LANSDOWNE – Standing in the recently built office, Kehoe Marine Construction staff reflect on growing their business Canada-wide while continuing to prioritize the local customers and residential work that built the company.

A recipient of the 2024 Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award, is proudly owned and operated by Ken and Sarah Kehoe. For more than 20 years, they have built a reputation of excellence, becoming industry leaders in Ontario for residential dock construction, boat lift installations, shoreline protection, barge services, and commercial marine construction projects.

Since 2003, Kehoe Marine Construction has serviced Leeds Grenville. What started as a casual dock built for a friend has grown into a household name marked by the recognizable red logo on docks across the region. “Our residential customers are where we started, and they remain a core part of who we are,” said Ken.

Residential work continues to represent a large and important part of Kehoe’s business today. For many waterfront property owners, taking on a new project can be a daunting task, but Kehoe is committed to making every build stress-free. Whether it involves a dock upgrade, boat lift installation, waterfront redevelopment, or a repair that needs an experienced eye, Kehoe welcomes projects of all scopes, year-round.

As the company has grown, Kehoe has expanded its reach through the manufacturing, rental, and supply of sectional barges across Canada. Originally developed for company projects, these barges have helped Kehoe become a leading manufacturer. Their innovative design allows for shipping across the country. “We want to continue to grow, but not lose value locally,” explained Ken.

One notable local project was the renovation of Brown’s Bay in 2024. Kehoe has also been key in the development of the Gananoque Boat Museum and several local private businesses throughout the 1000 Islands.

Their skilled team takes pride in preserving local environments and is part of the Net-Zero Challenge, a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. “Every year there is an increase in environmental guidelines. Staff review and incorporate them into each project’s development,” shared Ken. The company also uses biodegradable oil in their heavy equipment to reduce its impact on the environment.

Kehoe currently has 73 staff, 16 of whom are administrative. “Successful staff retention means recruiting locally,” said Ken, adding, “All of our key staff have grown and developed within the company.” The business has established youth-in-the-trades training partnerships with local high schools and colleges and are working toward a foundation to support youth in six skilled trades.

Kehoe continues to focus on supporting local and purchasing Canadian materials whenever possible. “Canada first, even if it costs a bit more, there is economic value in buying domestically,” stated Ken.

Looking ahead, Kehoe plans to “stay on a path of controlled and strategic growth,” noted Ken. This includes investing in staff training and adopting new technologies such as AI, while continuing to serve customers both locally and nationally.

Burnbrae Marketing VP Receives Award

Congratulations to Pam Kellogg, Vice President, Consumer Marketing at Burnbrae Farms in Elizabethtown-Kitely, on being named a 2026 Star Women in Grocery by Canadian Grocer. The award recognizes women making significant impacts in the grocery industry. Pam has played a key role in strengthening Burnbrae’s market position, with innovative marketing campaigns, expanding the company’s digital presence, and helping earn recognition as Canada’s most trusted egg brand.

Found & Foraged in Kemptville

Described as a cozy space celebrating local, upcycled, and vintage finds, the newly established Found & Foraged procures timeless pieces and handcrafted goods by local makers where every item has a story worth sharing. Located at 413 Rideau Street in Kemptville, the retail shop is known as a warm and welcoming experience that offers a unique variety of dry goods, treats, self care products, apparel, giftware, housewares, games and more. Visit their socials for upcoming workshops, open Thursday through Sunday.

Are you thinking about the future of your business? Whether you are planning to retire, transition ownership, or simply want to understand what your business is worth, succession planning support is now available through Leeds Grenville Small Business. Our advisors can work with you one-on-one to assess your business's readiness for sale or transfer, identify gaps that could affect your valuation, and help you take practical steps to protect what you have built. Sessions are free and confidential.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional business owner who demonstrates innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to business excellence. This award celebrates a Leeds Grenville entrepreneur who has successfully grown their business while making a positive impact on the local economy and community.

Nominees should exemplify vision, determination, and integrity through their entrepreneurial journey. They create opportunities for others, contribute to the vitality of Leeds Grenville, support community initiatives, and serve as role models for aspiring entrepreneurs. Through their achievements and community involvement, they help strengthen the region as a place to live and work.

Photo: 2025 recipient Jenn Winter of Ignite Printing

Eligibility details:

• a Leeds Grenville resident 
• actively operating a business within the geographic area of Leeds Grenville
• owner of the business and legally registered (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation)
• in business for at least 2 years and demonstrating business growth and success
• the business must employ fewer than 10 employees
• is a Starter Company Plus graduate
• the nominee must demonstrate a positive impact on the community through employment, involvement, or contribution
• the nominee must be of good character, showing integrity, leadership, and professionalism

Nominations are welcomed from individuals, organizations, business leaders, elected officials, and municipal and county staff. The award will be presented at the 2026 Small Business Success Forum (formerly Bridges to Better Business).

For more information, call Small Business Assistant Meagan Metcalf at 613-342-3840 ext. 5363.

To submit a nomination, please send the completed form to Carol Hardy, carol.hardy@uclg.on.ca.

The deadline to submit: Friday, August 21 at 4 p.m.

Starter Company Plus Information Sessions

Starter Company Plus Program is a free program designed to help entrepreneurs launch, expand or grow their businesses. This competitive program provides free business training, mentorship and the opportunity to pitch for a small grant. To be eligible for this program, you must attend one of our in-person or virtual information sessions.

Discover a rare opportunity to own more than 30 acres with an established, successful business in the heart of cottage country. Featuring a loyal customer base and exceptional growth potential, this unique property also includes a comfortable home with an open-concept layout, spacious primary bedroom, main-floor laundry, and a wraparound deck overlooking the scenic landscape. Ideally located in Lyndhurst between Ottawa, Kingston, and the 1000 Islands Bridge, this property offers the perfect blend of business, lifestyle, and investment potential.



View map for 3756 County Road 3, Lyndhurst.

Eastern Ontario Development Fund - Accepting Applications

Applicants will be notified of decisions within approximately 60 business days of the application deadline.

Deadline to apply is September 23

Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Grant Opens July 22

Build capacity and prepare for future programming.

Ontario Trillium Seed grants help organizations, municipalities, and First Nations improve how they deliver programs and services that directly benefit community members.

Applicants can apply for funding to carry out projects focused on:

• organizational planning
• piloting a new program
• building their capacity to plan for future programs and services

Interested applicants must:

• Deliver programs and services in one of four sectors: sports and recreation, arts and culture, environment, or human and social services.
• Have a primary purpose, presence, and reputation for delivering community-based programs and services with direct community benefit in one of OTF’s 16 geographic catchment areas in Ontario.
• Demonstrate the financial and organizational capacity to manage OTF funds, and deliver and complete the proposed project as per OTF’s Financial Need and Health of Applicants policy.
• Demonstrate that it is the appropriate organization or community to carry out the proposed project.

Life Sciences Scale-Up Fund

The Community Futures Grenville Initiative provides non-repayable funding to support community economic development projects up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $10,000.

The grant supports projects that:

• address strategic economic development priorities
• support the business community
• have a significant, measurable impact
• demonstrate collaboration with community economic development partners
• support community capacity for economic development

Search Engine Optimization: Understanding the Basics

Often you will hear about needing to optimize search engines or SEO. Now, with AI, the nature of SEO has changed, and your strategy towards optimizing for search engines needs to change too. In this webinar, the Digital Service Squad will explain search engine optimization and the best tactics you as a business can use towards increasing your searchability.

Learn about:

• What SEO is
• Importance of keywords
• Utilizing AI for SEO 
• On-page tactics
• Off-page tactics
• Technical SEO