The Business Beat for the Week of February 10th

 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.