Economic Development eNews | September 5, 2023 | |
Custom Decor Celebrates 40
TINCAP - If you love beautifying your home, chances are you've worked with the Custom Decor Carpet One Floor and Home team.
This respected multi-generational family business is celebrating an amazing 40 years of operation. They install flooring for the entire home, window treatments, full kitchen and bath renovations, accents and the sale of Benjamin Moore paints to brighten all of your spaces.
"We have been the resource for change for most homes in Brockville and area for decades," says owner Matt VanderBaaren. "That's the pride we have in our business."
Matt took the reins from his parents, Ed and Jane, when they retired a few years ago. Ed and Jane first opened the retail business in 1983. They moved to the current location in Elizabethtown-Kitley Township in 1997, more than 25 years ago. Matt has been involved with the business since childhood. He spent time away training in many aspects of the home improvement sector and returned "home" full-time 14 years ago. Succession planning began soon after.
Matt is committed to keeping Custom Decor on the cutting edge with the newest in home decor options. Next month the County Road 29 operation will be launching its simplified in-store and online experience called Room by Room.
"This experience is going to take the difficulty away from finding the right product for your space," says Matt. "We're also here to answer any of your flooring and decorating questions."
Having good staff is also very important, according to Matt. "We have a fantastic team that is growing," he says, adding he is looking at expanding and hiring.
Flooring services include hardwood, tile, luxury vinyl and carpet installation. They provide full bathroom renovations including custom vanities as well as conversions to showers. Their large showroom has a large selection of showers, tubs, toilets, sinks and taps. To complete your room renovation, they offer window treatments as well. Custom Decor is an approved retailer for most large insurance companies.
Custom Decor is also known for its community involvement. Most recently, Matt has been involved with the Family Day Weekend Brockville Winter Classic, which last year raised $1.5-million. The Winter Classic group was formed 7 years ago to help numerous community projects and support small business.
"Brockville and Area has given us a lot of opportunity both in business and in community groups and engagement," says Matt. "We like to give back."
Learn more about Custom Decor by visiting their website and Facebook page, send them an email, call 613-342-8090 or visit their location at 3011 County Road 29 (Highway 29) on the outskirts of Brockville.
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Top feature photo: The Custom Decor Carpet One team led by Matt VanderBaaren (holding pup Maggie). The team from left: Carrie Kizell, Matt, Jason Harmsma, Emily Sprague, Matt Seaman, Robin Canton, Chris Daubney and Doug McKeown. | Above: Matt looking at plans; Below: Carrie with shower and bath selections; Emily in the flooring department. | | |
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Fresh Baked Adventures Featured in "Ottawa Road Trips" Blog
The summer might be coming to an end soon but thankfully delicious baked goods are available across the region all year round!
Plan your next road trip to experience the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways Fresh Baked Adventures. This local self-driving tour showcases a mix of 12 area bakeries and 6 cafés known for their made-in-house baked goods - from cupcakes to croissants, scones to squares, and everything in between!
This local tour was recently featured on the travel blog "Ottawa Road Trips.” The 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways tourism region is curated by the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office.
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Popular Area Spots Highlighted on blogTO
RTO 9 (Regional Tourism Organization) is doing a promotional campaign with blogTO to film culinary Instagram reels in the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region.
Briana-Lynn Brieiro, Social Video Reporter from blogTO, filmed at three Leeds Grenville locations, including Grahame’s Bakery in Kemptville (top photo at left), Yellow Canoe Café in Merrickville (bottom photo at left) and Scheuermann Vineyard & Winery in Westport.
The videos will be featured on blogTO on September 13th. blogTO is one of Toronto’s top sources for local news, culture, travel and restaurant reviews.
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Artist Fiona Macintyre Shares her Digital Adoption Experience
Fiona Macintyre is an independent jeweller, designer and craftsperson who opened her Merrickville studio in 2017. The owner of Fiona Macintyre Design is a long-time participant in the Digital Main Street program, receiving the Digital Transformation and the Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) Grow Your Business Online Grants.
“I have been able to update my Point-of-Sale system here in the shop with hardware that I needed," Fiona said of how the grants enhanced operations. These upgrades have improved customer accessibility as well as streamlined the process of keeping Fiona's web shop up to date.
"I have also taken on some accounting software to help me out and hired a professional photographer to do photography that I can use on my website," she said.
Free hands-on support with a digital specialist has been beneficial as well, she said. "I have done consultations where I found out about social media marketing and website improvements. It’s given me confidence to take on a lot of these things myself and learn so I can continue with them going forward," she said.
| There is still time to apply for the $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant (program ends September 30th) and you can book a free consultation with the Digital Specialist to get you started on your path of upgrading your businesses online presence. For more information on the program, visit our Digital Services webpage. | |
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Attention Employers: Labour Shortage Survey
Are you losing business because you cannot find workers? Are you having trouble finding qualified people to fill your jobs? If the answer is yes to these questions then take a few minutes to complete this brief survey to determine the needs in this area and to help identify solutions that can help you. The Eastern Workforce Innovation Board (EWIB), in collaboration with local community partners, is conducting this survey in the counties of Leeds Grenville and Frontenac.
This survey has 7 questions and should only take about 10 minutes of your time. The Board will also be conducting on-line and telephone surveys with employers in the area from September 1st to October 15th.
The Survey Deadline is Sunday, October 15th.
If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Labour Market Information Analyst Consultant Sandra Wright at (613) 572-3366.
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Find New Employees for Your Team
Are you hiring? Find new team members at the 2023 Fall Hiring Fair on Wednesday, October 4th.
The Hiring Fair will be held at the Brockville Memorial Centre and is targeting all individuals, from youth to adults. There will be part-time, full-time and student positions. The event is made possible through a partnership between the City of Brockville, the Employment + Education Centre (EEC) and St Lawrence College.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 4, 3-6 p.m.
WHERE: Brockville Memorial Civic Centre, 100 Magedoma Boulevard, Brockville
COST: Free
Employer booths are free but spots are filling up quickly. To secure a spot or for more information, contact Teanne at EEC via email or call 613-803-9771.
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Starter Company Plus Information Sessions
The next cohort of Starter Company Plus starts in January 2024, with the application process beginning this month. This program, which is free to participants, offers a comprehensive package of support and resources to help you navigate the challenges of running a business successfully.
In order to receive an application for Starter Company Plus, you must first attend one of the online Information Sessions. You will learn more about the program, eligibility, dates, and any other requirements. The sessions help you determine if this program is right for you and your business. At the end of the Information Session, you will be able to request an application.
The deadline for the application will be at the end of October 2023. All the dates and information you need to know about the program will be given to you at the Information Session.
Online Information Session Dates:
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For more information contact Carol Hardy via email or call 613-342-3840, ext. 5367, and visit the website. | |
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Nominate a Leader in Your Community
The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is asking individuals, municipal councils and economic development committees for their help to nominate candidates for the annual Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership.
The award winner will be announced prior to the Economic Development Summit on November 17th and will be officially honoured at the event. Nominees will be recognized at a local municipal presentation by the Warden.
If you have someone in mind within the 10-member municipalities of Leeds Grenville, consider putting their name forward.
You can connect with us at econdev@uclg.on.ca or call Deanna Clark at 613-342-3840, ext. 5360.
The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, September 22, at 4 p.m. For more information visit our Summit 2023 webpage.
Nomination form
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Augusta Township Calling for Business Award Nominations
Augusta Township is looking for nominations for its upcoming Business and New Business of the Year Awards event. Now is your opportunity to recognize a deserving business and be entered into a draw to win one of two gift cards.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 13th.
The nomination page will be live tomorrow on Wednesday, September 6th. For more information, visit the township website.
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Small Business Consultations | |
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Free In-person Business Consultations
Starting your own business poses questions, challenges, and uncertainty. Leeds Grenville Small Business can help you analyze your business situation and help you identify opportunities in the marketplace.
They can also help you with market research, writing an effective business plan structure, government regulations, licensing information and sourcing finances.
This September, they are offering free 45-minute, in-person business consultations in 3 Leeds Grenville communities to answer your questions and give you guidance on what steps to take next.
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RTO9 Annual Tourism Summit - Tourism Reimagined
As the Ontario tourism industry continues it's recovery, RTO9 (Regional Tourism Organization) is looking into local tourism and how operators have reimagined their offerings to weather the storm and come out the other side stronger than ever. Listen to panel discussions on Agritourism, Rural vs. Metropolitan Tourism, and Provincial and National Sector leaders as they discuss advocacy and marketing. Hear from keynote speakers as they share their experience and knowledge from working within the Ontario tourism industry. Celebrate our amazing Makers by visiting the always popular Marketplace to sample and purchase one of a kind products from around the region. Lunch will be included.
WHEN: Friday, September 8, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront, 2 Princess Street, Kingston
COST: $27.96
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
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Designing Graphics for Social Media with Canva
Are you using Canva? Have you learned all the new tools from Canva? This webinar will focus on developing the skills and knowledge you need to effectively utilize Canva, an online graphic design tool, to design beautiful images and graphics for use on your social media channels.
Topics include: Canva account set-up, time-saving tips and tricks, as well as basic design strategies. This session is presented by JBC Pushing Digital Boundaries.
WHEN: Thursday, September 14,10-11 a.m. online
COST: Free
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Welcoming the 2SLGBTQAI+ Community
Learn how to put meaningful practices in place to ensure LGBTQ2AI+ travellers have an inclusive and positive experience with you.
This workshop is designed to help businesses learn how to effectively understand, value and serve your LGBTQ2AI+ employees and customers. Learn ways your business can become more inclusive to one of the world's largest travel markets by addressing the needs of both your internal team who identify as LGBTQ2AI+ as well as potential LGBTQ2AI+ customers. Attendees will also hear about programs offered by Canada's Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce that will assist you in working with this market. This is an engaging workshop with a working lunch. Hosted by RTO9 and CGLCC - Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 19, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (includes working lunch)
WHERE: Gananoque Curling Club, 300 William Street South, Gananoque
COST: Free
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Free tax help for small business or self-employed individuals
If you have tax-related questions, here is your chance to get them answered! Join this webinar hosted by United Counties of Leeds and Grenville - Small Business with Liaison Officers from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to help you understand your tax obligations and learn about:
- General bookkeeping concepts and best practices
- Explain common tax errors
- Demonstrate how to use financial benchmarks for relevant industries
- Provide information on CRA’s services
WHEN: Tuesday, September 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
COST: Free
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Brand Mastery & Social Strategy: Bringing Your Brand to Life on Social Media
This two-part workshop hosted by Leeds Grenville - Small Business features local marketing experts, Ryan Gencarelli and Lyndsay Bigley, will have you feeling re-energized about your online presence.
Build a Strong Brand:
Ryan leads this hands-on session to shed light on what branding is all about and will help you clarify your ideal customer. This is a must-attend session before sharing your brand with the world. There will be time allocated to actively work on your brand.
Social Media Content Planning
Building upon Ryan's branding session, Lyndsay Bigley's social media content planning session will help bring your brand strategy to life on social media. Create a library of engaging social media content ideas and unleash the power of AI to help streamline your social media processes!
WHEN: Thursday, October 12, 8:30-11 a.m.
WHERE: Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colonnade Drive, Kemptville
COST: $25 per person
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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 September 19th edition should be received by Monday, September 11th.
- Submissions for the October 3rd edition should be received by Monday, September 25th.
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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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