New Canadians Centre Executive Director to Step Down From Role at End of June After Six-Year Tenure

Andy Cragg, New Canadians Centre (NCC) executive director will step down at the end of this June after close to six years in the position.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

“Andy has made tangible, lasting contributions to the organization and Peterborough is a more inclusive and welcoming community because of his efforts. We are truly grateful for his dedicated service – he will be missed,” said Ghada Hussein, board chair.

Since 2019, Cragg has been instrumental in guiding the growth of the New Canadians Centre and navigating the local impact of multiple challenges and crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the fall of the political regime in Afghanistan, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and changes in Canada’s immigration policies according to a media release.

During Cragg’s tenure, many programs and services were added and expanded so the NCC could better meet new Canadians' language, educational, employment and settlement needs. The staff complement grew from 25 to 50 and the organisation’s budget doubled as NCC was successful in applying for grants and growing support from donors.

NCC served more than 2,000 newcomers from 104 countries last year – a 50 per cent increase over the previous year. Initiatives such as English in the Workplace, the Life Skills Program, and Community Training Program were implemented to respond to client and community needs. Through Cragg, the NCC also developed a Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan – a commitment to support clients, volunteers, and employees to realize a vision of nation-building that grows from mutual respect and understanding between Indigenous peoples and settlers. Most recently, Cragg has led the successful negotiation of a three-year contract with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to continue our work of serving newcomers in our region.

“It is an enormous privilege to lead this organization and an honour to contribute to its transformative work. After an incredibly rewarding six years, I’m looking forward to shifting focus to time with my young family,” said Cragg.

The Board of Directors has initiated a comprehensive search process to hire a new executive director and will work closely with Cragg and the senior leadership team to manage the transition and ensure operational continuity. NCC says a job posting will be shared in April and the new Executive Director is expected to be announced prior to Cragg’s departure.

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Voice of Business: Expanding Canada’s Trade in a Shifting Global Landscape

This week in Voice of Business, we are diving into trade expansion and the need to diversify Canada’s trade amid an ongoing tariff war.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to explore new trade partners. With internal trade barriers coming down and more reductions expected, Canadian businesses are looking for ways to expand beyond our traditional reliance on the United States.

Locally, the reality is that the U.S. remains Ontario’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 81% of our exports and supplying 52% of our imports. Given this deep economic relationship, shifting trade beyond North America is no simple task. It involves numerous hurdles, including regulatory challenges, financial risks, costly investments, and market uncertainty. In this article, we explore the key considerations for expanding trade and the role government can play in supporting businesses as they navigate global markets.

The first step in diversifying Canada’s trade is providing businesses with the resources and opportunities to branch out. Trade missions are an effective way to connect Canadian businesses with international markets, helping them reach a global audience. These missions facilitate networking with senior officials and key industry players, creating opportunities to diversify exports and establish a presence in foreign markets. Canada must commit to supporting key industries impacted by tariffs to mitigate potential consequences if another trade war arises.

One upcoming opportunity is the Team Canada Trade Mission to Thailand and Cambodia at the end of May. Click here to find out more about how this trade mission could benefit your business.

Trade agreements are another powerful tool for businesses exploring international markets. Canada currently has 16 free trade agreements (FTAs), with Ecuador recently initiating discussions for a new agreement. FTAs help lower trade barriers, streamline regulations, and create easier pathways for businesses to expand. While moving operations or sales to another country may not fully offset the costs of U.S. tariffs, establishing a presence in alternative markets can help mitigate future trade risks.

Despite the benefits, expanding into new markets comes with challenges. Businesses must navigate language barriers, cultural differences, and varying regulatory frameworks. Researching international markets and understanding cultural norms are critical steps in ensuring a product or service aligns with local consumer expectations.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face additional obstacles, such as high shipping costs, fluctuating foreign exchange rates, and complex compliance requirements.

Unlike large corporations, SMEs may lack the resources to absorb these costs, making international expansion a more daunting endeavor.

While businesses must take the lead in establishing themselves in new markets, there are valuable resources available to ease the transition. The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) provides support in over 160 cities worldwide, helping businesses navigate foreign markets and connect with global partners.

While expanding internationally cannot fully replace Canada’s deep trade ties with the U.S., it is an important strategy for reducing long-term risks. By leveraging government support, trade agreements, and market intelligence, Canadian businesses can build resilience and unlock new growth opportunities.

The time to act is now—Canadian businesses must look beyond our southern neighbor to secure a more stable and diverse economic future.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Peterborough DBIA Relaunches Mac & Cheese Festival; 17 Restaurants Vying For Championship Title

The title of Mac + Cheese Champion is up for grabs as the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has relaunched its Mac and Cheese Festival for a fourth year running from April 1 to 26, announced on Tuesday.

Heather Wasson, Turnbull Cafe Owner showcases her entry: Hot Honey Mac Attack. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

This year’s festival will feature exclusive in-restaurant specials and a Grand Finale Event on April 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Quaker Foods City Square.

There are 17 downtown restaurants competing to win the championship trophy, each offering its own twist on the beloved comfort food, such as The Dirty Burger’s Mac & Cheeseburger Samosa.

The public can vote online to crown a winner for this year’s event.

“We figured, why settle for just one cheesy guilty pleasure when you can have two?” said Tyrone Flowers, The Vine owner and current champion. “This year we’ve combined two fan favourites - mac and cheese and jalapeño poppers - into one irresistible dish. It’s rich, creamy, packed with flavour and just the right amount of heat. Cheese lovers,  we made this one for you.”

Local celebrity judges will decide a winner for this year’s Peterborough’s Mac & Cheese Champion at the grand finale. The contenders for the grand finale event include: Dreams of Beans, La Mesita, The Vine, The Boardwalk Game Lounge, The Riverside Grill and Sam’s Place Deli. Vendors will also be selling drinks and sweets.

“The Mac & Cheese Festival is a fantastic way to showcase the culinary talent and the creativity of our downtown restaurants, while also bringing the community together over a dish we all love,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We’re excited to bring this event back with an outdoor festival component that not only supports our local business community but also kicks off the Spring season in a really exciting way - with a day full of food, music and fun for all ages.”

Four local bands, including Jeanne Truax, Warren Frank, Brooklyn Doran, and VANCAMP, will perform live throughout the afternoon. A beer garden will be set up on the rink pad at Quaker Square, with local breweries, including 100 Acre Brewing Co., Sandbagger Hard Seltzer and Maple Light.

“I’m really looking forward to playing the mac & cheese festival at Quaker Square with the band,” said Calvin Bakelaar, VANCAMP frontman. “There’s nothing like an outdoor event with live music and an unreasonable amount of mac & cheese to really kick off spring.” 

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Just Spray It, JA-NEO, Charlotte Products and CAM Containers

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Just Spray It is expanding their insulation services to include blow-in fiberglass insulation in addition to their spray foam insulation service.

Spray foam works great for basements, walls, and hard-to-reach areas while blow-in fiberglass is a great option for attics. They have helped hundreds of homeowners and local businesses save on heating and cooling costs. Founders Rob and Mitch met in college and saw an opportunity to open their business. They are licenced, insured, and ready to insulate your home, garage, or shipping container. You can reach them online at justsprayit.ca.

Celebrate local business leaders by getting an early bird ticket before April 13 for the 2025 Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame on May 29 at 5 p.m.

Now in its 10th year, this annual celebration is put on by Junior Achievement Northern and Eastern Ontario and the event is presented by Drain Bros, Alf Curtis Home Improvements, and Peterborough Truss and Floor LTD. Inductees are selected for their lasting contributions to economic development locally. They embody a legacy of excellence, displaying unwavering commitment, leadership, and innovation throughout their illustrious careers. Get your tickets at ja-neo.org.

The team at Charlotte Products and Swish Maintenance have been busy celebrating some big milestones.

Here’s a shout out to:

• Peter McMurray who just marked 45 years there as a research and development technician

• Ken Fisher, a production mixer who has been with them for 35 years

• Jennifer Toms, the friendly face and voice of Swish as a receptionist of 35 years

• Production stager Carey Laroche who just celebrated 30 years

Congrats to all of you for helping make Charlotte and Swish the success they are today.

We’re going to keep highlighting businesses making stuff locally. Established in 2021, CAM Containers was founded to address the need for more local distribution of bottles and containers within the Canadian market.

CAM is advised by several veterans within the plastic manufacturing industry, as well as the sanitation distribution market, who collectively have over 30 years of experience. With their guidance, CAM is able to navigate through the competitive manufacturing landscape and offer knowledge-based solutions to help meet any customer’s needs.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

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Innovation Cluster-Peterborough & the Kawarthas Unveils New Brand and Dynamic Programs to Bolster Canadian Innovation Leadership

Innovation Cluster - Peterborough and the Kawarthas has unveiled its new brand that reflects its updated strategy to focus on the unique needs of technology-based small and medium enterprises in Peterborough and the surrounding area, announced on Thursday morning.

Innovation Cluster Peterborough Nicole Stephenson, Innovation Cluster Board chair(left) and Christine Crandell, Innovation Cluster Board Vice Chair (right), showcase the organization’s new logo as part of a new branding and dynamic programs to help boost Canadian innovation leadership. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The new brand visually reinforces the organization’s mission to support entrepreneurs in reaching their business goals and growing our local community, job market, and economy according to said Nicole Stephenson, Innovation Cluster Board Chair. She also adds that branding represents the Innovation Cluster’s commitment to providing dynamic programming to meet key challenges SMEs face in commercializing and scaling their technology innovations.

“As our organization is evolving, we realize that public perception has not kept pace,” she explained. “This rebranding and new programming underscore our focus on regional economic development, job creation, and supporting technology SMEs to drive Canadian innovation forward.”

New signage of the rebranding is displayed on the first floor and the exterior of the Venture North Building in Peterborough.

According to Innovation Cluster, the logo is inspired by the convergence of three key critical success factors, represented by green, red and yellow arrows.

The colours represent the following:

• Green: Acknowledges the Innovation Cluster’s history and represents business acceleration programs.

• Red: Represents mentoring and advising, critical to realizing measurable results.

• Yellow: Represents the skill and knowledge-building programming essential to sustained growth.

• Blue: The green, red, and yellow arrows merge to acknowledge that all are critical to igniting sustainable forward momentum and long-term success.

In addition to the rebranding, Innovation Cluster also announced the launch of new digital-first programming. They cover three areas: skill and knowledge building, mentoring and advising and business acceleration.

• Educational Programming – New workshops, bootcamps, and mastering series programs that build the breadth and depth of skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need

• Mentoring and Advising - Expanded Experts-in-Residence and Business Advisor roster, including new serial entrepreneurs, vertical industry experts and investors

• Business Accelerator Programming – New accelerator programs for specific company growth stages as a complement to current LevelUp and StartUp Visa programs. New dynamic programming supports entrepreneurs as they progress through their commercialization, scaling, rapid growth, maturity, and innovation stages.

“We are problem solvers, and we push ourselves to be better on behalf of our clients, each other, and our community,” said Christine Crandell, Innovation Cluster Board Vice Chair. “We’re excited to embark on this new chapter and continue supporting technology SMEs as they change the world.”

The rebranded website offers programming, events and member resources to enable technology SMEs to accelerate their growth and market success.

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Starter Company Plus Applications Open For Entrepreneurs to Help Launch and Grow Their Businesses

The Business Advisory Centre have opened applications for the upcoming Starter Company Plus program cohort that offers entrepreneurs essential tools, mentorship and funding to help grow and launch their businesses.

Photo courtesy of Kayla Le Franc and Community Futures Peterborough

“Starter Company Plus is more than just a program—it’s a transformative experience that reshapes the trajectory of the entrepreneur’s journey,” said Rosalea Terry, Business Advisory Centre manager. “By combining expert-led programming, valuable connections, a supportive cohort of like-minded individuals, and funding opportunities, we empower entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build and scale their businesses with confidence. This program is about more than financial support; it’s about equipping business owners with the tools, knowledge, and network to create lasting success.”

Participants will receive guidance from a seasoned business advisor who will help refine their strategies, build strong financial foundations and develop effective marketing campaigns according to a press release. The program also provides valuable networking opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and like-minded peers who have successfully started, expanded, or acquired small businesses.

“The Starter Company Plus program is essential for those looking to become entrepreneurs,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By providing training, mentoring, and guidance, as well as grants, this initiative will equip individuals with the support they need to grow their businesses, opening up new avenues to transform their ventures into successful enterprises.”

Each entrepreneur will receive a six-month trial membership with the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce for networking opportunities, business advocacy and access to exclusive events. They will also receive a conditionally pre-approved microloan from Community Futures Peterborough.

“Supporting local entrepreneurs is essential for fostering innovation and economic growth in our region,” said Devon Girard, Community Futures Peterborough executive director. “Our first cohort of 21 businesses successfully completed the program with rave reviews and inspiring success stories, proving just how impactful Starter Company Plus can be for businesses. By providing entrepreneurs with expert-led programming, valuable connections, and access to funding, this program is truly transforming businesses and shaping the future of our local economy. We can't wait to see what the next cohort will accomplish."

Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older, based in the City or County of Peterborough and ready to launch a new business or expand an existing one.

Applications can be found online. The deadline to apply is April 2 at 11:59 p.m.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Coronation Medal, Tech Monkey Education, Peterborough Chamber and Central Smith Creamery

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

A big congratulations to Cindy Windover and Harry Pearson on being recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their dedication to community service.

The pair were recognized at the Lakefield ReStore as both are long-time volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. Cindy works with Ball Real Estate and is a former board chair and long-time board director with the Chamber of Commerce. Thanks, Cindy and Harry, for all the hard work you do in our community.

Michelle Fenn has launched a new business – Tech Monkey Education.

She is a retired teacher and former innovation and technology consultant who is looking to bring creativity, technology, and innovation to your school. The company works directly with students and educators with a mission to foster skills in media arts while making learning engaging and fun. Tech Monkey offers things like workshops on the basics of creating Claymation stop motion animation and provides tools and instructions for those looking to start a coding club. Find out more at techmonkeyeducation.com.

Want to learn a bit more about what we do at the Chamber of Commerce?

Join us for our Annual General Meeting on March 27 at Ashburnham Funeral Home and Reception Centre. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. with the AGM starting at 9 a.m. Keynote speaker Daniel Tisch will take the stage around 9:30 a.m. Dan is the President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and will talk about the status of Ontario’s business community, offer insights into our trade dispute with the US, and take questions from local businesses. Get your tickets at pkchamber.ca.

Every week we’re going to highlight things that are made here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

Today’s business makes some of our most delicious treats that come in flavours like Monster Cookie, Peanut Butter Pretzel, and Bigfoot. We’re talking about Central Smith, a business that challenges themselves to think beyond the ordinary and lead by imagination as they craft unique ice cream flavours. Central Smith recently launched two new spectacular flavours – Grand Slam and True North Cherry Cheesecake. They are a family-owned business that sources ingredients locally, including fresh cream from Mitchell Ontario and sugar refined in the GTA. You can find them at 739 Lindsay Road in Selwyn.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

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Voice of Business: Everything Tariffs: Local Panel Insights, Federal Support and Economic Impact

This week on Voice of Business, we are discussing the impact of tariffs and what has happened since their implementation.

Tariffs came into effect on March 4, and we recently hosted a well-rounded panel with industry experts to examine their effects. This week, we will explore how the Canadian government has responded and what it means for businesses.

March has been a volatile and concerning month for our members and local businesses. As of March 4, at 12:01 a.m., U.S. tariffs took effect due to Canada’s perceived inaction on Fentanyl-related concerns. In response, the Canadian government responded with counter-tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods. If U.S. tariffs remain in place, total Canadian countermeasures could increase to $125 billion, totalling $155 million in tariffs on U.S. imports. The affected products such as electric vehicles, fruits, vegetables, beef, pork, dairy, electronics, steel, aluminum, trucks, and buses. Currently, the list of affected goods includes orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, beer, coffee, appliances, apparel, footwear, motorcycles, cosmetics, and certain pulp and paper products. On March 6th, the U.S. announced that CUSMA-related products, including auto parts, would be exempt from tariffs until April 2nd. Canadian officials later confirmed that approximately 40per cent of Canadian exports to the U.S. would be exempt and that Canada would not proceed with the second wave of $125 billion in tariffs until April 2nd. Despite Canada appointing a Fentanyl Czar and increasing border security measures, these efforts have not been sufficient to prevent U.S. tariffs. With $3.6 billion in goods and services crossing the border daily, these tariffs will have a substantial impact on jobs, industries, and local businesses. The effects are already being felt. Businesses exporting products to the U.S. are experiencing financial strain, with some anticipating layoffs and price increases to offset rising costs. Supply chain disruptions are also expected, as importers of affected goods will face higher prices. Consumers will bear the burden through increased costs at checkout. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has been actively advocating for the removal of U.S. tariffs, estimating that their economic impact on every Canadian will be approximately $1,900. Canada remains the number one trading partner for 34 U.S. states, highlighting the deeply integrated nature of the supply chain. In Ontario alone, nearly one million Canadian jobs depend on Ontario’s U.S. exports, and 19,927 companies export to the U.S. These tariffs will create logistical and financial challenges, particularly for industries such as homebuilding, which rely on American products and will be forced to pass price increases onto consumers. Given the deeply integrated trade relationship between Canada and the U.S., supporting millions of jobs in both countries, it is clear that continued tariffs would cause significant economic damage.

Despite the challenges, there is some hope. Last week, Community Futures and the local Chamber of Commerce hosted a Tariff Panel discussion featuring industry experts.

Some Key takeaways from the panel included:

• the importance of businesses connecting with provincial and regional Chambers of Commerce to explore new markets.

• Panelists emphasized the urgent need for interprovincial trade reform to increase cross-border trade within Canada. Businesses were encouraged to participate in global trade missions with the government to diversify export markets.

• Expanding port infrastructure was identified as a crucial step to improving trade efficiency.

• Additionally, the panel highlighted that the U.S. may underestimate Canada’s leverage, particularly in sectors like agriculture, where Canada produces 90 per cent of the world’s potash, a critical resource for American farmers.

Although the trade war is beyond our control, recognizing these opportunities provides a sense of optimism. Canada is more unified than ever in its approach to economic resilience. Municipal governments are taking action, with both Peterborough County and the City of Peterborough committing to a “Made in Canada” procurement strategy to ensure local spending benefits local businesses. The Canadian government has also introduced several measures to support businesses affected by tariffs:

• The Trade Impact Program, launched through Export Development Canada, will deploy $5 billion over two years to help exporters reach new markets, navigate economic challenges, and address issues such as currency fluctuations and cash flow shortages.

• Additionally, $500 million in favourable loans will be available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to support impacted businesses and their supply chains, along with advisory services on financial management and market diversification.

• Providing $1 billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada to assist the agriculture and food industry with cash flow challenges, helping businesses adapt to changing market conditions. If your business is struggling with these challenges, please visit our Tariff Resources page for contact points and assistance. The situation is evolving rapidly, and while the future

remains uncertain, it is crucial that the Canadian government continues to develop strategies to support businesses through this difficult time.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre Launches First Summer Company Program

Community Futures Peterborough’s (CFP) Business Advisory Centre (BAC) has launched the 2025 Summer Company Program with applications open to offer students the tools, guidance and funding needed to transform their business ideas into reality.

Photo courtesy of CFP.

This program helps empower youth to explore entrepreneurship and develop skills to succeed in today’s fast-paced economy. Applicants must be between 15 and 29 years old and returning to school in the fall of 2025.

Six successful applicants through the program receive expert mentoring, valuable resources and financial support. This includes a grant of up to $3,000 to kickstart their small business. The program provides an unparalleled opportunity for participants to build critical entrepreneurial skills while running their businesses during the summer months according to Devon Girard, CFP’s executive director.

“This program is about empowering young people with the confidence, resources, and connections they need to turn their ideas into reality,” she said. “The support provided ensures participants are equipped with the tools to succeed and create a strong foundation for their future.”

The program offers a small, close-knit group of students the chance to receive personalized, one-on-one guidance and mentorship from an experienced advisor with extensive expertise in the entrepreneurial space.

“This is an exciting opportunity for young people to explore entrepreneurship at an early stage,” said Rose Terry, BAC manager. “By giving students the tools, funding, and mentorship they need to create their own jobs, we’re not just helping them succeed for one summer—we’re empowering them to have the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable career path.   Many participants catch the ‘entrepreneurship bug’ and go on to become business leaders and changemakers in their communities. It’s amazing to see how this program sparks creativity in young minds.”

Full program details and application forms are available online.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Local Advantage, Lakefield ReStore, Smarketing PTBO and Swish

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Are you looking to get the local advantage for your business?

The County’s The Local Advantage series is heading to Havelock on March 24 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Havelock Town Hall at 1 Mathison St. W.

This monthly drop-in series gives you access to experts in economic development, tourism, and organizations like Community Futures and the Chamber of Commerce. You can get advice and guidance for your business needs, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and get the tools you need for your business to grow and thrive. Find out more at ptbocounty.ca.

The Lakefield ReStore is now open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m., making it the only ReStore in the region open for Sunday shopping.

The store is transforming into a boutique-style shopping experience featuring antiques, vintage treasures, and unique finds. Every purchase and donation supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable homes in our community. Drop by 3001 Lakefield Rd. to shop, donate and make a difference.

Looking to improve your social media skills?

Smarketing PTBO is collaborating with Peterborough Business Hub to offer a new series of social media workshops. Each workshop includes a section on Canva for beginners, which will guide you through the essential tools of this powerful design platform including how to create eye-catching graphics that captivate your audience. The second part of the workshop focuses on putting the skills to work by creating a month’s worth of tailored social media content. Find out more at smarketingptbo.ca.

Swish is a great local success story.

It opened right here in Peterborough in 1956 by Walter Ambler. It’s a family-owned and operated business with 13 locations, 250 employees, and services more than 10,000 customers across Canada. Swish makes a diverse range of cleaning products for your home and business with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. Drop by their Clean-it Centre at 2060 Fisher Dr. or shop online at swish.ca.

Given everything going on right now with our neighbours to the south, Wiebe is going to use the Business Beat for the next while to promote businesses making products locally here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.