Economic Development eNews | February 4, 2025 | |
High-end Cabinetmaker Knows the Drill | |
Photos: top, Glenda and Chris in the onsite-showroom; above, from top: an example of custom kitchen cabinets; the CNC machine; a custom bar; a unique branded cutting board gift accompanies completed kitchens. | |
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AUGUSTA - Step into the bright and cheery showroom of Chris Graham Custom Cabinets Plus, and you’ll immediately notice the care and precision that go into crafting masterful storage solutions. The samples are immaculately displayed and thoughtfully arranged. “We are constantly updating,” says spouse Glenda who manages bookkeeping and quality control.
Recognized by homeowners, contractors, and businesses for his decades of expertise as a cabinet maker, Chris Graham specializes in the complete process: designing, manufacturing, and installing custom kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, vanities, butcher block countertops, wall units, closets, and fireplace mantels. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a highly skilled tradesman and values the word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients. He typically books projects four months in advance.
“He’s a very detail-oriented person,” adds Glenda. This dedication to quality has also led to increased demand for his small hand-crafted furniture and intricate tribute urns.
In 2018, Chris and Glenda moved from Brockville to their property in Augusta. “It was a year of change,” Chris recalls. Glenda adds, “We lived in a trailer on the property while Chris led the renovations on our home.” Chris also attended the Leeds Grenville Small Business Starter Company Plus program during this time. “I learned a lot—it was very helpful,” he says. Grenville Futures supported their growth by financing new equipment purchases.
The workshop, located in a Quonset hut adjacent to their home, also underwent significant upgrades. “We renovated a section,” Chris explains, gesturing to the clean, modern space. “My commute to work is great,” he jokes. He started with just a table saw and basic tools, but the 2023 addition of a CNC (computer numerical control) machine has revolutionized his operations. “It routs, cuts, and planes with precision,” Chris says, noting the significant boost in machining productivity.
With a flick of a switch, the large CNC routing machine hums. “This machine does the work of one full-time employee,” Chris explains. Its accuracy and speed have increased work capacity fourfold through automation, while also minimizing waste. Thanks to his experience and the right software, material waste has been reduced to about five percent.
A testament to his problem-solving skills, Chris designed and built a lift device to handle heavy sheets of melamine, making it possible for a single person to load the CNC machine.
One of the business’s challenges is finding skilled labour to meet growing demand. Like many small enterprises, they grapple with the decision to remain status quo or hire additional employees to increase output. “There are few skilled labourers available, and training apprentices takes significant time and resources, especially when there are ongoing projects to manage,” Chris explains.
“I’ve yet to spend a dime on marketing,” he adds. Chris and Glenda are proud to welcome clients to a business built mainly on word-of-mouth referrals. Together, they’ve routed out their niche in Augusta where quality craftsmanship truly shines.
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Accelerate Action and Celebrate International Women’s Day | |
Be inspired by two remarkable female leaders during a Fireside chat, as they have accelerated in their business / organization and the people around them. Immediately following, guests will participate in an interactive ‘Ask the Expert’ session where local experts will share their knowledge and answer questions. A delicious buffet dinner will be enjoyed, then Lifetime Achieve Award will be presented followed by door prizes and networking. | | |
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Janet Campbell is the founder of Mrs. McGarrigle's Fine Food Shop, an award-winning producer of handcrafted gourmet mustards, vinaigrettes, and chutneys based in the historic Village of Merrickville. Now in its 37th year, Mrs. McGarrigle's operates out of a charming 3,000 sq. ft. former general store built in 1886, offering unique shopping with a curated selection of local and imported foods, housewares, kitchen tools and catering services.
The store also features house-made take-home meals, weekend cooking classes, and custom local food gift crates. With her daughter Hailey now as General Manager, they continue to uphold the tradition of excellence and innovation that has made the business a community cornerstone and a leader in the gourmet food industry.
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Julie joined Brockville General Hospital in 2017 as Senior Vice President, Chief Nurse Executive and Chief Operating Officer. Now serving as the President and CEO, her past positions include frontline and leadership roles in health care. She has a Degree in Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Health Sciences.
Receiving recognition awards from Kingston Health Sciences Centre Julie has been recognized with the Team Award for Leadership with the Emergency Department Information System Implementation project, and for introducing the Inter-professional Collaborative Practice Model. Part of the St. Lawrence College Board of Governors since 2018, she serves as Chair and a member of the Board of Directors at St. Vincent de Paul.
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Welcome to The Nest Wellness | The Nest Wellness is a new inclusive Pelvic Health and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy clinic offering Chiropractic care and Yoga classes. Dedicated to providing evidence-based care, creating a supportive and empowering environment for individuals seeking physical and emotional well-being. They believe in the importance of education, empowerment, empathy, and community. Located at 28 Clothier Street East in Kemptville. | |
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Portolano Ships from Prescott | Portolano scarf and glove factory, known for crafting high-quality, stylish accessories, has transitioned from its retail shop to an exclusively online presence. While the physical store has closed, the business continues to offer timeless products to Canadian customers through their new online platform, shipping from Prescott, Ontario. Curbside pickup is also available, with great Valentine gift ideas. | |
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Nominate a Rideau Lakes Business, 3 Award Categories | |
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Celebrate the achievements and contributions to the Rideau Lakes community by nominating a well -deserving business. There are three categories: Business of the Year, Business Innovation and Young Entrepreneur. Submit a nomination directly online this year through the digital form, or download the document. Printed forms available at the Township office. Awards will be presented at the Rideau Lakes Business Recognition Awards Breakfast, April 16th from 8-10 a.m. at the Elgin Lions Community Hall.
Submission Deadline March 7th.
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Connect with candidates face-to-face at these upcoming CSE Consulting Spring Job Fairs. Reserve your spot today at no cost. If you secure a table, please plan to stay for the entire event. Reserve your table by February 21st. | |
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North Grenville
When: March 4, 12 - 4 p.m.
Where: 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
Email or call 613-258-6576
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South Grenville
When: March 5, 12 - 4 p.m.
Where: 444 Prince Street, Prescott
Email or call 613-925-0222
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Spring 2025 RTO 9 Partnership Fund Opens March 3rd
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RTO 9 works hand-in-hand with tourism partners to enhance experiential tourism across the South Eastern Ontario region. RTO 9’s Partnership Fund is designed to forge strong and diverse partnerships that either build on existing tourism products or introduce new tourism products. | |
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These projects serve to enhance the region’s diversity of offerings to create a competitive advantage in tourism experiences in South Eastern Ontario. The Partnership Fund, scheduled to open March 3, 2025, is not a grant program, it is a Partnership Program that requires a buy-in of 50% of eligible project costs from the applicant.
Connect with Meg Dabros by email or call 613-983-5215 for all questions related to the application process and to discuss your project prior to applying to the program. You can also book an appointment for a one-on-one virtual or phone session.
Access the Fund Guidelines and register for an upcoming information session - February 25, March 5, 13 or 18.
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Situated in Brockville's historic downtown, this highly sought-after commercial building boasts a well-preserved interior and a unique two-floor residential show unit.
Surrounded by restaurants and a thriving professional community, it offers both business and lifestyle opportunities. An attached garage and terrace add to its convenience and appeal. This property is not just a space but a gateway to becoming a part of Brockville's rich history and thriving present
View Map for 62-64 King Street West in Brockville.
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
Leeds Grenville Small Business - The Growth Series Workshops | |
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Upcoming workshops
Retention/Acquisition March 5 1-5 p.m.
Operational Efficiency March 19 1-5 p.m.
Succession Planning March 26 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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This series of powerful Small Business workshops is designed to give you actionable strategies and practical tools to elevate your business.
It’s a deep-dive that will equip you with the skills you need to grow, expand, and sustain a thriving business. Boost leadership skills, optimize cash flow and more.
By enrolling, you’ll gain comprehensive learning on the key drivers of business success, giving you the knowledge to level up your operation.
Host: Leeds Grenville Small Business
Presenter: Theo Graham
Where: 25 Central Ave., Boardroom A, Brockville
Cost: $30 each, advanced registration required
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Servicing:
Elizabethtown-Kitley (north), Merrickville-Wolford,
Rideau Lakes, Westport
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Free Tax Help for Businesses
Do you have tax questions? Get the answers directly from the experts. These free webinars will equip you with the knowledge to navigate taxes effectively.
You'll learn about business tax deductions, common tax errors to avoid, tools & services offered by the CRA, general bookkeeping concepts and best practices.
When: February 10, 9-11 a.m.
Presenters: CRA Professionals
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Business Planning for Success
Take your business to the next level with help to explore business planning essentials and how they serve as a roadmap for creating, operating, and growing a successful business.
Gain the knowledge and tools you need to create a solid foundation for your business.
When: February 12, 9-10:30 a.m.
Presenters: Carey McMaster
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Unlock Growth Through Market Research
Ready to make informed decisions that drive your business forward?
Discover the power of market research and how it can transform your business.
Learn about market research, how to gather and analyze market data, trends and growth potential, target market segmentation and competitive analysis.
When: February 19, 9-10:30 a.m.
Presenters: Carey McMaster
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Upcoming Kemptville Campus Events
Eco Farm Day 2025
Brings together established and new farmers with businesses supporting food and farming in Eastern Ontario & Western Quebec. Register for exciting farmer-led workshops, lunch, a trade show and networking. Vendor opportunities available.
When: Saturday, February 22nd
Where: Kemptville Campus
Registration $90 + HST
(increases to $100 +HST on February 1st)
Eco Farm Day Bonus Day 2
Offering a special full day add-on for farmers looking to build upon what they learn on Day 1. Steve Kenyon who will be giving an Intensive Grazing School with Steve Kenyon
Presenter: Steve Kenyon
When: Sunday Feb 23rd
Where: Kemptville Campus Greenhouses
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Early bird pricing ends January 31 | |
Partnership Fund Info Sessions | |
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Regional Tourism Organization 9 Partnership Fund opens again March 3rd. Before applying, get familiar with the program by attending one of the information sessions where you will go through the application process.
This may help you determine whether your project/business is eligible to apply, how the program works, and what expenses can be incurred under your project. There will also be time at the end of the presentation to ask questions about the program.
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Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9
Presenter: Meg Dabros, RTO9
When: February 25, March 5, 13 & 18, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Getting Involved in Film: A Business Workshop | |
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Are you a local business or property owner in Leeds Grenville looking to be involved with film?
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways, Brockville Tourism, and Town of Gananoque in partnership with Kingston Film and Media Office present a workshop for businesses who would like to be involved in local film production; as a filming location, or as a valuable support service.
Topics covered will include:
- industry considerations for filming
- how to make your business a film-friendly location
- pricing and negotiations
- listing your business, home, or services on the Kingston and South Eastern Ontario location database (ie: actors, crew, hair, makeup, caterers, vendors, equipment rentals etc.)
- economic benefits to local filming
- how the Kingston Film and Media Office can help support filming activities
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Scene from Netflix production of "Hot Frosty", on location in Brockville. Photo: Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
Hosts: 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways, Brockville Tourism and the Town of Gananoque
Presenter: Kingston Film and Media Office
When: March 13, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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| International Women's Day | March 6, 2025 | Brockville Memorial Civic Centre | | Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit | November 21, 2025 | TBD | | |
United Counties of Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office | |
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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 February 18th, 2025 edition should be received by February 10th.
- Submissions for the March 4th, 2025 edition should be received by February 24th.
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SPECIAL MESSAGE:
The Leeds Grenville Economic Development business directory is in the web public domain. The Economic Development Office does not share or sell the directory to any resellers. Please be aware any email messages suggesting acquisition of the directory is not from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office.
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