Making Room Outside for Inviting Experiences

Top photo: Michelle Koelle at a Gensun fire table

Top: Gensun outdoor kitchen with Kamodo Grill;

Above: A four seat Gensun table and chair set;

Below: Adirondack chairs flanking the shop on Bedford Street.

WESTPORT - They say in real estate that location is the most important value of a property. If this is true then Lake Effects is the Park Place of Westport. “We are so fortunate to be in this spot,” says Michelle Koelle.

Situated in the middle of the commercial area of the village sits a very well-recognized establishment. Koelle and her partner Sean Lonergan own Lake Effects, a business that carries items from all price points. Many people who frequent the village know the gift shop is a place to purchase souvenirs, quality jewelry, stuffed creatures, decor and quality outdoor furniture.

Enter the Lake Room and you are immersed in the wonderful world of lake-land geography. Three-dimensional topography of individual lakes is mapped and cut to create a layered wood piece of artwork. They are a very unique gift, and a distinct way to express the love of your place.

“We had the best first quarter in ten years,” said Michelle. They are currently receiving stock for the shop like Fire and Bone jewelry, wind spinners and this years’ hoodie design, “Westport Loon, I like that one a lot,” Michelle says with a widened smile. They are busy filling orders for their outdoor line of Ontario made recycled CR Plastics Furniture and a new line of premium cast aluminum seating from Gensun Outdoor Furniture & Kitchens.

The owners pride themselves in sourcing local and domestic suppliers. Michelle also showcases her magnificent beaded jewelry available for purchase in the shop. She is exploring and has a keen interest in wood turning too. “I guess I’m a serial entrepreneur, I’ve been creating and selling for as long as I can remember.”

Lake Effects has a broad customer appeal. “Our clients are located all over eastern Canada and the US. Sean just delivered an order to the Carolinas and another couple drove from Montreal to see the Gensun product line in person prior to their purchase.”

Michelle is a customer service excellence provider and relationship builder. She shares her knowledge, listens to each request, and is self-determined. You'll leave with a memory from your visit to Westport; be it a simple conversation, a big purchase or a little souvenir. No matter what the size, Michelle will make a positive and lasting impression. That’s the true Lake Effect.

Find Lake Effects at 16 Bedford Street in Westport. Call Michelle at 613-273-7799, email, visit their website and social feeds on Facebook and Instagram.

Please submit interest by email to Jeanette Johnston, Small Business Development Officer.

Deadline is today, May 14^th

Application deadline extended to May 17^th

The program provides $3,000 when you kick-off your new business and complete the summer.

Business Consults

Thinking of starting or growing a business? If you are self-driven, determined to succeed, are coachable with access to start-up capital 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.

Gananoque Area

Host: Gananoque Town Hall

When: May 22, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where: 30 King Street East, Gananoque

Prescott Area

Host: Grenville Community Futures Development

When: May 28, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where: 197 Water Street, Suite 405, Prescott

Lake & Main Opens Retail Location

WESTPORT - Located at 33 Main Street in this beautiful village is a Skin Care business with local roots. Friends since high school, Alyson Charrette and Lisa Taylor of Lake & Main Skin Health have opened a new retail location in the commercial heart of the village. The owners have a focus on recycling and products that "Clean, Nourish and Glow." Order online, purchase at the shop, email or contact them here.

RTO9 Seeking East Board Members

For more information contact Bonnie Ruddock via email or to apply.

Bring your leadership skills to RTO9. Positions will be filled at the 2024 AGM, two of the positions will be selected from the East Region Board and will fulfill a three-year term ending in 2027.

While all experience/skillsets will be considered, the Board are specifically in need of Finance/Accounting & Legal and would welcome applicants with this experience. RTO9 will continue to have broad representation from the geographic regions within South Eastern Ontario while encouraging applications from inside and outside of the tourism field and potentially outside of the region.

Application deadline May 16 at 4 p.m.

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 11th edition should be received by June 3rd.
• Submissions for the June 25th edition should be received by June 17th.

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.

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

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