The Business Beat for the Week of February 26th

A new writing and communications venture is ready to share stories, PPF Group of Companies is making some exciting leadership changes, The Down Syndrome Association is hosting a bowl-a-thon to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, and the Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade in Peterborough-Kawarthas, Port Hope, Northumberland, Clarington, and Trent Hills are partnering to present three workshops

​Donald Fraser is launching a new venture called Around the Fire, a writing and communications business with a focus on storytelling. Community-building is at the core of Donald’s work and he’s looking to work with non-profits, public institutions, and community-based businesses and programs. He will be working with local designers, producers and content creators to present your story. Donald has spent more than two decades telling stories in the community as a writer, communications specialist, social media pioneer, local food promoter, music promoter, and songwriter. You can find him at aroundthefire.ca.

There are some leadership changes at PPF Group of Companies. Elizabeth Teleki is taking on the role of President for the Park Place Advisory pillar of the business, Chris Zelasko is moving to the role of President for the employee benefits firm, and Chad Donnelly is moving into the role of COO for the PPF Group of Companies and remains a partner in the firm. The PPF Group of Companies is a boutique, full-service financial firm with expertise in employee benefits, wealth management, insurance, succession planning, taxation, and estate planning. With offices across Eastern Ontario, the pillars of the business include Peak Benefit Solutions, Park Place Financial, Farm Life and Park Place Advisory.

The Down Syndrome Association is hosting a Bowl-a-thon in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day on Sunday March 24 at 10 am at Lakeview Bowl. This is your chance to support the Down Syndrome Association by sponsoring a lane or donating prizes. Lane sponsors get recognition at the event and some social media promotion in exchange for covering the cost of a team. The association is celebrating their recent move into Alternatives Community Program Services, which is an amazing accessible space and helps to deliver the level of support its members deserve.

The Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade from Peterborough and the Kawarthas, Port Hope, Northumberland, Clarington and Trent Hills and partnering with the Goodman Sustainability Group to offer three workshops. Indigenous Economic Reconciliation will be offered virtually on February 29, How to think, lead and implement sustainability strategies will be April 30 at Dalewood Golf Course in Cobourg, and Leadership trends will be offered virtually on June 27. Find out more at pkchamber.ca.

Joel Wiebe

Author of The Business Beat and Vice President, Government Relations & Communications