Leeds Grenville
Economic Development eNews | March 27, 2018
Business Profile
Palko Jewellery Design preserves heritage pieces, creates new legacies 
BROCKVILLE - Whether it is the creation of a stunning new custom ring or restructuring an heirloom, jewellery design is a passion for Carol and Chris Palko. 

The couple established Palko Jewellery Design 22 years ago and today they have a 700-plus client list and continue to grow their business.

"We love our work and creating your personal 'Moment in Time' jewellery is what we strive to do," says Chris, a goldsmith and designer with 40 years of experience.

"There is a story behind every piece, its heritage and its legacy," says Carol, a gemologist and consultant. They view jewellery as art, and work hard to give their clients unforgettable pieces.

Their services include jewellery design, from conception to finished product, fine enameling, appraisals and estate evaluations, including preparation of estate items. A niche is breathing new life into old treasures with a jewellery re-style. For example, transforming a bracelet into earrings using the same valuable gems. It is a growing trend to have estate jewellery repurposed and made wearable. Palko also does repair work and purchases old gold.

One client writes: "They have turned jewellery visions into precious family treasures" with their creativity.

"In the end, people are really happy with what we do," says Chris. He uses a 3D Computer Assisted Design system in his work. A wax model is then created, from which the piece is then cast and the gems added.  

Another client sums it up perfectly: "Carol and Chris offer a winning combination of sincere customer service and incomparable artistry. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting a piece of jewellery they can treasure."

Learn more about Palko Jewellery Design by visiting their website and  Facebook page. Give them a call at 613-345-4507 or send an email

Top feature photo: Chris and Carol Palko in their home-based meeting/showroom.

Palko is a full-spectrum jewellery business, including customer-designed pieces made in house. 
Below: the Fair Jeanne Tall Ships pendant designed by Chris.









Above photo: Chris places a diamond in one of his designs and Carol, at left, is shown in the consultation office.
Business Retention and Expansion

Members of the "Strong Business, Strong Community" team are from left, Krista George, Ann Weir, Annette Simonian, Yves Grandmaitre, Krista Weidenaar, Simon Chapelle, Cheri Kemp-Long, Malcolm Norwood and Alison Merkley.
First Counties-wide Business Retention + Expansion Program launches

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville have launched the largest multi-level Business Retention + Expansion program the region has seen.

The Counties and the communities of Augusta, Merrickville-Wolford and Rideau Lakes have partnered in a project that will see staff and volunteers directly connect with over 300 businesses in the region. The program was launched at Counties Council on March 22nd.

"It is recognized that 76-90% of new jobs come from existing businesses and we need to ensure we sustain these jobs and support businesses as they explore new opportunities that could result in more jobs in the region," says Ann Weir, Manager of the Counties Economic Development Office which is leading the project.

The project co-ordinator is Krista George, Business Retention Officer for Leeds Grenville. Krista will be working with the Municipal Partner Coordinators to provide information, organization and guidance. 

Augusta, Merrickville-Wolford and Rideau Lakes will be launching their municipal projects over the next several weeks. Municipal Coordinators are Augusta's Krista Weidenaar, Alison Merkley from Rideau Lakes and Cheri Kemp-Long from Merrickville-Wolford. 

The BR+E program is a structured Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) action-orientated approach to business and economic development.  

For more information about the program, volunteering or participating as a business please contact Krista George at 613-342-3840, ext. 5368, or send her an email.
Upcoming Event
Tri-municipal Business Showcase looking for vendors
CARDINAL - The annual Business Showcase & Expo hosted by the Town of Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh Cardinal Townships is fast approaching.

WHEN: Friday, June 8th, 6-9 p.m., and Saturday, June 9th, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
WHERE: Ingredion Centre, 4050 Dishaw Street, Cardinal 
VENDOR FEE:  $80

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Showcase features business exhibitors, cars and boats, indoor and outdoor displays and concessions. 

Vendors have an 8x8 space and chairs. For details call 613-925-2812, ext. 6215. The registration form can be filled out online. For more information visit the Town of Prescott's website



Workshops and Seminars
Downtown Revitalization Community of Practice Webinar

Building on the success of the first online Downtown Revitalization Community of Practice (DRCOP) held last fall, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is launching the second session in the series. 

The session will feature presentations from design, landscape architecture and planning firm Stempski Kelly Associates Inc.on their experience throughout Ontario. It will also provide opportunities for open exchanges on challenges and opportunities faced by communities doing physical improvements in their downtown and main street areas, and an update on resources being launched to assist Ontario's downtown revitalization community.

WHEN: Thursday, March 29, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon.
COST: Free

Starter Company Plus Orientation - 2 Sessions

Competitive business training program designed to assist eligible entrepreneurs through business plan development. A select number of viable business plans will be eligible to move forward with potential funding. There are morning and afternoon sessions

WHEN: Monday, April 9, 
11 a.m. to 12 noon or
3-4  p.m.
WHERE: Small Business Advisory Centre, 91 Cornelia Street West, Entrance B, Smiths Falls
COST: Free

Profit Through People - Rethinking How You Hire and Engage

Speaker Jennifer DeBruin addresses common issues arising for many business owners and organizations in relation to employee performance, conflict resolution, and the challenge of retaining trained and experienced employees for the long term.

WHEN: Thursday, April 12, 
9 a.m to 12 noon.
WHERE: Small Business Advisory Centre, 91 Cornelia Street West, Entrance B, Smiths Falls
COST: $20
Success Through Service - Building Customer Loyalty

Dynamic and interactive, this workshop presented by Jennifer DeBruin is designed to strengthen skills and motivate consistent delivery of memorable customer service, a key factor to building loyalty.
Participants explore best practices and further their understanding of the crucial role they play.

WHEN: Thursday, May 10, 
9 a.m. to 12 noon.
WHERE: Small Business Advisory Centre, 91 Cornelia Street West, Entrance B, Smiths Falls
COST: $20
Learn more about these sessions and how to register on our Workshops and Seminars page.
Workshops and Seminars