If you have done business in Dufferin County over the last half century you would have almost for sure run into John “Doc” Gillies. He set a wonderful example for so many of us on how it was that we should all “do” business in the area. He was successful through many changes in his career from car dealer to sailor to developer. He was best known however for his many volunteer and philanthropic pursuits with wife Nancy always at his side. He was chair of both the EDC, the Headwaters Healthcare Foundation and President of the Rotary Club of Orangeville. His involvement in various community projects either spearheading them or working quietly behind the scenes were many. He was involved in the expansion of the Library, the construction of the Community Living Building, The Door, Family Transition Place, Rotary Park, the Splashpad and the Skateboard park to name but a few. He worked tirelessly with a smile on his face and a joke at the ready with a single motivation, to make our community better. With his passing our community has lost one of its pillars. The great example that he set for so many of us will allow his impact to continue for a long time to come. We will miss you Doc, our deepest condolences to your family.

Your Board of Trade is actively working on the “Dufferin Tourism Trails” project. This unique project connects many of our diverse local businesses with both visitors and locals so that they can spend more time and money in the region. The trails are a virtual network across Dufferin showcasing businesses in 9 special categories. The Trails and the businesses on them will be extensively celebrated and promoted within our community and nearby regions. If you would like the spotlight shone on your business through this project you can find more information on this exciting project on the DBOT website

DBOT is also partnering with others or organizing outright 3 local all candidates nights. Visit our website to learn about the candidates and view the video of the Orangeville mayor and deputy mayor forum from Sept 27th. Details are also online about the upcoming Mono All candidates night on Tuesday, October 4th at Monora Park Pavillion, and the Amaranth all candidate meeting via zoom on Thursday, October 6th.

Thank-you for all that you do to support the Dufferin Board of Trade. We look forward to seeing you all around the county.

Doug Harkness,

Chair - Dufferin Board of Trade

During the summer, we had a great turnout for our DBOT Connects Networking event... So, we've decided to bring it back! Join us on October 25th from 5 to 7 pm at FM 101 Orangeville Station.

These free networking events will give you the opportunity to make valuable connections with other business leaders in our community in a casual and fun setting.

Join us on October 19th at the Barley Vine Rail Co. in Orangeville for a new way to connect - Networking with a twist!

Rapid Fire Marketing is a networking event where participants will move around from table to table and each one will have a different Marketing topic with an "expert" there to facilitate questions and discussion on their topic.

More details to come, stay tuned!

DBOT is working hard to help promote your business across the GTA. This is a FREE program starting in October.

Starting in October we will be launching a robust multi-channel advertising campaign to support tourism businesses in Dufferin. Don’t miss out!

Join us at Monora Park on Tuesday October 4th for our free Tourism Knowledge Sharing Sessions.

Sign up for a Knowledge Sharing Session, for your next step to join a path! Click to Register

Join us on Saturday, October 15 at 6pm to experience Dufferin County’s first live, sanctioned kickboxing show!

It will be an exciting night of kickboxing action as athletes utilize their boxing, kicks and knees to wow the crowd and challenge themselves to spectacular victories! Want to catch the action up close from the BEST seats?

Become a sponsor and experience the rush from a ringside table.

Tickets are available online HERE.

DBOT members, call 519-941-7275 or email info@artof8.com for special pricing and sponsorship opportunities.

Looking for something spooktacular to do with the kids while making a difference in your community? Visit Hospice Dufferin's 2nd Annual Scavanger Hunt on October 22nd from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Participants will enjoy a few hours of fun, following the clues and discovering businesses and homes throughout Dufferin County in a quest to win great prizes.

Everyone registered will receive a passport that will get stamped along the way. At the end of the scavenger hunt, they will return them to have them entered into a draw for some spooktacular prizes.

Tickets are $30 each and include: 1 passport, 1 pumpkin, 1 mini putt game, and 1 treat bag

Additional tickets for 1 mini putt and 1 treat bag are $10 each.

There will be lots of prizes donated from our business community for best costume, social media shoutout, and the grand prize for getting the passport filled.

We are also currently looking for businesses in Orangeville, Shelburne, and Dufferin County who would like to be a stop on our scavenger hunt. If your business is interested in being a part of this Scavenger Hunt please email rmontgomery@hospicedufferin.com for more information.

All proceeds from this event will go back to the programs supported by Hospice Dufferin.

On October 5th, 2022 Danny Vogler will be presenting at a free webinar from 12-1 PM.

Search engine optimization serves as a digital megaphone for your business and can help you increase your online visibility.

Having your business appear on search engines like Google is critical and no matter the size of your venture, SEO can help you attract prospective and existing customers to your website. Having SEO as part of your marketing strategy is vital it and should always be top of mind.

During this webinar with Danny Vogler, Director of Marketing & Sales at Treefrog Inc, participants will learn about SEO and how it can help amplify your business. Danny will also share his expertise on how to create a local SEO strategy and platforms that can help your business.

The Neighbourhood Case Study will provide new and existing business owners with market research data leveraged through the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program. This presentation, delivered by Christine Hann, Main Street Ambassador at the Town of Orangeville, will provide insight into our community’s trade area and demographics along with detailed consumer profiles that can help business owners identify new strategies to attract their target customers.

Date & Time: Wednesday October 26, 2022, 12-1 PM

Topics will include: