Leeds Grenville
Economic Development eNews | February 16, 2016
Business Profile
Cardinal's Galop Gallery energizes artists, spotlights art and creates "Paint Night"
CARDINAL - Art teacher Christine Tremblay-Sloan's bold move into business is transforming how people enjoy their weekends and nights out.

"I'd never run a business before," says Christine of her leap two years ago into becoming owner and curator of Galop Gallery at 614 County Road 2.The initial goal was to showcase local work and that of her students at South Grenville District High School. It has now taken off to include workshops, fundraising and special events, exhibits as well as the popular "Paint Night," a hang out evening for adults. Some sessions are held at Prescott's Red George Public House.

"I love, love, love Paint Night," says Galop Gallery fan Donna Patrick (pictured above). "It's a time to laugh and relax, a time for me to create something unique that I can say 'I did that.' Christine is an amazing young woman with a gift to teach the young and not-so-young." Couples or groups of friends often participate.

"I've had people who haven't held a paintbrush since elementary school and they come and paint something they can then take and hang in their home. That makes a connection - they realize what it is like to put yourself into a piece of work. That's what makes me happy," Christine says.

Children's workshops and camps, as well as art-driven birthday parties, are popular. Often her events help raise money for local schools and sport teams. Support has been amazing from clients, neighbours and the local media. A five-star TripAdvisor rating and praise on Facebook have helped build the business.

"People seem really happy," she says, adding the new business endeavour works well with her art teacher background. The gallery draws in musical artists as well and is considered a meeting place in the community for crafters and small business vendors.

To learn more about the Galop Gallery visit their website or their Facebook page. Call 613-349-5322 to learn more about the gallery's hours, workshops and special events. The next workshop is on March 4 at the Cardinal Royal Canadian Legion to benefit the Festival Committee.

Top feature photo: Students from left Val Robinson, Julia Patrick and her mom Donna Patrick proudly present their efforts from a painting class. 



The Galop Gallery logo includes a fiesty and bright Cardinal to tie in with the community. Christine is shown with some artwork below along with children enjoying one of her many workshops.




News


Skywood is being constructed by Treetop Trekking of Quebec. The attraction will be operated by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission.
Skywood Tree Canopy Adventure Park 
coming soon to the 1000 Islands
BROWN'S BAY - The St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) is opening a new attraction this summer to revitalize its Brown's Bay campground on the 1000 Islands Parkway in Front of Yonge Township.

"The development of this new eco adventure park (Skywood) is a perfect marriage of the SLPC's economic and stewardship priorities," Commission's CEO and General Manager Darren Dalgleish said in a media release February 11. He noted it will help establish Eastern Ontario as a destination of choice in Ontario. 

"It is an exciting new experience that weaves perfectly into the environment, and will drive economic growth and benefits to our regional and provincial partners," he said, adding it will give guests the opportunity to connect with the natural environment. He noted a large part of the campground will remain undisturbed and available to the community to continue to enjoy hiking and pet walking.
 
The SLPC has plans to expand camping in the region that will include treehouse lodging and improved access to waterfront areas. To learn more about this new attraction see the full media release, visit the website or contact Susan Le Clair, manager of corporate communications, at 613-543-3704, ext. 2496. 
Community Events
"The Path Forward" is the theme for upcoming
annual Augusta Township Mayor's Breakfast
The Mayor's Breakfast is Friday, March 11 at the Grenville Snowmobile Club, 4901 Charleville Road near Maynard. Guest speakers are Augusta Township Mayor Doug Malanka, Town of Prescott Mayor Brett Todd, City of Brockville Mayor David Henderson and United Counties of Leeds and Grenville CAO Andy Brown.

Registration: 7:30 a.m. Breakfast: 8 a.m.
Presentations: 8:30 a.m.; Wrap-up: 9:30 a.m.

The event is being hosted by Augusta Township, the Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre (LGSBEC), Ontario Egg Farmers and Burnbrae Farms. Register today by emailing jeanette@lgsbec.com or by calling LGSBEC at 613-342-8772, ext. 471.
Workshops and Seminars
Job Fair March 2, 1-5 p.m.
Firehall Theatre,
185 South St., Gananoque

KEYS Job Centre is hosting the fair for Employers to have the opportunity to meet and screen potential employees. It provides exposure and efficient hiring. 

For FREE registration and additional details call the KEYS Job Centre at 
613-382-1085
Employment and Education Centre upcoming sessions

The Employment and Education Centre is hosting several FREE workshops this month. Two for employers are: How to start a business (Feb. 22);Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA) on March 3. 
To learn more about these sessions, visit our Workshops webpage.
Five ways to Drive Effective Sales and Marketing on a limited budget

Monday, February 29
8-10:30 a.m.
Cost: $15
Presented by Launch Lab Entrepreneurs in Residence Stephen Beamish and Scott Runte. Hosted by Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation. Visit the Valley Heartland event calendar section on our
Workshops webpage. 
Economic Development Office
32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON Canada, K6V 4R9
TF. 1.800.770.2170  T. 613.342.3840  F. 613.342.3298
Leeds Grenville