Terry Guiel New Executive Director Of DBIA

Terry Guiel speaking at DBIA meet after being announced as new ED 

It was announced this morning (September 18th) at the Fall DBIA meeting that Terry Guiel is the new Executive Director of the Downtown Business Improvement Area. Terry succeeds Executive Director Paul Raino, who is retiring. Terry is a professional entertainer with extensive event organizing experience. He has been employed as a law clerk at a downtown law firm the past 5 years. A former Peterborough city councillor, he has broad knowledge of city departments and procedures as well as extensive experience serving on numerous boards and committees. Of note, he organized the 2004 Flood Relief Concert featuring Gordon Lightfoot and Ronnie Hawkins, which raised $1.5 million for flood victims. 

"I feel honoured and privileged to be selected for this remarkable role and I can't wait to get started," says Guiel.  

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The Business Beat With Stuart Harrison

ALWAYS IN BLOOM
The Flower Store on George Street—home of the famous dancing clown—has merged with, and will be known as, Always In Bloom on Charlotte Street. The George Street store is closed and owners Codi Yale and Tracey Hopcroft will now be working together to offer the same great services which include fresh flowers for funerals, weddings, and all other special occasions. The phone numbers remain the same and yes the clown will be there too!! Call 705-876-ROSE(7673) or stop by the 324 Charlotte Street location. 

PTBOCANADA.COM
PtboCanada.com is a website about everything Peterborough, covering arts, news, media, politics, events, sports, business, tourism, food and more! Publisher Neil Morton has now created a boutique agency division offering social media orientation and training, website design, branding, video, photography, copywriting and more. Just look under “Services” at Ptbocanada.com for full details and contact information.

THAT'S A WRAP CATERING COMPANY
Tracey Ormond is the owner operator of That's a Wrap Catering Company, offering a simple menu of healthy wraps and salads delivered to your office, work space or group setting. Located at 390 Queen St in Peterborough, Tracey shares space with Charlotte Anne's Restaurant. Visit Thatsawrapcatering.ca for details or call 705-768-7168.

QUILTS FOR CANCER PETERBOROUGH
Quilts for Cancer Peterborough provides comfort quilts for cancer patients in the Peterborough area. They have over 100 people making quilts and they depend on fundraising and donations to deliver up to 500 quilts per year. If you would like to help out, or would like to request a quilt, call 705-875-5596.

EXTRA TALK SPORTS RADIO
And check out the new radio station ramping up at 90.5 on the FM dial. Called Extra Talk Sports, the new format covers the Leafs, Jays, Petes and other local sports, plus a one hour sports talk show with John Badham. Details at Fm905.ca or just tune in.
 

To submit your new business to Stu's "The Business Beat", click here.

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DBIA Featured Post: Glow Maternity

Success in the small business world often depends on originality in the marketplace, or finding a need and filling a specific gap. On September 1, 2009, Shaunacy King did just that when she and her husband opened Glow Maternity, which is now located in The Loft at 188 Hunter St. under the big red awning.
 
Before opening their business, originally on George St, Shaunacy realized that there was a need in Peterborough for a maternity specific boutique and prenatal studio. So they put her idea to work and created what is now the only maternity and baby specific studio/boutique in the city.

While other stores might focus solely on retail and sales for the journey into parenthood, Glow Maternity offers an all-encompassing experience with classes, workshops and programs that take parents from pregnancy through the birthing process and into raising their newborns. The  cornerstone of Glow these past four years has been its motto and like-named prenatal course: BELLY, BIRTH AND BEYOND!
 
What separates Glow from other maternity stores is the studio space where they teach various classes and workshops with friendly, knowledgeable, qualified instructors. With courses and workshops focusing on both pre- and post-natal, the studio space is always busy! The Bellies, Birth and Beyond course is one of the area's most popular for soon-to-be parents, and their pre- and post-natal Yoga courses are also a big hit for the bonding and fitness aspect that it provides!
 
The retail boutique side of Glow Maternity, which now focuses on essentials and locally made items, covers a wide array of product options. Gently used maternity apparel under $20, muslin blankets, custom bedding, cloth diapers, nursing products and locally made carriers are a just a few of the many items available in their studio boutique. While they do sell mainstream brands, Glow has always placed an emphasis on Canadian and locally made goods produced by many people in and around our community. If the situation is right, they are happy to sell for other local entrepreneurs who don’t have the opportunity to sell out of their own stores!
 
An appealing aspect about the owner of this maternity business is that Shaunacy is also a mother of two and a Labour Doula who offers Birth Services to clients outside and within the actual shop! The passion that she has for helping parents during all stages of their parenting journey can be felt from the minute you walk into her visually appealing new space on Hunter St.
 
Being located in the tightknit small business community on Hunter St. has allowed Shaunacy to experience the amazing everyday feel of downtown Peterborough. She loves the sense of pride that the owners around her have for their businesses and appreciates the sense of loyalty they show to each other and to the customers she happily meets. It is because of all this that Glow Maternity takes part in a 3 for 1 Cloth Diaper Program which donates 1 cloth diaper for every 3 sold to families who desire them but can’t essentially afford them.

For more on Glow Maternity, go to:

Web: Glowmaternitystudio.com
Facebook: Glow Maternity
Phone: (705) 874-6673
Twitter: @GlowMatStudio

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

PTBOCanada Featured Post: Premiere Studio Of Dance

Premiere Studio of Dance owner and teacher Robyn Carter knows what it takes to translate a lifelong passion into a blossoming career. The studio, now entering its 14th season, has seen itself transition from classes being taught weekly at a rented out Market Hall by Carter as a Trent student, to a full on 3 Dance Studio facility located at 1046 County Rd 19 in Peterborough.

Premiere offers one of the widest varieties of group dance classes around, with classes in hip hop, jazz, ballet, contemporary and acro (which has an element of gymnastics in it), to name just a few! Classes range in size from 8 to 16 depending on the style of dance and class level, which start at beginner for any age right up to competition teams that enter numerous competitions throughout the year.

The goal at Premiere Studio of Dance is to help its students learn the steps of course, but at the same time develop poise and confidence that they can take with them throughout their life. Time spent at the studio begins in September and runs right through until June covering what for most is the entire school year. This length of season allows the dancers to grow as both individuals and a team, creating bonds and fond memories that are sure to last a lifetime! At the end of the season, a large recital takes place at Showplace Performance Centre.

Inside the state of the art facility—it features professional sprung hardwood floors, close circuit TVs for viewing classes, and full length mirrors to assist in teaching—students and parents alike will find a space that caters to everyone. All instructors are B.A.T.D. (British Association of Teachers of Dance) Certified and they have full-time office staff that offer customer service which is second to none!

Robyn and her studio are constantly renovating and improving to give everyone inside its walls an even greater experience. They have recently begun offering dance classes in Lakefield out of St. John's Church to make themselves available to students from out of town.

With classes beginning this month, registration is currently ongoing. While students are always returning each season, Premiere Dance is open for new students of any age and dance experience to come join in the fun of dancing!

If you are looking for a new challenge for yourself or want to get your children involved in a constantly challenging, fun and empowering hobby, we suggest you contact Premiere Dance for more details. Chances are they’ll offer something that suits your style!

Their office hours are as follows: Monday-Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday 9am-1pm.

For more on Premiere Studio of Dance (1046 County Rd 19), go to:

Web: PremiereDance.ca
Phone: 705-741-6545
Twitter: @premieredance
Facebook: Premiere Studio of Dance  

Premiere Studio of Dance Hightlights:

For info on PTBOCanada Featured Posts, email us. 

The PTBOCanada Interview: Theresa Longo

Twenty-six-year-old Theresa Longo is Peterborough born and raised. She has been a professional model for over 10 years with international modeling experience. After high school in Peterborough, she attended Trent University, where she received a 4 year Honors Degree (B.B.A). Her downtown Toronto office now acts as a home base for her ever expanding international business centred upon "the public image and likeness of 'Theresa Longo'", with her business primarily focused around corporate representation, public appearances, modeling and acting. Here's an interview we conducted with Theresa taking us into her career and what Peterborough means to her...

PTBOCANADA: You were discovered at 16 at Lansdowne Place, which kickstarted your career as an international model. Tell us about being discovered at the mall, joining Peterborough's Strutt Central modelling agency and where it's lead you.

Longo: When I was discovered at 16, I was elated. I began to gain considerable experience in front of the camera. I practiced posing through dozens of photo shoots while also styling several different scenes and looks. I began going around to local bridal shops, clothing stores and hair salons in Peterborough to let them know I was available to model for them. I got a lot of call backs! I loved modeling in fashion shows, bridal shows and spring fundraisers. With a lot of exposure, I was introduced to a photographer who set me up with a job working at Wakestock. I was recognized by Monster Energy Drink and brought on the team to be a Canadian Monster Model. I shot for the Toronto Sun for a feature as a Monster Energy Model Sunshine Girl commemorating the AMA Supercross. I was asked by the Sun to pose for their yearly calendar in 2010 (and swimsuit edition in 2012!), and shortly thereafter I was crowned Miss Budweiser Honda Indy! I was featured again (twice) nationally in Sun paper. Gaining considerable national exposure, I was acquired by Strutt Central Modelling Agency in 2011. Strutt invited me to be a part of a beauty pageant for women of Italian heritage, where I was crowned Miss Italy North America! I went to Italy for a month to represent North America on the world stage at Miss Italy of the World. My relationship with Strutt Central has been pivotal to my career; in 2013, Strutt has sent me to film several music videos, as well as the opportunity to land an MTV VMA commercial which aired across Canada!

PTBOCANADA: You attended Holy Cross Secondary School and graduated from Trent University with an honours degree in business. Tell us what it means to your career to have that business degree, and how you use it to run your marketing and promotions business, and be an entrepreneur. 

Longo: Without a doubt, my education has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and tools to run a successful business. Taking business at Trent was the best career choice I made; every single day, I employ a part of my academic experience. Several fourth year classes were highly impressionable for me and will remain forever useful: Communications, Strategic Planning, Online Business, and Business Ethics. I fully plan on pursuing my education further to complete a Master's Degree, however for right now I enjoy the experience that travel and entrepreneurship provides.

PTBOCANADA: How many events do you model at per year? Any particular recent highlights/anecdotes you can share?
 
Longo: I model at hundreds of events each year. Recent highlights include modelling over $100,000 worth of DiamondTsar Diamonds at an Investment Exchange trade show. I wore a diamond necklace worth over $60,000 retail!

PTBOCANADA: Do you find you're getting recognized more and more when you travel? What does that mean to you?
 
Longo: Yes. It is unreal! People have recognized me on the street and in other countries! It is incredibly amazing, humbling and yet fulfilling to see the result of strong brand development.

PTBOCANADA: What do you call home now? Do you get back to Peterborough much?
 
Longo: Toronto is home. I travel a lot. I visit Peterborough several times a year!

Theresa with Strutt models.  

PTBOCANADA: You recently finished teaching aspiring models and actresses at Strutt Central in Peterborough. Tell us what it means to you to come home and teach these girls, and empower them. What life lessons are you providing?
 
Longo: It means the world to me to return to Peterborough to positively influence aspiring talent. I think to my own experiences starting out as a model, and I would have loved to have a mentor in the entertainment industry to look up to. Some of the lessons include teaching the positive relationship between practising good leadership and achieving goals. Throughout the class, students will think about career paths, choosing wisely, and how to set yourself up for success. We also go over public relations tips, how to properly pose for the camera, and tips on fitness and staying healthy.

PTBOCANADA: Speaking of empowerment, there is this perception among many about a model's IQ. You work hard to combat that by the way you lead your life and your business savvy. Give us your take on the misconceptions that arise about models, and how they shouldn't be judged by their looks alone.

Longo: There are misconceptions and there are truths about models/the industry. I always look for the truth. Truth is sewn into everything; it becomes plain to see the truth of things with thoughtful intent. Personally, I carefully study, watch and listen to everything and everyone before I formulate an opinion. There are many smart, successful people of the world employing this truth seeking strategy who quickly pick up on personality and intelligence. I am quite confident in my ability to completely dismiss anyone's "perception of a model's IQ" in the way I carry myself and through the words I speak.

PTBOCANADA: What is your view on on women and beauty, and how they are projected in media (e.g. photoshopped covers of magazines)? Are young girls having to live up to unrealistic ideals? How do you teach them to be positive about themselves, have good self-esteem, live a healthy life? 
 
Longo: There is a lot of pressure. There is also a lot of photoshop. I definitely think there is tremendous pressure for young girls to try to live up to unrealistic ideals. I teach ladies to be positive through the creation of a solid foundation of confidence and good self esteem. I love to show them unretouched photos. I teach young ladies beauty tips and tricks for healthy skin, teeth and hair—many of which my nanny taught me as a young girl. I also encourage young ladies to get involved in fitness/gymnastics/sports. I teach ladies to put themselves first, and to stay in school. Living a healthy, rewarding life comes first overall.

PTBOCANADA: You travel all around the world and get to see exotic places. But tell us what Peterborough means to you. Growing up here and coming home.
 
Longo: Peterborough is truly home for me. It is special to me in many ways because of the close friendships, experiences, business relationships and academic successes. I love our city. I am proud to say I grew up here.

PTBOCANADA: Tell us about your take on social media. You are on Twitter @theresalongo and tweet quite a bit. You have more than 23,000 followers. What does social media mean to your "brand"? How do you use it? How has it helped you? Do you interact closely with followers?

Longo: Social media is essential in brand development. I regularly use social media to connect with fans, share news and update followers. Using social media has opened many doors for me and allowed me to connect with other successful professionals in my industry. I try to interact closely with followers. I am trying to gain more followers to my official Facebook page.

PTBOCANADA: What is your next step(s)/goal(s) in your career? What's on your bucket list? Aspiring actress?
 
Longo: My next steps include additional acting roles and a continued focus on fitness and modeling. Currently in the works: I am writing and recording new, original music—as a child I took guitar lessons with John for several years at Bud Monahan Music in Peterborough! Creating, recording and performing an album is most definitely on my bucket list.

PTBOCANADA:  Anything we missed you want to cover?

Longo: Readers can check out my blog at Theresalongo.com, where I regularly blog about fitness, travel tips, concert and event coverage and more!

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DBIA Featured Post: Lett Architects

Peterborough is home to many amazing restaurants, clothing shops, and unique boutiques of many varieties—especially in the downtown core. What most people probably don’t consider are the people behind the design of the buildings that house these great businesses!

Peterborough's Lett Architects houses some of this country’s greatest architectural minds, and is responsible for quite a few of the very buildings you see and have stepped foot in in this very city. The company, which is one of the youngest firms in the province with staff ranging from 25 to 42 years of age, provides architectural, planning and interior design services to its many satisfied customers you can find across the province.
 
Lett-Smith Architects was established in 1973 in Toronto, opening a branch in Peterborough in 1995 on Reid St. The business eventually moved to its current location of 171 King St., and in 2004 became simply known as Lett Architects. Bill Lett Sr originally started the business, and in 1998 was joined by his son Bill Jr who took over the business in 2008 and works with seven outstanding staff members on numerous projects in and around the city and throughout Ontario.
 
Working in cultural, institutional, and commercial fields, Lett Architects has a reputation that proceeds itself. Also focusing on health care, Lett has taken part in many local projects that most people will immediately recognize. They have worked on Market Hall (with Trevelyan Architect), Showplace Peterborough, the Peterborough Medical Arts building on Charlotte St which is now under construction, and are currently working with Hospice Peterborough, Peterborough Museum and Archives, and the Brandhealth façade restoration on George St.
 
Being located centrally in the city has allowed Bill and the staff at Lett Architects to be in the center of creativity that our city offers. It has been a great place to attract employees and potential customers, and provides the best amenities around for both professional and personal use. Bill loves the appeal of our great downtown and knows for a fact that it offers better opportunity that many of its larger surrounding cities.
 
Working across the city covering all aspects of the architectural trade has allowed for the staff at Lett Architecture to branch out and become involved with different groups. One staff member is currently a DBIA Board member while the firm is a member of Sustainability Peterborough.
 
To really appreciate the beauty of some of the great buildings both new and old around town, we suggest you take a look into their backgrounds. Chances are that Lett Architects has had a hand in quite a few of them!

Market Hall restoration

For more on Lett Architects (171 King St.), go to:
Website: Lett.ca
Phone: 705-743-3311

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

PTBOCanada Featured Post: Match Me Peterborough

Match Me owner Rebecca Cooper

With years of experience matching people up in the community on a casual basis, and with a great downtown business on the go—she owned Tango at the time—Rebecca Cooper knew she was at a crossroads. She was doing two things she absolutely loved, but knew that she had to make a tough choice between them. In 2009, she finally made the choice—selling Tango—and diving head first into the Match Making business. It was then Match Me Peterborough was born!

Rebecca begins the huge process of matchmaking by screening potential applicants to find out more about them than what is shown on the outside. Indeed, her goal isn't just in finding a simple physical attraction like most online dating sites do, but in helping to facilitate longterm meaningful relationships.

After the screening process, she helps out her client by working with a life coach and image consultant to help them, if that's what they desire.

After this is completed, she gets to work in looking for a desired match. She even goes so far as to arrange the first date. So there is no pressure on either party; they simply have to show up and enjoy a great date! The entire process is effortless and is completely confidential and discreet.

While Rebecca has worked with people in various age groups to provide assistance, she specifically tries to look for single career professionals who are 40-plus. (Clientele are mostly 40 to 65, but there are clients starting as young as 27 years old.)

Although she has moved back to Toronto to help establish part of her business there, Rebecca keeps coming back to Peterborough! Whether it be meeting with new clients, screening singles, or simply to enjoy what the city has to offer, she loves every excuse to come back. She loves the energy and charisma of downtown Peterborough, and always uses it as a focal point on the first dates she sets up between clients.

What Match Me Peterborough does is take the work out of finding a compatible partner for someone who is really searching. Match Me Peterborough is a service that requires a year long membership, but is money very well spent! Rebecca absolutely loves the challenging and rewarding career she has chosen in match making.

She is the only business in Peterborough who provides these services and has been extremely successful. Her success has lead to expanding to Toronto, London, Kingston, and many other Ontario cities while linking up with 7 other agencies to assist and draw from. If you are single and a career professional who has been meaning to put themselves out there but haven't been able to find the time or any luck in finding your mate, we suggest you contact Rebecca! She will do all of the hard work for you!

For more on Match Me Peterborough, go to:
Web: MatchMePeterborough.com
Twitter: @MatchMePtbo

For more info on PTBOCanada Featured Posts, email here. 

Peterborough Woman's New Jewellery Shop Inspired By Trip To Haiti

Stephanie Guyatt is the creator of Under One Sun, a new jewellery shop in Peterborough located out of her home at 236 Cowling Heights. Under One Sun came to be after Stephanie travelled to Haiti last Fall on a mission trip. She fell in love with a artisan co-op there that crafts the jewellery and which offers fair wages to feed, educate and house their employees' families. Although the jewellery is sold by some in the United States, Stephanie is the only one that offers it in Canada. The jewellery offered is made from sustainable items and is environmentally friendly. Much of the jewellery is made from recycled paper, Haitian clay, and recycled oil drums. Here's some pics...

Under One Sun will be hosting an Open House from September 6th to 8th and will be at the Creative Bean event on Saturday, September 14th.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Could Peterborough Be Getting A Red Nek Fries?

We spoke to the owner recently at her popular chip wagon in Orono off the 115, and she mentioned she is looking at expanding her business—perhaps to Peterborough and the Kawarthas.  

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Enticing Cakes Celebrates Their New Location

Enticing Cakes has opened their doors at their brand new location. They didn't have far to go, as they moved across the road in East City to a bigger spot that better suited their growing bakery. You'll now find them at 57 Hunter Street East. Every little detail was taken into consideration as they renovated their new space, including using wood from the family farm as they worked towards their new look. They've also added a wedding consultation room to plan and book your wedding treats. Owner Sabrina Rowles and the rest of the Enticing Cakes team will be celebrating their two year anniversary in East City next month. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter or give them a call at 705.775.2253. 

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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