Local Government Leaders Meet With Economy Professionals to Address Industry Challenges

Local government leaders met with key industry stakeholders and economic development professionals to address recent economic shifts and their impact on employment in the Peterborough community at the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce on Thursday morning.

(from left to right) Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP; Mayor Jeff Leal and Bonnie Clarke, Peterborough County Warden. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The leaders included Mayor Jeff Leal; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP, was not in attendance physically but endorsed the actions taken to address the issue. According to her communications assistant, Jessica Nyznik, Harrison had attended the meeting virtually via Zoom.

On Monday, Smith had called leaders to meet with economic professionals at the Chamber of Commerce for Thursday.

The meeting’s purpose was to determine how to reverse current trends, fortify Peterborough's business environment and understand local economic growth challenges.

“A real emphasis today, Peterborough County and City have a lot of top-notch homegrown industries,” said Leal. “Those homegrown industries are the ones that make the decisions every day, right here in our local community so we need to continue to look at ways that we can expand that base in order to create those new job opportunities.”

The call for the meeting followed three days after Peterborough’s Minute Maid facility announced it would discontinue frozen products and production would cease in the first quarter of next year. This results in job losses but the number is undisclosed.

Last week, Lufthansa InTouch announced they were shutting down its Peterborough facility in May next year. One month prior, Siemens had announced its consolidation operations in Concord on June 25, relocating approximately 160 manufacturing positions over the next two years.

The local politicians meet bi-weekly to address any issues and concerns. The economic challenges were on their radar but the changes in the three companies, as mentioned above, were a tipping point that led to calling the meeting, according to Smith.

“These companies are making decisions based on their global footprint, not necessarily the local footprint,” he explained. “We will do what we can do then, to ensure that the local environment here is as conducive as possible to keep those companies, to expand those companies.”

Thursday’s discussions aimed to uncover the reasons behind the most recent downsizing and company relocations from Peterborough to other jurisdictions.

“This is the start,” explained Clark. “We will be supportive, we will put plans in place that Peterborough grows — the City of Peterborough and the County. We want to make sure that our businesses are supported and that we retain businesses and we grow businesses.”

Smith added that US President Donald Trump and his tariffs are not a direct factor in the economic shift in Peterborough but they do play a role in companies’ decisions.

“There have been other things that have given them the decision to do that,” explained Smith. “Everything that happens in the market affects other parts of the world. Because there is uncertainty in the US market, that trickles into other areas of the world economy and there is uncertainty in all of them.”

All four politicians released a joint statement regarding Peterborough’s business challenges:

“Mayor Jeff Leal, Warden Bonnie Clark, MPP Dave Smith and MP Emma Harrison conducted the first of a series of consultations with industry and economic development experts to understand the challenges faced by industry operating in the Peterborough area. Recognizing that all levels of government play a role in ensuring job creators in the region can be successful, a task force will be formed to facilitate the cooperative approach that all four elected officials will use to work together to address the concerns of businesses and improve the conditions for their operations. Working together to find ways to leverage each level of governments tools and programs in a collaborative approach to help businesses in the region succeed will be the main goal of the task force.

Mayor Leal, Warden Clark, MPP Smith and MP Harrison commit to work together to enhance the prospects of the local job creators in the Peterborough region to be successful and continuing to contribute to the fabric of the region.”

Meetings are ongoing to continue addressing this issue.

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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Resigns

Following two years at the helm of the Chamber, Sarah Budd has tendered her resignation effective Oct. 18

file photo

In a letter to Chamber members, chair Noah Crowley didn’t give a reason for Budd’s resignation.

“During her two years at the helm of our organization, Sarah led the Chamber team with dedication and enthusiasm,” Crowley wrote. “Sarah helped usher in a new era of lobbying, ensuring the concerns of our members were heard by the Ontario and Canadian Chambers, and by our mayor, MPP and MP.”

Gail Moorhouse will step in as Interim President & CEO.

Crowley stated she will support the staff as it prepares for the Business Excellence Awards next month, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and other fall events.

“Gail is an expert in executive leadership, with a depth of experience managing through change,” Crowley said. “On behalf of the board, I extend my sincere thanks to Sarah and I wish her continued success in the next chapter of her career.”

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Businesswomen to Be Recognized By Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce's Luminary Awards Launch

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce are launching The Luminary Awards to celebrate women in business, which were announced on Wednesday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce.

The awards are to shine a light on the valuable contributions that women in business community have made, continue to push for, and inspire others to emulate according to a press release.

The Luminary Awards will celebrate the remarkable achievements of local women in business who inspire and shape our community. The event champions women who are named in leadership positions and those who lead from behind the scenes.

“Women in business face many unique hurdles and challenges. We are excited to launch this inaugural event that will not only recognize women, but also celebrate their amazing feats and achievements,” said Sarah Budd, Peterborough Chamber president and CEO.

The awards are open to all women who live or work in the City and County of Peterborough. Some categories have specific criteria, such as the minimum length of time a business has been active or an age requirement. Nominations are not limited to business owners, including managers and employees at all workforce levels. The awards luncheon will be on May 8 in the Great Hall at Champlain College at Trent University.

Nominations can be submitted at luminaryawards.ca.

There are five award categories:

• Trailblazer – Entrepreneur

• Barrier Buster – Employee

• One to Watch – Employee

• Emerging Entrepreneur

• Legacy

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Finalists Announced For Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business Excellence Awards

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the 2024 Business Excellence Awards where the winners will be announced in a ceremony at The Venue on Oct. 29.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

The awards publicly recognize and honour local businesses and business people who have demonstrated a passion for excellence.

The evening begins with a reception at The Venue, followed by the ceremony at Showplace Performance Centre. Megan Murphy will host the event, which will award prizes in 22 categories, including the prestigious Business Citizen of the Year. 

“Excellence is out there, throughout our local business community in Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” says Sarah Budd, Chamber president and CEO. “It’s so important to recognize the hard work, innovation, resilience, and impact of our local businesses and business leaders, and this annual celebration does just that.”   

Tickets are available online. 

The following is a list of the 2024 Business Excellence Awards Finalists (listed alphabetically):

4-Under-40 Profiles, in memory of Kathy Windrem

Winning recipients:

• Dr. Taylor Bonner

• Joe Curry

• Hillary Flood

• Dylan Radcliffe

Businesswomen of the Year

Entrepreneur

• Rosalea Terry (nectar co.)

Organization

• Heidi Popov (Kawartha Gymnastics)

Business Citizen of the Year

(To be announced at the ceremony)

Business Student Leadership Prizes

Winning recipients:

• Ali Jammal (Trent)

• Joylyn Johnson D Souza (Trent)

• Swarna Latha Mareedu (Fleming)

Commercial Development or Renovation

• Ashburnham Realty (The Railyard Development)

• The Canadian Canoe Museum

• Holmes Riseley LLP (823 Park St. S.)

Customer First

• The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Couture Candy

• McLeod's EcoWater

Employer of the Year

• Engage Engineering

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• New Beginnings Building Services

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Green Street Inc.

• nectar co.

• Wanderlight Alpaca Experience

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year

• Winner: Scott & Paula Cornish (Whiskey Lane Livestock)

Green Initiatives

• Camp Kawartha

• Cheeks Ahoy

• Dietrich Homes

Health & Wellness

• Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy

• Flow Spa

• Trent Health in Motion

Hospitality

• The Dirty Burger

• Levantine Grill

• Millbrook Mercantile

Local Focus

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum

• Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

• OmniWorx Design

Marketing & Promotion

• Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

• Harmony for Healing

• nectar co. - The Viral Keepsake Campaign

Micro Business

• The Chocolate Rabbit

• Millbrook Mercantile

• Peterborough Disability Tax Services

Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year

• Winner: Sama Noor Yousafzai (Goodies on Mews)

Not-for-Profit

• Five Counties Children's Centre

• Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region

• Kawartha Gymnastics

Professional Services

• Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Holmes Riseley LLP

Retail

• Dan Joyce's Retailing Limited

• Paris Marine

• Shop The Lake Inc.

Skilled Trades

• New Beginnings Building Services

• R & M Smith Contracting

• Tom's Heating and Cooling

Tourism

• Beachwood Resort

• Kawartha Country Wines

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum

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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Opening Nominations For 2024 Business Excellence Awards

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has opened nominations for the 2024 Business Excellence Awards.

HAJNI HŐS, HOSPICE PETERBOROUGH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACCEPTING THE AWARD FOR EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR from the last event. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PETERBORUGH CHAMBER.

“In Peterborough and the Kawarthas, excellence is out there,” said Sarah Budd, Chamber President and CEO. “In restaurants, tourist attractions, retail shops, offices, and not-for-profits; on construction sites, family farms, and making service calls. We encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize the businesses and organizations that make our community great.”

Express and self-nomination forms are available online.

Early Bird deadline end on May 8 at 4:30 p.m. Early Bird nominations are entered into a draw to win a $100 gift card for the Chamber member business of your choice.

Final Deadline is May 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Three Finalists in each category will be announced in August, with the award recipients announced live on the big stage – Oct. 29th at Showplace Performance Centre.

The Business Excellence Awards were established to promote the advancement of responsible business leadership within the community. Awards will be handed out in over 20 categories including the prestigious Business Citizen of the Year Award.

Businesses and individuals within the City and County of Peterborough are eligible, and do not need to be members of the Chamber of Commerce.

There are categories for every business size & sector:

• 4-Under-40 Profiles in memory of Kathy Windrem

• Business Citizen of the Year

• Business Student Leadership Prizes 2

• Businesswoman of the Year – Entrepreneur

• Businesswoman of the Year – Organization

• Commercial Development or Renovation

• Customer First

• Employer of the Year

• Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Farm Family of the Year

• Green Initiatives

• Health & Wellness

• Hospitality

• Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year

• Local Focus

• Marketing & Promotion

• Micro Business

• Not-for-profit

• Professional Services

• Retail

• Skilled Trades

• Tourism

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Head to Italy With Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce After Partnership With Marlin Travel

In a partnership with Marlin Travel, the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is offering members and non-members to the take in the authentic flavours of northern Italy this fall, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber is hosting a nine-day trip to Italy from Oct. 3 to 11.

The trip provides guests with premium accommodations, a chance to try some authentic Italian cuisine and an opportunity to see northern Italy with local colleagues and friends.

The Spotlight on Northern Italy trip includes:

• Try some tiramisu in its hometown of Treviso

• Take in the romance of Romeo and Juliet in Verona

• Check out the glass-blowing foundries of Murano, a city with 1,500 years of glassmaking history

• Take a gondola cruise through Venice

• Trace the steps of Ernest Hemingway through the artist hilltop haven of Asolo

• Journey through the rolling hills of the Prosecco region and visit a local vineyard

• Take a cable car ride through the picturesque Dolomite Mountains

• Enjoy some Grappa (grape-based pomace brandy) in the quaint town of Bassano del Grappa

The trip includes transportation from Peterborough and flights to and from Italy. The vacation package offers a competitive travel protection plan for $499.

Book by March 4 to guarantee availability at the best rates according to the Chamber.

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Peterborough Chamber Honours Institutions at 2023 Business Excellence Awards

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce held their 2023 Business Excellence Awards with an awards ceremony at Showplace Performance Centre on Wednesday night.

Hajni Hős, Hospice Peterborough executive director accepting the award for Employer of the Year. Photo courtesy of the Peterborugh Chamber.

The annual ceremony publicly recognized and honoured local businesses with a passion for excellence. 

Over 50 businesses and individuals were profiled in 22 categories.

The following are the nominees and recipients for their respective categories:

Local Focus

• The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge (winner)

• New Beginnings Building Services

• Peterborough GreenUP

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Cheeks Ahoy (winner)

• Flossophy Ptbo

• Y Drive Canada

Health & Wellness

• Euphoria Wellness Spa

• The Spa + Clinic at Fleming College

• The Willow Studio (winner)

4-Under-40 Profiles, in memory of Kathy Windrem

• Ashley Bonner (winner)

• Ashley Flynn (winner)

• Lauren Hunter (winner)

• Laura Montague (winner)

Professional Services

• Engage Engineering Ltd.

• Fox Law Professional Corporation

• Lett Architects Inc. (winner)

Commercial Development or Renovation

• Key Design Inc. (Key Design Inc. Studio & Office)

• Peterborough Housing Corporation (Hunt Terraces)

• Peterborough Humane Society (Peterborough Animal Care Centre) (winner)

Business Student Leadership Prizes

• Emma Olstad (Trent University) (winner)

• Eesha Gupta (Fleming College) (winner)

Retail

• Living Local Marketplace (winner)

• Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre

• Plant Goals

Stuart Harrison President's Award

• Don Dyck (Kingdon Timber Mart, Kingdon Truss) (winner)

Micro Business

• OmniWorx Design

• Peterborough Currents Media Inc. (winner)

• Social Kat Media

Tourism

• Kawartha Country Wines

• Otonabee Region Conservation Authority

• Peterborough Museum & Archives (winner)

Businesswoman of the Year

• Nicole Truman (Fox Law Professional Corporation) (winner)

Green Initiatives

• Cheeks Ahoy

• The Land Canadian Adventures Inc.(winner)

• Peterborough Folk Festival

Skilled Trades

• Black Rock Developments

• Bruce Maly Plumbing & Drain Services Inc.

• Van de Bor Paving Ltd. (winner)

Hospitality

• Burleigh Falls Inn & Suites

• Nostimo By The Original Greek

• Taso's Restaurant & Pizzeria (winner) 

Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year

• Imad Mahfouz & Hashem Yakan (Levantine Grill) (winner)

Customer First

• The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre

• The Willow Studio (winner)

Marketing & Promotion

• Community Futures Peterborough (winner)

• INSPIRE: The Women’s Portrait Project

• Showplace Performance Centre

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year

• Todd & Jennifer Payne & Family (Asphodel Sheep Company) (winner)

Not-for-Profit

• Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region

• Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation

• Peterborough Humane Society (winner)

Employer of the Year

• Engage Engineering Ltd.

• Gauvreau | Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Hospice Peterborough (winner)

Business Citizen of the Year

• John Cunningham (Community Alternative Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre, Kawartha Aquamation) (winner)

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Peterborough Museum & Archives Tourism Named Award Finalist For Tourism

The Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) is a finalist in the “Tourism” category for the 2023 Business Excellence Awards, organized annually through the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce announced on Friday.

File Photo.

The Business Excellence Awards promote the advancement of responsible business leadership and prosperity within the community in categories such as: Entrepreneurial Spirit, Local Focus, and Green Initiatives.

The Tourism category recognizes organizations with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in attracting tourists to the Peterborough and Kawarthas area according to The City of Peterborough. Considerations include guest services, marketing and unique promotions, quality of facilities, signage, and staff and volunteer knowledge.

“There are many reasons why the Peterborough Museum & Archives is worthy of this distinction,” says Dustin McIlwain, PMC visitor experience coordinator. “Naturally, tourists to the area might want to learn more about the place they are visiting, and the PMA is a great place to acquire those stories. However, the PMA takes it a step further by offering interesting programming and events, engaging exhibitions and gallery spaces that are welcoming to all.”

The PMA’s current exhibition, “To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860” has been a significant attraction from a tourism perspective according to McIlwain.

“Extensive work went into creating this important exhibition, including contributions from the six Mississauga Nations, the Royal Collection Trust in England, and the Department of Canadian Heritage to name a few,” he said. “Together, we’re reconnecting a piece of tangible cultural heritage to the descendants of those who created them. It has produced multiple opportunities for learning and relationship-building which will have a positive impact on our community long after the exhibition comes to end. For now, we will continue to welcome visitors from near and far to see these gifts.”

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for Oct. 18 at The Venue.

Admission to the Peterborough Museum & Archives is by donation.

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2023 Business Excellence Awards Finalists Announced; Awards Ceremony Held On Oct. 18

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce have announced the finalists for the 2023 Business Excellence Awards which recognize and honour local businesses and business people that have demonstrated a passion for excellence, announced on Wednesday.

Matt Strano of Charlotte Products LTd. (left) was Business Citizen of the Year for 2022.  Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce.

The award recipients are being revealed in an awards ceremony at The Venue on Oct. 18. A reception is followed by a ceremony at Showplace Performance Centre. Hosted by Megan Murphy, the event have awards handed out in 22 categories, including the prestigious Business Citizen of the Year. 

“The Excellence Awards event is the Chamber’s way of shining a spotlight on the outstanding businesses and business leaders in the City and County of Peterborough,” says Sarah Budd, Chamber President and CEO. “We encourage the community to join us in learning more about our business community at our annual celebration.”  

The following are the 2023 Business Excellence Awards Finalists (listed alphabetically):

4-Under-40 Profiles, in memory of Kathy Windrem (winners)

• Ashley Bonner

• Ashley Flynn

• Lauren Hunter

• Laura Montague

Businesswoman of the Year (winner)

• Nicole Truman (Fox Law Professional Corporation)

Business Citizen of the Year

• To be announced

Business Student Leadership Prizes (winners):

• Emma Olstad (Trent University)

• TBA (Fleming College)

Commercial Development or Renovation

• Key Design Inc. (Key Design Inc. Studio & Office)

• Peterborough Housing Corporation (Hunt Terraces)

• Peterborough Humane Society (Peterborough Animal Care Centre)

Customer First

• The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre

• The Willow Studio

Employer of the Year

• Engage Engineering Ltd.

• Gauvreau | Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Hospice Peterborough

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Cheeks Ahoy

• Flossophy Ptbo

• Y Drive Canada

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year (Winner)

• Todd & Jennifer Payne & Family (Asphodel Sheep Company)

Green Initiatives

• Cheeks Ahoy

• The Land Canadian Adventures Inc.

• Peterborough Folk Festival

Health & Wellness

• Euphoria Wellness Spa

• The Spa + Clinic at Fleming College

• The Willow Studio

Hospitality

• Burleigh Falls Inn & Suites

• Nostimo By The Original Greek

• Taso's Restaurant & Pizzeria

Local Focus

• The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• New Beginnings Building Services

• Peterborough GreenUP

Marketing & Promotion

• Community Futures Peterborough

• INSPIRE: The Women’s Portrait Project

• Showplace Performance Centre

Micro Business

• OmniWorx Design

• Peterborough Currents Media Inc.

• Social Kat Media

Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year (Winner)

• Imad Mahfouz & Hashem Yakan (Levantine Grill)

Not-for-Profit

• Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region

• Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation

• Peterborough Humane Society

Stuart Harrison President's Award

• To be announced

Professional Services

• Engage Engineering Ltd.

• Fox Law Professional Corporation

• Lett Architects Inc.

Retail

• Living Local Marketplace

• Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre

• Plant Goals

Skilled Trades

• Black Rock Developments

• Bruce Maly Plumbing & Drain Services Inc.

• Van de Bor Paving Ltd.

Tourism

• Kawartha Country Wines

• Otonabee Region Conservation Authority

• Peterborough Museum & Archives

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Hometown PTBO: Tiffany Arcari On Her Recent Career Change and Podcast, 'The Tiffany Show'

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Tiffany Arcari about her new career change, her podcast ‘The Tiffany Show’ and her favourite Peterborough eats.

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