Economic Development eNews | October 31, 2023 | |
Top feature photo: Laurie Sponagle combines skills to turn everyday scraps into beautiful pieces. Below: Painting yellow flower petals in her studio. | Above: a snowflake design which will help raise funds for an area snowsuit drive. Below employee Emmy Guild works on a piece. | |
Artfully Recycled - The Name Says It All
MALLORYTOWN - Laurie Sponagle combines creativity and responsibility with her business Artfully Recycled.
The visual artist has found a new artistic path with her home and garden décor. Her floral creations are fun, often boldly painted, sometimes sculptural, cheery and highly identifiable by her many loyal customers.
"I'm bringing smiles to people's faces, whether they're young or old, and no matter what gender," says Laurie. She recalls how a 10-year-old girl bought one of her signature wallflowers. Seeing the joy on the girl's face made that particular art show very memorable. "It meant something to her and that makes me happy," says Laurie.
And there is a very unique flip side to Laurie's work because it is also eco-conscious. Her handmade creations are done with recycled materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill site.
"I like telling the story associated with the materials within my pieces," she says. These stories may include the origins of the salvaged materials, the design inspiration, the deconstruction and reconstruction, and these are what makes the pieces even more unique.
The stories of the materials sometimes have an even deeper community connection. With each sale of garden angels created from wainscotting from the Athens Village Store, a portion is donated back to the Brockville & Area Food Bank.
A picket fence removed from the Mallorytown community garden will become flowers that will be donated to community fundraisers.
Known for many years in Eastern Ontario and Toronto for her charcoal drawings, Laurie's new business emerged in 2016 following a renovation at her Mallorytown family home and, as luck would have it, also working for a garden maintenance company.
What to do with leftover floorboards from her house sparked her math, picture framing and manufacturing background and united them with her artistic side.
“The floral wall and garden sculptures were born, but almost immediately, customers were telling me that they were enjoying my creations within their interior living spaces as well,” reflects Laurie.
"The inspiration that comes from the salvaged items and their evolution into new designs are exciting," she says, noting that she's created more than 2,000 floral pieces.
Items range from very small production designs to one of a kind commissions such as an 8-foot flower. The wood for these 4-foot petals was salvaged from the house renovation of the home associated with the barn that it hangs on.
"All of the things in my life have brought me to this," Laurie says, including skills she acquired working at the former SCI plant and Hang-ups in Brockville.
"My goal is to create fine quality innovative pieces that are
going to last and age gracefully."
Learn more about Artfully Recycled on the website, FB page #artfullyrecycled and Instagram pages @artfullyrecycled.
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Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Award | |
Joe Hudson of Burnbrae Farms Is
Recipient of The Warden's Award
About 80 years ago, teenager Joe Hudson bought some laying hens for a high school project. This action would, eventually, transform the dairy and crop-based Burnbrae Farms into one of the largest egg producers in the country.
Mr. Hudson is this year's recipient of the Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership. He will be honoured for his many achievements over the decades at the 15th Annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit on Friday, November 17th.
"We couldn't be more proud," said daughter Margaret Hudson, President of Burnbrae Farms.
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Now retired, Joe Hudson is known for his philanthropy and community leadership. | |
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A letter of support signed by Elizabethtown-Kitley Mayor Brant Burrow, states "Mr. Hudson has been a fundamental contributor to economic development in the area for over 50 years."
Mr. Hudson has earned many awards over the years, including the Golden Pencil Award, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant and worthwhile contribution to improving their community and the Canadian food industry overall. Other awards include the We Care Hall of Fame, the Canadian Grocery Business Hall of Fame and the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Burnbrae Farms has become an established and integral part of Canadian agribusiness. You can find their eggs and egg products in grocery stores and restaurants across the country. Burnbrae Farms is one of Canada's Best Managed Companies (Platinum Level) and employs approximately 1,700 workers across several provinces, including 400 employees at their facilities in Lyn and Brockville.
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Outstanding Thake Award Leadership Nominees for 2023 | | |
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Susan Alford - Township of Rideau Lakes - For over 40 years, Susan Alford has dedicated her time as an active community volunteer, starting with the Chaffey’s Lock and Area Heritage Society (c. 1988), the Chaffey’s Lock Women’s Institute, the Chaffey’s Lock Improvement Committee, followed by the California Community Association (2006), the California Beautification Committee, the Morton and Area Community Enhancement Committee (2019), then the Morton Cemetery Board President last year. Most recently Susan founded the Share and Care Group, which arranges guest speakers, fitness and other activities to inspire and help community members live a healthy and active lifestyle.
Judi Baril - Township of Augusta - Judi brings a wide-range of experience as a long-time volunteer member with groups, committees and associations. Her many affiliations include the South Grenville District High School Alumni Association, TD Canada Trust Friends of the Environment and Kinette Club of Prescott. She has served as a board member of the Provincial Board of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) and was a member of the OTF Grant Review Team. She was a volunteer co-chair of the Prescott Arena Rebuild Project where she helped raise over $3.5-million for the regional facility. Judi is a member of the Augusta Economic Development Advisory Committee spearheading programs and initiatives to benefit her community. She earned many accolades during her years with the United Way of Leeds and Grenville.
Shelley Mitchell - Municipality of North Grenville - Shelley's passion for community development is evident in her long-time commitment to bringing fun programming and events to Kemptville's downtown. Shelley is the long-time owner of To Be Continued Consignment Shop and has been on the BIA Board for almost 14 years, this year she took on the position of Chair and hopes to continue to help make advancements for small business. Her commitment to making a difference is also evident in her business model of sustainable fashion, keeping clothing out of the landfill and providing affordable clothing, toys and equipment to families in the community. Shelley feels it is so important to give back to her community and strives to do so on an ongoing basis.
Terry Wills - Township of Rideau Lakes - Terry has exhibited visionary leadership spearheading initiatives, economic growth and innovation in the region for more than 45 years. His ability to identify opportunities for development and enhancement has played a pivotal role in expanding Leeds Grenville's economic landscape. As President of his family business Wills Transfer with locations in Rideau Lakes and Brockville, Terry has a unique ability to bring together diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration among government agencies, local businesses, and community organizations. His work has resulted in the successful implementation of numerous projects that have benefited the entire region. Terry has been a champion of sustainable economic development, promoting initiatives that not only drive growth but also prioritize environmental and social sustainability.
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Entrepreneur of Year and Boivin Memorial Awards Presented | |
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The 2023 Leeds Grenville Entrepreneur of the Year and Paul D. Boivin Memorial Award were presented at the annual Bridges to Better Business event last Thursday, October 26. Leeds Grenville - Small Business, in partnership with the St. Lawrence-Rideau Immigration Partnership, celebrated the entrepreneurs and their success.
Jody Lundrigan - Pangea House Bed & Breakfast.
Leeds Grenville Entrepreneur of the Year
Jody and her partner, Geoff, moved from the GTA to Gananoque in 2021 during the pandemic. They visited the house of their dreams, bought it and started a bed and breakfast in rapid succession. Jody’s background is in non-profits, and marketing/communications and Geoff is a professional chef. Each guest room is modelled after a modern-day continent so you can rest your head anywhere in the world.
Jody’s timing was perfect for the Starter Company Plus program. She was looking for support on the administration side. The program grant was used for signage, equipment and marketing. From an economic development perspective, she is creating and marketing events for the B&B in partnership with other businesses in the community. Jody also employs locals to help with cleaning and maintaining the property.
Cody LaFrance - Distinct Lawn Works
Paul D. Boivin Memorial Award Winner
Cody started Distinct Lawn Works in spring of 2020. In his first summer he knew there were aspects of running a business that he needed to learn like finance, hiring practices, and operations as a whole. He also wanted to make a commitment around mental health and addiction and providing a place for others who struggled to heal and have purpose.
Cody was accepted for the winter 2021 cohort of Starter Company Plus program. It guided his decisions and his focus going forward. The coaching portion of the program was pivotal. Today, Cody leads several teams fulfilling lawn contracts and soft scaping projects throughout the region. He is working towards larger landscaping projects.
Harsh and Kanisha Patel - Parkedale Pharmacy
Immigrant Entrepreneurship Award
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Jody Lundrigan, second from right, with Carol Hardy, left, and Jeanette Johnston, right, from Leeds Grenville - Small Business, along with MPP Steve Clark. | Cody LaFrance receives his award from No Go Coffee Co. Karin Rabuka, last year's recipient. | Parkedale Pharmacy Owners Harsh and Kanisha Patel are the winners of the Leeds and Grenville Immigrant Entrepreneur Award. They are with Melissa Francis, left, Program Manager of the St. Lawrence-Rideau Immigration Partnership. | |
Born in India, Harsh and Kanisha have been in Canada for nearly 20 years. Despite the hardships of needing to do multiples exams to have his qualifications recognized, Harsh persevered and finally became a certified pharmacist in Ontario. This allowed the couple to eventually open their own business, Parkedale Pharmacy, which has become a staple of the Brockville community. Apart from being dedicated business owners, they are committed to the well being of their community. Harsh and Kanisha have contributed funds to the Palliative Care Telethon and the Brockville CPHC, among other charities. Harsh has served on the Upper Canada Health Care Team Advisory Committee. This award is presented by the St. Lawrence - Rideau Immigration Partnership. | |
Economic Development Summit | |
Summit Agenda Includes Leaders from Leclerc
The 15th Annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit agenda is ready to share and this year’s event will again feature top speakers from the region.
Leclerc Foods, one of Canada’s leading food manufacturers, announced the expansion of its North American operations into Brockville last year. The $100-million expansion over five years is bringing new jobs, as well as delicious cookies and snack bars to the region.
Plant Manager Abdullah Toseef and Guillaume Turgeon, Senior Director of Canadian Operations, have joined the list of intriguing speakers at this year's 15th annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit. They will present the challenges they have overcome, the successes they have achieved in their plant set-up, along with all of the goodness ahead for Leclerc.
For a full list of speakers see the Advanced Summit Agenda.
The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office, in partnership with Michael Barrett, M.P., Steve Clark, M.P.P., the 1000 Islands, Grenville and Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporations and the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board, invites you to the region's top Economic Development event of the year.
WHEN: Friday, November 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: North Grenville Municipal Centre, Kemptville
COST: $50 (Advanced Registration Required)
Register by visiting the Invest site's Summit webpage. Only 60 tickets remain!
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Leclerc Senior Director of Canadian Operations Guillaume Turgeon | Brockville Plant Manager Abdullah Toseef | |
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House Calls to Assist with Digital Adoption
The Digital Specialist is scheduling visits in your community to assist with digital adoption for home based businesses across the region. If you’ve been feeling out of the loop and isolated, book a session and let the Specialist bring options to you. There are a variety of resources at your fingertips for consideration, most of them are free.
Home-based businesses, in particular, are getting some much-needed support through the Canadian Digital Adoption Program. You may qualify for the $2,400 grant if you have at least one part-time employee besides the owner OR have grossed a minimum of $30,000 in the past tax year.
Digital visits for any business come highly recommended because of the one-on-one approach. The Specialist is an expert who gives free advice, hands-on training, guidance, grants, and opportunities for networking. They're all about taking the scariness out of digital best practices and helping your business thrive.
November Visit Schedule:
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- Nov. 6th - Westport
- Nov. 9th - Athens
- Nov. 21st - Merrickville
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- Nov. 23rd - Rideau Lakes
- Nov. 28th - Elizabethtown-Kitley
- Nov. 30th - Front of Yonge
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Grenville Community Futures Microgrant program
The Microgrant provides non-repayable funding to support community economic development projects, up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $3000. The grant supports projects that:
- Address strategic economic development priorities
- aupport the business community
- Have a significant, measurable impact
- Demonstrate collaboration with community economic development partners
- Support community capacity for economic development
The following organizations are eligible to apply for a microgrant
- Not for profit organizations operating within Grenville County
- Business Improvement Areas located in Grenville County
- Municipalities located within or comprising Grenville County
All potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Grenville Community Futures office to discuss their potential project prior to completing an application. Katie Nolan, Executive Director 613-925-4275 ext. 1 or knknolan@grenvillecfdc.com
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
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Lead Magnet Magic: Grow Your Email List with AI in Under 30 Minutes!
Ready to supercharge your email marketing? Join presenter Mickey Anderson and unveil the magic of AI to craft a lead magnet that attracts qualified leads and grows your email list in under 30 minutes. Say goodbye to endless hours of manual labour and hello to a thriving list of potential customers. This session is hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/north Leeds Grenville)
WHEN: Monday, November 6, 9-10 a.m.
COST: Free
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New Hires? Keep them Safe and Integrated
Learn the simple steps when hiring new workers to ensure that everyone returns home safe at the end of the day. This session will inform you on what the law requires, as well as what resources you need and where to find them in order to stay in compliance and increase the safety in your business. This online session is hosted by Leeds Grenville Small Business. It is co-facilitated by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development and Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS).
WHEN: Tuesday, November 7, 12-1 p.m. via zoom
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 November 14th edition should be received by Monday, November 6th.
- Submissions for the November 21st edition should be received by Monday, November 13th.
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Ann Weir
Economic Development Manager
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Deanna Clark
Economic Development Officer
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Joanne Poll
Administration / Communications Support
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Shelbi McFarlane
Business Development Officer
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