Economic Development eNews | June 24, 2025 | | A Suite Experience Awaits | | Photos: top main, Operations Manager Dulce Abbott and Front Desk Agent Ashley are happy to assist you. Above, the brand new hotel awaits your arrival. | | |
PRESCOTT –There are plenty of reasons to choose the brand-new Quality Inn & Suites in Prescott for your next stay or meeting. Choice Hotels offers travellers over 7,400 properties worldwide. The newest property offers big chain integrity with a small town feel.
Located just one minute off Highway 401, and 6 minutes from Prescott-Ogdensburg International Bridge, the hotel checks the box for convenience. It’s nestled among popular retail brands such as Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons and Dollarama.
Guest room features include an in-room fridge and microwave with some rooms having full kitchenettes. Complimentary wi-fi and a free hot breakfast are available to guests along with workstations, an indoor pool, a fully equipped fitness centre and laundry service. It is also a pet-friendly accommodation.
Business travellers benefit from a streamlined check-in/check-out process with two meeting rooms available that are 50 square meters in size and can host up to 60 people for a reception style event with other configurations available.
Director of Marketing and Sales Jason Mullins represents four locations including Prescott. He says opening this facility is “exciting for all involved.” He added, “We were looking for a site to develop along the seaway and Prescott welcomed the opportunity. Watching it unfold from concept to completion was impressive.”
“We focused on local supply when employing trades,” says Jason. “The 15-person hotel staff team works well together, they’re a positive group.
We’ve worked diligently to ensure each person hired is guest services focused. It’s so important to exceed our guest expectations.
An upscale, modern design is carried throughout the four-story hotel. Wide hallways and doorways ensure accessibility, and room configurations
can accommodate up to five guests. All new beds are either queen or king-sized. Room options
may include a sofa bed, and some rooms are wheelchair accessible. The property also offers five EV charging stations.
Online reviews consistently highlight the exceptionally clean, modern facilities, comfortable beds, and friendly, helpful staff. Guests describe their stay as relaxing and enjoyable, with many planning to return. The hotel is widely regarded as a welcomed, high-quality addition to the region
and a great value for travellers.
Competitive corporate room rates cover short and long-term stays. Jason highlights the “Good Neighbour” program, which offers discounted rates for locals hosting visitors. Contact Operations Manager Dulce Abbott for details on corporate packages, extended stays and group rates.
| | Ontario Trade Free Within Canada | | A "Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian" day, held annually on the last Friday in June (the 27th), has been established to promote local and national products and businesses. This initiative aims to boost the competitiveness of Ontario and Canadian businesses, particularly in the face of U.S. tariffs. The day will encourage consumers to support local products and workers through various programs like Ontario Made, Ontario Wood and Foodland Ontario. | | The establishment of this day is part of a larger effort to reduce trade barriers within Canada and increase labour mobility. The legislation enacting this day, the Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian Day Act, 2025, is intended to foster a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy. This aligns with other initiatives, such as the Ontario Together Trade Fund (see below), which provides $50 million to help businesses expand into interprovincial markets. | | Economic Development Strategy Session - Still Time to Register | | |
Counties Economic Development is renewing its strategic areas of focus and collaborating with Community Futures Grenville, 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation and Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation. As part of the planning process, businesses and business support agencies are invited to participate in a dialogue that will review previous activities, recent data and trends, with a strong focus on discussing future activities.
The six areas highlighted in the 2020-2025 Strategic Areas of Focus include: Leadership and Capacity Building, Investment Readiness / Invest Attraction – Business and Industry, Business Retention and Expansion, Talent Attraction and Workforce Development, Diversified Economy, and Marketing and Communications.
Advanced registration is required for participation, with limited seats available. Please register for one session only.
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Session 3: Athens
When: Wednesday, June 25
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Athens Free Methodist Church, 58 Elgin Street
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Session 4: Virtual Zoom
Wednesday, June 25, 7 p.m.
| | | Economic Development Leadership Award | | Nominate an Economic 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 and will be officially honoured at the event on November 21st.
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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 who is a resident 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 2025 webpage.
The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, September 19th, at 4 p.m.
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Dave Brown
2024 Thake Award Recipient
| | | | Recognize Immigrant Entrepreneurs and Inclusive Employers | | Nicole Hudson of Katarina' s Coffee Shop receives the Leeds and Grenville Immigrant Entrepreneur Award | |
Nominations close on September 14, 2025
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The Leeds and Grenville Immigrant Entrepreneurship Award and the Inclusive Employer Award are now open for nominations. There are two ways to honour members of the community for their unwavering support.
Inclusive Employer Award
eligibility includes employers who:
- Own a business in Leeds Grenville
- Demonstrates commitment to creating welcoming workplaces and communities for immigrants
- Has less than 100 employees
Immigrant Entrepreneur Award
eligibility includes entrepreneurs who:
- Has been born outside of Canada
- Own/operate an active business in Leeds Grenville
- Live in Leeds Grenville
- Demonstrate characteristics of a successful entrepreneur
To nominate for either award, submit the business name and owner (where possible) to Lauren Smith, Project Coordinator, St. Lawrence- Rideau Immigration Partnership by email, phone/Text: 613-213-4455.
| | Recognition for Local Grocers | | Congratulations to Kudrinko’s in receiving the Gold Seasonal Award and B&H Your Community Grocer for receiving the Silver Award of Merit from the 2024 Foodland Ontario Retailers Awards Program that promotes local food and encourages shoppers to buy fresh products. On making these presentations, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Steve Clark shared, "Some of the best produce comes from right here in Leeds and Grenville." | | Owners Kacee and Martha Kudrinko, MPP Steve Clark, and staff Vicki Garrett and Krista Baker-Strickland at the award presentation. | | Staff Joey Arcand and Laura Mordy, MPP Steve Clark, and owners Jim and Judy Beveridge at the award presentation. | | Ooh Lala! A French Patisserie in Brockville | At Meringue Patisserie, founder Heather Rowat creates mouth-watering delights that are as beautiful as they are delicious. At her newly opened 130 North Augusta Road location, pastries are expertly handcrafted. Traditional European techniques are applied using the finest specialty butter available in Canada. "From Scratch" is their promise to you. | | | New Life for Portland Family Restaurant | New owners continue to add upgrades as they welcome customers back to the popular Portland Family Restaurant and Pizzeria, located at 38 Colburne Street. The dining area has had a beautiful modern facelift, and with the reopening recently held, owners are proud to offer this brand new look. Check their Facebook page for hours of operation. | | | OINP Changes Impacting REDI Program Participants | | | |
On June 12, the Province announced changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) that will affect applicants and employers participating in the REDI pilot. Effective July 2, 2025, applications will shift from an applicant led to an employer-led process. Employers will be required to submit job offer details through the new Employer Portal before a candidate can register an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Timeline of changes:
- June 20–July 2: New EOIs for Employer Job Offer streams cannot be created.
- June 21–22: Existing EOIs will be automatically withdrawn. All applications with an existing EOI will be required to re-submit though the new process once available.
- June 27 (after close of business)–June 29: The OINP system will be unavailable.
- July 2: Employer Portal opens for registration.
More details are available in the official announcement.
| | 13 New Entrepreneurs Accepted into Small Business Programs | Photo: Back row: Nancy Peckford, Mayor of North Grenville; Brant Burrow, Mayor of Elizabethtown-Kitley; JD Van Allen, Reza Hogben, Carter Leduc, Michael Barrett, MP of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands-Rideau Lakes; Lincoln BevAcqua, Gauri Shankar, Mayor of Prescott; James Richardson, Owen Henderson, Mike Piovesan, Ian O'Brien, Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville; Steve Clark, MPP of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes; John Beddows, Mayor of Gananoque; Front row: Pattie Curran, Sacha Pritchard, Heather Rowat, Susan Howard, Bre Audet-Martel, and Sheri Hatherly. | |
The spirit of entrepreneurship was alive and well as 13 new business owners launched their journeys through two foundational Small Business programs: Summer Company and Starter Company Plus on June 10th. Now in its 25th year, Summer Company continues to empower local youth with hands-on business experience. This summer’s cohort includes four motivated young entrepreneurs receiving $3,000 in start-up funding, business training, and mentorship.
“It’s a milestone year for Summer Company,” says Carol Hardy, Small Business Development Officer. “Our programs are about more than training—they’re about building confidence, fostering innovation, and connecting entrepreneurs to a community that believes in their success.”
Meet the 2025 Summer Company participants:
| | Through Starter Company Plus, nine adult entrepreneurs are receiving training in business planning, cash flow management, and pitching skills, with a chance to earn up to $5,000 in grant funding. Ongoing mentorship and coaching help them strengthen and scale their businesses. This Year’s Starter Company Plus Participants are: |
- Ian O’Brien, I/O Tech, City of Brockville
- Bre Audet-Martel, Nature’s Hum Clothing, Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal
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Sacha Pritchard, Practical Magic, Town of Prescott
- Pattie Curran, Curran Reading Corner, City of Brockville
- Mike Piovesan, Spicy Riffs Hot Sauce, Township of Front of Yonge
- Sheri Hatherly, Lyfstyle Training & Consulting, City of Brockville
- JD Van Allen, Eden’s Refuge, Town of Prescott
- Susan Howard, LightWater Sanctuary, Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands
- Heather Rowat, Meringue Patisserie, City of Brockville
| | These two programs play a vital role in building a stronger regional economy by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, funding, and mentorship they need to succeed. Small Business Services are available year-round, offering free consultations, workshops, and resources. Programs are funded by the Province of Ontario, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, and the City of Brockville. | | Don't Miss the Upcoming Cross-Ministry Funders Forum | | |
You're invited to the Ontario Cross-Ministry Funders Forum. This in-person forum is designed to boost awareness and readiness for key provincial funding opportunities currently open or opening in the coming months.
The goal is to provide communities, non-profits, economic development stakeholders and local businesses with direct access to funders, helping them better understand available supports, eligibility criteria, and application timelines.This as an opportunity to strengthen regional capacity and coordination as we head into a new cycle of funding. Attending representatives will present and discuss their respective grant programs.
Featuring presentations from representatives of:
- Ministry of Rural Affairs (MRA)
- Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT)
- Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)
- Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)
These sessions provide a direct line to funding representatives and programs for municipalities, non-profits, local businesses, and economic development groups. It's a chance to:
- Learn about upcoming grant programs and their timelines
- Understand eligibility requirements and evaluation priorities
- Build relationships directly with funders and other regional stakeholders
- Ask questions in a supportive, in-person setting
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When: July 15th, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Quality Inn & Suites
135 Prescott Centre Drive, Prescott
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| | Leeds Grenville Asset Management Plan Survey | | | | Your voice matters! The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is seeking public input on their Asset Management Plan through a survey. Investing in the community's future, we need your insights on roads, bridges, and more. Help determine the proper service levels and investments for a more sustainable future. | Survey closes June 30, 2025 | | | | |
While currently set up as an auto body shop, this versatile space is well-suited for various rural purposes. Convert this property to meet your unique needs. Offering a range of permitted rural uses and situated in a high-visibility, easily accessible location, this property features a spacious building equipped with a drilled well, two septics, a dedicated office area, reception desk, and customer waiting room. It has the space and infrastructure to support a variety of endeavors.
View Map for 438 County Road 29, Rideau Lakes.
| | Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | | |
Proven Strategies for Scaling Your Business Successfully
Elevate your business. Create a strong business foundation:
- Define a long-term vision
- Set clear goals
- Align your team/operations
Focus values and purpose, build effective marketing, people strategies, financial health, streamline systems, and tackle challenges for sustained success.
When: July 15, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Create Social Media Graphics with Canva's AI
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Level up your social media game without spending hours designing. Learn how to use quickly create professional, eye-catching graphics that grab attention and drive engagement.
Promote products, build your brand, or run a campaign, Canva’s AI tools like Magic Design, Magic Edit, and Magic Write make it easier to turn ideas into polished posts in minutes.
When: July 23, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | The Importance of Paid Advertising in a Digital Space | |
Learn key insights into digital marketing in the online platform advertising world.
You will learn about:
- Google Ads
- Facebook ads and pixel
- Instagram ads
- Targeting audiences
- Which ads to run for your business
- Key terminology in ad platforms
When: July 29, 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | United Counties of Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office | | |
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 July 8th, 2025 edition should be received by June 30th.
- Submissions for the July 22nd, 2025 edition should be received by July 14th.
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SPECIAL MESSAGE:
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The Leeds Grenville Economic Development business directory is in the public web 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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