Week of March 4 - 8  , 2019
Georgina Economic Development Updates
Georgina Partners With York Region at Toronto International Bicycle Showbike

Last weekend The Town of Georgina teamed up with York Region at the Toronto International Bicycle Show loca ted at the Better Living Centre in Toronto. Georgina understands the importance of cycling from both a tourism standpoint but also as a mode of transportation within the municipality.

With 52km of shoreline on Lake Simcoe, there are many scenic views for the avid road cyclist and for the trail rider there are the  North Shore Trails at the Georgina ROC. BMX riders can take advantage of the  Bike Park also located at The  ROC.

A recommendation for businesses is to ensure that you register on the  Ontario by Bike program to take advantage of extra exposure for Cycle Tourism.
Lake Simcoe's Ice HarvestIce

The movie Frozen introduced a modern audience to the long-forgotten trade of ice cutting. Think men working with pick-axes and saws to extract massive blocks of ice from a frozen lake to sell to customers far and wide. In the late 1800's, the ice harvest played an important role in the Canadian economy. This winter, York Durham Headwaters sat down with Georgina Pioneer Village curator Melissa Matt to learn about Lake Simcoe's ice cutting trade - and talk about its popular ice fishing scene.

Lake Simcoe is known as the Ice Fishing Capital of North America. Back in 1991 Georgina hosted the World Ice Fishing Championship, and the Canadian Ice Fishing Championship came along in 1994. This year Georgina hosted 2 Ice Fishing Derbies to keep the tradition alive.

Click Here for the full article courtesy  of Central Counties Tourism.
Perfect Cozy Pub To Escape The Coldpub
Do you miss those summer nights when you could go to your local pub and relax on the patio and unwind after a long day? Why does that have to stop just because it's winter?! Well OK, maybe the patios are closed because of a thing called frostbite, but the pubs are still open and some even have fireplaces and couches! Sometimes a local craft brew in a cozy pub is all you need.

The Lake Simcoe Arms Pub & Restaurant is Georgina's premier, authentic British Pub and is located in Jackson's Point. A warm place filled with charm that offers great food, entertainment and fun. They offer 15 different beers on tap and serve mouth-watering daily specials and menu. Meet a friend and catch-up in front of the fire while you enjoy your favorite craft beer!

Click Here for the full article which is part of York Durham Headwaters Winter Campaign.
The Briars Resort & Spa Featured in Work Force Planning Board Videobriars
The Briars Spa & Resort
The Briars Resort & Spa - 55 Hedge Road, Jackson's Point

The Briar's Resort & Spa located in Jackson's Point was recently showcased in a Workforce Planning Board of York Region video. 

Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the Workforce Planning Board is one of 26 independent, non-government corporations in Ontario mandated to engage our community and community partners in a local labour market research and planning process that leads to cooperative efforts among partners to find local solutions to local issues.

Click Here for more information on the Workforce Planning Board of York Region. 
Economic Development & Community Building Grant Programintake

Be sure to submit your applications on time for when your event takes place. Please note that you cannot apply within 120 days of when your event takes place.   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 two remaining intake periods (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
Sean Columbus at [email protected]  or call 905-476-4301 ext. 2330
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.
No Customers? Try Fixing Up Your Business! 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.
FEATURED PROPERTIES
$449,000
For Sale
118 High St, Sutton, Ontario

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
As defined on  Wikipedia , a hashtag is a type of metadata tag used on social networks to make it possible for people to find messages with a specific theme or content easily. When a hash mark (the "#" sign) precedes a word or phrase in one of your messages, it is instantly indexed by the social network you are on. 

Here are a few basic tips to keep in mind when using hashtags:
  • Everything in Moderation. On nearly all social networks using a maximum of two or three hashtags per message is adequate. Don't add a hashtag to every word in a sentence (that's regarded as spam and is more likely to hurt engagement).
  • Check Your Competitors. Take the time to explore which hashtags your competitors are using and how they're using them. That insight can help you determine which ones to use or avoid, depending on whether or not you want to compete for the same audience. 
  • Keep It Simple. Hashtags that are short, relevant, and easy to remember are the best ones. Before you use a hashtag, read it aloud to ensure it doesn't have an unintended or embarrassing connotation (quality control is vital). 
  • Brand Your Hashtags. Creating branded hashtags and using them consistently in your posts can help drive awareness of your company as well as engagement with your target audience. A unique, branded hashtag can be used in a variety of ways across multiple platforms to increase awareness and generate conversation. 
  • Research Hashtags First. To optimize your content and ensure it reaches a relevant audience, take the time to figure out which words to hash mark as part of your marketing strategy. Don't use irrelevant hashtags. 
Article Courtesy of Liam Lahey
Do you have any suggestions for our newsletter? Please let us know by emailing Sean Columbus
In This Issue 

Lake Simcoe's Ice Harvest





No Customers? Fix Up Your Business!
Apply for 2019 Community Improvement Plan Grant
 

Featured Commercial Properties

Upcoming Events

Cardboard Toboggan Races March 14, 2019

Check in: Noon 
Races: 1 p.m.
Award Categories: Fastest, farthest, most creative, largest and "ROC" bottom

For a full list of rules and regulations and registration form, visit georgina.ca

Note: Registration will be completed onsite during check in at 12 p.m.

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. 

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 

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


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

2019 BIA Conference March 31 to April 3, 2019.

The Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA), since 2001, acts as an important resource for education, partnership and collaboration to each BIA across the province. 

OBIAA recognizes the power of networking, the strength in numbers and the value of sharing common concerns and finding resolutions specific to our individual communities.


Click Here  to Register and for full details.

Upcoming Events at Stephen Leacock Theatre 

Check out these exciting events.

April 27, 2019 - Tribute to Bruce Springsteen

May 11, 2019 - Last Waltz Live (A Musical Celebration of The Band

July 6, 2019 - Brothers Gibb: The Bee Gees Story

August 23, 2019 - "ABBA Magic" 

September 28, 2019 - Motown Gold

Nov 9, 2019 - Take It Easy: The Story of the Eagles 

Click Here for more details. 

Community Economic Development 101: Workshop for Municipal Councillors & Volunteers April 17, 2019

Learn the basics of community economic development (CED) and take away practical tools to help your municipality develop & implement a strategy. CED is the process of fostering an environment that results in the creation of wealth and well-being for the benefit of the entire community.


During the workshop we will cover:
  •  What CED is and why it is important to your community
  • The value of planning in your community
  • Collaborative roles of individuals and organizations
  • Tools and resources that are available and how they assist you
Location:  Trisan Centre, Curling Club Lounge (2nd Floor), 25 Dillane Drive, Schomberg, Ontario

Click Here for full details

Georgina Chamber of Commerce Discover Georgina Show May 4th & 5th, 2019

Mark your calendar for a weekend that showcases all the great things Georgina has to offer!  
 
Discover Georgina is a show for everyone, featuring businesses and organizations that have something to offer our municipality.  Whether you live, work or play in this community, this show has something to offer you!


Click Here for full details

Georgina Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar

Click Here for full details

Sutton Workshops & Events March Calendar

Click Here for full details

Georgina Trades Training Inc. 2019 Calendar of Events

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