Your quarterly connection to business news in Orangeville

2019 Bridges to Better Business presents Terry O’Reilly – Don’t outspend them, outsmart them

The Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) is thrilled to welcome Terry O’Reilly as the keynote speaker at the annual Bridges to Better Business event being held on Tuesday, May 14th at Monora Park Pavilion.   Terry O’Reilly has a lot to say about marketing. His resume spans decades in the advertising industry and includes award-winning work with several Toronto advertising firms, creating campaigns for top brands such as Pepsi, Labatt, Tim Hortons, Volkswagen, and more. He has published two bestselling books: The Age of Persuasion and This I Know, and he hosts the popular radio show, Under the Influence, heard weekly on CBC Radio, Sirius Satellite and WBEX Chicago.   Terry speaks frequently to companies and organizations on the power of marketing. A passionate and humorous presenter, his talks inspire, entertain and provide practical lessons to audience members hoping to find affordable ways to improve their marketing impact.  During this presentation, Terry will show business owners that budget should never get in the way of great marketing and will teach entrepreneurs that mindset and creativity are key to effective and affordable marketing. He will share great examples of how small companies can attract as much attention as bigger companies and how humour, drama and surprise can make up for a small budget.  The session will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will include a bonus book signing following the event. Pre-registration is required by May 7 and the $25 fee includes lunch. For more information and to register visit  www.orangevillebusiness.ca/events  or call 519-941-0440 Ext. 2286.

Maggiolly Art – Nurturing Orangeville's creative community

When Emilia Perri, artist and owner of  Maggiolly Art , moved her business to Orangeville in 2003, she immediately knew she had made the right decision. Ms. Perri had frequently visited Orangeville and as she became more familiar with the community, she recognized a unique opportunity for her art supply business. “There is a very active and talented arts community in and around Orangeville,” says Ms. Perri. “The central location here allowed me to reach more artists and expand my business.”    Maggiolly Art’s location at 158 Broadway in downtown Orangeville is a colourful space filled with an impressive selection of art supplies. Ms. Perri uses her extensive arts education and experience to choose the right products and services for her customers. A bright arts studio complements the retail shop and offers artists a space to experiment, create and learn. Throughout the year, a talented team of 13 professional artists provide classes for adults with varying interests and abilities. Youth classes are another popular component of Maggiolly’s schedule and aim to teach fundamental art techniques while encouraging creative self-expression. “Art provides a fulfilling outlet for many of our students,” says Ms. Perri. “Creating a piece of art offers an escape from everyday life, builds confidence and simply feels good. That feeling is just as rewarding for our instructors as it is for our students.”  Even after 26 years, Ms. Perri’s passion for her business is evident. She cherishes her role as an inspirational resource for Orangeville’s aspiring, emerging, and established artists. “My business allows me to do what I love while nurturing our impressive arts community,” she says. “I just can’t imagine doing anything else.”    To learn more about Maggiolly Art and to register for art classes, visit  www.maggiollyart.com .

Call for Artists: 2019 Utility Box Art Display Program

The Town of Orangeville has launched its Call for Artists for the 2019 Utility Box Art Display Program. The unique public art program recognizes local artists, celebrates the Town’s culture and history, and promotes Orangeville as an arts and culture hub for the region. Since the program began in 2016, thirteen functional utility boxes have been transformed into colourful works of art for the community to enjoy. Up to five   new locations will be added to the art collection in 2019. Artists residing in Dufferin County are invited to submit original designs for their chance have their artwork displayed around Orangeville. For more information, visit orangeville.ca.

Selling Food in Ontario Thursday, March 21 1 - 4 p.m. | Cost: $15 Food business experts will explain how to ensure your product or service is meeting government safety standards and provide guidance on pricing, packaging, and distribution channels to get your product in the right retail space.  Register Starting a Small Business - Grand Valley session Thursday, April 4 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Cost $15 Ideal for all emerging entrepreneurs, this session will provide an overview of the requirements and considerations involved with starting a small business.   Register

Market Research and Analysis Tuesday, April 9 9 a.m. - Noon | Cost: $15 Understanding your customer is key to building an effective marketing plan. Learn about the tools and strategies that exist to help you understand and evaluate your target market and make sound business decisions.   Register Employment Standards Act (ESA) – Bill 47 update Tuesday, April 16 2 - 3:30 p.m. | No Cost Learn about Bill 47 and the updates that have been made to the ESA. Understand the new requirements for employers and get the answers you need for your business.    Register

Don’t Outspend them, Outsmart them   Tuesday, May 14 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Cost: $25 (includes lunch) Join Terry O’Reilly - Marketing expert and CBC Radio show host – as he discusses how budget should never get in the way of great marketing and presents creative strategies for outsmarting the competition.

Register

Celebrate Spring at the Home & Garden Show    From March 29 to 31, the Orangeville Lions Club will host its 22nd annual Home & Garden Show .  Over 150 vendors will fill the Orangeville Agricultural Society Event Centre to showcase home improvement products and services. Be sure to visit the Town of Orangeville’s booth to get information and resources about our community. Admission and parking are free. All show proceeds support the Lions Club’s many community initiatives.

BR+E outreach continues   In January, the Town’s Economic Development and Culture office launched a Business Retention and Expansion Program (BR+E) focusing on local businesses in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PST) sector. Business visitations are now underway and all professional service business owners are encouraged to participate.  For more information, contact Ruth Phillips, Manager, Economic Development and Culture ( rphillips@orangeville.ca  or 519-941-0440 Ext. 2991).

Orangeville's Farmers’ Market opens in May   Mark your calendars for the much-anticipated opening day of the outdoor Orangeville Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 4. Located beside Town Hall on Second Street, local vendors will offer a selection of seasonal goods every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through to October. Opening day is always a popular community celebration with special events and activities for everyone. Find more details at downtownorangeville.ca.   Students can run their own business this summer Summer Company helps students between 15 and 29 years old start and run their own summer businesses. The provincially-funded program is delivered by the Orangeville & Area SBEC and provides advice, resources, and funding of up to $3,000. Participants gain valuable business skills and an opportunity to explore self-employment as a career option. Visit orangevillebusiness.ca or call the SBEC at 519-941-0440 Ext. 2270. Applications are now being accepted.

Partnership with  Commute Ontario  aims to alleviate commuting challenges

The Town of Orangeville has partnered with  Commute Ontario  to help workplaces and campuses alleviate commuting challenges. The provincially-funded initiative offers free programs to encourage employees and students to choose active and sustainable modes of travel.    Sustainable commuting is an impactful way for individuals to reduce their environmental footprint and save money. Businesses can also benefit from supporting a workplace commuter program.  By encouraging their employees to be more active, healthy, and engaged, employers may experience increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.  Improving travel options to a workplace may also help to recruit and retain top candidates. “Many Orangeville-based businesses are looking to grow their workforce, but struggle to find employees locally,” says Ruth Phillips, Manager of Economic Development and Culture at the Town of Orangeville. “Participating in the Commute Ontario program may help our businesses attract a wider range of candidates.”      When companies register with Commute Ontario, they receive free access to user-friendly programs, including:  Carpool Ontario, a carpool ride-matching tool  Active Switch, an online program that tracks active commuting  Emergency Ride Home, a commuter insurance program that reimburses users for unplanned and emergency transportation costs, reducing barriers to participation     Through a customized online platform, registered organizations can easily provide access to each of these programs to all employees and to potential employees who may be interested in working in Orangeville. Campaigns, incentives and communication tools are available to help businesses educate their employees about Commute Ontario’s programs. The registration process for organizations is simple and fully supported by the team at Commute Ontario.    To learn more about Commute Ontario’s programs and how to register your organization, visit  orangevillebusiness.ca   or contact  edo@orangeville.ca .

Air & Earth Design owner, Heidi von der Gathen, uses striking natural materials to create one-of-a-kind, hand crafted earrings, necklaces and bracelets - all inspired by travel and nature. Thanks to a Starter Company grant supported by TD Bank group, Air & Earth Designs has been able to increase its marketing activities and grow the business.    Heidi is one example of the many outstanding business owners who have been supported by the Starter Company Program.

This designer bungalow offers a unique commercial/residential opportunity in Orangeville’s Central Business District. The 1,159 square foot building features an office, showroom, and first-class finishes throughout. The .25 acre property includes a large, fenced backyard with on-site parking and public parking across the street. Asking price is $845,000.   Contact Velvet Alcorn, Sales Representative, Bosley Real Estate Ltd.,  416-530-1100 .

Business Connections is published quarterly by the Town of Orangeville's Economic Development & Culture office. Connect with us! 200 Lakeview Court (Upper Level), Orangeville, Ontario L9W 5J7 edo@orangeville.ca | orangevillebusiness.ca | 519-941-0440 Ext. 2286 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ You are receiving this email because of your interest in economic development news in Orangeville. If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may update your profile using the link found at the bottom of every email.