Economic Development eNews | December 1, 2020 |
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Economic Development Summit |
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Virtual Summit Huge Success |
More than 250 people viewed the 12th annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit held recently.
“With this being our first-ever virtual summit, we are thrilled with the turnout and positive feedback we received,” said Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
“It’s a testament to the strong local support for our business community and how many people want to help strengthen the region," she said.
The Counties Economic Development Office hosts the event each year in partnership with Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MP Michael Barrett, MPP Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the 1000 Islands, Valley Heartland and Grenville Community Futures Development Corporations, and the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board.
The year's live webcast featured a keynote address by the Honourable Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Minister Fedeli’s presentation outlined the province's navigation of the pandemic and its plans for growth and renewal.
“It’s what we call Ontario spirit,” Minister Fedeli said of the Ontario Together Fund. Two area companies, 3M Canada and Greenfield Global, answered the call to make products and grow Ontario's domestic supply chain in the fight against COVID-19..
“That’s a great story for this region,” Minister Fedeli said. The 'Ontario Made' initiative has also had a “remarkable response” with 1,550 manufacturers registered and more than 6,000 Ontario Made products, including Kemptville’s Best Adirondack Chair Company, he added.
Dr. Trevin Stratton, Chief Economist and Vice-President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, gave a global and national snapshot of the economy. He outlined a “K-shaped recovery” where some sectors are already recovering while others will be slower to rebound.
"Its very hard to forecast because the situation is so fluid," he said, adding what is needed are ways to help bridge businesses and Canadians until there is a vaccine. It will be a weak winter, he noted.
"Over the next six months you really need to focus on supporting the businesses that exist in your communities, helping them survive," he said. “The second half of next year is really when we will be able to start the economic recovery process,” Dr. Stratton said.
Lisa Severson and Jim Pine of the Eastern Ontario Regional Network gave an update on Eastern Ontario’s connectivity. Ms. Weir provided a regional economic development update.
The afternoon portion of the agenda was interactive chat room sessions focused on the regional economic development priorities in Leeds Grenville.
Summit feedback has been positive. On Dr. Stratton's session, a viewer commented: "He was absolutely brilliant. Clear, concise and had excellent clarity in his presentation." When asked if the summit was valuable another attendee remarked: "It had incredible content and informative info. It was great except I missed the in-person feeling. Essential that it happened even though remotely."
Video recordings of the event will be available online soon.
Plans are already underway for the next Summit scheduled for Friday, November 19, 2021. Mark your calendars!
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Top feature photo: The Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade speaking at the virtual event. |
Leeds Grenville Economic Development Manager Ann Weir was Master of Ceremonies. |
Dr. Trevin Stratton, Chief Economist and Vice-President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, predicts growth in 2021. |
Above photos: Screen captures of the Eastern Ontario Regional Network presentation; Darren Gallacher, of the Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation, leading a chat room discussion. Below: 2021 GDP growth predictions by province from Dr. Stratton's presentation |
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Thake Memorial Award honours Community Leaders |
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Winner Janet Campbell has a long history as a community ambassador for the Village of Merrickville-Wolford. |
Winner Wendy Merkley is known for her work in Rockport and throughout the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands. |
Nominee Karen Bedard is the event director for the Kemptville Live Music Festival in North Grenville. |
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Community builders Janet Campbell and Wendy Merkley are this year’s recipients of the Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award.
The winners were announced at the 12th annual United Counties of Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit held virtually via live webcam on November 20th.
“All of our nominees are champions in their communities,” said Warden Pat Sayeau. “Leeds Grenville is a better place to live because of these active volunteers."
Nominee Karen Bedard was recognized for her work in the Municipality of North Grenville. She is a founder and event director of the Kemptville Live Music Festival, leading a small army of volunteers to make the event possible for the past six years. Her team is working on hosting a virtual event in 2021.
This is the 10th anniversary of the Bill Thake Memorial Award, also called the Warden’s Award. It is presented to community volunteers showing outstanding leadership resulting in the growth and vitality of the Leeds Grenville economy.
Winner Janet Campbell is founder and owner of Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Mustard and Fine Foods, a cornerstone business for more than 32 years in the Village of Merrickville. Janet has a strong belief in the collective force of businesses working together. She is a leader in the promotion of Merrickville, Leeds Grenville and Eastern Ontario as a world-class destination. She is quick to promote local food and area products and has used her business to promote other area producers. A passion is mentoring new entrepreneurs.
“I’m very honoured,” Janet said. “When I started my business there weren’t many local producers. Now there is a wealth of talent in our back yard. People want to buy local and that is very exciting.”
Winner Wendy Merkley is co-owner of Andress Boatworks, a family-run marina in Rockport about to celebrate 100 years in business. She is Chair of the Friends of Rockport Customs House, a volunteer group which has worked hard to raise funds to purchase, redevelop and open an amazing riverfront property to the public for the first time. Through her efforts, the site now gives local people, as well as visitors, access to the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands. Wendy led a team to rebuild the pier, install benches and picnic tables.
“I accept this recognition on behalf of a team of people who over many years worked to make this happen,” Wendy said in accepting her award. “I do love Rockport and I’m proud to be in rural Eastern Ontario and Leeds Grenville.”
Over the past decade, 38 deserving women and men have been nominated and 13 individuals have received the award. Last year’s recipient was Debbie Wilson from North Grenville.
YouTube Video introducing the award and presenting nominee biographies.
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Westport's Thake Home Heating administrator Megan Holmes, left, and owner Cindy Dopson, centre, work with Leeds Grenville Digital Service Squad member Cyndy Bolton, at right. |
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Area Small Businesses responding to Digital Main Street program; Grant deadline extended
The Leeds Grenville Digital Service Squad has now contacted 135 businesses in Athens, Westport, Merrickville, Elizabethtown Kitley, Front of Yonge and Rideau Lakes.
The members of the squad provide free assistance and advice to main street businesses, including the review or creation of websites, the use of social media platforms or guidance on the best technology tools for online sales and marketing.
"We were thrilled with the opportunity and the help we received when applying for Digital Main Street funding," said Cindy Dopson, owner of Thake Home Heating in Westport.
"The financial aid and business advice will help us move forward in this time of change," added Cindy.
Grant deadline extended to December 15th
A $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant is available to small businesses who pay commercial property tax, have a storefront/bricks and mortar location in a downtown or main street setting. Eligible main street small businesses can use this money towards the adaption of digital technology to help boost their business.
Some uses of the grant money include:
- Digital marketing
- Website development and plug-ins
- Training
- Purchase of software and certain hardware
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All communities in the Leeds Grenville region are now being serviced by a Digital Service Squad. Squad members can help with online marketing, social media account setup and content creation, website improvement, photography and videography, implementation of new digital tools and technology and so much more!
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Regional Relief and Recovery funding now available from local CFDCs
Leeds Grenville businesses may be eligible for enhanced support funding through the Government of Canada's Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF).
Funding is available from three Community Futures Development Corporations: Grenville, 1000 Islands and Valley Heartland.
Coverage areas:
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Grenville - Augusta, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, North Grenville and Prescott.
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1000 Islands - Athens, south portion of Elizabethtown-Kitley, Front of Yonge and Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Brockville and Gananoque.
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Valley Heartland - North portion of Elizabethtown-Kitley, Merrickville-Wolford, Rideau Lakes and Westport
Support will be offered in the form of:
- Interest-free loans in amounts up to $40,000 to address fixed operating costs of businesses who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
- Loans will not be repayable until December 31, 2022 and a portion may be forgivable upon repayment.
- Priority will be given to sole proprietors, main street businesses (such as retail shops, restaurants, corner stores and social enterprises) as well as businesses of strategic importance.
- Businesses that have already received funds from other government programs are also eligible to apply but may not be eligible for the loan forgiveness feature.
In total, an additional $1.96-million is being invested by the Government of Canada to complement the $2.14-million announced earlier this year, for a total of $4.1-million in COVID-19 relief funding for local small businesses and not-for-profits.
"We are here to help businesses that have had their revenues adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic," said Grenville CFDC Executive Director Heather Lawless.
“This has been a trying time for all of us but it has been particularly challenging for those who are operating small businesses," added Thousand Islands CFDC Executive Director Tom Russell.
Locally, the Grenville CFDC and 1000 Islands CDC combined to fund 58 businesses, which have maintained 379 jobs since RRRF was launched earlier this year. To date, Valley Heartland has helped 27 local businesses impacted by the pandemic to cover fixed operating costs and maintain 58 jobs.
Businesses are strongly encouraged to apply early as funds are limited.
For more information and funding applications:
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Business Health and Safety |
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Screening for COVID-19 at your business
Employers are required to screen all workers or essential visitors prior to entering the work environment. Workers should check themselves for symptoms before coming to work.
Supporting people with symptoms so they can self-isolate is a key factor in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Sick employees should not be in the workplace. Have a plan in place to find back up for those isolating until they have received the results of their test. It may take a few days; please wait for a negative test even if the employee says they are feeling better the next day.
If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, an investigation is started by Health Unit staff to identify those people that person was in close contact with while infectious. Health Unit staff may also ask you for a staff list of who was working at that time.
It’s important to note that no one in the public or in a business is asked to do any contact tracing. Public Health will assess an individual’s risk and provide advice on next steps, including self-isolation, who should get tested and the appropriate timeline for testing and information about self-isolation. As each scenario can be different, any potential closure would depend on several factors and would be discussed with you (staffing levels and ability to safely and effectively run your business).
There is no requirement from the Health Unit for you to inform customers that a staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, but you can choose to do so if your staff member agrees for their personal health information to be released.
Together we can reduce the impact of COVID-19 on your workplace and the community.
Workplaces should perform their own risk assessment and follow site specific recommendations.
The Health Unit website has many frequently asked questions for employers and employees and information for business reopening.
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library |
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COVID-19 Return to Work: Human Resource, Labour, and Occupational Health & Safety Issues
This webinar will provide an overview of the various government initiatives facilitating the re-hiring of laid off or furloughed employees and the safety measures employers must implement before employees can return to the workplace. It will also review important considerations with respect to key pieces of employment legislation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic - namely, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Employment Standards Act, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. Hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre and the Ontario Government.
Agenda:
- Wage Relief: Aids and Incentives for Employers
- The Regulatory Framework in Response to COVID-19
- The Legal Framework in Response to COVID-19
WHEN: Wednesday, December 2, 10 - 11 a.m.
COST: Free
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Employer Succession Planning
Tackle the challenges of Succession Planning in today’s highly competitive and tight talent marketplace. This webinar will: Differentiate between Succession Planning and Business Continuity, Ensure bench strength readiness for vital positions, and Explore the steps of Succession Planning. The series is offered by the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board.
WHEN: Thursday, January 21, 10-11 a.m.
COST: Free
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Leeds Grenville eNews Deadlines for submitting information:
If you have an upcoming workshop, seminar, or business-related event, please email it to us in advance.
- Submissions for the December 15th edition should be received by Monday, December 7th.
- Submissions for the December 29th edition should be received by Friday, December 18th.
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COVID-19 Business Updates
For business assistance call 613-342-3840 ext. 5365 or email.
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Ann Weir
Economic Development Manager
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Deanna Clark
Economic Development Officer
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Joanne Poll
Administration / Communications Support
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Jim Hutton
Business Development Officer
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32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
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