Week of September 17 - 21, 2018
Georgina Economic Development Updates
New Incentive Program for Town of Georginaincentiveprogram
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At the Sept 19 Town of Georgina Council meeting, the new Town Wide Development Application Fee Rebate Program was approved. The purpose of the development application fee rebate program is to encourage development and redevelopment in the Industrial, Commercial (excluding retail and service commercial) and Institutional Sectors. This program is to reduce the financial burden on landowners and business owners who are expanding/relocating or creating new businesses.

The rebates will be up to 50% of the application fee to a maximum of $10,000. A rebate may also be requested for multiple applications to a maximum of $20,000 per property. Council has allocated $100,000 for the purpose of implementing an incentive program. 

In order to be eligible for the rebate program, the development must demonstrate the ability to create or retain 5 full time jobs in the office, industrial or institutional sector and/or result in the creation of over 1,500 sq.ft. of non-residential floor area for the office, industrial or institutional use.

Full Details will be available on georgina.ca soon.
2018 Town of Georgina Economic Development Wins Marketing Canada Award!marketingcanada 

The Town of Georgina Economic Development and Tourism Division just recently won the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) 2018 Marketing Canada Award.

During the 50th Annual Conference in Fredericton, NB the Town of Georgina was awarded with the Marketing Canada Award for their Field to Table Brochure under the Single Publications Under 4 Pages category. 

This year's award program attracted submissions from across Canada coast to coast. 

Click Here for more details. 
Spotlight on Business: Lake Simcoe Watersport Rentals (LSWR) spotlight

Lake Simcoe Watersport Rentals is the only Sea-Doo rental company located in Keswick and Jackson's Point, started by an enthusiastic and driven millennial. "We are here to give people the opportunity to ride a Personal Water Craft whether it's your first time, your tenth or your dream to own one" says company owner Jorden Irwin.

Jorden was inspired to start his business from renting Sea-Doos in other parts of Ontario. The passion quickly grew into a business idea when he saw the gap in the 
local market.  The best thing about his job "is providing a new way to give residents and tourists alike a whole new view of our great lake and all its beauty" states Jorden.

LSWR owns 8 Sea-Doos for rent and operates out of Krates Marina in Keswick and the Ramada Resort and Spa in Jackson's Point. They offer rental packages from 1 hour to 1 week.  The future vision for LSWR is to expand their fleet of rental vehicles and explore different varieties of water sport rentals.

Lake Simcoe Watersport Rentals operates out of the 2 Locations

Krates Marina

Contact Info:
647-964-2890




 
If you would like to request an official Grand Opening and want your picture featured in an upcoming e-newsletter contact Sean Columbus .
Register Now for B2B Tourism Information Session October 17, 2018 b2btourism
Please join Experience York Region, the Town of Georgina, and Georgina Chamber of Commerce for this free, informative, hands-on session designed to share information and services to grow your tourism/hospitality/events business.
 
Why Attend This Session?
 
- Learn how to navigate ExperienceYorkRegion.com  and upload events to reach a broader audience
- Hear about NEW marketing and promotional opportunities available to you at the local, regional and provincial level to grow your business
- Network with fellow business owners in the tourism/hospitality/events planning industry
- Bring your laptop for hands-on learning
- Coffee and light refreshments will be served

Date: October 17, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

2018 Georgina Electiongeorginaelection

Your Vote is your voice in the 2018 Municipal Election

As a Georgina resident, you are voting for Mayor, Regional Councillor, Ward Councillors, and School Board Trustees.

Advance Voting Days: September 29, October 6, 13, 18

Voting Day: October 22.

Click Here for full details. 

Has your Ward Boundary changed?
Town Council approved a ward boundary change impacting some households in Wards 1, 2 and 3. View the map, visit georgina.ca/election2018 or call the Clerk's office at 905-476-4301 to find out if this affect you.
Funding Still Available for 2018. Apply Now for a Community Improvement Plan Grant.cipprogram

Lake Simcoe Arms Before and After Facade enhancements.

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 also be submitted before work starts.

Contact Sean Columbus if you are interested.
Economic Development Officer
905-476-4301 ext. 2330
Economic Development Community Building Grant Application.communitybetter

The objective of the grant program is to provide financial assistance for programs and events that serve to promote the Town of Georgina to markets outside Georgina, generate economic opportunities for the local business community and provide for the betterment of the Community. In order to take full advantage of the collaborative marketing efforts provided by the Economic Development & Tourism Division, applications should be submitted six (6) months prior to the event date. You can view the application by  Clicking Here.

If you are interested in applying please contact Cristina Liu via email  [email protected] or call 905-476-4301 ext 2300.
BUSINESS & MARKETING TIPS
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To ensure your business is a valuable, respectful, and welcomed presence on social media follow these essential etiquette rules.

1. Read the room - Do research to better understand your audience, figure out the best time to post, use the right image sizes, and don't use words and phrases that may compromise your brand reputation.

2. Don't be a robot - Put a human touch on everything you do, even when bulk scheduling messages across your social networks.

3. Respond to comments, fast - Ignoring a negative review can lead to the loss of a customer or a major PR disaster. Addressing negative feedback in a timely manner can help you turn a detractor into a brand advocate.

4. Don't badmouth your peers - Playing nice with competing brands on social media goes a long way. Not only can it help establish a professional working relationship with other in your field, but it also improves your online reputation in the eyes of your followers, as well ad your competitors' social media audience.

5. Tame your hashtags - It's considered best practice to use your hashtags sparingly and choose them carefully. They can look distracting and desperate if you use too many of them.

6. Be careful mixing professional and personal - Cornering an unsuspecting coworker and unloading your personal problems on them is poor etiquette in any business setting. But your personal life doesn't belong on your company's social media accounts either.

7. Don't follow everyone and anyone - The number of followers you have shouldn't be your main indicator of success on social media. While its' a good indicator of how much awareness there is of your brand on social media, your follower count doesn't mean much without context.

8. Always give credit - Sharing user-generated content (UGC) is a great way to give your followers a steady stream of fresh and engaging posts, but giving proper credit is an absolute must.

Full Article can be found on Hootsuite
Do you have any suggestions for our newsletter? Please let us know by emailing Sean Columbus
In This Issue 







Upcoming Georgina Events

Georgina Farmer's Market September 23, 2018. Running until Sept 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Georgina Farmer's Market features more than 30 vendors offering a wide range of local products including produce, meats, baked goods and home made products, from local vendors. 


Click Here for more details.

Georgina Pioneer Village Harvest Festival
Sept. 22

Celebrate the arrival of Autumn with vintage farm equipment, food, crafts, artisans, vendors, historic demonstrations, live music, and more!

Click Here  for details.

Chippewas of Georgina Island Pow Wow 
Sept. 22 & 23

Experience a traditional Pow Wow and a day at the shores of Lake Simcoe. Discover drumming, dancing, hoop dance demonstrations and First Nations owned and operated food and craft vendors at The Sibbald Point Provincial Park.

Click Here  for details.

Georgina Harvest Dinner Sept. 29. 

Support local farmers and celebrate the abundance across the Greenbelt by sharing a delicious, locally-sourced, four-course meal. The Harvest Dinner takes place September 29 at The Link. Get your tickets while they last - available now at retailers throughout Georgina. 

Click Here  for details.

Georgina Chamber of Commerce Stilettos & Sneakers Sept. 29.

Lifestyle Show for Women. Mark Your Calendars!
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vendor Applications are now available! The Chamber is also collecting gently used purses for the auction, and swag for their bags.


Georgina Studio Tour Sept 29 & 30.

Discover Georgina Based artists, joined by guest artists, from many parts of Ontario on this self guided Studio Tour in its 24th year for a great autumn weekend destination.


October Workshops and Events Sutton Calendar Now Available.


FREE Workshop Oct. 10

Building and Promoting Your Business With Facebook, Instagram, and Google Search.

Date:  October 10, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.


Registration is Free. 

Halloween Haunt with the Keswick BIA Oct. 27

The Uptown Keswick BIA present thrills and chills for ghost hunters young and old with a tour through the haunted nooks and crannies of Keswick!

Location: Metro & Simcoe Avenue 

Click Here for upcoming details. 

One Dark Night Oct. 29 & 30, presented by Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives  

Night #1: The Paranormal Project

From your seat in the various buildings within the Pioneer Village, Angel will take you on a guided spiritual journey through the eyes of Georgina's early settlers.

Night #2: Shadows of the Night Ghost Walk

Join us for a ghost walk around the Pioneer Village visiting the most active buildings on the property.


Click Here for full details.

Lighthouse Performing Nov. 3 at Stephen Leacock Theatre

Lighthouse, Canada's favourite rock band is turning 50 and inviting Canadians across the country to join the celebrations.

Sponsored by Sobey's, Team Peroff, Stiemer Construction and R and A Stairs.


Date: Nov. 03, Show: 8:00 p.m.

Click Here  for details.

Vendors Wanted for Winter Market

Are you looking for a chance to connect with shoppers in the heart of our community at a one-of-a-kind event? The new Link Winter Market is a fantastic opportunity for you. 

On the third Sunday of each month starting December 16, the Winter Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Link in Sutton, featuring unique handmade treasure, live music, local farmers, foodie delights and more. Apply by October 31.

Click Here for full details. 

Fall Georgina Business Consultations

Whether you are thinking of starting up a new business or you are already established, let's review your ideas and business needs together. Consultations cover information on general start-up advice, financing, marketing and operations. If you are growing a business, you may be provided information about financial opportunities and expanding your staff, space or capital investment

Registration is free and secures your sport for a private one-hour session with a Small Business Consultant . Appointments are scheduled between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and spaces are very limited.

Brought to you by the York Small Business Enterprise Centre in partnership with the Town of Georgina.

Location: The Link, 20849 Dalton Rd, Sutton

Dates: October 23 & November 20

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