Week of December 17 - 21 , 2018
Georgina Economic Development Updates

Last Tuesday December 11th, the Georgina Chamber of Commerce & Town of Georgina hosted the 2018 Georgina Business Excellence Awards and Mayor & Council's Milestone Awards celebrating Business Excellence in Georgina!  7 awards were given out to businesses in the community that exemplified excellence in their field. 

2018 Business Excellence Award Winners:

Small Business Award - Pepperwood Design 
Large Business Award - Canadian Tire Keswick
Agriculture Award - Hutchings Farm
New Business Award - Whole Family Health Food
Young Entrepreneur Award - Anchor Crossfit Yoga Lifestyle
Community Spirit Award: Bailey's Homestead
Not-For-Profit Award - No Dogs Forsaken

ANCHOR Crossfit Yoga Lifestyle 


Mayor & Council also recognized a total of 6 local businesses who have served this community for over 50 years!

Mayor & Council's Milestone Award Recipients Over 50 Years in Georgina:

Georgina Bridal Expo Jan 20, 2019 brought to you by Room to Bloom.bridal 

Georgina is the home to many amazing wedding and event vendors, and the Georgina Bridal Expo will be the perfect resource for Brides and Grooms that are eager to support local business while planning their big day. 

Connect with over 30 local businesses who specialize in wedding & event planning.

Grand Prize to be won.


Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Click Here for full details
Justin & Amanda Zielonko
Elpida Café and Roastery is your local spot for high quality organic fair trade coffee, tea, matcha and other seasonal drinks and snacks. Run by young entrepreneurs Justin and Amanda Zielonko, Elpida was built on a passion for great tasting coffee and helping people in need. Elpida means Hope and the millennial owners see a vision of supporting their community through their business model. Every month a portion of their tips goes to a different local charity.

In university Justin was inspired to roast his own coffee when his friend Steve taught him how to use a roaster. Unsatisfied with the quality of coffee on campus, Justin purchased his own machine and started roasting coffee weekly. This grew into a passion and his friends started purchasing bags of Justin Z's coffee. This is how his first business was born and Justin started to develop his client base. After he finished university, Justin met Rose the former owner of God Bless Canada. Wanting to expand his business, Justin asked Rose about her business model and she mentioned that she was looking to sell her location. After shadowing God Bless Canada for a few months Justin bought the business.  

Justin decided to purchase a business in Georgina because of the welcoming community. He and wife Amanda, believe the best part of their job is seeing the smile on their customer's faces, providing high quality products and supporting the community. They have recently started working with local artists and displaying art and artisan goods at the café for sale. You can also find workshops such as acrylic pouring, board games and other activities hosted at Elpida.

In the future, Justin and Amanda would like to open multiple locations in Georgina, creating a community space for residents to enjoy. From your first date, an art workshop, a creative space to work or listening to live music, Elpida would like to be your destination for all your coffee milestones.

Try a festive latte and specialty hot chocolate today at Elpida Café on 196 Church St, Keswick. For more information visit elpidacafe.com or call 905-535-4673 (HOPE).

If you would like to be featuring in an upcoming spotlight on business, contact Cristina Liu at [email protected] or call 905-476-4301 ext. 2300.
Town of Georgina Festival & Event Workshops festival
In January 2019 the Town of Georgina is hosting two workshops for Festival & Event organizers. 

Session 1:  Marketing and Promotion
Date:  January 17, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Learn how to leverage free advertising opportunities from Central Counties Tourism, Experience York Region, the Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Georgina. Determine if you festival or event is eligible for grant funding programs and how your event can reach a wider online audience through established social media networks.

Session 2: Policies & Procedures
Date: January 31, 2019 from 6: 00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Does your festival or event need a street closure or police presence? Learn the policies and procedures behind lottery licenses, signage by-laws, York Region Public Health food considerations, vendor insurance, renting Town facilities and much more. This workshop will consist of representatives from the York Region Police, York Region Public Health and Town of Georgina.
Peaceful Hearts Ribbon Cuttingribboncutting

Peaceful Hearts located in Keswick recently celebrated a Ribbon Cutting for their new studio concept located at 183 Simcoe Ave., Unit 5, Keswick. Click Here to learn more about Peaceful Hearts Georgina.

Whether you are celebrating a new opening, expansion or relocation in Georgina we recommend celebrating and showcasing your accomplishment with our free Ribbon Cutting Program.

Click Here to complete the request form. 
Development Application Fee Rebate Programrebate
Council recently approved the implementation of a Development Application Fee Rebate Program. This is just one of the initiatives Council has approved to encourage new investment and expansion of our existing businesses. Eligibility for this new incentive program will be related to the number of full-time jobs created/retained and the amount of office, industrial or institutional floor area created.

Click Here for full details on the program and apply today.
Apply Now for a Community Improvement Plan Grant.cipprogram

Pepperwood Design Before and After Facade enhancements.

Is your building in need of improvements? A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is intended to improve a defined area within a community that has been identified as in need of revitalization. The CIP articulates a vision for Uptown Keswick, Downtown Sutton and Downtown Jackson's Point.

Click Here to view the application forms.  Please note the CIP Grants are only available for businesses within the BIA Boundaries. Applications must be submitted & approved before work starts.

Contact Sean Columbus at 905-476-4301 ext. 2330 or [email protected] for more information.
Apply for the 2019 Economic Development and Community Building Grant Today!communitybetter

Did you know that the Town of Georgina supports local festivals and events through the Economic Development grant program?  The updated application form can be downloaded on choosegeorgina.ca.

Some updates to the 2019 grant process include:
  • The Economic Development Committee (EDC) will review applications at three intake periods (February 1, May 1 and September 1). After a grant application is considered by the EDC, a report with recommendations will be provided to Council for final approval.
  • Organizers may receive funding towards their festival or event up to a maximum of $5,000.
  • For any expenses that exceed $500 and for which funding is being requested, a quote must be provided with the grant application.
For more information or to apply, contact
Cristina Liu at  [email protected]  or call 905-476-4301 ext. 2300.
FEATURED PROPERTIES
$859,000
For Sale
141 High St, Sutton Ontario
30,927.60 sq ft.  

If you have a property listed for sale or for lease that you wish to have featured in upcoming editions of the
e-newsletter please contact [email protected] 

For a map of "For Sale" listings of Commercial & Industrial Properties please Click Here. 

Disclaimer: Listings are provided to the Town from brokers, real estate agents, and various real estate websites. The Town of Georgina assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information shown, and does not make any representation, warranties or guarantees of any kind in relation to the listings in this e-newsletter or the properties described therein.  Please contact the real estate agent or other contact person identified on the listing to verify all information.
BUSINESS & MARKETING TIPS

When it comes down to Christmas Day many businesses ignore their social media platforms because they don't think anyone will be using them. They couldn't be more wrong!

Gone are the days when the first thought of the day was to open presents with family and get that turkey in the oven. Instead, the main priority is logging into Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat and posting a Happy Christmas message to friends and family.

Create content around any offers or deals you have running, especially if it's a special offer which starts on Boxing Day for example.

Another way you can promote that content is through Facebook advertising. With the volume of people logging into Facebook on Christmas Day, push your message out to those who don't even like your page and you'll bring even more customers to your door!

Article Courtesy of 87 Tangerines Social Media
Do you have any suggestions for our newsletter? Please let us know by emailing Sean Columbus
In This Issue 


 



2018 Community Improvement Plan Grant

Economic Development and Community Building Grant Program

Featured Commercial Properties

Upcoming Georgina Events

ROC'N New Year's Eve Family Bash Dec 31, 2018

Looking for a place to ring in the New Year with your family and friends? Spend the evening of New Year's Eve at The ROC.

Activities include:
  • DJ & Live Entertainment
  • Crafty Workstations
  • Face Painting
  • Magician
  • Kid friendly countdown (8 p.m.) with a hot chocolate toast.
*Admission to this event is FREE but regular prices are in effect for tube/lift tickets as well as chalet menu items.

Click Here for full details 

The Link Winter Market

Take away those winter blues and enjoy an eye-opening shopping experience at the Link Winter Market on the third Sunday of every month.

Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019 - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019 - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
Sunday, March 17, 2019 - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We are embracing our local artisans, crafters, chefs, artists, and of course, farmers plus so much more.

Click Here for full details 

Town of Georgina on site at North American International Motorcycle Supershow Jan 4 - 6, 2019

Kick-Off the new year at the 2019 Motorcycle Supershow in Mississauga, Ontario. The Town of Georgina will be on-site all weekend promoting the Georgina Charity Motorcycle Ride and Poker Run, as well as Georgina Tourism. 

Click Here for full details

Online Downtown Revitalization Digital Main Street Session Jan 17, 2019 

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is pleased to facilitate a third session in the Online Downtown Revitalization Community of Practice series.

This session will focus on the  province-wide expansion  of the  Digital Main Street  program. During this webinar, representatives from the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) and Digital Main Street will provide an overview of the initiative, the major activities and timelines you need to know, and the ways in which municipalities, businesses, and other organizations can get involved. 

Date: Jan 17, 2019
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register 

(FE)ST - Festival & Event Symposium & Training Jan. 24, 2019

A one-day professional development symposium for festival & event organizers, staff, board members, and volunteers. The day will include a keynote speaker, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. This will be a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insights from successful organizer and to meet key members of the festival & events community. 


Time: 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Click Here for full details

Town of Georgina at 2019 Toronto International Boat Show Jan 26, 2019

The Toronto International Boat Show is the premiere boating event in Canada, and the Town of Georgina is going to be part of it. 

Be on the lookout for the Town of Georgina on Jan 26 showcasing Tourism in the municipality, various marinas and boating industry operators.

Click Here for more details. 

2019 Georgina Group Business Consultations

Are you thinking of starting a business? Participating in a group consultation is a great way to navigate the initial steps to starting a business. Group Consultations are driven by the attending participants and their questions.

Dates: Jan 22, March 19, May 16
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

____________________

2019 Georgina One-on-one Business Consultations

Whether you are a new business or you are already established, let's review your ideas and business needs together. Consultations cover information on marketing, business planning, financing to help you move forward and grow your business.

Dates: Feb 19, April 16, June 19
Time: Between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 


or call 1-877-464-9675 ext. 71584

Tourism Annual Symposium 2019
March 4, 2019

Gather with fellow region members from York, Durham and Headwaters.

Hear keynotes on business building tactics and trends, take part in educational workshops and network!

2019 Program Highlights. Keynotes: Surfing Tourism Retail Trends...and Introducing Them into Your Business, John Stanley.

Measuring Success, What Does it Look Like for Your Business, Rachel Dodds.

Session Breakouts: What Makes Good Content; Content Marketing in Action; Travel Trade Market Insights; International Travel Markets.

Registration: 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Program: 9:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Cost: $40 (includes breaks and lunch)

Click Here to Register and for full details.

Celebrate Ontario 2019 Program is now open for applications! 

Celebrate Ontario supports programming improvements at new and existing festivals and events that attract tourists for longer stays, create great experiences for visitors and support communities across Ontario.

Applicants are encouraged to read the Celebrate Ontario 2019 Application Guide carefully for information about the program.

Sutton Workshops & Events December Calendar

Click Here for full details

Georgina Trades Training Inc. 2019 Calendar of Events

PSW Registration - Jan 16, 2019
Smart Serve - Jan 22, 2019
Working   At Heights - Jan 28, 2019

Click Here for full details
Town of Georgina - Economic Development & Tourism Division | 905-476-4301
| [email protected] | www.georgina.ca
Town of Georgina
26557 Civic Centre Road
Keswick, L4P 3G1