Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring PPF Growth and People Solutions, Green Economy Peterborough, Le Boat and JA Business Hall of Hame

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…

PPF Group of Companies have launched a new HR division — PPF Growth and People Solutions.

Led by President Kimberly Callaghan, the firm will partner with organizations to design, support, and grow thriving and empowered businesses with engaged and inspired people. The company will focus on identifying pain points and tailoring solutions to support clients in achieving productivity and performance effectiveness, transforming their businesses by fostering a culture of continuous growth, innovation and a commitment to human-centric values and needs. Additional services include customized cloud-based solutions that are scalable, accessible, and impactful, meeting clients' needs and enabling their skills, knowledge, and capabilities.

Green Economy Peterborough is holding its annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards on May 16 at the McDonnel Street Activity Centre.

Doors open at 5:15 p.m. and the celebrations begin at 6 p.m. This networking and celebration event will showcase local business leaders prioritizing the environment in their operations and business practices. There will be a short presentation from Professor Stephen Hill of Trent University on his new book, Sustainable Energy Transitions in Canada.

Le Boat has officially opened in the Peterborough area. This Europe-based luxury vessel and houseboat rental company is kicking off a new Trent-Severn Waterway tour destination based out of Peterborough offering an opportunity to tour 386 km of rivers, lakes, and canals that make up the waterway. Le Boat now has scenic boat rental opportunities in Belgium, France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Scotland, Italy, Germany, and Canada. They have been in the business for 50 years and have experience helping you plan your dream boating adventure.

Get your tickets for the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame 2024 awards on May 23.

Tickets include not only an awards ceremony, but delicious culinary stations from local restaurants like Hanoi House, Fresh Dreams, La Mesita, Curry Village, Railyard, and That’s a Wrap. This year’s event will honour Tim Barrie, John Cunningham, Gwyneth James, Richard Labelle, Jill and Robert Staples, Jeannine Taylor, Nicole Truman, Cora Whittington, and the team at Winslow Gerolamy Motors.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Sweet Fern Floral Studio, Community Recognition Awards, Friendly Fires and Stylish Fit Alterations and Tailoring

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 flower shop opening at 387 Water St. in downtown Peterborough called Sweet Fern Floral Studio.

It opened officially on Friday. They are a full-service florist specializing in premium floral design. They do walk-in shopping and pickup and delivery in Peterborough and the surrounding area. Services include everyday florals, sympathy florals, wedding floral services, and event florals. Drop by the new shop in downtown Peterborough or go online to sweetfernfloralstudio.com to see what they have to offer and order your next arrangement.

A big congratulations to the winners of the Peterborough County 2024 Community Recognition Awards.

While there are too many well-deserving winners to list here, I’m going to highlight this year’s Business Leadership Award winners:

• Asphodel-Norwood – Sweetheart’s Bakery, The Knockout and Dead Man’s Brew - all owned by Sara and Andrew Scott

• Cavan Monaghan – Millbrook Mercantile – Bernadette MacNeil

• Douro-Dummer – Molly Conlin Design & Drafting

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – ZK Excavating Ltd. – Zack Johnston

• North Kawartha – The Grape and Wedge

• Otonabee-South Monaghan – Wesnor Inc dba Trailers Plus – Zoran Albert

• Selwyn – The Chocolate Rabbit

A growing local retailer is being recognized on the national stage at the annual Retail Council of Canada Excellence in Retailing Awards.

Friendly Fires has been recognized in the best eCommerce experience for a retailer category. Other finalists for the awards include large national brands like Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons, and Walmart. Friendly Fires have shipped more than 100,000 individual fireplace and barbecue parts since launching online. Their online experience is closely integrated with their physical retail stores.

Stylish Fit Alterations and Tailoring now has two locations in Peterborough — 871 Chemong Rd. Unit 12 and 948 Weller St.

They offer men’s wear as well as alterations to make all your clothing fit. They specialize in Bridal and bridesmaid alterations, formal wear, leather and suede, zipper and button replacements, and more.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Handmade Heaven, The Good Baker YPQ, Bar 379 and the 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…

Handmade Heaven is on the move.

Thursday will mark their last day at Lansdowne Place as they head to a new shop at Portage Place at 1154 Chemong Rd., between Fabricland and the LCBO. They facilitate a connection between artisans and potential customers who seek bespoke, handmade items. The platform aims to promote creativity, preserve traditional craftsmanship and bolster Canadian communities. Opening Sunday, the new store is three times bigger and is expected to have room for 100 local makers. Owner Samuel Milne says in one year in Peterborough, the store has done so well that they have now opened five new locations in busy malls across Ontario and will soon be supporting more than 700 local makers and artisans.

There’s another reason to head to Peterborough airport, even if you’re not flying anywhere.

The Good Baker YPQ has opened in the restaurant space at the terminal building. Seating overlooks the airport’s apron where you get a good view of what’s happening on the runway. It’s open daily from 8 am to 4 pm at 925 Airport Rd., serving breakfast and lunch options as well as pastries.

There’s a new bar in downtown Peterborough called Bar 379, located at 379 Water St. in the former Twisted Wheel location.

It is a live music venue, performance space, cocktail lounge, third place, and safe space. They feature alternative life music, DJs, drag, burlesque, comedy, film screenings, craft beer, craft cocktails, art, and more. Check out their upcoming shows at bar379.ca.

Looking for a private office to rent?

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce currently has vacancies at the Business Centre at its location at 175 George St. N. in the beautiful and historic train station. It is fully accessible with shared kitchen space, boardroom, and reception. Offices are available for daily and yearly leased rentals. The Business Centre offers ample free parking and secure access when you want it. And you can have your office just down the hall from me. Contact the Chamber at pkchamber.ca for more information.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Authentic Love, Linklater Administration, River of Yarn and Business Excellence Awards

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…

Debra Gallo has launched a new business called Authentic Love, where she does life coaching and Reiki.

Private coaching is available at home or via Zoom and she offers guidance and support for personal growth, healing, and the development of tools within to achieve success and fulfillment. Reiki is available for home visits and promotes healing through energy to find balance. She works with people experiencing trauma, addiction, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and both physical and mental illness. You can find her on Facebook or email 4.authentic.love@gmail.com.

Thamer Linklater has launched Linklater Administration where they partner with small businesses in Peterborough and the Kawarthas to take on administrative tasks, helping business owners clear up their hours so they can focus on doing the things they love.

They can help manage appointments, communications, create and maintain filing systems, and assist with various tasks that bog owners down. Services are offered in a hybrid model, online, or at your location as needed. Find out more at linklateradmin.com.

Saturday is Local Yarn Shop Day and what better way to celebrate than to do some local yarn shopping.

River of Yarn in Keene is marking the occasion by holding a tent sale, fibre and yarn tasting, tool demonstrations, and light refreshments. River of Yarn provides luxury knitting and crochet yarns, tools, and accessories at affordable prices. They offer a variety of brands and sources of yarn, including alpaca, wool, cotton, flax, hemp, and acrylics. Drop by 353 Kent’s Bay Road on Saturday and find something that sparks your creativity.

Do you know a local business that goes above and beyond?

Nominate them for the 2024 Business Excellence Awards. The Excellence Awards are hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce on Oct.29 at Showplace, but now is time to nominate outstanding businesses in the region. The deadline for nominations is May 22. Additionally, nominate a local business by May 8 and you’re entered into a draw for a $100 gift card for a chamber member of your choice. With 22 awards, there are categories for businesses of every size and sector. Nominate an excellent local business at pkexcellence.ca.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Doors Open Peterborough, Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness, Pristine Plumbing PTBO and Vintage Inspired

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…

Every year in September, buildings and sites not normally open to the public welcome visitors as part of Doors Open Peterborough.

It’s a great opportunity for community engagement and education about our built and cultural heritage. Doors Open began in France in 1984 and started in Peterborough in 2002.

This annual celebration of heritage and culture has allowed us to see inside everything from the Peterborough Lift Lock, to hydro generating stations, to Victorian mansions and modern architectural gems such as Trent University. Doors Open Peterborough is always looking for new places that tell Peterborough’s stories through the sites and voices of the community. If you would like your building, walking tour or site to be showcased on Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., email heritage@peterborough.ca or contact the City of Peterborough. The deadline for submission is May 5.

It feels like spring finally and that means the return of Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga and Pilates with Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness.

This year’s program will be offered with four different instructors and three locations: Chemong Lake, Stoney Lake, and downtown Peterborough’s Little Lake. Summer Soul offers paddleboard rentals for those without one of their own. Go to summersoul.ca for more details.

Mallory and Dylan have launched a new business – Pristine Plumbing PTBO.

They provide high quality plumbing for Peterborough and the surrounding areas and strive to provide the best customer service to their clientele. They are fully licensed and insured and available for you when you need them most. Their services include faucet and toilet installation, drain blockages, water treatment systems, and more. Find out more at pristineplumbingpeterborough.ca

Vintage Inspired has opened at 2351 County Rd 45 in Norwood.

Officially open as of April 6, they combine the past and present to create unique style for your home and cottage. They offer an eclectic mix of new, vintage, antique and upcycled finds, as well as hand-made goods by local artisans. Drop by for a look or find them online at vintageinspired.ca.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Central Smith Creamery, Savage Arms, PKED 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…

Central Smith Creamery is kicking off its first venture into the retail space with Central Smith Ice Cream Bars.

They’re launching it with two new flavours. The first is Monster Cookie with vibrant blue cookie dough flavoured ice cream with cookie crumb pieces covered in a chocolatey coating. The other is French Vanilla ice cream bars with rich French vanilla flavoured ice cream with crushed vanilla bean covered in chocolatey coating with pieces of almonds.

Order online for pickup at the factory or find them locally at One Fine Food, The Market in Lakefield, Lakefield Foodland, Sobeys on Lansdowne, John’s Independent in Bridgenorth or Lift Lock Foodland.

Savage Arms in Lakefield is expanding.

The local firearms manufacturer recently announced they received some funding from the Province to help with a big expansion. This includes the production of a new lever-action rimfire rifle and investments that will set them up for future centrefire hunting rifle production. The expansion is expected to create 49 new jobs in the community.

There’s a new destination guide courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development that shines a spotlight on the region’s experiences for outdoors enthusiasts, foodies, families and lovers of arts and culture.

The official Destination Guide is designed to inspire fun and encourage readers to get interactive in their vacation planning experiences by checking visits to iconic area attractions off their list and hearing from local travel experts on the must-do experiences. Pick up the Destination Guide at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre as well as locations throughout the region.

Looking for inspiration and professional development?

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual Business Summit on May 2 at Fleming College. The theme this year is Leading for the Future, from how to recruit the right team members to supporting and fostering growth with your team. There’s a keynote address from Bill Lett, six workshops, and a panel discussion on Building Your Team. Get your tickets at pkchamber.ca.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Enid Mallory, Norwood Business Bungalow, Sayers Foods and Living Well Senior Showcase

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…

Local author Enid Mallory has a new book called Irrepressible: Yukon’s Martha Black — From Gold Rush to Parliament Hill.

It tells the story of the second woman elected to Canada’s House of Commons. A woman who, at the age of 32, went to the goldrush-era Yukon while her husband went off to Hawaii. A person with an unconventional spirit who once said, “What I wanted was not shelter and safety, but liberty and opportunity.” Learn more about one of the North’s most tenacious and persevering women with Enid’s new book available at hancockhouse.com.

Looking for flexible office rentals, both short and long-term, in the Norwood area? Check out the Norwood Business Bungalow at 2364 County Rd. 45.

They offer a new kind of space for entrepreneurs, startups, and those looking for a home office away from home. The location can work as a professional environment to meet with clients or work in peace, and includes 24/7 access, high speed internet, a kitchen, and a waiting area. The building is fully accessible. Find out more at norwoodbusinessbungalow.com.

Sayers Foods has re-opened with a big, beautiful new grocery store in Apsley! The family-owned independent grocery retailer has been serving the Apsley area since 1976.

Three years ago, the store suffered a devastating fire, but is now officially open and offering quality fresh food to the community. They offer locally-sourced produce, a butcher to prepare meats in-store, a bakery with their famous donuts and Chelsea buns, a deli with cured meats and cheeses sliced to order, a garden centre, a sub shop, a café, and hot foods. Drop by 132 Burleigh St. in Apsley and try some tasty local food.

The Living Well Senior Showcase is back June 19 at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.

If you are a local business interested in having a booth, contact the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. The event is one of the largest seniors trade shows in Canada, featuring more than 100 exhibitors and two dozen workshops. Peterborough is home to 27,000 seniors and the show provides a good opportunity both for those planning to retire and those well into their retirement years to see what the local business community has to offer to help people enjoy their senior years. Learn more at pkchamber.ca.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Lady Mack XO, The Capital PTBO, Pharmasave and Peterborough County

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…

Author Carissa MacIntyre is offering to put your kid’s art on the cover of notebooks. Or put your own art on it.

Order one or a whole stack. It makes for a unique gift. MacIntyre, who goes by Lady Mack XO, is an independent author, freelance writer and public speaker. You can find her on social media or at ladymackxo.com.

Are you interested in acquiring an established business?

Owners of The Capital Ptbo are looking to pass the torch on to someone with a love for sports and retail who has the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to hit a home run with this turnkey business. Located at 370 George St. N., The Capital offers a variety of sports apparel, both current and vintage designs that are sure to bring on some nostalgia. They carry the big names in sports as well as a huge selection supporting our local teams. If you’re interested in taking on this opportunity, reach out to Mark and Justin at capitalptbo@gmail.com.

There’s a new pharmacy in Norwood. Paul’s Norwood Pharmasave opened recently at 17 Spruce St.

They offer free local delivery, after-hours emergency service, quick prescription transfers, immunizations, home healthcare supplies and equipment, and more. Their goal is to be more than just your local pharmacy, they strive for excellent patient care. Drop by and see the new space and you could win some giveaways.

Bonnie Clark, Warden of the County of Peterborough and Deputy Mayor of the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, will be addressing the business community at a special Warden’s Breakfast hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

The breakfast will be at Lang Pioneer Village on April 23 from 8 – 10 a.m. and will feature special guest Meredith Stavelely-Watson from the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus talking about their 7 in 7+ regional housing plan. Get your tickets at pkchamber.ca.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Ivy Event Space, Moving Forward, Peterborough Humane Society 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…

There is a new venue at 164 Hunter St. W. called Ivy Event Space.

Owners Kristina and Aaron Goodwin started the business out of a passion for bringing people together. Seeing a need in the community for a versatile event space, they set out to create a sophisticated location catering to various events including children’s parties, family potlucks and corporate workshops.

They offer clients full control over the event experience without vendor restrictions. Their team is available to help coordinate your next event and offer a stress-free experience.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with clutter, Debbie King has launched a new business called Moving Forward that specializes in helping seniors and homeowners de-clutter, downsize and overcome the intimidation of taking on a big task to create a more organized and safe home.

They offer private one-on-one sorting sessions where you can carefully consider what will be kept and what is no longer needed. Their mission is to leave clients in better circumstances and work with people who struggle with chronic disorganization and letting go. Find out more at movingforwardclutterking.ca

Peterborough Humane Society is celebrating Owen the Griff’s birthday by holding its first-ever 50/50 lottery and a ‘ruff’le for a set of beautiful patio chairs.

This is your chance to win money and support the new Animal Care Centre, helping local animals receive the care they need. Peterborough Humane Society is a registered charity that advocates for animals by rescuing lost, stray, and homeless pets throughout the region and has been doing so since 1941. Ticket sales end on April 17 at 1 p.m. Get yours at phs5050.ca.

Businesses looking to do business with the City of Peterborough are invited to attend a workshop hosted by the City in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce called ‘Unlocking Opportunities’ on April 11 at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

The workshop will focus on navigating the procurement process and establishing partnerships with the City. Tips for the bidding process and advice on submitting competitive proposals will be provided. City representatives will be available to answer questions. Register at pkchamber.ca.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Black Horse Pub, Harmony for Healing, Summer Soul Yoga and Chamber of Commerce

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 Black Horse Pub in downtown Peterborough is under new ownership.

Sajen Ganeshalingam has purchased the pub from Desmond Vandenberg, who bought it six years ago from long-time owner Ray Kapoor. The Black Horse is a downtown landmark that has remained relatively unchanged for decades and the new owner plans to continue the tradition of being a live music venue. Drop by 452 George St. N. for some good food, drinks and live entertainment.

A big congratulations to Phillip Jolicoeur and everyone involved in the inaugural Harmony for Healing event at Market Hall.

The event raised $13,500, far exceeding the $10,000 goal. The event is in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge with funds going toward the Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention program. The sold-out event is a beacon of hope for suicide and mental health awareness. Plans are already underway for next year’s event titled Wish You Were Here, which will feature music from the 70s. Tickets are already more than half sold! Get yours at harmonyforhealing.ca.

Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness Studio at 394 George St. N. is kicking off March Break with a series of workshops.

They are hosting a beach party, family yoga, and a teen yoga mini retreat. The following week they are hosting a Somatic Healing workshop on March 23. Additionally, they’ll be hosting a Candlelight Market on April 20. Get the details on upcoming events or find out more about their regular schedule of 19 yoga and pilates classes at summersoul.ca.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is hosting Dan Tisch, the newly appointed CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, for their Annual General Meeting on March 27.

Dan is known globally as an expert in corporate communications, public policy, community engagement, crisis and reputation management. He spent the last 20 years as the entrepreneurial force behind Argyle Communications. Dan has lectured at Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business since 1996 and regularly provides commentary on national media. Tickets are available at pkchamber.ca.

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