The Business Beat With Stuart Harrison

ALWAYS IN BLOOM
The Flower Store on George Street—home of the famous dancing clown—has merged with, and will be known as, Always In Bloom on Charlotte Street. The George Street store is closed and owners Codi Yale and Tracey Hopcroft will now be working together to offer the same great services which include fresh flowers for funerals, weddings, and all other special occasions. The phone numbers remain the same and yes the clown will be there too!! Call 705-876-ROSE(7673) or stop by the 324 Charlotte Street location. 

PTBOCANADA.COM
PtboCanada.com is a website about everything Peterborough, covering arts, news, media, politics, events, sports, business, tourism, food and more! Publisher Neil Morton has now created a boutique agency division offering social media orientation and training, website design, branding, video, photography, copywriting and more. Just look under “Services” at Ptbocanada.com for full details and contact information.

THAT'S A WRAP CATERING COMPANY
Tracey Ormond is the owner operator of That's a Wrap Catering Company, offering a simple menu of healthy wraps and salads delivered to your office, work space or group setting. Located at 390 Queen St in Peterborough, Tracey shares space with Charlotte Anne's Restaurant. Visit Thatsawrapcatering.ca for details or call 705-768-7168.

QUILTS FOR CANCER PETERBOROUGH
Quilts for Cancer Peterborough provides comfort quilts for cancer patients in the Peterborough area. They have over 100 people making quilts and they depend on fundraising and donations to deliver up to 500 quilts per year. If you would like to help out, or would like to request a quilt, call 705-875-5596.

EXTRA TALK SPORTS RADIO
And check out the new radio station ramping up at 90.5 on the FM dial. Called Extra Talk Sports, the new format covers the Leafs, Jays, Petes and other local sports, plus a one hour sports talk show with John Badham. Details at Fm905.ca or just tune in.
 

To submit your new business to Stu's "The Business Beat", click here.

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook.

DBIA Featured Post: Glow Maternity

Success in the small business world often depends on originality in the marketplace, or finding a need and filling a specific gap. On September 1, 2009, Shaunacy King did just that when she and her husband opened Glow Maternity, which is now located in The Loft at 188 Hunter St. under the big red awning.
 
Before opening their business, originally on George St, Shaunacy realized that there was a need in Peterborough for a maternity specific boutique and prenatal studio. So they put her idea to work and created what is now the only maternity and baby specific studio/boutique in the city.

While other stores might focus solely on retail and sales for the journey into parenthood, Glow Maternity offers an all-encompassing experience with classes, workshops and programs that take parents from pregnancy through the birthing process and into raising their newborns. The  cornerstone of Glow these past four years has been its motto and like-named prenatal course: BELLY, BIRTH AND BEYOND!
 
What separates Glow from other maternity stores is the studio space where they teach various classes and workshops with friendly, knowledgeable, qualified instructors. With courses and workshops focusing on both pre- and post-natal, the studio space is always busy! The Bellies, Birth and Beyond course is one of the area's most popular for soon-to-be parents, and their pre- and post-natal Yoga courses are also a big hit for the bonding and fitness aspect that it provides!
 
The retail boutique side of Glow Maternity, which now focuses on essentials and locally made items, covers a wide array of product options. Gently used maternity apparel under $20, muslin blankets, custom bedding, cloth diapers, nursing products and locally made carriers are a just a few of the many items available in their studio boutique. While they do sell mainstream brands, Glow has always placed an emphasis on Canadian and locally made goods produced by many people in and around our community. If the situation is right, they are happy to sell for other local entrepreneurs who don’t have the opportunity to sell out of their own stores!
 
An appealing aspect about the owner of this maternity business is that Shaunacy is also a mother of two and a Labour Doula who offers Birth Services to clients outside and within the actual shop! The passion that she has for helping parents during all stages of their parenting journey can be felt from the minute you walk into her visually appealing new space on Hunter St.
 
Being located in the tightknit small business community on Hunter St. has allowed Shaunacy to experience the amazing everyday feel of downtown Peterborough. She loves the sense of pride that the owners around her have for their businesses and appreciates the sense of loyalty they show to each other and to the customers she happily meets. It is because of all this that Glow Maternity takes part in a 3 for 1 Cloth Diaper Program which donates 1 cloth diaper for every 3 sold to families who desire them but can’t essentially afford them.

For more on Glow Maternity, go to:

Web: Glowmaternitystudio.com
Facebook: Glow Maternity
Phone: (705) 874-6673
Twitter: @GlowMatStudio

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

Renowned Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Stanley Kutcher Speaking At Ontario Shores

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is inviting parents to an evening symposium on Adolescent Mental Health next Wednesday, September 18th. Dr. Stanley Kutcher, leading adolescent psychiatrist, will provide an interactive presentation giving parents important adolescent mental health tools and information. Ontario Shores will also present its amazing adolescent mental health documentary short, Talk to Someone: You’re Not Alone.

Dr. Stanley Kutcher

Both local school boards in Peterborough—PVNCCDSB and KPR—are participating in mental health literacy training with Ontario Shores next week. Dr. Kutcher along with CMHA National Office created the curriculum that the teachers and allied support staff will be trained on in area schools. As part of this, Ontario Shores is offering this free interactive parent night with Dr. Kutcher at Ontario Shores.

The symposium takes place September 18th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Lecture Theatre, Building 5, Level 2 Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, 700 Gordon St., in Whitby, Ontario.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Debbie Lenehan at 905.430.4055 ext. 6135. 

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook.  

What's Happening This Weekend: Vince Bierworth's Bachelor Party Pub Crawl In Downtown Peterborough

Photo by Julie Morris

Vince Bierworth—known for his What's Happening segments on KRUZ 100.5, The Wolf 101.5 and Chex Newswatch (and wakeboarding)—is getting married next weekend.

So this Saturday night (September 14th), he will be the star of a Bachelor Pub Crawl in our amazing downtown Peterborough. The night is produced and directed by his plaid King friend Ryan Lalonde.

Among the confirmed stops: The Black Horse, The Pig's Ear, The Red Dog, The Only, The Spill, The Red Garnet, Spankys, Shots, Aria, Champs, The Sapphire Room and Riley's. And there are sure to be much more as Peterborough has one of the best selection of bars anywhere. 

If you see Vince out and about Saturday, make sure to wish him a happy Bachelor party and best wishes on his wedding. Though he might not remember.

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook. 

John Grant Jr.'s Epic Trick Shots Video At Peterborough Lift Lock

This is the latest episode of John Grant Jr.'s popular trick shots videos (6th overall) and the first to be filmed in his hometown of Peterborough—and was shot by CHEX TV's Tyler Calver. Legends collide in the latest installment of 4 Shots With John Grant Junior as the living legend John Grant Jr. takes his trick shots to the legendary Peterborough Lift Lock. Grant recently sold his home in Peterborough as well as the Montreal House bar to make the permanent move to Denver where he has played the last three seasons with the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League. Last week, Junior was traded from his other pro lacrosse team, the Chesapeake Bayhawks, to the Denver Outlaws (Major League Lacrosse).
 

Here are the previous 5 videos in his trick shots series:

—PTBOCanada's sports guy Scott Arnold

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook.

Best Thing Ever: This Marriage Proposal At The Peterborough Lift Lock Is Awesome

Geoff proposed to Jessica in the most epic way, by arranging to have a ginormous "JESSICA, MARRY ME!" banner hanging from the world famous Lift Lock. Watch how it came together and the unveil in this video... 

 [YouTube via @TrentSevernNHS]

[Peterborough Lift Lock] 

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook. 

PTBOCanada Featured Post: Premiere Studio Of Dance

Premiere Studio of Dance owner and teacher Robyn Carter knows what it takes to translate a lifelong passion into a blossoming career. The studio, now entering its 14th season, has seen itself transition from classes being taught weekly at a rented out Market Hall by Carter as a Trent student, to a full on 3 Dance Studio facility located at 1046 County Rd 19 in Peterborough.

Premiere offers one of the widest varieties of group dance classes around, with classes in hip hop, jazz, ballet, contemporary and acro (which has an element of gymnastics in it), to name just a few! Classes range in size from 8 to 16 depending on the style of dance and class level, which start at beginner for any age right up to competition teams that enter numerous competitions throughout the year.

The goal at Premiere Studio of Dance is to help its students learn the steps of course, but at the same time develop poise and confidence that they can take with them throughout their life. Time spent at the studio begins in September and runs right through until June covering what for most is the entire school year. This length of season allows the dancers to grow as both individuals and a team, creating bonds and fond memories that are sure to last a lifetime! At the end of the season, a large recital takes place at Showplace Performance Centre.

Inside the state of the art facility—it features professional sprung hardwood floors, close circuit TVs for viewing classes, and full length mirrors to assist in teaching—students and parents alike will find a space that caters to everyone. All instructors are B.A.T.D. (British Association of Teachers of Dance) Certified and they have full-time office staff that offer customer service which is second to none!

Robyn and her studio are constantly renovating and improving to give everyone inside its walls an even greater experience. They have recently begun offering dance classes in Lakefield out of St. John's Church to make themselves available to students from out of town.

With classes beginning this month, registration is currently ongoing. While students are always returning each season, Premiere Dance is open for new students of any age and dance experience to come join in the fun of dancing!

If you are looking for a new challenge for yourself or want to get your children involved in a constantly challenging, fun and empowering hobby, we suggest you contact Premiere Dance for more details. Chances are they’ll offer something that suits your style!

Their office hours are as follows: Monday-Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday 9am-1pm.

For more on Premiere Studio of Dance (1046 County Rd 19), go to:

Web: PremiereDance.ca
Phone: 705-741-6545
Twitter: @premieredance
Facebook: Premiere Studio of Dance  

Premiere Studio of Dance Hightlights:

For info on PTBOCanada Featured Posts, email us. 

On 9/11 We Remember

12 years have passed since that day.

[9/11 Memorial ; September 11 attacks; Paul Simon - The Sound of Silence, From 9/11 Ground Zero 10th Anniversary September 11th, 2011]

Watch: Peterborough Disc Golf Club Championships

After two rounds of playoffs, it came down to three competitors for the club championship recently at Peterborough Disc Golf Club. Here's the video...

[YouTube]

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook.  

The PTBOCanada Interview: Theresa Longo

Twenty-six-year-old Theresa Longo is Peterborough born and raised. She has been a professional model for over 10 years with international modeling experience. After high school in Peterborough, she attended Trent University, where she received a 4 year Honors Degree (B.B.A). Her downtown Toronto office now acts as a home base for her ever expanding international business centred upon "the public image and likeness of 'Theresa Longo'", with her business primarily focused around corporate representation, public appearances, modeling and acting. Here's an interview we conducted with Theresa taking us into her career and what Peterborough means to her...

PTBOCANADA: You were discovered at 16 at Lansdowne Place, which kickstarted your career as an international model. Tell us about being discovered at the mall, joining Peterborough's Strutt Central modelling agency and where it's lead you.

Longo: When I was discovered at 16, I was elated. I began to gain considerable experience in front of the camera. I practiced posing through dozens of photo shoots while also styling several different scenes and looks. I began going around to local bridal shops, clothing stores and hair salons in Peterborough to let them know I was available to model for them. I got a lot of call backs! I loved modeling in fashion shows, bridal shows and spring fundraisers. With a lot of exposure, I was introduced to a photographer who set me up with a job working at Wakestock. I was recognized by Monster Energy Drink and brought on the team to be a Canadian Monster Model. I shot for the Toronto Sun for a feature as a Monster Energy Model Sunshine Girl commemorating the AMA Supercross. I was asked by the Sun to pose for their yearly calendar in 2010 (and swimsuit edition in 2012!), and shortly thereafter I was crowned Miss Budweiser Honda Indy! I was featured again (twice) nationally in Sun paper. Gaining considerable national exposure, I was acquired by Strutt Central Modelling Agency in 2011. Strutt invited me to be a part of a beauty pageant for women of Italian heritage, where I was crowned Miss Italy North America! I went to Italy for a month to represent North America on the world stage at Miss Italy of the World. My relationship with Strutt Central has been pivotal to my career; in 2013, Strutt has sent me to film several music videos, as well as the opportunity to land an MTV VMA commercial which aired across Canada!

PTBOCANADA: You attended Holy Cross Secondary School and graduated from Trent University with an honours degree in business. Tell us what it means to your career to have that business degree, and how you use it to run your marketing and promotions business, and be an entrepreneur. 

Longo: Without a doubt, my education has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and tools to run a successful business. Taking business at Trent was the best career choice I made; every single day, I employ a part of my academic experience. Several fourth year classes were highly impressionable for me and will remain forever useful: Communications, Strategic Planning, Online Business, and Business Ethics. I fully plan on pursuing my education further to complete a Master's Degree, however for right now I enjoy the experience that travel and entrepreneurship provides.

PTBOCANADA: How many events do you model at per year? Any particular recent highlights/anecdotes you can share?
 
Longo: I model at hundreds of events each year. Recent highlights include modelling over $100,000 worth of DiamondTsar Diamonds at an Investment Exchange trade show. I wore a diamond necklace worth over $60,000 retail!

PTBOCANADA: Do you find you're getting recognized more and more when you travel? What does that mean to you?
 
Longo: Yes. It is unreal! People have recognized me on the street and in other countries! It is incredibly amazing, humbling and yet fulfilling to see the result of strong brand development.

PTBOCANADA: What do you call home now? Do you get back to Peterborough much?
 
Longo: Toronto is home. I travel a lot. I visit Peterborough several times a year!

Theresa with Strutt models.  

PTBOCANADA: You recently finished teaching aspiring models and actresses at Strutt Central in Peterborough. Tell us what it means to you to come home and teach these girls, and empower them. What life lessons are you providing?
 
Longo: It means the world to me to return to Peterborough to positively influence aspiring talent. I think to my own experiences starting out as a model, and I would have loved to have a mentor in the entertainment industry to look up to. Some of the lessons include teaching the positive relationship between practising good leadership and achieving goals. Throughout the class, students will think about career paths, choosing wisely, and how to set yourself up for success. We also go over public relations tips, how to properly pose for the camera, and tips on fitness and staying healthy.

PTBOCANADA: Speaking of empowerment, there is this perception among many about a model's IQ. You work hard to combat that by the way you lead your life and your business savvy. Give us your take on the misconceptions that arise about models, and how they shouldn't be judged by their looks alone.

Longo: There are misconceptions and there are truths about models/the industry. I always look for the truth. Truth is sewn into everything; it becomes plain to see the truth of things with thoughtful intent. Personally, I carefully study, watch and listen to everything and everyone before I formulate an opinion. There are many smart, successful people of the world employing this truth seeking strategy who quickly pick up on personality and intelligence. I am quite confident in my ability to completely dismiss anyone's "perception of a model's IQ" in the way I carry myself and through the words I speak.

PTBOCANADA: What is your view on on women and beauty, and how they are projected in media (e.g. photoshopped covers of magazines)? Are young girls having to live up to unrealistic ideals? How do you teach them to be positive about themselves, have good self-esteem, live a healthy life? 
 
Longo: There is a lot of pressure. There is also a lot of photoshop. I definitely think there is tremendous pressure for young girls to try to live up to unrealistic ideals. I teach ladies to be positive through the creation of a solid foundation of confidence and good self esteem. I love to show them unretouched photos. I teach young ladies beauty tips and tricks for healthy skin, teeth and hair—many of which my nanny taught me as a young girl. I also encourage young ladies to get involved in fitness/gymnastics/sports. I teach ladies to put themselves first, and to stay in school. Living a healthy, rewarding life comes first overall.

PTBOCANADA: You travel all around the world and get to see exotic places. But tell us what Peterborough means to you. Growing up here and coming home.
 
Longo: Peterborough is truly home for me. It is special to me in many ways because of the close friendships, experiences, business relationships and academic successes. I love our city. I am proud to say I grew up here.

PTBOCANADA: Tell us about your take on social media. You are on Twitter @theresalongo and tweet quite a bit. You have more than 23,000 followers. What does social media mean to your "brand"? How do you use it? How has it helped you? Do you interact closely with followers?

Longo: Social media is essential in brand development. I regularly use social media to connect with fans, share news and update followers. Using social media has opened many doors for me and allowed me to connect with other successful professionals in my industry. I try to interact closely with followers. I am trying to gain more followers to my official Facebook page.

PTBOCANADA: What is your next step(s)/goal(s) in your career? What's on your bucket list? Aspiring actress?
 
Longo: My next steps include additional acting roles and a continued focus on fitness and modeling. Currently in the works: I am writing and recording new, original music—as a child I took guitar lessons with John for several years at Bud Monahan Music in Peterborough! Creating, recording and performing an album is most definitely on my bucket list.

PTBOCANADA:  Anything we missed you want to cover?

Longo: Readers can check out my blog at Theresalongo.com, where I regularly blog about fitness, travel tips, concert and event coverage and more!

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook.