Economic Development eNews | August 20, 2024 | |
Decades Serving Up Deliciousness | |
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ATHENS - The 45-year-old secret to Ben’s Country Canteen is the way they make their french fries.
Marking over four decades in business, the Gray family continues to do right by their hungry customers. “We’ve been doing this for so long, we wear out fryers,” says founder Dianne, a.k.a. the Athens Chip Wagon Lady, as she reflects.
Starting the business with a partner in 1979, they used a 1956 bus and situated it by the park on Main Street. The company got its name right off the side of the old bus. “Ben’s was already there, so we kept it,” says Dianne, shrugging.
“Eventually, people would line up for my food,” she adds, “I had no idea the business would last this long.” Her son Phil decided to trade his mental health nursing career to manage the business full-time. “I’ve peeled a lot of potatoes!” he says, adding, "it's definitely not your typical day job." The thing Dianne and Phil both agree on is that being your own boss is the number one benefit.
Hilary, Phil’s daughter and the third generation, was also raised around the business. She is the future, becoming more involved in administrative duties as she takes on bookkeeping responsibilities. Team members Sandra McManus and Yvonne Jarvis have been consistently delivering high quality food for over 32 years. Their loyalty speaks volumes regarding employee retention.
Running in at a close second place is chicken fingers and fries, but the most popular item on the menu is poutine, having Ben’s famous fresh-cut fries as the base. There’s a trick to their preparation that makes them crispy on the outside and steamy-soft on the inside. When asked what that secret was, Phil smiled and said coyly, “No, I’m not giving that out.”
The key is to make everything fresh and keep it very clean. It’s evident that the family takes pride in their reputation. The truck is thoroughly cleaned and fully stocked prior to each shift, the routine has rarely deviated.
“Customers come from all over, from our regular students to seasonal cottagers, visitors, and bridal parties. Some arrive by horse and tractor, some drive from Ottawa, and even by helicopter,” says Phil.
Phil says sales have normalized since the pandemic. "We're back to what sales were before 2020." They saw an upswing in revenue due to the fact people could take a small trip for something to do and safely order good food.
Each season begins by opening the big red trailer in April and wraps up in October just prior to Halloween. Each year, locals look forward to the chip truck opening to kick-start the warmer summer season.
This year they mark almost twenty years at the Henry Street location on the family property. A new last-call has been initiated. Final orders are taken by 6:45 p.m., closing at 7 p.m. sharp. This signals to the hard working chip wagon ladies that it’s time to switch off the fryers, cool down in the evening after the day’s heat, and rest knowing that tomorrow will offer more opportunities to fill tummies and make smiles.
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Main photo: Three generations of the Gray family - Phil, Dianne and Hilary in front of Ben's unmistakable bright red food truck. | Photos: top, PEI potatoes peeled right on-site; Ben's popular crisp, fresh-cut fries; customers Laura and Ben Winters enjoy lunch in the covered picnic area; Ben's unmistakable bright red truck; young Phil at the Athens Chipwagon. | |
Thake Award Nominations Due in 4 Weeks!
Do you know a person who volunteers their time to help grow and develop your municipality's economic vitality or tourism appeal? The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is asking individuals, municipal councils and economic development committees 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 and will be officially honoured at the event on November 22nd.
If you have someone in mind within the 10-member municipalities of Leeds Grenville, consider putting their name forward. Connect with us at econdev@uclg.on.ca or call Shelbi McFarlane at 613-342-3840 ext. 5361.
For more information visit our Summit 2024 webpage.
Deadline to submit nominations is Friday, September 20, at 4 p.m.
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Immigration Partnership Launches New Website | |
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The St. Lawrence-Rideau Immigration Partnership has launched their new website. It includes information about their initiatives, who they are, and what they do.
The Partnership's mission is committed to building local capacity to attract, settle, and integrate immigrants in Leeds and Grenville through research, service coordination and planning, and advancing opportunities to create welcoming communities. The purpose of this website redevelopment is to make it easier to learn and share more about the collaborative organization.
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Support for Businesses Looking to Create Affordable Housing | |
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The Leeds Grenville Affordable Housing Development Lab is a new initiative aimed at supporting small businesses with a community focus, who lack experience in housing development.
The program offers a no-cost feasibility assessment and development plan to help businesses move forward with affordable housing construction projects in Leeds and Grenville. The Lab was created to address the growing need for affordable housing in the region.
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The program is particularly targeted at businesses (including municipalities and not-for-profits) that have suitable land and a desire to help but lack the necessary expertise to turn their ideas into viable projects. Participants will receive expert advice to create financially viable business plans. Eligible projects must aim to create long-term affordable housing within Leeds Grenville.
Applications will be accepted from August 13th to September 13th, 2024. Funding is provided by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the program's goals. For more information or to apply, visit the website or contact Caroline Rigutto, Affordable Housing Coordinator, at 613-342-3840 ext. 2327 or toll free at 1-800-267-8146 ext. 2327.
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Starter Company PLUS Intake Now Open! | |
This program offers free comprehensive support and resources to help small business navigate challenges successfully. Receive step-by-step guidance in financial management, strategic planning, market research, and more. Through coaching, interactive workshops and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, you'll gain invaluable insights and build essential business skills. In addition, a business can receive up to $5,000 in funding.
To be eligible a business must attend a mandatory information session that will provide further program information, and insight on the time commitment required. At the end of the session an application can be requested.
This program cohort will run from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 and is open to businesses in Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Gananoque, Front of Yonge, Athens, Elizabethtown-Kitley (south of Toledo), Brockville, Augusta, Prescott, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, and North Grenville.
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Sessions:
August 27, 4-5 p.m.
or
September 4, 12-1 p.m.
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Foodie Shop Thanks Customers
The Butcher Shop, one of the delicious stops on the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways Foodie Shop tour is commemorating 25 years of business by gifting each customer at their location a free koozie. Pick up yours while supplies last, and continue your Foodie tour by visiting these delicious stops:
Healthily Ever After, Mrs. McGarrigle's Fine Food Shop, Pickle & Myrrh, Little Barcelona, Hall's Apple Market, Luke's European Style Market, Lighthouse Provisions, Ridgeway Confections, Wendy's Country Market, Forfar Dairy, and Rosie Yumski's Fine Foods.
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Lakeline Lodge Gets 2025 AGCO Approval
After months of planning and preparation, the store at Lakeline Lodge will be an Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) licensed location beginning in April, 2025. Becoming a one-stop dock shop at their Charleston Lake location is convenient news for their patrons, giving them more time at the lake. Lakeside Convenience prides themselves on providing great customer service and soon a variety of beer, wine, coolers and ciders for their responsible enjoyment. Check their Facebook page for updates.
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Accessing Municipal Community Improvement Plan Funding
Community Improvement Plan programs (CIPs) are funds used to support business upgrades. Individual municipalities may designate a portion of the annual budget for CIPs. Funds are available through an application process to private property owners to help offset project costs that achieve community planning and development goals. They emphasize business sustainability, increases local investment, and helps support job creation. CIP funding varies by municipality, location, type and timing. Listed here are local programs with links to their respective information:
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Canadian Digital Adoption Program Update
The Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) assists small and medium-sized enterprises adopt digital technologies. The Grow Your Business Online grant up to $2400 will only accept new applications until September 30th. Contact your local service provider to submit an application. The Canada Digital Adoption Program is scheduled to end on March 31, 2025.
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Skills Development Fund Training Stream
The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream offers funding to organizations for innovative projects that address challenges to hiring, training, or retaining workers, including apprentices, to drive Ontario's economic growth.
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The SDF Training Stream support projects that:
- address the labour shortage and stimulate growth in key sectors of Ontario’s economy.
- will increase Ontario's long-term economic competitive advantage by creating a sustainable and resilient workforce.
- help people with prior involvement in the criminal justice system, racialized persons and Indigenous peoples, those with disabilities, and others facing barriers to employment.
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
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Rethinking Experience Development in Canada's Destinations
Local communities are seeking sustainable revitalization and innovative solutions to attract the right guests. In response, destinations, organizations and individuals have been crafting and offering unique storytelling-based experiences in rural areas. Share best practices in rural experience development, become informed, inspired and empowered to create regenerative travel experiences rooted in your community.
Host: Destination Canada
When: September 12, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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SEe ON Summit:
Envision Tourism Growth
Annual Tourism Summit: Thursday, Sept 12
Sustainable Tourism Summit: Friday, Sept 13
Both days feature incredible speakers, forward thinking ideas and inspiration to spark creativity and help envision tourism growth in South Eastern Ontario. Join in the evening of September 12 for a free networking reception for attendees of the SEe ON Summit.
Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9
When: September 12-13, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Double Tree Hilton, Kingston
Cost: Both days - $65.23, Either Day 1 or Day 2 - $38.61
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Crafting Audiences with Mailchimp
Gain the knowledge and skills to harness Mailchimp's audience management capabilities. Learn about audience segmentation in email marketing and how it contributes to improved campaign performance. Learn to create and manage audience lists and how to segment audiences based on various criteria.
Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9
Presenter: Jennifer Baker, JBC Consulting
When: September 10, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Social Media 101
Designed for beginners, this session covers everything from setting up profiles to strategies for engaging your audience. You will be guided through the current landscape of social media, highlighting key features, benefits, and tips for effectively navigating platforms.
Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9
Presenter: Karine Parthenais, Mellow Brew Marketing
When: September 17, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Also available in French - September 19, 2024.
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Create Newsletters with Mailchimp
Receive guidance through the process of creating impactful newsletters. Gain valuable insights into best practices, design techniques, and email marketing strategies. Create attractive templates that align with your brand, craft compelling content that resonates with your subscribers, and optimize newsletters for maximum engagement.
Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9
Presenter: Jennifer Baker, JBC Consulting
When: October 3, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Create Engaging Content
Take your social media content to the next level. Craft compelling posts that can differentiate you. Identify your unique brand voice utilizing visuals and storytelling techniques that effectively captivate your audience. Create posts that encourage interaction and loyalty from your followers.
Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9
Presenter: Karine Parthenais, Mellow Brew Marketing
When: October 15, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Also available in French - October 17, 2024.
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| Bridges to Better Business | October 24, 2024 | MERC Hall, Augusta | | Brockville Tourism Symposium | November 18, 2024 | Brockville Arts Centre | | Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit | November 22, 2024 | North Grenville Municipal Centre | | |
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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 3rd edition should be received by August 26th.
- Submissions for the September 17th edition should be received by September 9th.
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United Counties of Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office | | | | |
