The Beers Kept Flowing At the 100 Acre Brewing Company Grand Opening

Peterborough’s newest brewery 100 Acre Brewing Company has opened its doors and kicked off its grand opening on Friday morning.

Bentley Vass, 100 ACres Brewing Company CEO pours one of his four beers the brewery has on launch. The business was four-and-a-half years in the making from getting the property rezoned appropriately to opening and operating a brewery.. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Bentley Vass is the brewery’s CEO and has his sister Nichea and brother Colby Vass as partners in a family-fun business. Their father has lived on the property since he was a child. He has an ‘open-door policy’ for anyone to come at any time and share the experiences he had when growing up on the 100-acre spot.

“All those fun memories of playing around outside just kind of come back, it's great to see people bring their kids out, running around in the field and stuff like that,” explained Bentley. “It's reminiscent of the childhood that I had and that's what we wanted to share with everybody.”

It is located at 390 Ashburnham Dr. at a 100-acre homestead with the grand opening running for four days, ending on Monday. The location is considered an ideal spot for the business according to Bentley as it is a quick turn off Highway 115 for cottage-goers to take a break and enjoy a drink. It also gives a rural setting but remains close to Peterborough residents so that they don’t have to go far for a countryside setting.

“People are recognizing more now than ever how important getting outside and enjoying some fresh air is,” explained Bentley. “To be able to have this oasis — for lack of a better term —, where people can actually escape, spend time outside, enjoy the beautiful scenery enjoy the beautiful weather for mental health, it's just a no-brainer.”

100 Acres feature four beers brewed in-house that are available with each beverage named with a nature theme: Flight Path (table beer), White Tail (pilsner), Monarch (Saison) and Snapper (India Pale Ale). Their beer is described as being crafted using traditional styles while also being creative and experimental as nature intended according to their website.

Take-home cans are available for purchase or patrons can enjoy a draft beer on-site. The brewery is in its infant stages but will have pop-up kitchens from several local restaurants that serve food at their establishment.

The following are the grand opening hours:

• Friday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Monday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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Photos: Bobcat of Peterborough Cuts the Ribbon To Mark Its Grand Opening

Ryan Dibello, president and general manager (left) with Kerri Currins, manager (right) at the grand opening. A BBQ and refreshments were served during the festivities. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Outdoor equipment retailer Bobcat of Peterborough held its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday afternoon.

The business provides parts, servicing, rental and equipment purchasing for outdoor equipment. Ryan Dibello, Bobcat president was joined by his staff, customers and business neighbours in celebrating the occasion. Bobcat of Peterborough is located at 2161 Whittington Dr., Unit C.

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100 Acre Brewing Company Holding Grand Opening On Friday

After a soft opening last weekend, 100 Acre Brewing Company is holding its grand opening for the May two-four weekend beginning this Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcements were made by the company’s social media handles (Facebook and Instagram) Tuesday evening.

It is located at 390 Ashburnham Dr. at a 100-acre homestead with the grand opening running for four days, ending on Monday.

The following are the grand opening hours::

• Friday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Monday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

100 Acres features four beers that are available at launch with each beverage named with a nature theme: Flight Path (table beer), White Tail (pilsner), Monarch (Saison) and Snapper (India Pale Ale). Their beer is described as being crafted using traditional styles while also being creative and experimental as nature intended according to their website.

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Voice of Business: Discretionary Spending Trending Up Despite Slowing Economy

Our economy, and inflation, are slowing — but so far, we’re on track for the ‘soft landing’ the Bank of Canada has been steering our economy toward.

In the span of less than a year, the base overnight lending rate went from 0.25 per cent to 4.5 per cent. All the while, as interest rates climbed in 2022, inflation continued at well above the levels we’ve grown accustomed to. In the latter part of 2022, inflation finally began a decline and that’s continuing into 2023. As of April, inflation had dropped to 4.3 per cent, the lowest it has been since August of 2021 and down from 5.2 per cent the month before.

Meanwhile, economic growth (measured as Gross Domestic Product) at the start of the year was 0.6 per cent but dropped to 0.1 per cent by February.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Business Data Labs breaks down the current economic movers and shakers:

• Output grew in 12 of 20 sectors. Both services and goods sectors were up by 0.1 per cent, while goods sectors have had a tougher time since last fall.

• Professional services (+0.6 per cent monthly growth) continue to lead the economy.

• The resilience in construction (+0.3 per cent, up for a second straight month) is impressive, given the large increase in interest rates over the past year. Perhaps pricing in Canada’s housing market has already hit bottom, given on-going supply challenges and strong demand expected from large increases in immigration in recent months.

• The public sector grew by 0.2 per cent and has grown for 13 months in a row. The federal public servant strike will be a drag on output starting in April.

• Wholesale (-1.3 per cent) and retail trade (-0.5 per cent) were weak, dragged down by auto and gas station sales.

What does this mean for local businesses?

Higher cost of living (inflation) and debt servicing (interest rate hikes) led to reduced consumer spending for many people, but is back on the upswing. According to RBC, discretionary spending jumped in April, including a 1.3% jump in restaurant spending.

While the current economic challenges have some echoes of 2008, there are some big differences — most notably the fact that people are still working. According to Statistics Canada, the number of job vacancies in Canada decreased to 855,890 in the fourth quarter of 2022, down from 987,700 in the third quarter. Less people are hiring, but we still have far more job openings than people to fill them.

The Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey for April paints a more positive view on our current economy as our unemployment rate continues to hover at 5 per cent, employment increased by 33,000 (0.4 per cent) in Ontario and wages are up 5.2 per cent year-over-year.

In the grand scheme of things, most Canadians who are willing and able to work are still employed and making more money than they did last year. Where many economic slowdowns result in hikes in unemployment, the decrease in hiring is only narrowing a significant gap between demand for labour and its availability.

That’s not to say our local economy won’t feel the pinch of a slowing economy. Households and businesses carrying more debt have been hit harder by the rise in interest rates. Wage numbers are an average and not everyone has experienced pay increases that keep up with the increased cost of living. And some business sectors are facing more economic hardships than others.

Considering the fact that we just came through a devastating public health crisis followed by runaway inflation not seen in a generation, which has led to governments around the world trying to slow our economy without crashing it, we are well positioned for a “soft landing.” Consumer discretionary spending is trending back up, interest rates have stabilized, and we have a strong workforce.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Hunter Street Patio and One-Way Street Installations Begins Tuesday

The installation of expanded patio areas and pedestrian space for Downtown Peterborough and one-way driving on Hunter Street begins on Tuesday.

the City has received about 25 patio permit applications.Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The City is installing decorative fencing and planter boxes next to businesses on George, Water and Charlotte Street on select expanded patios this year, using on-street parking in front of their businesses.

Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets is being converted into a one-lane, one-way street westbound to add more patio and pedestrian space. Chambers Street is temporarily closed at its south end at Hunter Street and will be two-way for traffic from its north end at Brock Street for the duration of the closure.

Reduced speed limits will be put in place during this time. Parking spaces including accessible spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick-up areas may be adjusted.

The installation will begin on Tuesday, May 15, 2023 with the Hunter Street West lane reduction. Installations are anticipated to continue throughout May and June to facilitate applicants that did not meet the initial application deadline.

Providing additional outdoor space for downtown businesses and visitors is another way to add vibrancy to the Central Area.

The installation of public artworks along a part of Hunter Street is running for a third-consecutive year as part of the Renaissance on Hunter public art project. The Road Mural and Artists' Gardens projects are expected to be in place by end of June, weather permitting.

Patio permit applications are due by June 1. Patio Licences are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations who are proposing to place a patio on City-owned property. More information is available at the City’s Application, Licenses and Permits webpage. Applicants are now able to submit an application, permit fee and supporting documents through the City’s website.

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Trent University Signs New Agreement with Centennial College to Bridge Business Programs

Trent University has created a new learning pathway for students studying at Centennial College, enhancing the already extensive college-to-university offerings between the two institutions and offering students the opportunity to complete two programs in four years.

file photo.

“The new agreement between Trent and Centennial College increases the number of pathways to 23 in total, exemplifying the strong partnership between our two institutions, offering students diverse and seamless postsecondary learning pathways,” said Marilyn Burns, vice president of Communications & Enrolment. “This newest learning pathway in particular—related to business education—enhances the collaborative role of universities and colleges in delivering highly qualified persons to work in the diversity of careers available in corporate, not-for-profit, and public sectors.”

Students completing their studies in Centennial College’s two-year Business Diploma can now earn their Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) degree – one of Trent’s most in-demand programs within the prestigious School of Business —in just two additional years of study. The new 2+2 agreement between Trent and Centennial offers students the opportunity to earn both diploma and degree in just four years total. Students transferring to Trent with a minimum 75 per cent cumulative admission average will receive 10.0 transfer credits to be applied to the 20.0-credit B.B.A. program, halving the time to complete their university studies and venture into the business world with advanced knowledge, critical thinking and practical skills.

“Creating new pathways for our students is integral to their future career success. I am delighted to support this innovative partnership with Trent University that fully recognizes the hard work and accomplishments of our business students,” said Barry O'Brien, dean, The Business School, Centennial College.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Velocity School of Dance, Create, Paint & Play, Peterborough Bigs and The Loaded Pierogi

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Co-owners Chelsey Carberry and Jaedon Lavalley of Velocity School of Dance are busy renovating a 1,200-square-foot space on the lower level of Peterborough Square for their new dance studio.

Opening in June, Carberry and Lavalley are excited to offer a fresh new space for their wide variety of classes including their Summer Youth Camps which are booking right now. Velocity was created a year ago to cultivate more dance opportunities for a wider selection of people, regardless of age, skill level, or financial limitations.

Create, Paint & Play owner Melissa Williams, is not afraid of a little spilled paint. In fact, she created a business around it!

Create, Paint & Play offers a mobile splatter room that comes to your party or event, where they set up, remain on-site running the splatter room and clean up after. Melissa also offers outdoor classes for young children and their guardians focused on songs and sensory. To book a mobile splatter room or outdoor class just look for Create, Paint and Play on Facebook or Instagram or email createpaintandplay@gmail.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough is bringing the MEGA Bike to Peterborough on June 1st.

The MEGA Bike is a unique 30-person bike offering an opportunity for businesses and community members to showcase their commitment to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough, supporting their proven mentoring programs helping children in Peterborough reach their full potential. It’s a great team-building event for your business, with Grant Thornton leading by example as a big supporter, or you can sign up individually. For details or to get involved visit peterboroughbigs.ca and click the MEGA Bike tab.

The Loaded Pierogi opens its second location in Peterborough this Saturdayy.

Located on Hunter Street, the much-anticipated East City location is ready to offer up its crispy or classic potato and onion pierogis, curly fry poutines and gooey mac and cheese. You can mix and match by adding your favourite sauces, proteins, cheese, fresh veggies and more.

Stop in this Friday or visit loadedpierogi.com

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Photos: Students Gain Valuable Business Knowledge At Innovation Cluster's LEAPZONE Entrepreneurship Program

Students from Courtice and Peterborough gathered at Innovation Clusters Innovation Cluster's LEAPZONE Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board Entrepreneurship Program to gain insight on starting a business at the Venture North Building on Wednesday morning.

Raymond Yip Choy, Fleming and Trent business professor, addresses budding student entrepreneurs at the Innovation Cluster LEAPZONE KPRDSB Entrepreneurship Program. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Students gained insight from networking with local business organizations, professionals and entrepreneurs.

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Voice of Business: Investing In a DEI Strategy Makes Businesses More Competitive

A quick look around the workplace can provide a snapshot of a business investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Some businesses have been actively and strategically investing in DEI for decades while others have come on board more recently.

While there’s no question that creating workplaces that welcome and support people of various backgrounds and identities is inherently a good thing — it’s also good for business.

A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies with higher racial and ethnic diversity are 35 per cent more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. Additionally, gender-diverse companies are 15 per cent more likely to outperform their peers.

Workplaces that foster an environment where people with different life experiences, different cultures, different abilities, and different identities all are empowered to contribute meaningfully will create stronger, more resilient businesses.

An article in the Harvard Business Review titled How Investing in DEI Helps Companies Become More Adaptable highlights companies that invest in DEI are more adaptable to change. Companies with the highest DEI scores were considered to be 80 per cent more able to change. In an era of constant change and volatility on a global scale, the ability to change and adapt is crucial.

Additionally, investing in DEI helps a business attract and retain talent. According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Canadian Survey on Business Conditions Report, Q3 2022, 39 per cent of respondents identified recruiting skilled employees as an obstacle to business over the next three months, 37 per cent listed a shortage of labour force and 31 per cent identified retaining skilled employees.

If a prospective employee looks around your workplace or hops on your website to see staff and board profiles and doesn’t see people they can relate to, it’s going to take more effort to convince them that your workplace is a good fit. Employers are having to recruit differently to find talent, including targeting different demographics than they might have in the past.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce recently held our annual Business Summit, which featured a well-attended workshop on DEI and a workforce panel discussion where DEI was one of the most popular topics of discussion for the business community.

An article from Insight Global highlights nine benefits of strong DEI in the workplace:

• Reach a more extensive and inclusive talent pool

• Diverse workplace teams are more likely to perform better financially

• Inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging for employees

• Higher employee retention and lower turnover

• Diverse workplaces breed innovation

• Inclusion can improve business decision-making

• Equity and inclusion can tackle workplace burnout

• Creates a competitive business advantage

• DE&I protects company culture

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce SME Institute has a brief titled DEI: What it is and why you should have a strategy which gives an overview of how to move forward with DEI goals.

A diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace won’t happen by accident. Businesses looking to take this seriously need to be intentional and create a strategy to get where they want to be. For those looking for a bit of help getting started or getting connected, the Chamber network has resources and there are many local organizations with the knowledge and tools to help.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Pure Home Grown, Aspire Executive Coaching, CC’s Café and Trent Lakes Cheese

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Pete and Darlene Cremers started their business, Pure Home Grown, a few years ago, but the business has been growing…

Growing fresh local produce, including a variety of lettuces, basil, kale, spinach, swiss chard, arugula, cilantro, dill, leaf celery, parsley and more. Their Young’s Point “farm” is located in the old Young’s Point school and utilizes a very unique aquaponic cycle that circulates water between the plants and thousands of Koi fish. You can now purchase their fresh produce through a weekly farm subscription called a pure pack and it is available at numerous local retailers, for details visit purehg.com.

Emma Collyer’s business is called Aspire Executive Coaching.

Collyer works with executives and senior leaders to grow in their careers, enabling them to overcome challenges and empower their teams. Offering Executive Coaching, Career Development Coaching, Leadership Development, Change Management, Team Building, Corporate Training, Life Coaching, Management Consulting, and more, Emma can help you become more effective, by breaking down issues, raising awareness around blind spots and building confidence. For details, or to book a free initial meeting visit aspireexecutivecoaching.ca.

Carolyn Challice is known to her friends as CC.

And it turns out to be a great name for a Café as well. Carolyn took over the former Makin’ Bacon location in the Brookdale Plaza and CC’s Café continues to grow in popularity. Open daily from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., you’ll find a full breakfast and lunch menu including eggs bennie, breakfast bowls, omelets, pancakes, quesadillas, soups, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and more. Stop at 833 Chemong Rd., Brookdale Plaza, Peterborough.

Kim Locke has taken her weekly farmers market cheese stand and opened her own retail location in Bobcaygeon.

Called Trent Lakes Cheese, Kim offers a variety of international cheeses, Quebec cheeses and Ontario cheese. It includes Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese which Kim has been selling at the Market since 2018. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the shop also sells a variety of jellies, charcuterie packages and locally-made cheese and charcuterie boards. Check them out at 60 King St., next to the Ultramar in Bobcaygeon, or online at trentlakescheese.ca or on Facebook or Instagram.

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