Orangeville & Area Job Fair invites local employers to connect with job seekers

On October 17, the Orangeville & Area Job Fair will offer Dufferin area employers the opportunity to connect with job seekers and promote current job openings.

The event will take place at the Orangeville Best Western PLUS Inn & Suites from 3 to 7 p.m. Booth spaces are available for the affordable rate of $100.00 and include an eight-foot space with a table and chairs. Employer registration is now open. Businesses must be located in Dufferin County to be eligible to participate. Booth space is limited, and we encourage businesses to register early to reserve a spot at this popular event.

This event is hosted by the Town of Orangeville and supported by Georgian College’s Centre for Career and Employment Services and the Upper Grand District School Board.

Meet the Economic Development and Culture team

The Town of Orangeville’s Economic Development and Culture team is a group of passionate people committed to helping your business develop and grow. We work together, using a diverse set of skills and backgrounds, to offer tailored guidance and resources to suit your business needs. With some new talent joining the team within the past year, we wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to the members of the Economic Development and Culture team.

Heather Savage | General Manager, Community Services

Heather Savage began her career in municipal recreation at the age of 16. Since then, her career has spanned a number of roles, from Manager of Programs, Events and Volunteers to Project Lead for the 2015 PANAM Games to Director and Community and Corporate Facilities for five municipalities. For twelve years Heather was also a part-time Professor for Humber College’s Recreation and Leisure Studies Program. Her education includes a Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Graduate Diplomas in Adult Education and Teaching Effectiveness and a Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership. Heather’s love of recreation extends to her personal life, with hiking and her family of four keeping her busy all year round. 

Mark Jamieson | Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) Co-ordinator

An entrepreneur himself, Mark Jamieson has owned and operated multiple mid-sized businesses. Mark brings hands-on experience and expertise to his role as SBEC Co-ordinator, where he provides guidance and resources to businesses of all sizes and stages. He also manages SBEC workshops and events as well as the Starter Company Plus and Summer Company programs.

Vicki Sword | Tourism & Culture Officer

Vicki Sword is responsible for the implementation of Orangeville’s Tourism Strategy and Action Plan and the stewardship of the Love, Orangeville brand. Vicki has extensive background in marketing and project management in both corporate and non-profit settings and brings her hands-on experience in tourism sector development to her current role. She is proud to welcome visitors to Orangeville and enjoys being a tourist in her own community.

Betty Ann Lusk | Administrative Assistant

With years of administrative and office experience supporting the operations of the Economic Development and Culture office, Betty Ann Lusk brings an unmatched wealth of knowledge to her position. Often the first point of contact for our business community, she consistently exceeds customers' expectations when providing information and guidance on SBEC services, starting a business, business registrations, and navigating through the preliminary start-up processes. 

Ashley Noseworthy | Marketing and Projects Co-ordinator

With a background in marketing and event planning in the design-build and hospitality industries, Ashley brings a wide scope of experience to the department. In her role as the Marketing and Projects Co-ordinator, she develops and executes marketing and communication strategies, special projects, and ongoing initiatives.

Photography by Dead on Imaging.

Digital Service Squad available through Digital Main Street program

The Digital Main Digital Transformation Grant is open and accepting applications from small businesses across Dufferin County to help improve their online capabilities. As part of the program, the Orangeville & Area SBEC is offering the services of a trained Digital Service Squad (DSS) specialist, Christine Hann. 

Christine is available to meet with brick-and-mortar small businesses, at no cost, to help them complete an online assessment. She can also introduce them to online training modules designed to build their digital knowledge and skills. This one-on-one DSS assistance includes support for Google Business Profiles, 360⁰ photos, social media presence, and much more. Squad members are also trained to help qualified small businesses with the development of their Digital Transformation Plan and then with the application process for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant. 

This is the fourth time the Digital Main Street program has been offered in Orangeville and the surrounding area. The deadline for Digital Transformation Grants applications is September 30, 2023. DSS services are available until April 2024.

Save the date for this year’s Economic Outlook Breakfast

Connect with other local business leaders and gain expert insights about the local and Canadian economy at the the 2023 Economic Outlook Breakfast.

Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Time: 7:15 to 9 a.m.

Location: Monora Park Pavilion

Presented in partnership with TD Bank Group, the in-person event will feature a keynote address by James Marple, Associate Vice President with TD Bank Group. Mr. Marple leads a team of economists that provides a wide scope of research, covering North America and the global economy. His informative presentation will cover relevant topics such as interest rates and inflation.

Tickets are available for purchase for $25.00 for individuals or $150.00 for a table of eight.

Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, October 25 and the fee includes breakfast.

Connect to Create with Chelsea Johnson

Unlock and unleash creative potential in yourself and others during this interactive event led by Chelsea Johnson. Using her experience as a creative coach, teacher, performer and podcaster, Chelsea will inspire and empower participants to take risks with their creativity, embrace their authenticity, and learn from fellow artists. Ideal for local artists and creative entrepreneurs, you will learn to:

1. Design your life in a way that serves your creative goals.
2. Identify and bridge the gaps that keep you from having the creative life you envision.
3. Confidently connect and network with other artists and creative entrepreneurs.
4. Foster ongoing creative collaborations within the community.

Tickets include engaging activities and lunch and can be purchased for $20.00 per person. Pre-registration is required by Tuesday, September 26.

The Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) is hosting a series of relevant and informative small business workshops this fall. All sessions will be held in-person at the Orangeville & Area SBEC office located at 200 Lakeview Court, Upper Level, Orangeville. Each workshop is free to attend. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited.

SYM Bookkeeping & Tax Services has been providing unparalleled personalized bookkeeping and tax services to a broad range of clients across Ontario for over 25 years. When owner Susan Mackie first opened her business in 1998, she took an innovative approach to building her customer base. “I wanted to pay it forward,” says Ms. Mackie. “For the first five years I offered tax returns to students and seniors for free. Through word of mouth, my customer base grew.” Today, she continues to offer a reduced rate for these unique groups.

SYM Bookkeeping & Tax Services clients include both individuals and small and large businesses. Susan offers a range of services including monthly or quarterly bookkeeping, yearly personal taxes (senior, small business, rental properties, and prep for corporate T2's), as well as audit preparation.



Susan credits much of her success to her “straight shooter” approach. “It’s important to me that clients leave my office feeling confident with their financial decisions,” says Ms. Mackie. “I give each and every one of them close personal and professional attention no matter what their need.”

The Town of Orangeville congratulates SYM Bookkeeping & Tax Services on its 25th anniversary and wishes the company and its employees continued success in our community.

To learn more about SYM Bookkeeping & Tax Services, visit www.symbookkeeping.net.

• Rustik Local Bistro celebrated nine years in business on July 24. The downtown restaurant offers a casual, yet elegant, dining experience with a focus on local dishes and farm fresh fare.

• DAVENPORTS Auto Parts & Supplies celebrated its 51st anniversary on May 9. The business, which services Orangeville and the surrounding communities, specializes in aftermarket automotive parts, shop tools and equipment, accessories, and industrial supplies.

• Styling Essentials Orangeville is celebrating 29 years in business in August. Located at 80 Broadway, the business specializes in high-quality beauty supplies and fashion accessories without the name-brand cost.

• New Wave Pools & Spas recently celebrated 34 years in business. Located at 302 Broadway, the business is a leader in quality pool installations and services in Orangeville and the surrounding area.

• The Salvation Army - New Hope Community Thrift Store celebrated 25 years of business on Broadway this March. 

Is your business celebrating an upcoming anniversary? Request a congratulatory certificate or contact us with the details.

For sale: 33 Centennial Road

Located in the highly sought-after Orangeville Industrial Park, this M1 industrial zoned 19.88 acres of land includes an existing 45,771 sq.ft. industrial building which is equipped with municipal services, including gas, water, and sewer. 

The industrial building located on the property features four dock level doors, four large drive-in doors, 4,000 amps @ 600 volts of heavy power, and a large volume sprinkler system.

Please contact Eric Frey, Commercial Sales Representative, Coldwell Banker Commercial 519-743-5211 ext. 3118 or at 519-941-5151 or efrey@coldwellbankerpbr.com.