Thank You

Enterprise Renfrew County would like to thank eveyone who attended The Bridges To Better Business, "Networking for Success" Event that took place on October 20th, in Renfrew. At this time we also want to thank our sponsors, promotional partners, and entrepreneurs for taking time to attend we would not be able to make the Bridges to Better Business Event the huge success that it is without all of the support.

Enterprise Renfrew County would like to thank all of the members of the panel of local entrepreneurs for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the Bridges to Better Business. For sharing your valuable insights and experiences with eveyone during the question and answer period. Job well done!

Jon Pole - Facilitator

Jon has spent the last 15 years helping independent businesses succeed in small and medium markets. In 2004, as President of MY BROADCASTING CORP. he launched the myFM Radio Brand, and today "myFM" is Canada's fastest growing small market broadcaster with 8 stations across the province.

Louise Hermitte

Louise was born and raised in the Ottawa Valley. After attending Algonquin College in Pembroke she spent 23 years in Alberta with her husband Chris who worked as a funeral director. Many of the job positions Louise held were clerical until 1988 when she became a marketing and sales representative for Toshiba. Twenty years later she’s still doing what she loves to do best - build relationships. After returning to Renfrew County in 2000, Louise and her husband opened a Speedpro Signs franchise in Pembroke. For the last 8 years Louise and Chris have been consistently in the top three stores out of 49 Speedpro's across Canada. Louise is very active in her community and has participated in activities such as, Community’s in Bloom, Women in Business, Chamber of Commerce, Kinette Club and as a Mentor for the Summer Company Program. Louise enjoys gardening, cooking, family, friends, her two dogs and 4 wheeling in the backcountry.

 Shawn Gallant

GallantMEDIA is the Ottawa Valley's premier web, graphic and advertising design company.  We are a team of highly motivated designers, dedicated to providing the best services available in the industry. Our strength is generated from our commitment to our clients, our industry, and our communities.

 
We are sensitive and responsive to our clients' needs and devoted to their satisfaction. We strive to be fair, honest, courteous, and professional in all our dealings.  We understand that as a business professional your time is important to you, that's why we strive to not only provide you with a quality product, but to have it ready for you in a timely fashion.  Visit us at www.gallantmedia.ca

Amy Halko

Amy Halko began her journey in the restaurant business working at The Granary Restaurant in Eganville, where she discovered her desire for cooking. Amy then chose to attend the Culinary Management course at Algonquin College in Ottawa, receiving her Red Seal in 2000. She then finished her apprenticeship with Hans Feldtanzer, of the Rocky Mountain House as Kitchen Manager, at The Rocky Mountain House when the new restaurant opened its doors in Renfrew in 2000. When Hans decided to sell the business in March of 2008, the opportunity arose and Amy made an entrepreneurial decision, to purchase the Restaurant. Along with, The Crown & Kilt Scottish Pub which, offers a large outdoor patio. The hard work of Amy and her staff won the Best All Around Restaurant, Best Family Restaurant, and Best Fish & Chips awards in the 2009 Renfrew Mercury’s Readers’ Choice awards. The Rocky Mountain House and Crown & Kilt Scottish Pub are employers for 36 staff. Come and Catch that “Rocky Mountain Feeling” and experience the difference!

Sheila Kemp

 Sheila Kemp graduated from the University of Toronto in 1982.  She began her pharmacy career working as a retail and hospital pharmacist.   When the opportunity presented in 1999, she purchased Aikenhead’s PharmaChoice.  As a pharmacy owner, she knew that she wanted to specialize and become the pharmacist who patients would look to for current, knowledgeable information and exceptional pharmaceutical care. Sheila began expanding her knowledge base by enrolling in the OPA certification programs and is now certified in Women’s Health (2000), Cardiovascular Patient Care (2001), and Diabetes Patient Care (2004). Sheila is also extensively involved in her community, both as a volunteer and fundraiser.  She is a director of the Renfrew Rotary Club, Bonnechere Manor Foundation and the Renfrew BIA (Business Improvement Area). She is the major sponsor and on the organizing committee for the annual Aikenhead’s Hospice Classic Golf Tournament which supports the operation of Hospice Renfrew. Sheila is also committed to the Renfrew Victoria Hospital through support of the Tree of Lights campaign, the Caring for Tomorrow Charity Golf tournament and long term selling of break open tickets for the Renfrew Victoria Hospital Auxiliary.  She also sponsors many sports teams and players in the area.

Ross Meadows

Ross Meadows’ educational background and experience in the financial industry give him exceptional qualifications to instruct in Algonquin’s Business Diploma Program. Ross is a Professor in the Business Program but is also active in other departments, teaching in the General Arts & Science,

Continuing Education, Police Foundations, and Social Service Worker programs. Ross has an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Psychology, a post-graduate degree in Business Administration, and a Master of Arts degree specializing in International Political Economy and Business.  Ross’ work experience includes financial planning and management positions with Great West Life, Scotiabank/Scotia Securities and a consultant position to

the banking industry.  He currently sits on the Canadian Youth Business Foundation Loans Review Committee for Enterprise Renfrew County and as a Director for the Literacy Plus board.  Ross is also an active entrepreneur running his own successful business The Meadows Unique Decor & Gifts with his wife in Eganville Ontario. The Meadows won the Best New Business Award for 2008 from the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce.