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Monday, November 7, 2022

PATHWAYS TO EMPLOYMENT YOUTH SPOTLIGHT: RUSTICA PIZZA VINO

“When I moved to orillia in the fall there was nothing I dreaded more than searching for work. I was laid-off at the onset of the pandemic and had struggled with depression; I could not imagine being happy or helpful in any environment. My employment coach, Katie, provided the guidance and support I needed to build back my confidence. Through daily correspondence and personalized workshops, I began to understand what positive qualities I could bring to a job. I... more

Posted at 10:53 AM

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Monday, October 31, 2022

SHERIDAN SEATING GETS NEW OWNERS WITH HELP OF CDC

Apparently, Paul Sheridan needs lots of time to work on his golf game. Luckily, thanks to the Orillia Area CDC's BizLink program, Sheridan will soon have lots of time to do just that.

A few years ago, with the help of the BizLink Program, Sheridan started trying to sell his business, Sheridan Seating, in earnest. “I started researching how to sell a business about five years ago," he recollects. “There was a lot of information, and I really didn't know how to go about... more

Posted at 10:53 AM

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Monday, October 17, 2022

NEW OWNER TAKES THE HELM AT ORILLIA'S FLOOR FASHION CENTRE

Dean and Roseanne Beers are retired and loving it.

The long-time owners of Orillia's Floor Fashion Centre handed over the keys to the kingdom to former store manager, Nicole Smith, on January 1, 2022. With the help of the Orillia Area CDC, the transition has been seamless and practically painless.

“My wife and I were starting to think, we had been in business almost 30 years, that we wanted to make a change. Our staff knew that all along, we never... more

Posted at 10:52 AM

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Monday, October 10, 2022

PATHWAYS TO EMPLOYMENT: ORILLIA DRYWALL

Mario was recently hired by Orillia Drywall as a new comer to Orillia, and to Canada. Pathways to Employment has provided both essential equipment and training support for Mario to begin a new career in his new country of choice in the Drywall industry.

"Since Maurice Purkiss brought the drywall trade to Orillia in the early 1960's it has grown, in 3 generations, to become a company of dynamic highly polished skilled trades men and women in an ever increasingly demanding... more

Posted at 10:51 AM

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Monday, October 3, 2022

PATHWAYS TO EMPLOYMENT YOUTH SPOTLIGHT: NEXT GEN HUB INC. SAFETY TRAINING AND CONSULTING

“After completing my schooling in 2020, I struggled finding a career during a global pandemic. I was applying to every job related to hr without hearing anything, not even a rejection notice. I was starting to give up on finding something in my chosen field when I learned about this program.

Pathways to employment is an amazing opportunity to help youth gain experience and provide the necessary support and connections... more

Posted at 10:49 AM

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Monday, September 26, 2022

ORILLIA AREA CDC PROVIDES $26,500.00 TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL BUSINESSES

In late 2021, the Orillia Area CDC 's Community Capacity Building Fund approved $26,500 in grants to support local projects that improve opportunities for growth and/or success within an organization/business.

Of the 42 applications submitted, 12 businesses rose to the top. Proposals showcased projects that are collaborative, innovative, and address local needs and priorities, resulting in long term benefits including job... more

Posted at 10:49 AM

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Monday, September 19, 2022

STRONG SUPPORT HELPED CROSSFIT ORILLIA WEATHER PANDEMIC

“I was teetering on the edge but wasn't ready to fail. What we're doing here is too important; we're helping to keep people sane, giving them an outlet, and helping them take care of their health."

This is how Matt Spencer, owner of CrossFit Orillia, located at 7 Progress Drive, described his situation when faced with having to close his facility during the Covid-19 lockdown periods. With such drastic restrictions, Spencer realized that he would need to... more

Posted at 10:48 AM

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Monday, September 12, 2022

VETTÄ NORDIC SPA

Vettä Nordic Spa Founder and President Eric Harkonen has a passion for Finland, his Finnish heritage, and the Finnish lifestyle. So much so, that he has brought a big piece of that experience to Horseshoe Valley, for everyone to enjoy.

Vettä Nordic Spa offers thermal therapy and an authentic Finnish experience with its impressive hot and cold plunge pools. Vettä has one of the largest saunas in North America and the steam rooms are world class. This makes Vettä... more

Posted at 10:46 AM

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Monday, September 5, 2022

PATHWAYS TO EMPLOYMENT: DWN CRAFT CHOCOLATIER

“dwn craft chocolatier is a new business and in order to grow, I needed some help. Participating in the youth employment program has allowed me to pass along my production duties so that I could focus on building the business. It has also allowed me to teach the craft of being a chocolatier.

Traditional kitchen culture can be very toxic and heavy-handed from the top down. As a woman-led business, I want the environment to be collaborative and not competitive. I see... more

Posted at 10:44 AM

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Wednesday, August 31, 2022

DOWNTOWN ORILLIA BUSINESS AIMS TO 'MAKE DOGS FEEL BETTER'

ShamPooch Dog Grooming is located Downtown Orillia, and its storefront location in the city's Arts District at 19 Peter St. S. has been a boon for business, says ShamPooch owner Dianne Wall.

“Within six months of moving from a location along the highway north of Orillia, my business tripled," explained Wall. “There's so much traffic in the downtown, including cottagers in the summer."

“I think being in the public eye raises awareness of my... more

Posted at 10:43 AM