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Economic Development eNews | June 19, 2018
Business Profile
Top feature photo and above: Multi-media artist Dawne Fiegen turns everyday items into art, redefines recycling and canes chairs.



Wiltse Creek Studio is a country gem
OUTLET - Dawne Fiegen is combining artistry with business acumen at her Wiltse Creek Studio in this tiny community on the road to Charleston Lake Provincial Park. 

Her artistry, along with other local artisans, is on full display inside and outside her rustic studio. It's a good reason to stop while driving along County Road 3. 

"I paint on anything that doesn't move," says Dawne, who offers year-round painting classes for kids and adults, with a special weekly summer program for kids. She'll even come to you if you want to add a creative activity to your special event or family reunion on the lake.

"I teach people who've never picked up a brush," says Dawne, a self-taught artist with a flair for rustic, feel good art. The studio has existed for quite some time but she has only made it a full-time business in recent years. Appointments can be made year round . The shopnis open from spring-time to Thanksgiving. The studio also opens at Christmas.

You'll find giftware, natural wood products, inspirational signs, mixed media, glass, screen and traditional canvas paintings. Her shop also features jewellery, paper and crocheted goods from Lime Shack Designs, Tread Lightly and Burchell Pines Studio. Items are affordable, lovable and one-of-a-kind.

"I have a passion for this and love that I have a following," Dawne says.  Also in her repertoire is the lost art of chair caning and wicker repair. She would like to train someone to carry on the tradition. Her slogan is "Locally made, hand crafted, unlimited imagination." Custom orders are welcomed.

Learn more about Wiltse Creek Studio on the website , send an email to connect about store hours, classes and workshops, check out the Facebook and Instagram accounts. Visit them at 2935 Outlet Road (County Road 3). 
News
Worldwide Le Boat reps sing praises
A delegation from Le Boat offices around the world hopped aboard the company's new Canadian fleet this past week and toured the Rideau Canal. 

In keeping with the phrase "experience is the best teacher," frontline representatives of the European self-guided tour boat company took in the historic canal and the communities along its shores. The company officially launched and christened the fleet on June 13 at its North American Base in Smiths Falls. 

"My teams got to see everything that I have been talking passionately about for three years," says Le Boat Managing Director Cheryl Brown, who spearheaded the company's launch here. Team members came from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, South Africa and Australia, to name a few.

"The best of all our European cruising grounds all in one place - the breathtakingly beautiful Rideau Canal," adds Cheryl of how team members experienced the waterway first hand over five days. The Rideau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America.

"Although I've visited the region previously, this was my first time on the water and I was blown away by its beauty," says Andrew Le Duc of the UK.  "The vast and open, but calm water was picture perfect. The sense of the great outdoors, the beautiful towns and villages we visited was everything I hoped it would be."

Line Abadie, of France and head of global sales teams, agrees. "I don't have enough words to describe my emotions while cruising and visiting this incredible area. I am in love with the Rideau."

The group visited many Leeds Grenville communities along the way, including Merrickville, Portland, Newboro, Westport, Seeley's Bay, Chaffeys Lock and Jones Falls. They toured historic sites, downtown shopping areas and businesses. 

"I have never, ever thought that Canada would impress me more than Italy, which has been my favourite cruising ground so far," says Steffi Knoess, marketing manager for Northern Europe. "Canada made it to the top. I'm so impressed and thankful for all these wonderful experiences."

Tracey Suggett, from the UK, remarked on Canadian hospitality. "I've been lucky enough to live in many different countries in Europe but I've never felt quite so 'at home' as I did on the Rideau Canal."

Global Brand and Content Manager Colin Salt liked going into the communities along the way. "The shops brimmed with quirkiness and charm and everyone was so incredibly genuine and welcoming. I can't wait to come back."

Learn more about Le Boat tours and its Canadian operations by visiting the website

Above photo: Le Boat representatives wave from aboard one of the Horizon Cruisers.  Below at the lock in Newboro.




Reps Lauren Bodill and Liesl Nel, both from South Africa. 




Leeds Grenville Warden and Westport Mayor Robin Jones with Cheryl at the village shop Jake by the Lake. Below: Cruisers approaching Narrows Lock after visiting Portland on the way to Westport.
Mallorytown Tourism Kiosks now welcoming visitors

From left: Mallorytown North & South Plazas Multi-Operations Manager Joe Lanctot, Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office Administrator Joanne Poll, Tourism Representatives Katie Newman and Katie Gendron, Tourism Representative Supervisor Cameron Steele, Tourism Representative Samantha Kinsella and HK Travel Centres District Director Richer Martel.
MALLORYTOWN - Loaded with information about local events and attractions, the Tourism Kiosks are open for the summer season at both Mallorytown South and Mallorytown North ONroute Centres on Highway 401.

Operated by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office, the kiosks are designed to  inform residents and travellers of the many attractions found in the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Waterways region.  This is the 7th consecutive year the kiosks have been staffed for the summer season. 

Tourism Representatives are there to help visitors find landmarks, amenities and accommodations. Approximately 30,000 vehicles per day travel this section of highway with the number increasing during the tourism season. 

Local event and attraction coordinators are encouraged to contact the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office if they have promotional materials to display at the kiosks. Please call 613-342-3840, ext. 5362, for more information or email administrator Joanne Poll. We are looking for event information to share. Posters and information can be sent to us via email.

Tourism Representative Samantha Kinsella helps travellers find local attractions and events.

Visitors Christine Mande and Debrah Kalenga, at left, look over a brochure with Tourism Representative Samantha Kinsella and Cameron Steele, Tourism Representative Supervisor.


The original award presented to Bill Thake in 2011.
Nominate a candidate from your community
The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is asking individuals, councils and economic development committees to identify candidates for the Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership.

Before heading off for summer vacation, talk to colleagues and community members about who is deserving of this award in your municipality. Many volunteers help to improve the economic vitality of Leeds Grenville. Our goal is to honour them for their ongoing efforts.

If you have someone in mind within the 10 member municipalities of Leeds Grenville, consider putting their name forward. You can connect with us at econdev@uclg.on.ca or call Deanna Clark at 613-342-3840, ext. 5360. Nomination forms are available online.

The submission deadline is Friday, September 28th, 4 p.m. The award will be presented at the 10th annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit on Friday, November 16, 2018.
Workshops and Seminars
Meeting Ontario's AODA

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is a provincial law requiring
organizations to become more accessible to people with disabilities. Unit 1 provides training in customer service and will provide a head start for legal requirements. Bring your own headphones.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Employment and Education Centre, Strowger Boulevard, Brockville
COST: Free
Social Media and Online Presence

Learn how to ensure you have a positive online presence and how to properly set privacy settings. The session will show you how to setup and utilize a LinkedIn profile.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 27, 5-6:30 p.m. 
WHERE: Employment and Education Centre, Strowger Boulevard, Brockville
COST: Free
WordPress Website Design for Non-Designers/ Beginners

Choose from two sessions designed to give you an overview of the process for setting up a WordPress website. For attendees with laptops, you will have access to your own WordPress test site to follow along as you go through the exercises.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 27 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (For Non-Designers) or 1-3 p.m. (For Beginners)
WHERE: Small Business Advisory Centre, 91 Cornelia Street West, Entrance B, Smiths Falls
COST: $20
Employment Standards Act - What Employers Need to Know

This is an in-depth session about the Employment Standards Act and how it affects your business. Facilitated by Leslie Aiston, Employment Standards Officers, with the Ministry of Labour. Hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre.

WHEN: Thursday, June 28, 9-11 a.m. 
WHERE: Almonte Old Town Hall, 14 Bridge Street, Almonte
COST: Free
Learn more about these sessions and how to register on our Workshops and Seminars page.