Economic Development eNews | March 19, 2024 | |
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Investing in Good Stewardship Reaps Sweet Rewards
ROCKSPRINGS - The owner of Halladay Maple is a passionate steward of the maple bush, deeply rooted in the traditions and techniques of maple syrup production. “There’s hardly a dull moment,” Darrell Halladay says as he enters the sugar shack.
The smile on his face is a telling sign of his true calling. It lies in the sweet world of maple syrup. “I retired over four years ago as an IT professional and wasn’t sure what to expect,” he added, it's been a sweet ride so far.
A history buff, he has a depth of maple industry knowledge. With family roots in Delta, he volunteers for the Lanark & District Maple Producers and the Delta Fair. He recalls watching his grandfather who worked for Confederated Foods in Delta, use his pocket knife to shave off a small strip from a sugar cake to sweeten his coffee.
You could say that maple sap runs through the family tree. He values community involvement and serves as the liaison for the Lower Beverly Lake Park Camp residents and the Township of Rideau Lakes, and administers the Ontario Maple Syrup Equipment Buy / Sell Facebook group.
Darrell's affection for maple began over 30 years ago when he moved to the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley and began experimenting. He made syrup on a stove fashioned from blocks heated by a simple log fire. This led him to establish Halladay Maple in 1994 that has since flourished into a full-time production, marketing and sales operation. It’s a mainstay during the Brockville Farmers' Market season. “I love to see kids run down Market hill to my stand with a toonie in their tiny hand for a bag of candies,” he chuckles, adding that you can also call ahead and arrange pick up at the sugar camp location.
With approximately 1320 taps on the property, the business is a testament to tradition and innovation. “I love using automation,” but he admits he keeps tin buckets onsite for old-school look and feel. “Maple production is a way of life, a way to connect with history and nature,” Darrell adds he enjoys preserving this cherished Canadian custom. “The best rewards are seeing the business grow like part of the family.” Selling syrup helped subsidize extra-curricular activities and boost his children’s post-secondary opportunities.
Darrell remains steadfast to responsible farming. He's the game warden (ask him about Maple the Bear!), chief tree tapper and sole bottle filler. He's steward of the land, selectively clearing unhealthy trees to maintain biodiversity. The frame of his latest sugar shack renovation is made from local Limerick Forest pine. He uses the maple water by-product to clean lines and gleans maple sand as a mineral abrasive.
“Only 20% of the maple syrup sold in Ontario is produced in Ontario. Mine is 100% Ontario maple syrup from right here,” he says with pride as he motions to the ground. Halladay Maple is expanding this year, adding more taps to increase production. Darrell remains committed to quality, sustainability, and stewardship because maple farming is more than a business, it's a legacy ensuring that sweet traditions will stick for generations to come.
| Find the Halladay Maple farm stand seasonally at the Brockville Farmers' Market, see the website, email Darrell and check out the Facebook feed. To arrange product pickup at the sugar camp, call ahead to 613-246-2923. | |
Top photo: Darrell Halladay stands next to the evaporator and smiles as he recalls receiving the Halladay Maple sign behind him upon retiring | |
Above photo: The sun rises and welcomes you to the sugar shack
Below: Available products at the shack and Farmers' Market; Darrell stands where he had his first boil 30 years ago and leans on framework made from Limerick Forest pine
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Connie Lamble receives Lifetime Achievement Award at International Women’s Day Event | |
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Connie Lamble, owner of The Law Office of Connie Lamble, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration at the North Grenville Municipal Centre on Thursday, March 7th. She is the 11th recipient of the esteemed award presented by Leeds Grenville Small Business.
“We are honoured to pay tribute to Connie’s long-standing professional and community contributions in North Grenville,” said Nancy Peckford, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Mayor of North Grenville. “Her leadership and commitment are commendable and we are delighted to celebrate her accomplishments.”
When asked what her favourite thing was about working in a small community, Connie said, “I love knowing people; feeling part of a community. Running into your clients at the grocery store and saying hello. Feeling appreciation from clients that she sees in the community.”
Leeds Grenville Small Business Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize a woman who has been in business for several years and has demonstrated hard work, community contribution and resilience.
Connie’s office is on Prescott St. in Kemptville and provides advice and service in Estates, Wills and Real Estate. She has a team of 5, soon to be 6 with a new lawyer coming on board in the spring.
She is a former board member of the Kemptville Youth Centre and the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation. She is also a member of the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce and an alumnus of the former Kemptville Women in Business. Connie is looking to create education opportunities for seniors and their families on estate work that often gets missed in the family dynamics.
The Small Business International Women’s Day event sold-out with 144 attendees. It featured a business showcase, a panel of local entrepreneurs, a dinner, entertainment and gifts.
Right: Photo booth fun with Panel participants from left: Stacy Blair, The Pie Bar; Erin Kergen, Pickle & Myrrh; Sherri Stobo, SMS Home Rentals & Services and front, Nicole Hudson, Katarina's Coffee Shop.
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Top: Cindy James of the Small Business Advisory Centre with Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Connie Lamble and Jeanette Johnston of Leeds Grenville Small Business celebrate the night. | |
Business Consults
Starting your own business poses questions, challenges, and uncertainty. We can help you analyze your business situation and help you identify opportunities in the marketplace. We can also help you with market research, writing an effective business plan structure, government regulations, licensing information and sourcing finances. There are two centres that service Leeds Grenville; the Small Business Advisory Centre in most of the northern region and Leeds Grenville Small Business in the south and east. Please check the map below to confirm which one serves you.
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Consults offered in the communities are free. The 45 minute business sessions offer answers to your questions and give you guidance on what steps to take next. Consults offered at offices in Smiths Falls and Brockville are available and flexible.
Upcoming sessions: North Grenville
Host: Leeds Grenville Small Business
When: April 2, from 9 - 12 p.m.
Where: North Grenville Municipal Centre,
285 County Road 44, Kemptville, Ontario
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Book your in-person, virtual or phone session today! | |
Small Business Service Areas | | |
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Growth continues at Northern Cables
Northern Cables expansion is featured in the Ottawa Business Journal. The 80,000 square foot addition at its Brockville - 50 California Avenue location will support their future plans for growth. This expansion will see more positions added to their already 280 company-wide staff.
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Spring Trade Show
Prescott
Presented by Ontario Approved Professionals and the Town of Prescott. For vendor inquiries, contact by email.
When: March 21, 3 - 8 p.m., March 22, 3 - 8 p.m.,
March 23, 9 - 2 p.m.
Where: Leo Boivin Community Centre
444 Prince Street, Prescott, Ontario
Cost: $3.00 per person, $5.00 per couple, children under the age of 12 are free.
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North Grenville
Seeking vendors, open to Businesses, Artisans, Trades, and Professionals. Discounted rates for North Grenville Chamber and Ontario Approved Members.
When: April 26 - 27
Where: North Grenville Municipal Centre, Rink #2
285 County Road 44, Kemptville, Ontario
Vendor Registration Deadline April 1
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Front of Yonge Township Requests Business Nominations
Help Front of Yonge Township celebrate local businesses. Nominations are now open for the Business and New Business of the Year Awards until March 24th. Link to nomination forms below. Hard copy form available at the Front of Yonge Library, Township Office or Pharmacy. Call 613-923-2251 for more information.
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Maple Weekend:
Sweet Experiences & Family Fun
Visitors to a participating sugarbush during Maple Weekend can expect to experience the best of maple syrup season. Traditional maple syrup experiences may differ from farm to farm, but often include taffy on snow, pancake breakfasts, sugar making demonstrations, outdoor activities like horse and wagon rides, and chatting one-on-one with the maple syrup producers who make this sweet liquid gold.
There are 5 Leeds Grenville sugar bushes taking part in the Sweet Ontario Maple Weekend on April 6 & 7 this year.
Visit each of their event pages for activity details:
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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.
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District Mayors Panel Discussion Breakfast
Join an insightful and engaging panel discussion featuring these six distinguished mayors from across the district:
Roger Haley - Township of Front of Yonge
Brant Burrow - Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley
Matt Wren - City of Brockville
Jeff Shaver - Township of Augusta
Gauri Shankar - Town of Prescott
Tory Deschamps - Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal
This event promises a robust exchange of ideas, strategies, and visions for fostering community growth and development.
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Hosts: Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce and South Grenville Chamber of Commerce
When: April 17, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Where: MERC Hall
120 E McLean Blvd - Maitland
Cost: $39 plus HST
Sponsors:
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My Main Street $20,000 Grant Program Eligibility Update
Through the My Main Street Business Sustainability stream, eligible businesses can apply for up to $20,000 in non-repayable funding. Funding is aimed at supporting businesses that employ between 1 and 50 staff, have demonstrated revenue growth, and can provide a business case on how the funding will strengthen their existing capacity and support their growth. Grant funds can be used for equipment, leasehold improvements, external façade renovations, inventory, marketing, technology and more.
Listen to the program overview, visit the website or email the My Main Street team.
If you are interested in applying and looking for additional support, reach out to Business Development Officer, Shelbi McFarlane shelbi.mcfarlane@uclg.on.ca
Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2024
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
Supporting your Food Products in Store
4th of 5 food biz webinars
Presenter: Nicole Haney, Business Coach, Speaker, and Professor
There are things you can do to get your product moving faster and jumping off store shelves. In this session, you’ll learn why good product placement is so key to your in-store success, why it’s important to get the support of the in-store team, and how to ensure people know exactly how great your product really is.
Host: Small Business Advisory Centre
When: March 21, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Working With Distributors And Getting Into Grocery Stores
5th of 5 food biz webinars
Presenter: Nicole Haney, Business Coach, Speaker, and Professor
We all want to get our products onto grocery store shelves, but getting into grocery is an entirely different ballgame than working with small independents. Find out what the grocery buyers want and how to get them to answer your call.
This session will discuss how to scale your business, work with distributors, and get your product onto grocery store shelves. You’ll learn the best ways to approach grocery buyers, when it makes sense to work with a distributor, and how to be prepared to get listed with a major grocery store chain.
Host: Small Business Advisory Centre
When: March 28, 9:30 - 10:30 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 April 2nd edition should be received by March 25th.
- Submissions for the April 16th edition should be received by April 8th.
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