small businesses.

For more information and to apply, visit digitalmainstreet.ca/ontario/.

Peterborough Utilities recognized as one of Canada’s safest employers

Peterborough Utilities Group has received the Silver Award for the Utilities and Electrical category from Canadian Occupational Safety magazine.

This is the sixth time in the past seven years that Peterborough Utilities has received an award, receiving a gold award in 2012 and a silver award in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017. and 2018.

Launched in 2011, the awards recognize Canadian companies with outstanding accomplishments in promoting the health and safety of their workers.

The awards were presented at the Canada’s Safest Employers Winner’s Gala on October 18th in Toronto.

Kawartha Credit Union staff raise $1,050 for neonatal intensive care

Staff from Kawartha Credit Union in Peterborough recently donated $1,050 to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation.

The corporate head office product support department raised the funds through gift basket raffles.

The PRHC Foundation will use the funds to help equip the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with the best technology so babies can get better and go home.

Government funding does not cover the cost of technology at hospitals, so communities must rely on fundraising.

Staff at Kawartha Credit Union in Lindsay also recently made donations to Five Counties Children’s Centre and to the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation.

Local entrepreneur appearing on CBC Dragons’ Den

Whitby entrepreneur Jeremy Hannan will be appearing on the next episode of CBD Television’s Dragons’ Den at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th.

Hannan, whose family summers on an island in on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point north of Peterborough, will be pitching his product called the CobraMask — a full-face snorkelling mask.

The mask eliminates some of the issues with the traditional separate mask and snorkel.

Hannan is hoping the Dragons will invest in his business so he can expand ecommerce, advertising, and manufacturing.

Trent University and Quaker PepsiCo recognized for energy conservation

The conservation department of Peterborough Utilities Group has recognized Trent University and Quaker PepsiCo for their contributions to energy conservation.

Ontario’s energy conservation framework aims to reduce 8.7 terawatt hours in electricity consumption in Ontario by December 31, 2020, through conservation programs delivered to residential and business customers across the province. Peterborough Utilities has a target of saving 37.8 gigawatt hours by the end of 2020.

Through a variety of efficiency projects, Trent University’s Facility Management team has reduced the university’s energy consumption by four gigawatt hours in the past four years, which represents 10 per cent of Peterborough Utilities’ mandated target. These projects have earned Trent over a half million incentive dollars through Save on Energy Programs delivered by the utility.

Ken Millard, Peterborough Utilities’ energy manager for Quaker PepsiCo, is receiving the Conservation Champion Award intended for Outstanding Performance and Excellence in Facility Energy Management for exceeding three gigawatt hours of electrical energy savings in 2017.

Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting on augmented reality in business on November 13

The Peterborough Chamber’s next breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 13th at Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).

Sanu Somaweera from Kavtek will speak on the topic “The Reality of an Augmented Reality Business”.

Networking begins at 7 a.m., with breakfast served at 7:30 a.m. (when you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room), followed by the guest speaker at 8 a.m.

The event is free (you only pay for whatever you order for breakfast).

Northumberland Chamber hosts networking event in Cobourg on November 13

The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce’s next “Meet and Greet” business networking event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13th at Mann McCracken & Associates (1 Queen St., Unit 103, Cobourg).

In addition to networking with other local business people, you’ll have an opportunity to check out Northumberland’s most accessible legal service provider.

The event is free for Chamber members and $10 for non-members. Register at nccofc.ca/events/register/1356.

FastStart Peterborough’s E-Connect features Nancy Nickle and Tracey Ormond in Peterborough on November 13

FastStart Peterborough’s next E-Connect seminar takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).

Nancy Nickle of Birchview Design and Tracey Ormond of That’s a Wrap Catering will be the guest speakers.

Econnect connects Peterborough’s entrepreneurs and start-ups with the region’s most accomplished advisors, experts and investors.

The event will also celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week with The Trent Youth Entrepreneurship Society.

Econnect is free to attend, but registration is encouraged at www.eventbrite.com/e/e-connect-celebrating-the-week-of-entrepreneurs-tickets-51515572464

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development business fundamentals workshop in Peterborough on November 14

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting “Profitable Operations”, the next workshop in its Business Fundamentals Workshop series, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 14th at its offices at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).

The session offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to enhance their understanding of the financial fundamentals and operational strategies to effectively run their businesses. Topics will include understanding budgeting, creating a sales forecast, and building an operating budget.

The event is free, but registration is requested at www.eventbrite.ca/e/business-fundamentals-profitable-operations-tickets-50543088739

Peterborough Business Hub hosts its official grand opening on November 15

Peterborough Business Hub, which offers office rentals and coworking space, is hosting its official grand opening celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th at its location at 398 McDonnel Street in Peterborough.

While the business has been open for a few months, the official celebration provides a chance to see the offices, meet the staff, and get to know existing clients and their businesses.

Light appetizers and drinks will be provided. To RSVP, register at www.eventbrite.ca/e/grand-opening-tickets-51482098342.

Pitch It! competition at Fleming College in Peterborough on November 15

FastStart Peterborough’s annual “Pitch It!” entrepreneurial competition for Trent University and Fleming College students takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th in room B3250 at Fleming College (599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough).

Three contestants (from 10 finalists to be announced on November 8th) will pitch their business ideas before a panel of industry judges in a Dragons’ Den style competition in three categories: Clean & Agriculture Technology, Trades and Retail Business and Information Technology / Media & Gaming.

Participating students can win $500, meet other like-minded entrepreneurs, and receive help to bring their innovative idea to market.

The November 15th event is free and open to the public.

Application deadline for federal Women Entrepreneurship Fund is November 15

The deadline to submit an application for the federal Women Entrepreneurship Fund is midnight on Thursday, November 15th.

The Women Entrepreneurship Fund is a $20 million program that offers up to $100,000 in non-repayable funding for 12 months to women-owned or women-led for-profit businesses with fewer than 499 employees.

More details, including an application guide, frequently asked questions, and the application form, are available at www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/128.nsf/eng/home.

Application deadline for Win This Space 2019 entrepreneurial competition is November 16

Entrepreneurs have until Friday, November 16th to put together a video application and submit it to the 2019 Win This Space competition, an initiative of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Community Futures Peterborough, and Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs.

The top 10 finalists will take several workshops to fine-tune their business plans before a winner is chosen on March 5th by a panel of judges.

The winner will then have their choice of available participating downtown locations free for one year. To cover rent payments, several sponsors are adopting a month and contributing $2,000 toward each month’s lease.

Visit winthisspace.com for the rules and regulations and application instructions.

Kawartha Family Business Group cannabis and the workplace seminar in Peterborough on November 19

The Kawartha Family Business Group (KFBG) is hosting “Weed and the Workplace” from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 19th at the Best Western Plus Otonabee Inn (84 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).

Chris Russell, Partner at LLF Lawyers, and Matthew Savino, Managing Partner and Senior Consultant at Savino Human Resources Partners, will discuss Bill C-45 and its implications and challenges for the workplace, including how to spot impairment and respond appropriately, the use of medical marijuana in the workplace, and updating workplace policies.

A question and answer period will follow.

Admission is free for KFBG Members and $75 per family for non-members. To reserve a ticket or for more information, email Michelle O’Neill at michelle@maxcommunication.ca or Jhane Brasier at jhane@maxcommunication.ca.

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Funding Forum in Peterborough on November 20

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Funding Forum takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20th in the lower level of VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).

Co-hosted by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the Innovation Cluster, the event will bring together a variety of business funding programs under one roof.

There will be networking and a trade show in the morning, which will also feature two panel discussions on “Angel Investment for Startups” and “Overcoming Financial Challenges in Growing Your Business, followed by more networking and a trade show in the afternoon.

The event is free and light refreshments will be available. Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/peterborough-the-kawarthas-funding-forum-2018-tickets-50645305472.

Peterborough DBIA Breakfast Network with John Hucks on November 21

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its monthly Breakfast Network from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 21st at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).

This month’s guest speaker is John Hucks, founding member of the Peterborough Immigration Partnership, who will be speaking about the value and untapped potential of newcomers and international students in Peterborough.

Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speaker at 8 a.m.

Tickets are $5 at the door. The Breakfast Network is open to everyone.

Tickets are $5 at the door, and the meeting is open to everyone.

Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurship competition final pitch in Peterborough on November 22

The final pitch event for the 2018 Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurship competition takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 22nd at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough).

An initiative of FastStart Peterborough, the Innovation Cluster, and the Trent Youth Entrepreneurship Society, Cubs’ Lair gives entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 29 the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes.

At the final pitch event, a panel of established business professionals will test the top five competitors’ knowledge of how they will grow the business and judge the best pitch.

Seminar in Peterborough on emerging issues in human resources law on November 27

Local consulting firm Laridae is hosting a free seminar on emerging issues in human resources law at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 27th at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club (1030 Armour Rd., Peterborough).

The seminar, exclusively for local non-profit and public sector leaders in Peterborough, will feature guest presentations from Kingston-based law firm Cunningham, Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham LLP.

The spotlight will be on the latest in workplace issues, including cannabis, the #MeToo movement, and employee terminations.

The seminar is free to attend and will include a continental breakfast. For more information and to RSVP, visit laridaemc.com/workshops.

Entrepreneur Jeremy Hannan is about to dive into the Dragons’ Den with his full-face snorkelling mask.

The Whitby man, whose family summers on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point north of Peterborough, will pitch his CobraMask to the Dragons on the next episode of the CBC business reality TV series, which airs at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th.

The CobraMask combines a mask and snorkel into a single unit. Normally when snorkelling, you wear a mask to cover your eyes and nose and use a snorkel to breathe through your mouth.

“I’ve always used the traditional mask and snorkel so I just thought I could improve it,” Hannan, an avid snorkeller, tells kawarthaNOW.

“Either the mask is fogging up or you’re constantly purging water out of the snorkel. And it’s just generally uncomfortable having this giant piece of rubber in your mouth.”

Although other full-face snorkel masks already exist on the market, Hannan was inspired to create his design during his long-time job as a wood finisher.

“I wore a 3M respirator for 15 years while spraying lacquer,” he recalls. “That gas mask was really the inspiration.”

Hannan says the CobraMask eliminates common problems with using a separate snorkel and mask. For example, with traditional snorkels you sometimes get a mouthful of water, but that doesn’t happen with the CobraMask.

“The check valve stops any water from coming down the spout,” he explains. “Whether completely submerged or just a wave over your head, nothing gets down the spout.”

Traditional masks often fog up because, when you exhale through your mouth into the snorkel, some air also gets exhaled through your nose into the mask, causing condensation. Divers commonly rub spit on the inside glass of their masks to minimize fogging. Hannan says that isn’t necessary with the CobraMask.

“The air flow comes down the top through the one-way valves and you exhale out the bottom, so that eliminates fog.”

He also says the CobraMask is more comfortable to wear, because it has spandex straps that won’t catch your hair as happens with traditional rubber or silicone straps.

As well as increasing the viewing angle up to 180 degrees (more than a traditional mask), the CobraMask also has a GoPro camera mount that doubles as a selfie stick. The spout folds down on a hinge for travel, making it ideal for taking on vacations down south.

Judging from some of the reviews on the Facebook page for the CobraMask, which comes in a children’s size and two adult sizes and in a variety of colours, his customers love it.

Hannan’s family owns an island on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point, where he learned to swim and where he first tested the CobraMask.

“The different underwater terrain on the Trent River allows for great snorkelling with a wide variety of marine life to enjoy,” he says.

Hannan, who has been running his business for several years, will be pitching the Dragons for funding for ecommerce, advertising, and manufacturing.

“With growing interest from retailers and consumers I could really use their expertise and financing,” he says. “I started this company with personal funds and a small loan from my family and, with the ever-increasing operating costs, I thought it would be a great idea to audition for the show. I had nothing to lose.”

While Hannan isn’t revealing whether he reached a deal with the Dragons, he says the exposure from being on Dragons’ Den is a “huge perk”. Around a half million Canadian viewers watch each episode, and the show reaches millions of viewers worldwide through syndication.

“I’ve been a huge fan of the show since the beginning,” Hannan says. “I didn’t think that I’d ever be on the show myself, so it was very exciting.”

While he says he was anxious and nervous prior to the filming of the episode, he also says that all disappeared once he was standing in front of the Dragons.

“I’ve been doing boat shows, events, trade shows, and markets pretty much every weekend for two years now, displaying my product, so I’m used to talking to large groups of people,” he explains. “So when I walked across the catwalk and down the stairs, I looked at the Dragons and all I saw were customers eagerly waiting to meet me and hear about my product.”

Hannan says he was in the Den for about 55 minutes and it was an experience he’ll never forget.

And his favourite Dragon?

“My favourite Dragon has got to be Jim Treliving,” he replies.

“He reminds me a lot of my grandfather, who was also an old-school police officer. I’ve always liked his no-nonsense approach with past pitchers on the show. His investment strategy on the show is unique and, if you want to impress him, you better come with something special and bring your A-game.”

You’ll have to tune in to CBC Television or online on November 15th to find out whether Hannan brought his A-game.

For more information about the CobraMask, visit www.cobramask.ca.

At the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s Awards of Excellence last night (November 8), Cindy Windover arrived as the emcee for the event and left as Citizen of the Year.

She was among 11 businesses and individuals honoured at the 19th annual event, held for the first time at Lakefield College School.

In a departure from the past, the event began with a social gala rather than a sit-down dinner. At 6:30 p.m., attendees mingled while nibbling on hor d’oeuvres, enjoying wine and beer, and bidding on many silent auction items donated by local businesses, while local band Rhythm and Grace (featuring children and youth from the Duketow family) supplied the music.

At 8 p.m., attendees moved into the Bryan Jones Theatre for the awards ceremony. Chamber board president Tonya Kraan (of Strexer Harrop & Associates) acknowledged the sponsorship of the event by Shorelines Casino Peterborough, remembered the late Garry Douglas (a board member who recently passed away), and introduced emcee and past president Cindy Windover (of Windover Plumbing).

Cindy, who was unaware of her pending selection as Citizen of the Year, recognized the organizers, volunteers, and sponsors of the event and entertained the crowd with her observations about small business owners, while also acknowledging the 80 nominees as well as the 27 finalists who were up for awards.

A live auction of five experiential packages preceded the awards ceremony (both the silent and live auctions raise funds for the Chamber). Auctioneer Keith Monk engaged members of the audience with humour while managing to solicit high bids for most of the items.

One auction item of special note was the 4,000th blanket hand tied by Faith Dickinson, founder of Cuddles for Cancer, a charity that creates comfort blankets for people with illness, Canadian soldiers and veterans, and more.

While Faith was unable to attend as she is England, members of the charity’s newly created youth council were on hand to display the blanket for auction.

Roberta Herod of Herod Financial Services surprised and delighted the crowd by preempting the bidding on the blanket by offering $1,000. Half of the winning bid will be donated back to Cuddles for Cancer to create more blankets.

After the live auction, the awards ceremony commenced. A representative of the sponsor for each award introduced the finalists and then announced the winner.

Not-For-Profit Excellence

The first award was for Not-For-Profit Excellence, sponsored by Darling Insurance.

The award recognizes an organization that exemplifies excellence in service for the betterment of the community.

The finalists were Cuddles for Cancer, Community Care, and the Peterborough Humane Society.

The winner was the Peterborough Humane Society.

Retailer of the Year

The Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by Nexicom, recognizes a high level of sales and customer service, innovative products or services, and proven marketing techniques.

The finalists were Happenstance Books & Yarns, Style Boutique, and Trinkets & Treasures.

The winner was Trinkets & Treasures.

Service Sector Excellence

The Service Sector Excellence award, sponsored by Herod Financial Services, honours a business that excels in the service sector, including but not limited to the trades, health and wellness, and professional services.

The finalists were Kawartha Lakes Construction, Lakefield Herald, and The Regency of Lakefield.

The winner was The Regency of Lakefield.

Tourism/Hospitality Excellence

Sponsored by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, the Tourism/Hospitality Excellence award honours a business that demonstrates the ability to promote the region as a tourism destination point, and/or provides exceptional service in the hospitality field.

The finalists were Greenbridge Celtic Folk Festival, Indian River Reptile Zoo, and Lang Pioneer Village Museum.

The winner was Lang Pioneer Village Museum.

Commercial Development or Renovation

The Commercial Development or Renovation award, sponsored by BALL Real Estate Inc., Brokerage, recognizes a significant contribution to the overall image of the region through physical improvements, or an ongoing effort to maintain high aesthetic standards.

The finalists were Jack’s Lake Lodge Cottage Rentals, Lock Stop Cafe, The Cozy Home, and The Regency of Lakefield.

The winner was Jack’s Lake Lodge Cottage Rentals.

Note: due to a family emergency, the owners were unable to attend to accept the award.

Entrepreneur Innovation

Sponsored by Gastle and Associates Registered Patent Agents, the Entrepreneur Innovation award recognizes use of innovative products, marketing techniques or services, as well as risk taking.

The finalists were kawarthaNOW.com, Molly’s Acres, Thirteen Moons Wellness, and Vetterview.

The winner was Vetterview.

Customer Service Excellence

The Customer Service Excellence award, sponsored by CIBC, recognizes customer service at a high level of excellence and being a model for other businesses in the community to follow.

The finalists were Happenstance Books & Yarns, Logan Tree Experts, The Regency of Lakefield, and Village Pet Food & Supply.

The winner was Logan Tree Experts.

Young Professional Award

Sponsored by Community Futures Peterborough, the Young Professional Award recognizes a young professional under the age of 35 who demonstrates innovation, risk taking, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional leadership.

The finalists for the award, which was presented in memory of Judy Heffernan, were not announced.

The winner of the award was Emily Wilkins of Adventure Outfitters.

Outstanding Business Achievement

The Outstanding Business Achievement award, sponsored by the County of Peterborough, recognizes a leader in moving the region forward: expanding market share, product/service innovation, environmental considerations, and employee relations.

The finalists were Lakefield Foodland, Nightingale, and Salon Sorella & Day Spa.

The winner was Lakefield Foodland.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award, a special award for 2018 sponsored by ISL Insurance Brokers, was awarded to Audrey Von Bogen.

Citizen of the Year

The Citizen of the Year award, sponsored by RBC, is presented to a person who has been a leader in moving the region forward and has been responsible for the improvement and well being of the business community beyond personal or business gain.

The finalists for the award were not announced.

The winner was Cindy Windover — who was also the emcee for the evening and is the past president of the board of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.

For more details on the award recipients and the finalists, visit kawarthachamber.ca.