Remembrance Day ~ Lest We Forget | | Economic Development eNews | November 11, 2025 | | |
BROCKVILLE - A storybook-style chance meeting served as both the first and last chapter for Noble Suites as ownership recently changed hands.
Henry Noble, who cared for the building for more than 40 years, figuratively presented the key as new owners Ralph Haddad and his fiancée Marianne Skaff cut the ribbon, beginning a new era for the storied heritage property.
Overlooking the St. Lawrence River in the heart of the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways tourist region, Noble Suites offers visitors a comfortable and convenient stay steeped in 19th-century charm.
Ralph and Marianne first discovered the property during a weekend getaway from Ottawa and were immediately drawn to its character and the warmth of the surrounding community.
As part of the region’s vibrant commercial and tourism landscape, Noble Suites provides a unique experience for business travellers seeking a base within the historic downtown district, just steps from the waterfront. Located one block south of Highway 2 and only minutes from Highway 401 and the VIA Rail Station, it's ideal for business and leisure stays. The property is listed as a "Walker's Paradise" receiving 96/100 on the Walk Score site.
Each themed suite tells a story through carefully appointed furnishings and décor. Guests enjoy fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, private sitting areas, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and on-site parking, with many suites offering picturesque river views.
“Noble Suites has a wonderful foundation,” said Ralph. “In the short term, I want to focus on keeping the charm and character that make it special while improving the guest experience with fresh décor, upgraded amenities, and a stronger online presence. In the long term, I would like to build the brand by adding themed suites inspired by local history, partnering with events, and creating experiences that connect guests and community.”
Ralph brings an extensive background in finance and customer service, skills that have shaped his approach to both management and hospitality. “Early in my career I worked in hospitality,” he said. “That taught me how important genuine service and personal attention are, something I plan to bring into how we welcome guests.”
He also sees Noble Suites as a gateway to and for the region. “Leeds Grenville has so many great attractions, from 1000 Islands cruises to wineries, trails, and downtown shops. I would like to work with these businesses to create stay-and-explore packages and event tie-ins.”
Under new leadership, The Noble Suites is poised to thrive as both a distinctive destination for business visitors and a proud example of how Leeds Grenville’s history continues to inspire hospitality today and into the future.
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Photos: top main, Ralph Haddad and Marianne Skaff inside the Judges Chambers room. Above from top: the front entrance of the heritage property; ribbon cutting ceremony officiated by City of Brockville Mayor Matt Wren; the Senators Suite; an English-style courtyard.
LINKS
20 Broad Street
613-342-0416
Email | Website | Booking
| | Economic Development Summit | | Excitement Builds: Only 25 Tickets Left! | | |
The 17th Annual Summit will feature thought-provoking sessions that both celebrate our region’s achievements and prepare us for what’s next.
Alongside keynote speakers Hon. Nina Tangri, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Small Business, and Brock Dickinson, entrepreneur and strategist with Stonebridge Solutions LP, attendees can look forward to an exciting roster of presenters that also includes:
- David Britton from Parks Canada regarding the Rideau Canal
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Kennan Ip and Brian Gordon from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) on planning and infrastructure
- Bottle & Barrel Adventures – Behind the Brews panel discussion
- Jesse Mitchell of Strader-Ferris International on cross-border customs
- Ann Weir, Leeds Grenville Economic Development Manager with the annual update
Registration Deadline: November 14th at 3 p.m.
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Hosted by the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office, in partnership with Michael Barrett, M.P., Steve Clark, M.P.P., the 1000 Islands CDC, CF Grenville, Valley Heartland CFDC, and the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board, this is the region’s top annual Economic Development event.
Access the Summit agenda for full details on the event. Reserve your seat by visiting the Counties webpage, or by clicking the button below. There are less than 25 tickets left.
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When: Friday, November 21, 2025
Time: Registration opens at 8:15 a.m. | Event runs 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
Cost: $58 (Advanced Registration Required)
Includes Light breakfast, snacks, and lunch
Reserve your seat today!
For more info contact Joanne at 613-342-3840 ext. 5362 or joanne.poll@uclg.on.ca
| | Top Augusta Businesses Receive Accolades | | Photo: l-r, Augusta Mayor Jeff Shaver and Deputy Mayor Adrian Wynands present the Business of the Year Award to Steve St. Pierre and Erin Conway of Artisan Kitchen and Bath. | | |
MAITLAND - Augusta Township Council, together with the Economic Development and Tourism Committee, with members of the community gathered on November 7th at the Maitland Education and Recreation Centre to pay tribute to local businesses at the 2025 Awards Breakfast event.
Keynote Speaker David Beatty shared economic insights shaped by more than 50 years in business. He offered his perspective on the state of local, domestic, and global economies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining efficient, free-flowing logistics.
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Beatty spoke to the challenges facing ocean-crossing freight while underscoring the need to seize opportunities that remain with Canada’s key trading partners. Encouraging businesses to “control what you can,” he advised increasing efficiencies and automation by reducing “touches” in manufacturing processes.
Beatty pointed to the current rise in nationalism, urging Canadian businesses to tap into this momentum through stronger marketing efforts. Expanding product lines and entering new global markets.
Award presentations followed. Business of the Year was awarded to Artisan Kitchen and Bath. New Business of the Year went to Dixon’s General Store and Café and Kyle Knapp received the Young Professional of the Year.
In addition to these awards, Dale Countryman received the Agriculture Leadership Award, the Community Builder Award went to Donna Travis and both Lloyd Knapp and Elmer Covill received Legacy Awards.
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Photos: Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark and Augusta Township Councillor Hendrick Pape along with Mayor Jeff Shaver present: (top) the New Business of the Year Award to Arnold Dixon, Ashley Dixon and Sarah Smith of Dixon's General Store along with Darlene Jones; (bottom) with Deputy Mayor Adrian Wynands, the Young Professional Award was presented to Kyle Knapp. | | |
Virtual Option New to 1000 Island Golf
1000 Island (Mini) Golf Centre invite customers to extend their season and reserve one of five new Trackman VR golf simulators during their soft opening. Located at 1850 County Road 2 East in Elizabethtown-Kitley, the recommendation is to pre-book reservations. Check Facebook page for updated hours, food and drink available, liquor license coming soon. Contact: 613-499-9546 or send email to 1000islandmgc@gmail.com.
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Tru by Hilton Gananoque Hotel Opens
Located in the heart of the scenic 1000 Islands, this brand new tru by Hilton hotel provides an ideal stay for business and leisure travellers alike. Located across from the Shoreline Casino, guests enjoy easy access to local attractions. It features a business centre with internet access, a fully equipped fitness centre, free parking, high-speed Wi-Fi, a heated indoor pool, and a complimentary hot breakfast.
| | | Edwardsburgh Cardinal Township Accepting Nominations | | |
Support the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal in honouring two local businesses during the upcoming annual Community Awards celebration! Nominations are now open for both Small and Large Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Youth Citizen of the Year, and Community Organization/Volunteer of the Year will also be recognized.
The event will be held at the Townhall on December 4th at 6:30 p.m.
Call 613-658-3055 for more info.
Submission Deadline November 19th.
| | Upcoming Business Consults in North Grenville | | |
Are you thinking about starting a business or looking to grow your existing one? Leeds Grenville Small Business offers free, confidential consultations to help you take the next step with confidence.
Receive assistance with:
- Developing and refining your business idea
- Preparing a professional business plan and cash flow projection
- Understanding government regulations, licensing, and registration requirements
- Conducting market research to identify your target audience and opportunities
- Exploring potential grant programs
- Accessing workshops, training, and local business resources
Whether you’re launching a new business or
looking to strengthen an existing one, we’re
here to help you succeed.
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North Grenville Area Consults
Where: North Grenville Municipal Centre,
285 County Road 44, Kemptville
When: December 10, 2025 · 12:30-4 p.m.
Spaces are limited, book your appointment today.
| | Nominate a Local Businesswoman for Lifetime Achievement Award | | 2025 Award recipient Lynn Laming-Kerr. | | |
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a woman who has owned and operated a business in Leeds Grenville for 15 or more years and who has made a lasting impact through her leadership, innovation, and community involvement.
Presented as part of the International Women’s Day celebration in March, this award honours a woman who's entrepreneurial journey reflects creativity, perseverance and significant contributions to the economic and social well-being of her community. She serves as an inspiration and role model to others, especially women in business.
Download the nomination form and email to:
Carol Hardy, Small Business Development Officer,
Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office
32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
email: carol.hardy@uclg.on.ca
Contact: Carol at 613-342-3840 ext. 5367
Deadline: Friday, December 5, at 4 p.m.
| | Apply Now for the 2026 Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy | | |
Are you ready to:
- Provide quality work experiences for youth?
- Provide opportunities for youth to develop and improve their skills?
- Respond to national and local priorities to improve access to the labour market for youth who face unique barriers?
If so, apply for CSJ 2026 now!
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Employers from not-for-profit organizations, the public sector, as well as private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees can apply.
What this program offers
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) provides wage subsidies to support employers to create quality summer work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30 years.
Funding amount
Not-for-profit employers can receive funding for up to 100% of the provincial or territorial minimum wage and public and private sector employers are eligible to receive funding for up to 50%.
Deadline: December 11, 11:59 p.m. PST
| | Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund | | |
The Ecosystem Fund is a key component of the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP), an initiative which aims to break down barriers and create opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. It strengthens the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem by supporting Black-led not-for-profit organizations to deliver high-impact business services from mentorship and networking to training, outreach and capacity building.
Application deadline January 9, 2026,
4:59 p.m. EST
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With funding through 2030, the Ecosystem Fund will continue to empower Black entrepreneurs and business owners, and support their long-term success – helping to contribute to a stronger Canadian economy.
How to apply?
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Determine if you are eligible by completing the online self-screening tool.
- See if this funding opportunity is right for you by clicking "Next" and reviewing the program details.
- Submit your completed application and all required documents by January 9, 2026, 4:59 pm Eastern Standard Time.
Information session
FedDev Ontario is hosting an online session to help organizations learn about the Ecosystem Fund. Get answers on eligibility, funding and the application process.
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A rare commercial opportunity awaits with Harmer’s Cottages. Sitting on a private sandy beach along the St. Lawrence River, it features six charming two-bedroom cottages and a renovated two-storey main house on over two acres of pristine waterfront. The main building has an office, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and sweeping river views. Each charming cottage offers a private deck with chairs, BBQ, and picnic table. A shared dock invites swimming and boating. This beautiful property can make your 1000 Islands dream a reality.
View map for 135 Thousand Islands Parkway.
| | Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | | Food and beverage entrepreneurs in Leeds Grenville are eligible to take part in the Foodpreneur Advantage, designed to support food sector businesses at any stage. Start-Up Seminars: a series of 6 free workshops for those starting or refining a food business, offered 4x per year. Learn the basics including regulations, pricing, branding, packaging, labelling, and how to sell to retailers. | | | | |
When:
Nov 13: Costing & Pricing to Make Profits
Nov 20: Marketing & Branding your Food Product
Nov 27: Food Safety Fundamentals for Start-ups
Dec 4: Labelling & Packaging your Food Product
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Email Marketing that Works
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to build a simple but effective email strategy that strengthens relationships and drives sales. You’ll see what’s working in 2025, how to stay compliant with Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), and how to design emails that look great on any device.
You’ll learn how to:
• Build the three must-have campaigns (Welcome, Monthly Value + Offer, and Win-back)
• Write emails that are short, scannable, and engaging
• Stay CASL-compliant while improving deliverability
When: Nov 17
Time: 9:30-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Small Business Insurance
Anne Marie Thomas is Director of Consumer & Industry Relations for the Insurance Bureau of Canada in Ontario. This webinar will provide you with working knowledge of small business insurance. It will also enable you to ask the right questions when speaking with insurance professionals.
Topics Covered:
• Why do I need business insurance?
• Types of insurance for small business
• Questions you should ask insurance professionals
• Resources to ensure you get the proper policy
When: Nov 24
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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AI for Business Efficiency Series
These hands-on sessions aren’t about ad tech or flashy marketing. Instead, they focus on quiet, practical systems that work in the background helping you to reclaim hours of admin time every week. Each session is delivered in plain language; with templates you can start using the same day. Offered to business owners located in the 1000 Islands, Frontenac, and Grenville regions.
When:
- Nov 26: Your 24/7 Executive Assistant - Use AI to draft emails, capture notes, and set priorities
- Dec 10: Safe & Scalable AI Systems - Choose the right tools, protect your data, and plan for growth
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Time: 9 am - 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $20/workshop
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AI Webinar Series
Now that you’ve dipped your toe in, it’s time to learn the #1 skill that will change how ChatGPT works for you: prompting. This session breaks down the basics of crafting good prompts, because the output is only as good as what you ask. We’ll explore how to get more tailored, thoughtful, and relevant answers that sound like you and work for your business.
When:
Nov. 27: Marketing Magic: Content in Less Time
Dec. 16: Plan it Like You Mean It
Jan. 27: Teamwork & Tools: AI in Collaboration
Feb. 17: Putting it All Together
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Cross-Border Shipments
Ontario SMEs are invited for a free one-hour webinar about the Do’s and Don’ts that must be observed as you successfully move your goods across the border.
Hear first-hand from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency officer who will provide Ontario companies with what is mandatory when shipping products to the United States. Emphasis will be on the documentation required. Hosted by Government of Ontario in partnership with the United States Customs and Border Protection Agency.
When: Dec 3
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Power in Partnerships
Partnerships can take your event to the next level — but building the right ones takes strategy and intention.
Explore how collaborations with businesses, organizations, and community partners can diversify programming, share resources, and increase impact.
You’ll gain tools and insights to identify potential partners, create win–win opportunities, and build stronger, more resilient events.
Hosted by RTO9 and Festivals and Events Ontario.
When: Dec 4
Time: 10-11 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 November 25th, 2025 edition should be received by November 17th.
- Submissions for the December 9th, 2025 edition should be received by December 1st.
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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 or event information to any resellers. Please be aware any email messages suggesting acquisition is not from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office.
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