​Business Beat July 15
 
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and Kawarthas has three new board directors: Waun Broderick, Jan d’Ailly, and Kelly Hagen. The organization is celebrating 20 years propelling growth and entrepreneurship in the region and is at a pivotal point as it reinvents its approach through a new strategic transformation. The three new board members bring skills the organization is looking for as it moves forward, reflecting its commitment to building a prominent and vibrant centre for the incubation and commercialization of innovation to support the needs of companies, partners, and the ecosystem. 
 
Dr J’s BBQ and Brews is heading to the lake. After 10 years downtown in the historic Montreal House at the corner of Aylmer and King streets, Dr. J’s is moving to Bridgenorth on the grounds of its sister restaurant, Chemong Lodge, at the corner of Hatton Avenue and Hunter Street. It’s a seamless transition for catering customers and now dining out on their amazing barbecue comes with a lakeside view eight minutes north of Peterborough. Downtown Peterborough will be missing the smell of barbecue.
 
The Local Show, hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce at Lansdowne Place, is back on Saturday, September 14 from 10am to 6pm. The Local Show is the perfect event for new residents, students, and those considering relocation or retirement to this picturesque region. As you explore the exhibition, you'll have the opportunity to discover unique offerings from local businesses. Booths are still available for businesses looking to meet new customers as we expect about 14,000 people to pass through the mall that day. Visit pkchamber.ca for more information.
 
Peterborough hosted US Consul General Baxter Hunt last week, providing an opportunity to showcase what our community has to offer for American visitors and business investment. This visit included a discussion on growing businesses, local investment, and strengthening the economic relationship between Peterborough and U.S companies, hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce at the new Canadian Canoe Museum location. The event included Mayor Jeff Leal, Warden Bonnie Clark, and a diverse group of local businesses.
 

​Business Beat July 8
 
Carin' Crystals is now open in Bobcaygeon. The shop is located at 232 Main Street on the east side of the Shell station. Owner Karen Francis officially launched her new business on June 8. She carries rocks, minerals, fossils and crystals, including spheres, towers, tumbles and raw. She has one-of-a-kind gifts and home décor ranging from more affordable items to high-end. Drop by and you’re sure to find something unique.
 
After seven years, Erin Watson, co-founder of Watson and Lou, is passing the torch to new owner Katie Küntz. Watson started the shop with Anna Eidt back in 2017 with their mutual love for contemporary art and design. Their objective has been to host a creative shop that helps local artists and makers reach a wider audience, invites people to try new skills, and helps people find unique items to brighten someone's day while also investing in the local creative community.
 
Looking for entrepreneurial expertise and support to start or grow your business? Community Futures is taking on the local Business Advisory Centre services, offering access to funding and advisory services all in one location. This includes delivering Small Business Enterprise Centre programs and offering the popular Starter Company Plus. These services had previously been offered by Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development. Community Futures is a not-for-profit organization that offers flexible financial support for small businesses. You can find them at Venture North at 270 George Street North.
 
There’s a tasty new option in Peterborough’s west end. Ghost Taco has opened at 110 Chandler Crescent. Dine in, take out, or get it delivered. Ghost Taco started as a pop-up after the pandemic forced their events business to close. Right from the start they’ve been inundated with orders. They took two years to perfect their menu and are now building an empire of chef-inspired tacos with quality ingredients. They currently have locations in Newmarket, Maple, and Peterborough with another location coming soon in Whitby. 

​Kitchens Depot and the Original Flame are partnering together on an expanded and shared 5,000 square foot showroom. This one-of-a-kind showroom will feature fully functioning custom kitchens, bathrooms, and fireplaces to offer a whole luxury home experience. The showroom is at 810 Rye Street and will open this month. The Original Flame offers full-service fireplace and wood stove installation and finishing. Kitchens Depot brings 25 years of experience in the kitchen and bathroom industry.
 
100 Acre Brewing has a new beer called Perennial, a haskap fruit ale. It’s a seasonal fruit ale inspired by experimentation and seasonal ingredients. It features Peterborough’s renowned Red Fife Wheat and haskap berries from local farms, resulting in a stunning ruby-coloured beer brimming with natural fruit notes and light acidity. Perennial is a must-try this summer season. 100 Acre Brewing is a family operated farmhouse brewery located on a 100-acre homestead property at 390 Ashburnham Drive.
 
Dreams of Beans, a fixture on Hunter Street for nearly three decades, is on the move. The new location will still be in downtown Peterborough but will re-open in the former Whistle Stop Café location at the corner of Charlotte and George streets. Owner Andrew MacGregor is looking to grow the business and expand hot meal offerings. Dreams of beans offers quality coffee and food with a commitment to fair trade coffee beans and paying a living wage.
 
Ashley Woollacott, owner of Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness, will be returning to both Little Lake and Stoney Lake for stand up paddleboard yoga for the first time since the pandemic. Ashley has been teaching stand up paddleboard for 8 years now and originally began providing classes on Little Lake. She will also continue offering lessons on Chemong Lake. Summer Soul offers a variety of services and has a studio at 394 George Street North in Peterborough. Find out more or book your class at summersoul.ca.