Economic Development eNews | November 6, 2018

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Business Profile

Top feature photo: Restaurant owner Gina Vacchio cuts focaccia bread. Below: Michaela enjoys a macaroon.

Above photos: Cheesecakes, Tola Woods with a tray of iced brownies and a decorated storefront.

Little Sisterz star big in

breakfast, lunch, dinner

SPENCERVILLE - Everyone from early morning commuters to those in search of new lunch and dinner delights should check out Little Sisterz.

Restaurateur Gina Vacchio opens her door at 5:30 a.m. with the Lavazza coffee brewing and breakfast options aplenty. This is a quality yet convenient eatery.

"I've had customers say you've won me over with your coffee, your flaky bakies and candied bacon," says Gina. "We're all about creating signature items - like our Torta Rustica in puff pastry."

The slogan is "Italian cuisine...with a twist!" and it means fresh-baked focaccia bread coming from the oven throughout the day, favourites such as lasagna and gourmet pizza and so much more.

Little Sisterz offers homemade, on-the-go options, including full take-out family meal packages. You can also enjoy Gina's food in her fully licensed cafe bistro setting. Her goal is comfort food in a comfortable, family-friendly setting along with a children-friendly menu.

"I'm bringing my Italian culture here to Spencerville. The entire journey has been amazing," says Gina, who employs 10 people including an apprentice. She credits her mom for instilling the love of creating great food for family and friends.

The name of this eatery comes from Gina learning the business from her older brother, Tony, at Zolas restaurant in Bell's Corners. "He calls me little sister and the Z is for Zolas," says Gina.

Since opening earlier this year, many new items have been introduced, including a variety of panzerotti. There is an emphasis on local, organic foods as well as gluten-free options.

"I've got a great team and we're having fun," says Gina. "We're creating a hub where everyone is welcome. We are community supporters and work collaboratively with other village businesses."

Little Sisterz makes custom cakes and desserts, delivers and caters to special events. They are currently taking catering bookings for holiday parties and events.

Learn more on the Little Sisterz Facebook page, where they have a near 5-star rating, visit them at 14 Spencer Street, Spencerville, call 613-648-8888 or send them an email.

Celebrating Business

From left: Financial Director Kathy Jodoin, Program Manager Laurie Arsenault, Creative Program Director Ruth Shay and Program Manager Julie Jordan

More Than Just Babysitting is Business of Year

MAYNARD - More Than Just Babysitting (MTJB) Child Care Centre is the 2018 Augusta Township Business of the Year.

Members of the MTJB team received the honour at the Township's Economic Development and Tourism Committee Business of the Year Breakfast at the Grenville Snowmobile Club on November 2nd.

MTJB has its head office at 21 Stewart Drive, Maynard, in Augusta Township with child care locations at Maynard Public School, TR Leger Alternative School, Kemptville Main Site and Holy Cross Catholic School. For more than 30 years, MTJB has been providing licenced child care for children from birth to age 12. It employs 70 people.

The recipient of the third annual Trail Blazer Award is Access in Motion, located in the Augusta Township Business Centre on County Road 2. This company provides and installs accessibility solutions for all vehicles, including recreational vehicles.

Access in Motion partners Marcus Crane, second from left, Dave and Mark Dulmage are shown with Leeds-Grenville, Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, left, Mayor Doug Malanka and committee member Wendy Onstein.

Economic Development Summit

The Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Minister Clark's address on Ontario's Fall Economic Development Statement

The Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the MPP for Leeds-Grenville-1000 Islands and Rideau Lakes, will give an address at the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit's 10th anniversary event.

First elected in 2010, Minister Clark was re-elected in both 2011, 2014 and again in this year's provincial election when his party won a majority government. Minister Clark will outline the details of the Ontario Government's Fall Economic Development Statement.

WHEN: Friday, November 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration at 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville

COST: $29 (HST included)

DEADLINE: Friday, November 9, 2018 (or until sold out).

See the Advanced Agenda

Workshops and Seminars

Cannabis in the Workplace - What You Need to Know

The evening begins with a tour of Canopy Growth/Tweed Inc. A presentation will follow at the second location listed below. Vince Panetta, a labour and employment lawyer with Hicks Morley's Kingston Office, will explain where cannabis and the workplace meet, how medical versus recreational cannabis features in the workplace and how to meet your obligations as an employer.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 14,

5 p.m. tour, followed by presentation and dinner.

WHERE: Canopy Growth/Tweed Inc., 1 Hershey Drive / Chuckle Jack's, 23 Russell Street East, Smiths Falls

COST: $25 for HRPA members; $45 for non-members, includes dinner.

Balance or Burnout?

This seminar is presented by business development speaker and author Jennifer LeBruin. Highlighted topics include: Taking Inventory, identifying our personal and career-related responsibilities; Decision Making: Looking at the decision we make from a variety of perspectives, including the art of saying no; Organization and Time Management; Stress Management.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 20,

9 to 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Small Business Advisory Centre, 91 Cornelia Street North, Entrance B, Smiths Falls

COST: $20