Leeds Grenville
Economic Development eNews | November 24, 2015
Economic Development Summit
George Tackaberry is Thake Award
recipient for boosting economy and attracting visitors to region
An Athens-area businessman and philanthropist known for establishing one of the largest family-owned construction firms in eastern Ontario is this year's Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership.

George Tackaberry received the award, presented by Warden David Gordon and Bill's widow, Marlene, for his ongoing involvement in numerous community initiatives and events that boost the local economy and draw thousands of visitors to the region each year. The award celebrates a volunteer who has shown outstanding commitment and leadership resulting in the growth and vitality of the Leeds Grenville economy. George started his company, G. Tackaberry and Sons Construction Company, nearly 60 years ago. While growing his company, he has shown equal commitment to his community.

"I'm honoured to have received an award with Bill Thake's name on it," George said, adding he and Bill went to school together and were lifelong friends. 
"He was a great friend, a good guy."

Also nominated and honoured this year were David Cybulski, Township of Augusta, and Bob Besharah, from the Municipality of North Grenville. David and his wife Colleen created the Maitland Garden of Hope and this year helped launch the new regional 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Garden Trail. Bob spearheaded the first Kemptville Live Music Festival this past summer. Learn more about the award and the nominees on our Counties Media Releases webpage.

Top feature photo: Well-known business leader and philanthrophist George Tackaberry, left, accepts the award from Marlene Thake and Warden David Gordon.


Nominee David Cybulski and his wife Colleen O'Connell. 

Bob Besharah receives his certificate from Marlene and Warden David Gordon.


Debbie Jewell, shown here presenting at the summit, is the Director of the Investment and Tourism with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. 


From left to right: Darlene Upton, of Parks Canada, and Ministry of Tourism's Noreen Cartwright and Debbie Jewell listen to audience questions at the summit in Kemptville.
International tour boats proposed 
to rejuvenate Rideau Canal
Federal, provincial and municipal officials are focusing on strong partnerships to bring international tour boat companies to the Rideau Corridor. 

A strategy to rejuvenate inland waterways, including a plan to enhance economic development on the Rideau Canal, was outlined at the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit on November 20 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport staff Noreen Cartwright and Debbie Jewell discussed a tourism investment strategy with a focus on attracting established European tour boat companies to this region.

Darlene Upton, Executive Director of Waterways for Parks Canada, also spoke on realizing world-class potential through visitor experiences along both the Canal and the 1000 Islands/St. Lawrence Seaway corridors. 

More than 185 local business leaders and officials attended the 7th annual event themed "Economic Strength Through Diversity." The day featured a wide variety of speakers and presentations. A panel discussion included local food business entrepreneurs (see photo below) with moderator Katie Nolan from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.They discussed local food trends, how a growing number of people want to know where their food is coming from, supply and demand, the diversity of products grown and made in this region and the potential for a regional flavour trail. 

The Industry Game Changer Updates segment included the latest from the 1000 Islands Casino/Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, Scheuermann Vineyard + Winery, Tallman Group and the Aquatarium.

Learn more about the announcements by visiting our Counties Media Releases webpage.

Local food entrepreneurs discussed a number of issues, including creating a flavour trail. They are, from left to right, Nigel Smith of Bushgarden Farm, Janet Campbell, of Mrs. McGarrigle's Fine Food Shop, Wendy Banks, of Wendy's Country and Mobile Market, and Neil Kudrinko, of Kudrinko's. 
Workshops and Seminars
Local Furrific Dog Grooming business owner guest speaker at upcoming BR+E Alliance 
North Grenville's Business Retention + Expansion (BR+E) Alliance is hosting "The Customer Journey" presented by Kathryn Pentland-Bruck, owner of Furrific Dog Grooming.

When: Tuesday, December 1, 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Grenville Mutual Insurance Community Room, 380 Colonnade Drive, Kemptville

The seminar will look at how to build awareness, explore the topic of why buyers buy, how to identify your target market, turning a lead into a sale and attracting and retaining customers.

To register or to learn more about this and other workshops visit our Workshops and Seminars webpage.


Kathryn Pentland-Bruck will talk about identifying your target market.
Tax Tips and Planning Seminar for Small Business
Speaker: Janet Foster, CA, CFP- Partner Collins Barrow WCM LLP
Thursday, December 3, 9:30 am - 11:30 am Cost: $10.00
  • The Tax Implications of Incorporation-should I incorporate or not?
  • What expenses are deductible?
  • How can I stay compliant with tax legislation and still minimize the tax I pay?
To register the above seminar e-mail [email protected] or call 613-283-7002 ext. 109 or 108. For more information on this and other training sessions visit our Workshops and Seminars webpage.
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Leeds Grenville