Frontenac County Business Retreat and Awards Ceremony

Sarah Hannon | Nov 23, 2023

Last week the local business community gathered at RKY camp in Parham for the second annual Frontenac County Business Retreat & Awards.

The daylong event provided local business the opportunity to connect, participate in panel discussions covering a variety of topics, and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of local businesses with an awards ceremony.  The second year of the event saw a significant increase in participants and its intent to foster new and existing relationships was a tremendous success.

The day consisted of four “Campfire Chats” covering everything from business support and the benefits of partnerships to the importance of Farmers Markets in our communities and utilization of the Frontenac County Brand Toolkit. 

The presentation of the ToolBrand Kit, based on Frontenac County Tourism Brand Standards offered both guidance and support on how to effectively share your story and included a participation activity that brought forth some creative ideas and a lot of laughs. And being the first “chat” of the day broke the ice setting the stage for fun and productive day. The casual and relaxed atmosphere, set in the stunning main building of RKY camp, not only made for an enjoyable day but provided the opportunity for participants to mingle and converse over refreshments and smores while learning more about each other and the multitude of successful businesses in Frontenac County.

This year attendees were also encouraged to sign up for a table to showcase their business throughout the retreat day allowing those with products and services to reach new audiences. Business owners ranged from farmers, shop owners, accommodation providers and more and there was a true sense of camaraderie among those who operate businesses locally and a desire to continue to grow the local economy.

The day concluded with more networking over a cash bar, hosted by all three local breweries, and an awards presentation. This year there were over 93 businesses nominated for five awards, each representing the rich fabric of entrepreneurs in Frontenac County.

Selected by an independent nomination committee this year’s award recipients received not only recognition from their community and peers but also glass lanterns designed by local artists Waters Edge Pottery depicting the Frontenac Brand.

The 2023 awards winners are:

Business of the Year – Memory Lane Flowers

New Business Award – Grain and Goods

Partnership and Collaboration Award – Clarendon Station

Sustainability Award – Bloom Flower Farm

Women-led Business – Canadian Handywomen

After the awards ceremony everyone slowly filtered out into the parking lot where small groups gathered, engaged in conversation.  The idea is that these conversations will produce lasting connections and relationships that will only increase economic prosperity throughout the region but also continue to strengthen the collaborations that make living and doing business in Frontenac County so successful and rewarding.