​Just Spray It is expanding their insulation services to include blow-in fiberglass insulation in addition to their spray foam insulation service. Spray foam works great for basements, walls, and hard-to-reach areas while blow-in fiberglass is a great option for attics. They have helped hundreds of homeowners and local businesses save on heating and cooling costs. Founders Rob and Mitch met in college and saw an opportunity to open their business. They are licenced, insured, and ready to insulate your home, garage, or shipping container. You can reach them online at justsprayit.ca.
 
Celebrate local business leaders by getting an early bird ticket before April 13 for the 2025 Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame on May 29 at 5pm. Now in its 10th year, this annual celebration is put on by Junior Achievement Northern and Eastern Ontario and the event is presented by Drain Bros, Alf Curtis Home Improvements, and Peterborough Truss and Floor LTD. Inductees are selected for their lasting contributions to economic development locally. They embody a legacy of excellence, displaying unwavering commitment, leadership, and innovation throughout their illustrious careers. Get your tickets at ja-neo.org.
 
The team at Charlotte Products and Swish Maintenance have been busy celebrating some big milestones. Here’s a shout out to:
- Peter McMurray who just marked 45 years there as a research and development technician
- Ken Fisher, a production mixer who has been with them for 35 Years
- Jennifer Toms, the friendly face and voice of Swish as a receptionist of 35 years
- And production stager Carey Laroche who just celebrated 30 Years
Congrats to all of you for helping make Charlotte and Swish the success they are today.
 
We’re going to keep highlighting businesses making stuff locally. Established in 2021, CAM Containers was founded to address the need for more local distribution of bottles and containers within the Canadian market. CAM is advised by several veterans within the plastic manufacturing industry, as well as the sanitation distribution market, who collectively have over 30 years of experience. With their guidance, CAM is able to navigate through the competitive manufacturing landscape and offer knowledge-based solutions to help meet any customer’s needs.
 

​A big congratulations to Cindy Windover and Harry Pearson on being recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their dedication to community service. The pair were recognized at the Lakefield ReStore as both are long-time volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. Cindy works with Ball Real Estate and is a former board chair and long-time board director with the Chamber of Commerce. Thanks Cindy and Harry for all the hard work you do in our community.

Michelle Fenn has launched a new business – Tech Monkey Education. Michelle is a retired teacher and former innovation and technology consultant who is looking to bring creativity, technology, and innovation to your school. The company works directly with students and educators with a mission to foster skills in media arts while making learning engaging and fun. Tech Monkey offers things like workshops on the basics of creating Claymation stop motion animation and provides tools and instructions for those looking to start a coding club. Find out more at techmonkeyeducation.com.

Want to learn a bit more about what we do at the Chamber of Commerce? Join us for our Annual General Meeting on March 27 at Ashburnham Funeral Home and Reception Centre. Doors open at 8:30am with the AGM starting at 9am. Keynote speaker Daniel Tisch will take the stage around 9:30am. Dan is the President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and will talk about the status of Ontario’s business community, offer insights into our trade dispute with the US, and take questions from local businesses. Get your tickets at pkchamber.ca.

Every week we’re going to highlight things that are made here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Today’s business makes some of our most delicious treats that come in flavours like Cookie Monster, Peanut Butter Pretzel, and Bigfoot. We’re talking about Central Smith, a business that challenges themselves to think beyond the ordinary and lead by imagination as they craft unique ice cream flavours. Central Smith recently launched two new spectacular flavours – Grand Slam and True North Cherry Cheesecake. They are a family-owned business that sources ingredients locally, including fresh cream from Mitchell Ontario and sugar refined in the GTA. You can find them at 739 Lindsay Road in Selwyn.

Are you looking to get the local advantage for your business? The County’s The Local Advantage series is heading to Havelock on March 24 from 8:30am to 12 pm at Havelock Town Hall at 1 Mathison Street West. This monthly drop-in series gives you access to experts in economic development, tourism, and organizations like Community Futures and the Chamber of Commerce. You can get advice and guidance for your business needs, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and get the tools you need for your business to grow and thrive. Find out more at ptbocounty.ca.
 
The Lakefield ReStore is now open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, making it the only ReStore in the region open for Sunday shopping. The store is transforming into a boutique-style shopping experience, featuring antiques, vintage treasures, and unique finds. Every purchase and donation supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable homes in our community. Drop by 3001 Lakefield Road to shop, donate, and make a difference.
 
Looking to improve your social media skills? Smarketing PTBO is collaborating with Peterborough Business Hub to offer a new series of social media workshops. Each workshop includes a section on Canva for beginners, which will guide you through the essential tools of this powerful design platform including how to create eye-catching graphics that captivate your audience. The second part of the workshop focuses on putting the skills to work by creating a month’s worth of tailored social media content. Find out more at smarketingptbo.ca.
 
Given everything going on right now with our neighbours to the south, I’m going to use the Business Beat for the next while to promote businesses making products locally here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
 
Swish is a great local success story. It opened right here in Peterborough in 1956 by Walter Ambler. It’s a family-owned and operated business with 13 locations, 250 employees, and services more than 10,000 customers across Canada. Swish makes a diverse range of cleaning products for your home and business with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. Drop by their Clean-it Centre at 2060 Fisher Drive or shop online at swish.ca.