Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Flavour, Business Excellence Awards, Ontario Chamber and Mayor's Breakfast

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…

Flavour Fashion is celebrating 25 years in business at 383 George St. N. in downtown Peterborough.

Mike and Shelby Watt have built their store into a local retail icon, serving the streetwear, sneakers, and skate scene since 1999. They not only carry top brands in the market, but also their own Ptbo Northern Originals lineup of locally banded clothing and accessories. Drop by their George Street location or visit flavourfashion.ca to see their online store and order from the comfort of your home.

A big congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Business Excellence Awards hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

With more than two dozen recipients, we don’t have room to recognize everyone here, but highlights include Rosalea Terry and Heidi Popov as the Businesswomen of the year in the entrepreneur and organization categories. Phillip Jolicoeur is the 2024 Business Citizen of the year. This year’s 4-Under-40 are Dr. Taylor Bonner, Joe Curry, Hillary Flood, and Dylan Radcliffe. Check out the full list of well-deserving recipients and finalists from this year’s awards ceremony at pkexcellence.ca.

If you own or run a business, we want your input.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has launched its ninth annual Business Confidence Survey. Your insights and perspective will be used to guide political and business leaders across the province. The key is having enough local responses to be able to generate accurate local data for people like myself to use to advocate for the needs of local businesses. Please take five minutes to fill out the survey at occ.ca.

Do you want to learn about what Peterborough is doing to build a stronger business community?

The Chamber is hosting its annual Mayor’s Breakfast on Nov. 21 at Peterborough Golf and Country Club starting at 7:30 a.m. There will be a moderated discussion with Mayor Jeff Leal followed by a question and answer secession focused on local business issues. Get your tickets at pkchamber.ca.

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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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring JA-NEO, Kawartha Montessori, Peterborough Symphony Orchestra and Peterborough Chamber

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…

Nominations are open for Junior Achievement’s Business Hall of Fame.

It’s an opportunity to recognize businesses from across Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes who have helped shape our local economy and inspired others through their achievements. Recipients are people who embody a legacy of excellence, displaying unwavering commitment, leadership, and innovation throughout their careers. Visit ja-neo.org to nominate a deserving business in our community. The deadline for nominations is Nov. 29.

Kawartha Montessori School is hosting an open house at their beautiful location at 2247 Burnham Line in Otonabee South Monaghan on Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon.

This is a good opportunity to check out the school if you’re considering Montessori for your child or just curious about their unique learning environment. You will have an opportunity to explore their classrooms and facilities, meet their dedicated teachers, learn about Montessori curriculum and find out how they nurture independent, confident and lifelong learners.

Get an early start on your gift buying and support Peterborough Symphony Orchestra at the same time by bidding on their auction items.

The online auction launched earlier in October and will continue to 4 p.m. on Nov. 2. Starting at 6:30 p.m. that evening, bidding will continue in person at the PSO concert at Showplace and conclude at the post-concert reception in the Cogeco Studio. One of Canada’s foremost piano virtuosos, David Jalbert will be joining the orchestra that evening. Visit thepso.org for more information.

Want to be part of the conversation on the direction of tourism in Peterborough County?

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Peterborough County to hold a series of Tourism Talks at various locations. These roundtable discussions are meant to engage local businesses that are involved in, rely on, and otherwise impacted by tourism in the County. We want to get a better understanding of the needs of local businesses and what we can do to create a stronger, thriving local tourism sector for many years to come.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Maple Light, Cancer Takedown, Peterborough County and Sarah Budd

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 Peterborough company has launched Canada’s first hard maple seltzer.

Maple Light founders were inspired to create the refreshing cocktail while boiling down sap in their sugar shack. Seeing an opportunity, they official launched Maple Light this summer. It’s a drink that is lightly and naturally sweetened with a hint of real maple syrup balanced with subtle citrus notes. The drink is now available at select bars, restaurants, and golf courses and is expected to launch in grocery and convenience stores this fall. You can order it at drinkmaplelight.ca

It's time for the third annual Cancer Takedown fundraiser on Nov. 7 from 7 to 10 p.m at Market Hall.

It’s a night of song, story, and solidarity featuring the comedic genius of Linda Kash and Megan Murphy and music from Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr, The Weber Brothers, and more. All proceeds go to cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Tickets are available at tickets.markethall.org.

Thanksgiving may be behind us but our farming community is still very much at work harvesting their crops that feed our communities.

Peterborough County and the local OPP want to remind the rest of us to slow down and be aware that there are large, slow-moving vehicles on roads. The vehicles may not be fast enough to keep up with traffic, but our farmers are on a tight timeline to get the harvest in. Don’t expect them to pull over on the shoulder. Make sure you have a clear path and that the operator knows you’re behind them before passing. It’s the safe and respectful thing to do and the OPP are reinforcing that with careless driving fines for impatient drivers.

We at the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce bid farewell to Sarah Budd, our President and CEO for the last two years.

Sarah brought extensive experience from the non-profit world, having served for 15 years as the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region. She leaves the Chamber a stronger voice for businesses across the region. She will take that passion and energy for the business community to her new role as the manager of Community Development in the County’s new economic development department.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Right to Heal, Mallard Heating and Air, Grady's Feet Essentials and Halloween in the Booro

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 Right to Heal is teaming up with local business 100 Acre Brewing Company, hosting Friendsgiving on Oct. 20 from 2 to 6 pm.

This free admission event includes live music, local vendors, corn hole boards, prizes, a food truck and of course, local craft beer. Located on a beautiful rural lot, 100 Acres Brewing is a great place to enjoy some fall colours. Drop by 390 Ashburnham Dr. on Oct. 20 to raise some money for a great local cause and have a good family-friendly time.

With colder weather rolling in, it might be a good time to connect with a new local business: Mallard Heating and Air.

They do installation, maintenance, and repairs of furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, and fireplaces. Your climate comfort is a priority for Mallard Heating and Air, offering HVAC services that are designed to save you time and money with top-notch heating and air conditioning solutions. They service customers across Peterborough City, County, and Kawartha Lakes. Visit mallardhvac.ca for more information and to book an appointment.

In 1984 Ken Grady Sr. founded Grady’s Orthopedic Service from his home.

A year later, he opened the first Grady’s Shoes storefront in downtown Peterborough. Ken’s son Tony, along with his wife Kelli, bought the store in 1997. Together, they’ve created a legacy of 40 years as the go-to destination for quality comfort footwear. They opened their own storefront at 231 King St. back in 2018, initially as storage, office space, and a pickup location, officially relocating there in 2022. Congratulations Ken, Tony, and Kelli on your incredible legacy, both through your business and as leaders in our community.

It's time for Halloween in the Booro.

Head downtown Peterborough on Oct. 26 from 5 to 8 pm as the streets come alive with frightful fun and sweet surprises. This family-friendly event is organized by the DBIA and is designed to not only bring the community together but also to shine a spotlight on the local businesses that make downtown Peterborough a special and unique destination. There are nearly 30 local businesses joining in the fun, which includes trick or treating, a scavenger hunt for kids, and late-night shopping. Get more information at theboro.ca.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Lakefield and District Lions Club, Prince of Wales, Peterborough County and Dietrich Homes

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…

Lakefield and District Lions Club have kicked off a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to support the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation, Kawartha Food Share and Community Care Peterborough.

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation supports investments in equipment and technology to bring lifesaving services to the region. Kawartha Food Share assists more than 12,000 men, women and children every month in our community. Community Care programs support more than 6,000 seniors and adults in our community with disabilities, helping to keep them healthy and safe in their own homes. Get your tickets at lakefieldlions5050.ca. The raffle runs until Nov. 15.

Leon’s Furniture in Peterborough has partnered with The Rotary Club of Peterborough to help Prince of Wales Public School breakfast program with new appliances.

The Rotary Club and friends have been providing nutritious breakfasts to students for nearly 30 years at the school, but the appliances were having issues. A call from Rotarian Catherine Hanrahan to Tom Reburn at Leon’s lead to a donation of a new suite of appliances to keep the breakfasts coming. 

Peterborough County has unveiled its new economic development leadership team.

The team includes Rhonda Keenan, formerly of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development as the new General Manager of Economic Development. Sarah Budd is departing from the Chamber of Commerce to be the County’s Manager of Community Development. The two join Tracie Bertrand, General Manager of Tourism and Communications. The team’s efforts will focus on fostering collaboration across the region, ensuring that local businesses have the resources they need to thrive, and attracting new opportunities to the area.

Dietrich Homes have won the Award of Distinction for Production Build Home, two storeys up to 2,500 sq ft from the Ontario Home Builders Association.

Ontario’s top homebuilders were recognized at a ceremony at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls in late September. The Production Built Home Award celebrates architectural design, use of space, and unique craftsmanship. Congratulations to the team at Dietrich Homes!

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Lakefield Youth Unlimited, Community Futures Peterborough, Kids Against Hunger and Peterborough and The Kawarthas Home Builders Association

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…

Lakefield Youth Unlimited is celebrating 21 years of supporting youth, children, and families in the community.

To mark the occasion, they’re holding their biggest fundraising dinner yet on Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lakefield Royal Canadian Legion. At the dinner, you will hear inspiring stories about youth and their families in Lakefield. The dinner is 100 per cent free. Donations will get a charitable tax receipt.

A big congratulations to some local businesses on completing the 2024 ScaleUp program.

This initiative is a collaboration between Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank to equip local business leaders with the strategic insights and tools necessary to accelerate growth. It’s designed to address the evolving needs of regional entrepreneurs with the strategic tools required to make key decisions about how their business can scale up, including expanding their workforce, establishing additional locations, or diversifying their customer base. Graduates of the program are:

  • Tracy Cosburn, Kyoto Coffee

  • Alicia Doris, Living Local Marketplace

  • Jacob Rodenburg, Camp Kawartha

  • Debra Ragbar, Kawartha Spice Company

  • Clint Clarke, Barking Pixel Design Co.

  • Sean Flanagan, Flanagan and Sun

Kids Against Hunger Canada is holding its Bowties and Boas event on Oct.19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 270 Braidwood Ave.

This is a party fundraiser in support of the One Million Meals Peterborough program. The party unites fashion and compassion, giving attendees an opportunity to indulge in a sophisticated affair, highlighted by their Crock Pot Mania culinary experience. Get your tickets at kahcanada.org, get out your formal attire, and get your boa or bowtie when you get there.

Power up your knowledge and join Peterborough and The Kawarthas Home Builders Association at the Holiday Inn on October 10 from 8 a.m. to noon to learn how you can create an energy-efficient household.

Learn about finding the correct energy targets, determining the path to reach them, coordinating their implementation, and much more. Breakfast is also included. Register at pkhba.com.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Pinchin, Sullivan Law, Cogeco and Peterborough Chamber

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…

The Peterborough office for Pinchin has moved from Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough to the south end at 677 Neal Dr.

Pinchin is one of North America's premier environmental, engineering, building science, and health and safety consulting firms. They started in 1981 and now operate more than 50 offices across North America, employing more than 1,000 people. The new location brings new opportunities with the same great service people have come to expect from Pinchin.

Sullivan Law Peterborough is moving from one side of downtown to the other, from Sherbrooke to Queen Street.

They recently held a grand opening and open house for their new location at 362 Queen St. Sullivan Law first opened their doors and have been growing and winning awards ever since, including being named Micro Business of the Year in the Chamber Excellence Awards back in 2018. Their legal services include family, wills and estates, real estate, notary, business and mediation.

Cogeco has a new Customer Service Centre at their 1111 Goodfellow Rd. location in Peterborough.

This centre is a big investment in the community and is designed to enhance customer service through modern technology and improved accessibility. The centre will offer various services, including account management, technical support, and product information, providing customers with a seamless and efficient experience. The state-of-the-art facility reflects their commitment to delivering exceptional service and strengthens their connection with the local community.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce are hosting a trackside chat with Cavan Monaghan Mayor Matthew Graham and Otonabee South Monaghan Mayor Joe Taylor.

The chat takes place beside the horse track at Kawartha Downs in Fraserville on Thursday, October 3 from 9 to 11am. The event includes networking time and a discussion with David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South and Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for Ontario. Get more information and RSVP for this free event at pkchamber.ca.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Coldwell Banker, Jeff Thrift Store, Trent University and Peterborough Humane Society

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…

There’s a new addition to Peterborough’s real estate landscape: Coldwell Banker Electric Realty.

They are an independently owned and operated Coldwell Banker franchise, offering a unique perspective to the local market. Their mission is to seamlessly connect agents and consumers within a thriving digital ecosystem. They provide agents with a cutting-edge platform, world-class coaching, and training in an A.I.-friendly environment. For consumers, they aim to be a gateway to exceptional real estate experiences backed by global brand recognition. Drop by their office at 215 George St. N. in Peterborough or find them online at cbelectricrealty.ca.

There’s a new store in downtown Peterborough. Jeff Thrift Store recently opened at 425 George St. N.

Jeff’s has a bit of a different approach by selling clothing based on weight. The store offers an affordable and sustainable alternative for getting designer fashion at discount prices, offering both clothing and accessories. They offer new, used, and liquidation overstock items. Drop by and find some fashionable new outfits.

Looking to sharpen your business and non-profit skills?

Trent University has worked with the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, KLCFDC and LAUNCH Kawartha to develop two new micro credential programs. Business Essentials and Strategies is an introductory course that explains essential concepts and provides strategies on how to apply them effectively in the workplace. Nonprofit Management Essentials is a timely initiative designed to equip nonprofit professionals with critical management skills. Contact Trent University for more information.

Looking to head somewhere warm this winter?

The Peterborough Humane Society has a ‘ruff’le prize for you. They just launched their second iteration of this popular contest and the grand prize is a $5,000 travel voucher from Marlin Travel Peterborough. Their first 50/50 ‘ruff’le ran this spring and reached a total jackpot of $43,615. Get your tickets by Sept. 25, and you’ll be entered into the $500 early bird draw. Tickets are available until Oct. 15 and you can get them at phs5050.ca

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Statement House, Lakefield Animal Welfare Society, Dream Light Gala and PTBO Chamber

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…

Statement House is introducing a collection of upcycled fashion.

The collection is in collaboration with Cahills, creating fashion accessories and clothing through the repurposing of denim, vintage fabric, and much more. You can buy them pre-made, choose textiles from their collection, or bring your own garments. Statement House offers reasonably priced, carefully curated vintage, retro and modern clothing and accessories. Drop by 378 Water St. in downtown Peterborough to find your next fashionable outfit or accessory.

Lakefield Animal Welfare Society's Doggie Dash is coming up on Sept. 15 at Isabel Morris Park in Lakefield.

It’s a BYOD (Bring your Own Dog) fundraising event where people can choose between 1.5 and 2.5 km to walk a dog in the company of other dog lovers. The event will feature live music, food vendors, local artisans, and small businesses selling handmade goods. Funds go to supporting furry friends in need. LAWS works every day to accept adoptable cats and dogs as shelter transfers, owner surrenders, and rescued animals with the goal of connecting each animal to a loving home. Visit lakefieldanimalwelfare.org to register.

Join the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough for a night where music meets magic at their Dream Light Gala at the Venue on Oct. 18.

Enjoy some delicious beverages during the cocktail hour at 5:30pm with dinner starting at 6:30 pm. There will be live music from James Higgins and the night will close with a silent auction. Funds raised assist the work of the Association with programing and support for people with Down Syndrome and their families. Visit downsyndromepeterborough.ca to order your tickets.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has a big announcement coming up.

Join them at Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses on Wednesday Sept. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. The evening event will feature a female-led panel discussion featuring local businesses. There will be delicious appetizers and a cash bar. Register for this free announcement event at pkchamber.ca.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Willow Studio, Dietrich Homes, Gauvreau CPA and Summer Soul Yoga

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…

The Willow Studio is celebrating a grand re-opening on Sept.21.

Angela Demeester took over the business earlier in the summer and is celebrating the new venture with an open house that includes free classes all day, food and drinks, giveaways, and special offers. The Willow Studio offers beginner-friendly yoga and Pilates. As the mother of a son diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Angela prioritizes accessibility with an accessible studio and she teaches adaptive yoga for children with disabilities. Drop by 1600 Lansdowne St. Wt. on Sept. 21 to see what The Willow Studio has to offer.

Local homebuilder Dietrich Homes is being recognized provincially for their great work.

They have been named as a finalist for two categories in the Ontario Home Builders’ Association 2024 Awards of Distinction. Dietrich Homes is a finalist for Builder of the Year in the Small Volume category and Production Built Home in the two storeys up to 2,500 square feet category. Winners will be announced on Sept. 24 in Niagara Falls. Being one among hundreds of submissions from top builders across the province, it’s great to see the team at Dietrich Homes recognized for their hard work and dedication to building quality homes in the region.

A big shout out to Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory which lead a record-breaking Gear up for Good drive.

They exceeded their goal of collecting 200 fully-stocked backpacks for local children in need, collecting a total of 208. A big thanks to seven local businesses that stepped up in support of the campaign: Domino's Pizza, Ricart Branded Apparel and Promo, Quaker, Eco Chalet Homes, Mirror Mirror Beauty Salon, Angela's Hair Co, and Hair Studio One. Great news as many kids head back to school this week.

Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness Studio is celebrating one year in business!

Located at 394 George St. N. in Downtown Peterborough, Summer Soul offers an experience that enhances your growth, boosts your happiness, and connects you to a supportive community. They even offer stand up paddleboard yoga on the lake. To celebrate their first year in business, they’re offering three free classes, live music with Deanna Earle, and a number of giveaways like four free months of yoga and Pilates. Find out more at summersoul.ca.

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