Economic Development eNews | July 13, 2021 |
|
Top feature photo: The All Out Performance team from left, apprentice Nathan Berry, owner / operator Dave Berry and licensed technician Dave Elliott. |
Dave with a vintage truck he and his team rebuilt for a family. |
|
All Out Performance offers
high standard for all service
|
ATHENS - When multiple generations of families trust you to repair their vehicles, that's saying something.
All Out Performance owner Dave Berry continues to set a high standard for customer satisfaction, up-to-date staff training and top industry equipment at his full-service shop on Wiltsetown Road.
"We're a little garage that can do big things," says Dave, a certified automotive and diesel technician with 30 years of experience. He has customers come from as far away as Massachusetts. The shop does custom work and has the reputation of being able to repair or rebuild any vehicle on wheels - any make, model, foreign or domestic.
"In this industry you need to stay educated, and in turn educate and treat your customers fairly," says Dave. He's known for emailing video clips to customers of repair work to help them understand. "It saves them time and provides them with a sense of honesty and transparency," Dave says, adding that is part of good customer service.
From day one of opening his own business 20 years ago his focus has been on building a rock solid reputation. His mentor was well-known mechanic Dean Billings, now retired. Dave had worked for other shops and was also a fleet supervisor in a government position.
"It's fascinating how I've gone from carburetors to full electric vehicles (EVs). It's a wide spectrum!"
There were a few lean years after starting his business but he says one thing that helped build it up was hosting informative open houses for his many female customers. He felt strongly that women weren't being treated equally at some shops and he wanted to change that. He and his family have also been very active in the community.
"When you're a small business in a small community it's important that you help out," says Dave. All Out Performance has sponsored many sports teams, athletes, racers and community events.
Dave and his team do air conditioning work, four-wheel alignments and have full diagnostic equipment available. They have a computerized tire balancing and tire changer, and offer welding and fabrication services. They have a Custom Fleet Maintenance Service available and have a licensed truck and coach technician.
All Out Performance is a certified NAPA AutoCare Centre designed with today’s consumers in mind. NAPA AutoCare is a quality standard where independent repair business owners are invited to join based upon their community reputation, integrity, qualifications and expertise.
All Out Performance is located at 108 Wiltsetown Road. Visit their Facebook page and their developing website, send them an email or give them a call at 613-803-6768.
|
|
|
On Friday, July 16 at 12:01 a.m., Ontario will move into Step Three of the provincial Roadmap to Reopen. Step Three regulations are available on the provincial webpage Rules for Areas in Stage 3. Face coverings in indoor public settings and physical distancing requirements remain in place, aligning with public health advice. The province is indicating it will remain in Step Three for at least 21 days and until 80 per cent of the eligible population aged 12 and over has received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 75 per cent have received their second.
Rapid Screen Test Kits for Businesses
The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce and 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ontario and Canadian governments, have launched the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative. Free rapid antigen tests for small and medium-sized businesses (150 employees or less) are now available locally. These tests are NOT considered as a replacement for mandatory healthy screening that your employees complete daily. For more details visit the Brockville Chamber webpage or the 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber webpage. The North Grenville Chamber of Commerce will be announcing more details of their launch soon. This program is open to non-chamber members no matter your location in the region.
Employers looking for employees, please share your job postings with the local Employment Agencies. For FREE, they can assist in communicating your jobs to individuals who are looking for employment.
KEYS, Varley Taylor – Email | Telephone 613-382-1085
|
|
Kitley Grocery & Service Centre attracts 3,000-plus YouTube views |
TOLEDO - When Lynn Kerr quipped in a video that her store is "the centre of the universe" she was having a bit of fun.
Her sense of pride turned to happy surprise when the video to promote her rural Leeds Grenville business captured more than 3,000 YouTube views and brought in a whack of new customers. The views for Lynn's video surpassed 12 others in a new series launched in April by the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office.
"It's been great for business," says Lynn, who has owned Kitley Grocery and Service Centre in Toledo for 34 years. Her grocery store, along with its LCBO outlet and gas bar, is known as a welcoming community hub.
"I've had so many new customers coming in because of the video and a lot of phone calls," Lynn says, adding she's not sure how the one-minute video got so much attention except that her loyal customers must have shared it. She even received a congratulatory note from a former customer now living in British Columbia.
Joanne and John Edgley of JJ’s Country Diner in Athens participated in the project as well. “The video was fun to produce and it generated a lot of buzz for our restaurant," says Joanne.
"The feedback from our customers and the community was really positive,” she says.
|
|
Kitley Grocery and Service Centre's owner Lynn Kerr is still dazzled by the number of people who watched her video and then visited her business for the first time.
|
|
From the Mallorytown Pharmacy and Health Centre to the Bridgeview Dockside Restaurant and Patio in Johnstown, the videos attracted a range of views. In second place after Kitley Grocery was Poplars Resort in Newboro with close to 700 views, followed closely by Alan Browns Clothing in Brockville.
“The video series was a great opportunity to showcase just a few of the wonderful small businesses in our area that make our communities so great for our residents,” says Jim Hutton, Business Development Officer for Leeds Grenville. “I still have a few more to visit and can’t wait to visit Ridgway Confections Chocolate Shop in Seeley’s Bay.”
|
|
Getting to know your Region and hidden gems |
|
|
|
Limerick Forest is in your backyard - Discover it Now! |
OXFORD STATION - Did you know this area is home to a 6,000-hectare community forest filled with multi-use trails and boardwalks open to you for your next outdoor adventure?
Check out this Limerick Forest Video introducing you to one of Leeds Grenville's hidden treasures that is so special you might only tell your closest friends about it.
"It offers so many different things to so many people," says Forest Manager Geoff McVey. This community forest is sustainably managed and owned by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
"It truly is a gem and we want people to know it's there for everyone to enjoy," says Geoff, adding it is a combination of natural forest, plantation and wetlands with lots of wildlife.
Limerick is made up of four major forest areas with various access points. There is the Limerick South block near Oxford Station in North Grenville where the Interpretive Centre is located, the Limerick North block off Bolton Road on the edge of Merrickville, the North Augusta Block east of that community, and the Cranberry Lake portion southwest of Merrickville. There are also some smaller sections scattered around the Counties.
Recreational activities within Limerick Forest are associated with its 180 kilometres of trails and access roads. In winter, there are 30 kilometres of groomed snowmobile trails maintained by the Leeds & Grenville Snowmobile Association. Two cross- country ski trails and a newly-built "Children's Trail" are located at the Interpretive Centre. The Counties EarlyON children's program operates three days a week at the centre.
The forest trails are multi-use, including cycling, horseback riding and hiking. ATV and dirt bike riders must belong to an association, including the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicles (OFATV), the Johnstown ATV Club and the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR).
|
|
|
Trails and boardwalks are built and maintained by the Friends of Limerick volunteer group made up of forest users, including the Bytown Motorcycle Association and the Johnstown ATV Club.
|
|
Tourism Relief Fund
A $500-million Tourism Relief Fund to help tourism businesses and organizations recover over a two-year period was announced yesterday.
A total of $485-million will be directed to tourism businesses and organizations to help aide in the creation of new tourism experiences, or enhance existing ones. Within that, a minimum of $50-million will be invested in Indigenous tourism projects. A total of $15-million will used to support destination development, seasonal and local attractions, human resources and skills development.
Funds delivered to businesses will be either non-repayable (contributions up to $100,000 for up to 50% of eligible costs) or repayable (contributions up to $500,000 for up to 75% of eligible costs).
For more information on eligibility, please review the application guide. Applications are now open and, early application is encouraged as similar funding programs in the past have been highly over subscribed. |
|
Supervisor Micro-Certification Program
The Ontario government has announced $1 million in funding with Helping Construction Workers Advance Their Careers with a new free online Supervisor Micro-Certificate that will run from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The certificate program will be coordinated with the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC). For more information on the virtual training project and how to apply contact Colin de Raaf, CLAC Director of Training at 519-653-3002 ext. 5565 or email. |
|
Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library |
|
Building Your COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan
Are you a business looking for guidance on how to develop the mandatory COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan? Do you need guidance on how to properly screen your patrons and how to manage your capacity limits based on the new Ready to Reopen plan? Join this online Zoom webinar presented by representatives from Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) and the Leeds Grenville Small Business Centre.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 14, 9-10 a.m.
COST: Free
|
|
Doing Business With the Government of Canada - Part 2
This is the second in the Finding Opportunities with the Government of Canada Webinar Series hosted by Valley Heartland CFDC in partnership with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises + Public Services and Procurement Canada. The session covers the different types of solicitation documents, the main elements and how to respond to them, the five steps in responding to a solicitation, how bids are evaluated and suppliers are selected, as well as best practices, tips and suggestions when considering a bid.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 20,10-11:30 a.m.
COST: Free
|
|
Social Content 101 to engage your followers
Learn how to create and publish social content that resonates with consumers, while understanding how you will create a competitive advantage. Want retweets, likes, shares and all the other good things that come with good social content? More importantly, want the kind of content that gives you the most bang for your buck? Join RTO 9 and Search Warrant's Brian O'Grady for this webinar.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 20, 11 a.m. to 12 noon
COST: Free
|
|
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 July 27th edition should be received by Monday, July 19th.
- Submissions for the August 10th edition should be received by Friday, July 30th.
|
|
Ann Weir
Economic Development Manager
|
|
Deanna Clark
Economic Development Officer
|
|
Joanne Poll
Administration / Communications Support
|
|
Jim Hutton
Business Development Officer
|
|
|
32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
