WESTPORT - What started as a friendly gesture to share workout space amongst friends in Athens has now led to another self-serve gym in Westport.

The company 247 Fitness, a gym where members have all-hours access, has just opened in the new Harvest Creek plaza in March. The opening follows on the heels of the successful 247 location in Athens just two years ago. Membership in Westport has already hit 100 and a third Leeds Grenville location is being considered in Merrickville.

"It was a perfect storm," says company founder B.J. Ward, an Athens resident with a 25-year fitness and gym equipment sales and services background. B.J. says his new multi-location business practically founded itself. 

"I was originally looking for some equipment storage space in Athens," he says. B.J. envisioned a small workout area for himself and perhaps a few friends in the storefront of the building. He suggested it on his Facebook page and was blown away by the immediate response.

"I asked my wife, what just happened?" recalls B.J. of how more than 70 people responded the first day. The gym now has 200 members. As an Athens native, B.J. was also happy to fill a storefront and improve the village's Main Street.

The gyms are fully equipped with strength and cardio machines as well as free weights. There is free WiFi and TV, including the Sports Channel. Members gain access with key fobs 365 days a year. Each location has a bathroom and round-the-clock security cameras and emergency phones.

You are invited to bring your own trainer or certified trainers are welcome to bring their clients. Memberships can be purchased monthly, seasonally (4 months) or annually.

Learn more about 247 Fitness by visiting the website, Facebook page or on  Twitter. You can send them an email.

Rideau Lakes Mayor Ron Holman with Business of the Year winner Fiona McKean

DELTA - The Township of Rideau Lakes honoured many of its successful businesses at its second annual Business Recognition Breakfast on April 6th in the old town hall building.

Winner of Business of the Year is Opinicon Dining and Resort of Chaffey's Lock. Owner Fiona McKean accepted the award. She and her team have been renovating the historic resort for the past few years and are now expanding. She commended her fellow nominees and noted area businesses support each other and work together.

"We are so lucky to have these businesses and it's incredible how connected we all are," said Fiona. 

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was won by Stefanie Dopson, owner of The Bastard Baking Company of Delta. Smiths Falls Veterinary Services, a company located in the township, earned the Business Innovation Award. 

"We're really proud to be a part of the community and appreciate the support we receive," said Dr. Gus Stringel, who co-owns the animal clinic with Dr. Rob Rinfret. They have spent considerable time updating and upgrading the well-established, full service business with locations in Athens and Merrickville. 

Business of the Year nominees included Delta Country Market, Denaut Mansion Country Inn, Elgin Bowling Lanes, Hartin's Wheel Alignment & Auto Repair, Rideau Lakes Building Centre, Rideau Lakes Cottages and Rideau Tours. Business Innovation nominees were Savoury and Sweet and Sure Fire Cube. Jen's Dog Grooming was a Young Entrepreneur nominee.

Visit the Rideau Lakes Township website for more coverage.

Precision Contracting and its founder Lindsay Haley are featured in the January/February 2018 cover story of Canadian Contractor magazine.

"It's a humbling experience to see something we have worked so hard on over the past 13 years be recognized in a magazine such as Canadian Contractor," says Lindsay of the article outlining how the company offers its clients a "What to Expect" package and uses real-time project management software.

"It is great to have a platform proving there are a lot of good and talented contractors out there that are looking to service each client in a professional and honest manner," adds Lindsay.

The Precision Contracting team is a residential builder successfully integrating design-build into their business model. The goal is to continually improve business processes and to improve the client experience. 

The company employs 10 and recently expanded into a much larger location at 3069 County Road 29 in Elizabethtown-Kitley Township. Learn more about Precision Contracting on their website, email or give them a call at 613-341-3044. Visit the Canadian Contractor website to read the article in the archive.

Local contractor Lindsay Haley is featured on the cover of Canadian Contractor.

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office is hiring four summer students for the ONroute Mallorytown Travel Centres this summer.

The postings close this Friday, April 13th, at 4 p.m. 

• Tourism Representative Supervisor, Summer Student Temporary Full-time
• 3 Tourism Representatives, Summer Students, Temporary Full-time

To apply, visit the Leeds Grenville Careers page.

2017 Tourism Representative Aleisha Newman.

The Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation program encourages the development of rural communities, farms, agri-food processors and agri-food organizations by adding value to existing products, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, May 25 by 5 p.m.

The top award is the Premier's Award ($75,000), the Minister's Award ($50,000), Leaders in Innovation (3 - $25,000 awards), and the Provincial Award (45 - $5,000 awards. 

To learn more about program guidelines and see the application form visit the OMAFRA Premier's Award website. Applicants may also contact local OMAFRA representative Katie Nolan at 613-258-8371 or send her an email.

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. Larger sizes are available. 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.