Whether you need transportation to the airport, a doctor's appointment or are planning a group tour for canoeists along the Rideau Canal, the place to call is Merrickville's Country Shuttle & Limousine Inc.

Owner Alan Maconnachie, an emigrant from the UK and a former commercial pilot, identified a need for rural transportation services after moving to this region 15 years ago. It started with helping friends get to doctor appointments and has now grown into a full-time business offering individual, group and special event transportation. His fleet includes an SUV, a six-passenger stretch limo and a 14-passenger limo bus.

"There's tremendous potential for growth," says Alan of his growing operation. After completing his market research and a survey, he launched Country Shuttle in 2013. Since then, it has grown 25% each year. His website has brought in business from around the world, including Japan and Denmark. Europeans are used to having public transportation so when they visit the region they need this type of service to connect the landmarks, says Alan. Canoe and cycle groups have also used his services.

"For visitors it is about getting around to see various things like the Rideau Canal, the St. Lawrence River, Westport," he says. Alan also works closely with tour boat and bed and breakfast operators. He has expanded his services to provide red-carpet and wedding transportation.

"It's neat having an abstract idea (for a business) and then see it become a reality. I've found great satisfaction in helping people." Alan's coverage area includes northwest to Perth, south to Brockville and the 1000 Islands corridor, and east to Winchester. 

Learn more by visiting Country Shuttle's website or make contact via email or call 613-552-0432.

Are you an employer wanting to add to your team's skill set? Area employers can have up to two-thirds of their training costs covered through the Canada Ontario Job Grant (COJG).

This training incentive is one of many programs offered by local CSE Consulting. Employers can train existing employees in everything from computer applications, AutoCAD to specialized equipment operation. It's available to all businesses for short-term training needs.

"We want to be sure we're reaching everyone who requires our services," says CSE Director Maureen Kort. Across their three offices, the CSE team assists approximately 425 people each month, or about 5,100 each year.

The Brockville location is the head office and training centre. At the North Grenville and South Grenville Employment Resource Centres, walk-in services, counselling and ongoing workshops and certification programs are available. 

Learn more on the CSE Consulting website or call the Brockville office at 613-342-2312; South Grenville ERC at 613-925-0222, North Grenville ERC at 613-258-6576.

Above photo: The Immigrant Entrepreneur Award was presented to brothers Dr. Raja Sandhu (centre) and Dr. Gurfateh Sandhu (left), of the Sandhu Dental Group, by Leeds & Grenville Immigration Partnership Program Manager Melissa Francis. 

Originally from India, the Sandhu brothers Drs. Raja and Gurfateh studied in Boston before moving to Leeds Grenville to open their dental offices. They have nine offices in eastern Ontario, including three in the United Counties (Kemptville, Prescott and Brockville), and have created 70 jobs through their Dentistry@ group. The new award recognizes their contributions as newcomers in business development, job creation and community involvement. Read more on our Community Media Releases webpage or visit the Sandhu Dental Group website. 

The Leeds and Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre Entrepreneur Award was earned by Kevin Savoy, franchise owner of ActionCOACH in Oxford Mills since 2010. Kevin also volunteers his time as a mentor and coach, including the Summer Company and Starter Company programs. He has coached over 50 business owners either one-on-one or as a group through GrowthCLUB. Learn more on our Community Releases webpage or visit his website.