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Economic Development eNews | January 10, 2023

Business Profile

New Seaway Veterinary Clinic Offers Special Care for Pets


Veterinarian Doctor Dylan McCaffrey is a lifelong animal lover who never backs down from a challenge.


This admirable claim to fame is why it's great news Dylan now has his own practice - Seaway Veterinary Clinic, a small animal vet clinic. He and his team launched the business last summer in the fully renovated former Parkdale Animal Hospital on the 2nd Concession on the outskirts of Brockville.


"I've wanted to be a veterinarian my whole life," says Dylan. "I couldn't picture myself doing anything else."


The clinic is accepting new patients and offers a wide range of services including surgery, dentistry, in-house laboratory testing, ultrasound and consults for behaviour, nutrition, wellness and more.


What sets this clinic apart from others is that they provide care for exotic animals. A quick peak at their social media shows some of their patients - turtles, snakes, bearded dragons, birds of all sizes, rabbits, and a wide variety of pocket pets like ferrets and hedgehogs. With a scarcity of vets and an even smaller number who treat these pets, they have clients who travel all the way from Bellville, they say.


Dr. Dylan is no stranger to the area. He grew up on a farm in Rideau Lakes Township. After graduating with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), he felt the former pet hospital location in Elizabethtown-Kitley Township would be ideal for his new clinic. The building has a long history of veterinary services dating back to 1980 - more than 40 years ago.


"We hear stories all the time from clients who remember coming with their parents with their pets, playing at the farm across from the clinic while their pets were treated. I'm happy we could reopen the building and continue the tradition," he says.


The new practice has a small team with one doctor. "Being a smaller practice we are able to know our clients and patients really well," says Danae O'Neill of client services.


Dr. Dylan emphasizes they appreciate being able to provide highly personalized service. "I enjoy getting to know our clients and their pets one-on-one, along with all of the unique challenges they can bring in the door," says Dylan.


Rounding out the team are Delenn Burrows, a DVM student graduating this spring, Marissa Massey, a vet technician, and Alyssa Aubé, a vet technician who also specializes in dog training and behavioral issues. She hopes to start puppy classes at the clinic soon.


Another focus for the clinic's team is on finding homes for rescued animals. They host cats at the clinic who are available for adoption.


To learn more about Seaway Veterinary Clinic, visit their website and their Facebook page. Send them an email at info@seawayvet.com or give them a call at 613-342-3457. They are located at 2819 Concession Road 2 that extends to the east from Parkedale Avenue.

Top feature photo: Dr. Dylan McCaffrey and his team: From left, Alyssa Aubé with Chummy, Danae O'Neill, Marissa Massey and Delenn Burrows with her dog Olive.

Photos above from top: Dr. Dylan with a parrot, Alyssa with Chummy and Danae with Mouse, a cat from the I Am Alive Cat Rescue organization based in Brockville.

Digital Services

Ready…Set …the Next Digital Transformation Grant is Available January 16th

 

The Digital Transformation Grant will re-open January 16th to once again offer eligible small businesses the opportunity to access $2,500 to upgrade their digital presence. Businesses already in the grant process can simply pick up where they left off. If you are new to the program, create your account here or contact your local Digital Support Specialist to learn more.

Funds will be available until September 30th, or when exhausted, whichever comes first.


The Digital Transformation Grant program is focused on assisting small businesses with their adoption of technologies. The program provides training, advisory support and grants to brick-and-mortar small businesses looking to increase their capacity through digital transformation. Here is how some of the past recipients spent their grant funds:

  • Digital Marketing - hiring a consultant/agency/person to execute Digital Marketing initiatives
  • Website - development of a new site or redesign to improve the existing website
  • Software - graphic design, productivity, social media software, security and more
  • Digital Training - ongoing digital training courses (in-person and online)
  • Hardware (maximum $1,000) - must be hardware deemed necessary (at the discretion of OBIAA).


To explore these and any other digital marketing topics call 613-342-3840 x 5368 or email Cyndy Bolton for more on this program. Visit the Leeds Grenville website or easily book a free consultation. Flexible time slots are available to serve you better.

Tourism Representation

RTO9 Accepting New Board Applications


Regional Tourism Organization 9 is seeking new board members. The Board has adjusted its approach and four positions are currently open. Candidates will bring a broad representation of the geographic regions within South Eastern Ontario while encouraging applications from talented individuals inside and outside of the tourism field and outside the region. Going forward, there is no longer designated geographic seats and therefore all four positions are open to candidates. 


The Board, in the broadest sense, sets the strategic direction and represents the highest level of decision-making in the organization. It establishes and monitors progress toward the organization reaching its vision, mission and strategic priorities. 


Individuals interested in a board position are encouraged to learn more and fill out the 2023 RTO9 Board Application form. Please provide all information requested and respond to all questions within the form. Return the completed form via email no later than this Friday, January 13, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. to Bonnie Ruddock, Executive Director, at bruddock@region9tourism.ca.

Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library

Hiring Immigrants: Free Online Series for Employers


Are you struggling to find staff? Do you want to diversify your workforce, or are you interested in making international connections? Then check out the free training series focused on the needs of Leeds Grenville employers. Each session focuses on a different topic and you can register for as many or as few of the sessions as you would like.


First session: An Overview of the Current Market Context and Business Drivers

WHEN: Wednesday, January 18, 9-10 a.m.


Second session: Foreign Worker Solutions to a Domestic Problem

WHEN: February 1, 1-2:30 a.m.


The third and fourth sessions follow on February 16, 10-11 a.m., and February 23, 9-11 a.m.

Learn more or register

Emotional Intelligence Management


The Eastern Workforce Innovation Board presents the THREE ON THURSDAY Free Employer Webinar Series. The presenter is Angela Hoyt who will look at strategies to navigate a way through the massive, ongoing disruption caused by COVID-19. In this current climate, the need for innovation, imagination and out-of-the-box thinking is greater than ever.


WHEN: Thursday, January 19, 2023,

10-11 a.m.

WHERE: 21A Mill Street, Gananoque

COST: Free

Learn more or register

Income Tax Preparation for Sole Proprietorship and Partnership Businesses


This online workshop is hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre. You will learn about filing business income to the Canada Revenue Agency, including:

  • Business Income Tax Reporting – Completing the T2125E Form for CRA
  • Reporting Business Income
  • Reporting Costs of Goods Sold
  • Reporting Business Expenses
  • Calculating Business Use-of-Home Expenses
  • Calculating Capital Cost Allowance (CCA)
  • Calculating Motor Vehicle Expenses


WHEN: Thursday, January 19, 9-10:30 a.m.

COST: Free


To learn more email Cindy James.

Learn more or register

How to Use Video Content to Connect with Your Target Market


Think you can't make a social media video for your business? Sure you can and we're going to show you how! Social media creator and consultant Anna Ruck is facilitating this webinar and will show you how to effectively provide value via video marketing to grow a following and convert sales.


You'll leave this workshop understanding the importance of video content marketing and with the confidence to get out there and give it a try! Video marketing is the way of the future and the most effective way to connect with your target market via social media. You will learn:

  • Why you should be prioritizing video content within your social media strategy (even if you feel like you don’t have one).
  • How to identify who your target market is on social media and how to attract and connect with them through video content.
  • How to effectively provide value via video marketing to grow a following and convert sales.
  • How to brainstorm and organize strategic video content ideas and streamline your video production process (like a pro!).


WHEN: Tuesday, January 24, 10-11 a.m. online

COST: Free

Learn more or register

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 January 24th, 2023 edition should be received by Monday, January 16th.
  • Submissions for the February 7th edition should be received by Monday, January 30th.
Ann Weir
Economic Development Manager
Deanna Clark
Economic Development Officer
Joanne Poll
Administration / Communications Support
Shelbi McFarlane
Business Development Officer


32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
613-342-3840 | 1-800-770-2170 | econdev@uclg.on.ca