​Business Beat May 13
 
PPF Group of Companies have launched a new HR division — PPF Growth and People Solutions. Led by President Kimberly Callaghan, the firm will partner with organizations to design, support, and grow thriving and empowered businesses with engaged and inspired people. The company will focus on identifying pain points and tailoring solutions to support clients in achieving productivity and performance effectiveness, transforming their businesses by fostering a culture of continuous growth, innovation and a commitment to human-centric values and needs. Additional services include customized cloud-based solutions that are scalable, accessible, and impactful, meeting the needs of clients and enabling their skills, knowledge, and capabilities. 
 
Green Economy Peterborough is holding their annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards on May 16 at the McDonnel Street Activity Centre. Doors open at 5:15 pm and the celebrations begin at 6 pm. This networking and celebration event will showcase local business leaders prioritizing the environment in their operations and business practices. There will be a short presentation from Professor Stephen Hill of Trent University on his new book, Sustainable Energy Transitions in Canada.
 
Le Boat has officially opened in the Peterborough area. This Europe-based luxury vessel and houseboat rental company is kicking off a new Trent-Severn Waterway tour destination based out of Peterborough offering an opportunity to tour 386 km of rivers, lakes, and canals that make up the waterway. Le Boat now has scenic boat rental opportunities in Belgium, France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Scotland, Italy, Germany, and Canada. They have been in the business for 50 years and have experience helping you plan your dream boating adventure.
 
Get your tickets for the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame 2024 awards on May 23. Tickets include not only an awards ceremony, but delicious culinary stations from local restaurants like Hanoi House, Fresh Dreams, La Mesita, Curry Village, Railyard, and That’s a Wrap. This year’s event will honour Tim Barrie, John Cunningham, Gwyneth James, Richard Labelle, Jill and Robert Staples, Jeannine Taylor, Nicole Truman, Cora Whittington, and the team at Winslow Gerolamy Motors.
 

Business Beat May 6 
There’s a new flower shop opening at 387 Water Street in downtown Peterborough called Sweet Fern Floral Studio. It opened officially on May 3. They are a full-service florist specializing in premium floral design. They do walk-in shopping as well as pickup and delivery in Peterborough and the surrounding area. Services include everyday florals, sympathy florals, wedding floral services, and event florals. Drop by the new shop in downtown Peterborough or go online to sweetfernfloralstudio.com to see what they have to offer and order your next arrangement.  
 
A big congratulations to the winners of the Peterborough County 2024 Community Recognition Awards. While there are too many well-deserving winners to list here, I’m going to highlight this year’s Business Leadership Award winners: 
• Asphodel-Norwood – Sweetheart’s Bakery, The Knockout and Dead Man’s Brew - all owned by Sara and Andrew Scott 
• Cavan Monaghan – Millbrook Mercantile – Bernadette MacNeil 
• Douro-Dummer – Molly Conlin Design & Drafting 
• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – ZK Excavating Ltd. – Zack Johnston 
• North Kawartha – The Grape and Wedge 
• Otonabee-South Monaghan – Wesnor Inc dba Trailers Plus – Zoran Albert 
• Selwyn – The Chocolate Rabbit 
 
A growing local retailer is being recognized on the national stage at the annual Retail Council of Canada Excellence in Retailing Awards. Friendly Fires has been recognized in the best eCommerce experience for a retailer category. Other finalists for the awards include large national brands like Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons, and Walmart. Friendly Fires have shipped more than 100,000 individual fireplace and barbecue parts since launching online. Their online experience is closely integrated with their physical retail stores.  
 
Stylish Fit Alterations and Tailoring now has two locations in Peterborough -- 871 Chemong Road Unit 12 and 948 Weller Street. They offer men’s wear as well as alterations to make all your clothing fit. They specialize in Bridal and bridesmaid alterations, formal wear, leather and suede, zipper and button replacements, and more.  ​