Economic Development eNews | October 4, 2022 | |
New Arbru Solar Brewery - Drink in Life Off the Grid
MALLORYTOWN - Phil Audet is proud to be the owner of Canada's 1st Destination Solar-Powered Brewery.
Opening Arbru Solar Brewery this year on Quabbin Road is a dream come true for Phil, who studied sustainable energy engineering in Ireland and has a passion for turning sunlight into energy. He has been planning the brewery's off-grid operation for 10 years.
"Not only is this farm-to-bottle with us growing our own hops, it is us also farming our own energy," he says. Everything at the 2,400-square-foot brewery - from coolers and lights to the actual brewing process - is powered by 32 solar panels located behind the brewery. There are no backup generators.
"I wanted to combine my two passions - beer and renewable energy," says Phil.
"People are looking for a new experience and this is it.
We want to be an example of what's coming in the future," says Phil. "We're fully, 100% reliable on renewables."
The brewery has been embraced by locals and is also gaining more and more attention as a unique destination.
"I'm actually overwhelmed. It has been so well received," says Phil.
During the planning stages, the majority of people Phil consulted said a solar-powered brewery wouldn't work. "Brewing takes a lot of power so they didn't think it would be possible. I wanted to prove that you can run an energy-intensive business with solar power," he said.
There are six types of beer to choose from with more on the way. There is beer on tap, including Flight of Four, Belgian Wheat and Amber Ale, to name just a few. One can features local musicians such as the album cover of Terrence and The High Flyers. Scan the QR code on the can and you can listen to tunes from the band's album. Arbru's Soundcraft New England India Pale Ale is sold in LCBO outlets. Arbru also offers "guest taps" such as ciders and wines so there is something for everyone when you stop at brewery.
The open-concept brewery has a tap and tasting room, including tables and comfy sofas. The production area is visible behind the bar. Arbru has received 5-star reviews from its customers. The brewery keeps things interesting with special events - including a well-attended Oktoberfest event this past weekend with new beer and food to celebrate.
Learn more about Arbru Solar Brewery by visiting their website, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter pages. Arbru is open Thursdays noon to 6 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays noon to 7 p.m., and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. They are located at 71 Quabbin Road. You can give Phil a call at 613-799-3245 for more information and to book reservations. Watch for more upcoming special events at the brewery.
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Top feature Photo: Phil Audet in the main entrance of his destination brewery. Below: Some of his products on display on the large outdoor patio. | Wood-fired pretzels and pizza - pepperoni, margarita and meat lovers - are popular. Photo below: A view of part of the bar and tasting area. | |
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Attention Business Owners - Input Requested on Survey!
The region has come together again to get a sense of how our local economy is doing. As a business leader / owner, your input is critical in gaining a stronger understanding of how local businesses are doing and what type of support is needed going forward. The survey also provides an opportunity to request assistance.
Please take a few minutes to complete the Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Business Survey: https://invest.leedsgrenville.com/2022survey/
The 2020 and 2021 business survey reports can be found on the Invest Leeds Grenville webpage.
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Reabel's Plumbing is the winner of the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley Business of the Year Award. From left: Mayor Brant Burrow, Brenda, Curtis and Leon Reabel. | |
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Elizabethtown-Kitley names Reabel's Business of the Year
FORTHTON - Family-owned Reabel's Plumbing is the Business of the Year in the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley.
The award was presented by the Township's Economic Development Committee at a luncheon on September 29th at Cedar Valley Golf and Country Club.
"We never thought we would win but it's a great honour," said Brenda Reabel, who accepted the award along with her husband Leon and their son Curtis. The company employs 9 people with its home base on County Road 27 (Centennial Road) near Lyn.
"We aim to please our customers - small and big calls," said Leon, who started the business in 1985 with his late father Mathew Reabel. The incorporated company has been in operation 37 years. It's not uncommon for Reabel's to receive up to 40 calls per day. They service residential, agricultural and commercial clients across the region. Reabel's supports township recreational activities, including sponsorships of teams and drivers along with the Brockville and District Hospital Foundation.
Committee Chairman Gord McFarlane also announced the new Community Involvement Award. It was earned by Kitley Grocery & Service Centre in Toledo, owned by Lynn Kerr. Also nominated for Business of the Year were Anchored Woodworking, Heritage Community Christian School, Ocean Soul Yoga and Our Little Secret.
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International Plowing Match | |
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Thank you to Our Showcase Exhibitors and Visitors
The International Plowing Match Leeds Grenville Regional Showcase was a big success and a great demonstration of coming together as a region! We wish to thank all of the thousands of individuals, families, groups and schools who visited the Leeds Grenville Showcase.
The Municipality of North Grenville was home to the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo from September 20-24th. Attendance at the 5-day event was 67,128 even with the rain and wind on the first couple of days. The sun prevailed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with people coming from all over the province of Ontario and Quebec.
A very special thank-you from our team to the many exhibitors and municipalities who joined the effort. You helped create a very special opportunity to show everyone - from locals to visitors - what this region has to offer! It took a lot of planning and we couldn’t have done it without you!
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1215 Metalworks
Aquatarium
Athens - Maple View Lodge
Augusta
Brockville
Brockville Operatic Society
Canadian Raptor Conservancy
Grenville, Valley Heartland CFDCs
CSE, EEC & KEYS Employment
CREWS
Edwardsburgh Cardinal
Elizabethtown-Kitley
Flyboy Canada Disc Golf
Fort Wellington, Parks Canada
Front of Yonge
Frontenac Arch Biosphere
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Gananoque
1000 Islands & Rideau Canal Garden Trail
Girl Guides – Oxford Mills
Health Unit – Leeds, Grenville, Lanark
Ingredion – Cardinal
Joshua Bates Centre
Leeds and the Thousand Islands
Merrick Preparatory School
Merrickville Artists Guild (MAG)
Merrickville-Wolford
North Grenville
Port of Johnstown
Prescott
Rideau Canal Waterway – Parks Canada
Rideau Lakes
Rideau Lakes Fire Department
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Small Business Centres
SOS Scuba / Abucs Scuba Group
St. Lawrence-Rideau Immigration
St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival
Thousand Islands National Park
Westport
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville:
Charleston Lake
Digital Main Street
EarlyON
Economic Development
Limerick Forest
Public Works
Weed Control
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4 Weeks left to Access Digital Funding for Your Business
The 4th intake of the Digital Transformation Grant will close on Monday, October 31st. Small businesses across Leeds Grenville who pay commercial taxes may be eligible to receive up to $2,500 in funding to improve their digital footprint.
The Digital Transformation Grant gives you the money to create or upgrade:
- Point of Sale Systems - brands such as Square Up, Shopify POS
- Website / Social Media - Digital Marketing Consultant can do the work for you
- Media - Images & Video - professional photographer / videographer can improve your content
- Accessibility - consultant can upgrade your website to meet AODA standards
- Software - brands such as QuickBooks, Canva, Hootsuite, Norton
- Learning / Training - virtual and in-person courses
- Hardware - limited to $1,000 maximum, as deemed necessary solely by OBIAA
If you are interested in chatting with a Digital Support Specialist about the grant and programs that are available to your business, reach out today.
Visit the program webpage to connect with our Digital Service Specialist Cyndy Bolton via email or call 613-342-3840, ext. 5368.
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Economic Development Summit | |
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Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit
Friday, November 18, 2022
Kemptville, ON
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is working with its partners in developing the 14th Annual Economic Development Summit agenda and event details.
A special keynote speaker announcement will be made in the next eNewsletter and registration will open.
Plans are underway for the event to return to an in-person format that will feature regional networking and an outstanding speaker line-up. Mark your calendars to be part of the region’s business event of the year!
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Online Information Session and Now Accepting Applications
How would it feel to increase your profits, be more focused and to stop being overwhelmed? Would obtaining an extra $5,000 in funding to expand or enhance your business benefit you? The Starter Company Plus program is through the Leeds Grenville Small Business Centre, serving the municipalities of North Grenville, Prescott, Augusta, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Brockville, the southern portion Elizabethtown-Kitley, Front of Yonge, Athens, Leeds and the Thousand Islands and Gananoque.
For more information and to learn how to apply, visit the website and attend the upcoming Information Session.
WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 4-5 p.m.
and Thursday, October 20, 12-1 p.m.
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
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Dream Business Program Launched
This program is for people in the municipalities of Augusta, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Prescott and North Grenville that have a great idea and want to find out whether it can be a viable business and what their next steps should be.
The Dream Business Program is a free, virtual 6 week program that provides guidance, tools and resources to help Entrepreneurs explore their ideas and think about the next steps. It also provides them with the opportunity for 1-1 coaching, new connections and a certificate upon completion. The program runs once a week from November 3 to December 8.
Learn more on their website, www.mashuplab.ca/easternontario
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Business Model Canvas Webinar
The Business Model Canvas is a tool that allows entrepreneurs to visualize, design, and evaluate their business model. It helps identify how the different components of business relate to each other. Use it to decide where to focus time and energy as the business develops. The speaker is Carey McMaster, owner of Traicon, and the webinar is hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre. Using the nine building blocks of the Business Model Canvas, participants will be able to answer a number of questions about customer service and relationships, services that will be provided, revenue streams, key activities and resources.
WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 9-10:30 a.m.
COST: Free
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Starting a Small Business Information Session
This session is delivered by the Small Business Advisory Centre and hosted by Keys Employment Services. Cindy James from the centre will discuss topics including government regulations, ownership types, the importance of a business plan and what it takes to operate a small business. She will also provide an overview of a start-up checklist.
WHEN: Tuesday, October 11, 10-11 a.m.
WHERE: 10 Perth Street, Elgin
COST: Free
To register contact Leanna Thomas at 613-359-1140 or send her an email.
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The Importance of Onboarding
Training is an essential part of a health and safety program. It provides the knowledge and practice to prevent injuries and illness in the workplace. As the employer, you also have a general duty to take every reasonable precaution to protect the health and safety of your workers. A good training program will provide your workers with the knowledge and skill to work safely. Let WSPS guide you in the development of your onboarding program to keep your new and young workers safe!
This workshop, hosted by the Employment + Education Centre, is followed by a quick info session on the Canada Ontario Job Grant!
WHEN: Thursday, October 20, 11 a.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 October 18th edition should be received by Friday, October 7th.
- Submissions for the November 1st edition should be received by Monday, October 24th.
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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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32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
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