Economic Development eNews | April 15, 2025 | | Budding Future for a Real Glass Act | | Photos: main, Michael Gray offers you the perfect pour in a Gray Art Glass; above from top, various styles of handmade drinkware available for purchase; Michael creates a crackle glass ball in the studio; glassblowing activities can be seen from the taproom; the studio awaits patio season. | | |
MERRICKVILLE- The idea to create Gather Brewery and Glassworks was born from a game of Dungeons & Dragons between two Mikes. “After that things happened fast,” said Michael Gray.
"Opening a microbrewery in this economic climate may have been a bit risky," Michael admits. But by adding Merrickville's first brewery to the already successful glassblowing business even had the head of the Ontario Craft Brewers Association convinced it was a recipe destined for success.
Michael is no stranger to craftsmanship. The son of the late, masterful glassblower Kevin Robert Gray, he was blowing glass before the age of 10. Later he studied at Sheridan College and apprenticed in the U.S. before returning home to Merrickville, where he now lives with his young family. Working alongside him is co-owner Mike McFadden.
It’s been under a year since Gather's taproom opened and released its inaugural inhouse beer: Glassblower Volume 1. “The operation has made several changes in order to be more efficient,” said Michael. “We initially started out with a small bar area,” learning and adapting through trial and error. Now, they grow strategically by listening to visitors and putting their suggestions into action. The hub’s popularity continues to grow with locals and tourists. He adds, “I’ve always found the Leeds Grenville community to be incredibly supportive.”
The business is focused on expanding glassblowing workshop offerings. The combination of the taproom and glassblowing appeals to a wide range of guests who try their hand at the craft and enjoy a beverage - with or without alcohol - afterward.
A recent investment to upgrade the kitchen means new, elevated menu items are on the way, creating even more anticipation with new and faithful clients.
This upgrade will help Gather deliver a higher-quality and varied experience. Michael believes in a fun, collaborative environment where staff help shape decisions - from naming beers to developing new experiences and products.
The hub also hosts two clubs: the Mug Club for armchair brew masters and the Wine Club for aspiring sommeliers. Members enjoy special pricing, exclusive events, and a handmade custom-engraved piece of Gray Art glassware for their drinks. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors to gather in the evening,” said Michael. “We have to add more shelves for members’ glasses.”
Gather stays competitive by offering a truly unique experience. Mike and Michael are committed to brewing the highest-quality craft beer possible. Their custom tap system ensures the coldest and cleanest pour, perfecting Gather's taste experience.
Visitors can enjoy tasting a flight in the bar or choose from a variety of cold Ontario-wide craft beer in the cooler to take home. It's a rare offering. If you’re on a 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways self-driving tour, stop in to this Bottle and Barrel Adventures partner.
Michael’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs: “Change is good. It keeps you current, if not cutting edge. It makes you keen to adapt quickly.”
Fun Fact - According to the Corning Museum of Glass, 'gather' also describes the mass of molten glass collected at the end of the blowpipe.
| | Leeds Grenville B2B Wholesale Food & Beverage Tradeshow | | |
Join us for the Leeds Grenville B2B Wholesale Food & Beverage Tradeshow, where local producers and growers connect directly with buyers, retailers, and restaurants. This is your chance to source fresh, high-quality local products, expand your business network, and strengthen our regional supply chain. This show is exclusive to sellers and buyers and is not open to the public.
With growing demand for sustainable, locally sourced goods, and increasing economic uncertainty, building strong local partnerships has never been more important. Whether you're looking to showcase your food and beverage products, discover new suppliers, or explore local sourcing solutions, this event provides a valuable platform for business growth.
Who Should Attend?
This tradeshow is designed for Leeds Grenville businesses that want to source, sell, or showcase local food and beverage products.
- Food & Beverage Producers – Farms, artisan food makers, beverage companies, specialty food brands
- Retailers – Grocery stores, specialty food shops, and other retailers
- Restaurants & Cafés – Independent restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, caterers
- Hospitality & Institutional Buyers – Hotels, schools, hospitals, and other food service organizations
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Discover new business opportunities, strengthen local connections, and be part of the movement to support local. Don’t miss out, register today.
When: May 1, 12:30-3 p.m.
Where: Lansdowne Community Building
1 Jessie Street Lansdowne, ON K0E 1L0
For more information, contact Shelbi McFarlane at shelbi.mcfarlane@uclg.on.ca or call
613-342-3840 x5361.
| | Front of Yonge Adds Two New Business Awards to Celebration | | Cindy Birt of Leading Edge Overhead Doors wins Business of the Year by Award and is congratulated by Committee Member Mike Purcell (l) and Councillor Margaret Fancy (r). | | |
MALLORYTOWN – The achievements of local entrepreneurs were celebrated at the Front of Yonge Annual Business Awards Breakfast, shining a spotlight on the growth, resilience, and commitment of the area's small and family-run businesses.
Business of the Year Award was presented to Leading Edge Overhead Doors. Co-owner Cindy Birt, credited the supportive community for embracing their vision and contributing to the company’s growth. Her husband Chris was away helping family as she announced the business is celebrating its tenth year and will soon expand with a new location in the Smiths Falls area.
| | New Business of the Year Arbru Solar Brewery's Phil Audet and Jenn Gransden, centre, are congratulated by Awards Committee Members Elaine Covey and Mike Purcell. | | |
New Business of the Year Award went to ArBru Solar Brewery, a local enterprise recognized for its environmental commitment and great-tasting beer. Owner Phil Audet and Manager Jenn Gransden thanked the community for their support, acknowledging his father Andre, who was present.
ArBru also received the new award for Environmental Action which recognizes a business dedicated to fostering best practices in sustainability. This year, the brewery’s solar farm will triple their capacity, and with local tree-planting initiatives will help offset the enterprise’s carbon footprint.
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Another new category, Outstanding Contribution to the Front of Yonge Community, honoured Mayure Vadher of Mallorytown Pharmacy for generously lending a giving hand to Front of Yonge in various ways.
This year’s Business of the Year Award nominees included Leading Edge Overhead Doors, Mallorytown Pharmacy, Slate’s Marine Construction, T. Avery Construction Sand and Gravel, and T.J. Guild Marina. Nominees for the New Business of the Year Award included ArBru Solar Brewery, Blackwood Guitar Company, Drawbridge Family Hair Design, and TomBoy Apparel.
Held on April 11th, this marked the fourth edition of the Township's Business Awards, hosted by the Economic Development Committee. Keynote speaker Heather Howard, owner of FoxRun by the River Retirement Residence, 1000 Islands Duty Free, and Johnstown Duty Free, shared insightful business wisdom: “Keep your eyes open for opportunities — they’re around you every single day.”
| | Mayor Roger Haley presents the Community Award to Mayure Vadher of Mallorytown Pharmacy for his generous dedication to Front of Yonge. | | Phil Audet accepts the Environmental Action Award from Advisory Committee Chair John Ambrose for ArBru's commitment to sustainability. | | Merrickville Fudge at Chaiya Decor | Chaiya Decor is the new place for fresh fudge in Merrickville. It's so popular that they sold almost 250 lbs at a recent Ottawa spring trade show. Owner and fudge maker Lisa Card has been very busy in their fudge making facility at 323 St. Lawrence Street in the village. The entire shop has been reconfigured to allow for more delicious Canadian made products. | | | New Quality Inn for Prescott | The 69-room Quality Inn on Prescott's Centre Drive is now open. Owned by Choice Hotels, it offers breakfast, a pool, gym, and meeting rooms. Local businesses, like Prescott Golf Club, are partnering with Stay and Play packages. Quality Inn recently hosted it's first large hockey event - the Leo Boivin Showcase. | | | Kudrinko's Purchases Mercantile | Along with Rosie Yumski's Fine Foods, Kudrinko's announced they have added Lower Mountain Mercantile and Cedar Bridge Ice Cream to their family of companies. The Mercantile has a proud place in the history of Westport as a retail institution. Kudrinko's looks forward to continuing the tradition of value and service at the corner of Bedford and Main. | | | Business Owners! There's Still Time to Receive up to $5000 | |
A few seats still remain for business owners to join the Starter Company Plus program and earn up to $5000 to help with startup and growth costs.*
Are you:
- a new company under 5 years old?
- expanding an existing company?
- buying a business?
- over 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Leeds Grenville?
- working 30+ hours/week in the business, or part time with a plan to be full time in next 6 months?
- working with clients and/or generating an income?
If you answered yes to these questions, you may be eligible to receive step-by-step guidance in Financial Management, Strategic Planning, Market Research and more. Through interactive workshops, coaching and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, you'll gain invaluable insights and build the skills necessary to propel your business forward.
The next cohort of Starter Company Plus starts soon. It's a highly coveted and exclusive program designed to address critical areas and empower entrepreneurs. It is free to participants and offers a comprehensive package of resources to help you successfully run your small business. Contact
Carol Hardy at 613-342-3840 x 5367 to see if you qualify for this round of the program.
*New deadline is this week - end of day, Thursday, April 17th.
| | RTO 9 Call for Board of Director Applications | | |
The RTO 9 Board includes people from parts of Southeastern Ontario with a good mix of experience and skills. While anyone with relevant experience can apply, people with backgrounds in Legal, Accounting, Transportation, Digitization, Automation, Connectivity, and Human Resources are preferred. This mix helps better plan for the future and represent the people who live in and visit the region. There are two positions in the East region this year, plus one At Large position for all of RTO 9. Term lengths vary from two to three years.
If you're interested, download and fill out the Board Application Form, return it with resume to bruddock@region9tourism.ca.
| | Application deadline May 2 at 4 p.m. | | Some applicants will be contacted for interview. Chosen applicants will be announced at the AGM on June 13, 2025. You must attend board training in Kingston on June 20. Registration for the AGM is now open. | | Highway 401 Public Information Session | | |
When: April 23, 2025, 4-7 p.m.
Where: The Royal Canadian Legion
3 Quabbin Road, Mallorytown, Ontario
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The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), with Stantec Consulting Ltd., is conducting a Planning, Preliminary Design, and Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) Study for a 21.6 km section of Highway 401, from west of the Mallorytown Road Interchange to west of the Stewart Boulevard Interchange. The study focuses on the replacement and rehabilitation of bridges and culverts, interchange improvements, and identifying a future highway footprint for six and ultimately eight lanes. The goal is to meet current and future transportation needs while enhancing safety and efficiency in the provincial highway network.
Following the Class EA process for a Group ‘B’ project, the study involves environmental and engineering investigations and engagement with the public and Indigenous communities. The first of two Public Information Centres (PICs) will be held for input in Mallorytown, and will present existing conditions, project justification, and preliminary alternatives. Public feedback will help shape the Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) and future planning.
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Investment Property with Unlimited Potential!
This unique property features three income-generating apartments, a versatile restaurant space with indoor and patio dining, and ample parking. The rental units offer steady income with potential for modernization. The fully equipped restaurant includes a 29-seat sunroom, a 45-seat heritage dining room, and a 73-seat seasonal patio—ideal for eat-in, takeout, or event hosting. With multiple revenue streams and flexible service options, this is a prime opportunity for investors or entrepreneurs looking to maximize returns in a thriving location.
View Map for 64 King Street East, Brockville.
| | Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | | Understanding Financial Statements | |
If you’ve ever wondered where your cash is going, how to read a P&L statement, or why a balance sheet even matters, this session is for you!
Learn how to interpret key financial reports, ask the right questions, and get a clearer picture of your business’s financial health.
When: April 28, 3 p.m.
Presenter: Gisella Theodore, CPA
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | The Importance of Paid Digital Ads | |
Learn why you should consider paid advertising for your business and how you can easily get started. Learn about Google ads, Facebook ads, Facebook pixel, Instagram ads, Targeting audiences, which ads to run for your business, and key terminology in ad platforms. Register in advance.
When: April 29, 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | Destination Bike: Welcoming Cyclists in South Eastern Ontario | |
With incredible road cycling, trails and mountain biking, combined with vibrant, historic communities to stop at along the way, more cyclists are visiting South Eastern Ontario. Getting certified as bicycle friendly will help cyclists find your business or location when planning bike rides and trips. Learn more about how welcoming cyclists is good for business, exciting developments in cycle tourism, and how to get certified as bicycle friendly.
When: May 1, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | The Money Side of Business | |
How do you know if your business is making money? It’s not just about revenue—it’s about profitability, budgeting, and financial planning. Join this advanced session to learn how to determine your most profitable products & customers, why budgeting is crucial for success and how to forecast trends & prepare for the future.
When: May 12, 3 p.m.
Host: Valley Heartland CFDC & CPA Canada
Presenter: Gisella Theodore, CPA
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | United Counties of Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office | | |
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 April 29th, 2025 edition should be received by April 22nd.
- Submissions for the May 13th, 2025 edition should be received by May 5th.
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