JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame Celebrates the 2023 Inductees

On Thursday night, JA Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) celebrated nine local business leaders at its 8th annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.  

photo courtesy of ja-neo, facebook.

This year’s honourees include: 

1. Allan and Gerald Bolton – Formerly Trentway Bus Lines

2. Peter, Anne and Greg Elmhirst – Elmhirst’s Resort

3. Bill Lett and Michael Gallant – Lett Architects Inc.

4. Craig Mortlock – Mortlock Construction

5. Neil Morton – Formerly Studio PTBO

6. Effy Peel – Jim’s Pizzeria & Pasta

7. Peter Robinson – Formerly Weed Man Lawn Care

8. Jaime Stringer – Formerly FCI Windows

9. Scott Murison, Kieran Andrews, and Jonathan Moreno – Wild Rock Outfitters

“At (last night’s) JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, we will recognize Peterborough’s exceptional business leaders who have strengthened the local economy and community through their exemplary accomplishments,” said Sanjeev Sukumaran, JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame chancellor. “I want to personally congratulate each of tonight’s honourees. They truly are exemplary individuals, widely respected for their integrity, business acumen, and community contributions, and they are inspiration to us all.”  

Attendees of this celebration joined JA-NEO at The Venue in Downtown Peterborough.

“The Business Hall of Fame not only focuses on celebrating outstanding local business leaders from across our community, but it also plays an essential role in helping to prepare and inspire the next generation,” explained John McNutt, president and CEO of JA-NEO. “All of the proceeds raised from tonight’s event will help JA meet the growing demand for our financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship education programs for students.”

The Business Hall of Fame is the largest fund development event for Junior Achievement, with all dollars raised going directly towards the delivery of local programs. By honouring the past and present business leaders of our community, they work to inspire the trailblazers of tomorrow and ensure the continued success of the community’s local economy.  

For more information, visit the website.

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.

Voice of Business: In the Spirit of Business

Unfairness in regulation and taxation is an area of particular concern to chambers of commerce.

One sector where this unfairness is particularly concerning is within alcohol production and sales. Wineries and craft breweries have come a long way in Ontario and contribute to a thriving manufacturing and agriculture industry. But in many ways, cideries and distilleries have been left behind. It’s stifling growth within the sector for businesses across Ontario.

For this reason, the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce, Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce and several others to put forward a renewed policy resolution titled In the Spirit of Business. This policy resolution was approved by members of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and will be part of their advocacy platform for the next three years.

Here is our resolution:

Currently, the policy regime applied to the craft brewery and winery industries is not aligned with the one applied to the craft distillery industry, resulting in challenges for the growth and sustainability of the sector as an integral part of Ontario’s economy.

Craft distilling is an industry in rapid growth. Distillers are creating jobs and boosting economies in large and small centres. The segment supports 6,000 jobs in Ontario and annually contributes $1.5 billion to Ontario’s Gross Provincial Product, while craft distillers and the spirit industry generate over $2.5 billion in annual sales.

The spirits industry works closely with local farmers, connects to the tourism and hospitality industries and contributes to the economic growth of rural areas across Ontario.

However, significant challenges still need to be addressed, i.e., tax at craft distillery tasting rooms is 61.5 per cent which is 10 times what Ontario wineries pay. Additionally, craft distilleries do not receive recognition for using ingredients produced in Ontario.

For these reasons, the craft distillery industry should be considered in policymaking.

The province of Nova Scotia continues to be a leader in the spirits industry since the government opened the door to growth in 2014 by reducing the markup by 60-80 per cent with another 10 per cent mark down if distillers use provincially grown agriculture products. The government cut the license fee from $2,000 to $500, increased production threshold, and introduced a graduated markup based on annual production. These measures allowed craft distillers to thrive. In British Columbia, since the introduction of a graduated tax system, the industry has grown from 17 to 48 distilleries in the province.

Craft spirits are considerably more laborious to produce than large-scale industrial spirits and are also marketed at higher prices. Any short-term revenue reductions from lower LCBO markups and tasting room taxes will be surpassed by the increased revenue from higher employment and consumers supporting local premium spirits that will come from a thriving craft distillery industry.

In the past few years there has been some movement towards parity with other craft alcohol industries, such as:

• Allowing craft distillers to distribute their products to bars and restaurants.

• Allowing craft distillers to open “Pop-up” retail stores via Special Occasion Permits; and

• The continuation of “The Small Cidery and Small Distillery Program” for a three-year commitment (expires in 2025).

Craft distillers believe these changes are a step in the right direction, but additional changes are required to reach parity with other craft alcohol industries in Ontario. For example, the update to “Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health” recognizes that the consumption of beverage alcohol is equivalent across different categories, therefore craft distillers believe it is possible to have all regulations regarding alcohol aligned to the same standards.

This call for change is not only coming from the chambers of commerce and boards of trade but also from Craft Spirits Ontario.

We are urging the Government of Ontario to:

1. Approve the continuation of “The Small Cidery and Small Distillery Program” until 2027 and that both industries be considered in tandem moving forward.

2. Remove the LCBO fees applied to sales from craft distilleries and craft cideries directly to licensees and by-the-glass sales.

3. Align the craft distiller's regulations with the craft beer and wine industry by applying a graduated rate to the current spirits basic tax, with a zero percent markup on the first 50,000 litres sold.

4. Lower the LCBO markup on spirits and ciders made primarily with Ontario ingredients by Ontario facilities to be equivalent to microbreweries, graduated by production method and volume.

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

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.

Innovation Cluster Announces Peruvian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Partnership Through STARTup Visa Program

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) and the Peruvian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) have announced a new partnership aimed at supporting Peruvian entrepreneurs and introducing the Startup Visa Program.

photo courtesy of innovation cluster peterborough.

The STARTup Visa Program is a 15-month initiative backed by the Canadian federal government. It is designed to help entrepreneurs from other countries establish and grow their businesses in Canada, creating jobs and fostering economic prosperity. With three program intakes each year, in February, June and October, the STARTup Visa Program offers a comprehensive, tailored experience that includes a 3-month virtual accelerator, milestone review, letter of support for immigration and a 12-month incubation program in Peterborough.

"We're thrilled to partner with the PCCC to support Peruvian entrepreneurs in their journey to establish their businesses in Canada. This collaboration will help us provide invaluable resources and opportunities to Peruvian entrepreneurs,” said Camila Durate, senior innovation specialist & programs director at Innovation Cluster.

Participants in the program will benefit from startup acceleration services and individualized mentorship and coaching opportunities. The program focuses on three key areas: one-on-one mentorship, knowledge and skills training, and networking opportunities.

To further inform the PCCC members about the STARTup Visa Program, the Innovation Cluster and PCCC are hosting a joint webinar on May 25, from noon to 1 p.m. The webinar will provide insights into the program, explain the application process, and discuss the benefits of participating. Interested members are encouraged to join the webinar to learn more about this unique opportunity and get their questions answered by the experts.

"This partnership with the Innovation Cluster is a significant step towards strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem between Peru and Canada,” said Ana Maria Villaran, membership & sponsorship director at the Peruvian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “By working together, we can create a robust support network for our entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth and innovation of both countries."

For more information about the upcoming webinar, visit the link.

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.

Delectable Fine Foods Closes Its Doors After Seven Years of Business

Cheese shop and artisan food store Delectable Fine Foods closed its doors after seven years of business at Heritage Plaza on Saturday.

Rumgay’s business had hosted French culture lessons for elementary school students in March. Photo by David Tuan bui.

Owner Christel Rumgay made the decision to close the shop as it celebrated its seventh anniversary since opening at the Heritage Plaza on Lansdowne Street.

Rumgay posted a note at her checkout counter explaining her situation, citing inflation, labour shortage and lack of business as several reasons for her closure.

Dear Friends,

Can you believe seven unforgettable years have gone by since I first opened the store in May of 2016?

With it being my anniversary, it makes it that much harder to share and difficult to announce. I have decided to hang up my hat and close the store.

Post COVID has presented another set of challenges. The reduction in business during this economic down-turn, the on-going supply chain issues, labour shortages and the never-ending price increases of everything has slowly taken its toll.

On Saturday, May 20th I will close the doors for one last time. The clearance sale is happening now.

I will miss you and our chats so much. It has been a real pleasure to have met and gotten to know you. I truly think of you as a friend and not just as a customer. Thank you for being there.

Over the years, I have been blessed and privileged to work with an amazing team of individuals and friends. In turn, we were all blessed to be part of so many of your celebrations and life events. I cannot thank you and my staff enough for your loyalty and support over the years.

Thank you so much for your kindness and the wonderful memories.

Until we connect again.

Hugs,

Christel

Rumgay has stated that she has no plans to open another business venture at this time but will enjoy spending time with her grandchildren.

Delectable Fine Foods sold cheese, artisan foods, fresh produce and frozen meals.

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.

StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Passageway Law, 100 Acre Brewing Co., New Growth Tree Care and Stylish Fit Alterations

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

Passageway Law is a new three-person law firm in Peterborough, with partners Meryn Steeves and Rob Hiseler along with paralegal Laura Wilson.

Located at 201 George St. N., Unit 301 A across from Greg’s No Frills, Passageway is a full-service law firm covering family law, wills/estates, real estates, business law, notary services, paralegal services and more. Whether you need assistance with a complex litigation matter, guidance on a business transaction, advice on estate planning or need notary services, the trio have the expertise to help.

The 100 Acre Brewing Company just opened at 390 Ashburnham Dr., just South of the bypass.

The Vass Family describes it as a family-operated farmhouse brewery, located on their 100-acre homestead. They focus on traditional styles, and the lineup includes Flight Path, a table beer, a Pilsner called White Tail, Monarch – a farmhouse beer packed with flavour, and an IPA called Snapper.

Owner Evan Nolan and his partner Cass bring eight years of experience in the tree care industry to their new business - New Growth Tree Care Professionals.

Nolan and his team offer best practices in arboriculture, providing tree pruning, tree removal, storm damage clean up, deep root fertilization, cabling and bracing, as well as hedge trimming, brush chipping, stump grinding, permits and more. No matter the size of the job, they’ll guide their clients every step of the way. Visit newgrowthtreecare.ca for details.

Stylish Fit Alterations recently celebrated the grand opening of their second location in Peterborough.

Located on 871 Chemong Rd., Unit 12, at Brookdale Plaza, the new North end location is in addition to their existing business at 948 Weller St. Offering over 23 years of experience in everything from hemming your pants, shortening your drapes, fixing the zipper in your jacket or purse, buttons and snaps, from jeans to your wedding dress. Stop in, or find Stylish Fit Alterations on Facebook.

“Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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.

Photos: Peterborough Businesses and Communities Getting Petes Fever As the Team Aims For an OHL Championship Friday

Several businesses and communities have come out in support of the Peterborough Petes as the team is in London to take on the Knights in Game Five of the OHL Championship.

The Downtown Business Improvement Area, Canadian Tire, City Hall, Angevaare Mazda, Anden Kitchen & Bath Centre, Whelan’s Flooring Centre, FreshCo., Aon Inc’s Royal Gardens among several others have dressed in Petes apparel to show their team spirit.

A Petes watch party is taking place at the Quaker Foods City Square rain or shine from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and is being nationally televised.

The Charlotte Street square will have a 16-foot mega screen that is live streaming the game. Face painting and a small vendors market with grab-and-go snacks such as popcorn, candy, mini pies and tacos) are amenities that are provided during the watch party.

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.

The Beers Kept Flowing At the 100 Acre Brewing Company Grand Opening

Peterborough’s newest brewery 100 Acre Brewing Company has opened its doors and kicked off its grand opening on Friday morning.

Bentley Vass, 100 ACres Brewing Company CEO pours one of his four beers the brewery has on launch. The business was four-and-a-half years in the making from getting the property rezoned appropriately to opening and operating a brewery.. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Bentley Vass is the brewery’s CEO and has his sister Nichea and brother Colby Vass as partners in a family-fun business. Their father has lived on the property since he was a child. He has an ‘open-door policy’ for anyone to come at any time and share the experiences he had when growing up on the 100-acre spot.

“All those fun memories of playing around outside just kind of come back, it's great to see people bring their kids out, running around in the field and stuff like that,” explained Bentley. “It's reminiscent of the childhood that I had and that's what we wanted to share with everybody.”

It is located at 390 Ashburnham Dr. at a 100-acre homestead with the grand opening running for four days, ending on Monday. The location is considered an ideal spot for the business according to Bentley as it is a quick turn off Highway 115 for cottage-goers to take a break and enjoy a drink. It also gives a rural setting but remains close to Peterborough residents so that they don’t have to go far for a countryside setting.

“People are recognizing more now than ever how important getting outside and enjoying some fresh air is,” explained Bentley. “To be able to have this oasis — for lack of a better term —, where people can actually escape, spend time outside, enjoy the beautiful scenery enjoy the beautiful weather for mental health, it's just a no-brainer.”

100 Acres feature four beers brewed in-house that are available with each beverage named with a nature theme: Flight Path (table beer), White Tail (pilsner), Monarch (Saison) and Snapper (India Pale Ale). Their beer is described as being crafted using traditional styles while also being creative and experimental as nature intended according to their website.

Take-home cans are available for purchase or patrons can enjoy a draft beer on-site. The brewery is in its infant stages but will have pop-up kitchens from several local restaurants that serve food at their establishment.

The following are the grand opening hours:

• Friday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Monday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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.

Photos: Bobcat of Peterborough Cuts the Ribbon To Mark Its Grand Opening

Outdoor equipment retailer Bobcat of Peterborough held its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday afternoon.

The business provides parts, servicing, rental and equipment purchasing for outdoor equipment. Ryan Dibello, Bobcat president was joined by his staff, customers and business neighbours in celebrating the occasion. Bobcat of Peterborough is located at 2161 Whittington Dr., Unit C.

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.

100 Acre Brewing Company Holding Grand Opening On Friday

After a soft opening last weekend, 100 Acre Brewing Company is holding its grand opening for the May two-four weekend beginning this Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcements were made by the company’s social media handles (Facebook and Instagram) Tuesday evening.

It is located at 390 Ashburnham Dr. at a 100-acre homestead with the grand opening running for four days, ending on Monday.

The following are the grand opening hours::

• Friday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Monday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

100 Acres features four beers that are available at launch with each beverage named with a nature theme: Flight Path (table beer), White Tail (pilsner), Monarch (Saison) and Snapper (India Pale Ale). Their beer is described as being crafted using traditional styles while also being creative and experimental as nature intended according to their website.

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.

Voice of Business: Discretionary Spending Trending Up Despite Slowing Economy

Our economy, and inflation, are slowing — but so far, we’re on track for the ‘soft landing’ the Bank of Canada has been steering our economy toward.

In the span of less than a year, the base overnight lending rate went from 0.25 per cent to 4.5 per cent. All the while, as interest rates climbed in 2022, inflation continued at well above the levels we’ve grown accustomed to. In the latter part of 2022, inflation finally began a decline and that’s continuing into 2023. As of April, inflation had dropped to 4.3 per cent, the lowest it has been since August of 2021 and down from 5.2 per cent the month before.

Meanwhile, economic growth (measured as Gross Domestic Product) at the start of the year was 0.6 per cent but dropped to 0.1 per cent by February.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Business Data Labs breaks down the current economic movers and shakers:

• Output grew in 12 of 20 sectors. Both services and goods sectors were up by 0.1 per cent, while goods sectors have had a tougher time since last fall.

• Professional services (+0.6 per cent monthly growth) continue to lead the economy.

• The resilience in construction (+0.3 per cent, up for a second straight month) is impressive, given the large increase in interest rates over the past year. Perhaps pricing in Canada’s housing market has already hit bottom, given on-going supply challenges and strong demand expected from large increases in immigration in recent months.

• The public sector grew by 0.2 per cent and has grown for 13 months in a row. The federal public servant strike will be a drag on output starting in April.

• Wholesale (-1.3 per cent) and retail trade (-0.5 per cent) were weak, dragged down by auto and gas station sales.

What does this mean for local businesses?

Higher cost of living (inflation) and debt servicing (interest rate hikes) led to reduced consumer spending for many people, but is back on the upswing. According to RBC, discretionary spending jumped in April, including a 1.3% jump in restaurant spending.

While the current economic challenges have some echoes of 2008, there are some big differences — most notably the fact that people are still working. According to Statistics Canada, the number of job vacancies in Canada decreased to 855,890 in the fourth quarter of 2022, down from 987,700 in the third quarter. Less people are hiring, but we still have far more job openings than people to fill them.

The Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey for April paints a more positive view on our current economy as our unemployment rate continues to hover at 5 per cent, employment increased by 33,000 (0.4 per cent) in Ontario and wages are up 5.2 per cent year-over-year.

In the grand scheme of things, most Canadians who are willing and able to work are still employed and making more money than they did last year. Where many economic slowdowns result in hikes in unemployment, the decrease in hiring is only narrowing a significant gap between demand for labour and its availability.

That’s not to say our local economy won’t feel the pinch of a slowing economy. Households and businesses carrying more debt have been hit harder by the rise in interest rates. Wage numbers are an average and not everyone has experienced pay increases that keep up with the increased cost of living. And some business sectors are facing more economic hardships than others.

Considering the fact that we just came through a devastating public health crisis followed by runaway inflation not seen in a generation, which has led to governments around the world trying to slow our economy without crashing it, we are well positioned for a “soft landing.” Consumer discretionary spending is trending back up, interest rates have stabilized, and we have a strong workforce.

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

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.