Economic Development eNews | January 23, 2024 | |
Top feature photo: Mike Adjeleian tips the table on his non-spill drink holders sold around the globe. Far right: A MagNeato Power holder for metal surfaces. | Above photo: A L'il Sucker keeps a drink secure on a floatie. Below: on a paddle board. Bottom: Mike in his print shop. | |
L'il Sucker Holders are Making a Big Impact
KEMPTVILLE - Industrial designer Mike Adjeleian made a big discovery when he invented L'il Sucker - and later MagNeato.
The "Never Spill A Sip" neoprene drink holder launched what is now Mike's highly-successful design and manufacturing company based in North Grenville. The L'il Sucker and other unique hold-in-place products are sold around the world and can be found stuck on everything from kayaks to yachts and all things in between.
"And it all happened by accident," says Mike, who has spent his career finding ways of creating quality, functional products. The drink holder was discovered when the Rhode Island School of Design graduate was prototyping with some neoprene for an unrelated flashlight product for police and security personnel.
"The prototype sucked to the glass like a magnet. I literally had a chill go down my spine," Mike recalls of the moment in Ottawa back in 1999. He immediately grabbed a pop can to see if it would adhere in the same way. Soon he and a graphic designer friend came up with the name - L'il Sucker, and Mike dove into the non-spill drink holder market.
The product took off immediately. It sold out during its first appearance on an American-based shopping channel in 2001. Suddenly, Mike was searching for a larger manufacturing outlet to keep up with demand. He would eventually set up his own manufacturing operation on the outskirts of Kemptville.
"There was a drive to succeed and continually trying to improve the process. " he says. Today, with millions of units sold, he is happy to say every item is Made in Canada with all production in North Grenville since 2004.
"I love what I do because I get to be creative on a daily basis, while continually evolving and learning along the way," Mike says
"I'm now looking to expand operations and my facility," says Mike. He has extended his product line over the years, holds close to 15 patents and continues to come up with new ideas, including the "superhero of drink holders - MagNeato," a powerful magnetic sleeve that holds everything from drinks to spray cans in place.
The L'il Sucker line of products are currently available in both original and holster sizes. Everything produced at the Kemptville facility can be fully customized with your name and logo, or a picture of your favourite pet. The new mini size for nail polish bottles will be available this spring. This year will also see the introduction of JustMikeIt.com where all of his brands will find a home.
"Stay tuned for the launch and watch this L'il Kemptville company grow," Mike says.
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You'll find his products on Amazon, the Duluth Trading Company, and countless retailers where Yeti Ramblers and other drinkware items are sold. Learn more about L'il Sucker Products Inc. via this video or shop online on their website and Facebook and Instagram pages. Send them an email or give them a call at 613-258-3100. | |
Economic Development Office | |
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Cyndy Bolton takes on the new role of Economic Development Officer. After three years of providing her digital expertise to many businesses throughout the region, Cyndy will be supporting the implementation of the Economic Development strategic areas of focus under its marketing and communication activities. This will include the bi-weekly business e-newsletter, website and social media content development, maintenance and scheduling, along with promotional projects for investment attraction, tourism and business. Cyndy will still be providing digital business programming support.
In her previous role under the Counties Digital Main Street program, Cyndy provided expertise helping many businesses with their digital footprint and accessing grants to support their adoption of e-commerce technologies. Cyndy’s formal training is in Graphic Design and Photography from St. Lawrence College with certifications in Interactive Multimedia, Social Media Strategies and Grant Proposal Writing from Algonquin College.
“Her experience, background, creativity and exemplary teamwork are a great fit to the Counties Economic Development Office team,” says Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager. “Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Cyndy in her new role.”
Cyndy can be reached via email – cyndy.bolton@uclg.on.ca or call 613-342-3840 ext. 5368
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Economic Development Summit | |
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Videos now available online
Recorded live from the North Grenville Municipal Centre on November 17th 2023. The sold out 15th annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit is now available to view online.
All sessions are now online:
- Keynote: Hon. David Piccini, Minister or Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
- Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award
- The LeClerc Products presentation
- Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands presentation
- 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Waterways: Building an Appetite for Culinary Tourism
- Leeds Grenville Economic Development 15th Anniversary Summit Review & What’s Ahead
Visit our 2023 Summit webpage, or YouTube Channel.
Remember to save the date for our next event on Friday, November 22, 2024.
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Registration is now open for the 2024 International Women's Day event. This year, the event is in North Grenville at a facility that promises to welcome the growing number of attendees. The Leeds Grenville Small Business with the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/north Leeds Grenville) are collaborating to bring you this cornerstone event with the purpose to amplify their commitment to fostering empowerment and inclusivity. The invitation is extended for women throughout the region, to join in a day of empowerment, innovation, and celebration of women in business.
For over a decade, Leeds Grenville Small Business has passionately celebrated IWD, shining a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of local women in business.
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A Business Panel with representation from across the region features:
- Sherri Stobo, SMS Home Rentals & Services
- Nicole Hudson, Katarina’s Coffee Shop
- Erin Kergen, Pickle & Myrrh
- Stacey Blair, The Pie Bar
Program:
- Business Showcase
- Networking
- Dinner by Catered Affairs
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Entertainment - Birds of a Feather: John Wilberforce & Kelly Latimer
- Door Prizes and more!
To be a part of the business showcase or be a program sponsor contact Jeanette Johnston by email or call 613-342-3840 ext. 5363
WHEN: Thursday, March 7 from 3:30 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: North Grenville Municipal Centre, Kemptville
COST: $99
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Digital Transformation Grant Continues
The Digital Main Street Program grant portal is open to businesses for a limited time, with the opportunity to access funds for digital adoption. Create your account here or contact your local Digital Specialist to learn more. Funds will be available until January 31st, or until exhausted, whichever comes first.
This grant program is focused on assisting small businesses with their adoption of technologies. The program provides training, advisory support and grants to businesses looking to increase their capacity through digital adoption. Past recipients used the funds to upgrade digital marketing, websites, software, training and hardware.
Contact Cyndy Bolton via phone 613-342-3840 x 5368 or email to begin your application.
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FedDev Ontario 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 for activities happening before March 2024.
Eligible applicants include:
- Incorporated small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry
- Indigenous-owned businesses (including Indigenous sole proprietors) or Indigenous tourism organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations (including tourism associations and economic development organizations)
- Governments (municipal/provincial/territorial and related entities)
- Eligible projects should provide added value to existing activities in the tourism industry and focus on business and economic growth.
Applications are being accepted until February 29, 2024, 8:59 p.m. EST
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Westport Advisory Sessions
The Small Business Advisory Centre will be in Westport at the Town Hall on January 26. There are
still a few openings available!
Free 45-minute to one-hour consultations will be available so that you can meet about your start up or your existing small business. Get answers to the questions that you have and get direction on your next steps.
WHEN: Friday, January 26, 8:30 a.m. to noon
WHERE: Westport Town Hall, 30 Bedford Street
COST: Free
To book a business advisory meeting on this day pre-booking is a must as time slots fill up quickly. Email Cindy James: cjames@smallbizcentre.ca or call 613-283-0062
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Nominate a Business for Upcoming Awards
It's time to nominate your favourite businesses in the Township of Rideau Lakes. Recognize and celebrate three of the hard-working business owners and entrepreneurs that provide employment and services throughout Rideau Lakes. The three awards highlight how commercial successes weave multiple benefits throughout the community:
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Business of the Year Award salutes a business that has demonstrated a commitment to the community and its residents while displaying strong ethics within business and society.
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Business Innovation Award for a business that demonstrates innovation in enhancing its business and services.
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Young Entrepreneur (under 35) Award honours hard work shown by a young business leader who either resides, operates an active business or grew up primarily in the Township.
Nominations are open February 9 to March 1, 2024.
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
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Cash Flow Forecasting
Preparing a Cash Flow with speaker Carey McMaster, TRAICON. Simple steps and insights to understanding and predicting the flow of money in and out of your business, helps entrepreneurs make smarter decisions, plan ahead, and ultimately avoid an unnecessary cash flow crisis.
Topics covered:
- How to Calculate Cash Flow Projections
- Using Cash Flow Forecast to Make Data-Driven Decisions
- Sources of Funding
Presenter: Carey McMaster
Hosted by: Small Business Advisory Centre
WHEN: Monday, February 5, 2024 from 1-2:30 p.m., online
WHERE: Online
COST: Free
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Road Map to Simple Safety Solutions | |
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Co-facilitated by representatives from Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
The webinar covers:
- The roles and responsibilities of workplace parties
- How to stay in compliance with legislation
- How to manage hazards
- Where to go for help
- How the WSIB’s Health and Safety Excellence program helps with financial rebates to offset costs of implementing new health and safety topics in the workplace
- Demonstrate how to calculate a potential ‘double’ annual rebate
Presenters:
- Zoie Sutherland, Account Representative, Small Business with WSPS
- Stella Nicastro-Greenough, Small Business Account Representative, WSPS
- John Carr, Health and Safety Consultant, WSIB
Hosted by:
- Employment and Education Centre
- United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
- Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce
WHEN: Tuesday, February 6, 12-1 p.m., online
WHERE: Online
COST: Free
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Social Media: A Beginner's 101
Join our immersive and engaging virtual workshop for beginners.
The webinar covers:
- Understanding the basics
- Selecting the right tools
- Creating a profile
- Creating content
- Building a positive presence
Presenter: Cyndy Bolton, Economic Development Officer
WHEN: Thursday, February 8, 12-1 p.m. via Zoom
WHERE: Online
COST: Free
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Balanced Books, Balanced Business: Bookkeeping 101 For Business Owners
Learn how to tell the difference between an accounting firm and a bookkeeper and how both are essential, and how to set up your records and filing systems.
The webinar also covers:
- Sole-proprietor and incorporation - why incorporate
- HST-annual, quarterly or monthly remittance periods and best practices
- Banking and credit cards for business
- Allowable expenses - what can be a 'write-off'
- Vehicle expenses - how to track and the different tracking for corporations and sole-proprietors
- Payroll - best practices
- Accounting software - which is best for your business and why
- App Solutions - how to embrace the latest technology to eliminate the shoe-box of receipts
- Reports - Income Statement or Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and more
- Q and A period
Presenter: Lynn Marsh of Healthy Books
Hosted by: Small Business Advisory Centre
WHEN: February 12th, 9-11 a.m.
WHERE: Online
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 February 20th edition should be received by February 13th.
- Submissions for the March 5th edition should be received by February 27th.
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