Cibo Systems: Part of Picton's Technology Cluster

Have you ever been in a bar or a restaurant, trying to order another drink but you can’t seem to flag down your server? Or maybe you suddenly need to pay the bill but the same story holds true?

Restaurant owners everywhere are well aware that the key to making money is to maximize efficiencies. Three of the key three opportunities where restaurant can potentially lose sales are in 1.not being able to take orders in time, 2. the server not being able to resturn to the table at the right moment to capture an order for another round and 3. in not being able to generate the bill and process it quickly enough.

You’d think that with all of the current technology that there would be some sort of iSolution to these age-old conundrums. Well now there is, courtesy of two bright, young Queen’s MBA grads. And, of course, the idea was conceived over a few beers.

Ricky Chandarana and Simon Hamilton are the innvoators behind the brand-new Cibo Systems, who’s HQ has taken up residence right here in the new Innovation Centre, located on the Picton Harbour. Their tablet-based technology promises to address a plethora of issues and problems faced by traditional restaurant Point of Sale (POS) systems in truly innovative and creative ways…at a FRACTION of the cost of traditonal POS systems.

Beta tests are scheduled to launch before year’s end. The biggest challenge the new company is facing right now? Finding software developers who are either currently living in Prince Edward County or willing to relocate. In particular, Chandarana and Hamilton are seeking developers who’s area of focus is mobile innovative development. For more information, Contact Simon or Ricky through their website, www.cibosystems.com

Cibo Systems is one of many businesses and services in Prince Edward County that contribute to our community’s emerging technology cluster.

If you would like to know more about starting a business in Prince Edward County or already have a business here and would like to learn more about the free confidential services available to help with your business please get in touch!

Karin Desveaux-Potters, Economic Development Office, Prince Edward County. 613 476 2148 x 344, kdesveaux-potters@pecounty.on.ca @Cre8tiveKarinD

Andrew Redden and Stephen Paul at the Hastings Craft Beer Festival

This past weekend, Stirling hosted the first Hastings Craft Beer Festival. The festival was made possible, in part, through a collaboration between the four counties of Prince Edward, Hastings, Lennox & Addington and Frontenac.

Many of you will remember the Invest in Cheese initiative. The successes of that initiaitve were many- we have generated a great deal of awareness about the history of cheese in the area, as well as toolkits and ideas for future opportunities in dairy and cheese making.

Our partnership between the counties continues to grow and expand, and we are moving forward now as “FAB”…the Food and Beverage region, the ideal place to establish and grow a small scale food and beverage production business.

Craft breweries are one example of the kinds of businesses that would be very welcome and thrive here; others include condiments, flours, artisan breads, charcuterie; the possibilities are truly endless!

Our team is dedicated to linking people to possibilities; we can assist with connecting manufacturers to raw ingredients, real estate, grant dollars- you name it and we can probably help!

We know that by working together as a FAB region that each of our counties will only benefit and grow. Be sure to watch for the launch of our new website in the weeks to come!

If you would like to know more about starting a business in Prince Edward County (or any of the other counties in the FAB region) or already have a business here and would like to learn more about the free confidential services available to help with your business please get in touch!

Karin Desveaux-Potters, Economic Development Office, Prince Edward County. 613 476 2148 x 344, kdesveaux-potters@pecounty.on.ca @cre8tivekarind

Most of us are bombarded with emails daily. Wouldn’t it be great if your message to customers really stood out in this sea of information? Last week I attended an interesting presentation at Legendz Pub in Rossmore. I learned how easy it is to send a video email to your distribution list with COM F5.

This multi-platform marketing tool is available to all types and sizes of business. It allows you to record and broadcast live events as well as archive and edit the presentation for later distribution. Customers will be able to learn about your services and products, all from one easy source. A COM F5 account allows a business to be as creative as they choose. Cartoons, videos, graphics and photos can be displayed as well as links to Faceboook, Twitter and Linked In. You pay monthly for your account with no start up or cancellation fees attached.

A Newbie to the internet age, even I can see the amazing potential this marketing tool holds for both large and small businesses. Whether you choose to keep it simple, or make use of the talents of our artistic population to create a high impacy site, COMF5 will allow your clients to access you in a variety of ways, allowing you to reach more people, more effectively.

If you would like information about this marketing tool, why not give me a call at 613-476-4240. As Enterprise Facilitator for Prince Edward County, I am here to support new and expanding businesses, in a free and confidential manner.

Free Computer Classes for employment or enjoyment starting in September!
Small class sizes, only five students per class.

- Computer Basics for Everyone
- Microsoft Word 2007 plus Office Suite Overview
- The Internet for Enjoyment

Call Prince Edward Learning Centre for more information or to register.
Phone: 613-476-1811

Computer Basics for Everyone
Learn the basics of working on a computer:  turning it on & off, using a mouse, opening & closing programs, and much more!  If you’ve never used a computer, or have limited knowledge, this course is for you.
Sept. 12 – 15 (Mon., Tues., Wed.) – 1:00 – 3:00pm (1 week – 6hrs total)

Microsoft Word 2007 plus Office Suite Overview
If employment is your goal, but you don’t know how to use Word to type business letters, create simple posters, or format a resume, this course is for you.  Learn how to format fonts, copy & cut information, disk & file management, and much more!  Potential to leave with examples for your portfolio.
Sept. 19 – Oct. 12 (Mon., Tues., Wed.) – 10:00 – 12:00 (4 weeks – 24hrs total)

The Internet for Enjoyment
Learn about search engines, websites, Facebook, Gmail & Hotmail, online shopping , YouTube, and much more!  If you have limited experience with ‘surfing the net’, this course is for you!
Sept. 26 – Oct. 12 (Mon., Tues., Wed.) – 1:00 – 3:00pm (3 weeks – 18hrs total)

“When this season is over, I’ll have to get organized!” How many times do we hear this from our friends in business for themselves? Whether running a fishing lodge, flipping burgers at a chip stand, making beds at your B&B or pumping gas on the highway, you are no doubt at your busiest during July and August. Time is precious, but re-reading your business plan from time to time will help you be more aware of how closely your forecast and your reality match. In other words, what turned out as you expected and what has not.  

Who are you customers? Any surprises? How did they hear about your business? What parts of your marketing strategy were effective? Is your dollar investment proportionate to your return for signs, cards, web design etc?

What about your product or service? Are people buying what you thought they would? Is your inventory adequate? Have suppliers lived up to their promises? Any returns or complaints to handle? Did you have a policy and procedure in place to deal with these situations? Was it beneficial to your customer service reputation? 

Chances are if this is your first year in operation, cash flow forecasting has been a bit like the weather. It keeps changing. Keeping as much anecdotal detail as possible about this area of your business will help you plan for future years with more accuracy. Why’s are as important here as What. 

The answers to all of these somewhat unrelated questions can provide insight into trends, opportunities and areas for re-thinking, so find an easy way to keep track of your thoughts.  Whether you enter data in a Desktop File or keep a folder to store bits of stickies and back-of-envelope notes, getting your thoughts recorded as they emerge will make it easier for you to analyze your year and make changes to your business plan.  If you follow this simple tip, you will thank yourself come November!

If you would like help with a business idea, give me a call. Free and confidential service is yours. 613-476-4240

Kids Farmers Market

Children and youth of Prince Edward County will once again have the opportunity this year to participate in a Farmer’s Market in Bloomfield throughout the summer that is  just for them!

The brain-child of Wayne Cooper and the A.O.T.S. (As One That Serves, Bloomfield United Church Men’s Club), community kids will be hosting a weekly market on the lawn of the United Church in Bloomfield every Saturday morning throughouy the summer starting on Saturday July 9th.

The market runs from 9am until products run out. Youth are welcome to peddle baking, art or fruits and vegetables that are grown or harvested themselves. The church supplies tables; more details about how to participate are available from Wayne at 613.476.3947 or wcooper6@sympatico.ca .

The Kid’s Farmer’s Market one of many unique community-based initiatives in Prince Edward County that contribute to our community’s vibrant food culture.

If you would like to know more about starting a business in Prince Edward County or already have a business here and would like to learn more about the free confidential services available to help with your business please get in touch!

Karin Desveaux-Potters, Economic Development Office, Prince Edward County. 613 476 2148 x 344, kdesveaux-potters@pecounty.on.ca

Stanners Vineyard Barrel Room

Stanners Vineyard was inspired by Cliff and Dorothy’s tandem bicycling trip to the County in 2002. With the cool breezes from Lake Ontario moderating the temperature, along with the shallow, limestone riddled soil we felt encouraged to attempt to produce high quality Pinot Noir. In 2005 we began our small, family-run vineyard in Hillier when we planted our first acre with 3400 Pinot Noir vines. By 2009 we completed our plantings, adding more Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay to bring our total to 18,000 vines on 7.5 acres. From the very beginning, our passion for the land included using only organic vineyard management practices. When you come to visit the vineyard, you will see us out there amongst the vines, from early spring to early winter.

In the summer of 2009 we built our winery, complete with a straw bale barrel room, a first for Eastern Canada. Just as we’d hoped, our wine has turned out to be excellent with complex, bright fruit flavours, borne by balanced acidity and minerality, reminiscent of some of the fine wine of Burgundy but having a County “signature” of its own.

We enjoy being here in the pastoral setting of Prince Edward County, part of a community of vignerons committed to creating great, unique wines. We invite you to join us here in Hillier. Come to our straw bale tasting room with its thick walls and stacks of French oak barrels to taste our latest releases!

Contributed by the Folks at Stanners Vineyard

With financial backing and strong money management skills already in place, the owners of the soon to be Legendz Pub came to me for help with Product and Marketing. Their goal was to be known for great, fresh food served in a friendly community atmosphere.  

Collectively, my Enterprise Facilitation Panel put together an impressive list of local producers for meats, fish, poultry, fruits, condiments, vegetables and baked goods. The Economic Development Office supplied valuable tips on working with small scale suppliers as well. The result? An interesting and diverse menu of never frozen, delicious home cooked foods.

The facility which has been fully renovated is designed to handle large private parties and group meetings with multimedia access. Letting the surrounding Rossmore community know of this new facility was an important part of the marketing strategy. I was joined by staff from the Economic Development Office and Ameliasburg Councilors for a quick lunch and a preview of the media capabilities. We are now happy to spread the word that the north end of the County has a much needed, well appointed meeting place for large or small events.

County Live provided additional exposure for the new venture, when they blogged about the restaurant opening. The Mayor and Council added their support by attending a ribbon cutting to formally celebrate the opening of Legendz Pub and to welcome Corey and Paula Evans to the County.

With their first large scale event for a local car club declared a success, Legendz is off to a great start! Many local wine and cider producers have been in touch and Corey is planning on having tasting events during the summer. The music line up is looking good too.

If you would like help with a business idea, why not give me a call? Free and confidential help is avaible anywhere in Prince Edward County. 613-476-4240

Chris and Norah Rogers and the staff of Claramount Inn and Spa are pleased to welcome Elliot Reynolds as the Chef de Cuisine at Clara’s Restaurant.

Chef Reynolds is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, but has roots firmly in local soil – having grown up in Stirling. He worked as a teenager in The Two Loons kitchen in Madoc and completed the Hotel/Restaurant Management program at Loyalist College.

He has travelled the world, opened a restaurant in Moscow and in 2010 was the official caterer for Team Canada at Canada House in Whistler.

Chef Reynolds looks forward to creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere at Clara’s. His menu will feature the best of seasonal, regional food.

*******************************************************************************************

Clara’s in The Claramount Inn and Spa is one of many businesses and services in Prince Edward County that contribute to our community’s vibrant food culture.

If you would like to know more about starting a business in Prince Edward County or already have a business here and would like to learn more about the free confidential services available to help with your business please get in touch!

Karin Desveaux-Potters, Economic Development Office, Prince Edward County. 613 476 2148 x 344, kdesveaux-potters@pecounty.on.ca

Creative Rural Economy successes will be highlighted at a conference in Kingston on June 14th and Prince Edward County on June 15th. Highlights of the  jam-packed agenda include international Creative Economy experts, mobile campus sessions featuring Prince Edward County businesses, and finishes up with a Creative Minds style event: ‘Creative Rural Economy X PechaKucha’.

There are 3 ways you can participate in the conference – hope to see you there!

Creative Minds: ‘Creative Rural Economy X PechaKucha’
June 15th – 8.15 pm – 9.30pm, Crystal Palace, Picton.
Ticket: $10 plus tax at the door – Cash only, Cash Bar
More about Pecha Kucha: http://www.pecha-kucha.org/
RSVP to jcarroll@pecounty.on.ca or call 613 476 2148 x 343

Reception, Dinner, Keynote Address:
Re-thinking the Creative Rural Economy; a Rural Community Perspective
Dr. Ian Hunter, Lead Artist and Director of the Littoral Arts Trust, UK.
June 15th – 5.15 pm – 9.30pm, Crystal Palace, Picton.
Ticket: $55 plus tax – Limited tickets available – please call 613 476 2148 x 343 to register.

More about the Keynote included below.

Creative Rural Economy: Theory to Practice Conference
Day 1: June 14, 2011 Queen’s University, Kingston
Day 2: June 15, 2011 Crystal Palace, 375 Main St. Picton
Full Registration: Students $175,
Non-Students $299
Single day: $150
Full Conference Details and Registration: http://www.creativeontarioeast.ca/creative-rural-economy

————————————————-
Keynote:

Re-thinking the Creative Rural Economy; a Rural Community Perspective
Dr. Ian Hunter, Lead Artist and Director of the Littoral Arts Trust, UK.

In the wake of European Union Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform farmers, artists and rural communities in England collaborate to address creative solutions to some of the new ‘post-agricultural’ rural social, cultural and economic challenges now emerging. Dr. Hunter offers insights and an introduction to the work of the Rural Cultural Forum, which is also currently negotiating with the UK Government Rural (DEFRA) and Cultural Ministries for implementation of a national cultural investment and arts and regeneration strategy for rural communities in England. www.ruralculture.org.uk

LITTORAL www.littoral.org.uk is a non-profit arts trust which promotes new creative partnerships, critical art practices and cultural strategies in response to issues about social, environmental and economic change.

Program:
5:15pm – 6:00pm – Reception – Spanish guitar by Jamie Stever
6:00pm – 7:00pm Dinner: Spit Roasted Blaine Way Tamworth Pig prepared by Currah’s Catering
7:00pm – 8:00pm Keynote Address:Re-thinking the Creative Rural Economy; a Rural Community Perspective
Dr. Ian Hunter, Lead Artist and Director of the Littoral Arts Trust, UK.

Ticket: $55 plus HST – Limited tickets available – please call 613 476 2148 x 343 to reserve.
Ticket includes fee for ‘Creative Rural Economy X PechaKucha’