Leeds Grenville
Economic Development eNews | December 5, 2017
Business Profile
Top feature photo: Part of the team at River West Co. are from left, Elisha Castle, manager Stefanie Chauvin and Staci Sands, shown in the 6,000-square-foot "shops within a shop."

Stefanie and owner Paul Blakney with their signature sign. Below: The store entrance decorated for the holidays.


Staci with one of the clothing lines at River West Co.
River West Co. of 1000 Islands Village
is a shopping destination
MAITLAND - The newly-opened River West Co. is a multiple-boutique experience in the redeveloped 1000 Islands Village.

Owner Paul Blakney and store manager Stefanie Chauvin have wanted to open a store of this kind for some time where you can cruise through different areas. When the opportunity came up at the Village, a former private college on scenic County Road 2 overlooking the St. Lawrence River, they jumped at the chance. 1000 Islands Village is a hub for shopping, dining and special events. 

"It's an experience," says Paul of the dynamic River West Co. setting. "It's the whole package, the property is majestic, you can shop and there is the Café Selah. You can sit inside or outside and look at the river."

Stefanie's plan is for the store to be an ever-evolving space where there is always something new to discover. They have plans to introduce artisans and expand the "Made in Canada" selection in Phase 2 in 2018.

"We call it a 'Lifestyle Boutique for Mind, Body and Home'. We have a good mix with everything from clothing to home decor. The idea is to bring a variety of items to the area."

Both Paul and Stefanie developed the idea when they introduced the "shop within a shop" gift and clothing section at the Brockville Home Hardware Building Centre, where Paul is the owner and Stefanie the manager. They soon realized the gift shop's popularity. It is a major draw at the Stewart Boulevard store. 

"River West Co. is our way of expanding on that," says Paul. 

So far their strategy is working well. Since opening in September, they've had a steady stream of customers. Stefanie realizes this is a good time of year for the business to get off to a healthy start. She also has plans to keep the momentum going throughout what are normally quieter months of the year for retail. 

Learn more about the River West Co. and their December hours on their Facebook page or call 613-865-8336. The address is 1120 County Road 2 East.


Below: 1000 Islands Village owner Dennis Bank is flanked by Mindy Annable, left, and Karine Wiseman at the Café Selah counter where you will find lots of treats, including cinnamon buns made fresh daily. Lunch items are also on the menu.
Workforce Survey 
Your help is needed to identify workforce needs
Your assistance is requested for the 2017 EmployerOne Survey. If you completed the survey last year, you are invited to enter your updated information. If you have not participated before, please take a few minutes to let the 1000 Islands Region Workforce Development Board know more about your business and workforce requirements.

The first 50 that fill out a full survey will receive a $10 Tim Hortons gift card.
Need help? Contact Maureen Keeler
T: 613-382-7462



Regional Marketing
Deadline extended for Festivals and Events Guide

You now have more time to submit your listings for the Festivals and Events Guide 2018-2019. It's free. Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) is producing the consumer publication and wants your festival and event listings. To be considered, submit your listing to both the Festivals and Events website and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation website.

NEW DEADLINE: Friday, December 8, 2017
Workshops and Seminars
Facebook: Live and Marketplace 

This session, the second in a series of four and hosted by the Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre, includes presentations by Jennifer Baker Consulting and by Workplace Safety Prevention Services.

The workshop will discuss Facebook LIVE, a new live video-streaming service, as well as Marketplace, a new online feature that allows business owners to feature their products and services. 

Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop and smart phone to the workshop.

WHEN: Friday, January 26, 7:30-10:30 am.
WHERE: Grenville Mutual Insurance Company Room, 380 Colonnade Drive, Kemptville 
COST: $25
Starter Company Plus Info Sessions

There will be two information sessions on this new program being launched in April. The program is open to those aged 18 and over and not a full-time student or working at another full-time job who are proposing a new company, buying or expanding an existing company in a full-time capacity.  

Brockville:
WHEN: Wednesday, February 28, 10-11 a.m.
WHERE: Brockville Museum, 5 Henry Street, Brockville

North Grenville:
WHEN: Wednesday, February 28, 1-2 p.m.
WHERE: North Grenville Municipal Centre, 284 County Road 44, Kemptville
COST:
Both sessions are free
Learn more and to register visit our Workshops and Seminars page.
Workshops and Seminars