This week’s business news includes Bobcaygeon’s Gilstorf & Gray being part of an award-winning team at Canada Blooms, Escape Maze’s new location at Lansdowne Mall in Peterborough, financing secured for FV Pharma Inc.’s indoor cannabis facility in Cobourg, the opening of Peterborough’s newest craft brewery Beard Free Brewing, the return of the Slingshot summer incubation program for young entrepreneurs, a $168-million contract for BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. to benefit Peterborough, and same-day grocery pickup now available at Walmart’s Chemong Road location in Peterborough.

Upcoming regional business events include Kawartha Chamber’s Young Professionals Panel on March 20, a public meeting on the Downtown Lindsay Heritage Conservation District Plan on March 22, a web markup language workshop in Peterborough on March 24, a small business training session in Bobcaygeon on March 28, and more.

We publish businessNOW every Monday. If you have business news or events you want to share with our readers, please email business@kawarthanow.com.

Gilstorf & Gray of Bobcaygeon part of award-winning “Garden of the Year” team at Canada Blooms

Canada Blooms wrapped up this past weekend and a local Bobcaygeon business was involved in the top awards at the show.

Robin Burrows, owner of Gilstorf & Gray of Bobcaygeon, was part of the Modern Landscape Designers team that won the prestigious “Tony Di Giovanni Award – Judges Choice Garden of the Year 2018”, as well as the “S.G. Ulbright Award – Outstanding Medium Size Garden”.

Robin was invited by Julie Moore of Modern Landscape Designers to participate on the team to help create “Midnight in Paris”, a garden based on the 2011 fantasy romance film starring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams and directed by Woody Allen, in keeping with the 2018 Canada Blooms “Let’s Go To The Movies” theme.

Robin staged the Midnight in Paris greenhouse that featured details and elements of an artist and gardener’s studio. The complex display required extensive design and construction setup including stonework, planted gardens, and a full greenhouse along with the meticulous staging details.

“It has been an amazing opportunity to showcase our shop, Bobcaygeon, and Kawartha Lakes to hundreds of thousands of consumers and industry professionals nationwide,” Robin says. “What a fabulous experience, and an honour to work with Modern Landscape Designers.”

Modern Landscape Designers recently relocated its business from the GTA to the City of Kawartha Lakes. For more information on Modern Landscape Designers, visit modernlandscapedesigners.com.

For more information on Gilstorf & Gray, visit www.gilstorfandgray.ca.

Escape Maze announces new location at Lansdowne Place called “PTBO Escape”

Escape Maze is known for their fun escape rooms located at 156 Cedar Bank Road in Peterborough, where Jake Walling and her family create an exciting world of game play where you and your friends are racing against the clock.

Now the business is opening a second location at Lansdowne Mall called “PTBO Escape”. They’ve just signed a lease and are renovating a unit at the mall.

The big announcement of the new location takes place live on the PTBO Escape Facebook page on Tuesday, March 20th at 10 a.m., but they’ve already posted a few teaser videos showing the renovation.

Financing secured for FV Pharma Inc. indoor cannabis facility in Cobourg

FV Pharma Inc. has entered into a binding agreement with Cannabis Wheaton Income Corp. to develop a new cannabis cultivation facility in Cobourg.

FV Pharma Inc. is located at the former Kraft food manufacturing plant on William Street in Cobourg, which includes an existing 620,000-square-foot facility on 32 acres of land as well as an additional 38 acres of land available for development. When the facility is completely developed in five years, around four million square feet will be available for cannabis cultivation and related businesses — which would make it the largest indoor cannabis cultivation facility in the world.

FV Pharma founder and CEO Thomas Fairfull secured a licence from Health Canada to legally grow medical marijuana last October, and the company entered into a letter of intent with Cannabis Wheaton in December. Cannabis Wheaton is a collective of entrepreneurs that provides financing and support for the legal marijuana industry.

Under the agreement, FV Pharma will provide Cannabis Wheaton with 49.9 per cent of all cannabis and cannabis-derived products produced at the Cobourg facility — an estimated 200,000 kilograms of cannabis per year when the facility is fully operational. In exchange, Cannabis Wheaton will assist FV Pharma with all aspects of the design, development, financing, build-out and operations of the facility, as well as the marketing, branding and distribution of all products produced at the facility.

Now that financing has been secured, FV Pharma expect to hire around 200 people in the next year to support the first phase of development for the facility. Additional jobs would be created as additional phases of development are completed.

When Kraft Canada closed its Cobourg plant in 2008, 250 jobs were lost.

New Peterborough craft brewery opening on March 23

Beard Free Brewing, Peterborough’s latest craft brewery, is opening on Friday, March 23rd.

Located at 649 Unit 4 The Parkway in Peterborough, the microbrewery is a partnership between head brewer Nyckolas “Nick” Dubé, John Rozema, and Steveon Zablosky.

Beard Free Brewing produces four core beers named after Peterborough landmarks — “Simcoe St”, their signature dry hopped India Pale Ale (IPA); “Harstone”, a malty Irish Red Ale; “Lock 21”, a classic cream ale; and “Little Lake”, a French Saison — along with two or three seasonal, limited-release brews.

Bottles will be available from the brewery’s storefront, which will also feature a small taproom. As its a small microbrewery, Beard Free Brewing will not be distributed through the LCBO, at least not initially.

For more information on Beard Free Brewing, visit www.beardfreebrewing.com.

Slingshot incubation program for young entrepreneurs returns to Peterborough this summer

The Innovation Cluster and FastStart Peterborough are bringing back Slingshot, Peterborough’s summer incubation program for young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 29 which launched for the first time last year.

Successful applicants will receive coworking space in the downtown Cube along with tools, resources, and funding opportunities to grow their business — a value of $5,000 for four months.

Last year’s participants were MaryBeth Miller and Melissa Butler of XXIV Social, Alex Gastle of Vetterview, Richard Cochrane of Status Exempt, Geoff Wolfer of Front Office Hockey, Mackenzie Evenden of Evenden Imaging, and Tyler Williamson of World Tea Podcast.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 29, planning to start their company in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, and have an idea for a company or have been operational for under one year. Applicants outside of the region are encouraged to apply if they intend on making the move to Peterborough.

At the end of the summer, the most successful company will receive a $1,000 cash prize along with other prizes. Last year’s winner was Vetterview, a social media influencer marketplace created by founder and Slingshot participant Alex Gastle. He is now in London, England growing the company.

The application deadline is Monday, April 20th at midnight and successful applicants will move into the Cube to begin working on their company on May 1st.

For more information or to apply, visit www.innovationcluster.ca/slingshot/.

Peterborough to benefit from BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. $168-million contract extension

BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. (BWXT NEC), a subsidiary of BWX Technologies, has been awarded a $168-million, five-year contract extension to manufacture fuel for Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington and Pickering nuclear generating stations.

Three of BWXT’s Canadian-based operations (Peterborough, Arnprior and Toronto) will directly benefit from the positive impacts of the contract extension.

The Arnprior operation produces zirconium-alloy tubes, while the Toronto facility produces natural uranium pellets. These components are shipped to the BWXT Peterborough facility where they are assembled into fuel bundles for the CANDU reactors.

BWXT NEC employs around 350 skilled employees at its Peterborough, Toronto, and Arnprior locations.

Formerly GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada, the Peterborough location was acquired by BWXT Canada Ltd. in 2016. GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada constructed its first building in Peterborough in 1905.

Same-day grocery pickup now available at Walmart in Peterborough

You can now order your groceries online from Walmart and pick them up at the Peterborough Supercentre location (1002 Chemong Rd., Peterborough).

The free service allows consumers to shop for their groceries online at Walmart.ca or through the Walmart smartphone app, and pick them up at the store on the same day.

VIDEO: Walmart Grocery Pickup

After trained Walmart staff prepare the order, shoppers pull into a designated pickup parking spot and call an assigned phone number. The order will be brought out to them and loaded into their vehicle. Orders must be placed before 11 a.m. for pick up after 4 p.m. The minimum order is $50 before taxes.

A similar service (“Click & Collect”) has been available at the Loblaw Real Canadian Superstore at Lansdowne Place in Peterborough since 2017.

Kawartha Chamber hosts Young Professionals Panel on March 20

On Tuesday, March 20th, the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting the latest in its Business Owners Sharing Solutions (BOSS) serminars.

This month’s session features a panel of local professionals, each of whom is a past recipient of the Chamber’s Young Professional Award of Excellence: Erin McLean of McLean Berry Farm, Lisa Besseling of Stony Lake Furniture Co., and Matt Logan of Logan Tree Experts.

Erin, Lisa, and Matt will be sharing their stories, successes, and challenges as young business owners.

Julia Wood, Economic Development Officer for the Rural and Agriculture sectors at Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, will be moderating the session.

The Young Professionals session is takes place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 (10 Nicholls St., Lakefield) from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. The cost is $15 for Kawartha Chamber Members, and $25 for guests. A hot breakfast will be provided.

To register, visit kawarthachamber.ca. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 705-652-6963 or email info@kawarthachamber.ca.

Bill 148 Information Session with the Ministry of Labour on March 20

On Tuesday, March 20th, the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Association (DBIA) are hosting an an information session with Kelly Howe, Regional Program Coordinator with the Ontario Ministry of Labour.

Howe will be speaking on how Bill 148 (Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017) changes the Employment Standards Act (ESA), along with the various ways a business could interact with the Ministry of Labour and differences between those interactions, as well as the powers a standards officer has under the ESA.

The event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough). Networking begins at 5 p.m., with remarks from Howe from 5:20 to 6 p.m. followed by a facilitated question-and-answer session from 6;05 to 6:30 p.m., and more networking and one-on-one question time with Howe from 6;30 to 7 p.m.

The session is open to Peterboough Chamber and DBIA members. For more information and to register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.

Panel discussion on communicating with the media on March 20

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre is presenting a panel discussion called “Telling your Story: How to Effectively Talk with the Media” on Tuesday, March 20th from 6 to 8 pm. at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).

The panel discussion is intended for small business owners or entrepreneurs who struggle to share their story with local media. Panellists include local media professionals Paul Rellinger, Jessica Nyznik, and Catherine Hanrahan.

The discussion takes place in the Nexicom Studio. A cash bar will be available and light appetizers will be served.

The event is free to attend, but you must register at www.eventbrite.ca/e/telling-your-story-how-to-effectively-talk-with-the-media-tickets-43129646935.

Meet Trent University and Fleming College students seeking employment on March 20

The Trent Business Students’ Association is hosting “Peterborough Connects” from 12 to 1:45 p.m. at the Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., Peterborough).

Employers can meet students from Trent University and Fleming College who are seeking employment, showcase their businessses, network with representatives from Trent University and Fleming College, and market any summer internship positions.

The event is free and lunch will be provided. Register at www.eventbrite.ca/e/peterborough-connects-tickets-43495380855.

Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting on March 21

The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21st at the Kawartha Art Gallery (190 Kent St. W., 2nd Floor, Lindsay).

At the AGM you can find out about the Chamber’s activities and successes of the past year, learn about Chamber initiatives for the coming year, review the financial statement, and pass a motion to accept the slate of Board members as presented.

There will also be an opportunity to view the Annual Student Juried Art Exhibit, featuring the talents of Lindsay secondary school students.

Chamber Members should RSVP to Colleen Collins at 705-324-2393 or colleen@lindsaychamber.com.

Public meeting on Downtown Lindsay Heritage Conservation District Plan on March 22

The Downtown Lindsay Heritage Conservation Plan has been approved by City of Kawartha Lakes council and is moving forward to implementation.

All property owners in the downtown district are invited to a public meeting, co-hosted with the Downtown Lindsay BIA, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 22nd at the Olympia Restaurant (106 Kent St. W., Lindsay).

A stewardship guide will be available for all property owners who are seeking information on how to plan and acquire approvals for future changes or construction in the downtown district.

Trent Hills Business Excellence Awards nominations open til March 23

Nominations for the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business Excellence Awards are open until Friday, March 23rd.

Nominations are limited to businesses, organizations, or individuals in the Trent Hills community or who are a member of the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Award categories include Excellence in Business (three employees or fewer), Excellence in Business (four employees or more), Emerging Entrepreneur, Pride and Progress, Customer Experience Award (Service Business), Customer Experience Award, Community Impact, Ignite 2018 (Business), Ignite 2018 (Non-Profit Organization), and the Chair’s Award.

For more information and for nomination forms, visit trenthillschamber.ca/business-awards/

Web markup language workshop in Peterborough on March 24

The national not-for-profit Canada Learning Code is hosting workshop called “Ladies Learning Code: HTML & CSS for Beginners” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 24th at The CUBE (270 George St. N., Peterborough).

Canada Learning Code workshops provide an inclusive opportunity for women, men and others who may often feel un-welcomed to enter the world of coding or are hesitant to start. The workshops provide a social and collaborative environment while promoting careers in technology.

This workshop will allow participants to learn HTML and CSS, the markup languages that drive the web and are an essential skill for web development. You will learn basic techniques and concepts that are translatable to programming languages, learn how HTML and CSS work together to create richer online experiences, learn how to create a rich website with images, video, and a CSS-defined layout, how to create a multi-page website, and what resources are available if you’d like to continue learning at home.

The workshop is for absolute beginners, so no previous experience or knowledge is required. You must bring your own laptop (although a limited quantity will be available for loan). The cost of the workshop is $55 and donations are encouraged to assist those who cannot afford to pay for the workshop.

For more information and to register, visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/ladies-learning-code-html-css-for-beginners-learn-to-build-a-multi-page-website-from-scratch-registration-43006490571.

Makeover seminar for retail businesses on March 27

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area are hosting “A Retail Makeover For Your Business” from 8 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27th in the boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).

The seminar will be led by Barbara Crowhurst, North America’s leading retail business coach and trainer, who will have you evaluate your business and consider how you generate traffic, engage more customers, and generate higher revenues.

The event costs $8.99 to attend and you must register by Friday, March 23rd at www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-retail-makeover-for-your-business-tickets-42725350674.

Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting on March 27

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, March 27th from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Peterborough Golf & Country Club (1030 Armour Rd., Peterborough).

The AGM will take a look back at highlights from 2017 and chamber members will be asked to approved the corporation’s audited financial statements, the actions of the board of directors for 2017, and the proposed bylaw change.

The AGM will be followed by a special presentation by keynote speakers Jeffrey Humble, Director of Planning and Development Services with the City of Peterborough, and Bryan Weir, Director of Planning with the County of Peterborough.

The event costs $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Doors open at 7 a.m. for networking, with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. followed by the AGM at 8 a.m. and guest speakers at 8;30 a.m. For more information and to register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.

Kawarthas Northumberland Regional Ambassador session on March 28

Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) is seeking frontline staff and business operators who want to become Kawarthas Northumberland Regional Tourism Ambassadors.

RTO8 is hosting a session on Wednesday, March 28th from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront (150 George St., Peterborough) where you can learn what it takes to be a Regional Ambassador and the tools you can use to stay up to date on what the region has to offer.

You can also meet other people who share your interest in encouraging visitors to stay longer, explore farther, and spend more during their visit.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited. To register, contact Sarah Kerr at sarahp@rto8.com or 705-874-8505 ext.102.

Small business training session in Bobcaygeon on March 28

The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting a free session on how to use the Business Model Canvas to start a new business or gain a better insight into their current business, and to learn more about the Starter Company Plus business training program.

The session takes place from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28th at the Bobcaygeon Service Centre (123 East St. S., Bobcaygeon).

Additional sessions will take place in April in Coboconk and Omemee: from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4th at the Coboconk Service Centre (9 Grandy Rd., Coboconk) and from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Coronation Hall (1 King St. W., Omemee).

If you are interested in attending one of these three free sessions, email bminhas@kawarthalakes.ca or call 705-324-9411 ext. 1383.