Economic Development eNews | November 20, 2018

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Economic Development Summit

10th annual Summit is a huge success

KEMPTVILLE - Engaging keynote speakers drew a record crowd to celebrate the 10th annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit on Friday, November 16th.

More than 200 people from the region and across the border didn't let a snowstorm keep them from hearing six highly topical presentations, from what's next for the growing cannabis industry to Canada's economic future.

"The high attendance is a reflection of the strong business community working together, welcoming investment and being the best that they can be," said Ann Weir, Manager of Economic Development Office for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and MC for the event held at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.

Early in the program, the audience gave a standing ovation to the video " Remembering a Champion: A Tribute to Gord Brown." The late MP was a catalyst in starting the summit in 2009 and continued to help coordinate it until his sudden death in May. The event was attended by Gord's widow, Claudine Courtois.

The Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, gave the day's first address with the Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review.

Delivering on highly anticipated keynote addresses were Cheryl Brown, LeBoat Managing Director, with "LeBoat Brings the World to the Rideau Canal," and Canopy Growth co-founder and CEO Bruce Linton with "It's Just the Beginning" in what cannabis products may be created.

BDC Vice President, Research and Chief Economist Pierre Cléroux provided top insight with his "Economic Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for Canadian Businesses."

An inspiring presentation on "Shaping Our Future Workforce Together" was presented by Stephen Sliwa, Director of Education for the Upper Canada District School Board, and North Grenville District High School graduate Grace Maher.

Presentations and video coverage of the day's events will be available on our website and YouTube channel in the coming weeks. See the Counties Media Releases for more coverage.

Top feature photo: Celebrating a decade, from left: Tom Russell, Ann Weir, Mayor Jim Pickard, Mayor Pat Sayeau, MPP Steve Clark, Mayor David Gordon, Heather Lawless and Warden Robin Jones.

Canopy Growth's Bruce Linton, who was just named CEO of the Year by the Ottawa Business Journal, was a popular speaker at the summit.

It was a full house to hear LeBoat Managing Director Cheryl Brown's story of launching a fleet on the Rideau Canal and plans for the 2019 season.

BDC's Pierre Cléroux returned to give another riveting speech on what is in store for Canada's economy over the next few years.

Above photo: Leeds Grenville Warden Robin Jones, left, with 2018 Bill Thake Memorial Award winner Doug Bond, of the Township of Rideau Lakes.

Nominee Geraldine Taylor is flanked by Warden Robin Jones and Marlene Thake, right, at the event last Friday at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.

Mapmaker Doug Bond wins Leadership Award

KEMPTVILLE - Doug Bond, a retired teacher and longtime resident of Rideau Lakes, is this year's recipient of the Bill Thake Award for Economic Development Leadership.

Doug has spent decades bringing travellers to the region by promoting natural trails, creating driving and boating tours and, more recently, cycling and paddling adventures available as cell phone apps. He is the driving force behind the township's Heritage Map.

Honoured with a nomination was Geraldine Taylor, of the Municipality of North Grenville. She is known as a trailblazer in the art and business worlds, for infusing energy back into the local art scene and for heralding the community's culture.

Learn more in our Counties Media Releases.

Workshops and Seminars

Bookkeeping 101: What You Need to Know to Run Your Business

WHEN: Tuesday, November 27,

9 a.m. to noon

WHERE: Small Business Advisory Centre, 91 Cornelia Street West, Entrance B, Smiths Falls

COST: $20

This seminar is designed to advise business owners about how to set up accurate recording-keeping systems and establish work-flows to augment their business bookkeeping and accounting needs. The presenter of this session is Lynn Marsh of HealthyBOOKS.

Insurance and the Entrepreneur

WHEN: Wednesday, November 28,

9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Employment and Education Centre, 105 Strowger Boulevard

COST: Free

For the Small Business owners, Contractors, Trades people with employees, this workshop is here to help make sense out of your business insurance and taxes, and show you some options so you can protect your assets, your income and help build a health care plan. To reserve a seat contact Kim at 613-498-2111, ext. 245 or email her.

Developing your HACCP Plan - Workshop for Small Food Processors

WHEN: Wednesday, December 5, 2018,

Registration: 8:30 a.m., Workshop: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit,

25 Johnston Street, Smiths Falls

COST: $25

This is a full day interactive workshop offered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) to guide you through the process of developing a Hazard Analysis And Critical Control Points (HACCP) Plan specific to your business. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop if they wish to complete their plan on their computer. The workshop is hosted by the Town of Smiths Falls.

Space is limited to 20. Register by November 27th.