Economic Development eNews | November 26, 2024 | |
Economic Development Summit Report | |
Full House sees Dave Brown receive Warden's Award | |
Photo: United Counties of Leeds and Grenville's Economic Development Manager Ann Weir and Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke; Dave Brown, recipient of the Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award; Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark; Mayor of Rideau Lakes Arie Hoogenboom. | |
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KEMPTVILLE – The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit saw a packed crowd of business and political leaders at the North Grenville Municipal Centre on November 22nd.
Dave Brown of Brown's Marina, situated in beautiful Chaffey's Lock in the Township of Rideau Lakes was congratulated by all as he was bestowed the Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award.
“Receiving this award has rejuvenated me. Seeing what my community partners, neighbours, colleagues, fellow board members and various agencies have achieved by working together jointly, is not only heartwarming, but re-inspired me to continue to push for change going forward," Dave said. "It's an unbelievable honour to receive this award, especially when you look at the people who got this before me," he said.
“This summit is known as ‘the business event of the year’ with its outstanding presenters and top business and municipal leaders coming together to share what’s ahead and the opportunities,” said Nancy Peckford, Past Warden, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
Michael Barrett, MP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes said, "This partnership with the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is a great example of our community coming together to work with business and community partners in unleashing the talent and economic potential in our region."
“Now in its 16th year, the Summit is a key opportunity for leaders from the business community and all three levels of government to connect and celebrate our economic success story and focus on attracting more investment. I also want to extend a special thanks to the Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification, for his keynote detailing how the province is working to ensure a clean and affordable energy future for Ontario,” said Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark.
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The Honourable Stephen Lecce, Ontario's Minister of Energy and Electrification delivered the morning keynote presentation.
"I’m proud to be working with MPP Clark to ensure we meet the 75 per cent surge in energy demand projected by 2050 with affordable and clean power for the local community and the entire province," said Minister Lecce.
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The Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification presents keynote address at the Summit. | |
"Through the largest energy procurement in our history and North America's most ambitious nuclear expansion, we're delivering the clean, reliable, and affordable energy needed to power new homes, communities, and Ontario's growing economy without imposing a punitive carbon tax on families." | |
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The afternoon keynote covered the Business Development Bank of Canada Economic Outlook from presenter Pierre Cléroux, Chief Economist, Vice President, Research, BDC.
Returning for the fourth time, the popular presenter discussed challenges and opportunities within Canada and Ontario, with key trends shaping the future for Canadian businesses.
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Pierre Cléroux relates the data behind Canada's economic soft landing. | |
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With a prediction that interest rates will continue to fall into 2025, Mr. Cléroux noted there is much dependent upon decisions made south of the border.
Ann Weir, Counties Economic Development Manager wrapped up the Summit providing highlights on the region’s investment attraction, business retention and growth and workforce development activities. She shared the importance of small business to the region and announced the Bottle and Barrel Adventures are being added to the tourism Adventures for 2025.
“Leeds Grenville is a region that works collaboratively and welcomes new opportunities and businesses. The investments being made by global companies is a testament to it’s loyal and innovative workforce and leadership,” said Ann.
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Additional Presentations
Presenting together on growth from within the Maitland Chemistry Park, Greg Canning-LeBlanc, Plant Manager, Maitland Hydrogen Peroxide with Evonik Canada and Matthew Murton, Maitland Site Manager with INVISTA (Canada) Company addressed the benefits of collaborating to make improvements to the community as a whole. The Park is capitalizing on new opportunities as these two companies invest over $50 million to reintroduce new and returning products. "Success is built on culture. It's the employees who support stewardship; our vision is to use less resources in creating beneficial outcomes," said Matthew. Two of the most recognized products from these industries are hydrogen peroxide and automotive air bags.
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Potentia Renewables Inc speakers Ben Greenhouse, Chief Executive Officer and Will Patterson, Senior Project Manager presented on Edwardsburgh Cardinal's Skyview 2 Battery Energy Storage Project, the largest in Canada. Providing up to 411MW to improve Ontario’s electrical grid, the $750 million facility will play a pivotal role in meeting energy demands. The project consists of box-shaped shipping container-like housings built on foundations. Inside these containers there will be enclosures about the size of a shoebox, with 1.9 million cells on the site. The purpose of this project is to minimize the occurrence of energy brown-outs. The project will also create 200 construction jobs and the township will benefit from a community fund of $300,000. | |
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The Summit is hosted by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office in partnership with Michael Barrett, M.P., Steve Clark, M.P.P., the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board and the 1000 Islands, Grenville and Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporations.
Mark your calendars, the 2025 Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit will be held on Friday, November 21st.
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Jeff Day of Nut Free Gourmet in Jones Falls shows his location on the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways Fresh Baked Adventure Map. | |
MPP Steve Clark Announces REDI Pilot Program at Summit | |
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KEMPTVILLE - The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville has been selected by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to participate in the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s (OINP) Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot.
MPP Steve Clark made the announcement at the Economic Development Summit.
“I’m pleased that Leeds Grenville has been selected for the REDI pilot because workforce retention and a shortage of skilled labour are significant challenges for employers across a variety of sectors,” said MPP Clark.
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MPP Steve Clark announces the Regional Economic Development through Immigration pilot program at the Summit. | |
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“I recognized REDI as a tremendous opportunity to continue growing our economy and improve access to healthcare by targeting skilled foreign workers and providing them a pathway to permanent residence. I want to thank the Ministry and United Counties for working with me to ensure we were selected.”
Communities selected for REDI have demonstrated that they have skilled labour needs that cannot be met locally. The pilot aims to help attract and retain foreign workers that have the skills and experience needed to fill these labour shortages and support economic growth by providing them with a pathway to Permanent Residence in Ontario.
The REDI pilot will launch in early 2025 and will run for one year. Up to 200 nominations through OINP will be available to Leeds Grenville. MPP Clark shared the 200 nominations could include family doctors and nurse practitioners to improve access to primary care, as well as registered nurses and PSWs to support long-term care.
“The Counties is excited to be chosen as one of the pilot areas for the Ontario Regional Economic Development through Immigration program,” said Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. “We are being proactive in attracting talent to Leeds Grenville to ensure a strong workforce that will strengthen our healthcare and support our broader economic initiatives."
Counties Economic Development will host a REDI information session once more details are available.
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New Barbershop in Gananoque
GANANOQUE - With free coffee and donuts for visitors, the new Stone Street Barbershop opened their doors in grand fashion on November 19th. Located at 50 Stone Street in South Gananoque, the barbershop is ready to take client appointments Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome.
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Designer Row comes to Brockville
BROCKVILLE - Newly situated at 2399 Parkedale Avenue, Unit 7. Designer Row brings you discounted quality fashion and housewares. Enjoy your favourite brands of men's and ladies wear, bedding, furniture and coming soon - appliances. Check for current promotions.
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Starter Company Plus Launches Next Round with 9 Participants | |
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What do bikes, psychotherapy, weddings and pottery have in common? Starter Company Plus of course! The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville - Small Business launched the next round of the Starter Company Plus program. The event kicked off with time for a bite to eat and the opportunity to rub elbows with other attendees including local dignitaries. This, the 18th cohort in 10 years, is supporting 9 entrepreneurs by providing them a solid foundation to grow their business upon.
Local companies, from the Municipality of North Grenville to the Township of Leeds and Thousand Islands, are currently training on the fundamentals of business, creating a business plan and understanding cash flows. After the initial training they will have the opportunity to pitch to a local panel of business volunteers for a grant of up to $5,000, which can be applied to various investments in their business. Successful recipients of the grant will go on to receive coaching and mentorship. Further details in the Media Release.
Program participants including business website links:
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Stay tuned for graduation announcements once the round wraps up in the spring. Throughout the year, Counties Small Business staff provide free consultations, tools, resources, events and
workshops to support small businesses in the region. The program is an integral component of the economic strategy aimed at bolstering entrepreneurship. Starter Company Plus is funded by the Province of Ontario along with United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the City of Brockville.
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Photo: from left: Prescott Mayor Gauri Shankar, Brockville Mayor Matt Wren, Mathew Twigg of 1000 Islands Cyclery, Paige Morgan of Esthetics by Paige, David Goodknecht of DG Landscaping, Heather McLean of The Crafty Potter, Sean Crozier of Unique Auto Accents, MPP Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Steve Clark, Judy Oomen of Oomen’s Fishing Tackle, Robert Salm of Setanta Solutions, Chantal Valkenborg of CC Weddings, Jeff Robinson of Robinson Psychotherapy, Gananoque Mayor John Beddows, and Merrickville-Wolford Mayor Michael Cameron. | |
Upcoming Small Business Opportunities | |
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Meet Our Consultant in North Grenville
Thinking of starting or growing a business? If you are self-driven, determined to succeed, are coachable and have a solid business idea, connect with the professionals at Leeds Grenville Small Business. Identify marketplace opportunities, write an effective business plan, clarify government regulations, source licensing information and find financial support.
Book a flexible and free 45 minute session, offered at the Brockville location and throughout the region.
North Grenville
Host: Leeds Grenville Small Business
When: December 4th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: North Grenville Municipal Centre,
285 County Road 44, Kemptville
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Apply today for Starter Company Plus | |
Applications are now open for the upcoming Starter Company Plus program. Selected participants will benefit from comprehensive training, mentoring, and a business plan bootcamp. Entrepreneurs will also have the chance to pitch their business plans to a grant committee to receive up to $5,000 in funding. Coaching sessions will follow.
Application period ends December 5th at noon.
To apply, email Cindy James or call 613-283-0062 for further information.
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Request for Interest - Small Business Training Services | |
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Leeds Grenville Small Business oversees specific workshops that support small business start-ups and growing businesses. In the winter of 2025 we are delivering Winter Workshops on the topic of Growth. Any entrepreneur / business that is interested in sharing their knowledge and delivering components on the topics of Market Adaptation or Operational Efficiencies, please provide an overview of your company background and expertise. Please note we are government funded and our budget is limited; this as an opportunity to give back and get in front of a group of small businesses in the area with some compensation.
Please submit interest by email to Jeanette Johnston, Small Business Development Officer.
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FedDev Ontario Regional Program Fund | |
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FedDev Ontario is excited to launch a new intake of fund applications under the regional program stream for businesses and organizations in the region. Please visit these web pages for more information:
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With extensive infrastructure and natural beauty, this picturesque 568-acre property is ready to be reimagined. It features a 16,000 sq. ft., 3-level building, 2000 sq. ft. retail space, 2 farm houses, workshop, livestock barns, storage, trails, open pasture, forested areas, a creek and ponds.
View Map for 337 Escott Rockport Road
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
How to Start a Business Workshops
Thinking about starting your own business but not sure where to begin? Attend the How to Start a Business workshop that will guide you through the essentials of launching a successful business. Whether you’re still in the idea stage or ready to take the plunge, this workshop will provide you with the tools and knowledge to set yourself up for success. Free to attend, registration required.
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Elgin
Date: December 6, 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Guthrie House, 10 Elgin Street
Email Cindy James
or call 613-283-0062 to book
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Athens
Date: December 12, 4:30-6 p.m.
Where: Joshua Bates Centre, 1 Main Street
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Tax Help Webinars
Free Tax Help for Small Business Owners.
Get answers directly from the experts. Our seminars will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate taxes effectively. Choose a session for your business type.
What You'll Learn:
- Business tax deductions
- Common tax errors to avoid
- Tools & services offered by the CRA
- General bookkeeping concepts & best practices
Host: Leeds Grenville Small Business, The Employment + Education Centre, Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce
Presenter: CRA professionals
Where: Online
Cost: Free
For Incorporated Businesses
Date: December 3, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
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For Sole Proprietors
Date: December 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
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WSPS Webinar
Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, ensuring a safe workplace is vital to your success.
Join this engaging and practical session on workplace safety essentials that you can immediately apply to protect your team and your business.
Topics Covered:
- Identifying Common Hazards – Spot and address everyday workplace risks.
- Understanding Roles – Clarify the responsibilities of employers, managers, and employees.
- Resources - explore the essentials, training materials, and guidelines to elevate your health and safety practices.
Host: Leeds Grenville Small Business, The Employment + Education Centre, Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce
Presenter: Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
Date: December 10, 12-12:45pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Cultivating Local Workshop Series
OFA’s Seizing Opportunities to Grow Ontario’s Local Agri-Products Sector project will host nine online workshops to provide key experts and resources for producers and prospective producers to learn more about the opportunities to sell in-demand products direct to consumer in Ontario.
Host: Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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- December 5 - Selling at Farmers' Markets
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December 12 - Selling to Restaurants and Institutions
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From January 8th to March 26th, Small Business will be hosting seven powerful workshops designed to give you actionable strategies and practical tools to elevate your business. This isn’t just another workshop series—it’s a hands-on, deep-dive experience that will equip you with everything you need to grow, expand, and sustain a thriving business. Whether you’re looking to boost your leadership skills or optimize your cash flow, we’ve got you covered:
- Individual Workshop: $30
- Full Series: $180 (a savings when you sign up for all 7 workshops!)
By enrolling in the full series, you’ll gain a comprehensive education on the key drivers of business success, giving you the knowledge to level up every aspect of your operation. This is your chance to invest in your business and take it to the next level!
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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 December 10th edition should be received by December 2nd.
- Submissions for the January 7th edition should be received by Monday, December 30th.
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