​Jennifer Ducker is launching a new business that is the first of its kind in Peterborough. Hair Apothecary, located at 41 Park Street South, is a dedicated pediculosis education, treatment, and support center. Hair Apothecary is committed to providing a safe, stigma-free environment where individuals can access professional lice treatment, nit combs, and expert guidance. They have a focus on education and community support. Jennifer has worked with social services, the I.D.A pharmacy in Peterborough, The  Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough and delivered seminars at the Hiawatha First Nation Family Centre. Now, with the help of a Starter Company Plus grant, she has transformed this space into a welcoming hub for holistic care.
 
The Chamber and Community Futures have assembled a top notch set of speakers for a discussion on Bridging the Divide: Future-Proofing Your Business Against the Effects of US Tariffs. The keynote speaker is Bob Armstrong, president of Armstrong Trade and Logistics Advisory Service and a renowned supply chain expert with more than 50 years of experience. This free event is in partnership with the City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. Join us on Tuesday, March 4 at Market Hall at 140 Charlotte Street. Doors open at 8am and the speakers and panel discussion will get underway at 8:30am.
 
The Kawartha Manufacturers Association is also hosting an event to help businesses deal with trade uncertainty from the US. It’s key that businesses invest in technology to increase their competitiveness to enter new markets with new products. There is an existing program that is ready to be tapped into: Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Credits. Many local companies have been successfully leveraging these for years, while others don't have the internal training to prepare these.  The Kawartha Manufacturers Association in hosting training at Peterborough Matboards on February 28 for the experts to share their knowledge.  For more information contact [email protected].
 
The provincial election is coming up on Thursday, February 27. We hosted a debate on Feb. 18 with your local candidates where we focused on business issues. Look for it on YourTV or shared on social media by event partners Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, Peterborough and The Kawarthas Home Builders Association, Central Lakes Association of Realtors, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, and Peterborough and District Construction Association.

​Kim Robichaud is opening a new barbershop in Norwood. She has been cutting hair for more than 15 years and exclusively barbering for four years. Now she’s opening Lefty’s Barbershop at 2361 County Road 45. She offers a full suite of barbering services, including haircuts, beard trims, and straight razor shaves. Kim specializes in scissor cuts, beard work, and kids cuts. She loves barber work and the atmosphere around it. Drop by Lefty’s in Norwood and see what Kim can do to give you a new look.
 
Fleming College is sending the next generation of leaders to Mississauga for the Central Region Enactus Exposition March 5 and 6. The Fleming team will represent the college in four Impact Challenges: Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability, Desjardins Youth Empowerment, TD Entrepreneurship and Enactus Alumni Innovation and Impact. Each presentation is five minutes long. Enactus is a global student platform that encourages college and university students to get involved in community projects and to create social enterprises. The team is looking for sponsorship to help cover costs of heading to the national competition in Calgary in May and possibly the world event in Bangkok in September.
 
The Tiffany Show is putting on an International Women’s Day Party on March 8 from 11am to 2 pm at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. Come out to this free event and hear the stories of four amazing local women. There are 200 swag bags for attendees and 50 prizes for a game show style giveaway. There will be a cash bar, snacks, activities, live art, and self care demos like massages and manicures. Find out more at thetiffanyshow.ca.
 
The business park at Peterborough Regional Airport is growing. Canadian Flight Academy will start building their new facility this year, creating 50 local jobs and generating $20 million in economic activity. The airport is home to more than 20 businesses employing about 500 people. The Canadian Flight Academy will provide enhanced flight training services. The company started as Toronto Airways with flight training in Buttonville in 1963 before purchasing Oshawa-based Canadian Flight Academy in 1998. 

 Trent Valley Honda is celebrating 50 years in business here in the community. This family-founded business has grown and become a pillar in the local business community since getting its start in 1975. To mark the occasion, Monika Carmichael and the team at Trent Valley Honda are pledging to give back to 50 local charities as a thank you to the community that has supported them over the decades. This includes a $10,000 donation to Junior Achievement for their 10 for 10 initiative, empowering youth through financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurial education.
 
Escape Maze has a busy winter planned. There’s a brand-new escape room called The Candy Factory, which opens for booking starting February 15. Old-timey photos are back for a limited one-week run starting Family Day. After that there’s a March Break camp for kids, a paint and escape special event, and jigsaw puzzle competition and much more. Escape Maze is also putting in a disc golf course and is looking for hole sponsors. Find out more at escapemaze.ca or drop by 156 Cedar Bank Road just south of Peterborough.
 
There are still a few days left to check out the Chocolate Creations Festival in Lakefield. Hosted by the Lakefield Village Lions Club, you can discover some delicious and creative chocolate-themed treats around town and help crown the ultimate Chocolate Champions. Taste, enjoy, and cast your vote for your favorites in Food, Drink, and Creativity. You have until February 18 to sample some sweet goods from local shops, restaurants, cafes, and bakeries.
 
There’s a provincial election underway and the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is putting business issues to the forefront with two events. There’s a Coffee with the Candidates event on Thursday, February 13 at the Lakefield Community Centre at the arena from 9 to 10am. There will also be an all candidates debate on Tuesday, February 18 from 7 to 8:30 pm at Market Hall. The focus will be on local business issues and all are welcome at these free events.