Celebrating National Tourism Week April 15 - 19 | |
Economic Development eNews | April 16, 2024 | |
|
Natural Beauty, Rural Retreat
MALLORYTOWN - In the beautifully natural Leeds and the Thousand Islands Township lies a piece of land that has been chosen as a sanctuary for peace: Nature's Elements Wellness.
It’s “a long-time dream-come-true,” says Tania (Tan) Deluis the proprietor of the facility. The business is located on Rockfield Road, appropriately named for the natural granite outcroppings featured throughout the grounds of the retreat.
Customarily, shoeless clients enter the Asian inspired foyer with its folding screens, greenery, and soothing features that set the tone. The feeling is serene and the design is minimal. Two separate changing/washroom facilities are available for your privacy. Natural light floods the studio. Gazing past the cork mats and high windows, you peer through a large framed garage style door and are drawn into the beauty of the exterior space.
Outside, the freshness of the construction is inviting. The country air, water features and structures are presented in a logical plan that meanders via the wooden boardwalk. Nature’s Elements Wellness’ program of treatments combine both cooling and warming techniques that possess deep health benefits. “Each spa experience is guided by Dan and me”, says Tan as she places her bare foot on the earth for the purpose of grounding.
The business philosophy is based on the elements of heat, cold, light and sound. Experiences offered include Hatha yoga, a thermal spa experience and wellness workshops on weekends. Fire and Ice events occur on the last Friday of each month which include guided breath work with a sound bath followed by sauna and cold dipping. The first Fire and Ice experience is coming up on April 26th from 7 - 9 p.m.
"We offer rental opportunities and corporate stress reduction workshops available Monday through Friday," Tan adds, mentioning that the facility can host up to 20 clients at one time. Other therapies include quiet meditation, soothing red-light therapy and fire relaxation. Forest bathing includes relaxing hikes through the trails and a possible visit to the Mala Tree.
Dan and Tan have many years of experience in the wellness industry. Both have extensive experience instructing yoga and Dan specializes in breathwork. Many may recognize them from Subramanya in Brockville. The couple have both been educated by and lived with swamis. "We deeply appreciate our community and the support they have shown us," Tan says.
The couple also brands their own line of apparel. Tribe of Weirdos is a drop-ship print business. Dan who has over 339,000 followers from around the world on Instagram is known for his mantra, 'Protect Your Peace.' Join the Tribe, pick your apparel and 'Stay Weird.' they encourage.
Tan reminds herself daily with the mantra, “Nothing is permanent,” she says, by becoming accustomed to change, it will become welcomed. Nature's Elements Wellness retreat is a place to welcome kindred spirits on the journey to wellness, a place to disconnect from the fast paced world we live in and connect with Mother Nature.
| Find Nature's Elements Wellness at 103 Rockfield Road, call 613-659-3353, email, visit the website, book online and on Facebook. | |
Top photo: Tania Deluis invites you to warm up in the 8 person barrel sauna. | |
Above: The yoga studio; a view of the facilities
Below: Infra red light cabin with ice baths; inside the infra red light cabin; bottom, relaxation area
| |
Rideau Lakes Business Award Recipients Recognized | |
Photo: Arie Hoogenboom, Mayor of Rideau Lakes with award winners Jessie and Kody White of Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage; Scott Brown and Matt Parkinson of Rideau Carpentry and Construction; and Jen Pryal of Recess Café, with M.P.P. Steve Clark and M.P. Michael Barrett. | |
|
ELGIN - The Rideau Lakes Township Business of the Year is Rideau Carpentry and Construction.
The partnership between Scott Brown and Matt Parkinson is about to celebrate it's four year mark. They began offering construction services just prior to the Pandemic, and have been growing steadily since. "A good portion of our work is purpose driven", says Scott. Much of their enterprises' energy goes into building large scale, high-demand public infrastructure like shelters and housing projects across southern and eastern Ontario. Aside from their regular project workload, they donate skills and materials to community projects. This makes the work much more worthwhile.
Recess Café is the recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award. "We are just blown away by the response to our little shop from the community," Jen says with a gracious smile. Located in a former school in Portland, the themed café serves up a menu of scrumptious breakfast and lunch dishes as well as delectable desserts and beverages. Quality is of high regard and is evident in the menu and their customer service. The combined efforts of Jen Pryal and Tim McMichael is a recipe that is bound to be delicious.
The Young Entrepreneur Award goes to siblings Jessie and Kody White from Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage. Stoodley's specializes in delicious food, featuring fresh local ingredients prepared in house daily. "We are overwhelmed by the supportive community," Jessie said. Brother Kody added this about starting a business while young, "it's a new aspect not to underestimate youth and what they can accomplish."
A total of thirty-four businesses were recognized for their contributions to the Community. Also, a new Rideau Lakes investment attraction video was introduced at the ceremony.
| |
Businesses Celebrated at Front of Yonge Awards | |
Photo: Mike Purcell, member of Awards Committee; Business of the Year winners Matt, Corey and Ellen Roth of Corell Custom Cabinetry; Christina and Darrell Connell of Balleycanoe Naturals, and Elaine Covey, Awards Committee member. | |
MALLORYTOWN - Front of Yonge gathered for their Business Awards event to celebrate successes as family-owned enterprises took home top honours.
Corell Custom Cabinetry is the recipient of the Business of the Year Award. For decades, the family-owned business located on Lake Street has been creating quality and affordable kitchen, bathroom, and custom cabinetry work. Their growth is directly attributed to the close-knit community, with referrals and word-of-mouth being keys to their success. Owners Corey and Ellen Roth showed thanks to the staff, all fifteen attending the event. Corey then thanked clients and the community, turned to Ellen and added, "I appreciate you," recognizing her years of dedication. The couple is currently transitioning the business over to their son Matt, who was present to share in their award.
The New Business of the Year Award was presented to Balleycanoe Naturals. Owners Christina and Darrell Connell provide unique beekeeping services and all-natural products at affordable prices. They sell nucleus colonies and queen bees, and produce honey and beeswax products that are available online and at their local business. "The community has been great in supporting small businesses," Christina noted as she accepted the award with Darrell.
Held on April 12th, the Township's Community Development Committee hosted its third event that has doubled in size over last year.
| |
Starter Company Plus Cultivates Strong Business Network | |
Photo: Back Row: Carol Hardy (Small Business Program Assistant), Amy Wagner, Brandon Ward, and Denzel Maradza. Front Row: Michael Degrazia, Nicole Hudson, Kim Goodman, Alexandra Stobo, Julie Woito, Andrea Empey, Carolyn McGillis, Jeanette Johnston (Small Business Development Officer).
Absent from photo: Dana Collings, Yvonne Joudoin, Samantha Macuzzi.
| |
PRESCOTT - The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is supporting 13 small businesses through the Starter Company Plus program by providing them a solid foundation to grow their business.
Companies have completed training on the fundamentals of business, creating a business plan
and understanding cash flows. The 4-month program includes one-on-one guidance from advisors and group work with mentors in the community. The program also provides a grant between $1,000 and
$5,000 that is put toward their business needs.
The businesses are from various sectors, including health services, trades and food services and
are located throughout the region – Athens, Brockville, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Leeds and the
Thousand Islands, North Grenville and Prescott. See full details about these businesses in the 2024 Starter Company Plus Media Release.
Program participants including business website links:
| |
|
“This is the 16th cohort of the program since 2015,” said Jeanette Johnston, Small Business
Development Officer with the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office. “We are excited to
support these strong businesses in their growth and development.”
Throughout the year, Counties Small Business staff provide free consultations, tools, resources, events and
workshops to support small businesses in the region. The program is an integral component of the economic strategy aimed at bolstering entrepreneurship.
The Small Business Enterprise Centre program is funded by the Province of Ontario,
and in part by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the City of Brockville. The next round of Starter Company Plus will be follow shortly, in spring/summer of 2024. For more information, visit the webpage.
| |
Be Your Own BOSS This SUMMER! | | |
|
|
Learn how to run your own student business - it is one of the best summer jobs you will ever have!! Local business leaders help you get your business up and running. Training is provided in business management, sales, marketing, invoicing, bookkeeping, customer relations and much more.
The program provides $3,000 when you kick-off your new business and complete the summer.
| |
Applicants must be between the ages of 15-29 and returning to school. Limited number of applications accepted. For full program and eligibility details, application and contact information visit the website. | | | |
Application deadline is Sunday, May 5th. | | |
Business Consults
Small Business can help you identify marketplace opportunities, write an effective business plan, assist with government regulations, licensing information and source finances. Book your free 45 minute session, consults are flexible and offered at both Smiths Falls and Brockville office locations.
| |
|
North Grenville Appointments
Host: Leeds Grenville Small Business
When: April 23, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: North Grenville Municipal Centre,
285 County Road 44, Kemptville, Ontario
| |
Regional Business Survey Report | |
|
The 2024 Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Business Survey Report is now available.
With a regional 8% response rate, businesses from all 13 municipalities completed the survey, that has resulted in reports for each municipality. All survey results are available on the Counties Economic Development Reports webpage.
Over 96% of businesses completing the survey are considered small businesses with under 50 employees. Top survey respondents came from the industry sectors of Retail Trade, Food Services and Construction followed by the Agriculture, Forestry, Fish and Hunting sector. These numbers are reflective of the regional economic fabric. “The number of small businesses in the region is significant and shopping local is critical to our economy,” says Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. “Together with our major employers in the manufacturing and logistics sectors, we have a strong diverse economy.”
The 2024 survey shows two-thirds of businesses are neutral or confident about the strength of the economy overall. In the last couple of years, just over 77% have experienced no change or growth in their business. The largest challenges for businesses remain increased product prices and overhead costs along with attracting new employees.
The promotion of the regional business survey was a collaborative effort by the region’s Business Support Working Group that is composed of all 13 municipalities, MP / MPP offices, Community Future Development Corporations, Small Business Centres, BIAs, Employment Services and other Business and Education agencies.
“A special thank you to the businesses who took the time to complete the survey. Your feedback and input to future plans is greatly appreciated,” says Ann Weir.
There are many programs and services businesses can access for help and support. Any business that requested support on the survey will be contacted over the next couple of weeks. If your business would like to request assistance, Shelbi McFarlane, Business Development Officer, is available at 613-342-3840 ext. 5361 or by email.
| |
|
Maple & Rose Best Corporate Retreat
Congratulations to Merrickville's Maple & Rose Luxury Accommodation for being voted as the Ottawa Faces Magazine's Best Corporate Retreat in the Leisure and Tourism category. Maple & Rose is a whole home accommodation that sleeps up to 16 guests experience in the heart of Merrickville, Ontario carefully combining preserved historic details with modern amenities and luxury finishes.
| |
| |
RTO9 Seeking East Board Members | For more information contact Bonnie Ruddock via email or to apply. | |
|
Bring your leadership skills to RTO9. Positions will be filled at the 2024 AGM, two of the positions will be selected from the East Region Board and will fulfill a three-year term ending in 2027.
While all experience/skillsets will be considered, the Board are specifically in need of Finance/Accounting & Legal and would welcome applicants with this experience. RTO9 will continue to have broad representation from the geographic regions within South Eastern Ontario while encouraging applications from inside and outside of the tourism field and potentially outside of the region.
Application deadline May 16 at 4 p.m.
| |
Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
Why Businesses Fail
Presenter: Kevin Savoy, Business Coach, Bynan Business Solutions
Learn tips and techniques to avoid pitfalls any business owner faces. Cover ways to avoid landmines and successfully maneuver a business.
Host: North Grenville Chamber of Commerce
When: April 24, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Where: Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colonnade Drive, Kemptville
Cost: Chamber members $30, Non-Chamber members $40
| |
|
New Exporters to Border States (NEBS)
Presenter: Government of Ontario
The Government of Ontario, in collaboration with the Trade Commissioner Service, is hosting a webinar that will be of interest to Ontario companies in diverse sectors interested in entering and/or expanding their current business in the US market.
The speakers will include representatives from Global Affairs Canada, Mohawk Global, DBA Accounting, Fiegel, Carr & Joyce Law Firm and Borderworks who will provide information about the following topics:
- U.S. immigration and business visa requirements;
- Federal and state tax liability issues;
- Currency exchange strategies;
- Corporate and legal considerations
- U.S. customs clearance documentation requirements
- Logistics and warehousing
- Advice about how to prepare for US market entry will be addressed
- The webinar will be of particular interest to all companies planning to enter or grow their actual business in the US.
Host: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
When: April 30, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| |
|
Transitioning from Employment to Entrepreneurship Later in Life
Presenter: Wendy Mayhew
Everyone at some point in their life has either wanted to start a business or had an idea to improve an existing product or service. If you are serious about exploring or taking the steps, this presentation will provide you with information on what starting and running a business entails and what you bring to the business. It will assist you with deciding if it is time to join others worldwide who have become part of the fastest-growing segment of entrepreneurship in the world – those over 50!
Host: Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation
When: April 30, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Valley Heartland Innovation Centre, 91 Cornelia St W Smiths Falls
Cost: $10
| |
|
Employment Standards Act
What Employers Need to Know
Presenter: Jason Bouchard, Regional Program Coordinator for the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Employment Standards Program
Jason will deliver a presentation on Employment Standards for employers, including a review and discussion of the major standards of the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the responsibilities of an employer, and the role of an Employment Standards Officer in an Employment Standards investigation and/or inspection.
Host: Hosted by Small Business Advisory Centre
When: May 6, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| |
|
Burnout & Stress Management
Presenter: SkillsCamp
Stress, and the resulting burnout, have been called the “health epidemic of the 21st century” by the World Health Organization and is estimated to cost American businesses up to $300 billion a year. This workshop will investigate the stages of burnout, how to prevent burnout, and stress management strategies to continue to be a high performer.
Host: Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation
When: May 7, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Where: Valley Heartland Innovation Centre, 91 Cornelia St W Smiths Falls
Cost: Free
| |
|
New Exporters of Technologies and Services to the U.S. (NETSUS)
Presenter: Government of Ontario
The Ontario government, in partnership with the Trade Commissioner Service, is pleased to host a new exporter preparation session built for Ontario technology and services companies.
The New Exporters of Technologies and Services to the United States (NETSUS) Program builds on an ever-popular New Exporters to Border States (NEBS) Program, which has been helping Ontario companies for 30+ years. Company participants in NETSUS will hear from experts and get to ask questions on topics related to selling non-physical products and services.
Host: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
When: May 8, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| |
|
| Date | Day | Event (*Local) | Link | | 26 - 27 | Fri - Sat | *North Grenville Spring Home & Trade Show | Website | | |
|
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 30th edition should be received by April 22nd.
- Submissions for the May 14th edition should be received by May 6th.
| | | | |
