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Economic Development eNews | April 23, 2019
Business Profile
Top feature photo: Evonik chemical technicians Eric Brown, Shawn Hummel and John Mooibroek are part of the experienced team in Maitland.
Above: Plant Manager Rod Hartley and ESHQ Manager Nancy Hamilton in front of the facility's pipe rack.
Above: An aerial view of the plant and Lab Technician Mike Warren checking the quality of the final product.
Evonik Maitland Site has experienced team
and top safety record
MAITLAND - The Evonik Canada Inc. Maitland Site team continues to expand its product into new markets.

The hydrogen peroxide producer is part of multi-national Evonik Industries, a world leader in specialty chemicals. Locally, Evonik employs 26 skilled workers and prides itself on having a top safety record and being a good neighbour.

"We have a green product and markets for that are growing," says Plant Manager Rod Hartley. "We're looking toward the future - we use the term 'futurize' - with new markets that are profitable but also sustainable."

The 60,000-square metres site is located at 1380 County Road 2 and shares a gated entrance with Invista.
Evonik purchased the facility in 2011 and invested in major infrastructure upgrades, IT and technical improvements to bring it to a top efficiency level.

Markets include water treatment, soil remediation, cosmetics, mining, electronics, fish farming and the pulp and paper industry.

Safety is their top priority. Evonik is part of Responsible Care, a worldwide safety initiative invented in Canada.
The goals of Responsible Care are to foster sustainability, promote product stewardship, increase safety at production sites and for local communities, and improve occupational health and safety protection.

"Responsible Care means we continuously work to improve our safety, health and environmental performance," says Nancy Hamilton, Evonik's Environment, Safety, Health, Quality (ESHQ) Manager. The rigorous vetting system means Evonik must meet 152 Responsible Care elements.

"We work hard at being a good member of the community," says Rod. "We have an excellent safety record and our people are very experienced."

Learn more about Evonik Industries by visiting their corporate website and see more about Responsible Care.
Economic Development Office
New member on Economic Development team
Jim Hutton has joined the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office as the Business Development Officer.

Jim comes to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville with an extensive background in Tourism and Planning and holds a certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo. He has worked in the past as an Economic Development Officer.

Jim recently retired after 30 years in the municipal sector, most recently as CAO/Clerk of the County of Renfrew. He is originally from Spencerville and has recently moved to Prescott.

"It is great to be back in Leeds and Grenville, an area I have always enjoyed. It is great renewing some old acquaintances, meeting new people and learning about the new businesses in the area," says Jim.

Jim will be temporarily filling in for Shelbi McFarlane while she is on leave. He will be focusing on the completion of the Business Retention + Expansion Project where he is continuing to meet with businesses in the region.
Jim Hutton has an extensive municipal government background.
Upcoming Events
Meet Your Council event in Edwardsburgh Cardinal

Local Business owners, organization leaders and anyone interested in having a conversation about growing a business in Edwardsburgh Cardinal is invited to attend a "Meet Your Council" event.

WHEN: Monday, April 29, 6:30-8 p.m.
WHERE: Spencerville Town Hall, 18 Centre Street, Spencerville

RSVP Wendy if you plan to attend via email or call 613-658-3055, ext. 101
Workforce Development Conference for Employers

This conference is for businesses seeking support to connect with evolving workforce and labour market issues. The day will include workforce topics, activities, trade show and panel discussions that provide actionable strategies to attract, train and retain employees. Panelists include Terry Wills of Wills Transfer, Vera Lima of Lanark Veterinary Clinic, and Ciara Atkinson of the Smiths Falls Chamber of Commerce.

The keynote speaker is Peter McFarlane, of The Opinicon, who will discuss HR Strategies.

WHEN: Thursday, May 2, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: The Gallipeau Centre, 361 Queen Street, Smiths Falls
COST: $25 (includes lunch, workbook)

For more information, email the Smiths Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Tourism Accommodation Summit for operators
The Township of Rideau Lakes is hosting a summit for tourism accommodation business operators. It will be a day of education, inspiration and collaboration.

WHEN: Friday, May 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Old Town Hall, 8 Lower Beverley Lake Park Road, Delta
COST: $15. Payable at the door

RSVP to Meg McCallum via email to confirm your spot by April 26th. Space is limited and has a maximum of two people per business.
Tourism Brochure swap for operators, attractions

The Brockville Tourism Office is hosting its Tailgate Brochure Swap - bring your 2019 brochures to trade. It is a great way to talk about your business while networking with others.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 8, 4-6 p.m.
WHERE: Brockville 1000 Islands Tourism,
10 Market Street, Brockville (in front of the Tourism Office)
COST: Free

There will be refreshments and a chance to win 1 of 10 prizes, including attraction tickets and gift cards. RSVP to Alex Stobo at 613-342-4357 or send her an email.
Workshops and Seminars
Accessible Heritage Main Street Project Webinar

WHEN: Wednesday, April 24, 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
WHERE: Online
COST: Free

Speakers are Town of St. Mary's CAO/Clerk Brent Kittmer, past-chair of St. Mary's BIA Julie Johnson and Town of Aurora Accessibility Advisory Committee Matt Zawada.

In this webinar, you will learn how the Town of St. Mary's successfully upgraded three of its downtown blocks, within a Heritage Conservation District, and rehabilitated the town's heritage bridge.

To register visit the Ontario BIA Association Eventbrite page.
Summer Company 2019 intake

If you are a student aged 15-29, are returning to school this fall, and want to run your own business, the Summer Company is a program for you. Eligible candidates can receive start-up money to kick-off a new summer business, along with advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running. You can be your own boss while learning what it takes to manage a business. Sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management and networking are skills you will develop.

DEADLINES:
Regular intake: May 19th (9 seats available, first come, first served)
Specialist High Skills Co-op Students: April 29.

For more information email Jeanette at the Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre. Learn more about Specialist High Skills Major on the Ministry of Education website.
Online Business Plan BootCamp now available

This program is for you if you're interested in starting a business but need a plan. The Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre is offering an online BootCamp to provide an alternative to individuals who may not be eligible for other programming at this point in time. For example, you may be still working at a job; you are an equal partner in your business or you may not enjoy a group environment and like to work independently. The program takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

WHEN: Ongoing
WHERE: Online
COST: Free if completed within 4 weeks; $500 if over 4 weeks
Learn more or to register visit our Workshops and Seminars page.
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office
32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
613-342-3840 | 1-800-770-2170 |  [email protected]