Economic Development eNews | March 18, 2025 | | Sticking to What Works and Tastes Best | | |
LEEDS AND THE THOUSAND ISLANDS - What sets Green Lake Maple Syrup apart? Producer Andreas Baumann swears the secret's in the land. “Our trees grow on rocky terrain; our season starts and ends later due to the colder ground,” he says.
Andreas and Lesley Baumann of Green Lake Maple use a natural wood-burning heat source for a slow, steady cook. A reverse osmosis system has reduced wood consumption by two-thirds. “The flavour of each type of maple syrup comes from caramelization during heating,” Andreas explains. He uses deeper pans to slow the process and achieve the ideal 40-to-1 sap to syrup ratio.
Last year’s season was short and fast, resulting in a darker yield early on. As a member of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association (OMSPA), Andreas can wholesale surplus syrup, though most of his yield sells out.
Born to parents who immigrated to Canada in the early 1980s, Andreas developed a mindful respect for farming and the environment. The family settled on Black Church Road, building what is now a thriving dairy farm with 50 head of cattle. His hands-on experience, combined with a formal education in agricultural mechanics, has driven innovations that improve efficiency.
As a young boy visiting a sugar camp during March break, Andreas fell in love with the idea of making maple syrup. In 2011, he bought a property with an abandoned sugar shack and rekindled his passion for syrup production. He produced 25 litres, the next year, he borrowed buckets from Plum Hollow farmer Garnet Hart and installed 500 taps that produced over 400 litres of syrup. By 2015, he introduced tubing to streamline production. Initially using 3/16-inch lines with a natural vacuum system, he upgraded this year to larger, easier-to-clean 5/16-inch lines. Andreas has also reduced the taps per larger tree from two to one as a result of investigating optimal ethical tapping practices.
"I started out packaging in half-litre cans, selling them at the Delta Maple Syrup Festival," said Andreas who is a mainstay vendor, quickly noticing that customers preferred the 1- and 2-litre bottles. “Cans are easier to pack and ship, but customers want to see the syrup.
A variety of syrup products are available at the Green Lake Maple farm by appointment and the online shop, at Kelsey's Marina, Luke's European Style Market in Athens and at the Delta Festival. Rich, creamy-sweet Green Lake Maple Butter is a highlight on toast, in a latte, as a dessert topping or in a favourite recipe. Andreas humbly notes, "I really like working to perfect it."
A key business lesson that Andreas draws from his dairy farm experience is to “respect the debt." He advises, stressing the importance of financial management. “To grow, you have to manage cash flow wisely,” he adds. “And always have an exit strategy that won’t disrupt operations or assets.”
Green Lake Maple is set to expand. With plenty of land around the lake, Andreas envisions growing to 2,500 taps or more, bringing even greater success to the maple producer's sweet tradition.
| | Photos: top main, Andreas Baumann stands beside his newly custom built vacuum system; above, the full maple syrup product line includes 540ml cans, and bottles in 250ml, 500ml, 1L, 1.9L and 3.79L; a few buckets are placed on trees each year to honour the tapping tradition; first run samples from three separate years show how each character differs. | | Leeds Grenville International Women’s Day Recognizes Leadership and Accelerating Action with a Sold-out Crowd | | |
BROCKVILLE – The Leeds Grenville International Women’s Day celebration saw a sold-out crowd of a 120 attendees for an evening of empowerment, connection, and action. Presented by Leeds Grenville Economic Development and Small Business at the Brockville Memorial Civic Centre on Thursday, March 6.
This year’s theme, "Accelerate Action," emphasized the remarkable contributions of women in business and encouraged bold steps toward a more inclusive and dynamic future.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is important for us to recognize the many female entrepreneurs and the business and public sector leaders in Leeds Grenville. While there has been growth in female leadership, tonight was an opportunity to learn and inspire others to be part of shaping the region’s future,” said Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
The evening featured a Fireside Chat with Julie Caffin, President and CEO of Brockville General Hospital, and Janet Campbell, Founder of Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Foods in Merrickville. Both leaders shared valuable insights from their professional journeys.
When asked about challenges that required bold action and delicate decision-making to achieve success, Janet remarked, “There will always be new challenges in business—that’s a constant. A global pandemic and a trade war with our closest ally are two extreme recent examples. Challenges push you to grow, learn, and evolve, potentially turning obstacles into opportunities. As entrepreneurs, we must adapt, stay flexible, and continuously improve our offerings, quality, and customer service. Every challenge presents an opportunity to assess strengths, weaknesses, and potential solutions to move forward.”
Julie spoke about strategies for maintaining focus and motivation during slowdowns or setbacks, emphasizing the importance of patience. “I’m not naturally a patient person, so it’s a skill I had to develop. Setting realistic expectations and building in time for possible delays helps manage the unexpected while reducing frustration. It’s also important to remember that everyone processes things at different speeds—what feels slow to you may be moving quickly for someone else.”
The evening also featured an interactive "Ask the Expert" session, where business leaders rotated
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among tables to share their expertise.
The event concluded with the Lifetime Achievement Award being presented to Lynn Laming-Kerr of Kitley Grocery and Service Station (video). She is the twelfth recipient of the award that recognizes a woman with over 20 years in business, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to community resilience. Reflecting on her work ethic, Lynn humbly shared, “Don’t ask anyone to do a job you wouldn’t do yourself. When things get tough, just go to work."
A networking social closed out the event, leaving attendees inspired to take action and continue fostering leadership and innovation in their communities.
| Photos: top, Fireside Chat host Shelbi McFarlane, Counties Business Development Officer listens to Julie Caffin of Brockville General Hospital and Janet Campbell of Mrs. McGarrigle's Fine Food Shop; above, Expert's sessions held at each table; making IWD memories with the photo booth. | | Above, United Counties of Leeds Grenville Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke (centre) presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to Lynn Laming-Kerr of Kitley Grocery and Service Centre. Adding their congratulations on the right are Elizabethtown-Kitley Mayor Brant Burrow and Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes and to the left is Carol Hardy, Small Business Development Officer. | | Village Pets Boutique Reopens | Village Pets Boutique is a trusted local source for premium pet care, conveniently located at 111 Prescott Street in Kemptville. and proudly serving the surrounding area. They specialize in high-quality, Canadian-made pet food to support pets' health and happiness. Along with wholesome nutrition, they offer a carefully curated selection of supplies and accessories. | |
| Entreprenuers! Apply and Reap the Benefits from Starter Company Plus | | |
The next cohort of Starter Company Plus starts soon. It's a highly coveted and exclusive program designed to address critical areas and empower small business owners like yourself. It is free to participants and offers a comprehensive package of resources to help you successfully run your small business.
Receive step-by-step guidance in Financial Management, Strategic Planning, Market Research and more. Through interactive workshops, coaching and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, you'll gain invaluable insights and build the skills necessary to propel your business forward.
Eligibility:
- be over 18 years old, Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Leeds Grenville.
- have started a new company in the last 5 years, are expanding an existing company (may be over 5 years old) or buying a business.
- work full time in the business: 30+ hours/week or part time with a proven plan to be full time in the business in the next 6 months.
- be working with clients and/or generating an income.
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How to apply:
To receive a Starter Company Plus application you must first attend an entire information session. Here, you will learn the full eligibility criteria, and any other requirements so you can determine whether the program is right for you and your business at this time. At the end of the information session, you will be able to request the application.
| | Eastern Ontario Development Fund: Applications Open This Week | | |
The Eastern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in eastern Ontario. The objective of the program is to provide financial support and services to help growing companies make investments to:
- grow their business
- improve productivity
- invest in innovation and skills development
- pursue new markets
- generate broad positive regional economic impact
- create new good, sustainable jobs
A project is a distinct undertaking, separate from ongoing operations, that will result in benefits to the organization such as business growth or access to new markets.
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The types of support available include:
- funding support
- complementary services and support
Learn more about eligibility, and get the eligibility checklist on the EODF website. For assistance contact Senior Business Advisor Denis Lapierre at least two weeks prior to deadline at 613-415-8384 or by email.
Application period opens: March 19, 2025
Application deadline: May 21, 2025
| | The CanExport SME Program Now Accepting Applications | | |
The CanExport SMEs funding program is now accepting applications for projects starting after April 1, 2025. CanExport SMEs covers up to 50% of eligible expenses, including:
- in‑person participation in trade missions, trade shows, meetings, or conferences
- gathering market intelligence (custom research, reports and studies)
- applying for intellectual property protection in international markets
- and more!
To qualify for this funding, your company must satisfy the following criteria:
- be for‑profit
- be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP) or cooperative in Canada
- have an active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number
- have between 1 and 500 full‑time equivalent (FTE) employees
- have between $100,000 and $100 million in annual revenue declared in Canada during its last complete tax reporting year (or during the last 12 months for monthly and quarterly filers)
New this year! To better serve Canadian businesses, the program now includes:
- Greater focus on export diversification
- Changes to eligible expenses
- New documentation requirements
Greater focus on export diversification: To encourage applications focused on a wider range of global markets, applicants may target either the United States or international markets, but not both. These changes may impact your eligibility and funding options. Don't wait, submit your CanExport SMEs application today. Review the CanExport SMEs Applicant’s Guide to ensure you meet the criteria.
Application deadline: May 31, 2025 at 5:00 pm (EDT)
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Only an hour from Ottawa, this 147-acre property features an 18-hole course, including nine holes with scenic water features. The clubhouse offers dining and event space. The owner's apartment offers comfortable living with stunning course views.
Additional amenities include a barn, covered patio, and a fleet of golf carts. Perfect for a golf course, resort, or event venue, its picturesque setting is ideal for weddings and corporate events. Combining natural beauty with business potential, this tranquil retreat offers an opportunity for leisure and growth.
View Video and Map for 353 County Rd. 5, Athens.
| | Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | | Retail Safety and Security | | |
Join the Workplace Safety and Prevention Services for an informative session to help enhance your retail environment’s safety and security. Equip your team with the knowledge and tools to prevent crime effectively.
- Create a Secure Atmosphere: Use environmental design to deter criminal behavior.
- De-escalate Confrontations: Manage interactions with suspicious or disruptive individuals.
- Develop an Emergency Preparedness Plan: Prepare for evacuations, lockdowns, and suspicious packages.
- Understand Roles and Responsibilities: Establish clear policies and conduct regular risk assessments.
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When: March 25, 9-10 a.m.
Presenter: Traicon
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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| Succession Planning with Keeley Patterson | |
Prepare your business for the future with the final Winter Workshop in the Growth Series on strategic succession planning to ensure continuity. This workshop 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.
When: March 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Presenter: Keeley Patterson of O'Farrell Financial
Where: 25 Central Ave., Brockville, Boardroom A
Cost: $30
| | | 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 April 1st, 2025 edition should be received by March 24th.
- Submissions for the April 15st, 2025 edition should be received by April 7th.
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SPECIAL MESSAGE:
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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