Fostering Community Connections

One Delicious Cup at a Time

MERRICKVILLE - Smack dab in the centre of Merrickville lies the hub. The Village Bean Coffee House is a sweet bustling hive of activity, especially just before shops open when everyone is getting their first coffee of the day.

“It’s Merrickville’ s meeting place in the morning,” owner Robyn Fredrickson says. At a table next to us sits a group of village entrepreneurs sharing, laughing and strategizing. “The coffee shop is a place for connection” she adds as she greets people passing our table.

Years ago Robyn found herself laid off from work in pharmaceuticals. She picked up shifts at the coffee shop located on the same premises. Eventually, she learned of the opportunity to purchase it. On April Fools Day 2011, she and her father Kurt, who had been working in Michigan, took ownership.

“The shop stayed open during the Pandemic and remains a seven-day operation. Merrickville is a wonderful place to have a business, I am blessed for the location and grateful for the people who continue to work here and the customers who support us.” Robyn said. Bright and early every morning, the shop assists villagers and visitors in starting their day. “I think we are a constant in the village, people count on us to be here.” she added.

New additions to the menu include a selection of Maverick’s Donuts. These gourmet items are available only on Saturdays. The coffee house is well known for their home-made carrot cake topped with plenty of sweet and rich creamy icing. The coffee is roasted weekly, specifically for the shop. There are two custom blends, Merrickville Medium and Village Bean Dark Roasts. Specialty coffees like cappuccinos, espressos and gourmet teas are offered as well as hand-crafted sandwiches and delectable soups made fresh in-house. The Village Bean is a featured café in the Fresh Baked Adventure Tour.

Robyn volunteers time in the Chamber of Commerce's Streetscape working group. “We are working towards having a consistent Victorian theme throughout our village core, in addition to celebrating different events, holidays and seasons throughout the year." Robyn says. The committee raises funds for projects such as improvements to public washrooms and refreshing signage by selling branded tote bags available for purchase at local businesses including the Village Bean Coffee House.

As the table next to us begins to wind down their gathering, Robyn reaches over and does an introduction, ever mindful of the benefits of a connected community. Another business owner leans in and adds “This is the heart of the village.” Robyn looks forward to the future like a bottomless cup of coffee, continuing to fill hers with warm community connections.

Visit The Village Bean Coffee House at 205B St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville, call them at 613-269-4646. Check their website and social accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

Top feature photo: Robyn Fredrickson warmly welcomes you to the coffee house with a mug of fresh house brew.

Above photos: the new line of Maverick's Gourmet Donuts, their famous carrot cake, and homemade soups. Below: Horses await riders.

As a business leader / owner in Leeds Grenville, your input is critical in gaining a stronger understanding of how local businesses are doing and what types of supports are needed going forward. The Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Business Survey also provides an opportunity to request assistance.

Leaders from municipal economic development offices, Chambers of Commerce, Employment Services, Community Futures Development Corporations, Small Business Enterprise Centres, Business Improvement Areas and local business support organizations are working together and collaborating with all levels of government in supporting businesses in Leeds Grenville.

We thank you in advance.

Survey closes March 10, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Be part of the International Women’s Day celebration! The region’s two Small Business Centres are collaborating to shine the spotlight on the remarkable local women in business. The event will be about amplifying women in business and fostering their commitment to empowerment and inclusivity.

The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented. Entertainment by Birds of a Feather and some great door prizes are up for grabs. Dinner is by Catered Affairs. Contact Jeanette Johnston by email or call 613-342-3840 ext. 5363 to sponsor and/or be a part of the business showcase.

Featuring a panel discussion with:

• Sherri Stobo, SMS Home Rentals & Services
• Nicole Hudson, Katarina’s Coffee Shop
• Erin Kergen, Pickle & Myrrh
• Stacey Blair, The Pie Bar

When: March 7, 3:30 - 9 p.m.

Where: North Grenville Municipal Ctr., Kemptville

Cost: $99

Celebrating women from all walks of Life. Join in support of International Women's Day Event - Empowering Women in a DigitALL Age.

Hosts: Town of Gananoque / 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce

When: March 8, 9 -12:30 p.m.

Where: Firehall Theatre, 185 South Street, Gananoque

Cost: Free

Featuring the following speakers:

• MC Amber Scott, Chamber President and Small Business Owner
• Chantal Fraser - Empowered Inc.
• Vicki Leakey - Deputy Mayor of Gananoque
• Gretchen Huntley - Poet Laureate
• Corinna Smith-Gatcke - Mayor, Township of Leeds and the Thousands Islands and Small Business Owner
• Katie Kench - Owner of Hungry Herbivore
• Vaeda Graham - Philanthropist and Future Entrepreneur
• Angie Fodey - Owner of Flashpointe Dance Studio and Firefighter

Agenda starts with networking at 7:30, breakfast at 8, and presentations at 8:30 a.m.

Pre-registration and payment is required by Monday, March 14 via debit, cash or cheque at the township office or e-transfer: tax@augusta.ca with a note the payment is for the Mayor's Breakfast.

For more information call Annette at 613-925-4231 ext. 105. or email simonian@augusta.ca.

Partnership Fund Open

RTO 9’s Partnership Fund initiative is designed to introduce new tourism products and build on existing tourism products that enhance the region’s diversity of attractions.

This intake will be for projects from April 1 - September 6, 2024.

Categories to apply under:

• New Events
• Development of Indigenous Tourism Products
• Signage

Partnership Funding for 2024-2025 is intended solely for tourism businesses interested in undertaking tourism-related initiatives that increase visitation to the South Eastern Ontario region.

Funding window closes March 3

Tourism Growth Funding

Tourism businesses and organizations across southern Ontario and Canada offer a variety of exciting new experiences to visitors. They can now enhance those experiences with funding from the new Tourism Growth Program.

Eligible activities

Projects should provide added value to existing activities in the tourism industry and focus on business and economic growth.

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises
• Indigenous-owned businesses
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Governments

Applications close February 29

Eclipse: Call for Events

This once in a lifetime event may bring visitors into the region. The total eclipse of the sun will occur on Monday, April 8th. Is your business planning to celebrate this rare occurrence with a special event or promotion? Shelbi McFarlane, Business Development Officer is gathering details to help promote the region.

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 March 5th edition should be received by February 26th.
• Submissions for the March 19th edition should be received by March 11th.

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32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9

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