Economic Development eNews | July 23, 2024 | |
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JOHNSTOWN - A lot can happen in three years, as Christina Chrysler and partner Keith Davidson know well.
Christina, an artist and fine arts professor at St. Lawrence College, and Keith, an HVAC specialist, sold their properties during the pandemic. They purchased a 37-acre rural farm in Edwardsburgh Cardinal and began realizing their dream of growing an agriculture-based business. “We see great potential in this region,” Christina says. "Flowers + Fleece is our way of participating in a connected community."
In the planning stages, Christina sought advice from Leeds Grenville Small Business start-up resources. She proved herself to be resourceful and imaginative, applying practical strategies to her goals and finding creative solutions for any hurdles while building her plan.
Believing alpacas would be the perfect livestock for their lifestyle, Christina and Keith forged a relationship with a farmer who was downsizing. “We initially agreed to take four members of the herd but brought home eight,” she exclaimed. “After adopting these animals, the retiring farmer called us about their storm-damaged barn, and we agreed to take the rest of their male herd." With this springs' three births, the number has blossomed to nineteen; three new-to-us alpacas are arriving soon.
Alpacas adapt well to our environment. Their thick wool keeps them protected in winter, that's why popular items like the socks and mittens are available in the Flowers + Fleece online Farm Shop. In spring, the fleece is shorn. During hot weather, they are supplied with plenty of water. These animals are efficient to care for, curious, quiet, and independent. See them feeding on hay and frolicking in the pastures. Alpaca have a destressing, calming effect on people; just watching them makes you happy; Being gentle with ourselves is one of the business's values.
New this year, you'll find Flowers + Fleece on the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways Garden Adventures Tour. Visits can include experiencing fields of flowers in bloom, cultivated to maximize the seasons: masses of tulips in spring, fragrant lavender in summer, and bright sunflowers in August.
Glamping was added last year as another revenue source. The Heron's Nest: Boutique Off-Grid Farm Stay hosts travelers from far and wide, with very positive feedback. Wake up in luxury with a morning coffee in hand, watching the rising sun over a field of sunflowers.
An art workshop is being fashioned where classes will begin this fall. Guests will meet the alpacas who produce each fleece, then work it into a piece of art; an appealing option for those seeking responsible consumer experiences.
Christina’s depth of vision, knowledge and skill-set are sure to attract clients to this new offering. Flowers + Fleece has an appealing social media presence; Christina’s eye for photography tells stories of the farm. “The goal of this lifestyle change was to build something that feeds our soul and then share it,” says Christina.
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Main photo: Christina Chrysler with Georgie who is joining the farm with friends Arnaz and Endive.
Photos: top, a spectacular field of summer sunflowers; the evening is set for dusk glamping; gleeful alpacas welcome visitors; bottom, lavender season fills the air with sweet fragrance.
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Leeds Grenville Small Business has become part of the Counties Economic Development Department, and have merged eNewsletter subscribers into one list. This bi-weekly eNewsletter features a promotional business profile, new funding opportunities, small business programs, events, workshops and the latest business news. Please feel free to share this eNewsletter with colleagues and other businesses.
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Free business consultations are available, please contact:
Jeanette Johnston
613-342-3840 x 5363
jeanette.johnston@uclg.on.ca
Serving Augusta, Athens, Brockville, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Elizabethtown, Gananoque, Front of Yonge, Leeds and the Thousands Islands, North Grenville and Prescott
Cindy James
613-283-0062
cjames@smallbizcentre.ca
Serving Merrickville-Wolford, Kitley, Rideau Lakes and Westport
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Get Recognized for Your Growth
Eastern Ontario Business Journal is looking for the region’s fastest-growing private companies. Top companies will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Eastern Ontario Business Journal as well as celebrated at a luncheon. Eligible companies must be headquartered in Eastern Ontario, and can demonstrate significant year-over-year revenue growth over a three-year period. Applicants will be ranked by percentage revenue growth between year one and year three of their most recent three-year fiscal period. Share your success story!
Top ten companies will be notified by September 3, 2024.
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Application deadline August 2nd | |
Ontario Made Awards
The Ontario Made Awards are back! A Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters’ (CME) initiative, the awards celebrate outstanding Ontario manufacturers and retailers that help consumers make informed decisions in increasing the sale and awareness of locally produced goods. A total of three awards will recognize Ontario Made Manufacturing Champions and Ontario Made Retail Champions – the ambassadors, advocates, and supporters of the Ontario Made brand, messaging, and logo. Click here to learn more about the awards and criteria.
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Application deadline August 6th | |
Sue Hudson Receives Star Women Award
Sue Hudson, Senior Director, Communications & Digital Marketing with Burnbrae Farms in Elizabethtown-Kitley is the latest team member to receive the Star Women in Grocery Award from Canadian Grocer. She is recognized for her achievements, influence, innovation, and leadership in the industry. Her Shining-Level Star Award recognizes Sue for promoting farm to table transparency, elevating Canadian farmers, supporting Canadian grocers, and genuinely caring for the communities Burnbrae Farms serves. Congratulations Sue!
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Tripadvisor Awards Maison Maitland
Maison Maitland Cooking School & Villas is thrilled to receive a Traveler’s Choice Award from Trip Advisor! Maison Maitland is in the top 10% of “things to do” worldwide based on reviews! The Neoclassic and Regency designed destination offers cooking classes in the chef's kitchen and overnight stays in The Villas. A beautiful location for your next retreat or celebration, Tripadvisor encourages you to "Discover a slice of the European countryside in Eastern Ontario."
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Partnership Fund Window Open
The RTO9 2024 Partnership Fund application period is now open. Find the guidelines and eligibility requirements for this second in-take period online. This program is available for for-profit, tourism businesses only.
Watch the pre-recorded information video.
The three project categories are:
- New Events
- Development of Indigenous Tourism Products
- Signage
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For more information call
613-983-5215 or
email Meg Dabros.
Application deadline July 28th
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
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Create Newsletters with Mailchimp
Learn how to design eye-catching, brand aligned newsletter templates. Create compelling content that resonates with your subscribers. Understand the importance of audience segmentation and to optimize your newsletters for maximum engagement.
Host: Small Business Advisory Centre
Presenter: Jennifer Baker, JBC Consulting
When: July 25, 9 - 10 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Leveraging AI for Your Business
Discover how AI can transform your small business! Learn to enhance customer experiences, automate operations, and make data-driven decisions to drive growth. Join us for hands-on sessions and real-world examples to see AI in action.
Host: Small Business Advisory Centre
Presenter: Fraser Hardy
When: August 12, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Where: 25 Central Avenue, Brockville, Board Room A
Cost: Free
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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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SEe ON Summit: Envision Tourism Growth
Day One - Annual Tourism Summit: Thursday, September 12
Day Two - Sustainable Tourism Summit: Friday, September 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, generously hosted by Tourism Kingston and the Kingston Accommodation Partners.
Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9
Presenter: Multiple speakers
When: September 12-13, 2024
Where: Double Tree Hilton, Kingston
Cost: $35
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Social Media 101
Designed for beginners. This session will cover 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 - Sept. 19, 2024
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
| Event with Link | Save the Date | Location | | Brockville Tourism Symposium | November 18, 2024 | Brockville Arts 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 August 6th edition should be received by July 29th.
- Submissions for the August 20th edition should be received by August 12th.
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United Counties of Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office | | | | |
