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Economic Development eNews | June 11, 2024

Business Profile

Main photo: Wendy and Brett Ramsey by the river-facing Marina billboard

Above: Sylvan brand pontoon boat

Below: 175 horsepower Mercury brand outboard motors available up to 600hp.

LINKS



Pirate Cove Marina

4340 Rideau River Rd., Kemptville

613-258-2325 

Email

Website

Facebook - Instagram - YouTube

Creating Waterways Memories

KEMPTVILLE - In 1994, Wendy Ramsey’s parents, the Blundons purchased Pirate Cove Marina. “I grew up here, driving in reverse before I learned how to drive forward,” Wendy said, referring to her task of collecting trash with a truck.


The family run business, marking its 30th year, is idyllically located on the southern banks of the Rideau River, at the northernmost boundary of North Grenville. “It’s a fantastic location, on the waterfront,” says Wendy adding, “this allows us to reach clients in Leeds Grenville while easily serving the population of our National Capital region.” They are directly accessible from Highway 416 and the Rideau Canal Waterway.


Pirate Cove Marina showcases multiple reasons for curious and passionate boaters to visit. They stock brands such as Yamaha, Mercury, Lund, Phoenix and Sylvan as well as preloved vessels. A comprehensive service department is onsite too.


“We create memories on the water for families,” Wendy says with a bright smile. She remains mindful of her legacy and the future. “We’ve been a large presence at the Ottawa Boat Show for over 25 years and have launched the distribution centre for Legend Pontoon Boats. Pontoon boats have become more popular than cruisers.” Brett noted "The marina has expanded to host 98 seasonal boat slips" on the expansive waterfront, with family-friendly amenities and opportunities for storage. Last year, the business was sold to Leisure Days with an agreement that the Ramseys would stay on.

 

The Ramseys are committed to the sustainability of boating, community and family. “It’s a busy life. Brett is the hands-on one, and I am the operations support,” Wendy says. They work in tandem. “I’m passionate about sustaining this industry,” she says, alongside Boating Industry Canada Wendy, advocates for high schools to offer general marine industry training, focusing on training technicians to address skilled labour challenges.


The couple are true entrepreneurs, in 2018 they began to distribute Vantage Protection Products under the RBK Distribution Inc. banner where they offer long term boat protective coating kits.  The company has seen steady growth and plans to offer the same line of products for cars and RVs.


For Wendy, an Ottawa Forty Under 40 award recipient, networking is key to developing lifelong opportunities. “I was not a networking person early on; I learned that by being genuine, you build relationships that carry through a lifetime."

Economic Development Office

Welcome Team Members


Andrew Stacey joins the Counties in the Tourism Marketing Support position to support the Leeds Grenville Regional Tourism Destination Strategy for the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterway tourism region. Andrew brings extensive experience in marketing, communications and graphic design to the position. He has previously worked with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada and Corel. Andrew is tasked with marketing existing tourism experiences and supporting the creation of new ones; creating travel media itineraries, content development, digital imagery, videography, social media, blogs and promotional campaigns.


Connect with Andrew at 613-342-3840 ext. 5360 or email

andrew.stacey@uclg.on.ca

Courtney Campbell joins in the Office Administration Assistant role, summer placement. Courtney completed her Bachelor in Public Affairs and Policy Management at Carleton University and will be attending Queen's University in the fall to study Translational Medicine. She recently worked as a Researcher with the Canadian Cancer Society and has experience with local museums and agriculture at the federal level. Courtney will provide admin support, research, complete an agriculture and agri-food industry sector inventory review, business directory data collection and maintenance, as well as digital marketing and event support.


Reach Courtney at 613-342-3840 ext. 5405 or email

courtney.campbell@uclg.on.ca

Small Business

Starting, Growing or Exiting a Business?

Thinking of starting or growing a business? If you are self-driven, determined to succeed, are coachable and have a solid business idea, connect with our professionals. 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 and throughout the region at partner locations.

North Grenville

Host: Leeds Grenville Small Business

When: June 13, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: North Grenville Municipal Centre

285 County Road 44, Kemptville

Reserve

Westport

Host: Small Business Advisory Centre

When: June 14, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where: Town Hall

30 Bedford Street, Westport


Pre-book your session today

Call 613-283-0062 or

Email cjames@smallbizcentre.ca

Reserve a Future Leeds Grenville session
Reserve a Future Merrickville, Westport or Rideau Lakes session

Starter Company Plus for Merrickville-Wolford, Kitley, Westport, & Rideau Lakes

The next Starter Company Plus intake is now accepting applications for Merrickville-Wolford, Westport and Rideau Lakes. Do you have a new business that you’ve started, an existing business that has been registered 5 years or less and looking at expanding or are you buying a small business?

 

If so, you may be in luck! Receive one-on-one guidance from an advisor, a step by step Business Plan Bootcamp, possible funding in the amount of $5,000 along with training and coaching to help better position your business for success. Training begins July 8th.

 

Email Cindy James if you have any questions.

 

Deadline June 19

More Information / Application

Leeds Grenville Program Entrepreneurs Announced

Small Business is excited to launch Summer Company and Starter Company Plus. These programs exist to generate interest and provide support for entrepreneurs in the region. “We are excited to bring together entrepreneurs from both programs this summer and introduce them to the community. We are facilitating a combination of joint and separate training sessions,” states Jeanette Johnston, Small Business Development Officer.


Summer Company

Youth Entrepreneurship program is in its 24th year!


This summer, five young entrepreneurs in Leeds Grenville will experience being their own boss. The entrepreneurs will use their creative genius and community support to successfully operate their businesses. They will be supported with a grant of $3000, training, and mentoring.

Starter Company Plus

Adult Program Turns 10!


This round of Starter Company Plus is supporting 10 small businesses by providing training in the fundamentals of business, creating business plans, and understanding cash flows.


They will have the opportunity to pitch for a grant of up to $5000, which can be applied to various business investments.


Successful winners of the grant will receive coaching and mentorship.

Back Row: Starter Company Plus participants with Mayor Jeff Shaver, Augusta; Chantel (CT) Ehler, ERB Legal, LLP, Gananoque; Diane Gordon, Golden Creek Horticulture, Elizabethtown-Kitley; Nancy Peckford, Warden, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Mayor of North Grenville; Elizabeth Green-Verkerk, South Coast Design Build Ltd, Leeds and the Thousand Islands; Claudia Zuniga Muroya, CAZM Bookkeeping Services, Elizabethtown-Kitley; Connor Wilhelm, Wilhelm's Manual Osteopathy, Prescott; Shane Doxtater, Empire Construction and Masonry, Brockville; Kim Matthew, Drinks in Tow, North Grenville; Tracey Hughes, Flutter & Fly Makers Cove, Brockville; Mayor John Beddows, Gananoque; Mayor Roger Haley, Front of Yonge; and Mayor Brant Burrow, Elizabethtown-Kitley.

Front Row: Summer Company participants Rane Gibbs, RGB Industry Décor, Brockville; River Irvine, Prize Pursuits Gaming, Augusta; Karsen Noe, Noe Woodworking, Augusta; Evan Trower, EZ Mobile Auto Detailing, Brockville; and Taylor Brumwell, Brumwell Lawn Services, North Grenville. Absent: Starter Company participants Alyssa Gallant, Monday Nutrition, Edwardsburgh Cardinal and Ray Heffernan, Ray Heffernan Photography, Prescott

Tourism

Social Media Doubles Followers in May


1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways, the region's new tourism Facebook and Instagram accounts has seen steady growth through it's infancy. A sudden uptick occurred in May with nearly 1500 followers and growing. Don't miss out and follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Economic Development Leadership Award

Nominate a Leader in Your Community


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 on November 22nd and will be officially honoured at the event.


Before heading off for summer vacation, talk to your colleagues and community members about who is deserving of this award in your municipality. 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.

 

The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, September 20, at 4 p.m.

Nomination Form

Biz Bytes

Submarines and Sweet Treats in Delta


Sub Zero has opened in Delta at 54 King Street. Step in and place your lunch order, ready to go in minutes. Choose the daily feature such as Sticky Pork Belly with pickled carrots or Cheesesteak with sauteed onions. Classic sandwiches or combos like meatball, club, BLT and ham & cheese are on the menu. Owner Christine Cyr is excited to offer Shaw's Ice Cream scoops, a variety of beverages, cookies and candies. Call ahead 613-928-0351 or visit their Facebook.

Foodland Ontario Recognizes Kudrinko's


Congratulations to the retail team at Kudrinko's of Westport in being recognized by Foodland Ontario with the Gold Award for Creative in-store marketing using themes, display props, unique signage and more. Local grocery stores like Kudrinko's are essential in the journey of Ontario-grown food from farm to table. This program highlights fresh, local produce and aids shoppers in selecting Ontario products, in turn helping to supporting local farms.

Funding Opportunities

Resilient Agriculture Landscape Program


As part of the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) provides funding to eligible Ontario farmers to implement projects focused on addressing climate change through reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sequestering carbon.


Project Categories


  • Natural Grassland Establishment
  • Perennial Biomass Crops
  • Perennial Warm Season Pastures
  • Reduced Tillage
  • Tree and Shrub Planting
  • Water Retention Features
  • Wetlands


For more information visit the program website.

Honey Bee Health Initiative


This program was launched to help support beekeepers in maintaining healthy honey bee colonies as well as grow their number of colonies to increase the sustainability of the beekeeping industry in Ontario. Eligible applicants can access up to 50% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $25,000 per registered commercial beekeeper and $4,500 per registered hobbyist beekeeper.



For more information visit the program website.

Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library

Social Media Workshops


Two amazing free in-person social media workshops are being presented for businesses. Beginner and intermediate are being offered by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville in partnership with the Township of Front of Yonge Economic Development Committee.


Registration is now open to all businesses within Leeds and Grenville.


Host: The Township of Front of Yonge

Presenter: Lindsay Bigley, Harbour Social Co.

Where: Mallorytown Community Centre,

76 County Road 5

Cost: Free / Registration required

Beginner: Create and start a social media page.

When: June 13, 4:30 - 6 p.m.


Reserve: Beginner

Intermediate: Use ads/video to your advantage. 

When: June 25, 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Reserve: Intermediate

RTO9 Partnership Fund Information Sessions


The Partnership Fund is designed to forge strong and diverse partnerships that either build on existing tourism products or introduce new tourism products. These projects serve to enhance the region’s diversity of offerings to create a competitive advantage in tourism experiences throughout South Eastern Ontario.


In this webinar, review the Partnership Fund application process. Determine whether your project or organization is eligible. Learn what expenses can be incurred under the project. Q&A.

Applications for the fund open July 5th and close on July 28. Attend one of the five sessions available.

Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9

Presenter: Meg Dabros

When: June 28, July 2, 4, 10, 16;

All sessions 10 - 11 a.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Reserve

Events

Event with Link

June

Location

Brown's Bay Beach Grand Reopening Celelbration

14

1231-1241 Thousand Islands Parkway, Mallorytown ON

RTO9 AGM

14

Online

Port of Johnstown - Port Day Open House

22

3035 County Road 2, Johnstown ON

Rideau Lakes - Additional Residential Unit Tiny Home Summit

25

North Crosby Community Hall

875 Concession Road 8

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 June 25th edition should be received by June 17th.
  • Submissions for the July 2nd edition should be received by July 9th.
Subscribe to our eNewsletter

United Counties of Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office

Shelbi McFarlane, Business Development Officer; Jeanette Johnston, Small Business Development Officer; Carol Hardy, Small Business Program Assistant; Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager; Cyndy Bolton, Economic Development Officer; Joanne Poll, Administrator & Communications Support.

investleedsgrenville.com | 1000islandsrideaucanalwaterways.com | youtube.com/leedsgrenville

32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9

613-342-3840 | 1-800-770-2170 | econdev@uclg.on.ca

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