Village of Markdale

Visit the Chamber of Commerce Tourist Information booth. WINTER HOURS: Thursday & Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Olde Firehall, 19 Toronto St. N. Markdale. N0C 1H0.

Advertise your community event on the Village of Markdale web site - email the details to the Markdale Chamber.

Area Chambers Seek Volunteer Help with Survey

Jan. 8, 2010 - The New Year has brought with it an important local community development project.

A Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Study project is now underway within the municipality of Grey Highlands. Coordinated by the Markdale Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Flesherton & District Chamber of Commerce, the municipality of Grey Highlands, OMAFRA and the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), the study will survey businesses across the municipality to see how the local business climate might be improved to help retain and expand existing businesses.

“Our leadership team has met and we are moving forward to get this project going to meet a spring deadline for completion,” said Charmaine Peever, Chair of the BR&E Leadership Team. “I was really impressed with the training we received from OMAFRA in December. Now we are looking for volunteers to help us meet with our local businesses to conduct the survey.”

The Markdale and Flesherton Chambers are working jointly on this project, with members from both Chambers sitting on the BR&E Leadership Team. Municipal councillors Lynn Silverton & Stewart Halliday both volunteered to sit on the team as well. SEDC Project Manager Dave Barrett is also on the team.

“We are very lucky to have these volunteers on our BR&E Leadership Team,” said Doug Crawford, President of the Markdale Chamber. “Now we need to find more volunteers with professional business background to assist us in surveying over 50 local businesses in the next two months. This is a great opportunity to build partnerships within our community.”

Survey volunteers will be trained by an OMAFRA representative on January 22nd at 1 p.m. in the Grey Agricultural Services boardroom. They will then be paired into teams of two people and matched with businesses to survey. The time commitment of volunteers depends on the number of surveys each person decides to take on – about 6 to 12 hours. Chamber members will be asking folks to participate. Volunteers will be recognized in the final report for the study. Businesses will be chosen at random for the survey.

Interested individuals who support this community development initiative are invited to contact the Markdale Chamber at 519-986-4612 to get involved or email markdalechamber@cablerocket.com.

Funding for the project is provided under a new Community Futures Rural Development Fund Internship Program. Funding is made available through the Economic Stimulus Plan and is administered by the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), a Community Futures Development Corporation funded by Industry Canada through FedDev.

This regional Community Futures Development Corporation provides business advisory and investment services; market research and business planning resources; coordinates the SCOBE and STARS business awards; administers federal grant and loan programs; conducts and publishes regional studies on a variety of economic development topics and organizes special projects like Careers in Community Health Care.

More information on their projects is available at www.sbdc.ca or by calling 1-877-335-7332.

Please download the following for more information:

Area Chambers Plan Business Retention & Expansion Survey

Dec. 10, 2009 - Despite the recession, local business groups and government agencies are working together to study, maintain and expand the local economy.

The Markdale Chamber of Commerce will take the lead in the coming months to coordinate a Business Retention and Expansion survey throughout the municipality of Grey Highlands.

Working in partnership with the Flesherton & District Chamber of Commerce, the municipality, the Ministry of Agriculture Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation, the Chamber will survey random businesses throughout Grey Highlands to access the current business climate, seek ways to best retain businesses and determine expansion opportunities in the area.

“This is an excellent way to get our two Chambers working together with the local businesses to create some economic and community development tools,” said Markdale Chamber President Doug Crawford. “We’ve been looking for ways to enhance our local business climate through the formation of an Economic & Cultural Development Committee and this BR&E project will give us a good start.”

The Markdale and Flesherton Chambers have been working jointly on updating a municipal business directory. This has improved relations between the two non-profit groups and has them looking at the potential to merge into one municipal-wide organization.

“Our coordinator has been working hard applying for funding and keeping us moving forward,” said Crawford. The Chamber office in the Olde Firehall is now open year-round to assist visitors, residents and businesses with a variety of local information, resources and benefits. “The better we all work together, the better it is for everyone across Grey Highlands’ community of communities.”

The Chamber is currently preparing for the survey, which will be conducted in early 2010. A Leadership Team is being formed with representatives from the partners and will determine local questions to add in to the OMAFRA survey. Volunteer visitors to work with businesses collecting survey information are being sought from local organizations like the Rotary Club of Markdale.

Interested individuals are invited to contact the Chamber at 519-986-4612 to get involved or email markdalechamber@cablerocket.com.

Funding for the project is provided under a new Community Futures Rural Development Fund Internship Program. The federal economic development fund is administered by the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). This regional Community Futures Development Corporation provides business advisory and investment services; market research and business planning resources; coordinates the SCOBE and STARS business awards; administers federal grant and loan programs; conducts and publishes regional studies on a variety of economic development topics and organizes special projects like Careers in Community Health Care.

More information on their projects is available at www.sbdc.ca or by calling 1-877-335-7332.

Local Businesses Recognizes Stars

TOP ‘O THE ROCK HITS A PEAK:

Owner Debbie Clarke receives the 2008 STARS in business Award for Company of the Year (under 15 employees) from award sponsor TD Canada Trust’s Sandy VanDongen.

The ladies are flanked by two RCMP Constables who were on hand for the October gala evening. Clarke owns the Eugenia business, which expanded and opened a new building recently.

SIDEKICKS A SUPER HERO:

Sidekicks Café owner JD Daly (in bow tie) receives his STARS in business Corporate Citizen of the Year award from award sponsor Mayor Mike Broomhead of the Wellington North Economic Development Committee. The gentlemen are flanked by RCMP officers, on hand as ushers for the gala event in October.

JD is known in Markdale for fundraising and supporting a wide variety of local charities, including Cops for Cancer, which has seen him shave his own head more than once for a good cause.

FOODLAND SERVICE EXCELLENCE:

Markdale Foodland owner Doug Crawford (at right of group to left of RCMP) and some of his staff celebrated receiving the Customer Service Excellence award at the October STARS in business gala in Arthur. The RCMP attended to provide usher service at the event.

Crawford and his excellent staff are known in the Markdale community for going above and beyond to assist their customers.

ORGANIC GROWING:

Two RCMP officers flank Sean McGivern (left) and award sponsor representative from Union Gas as Sean received the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award at the October 2008 STARS in business awards gala in Arthur.

The Markdale Chamber nominated Sean’s business Grassroots Organics for the award after Manager Kate Russell toured the Desboro business in the spring of 2008 with Grey Tourism’s familiarization tour. The 27-year-old established and runs his own organics company, which grows and mills organic grains and retails a wide variety of organic products.

Community volunteering support from Trillium

MARKDALE: Community volunteerism got another shot in the arm in the Municipality of Grey Highlands with the successful application for funds from the Ontario Trillium Foundation by the Markdale Chamber of Commerce.
“This grant will support the further development of the volunteer community in the area,” said Chamber President Teresa Pascoe. “We are continuing to support the online volunteer registry we created earlier this year and will be working with local volunteer groups on training and providing a resource centre for local volunteers.”

The Markdale Chamber of Commerce has an office in the Olde Firehall in the village downtown and operates a community and tourism information booth there. The grant funding of $41,600 over 12 months will enhance the information office with a resource centre for volunteers. It will also see four volunteer training sessions held over the next year, to network volunteers together and create support and planning for established volunteers to help new people get into the community spirit and volunteer as well.

“I’m pleased that Trillium is providing support and assistance to our businesses. The Markdale Chamber of Commerce is the voice of local business and this money will help to further their efforts in the community,” said Bill Murdoch, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.

Two new cultural events to add to existing events will also be created – one has already started with the new “Arts by Eugenia Falls” event as part of the Gold Rush Days in early July. This event drew artists out to demonstrate and show their works as well as a new children’s art workshop, where local and visiting children created art in the natural setting at the Eugenia Falls Conservation area. A second event in Flesherton will be developed in cooperation with local businesses and volunteer groups there.

“We really wanted to expand our volunteer reach to the entire municipality,” said Chamber manager and grant project coordinator Kate Russell. “The Chamber began the Grey Highlands Volunteer Support Initiative last year, this will continue and expand on that work and support local groups to build the strength of their volunteer base.”

The Chamber will be offering reduced membership rates to local non-profit and volunteer organizations as well as continue an annual volunteer recognition event, held in partnership with the municipality in the spring. For more information, contact the Chamber at 519-986-4612.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. The Foundation allocates grants to eligible charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the arts and culture, environment, human and social services and sports and recreation sectors. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.

Trillium Cheque Presentation

VOLUNTEERS GET SUPPORT: The Markdale Chamber of Commerce has received a Trillium Foundation grant of $41,600 in support of local volunteerism. The grant will assist with the creation of two new cultural events in Grey Highlands, a volunteer resource centre and training sessions.

Here presenting the cheque and recognition plaques are (l to r) Grey Highlands Mayor Brian Mullin, Chamber President Teresa Pascoe, Trillium Grant Review Team volunteer Liz Chalmers and Bruce Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Murdoch. Volunteers are encouraged to contact the Chamber for information on how to get involved in the project. Photo by Kate Russell

Wolf Dog Showing a Success

It was standing room only for some of the showings of Wolf Dog, the 1958 “made in Markdale” movie. The screenings took place at the Mix Tap & Grill in downtown Markdale during the popular Cruise Night on July 6, 2007.
The screenings, held to raise awareness of the need to restore the Olde Firehall in downtown Markdale drew many local residents out to see the way the town looked in the 50s, identify old friends who were “extras” in the movie and generally have a social night out on the town.

A new watercolour painting by local artist Richard McNaughton was on display, as well as a 1976 photo of a number of former Chief’s of the Markdale Volunteer Fire Department. Also, an architect’s sketch of the potential redevelopment of the Olde Firehall was on hand for people to see. These documents will soon be on display at the Olde Firehall on weekends in the old garage.

Surveys were taken of people in attendance to inquire if they are interested in seeing the Olde Firehall restored, and whether they are willing to support fundraising efforts. Over $260 was donated during the day towards restoring the Olde Firehall.

For more information on the project, call the Chamber office at 519-986-4612.

"Wolf Dog” The Movie Made in Markdale

View "The Movie Made in Markdale" presentation
(this presentation is 1.2MB and may take a few minutes to download on a dial-up connection)

2007 Cruise Night a Success!

On July 6th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.the Main Street of Markdale was host to 143 classic cars and their owners for the annual Cruise Night. This popular event drew crowds of people for the music, the prizes, the cars and the Bavarian Gardens at the Mix Tap & Grill, where the “made in Markdale movie” Wolf Dog showed three times to standing room only crowds.

Larger than in previous years, the Chamber organized to close two of the town’s streets abutting the Main Street to allow more cars to be involved. Sponsors Neverest Auto and AutoLogic provided gift bags for all the participants, and some local businesses donated door prizes as well.
The Cruise Night welcome was attended by Grey Highlands Mayor Brian Mullin and MPP Bill Murdoch, who spoke briefly to the crowd. The kick-off for the 8th Annual Ice cream Festival was also held at Cruise Night, with the 2007 Honourary Citizen Award going to Dick Kavanagh.
Plans are already in the works for the 2008 event – to get involved contact the Chamber at 519-986-4612.

5th Annual Cruise Night - July 6th, 2007

Olde Firehall Restoration Project Update - July 2007

Olde Firehall opens for artist

Come and visit the Olde Firehall in downtown Markdale on Fridays and weekends for the rest of the summer as local artist Richard McNaughton paints and displays his popular watercolour building portraits.
As part of the Olde Firehall fundraising awareness campaign, Richard will paint at the front garage of the Olde Firehall and display the painting of the building he completed for the project.
The Chamber of Commerce also hopes to develop some post cards of the building to sell to raise money for a restoration project.
The popular 1958 “made in Markdale movie” Wolf Dog may also be shown again in the fall to continue the awareness campaign.
Watch this space for more details or call the Chamber office at 986-4612.

The Burnside Parkette Update - June 2007

The Burnside Parkette opened last year with the Markdale Chamber’s Ice Cream Festival Cruise Night downtown, with many dignitaries in attendance. This year, the Parkette will see some excitement during the Cruise Night on July 6th with the annual Ice Cream Festival Honorary Citizen of the Year award ceremonies, entertainment and demonstrations.

Parkette

Tell us what you think!

Email the Chamber of Commerce at
markdalechamber@cablerocket.com if you have any suggestions on how to stop the damage being done to our community.

Advertise your community event on the Village of Markdale web site

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E-mail the details to the Markdale Chamber

Chamber of Commerce Member Benefits

The Markdale & District Chamber of Commerce's an organization designed to promote and improve trade and commerce, and the economic, civic and social welfare of Markdale and the surrounding community of Grey Highlands. We represent manufacturing, retailing, service, medical and professional groups, as well as home based businesses.

Member Benefits Include:

Significantly reduced merchant banking rates through TD Bank
Business listing and expanded personalized web page on the village website
Access to top quality group rate insurance plan
Discounted prices on Markdale Souvenirs

And more.... fill out our online membership application today!

Someone has said "Small Business defines the soul of a community….." and as a representative of this small business community we welcome your expertise!

Community Calendar

Contacts noted are Grey Highlands Event Network members

March 2010

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Events in the next month:

Tue - Sep 07 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM		Child's Play Exhibit South Grey Museum summer exhibit celebrates Children's toys from 1850 - 1950. Open May - August. May dates museum open Thursdays to Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. June to August - Tuesdays to Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wed - Sep 08 10:00 AM - 4:00 AM		Child's Play Exhibit South Grey Museum summer exhibit celebrates Children's toys from 1850 - 1950. Open May - August. May dates museum open Thursdays to Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. June to August - Tuesdays to Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Fri - Sep 10 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM		Markdale Farmers' Market Weekly Farmers' Market at Olde Firehall downtown Markdale. Runs from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Vendor space available to direct from the farm producers. Call 519-986-4612 for details.
Wed - Sep 15 10:00 AM - 4:00 AM		Child's Play Exhibit South Grey Museum summer exhibit celebrates Children's toys from 1850 - 1950. Open May - August. May dates museum open Thursdays to Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. June to August - Tuesdays to Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Fri - Sep 17 -- Sat - Sep 18		Feversham Fall Fair Many events at this traditional fall fair. Contact Carol at 519-922-1572 for details.
Fri - Sep 17 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM		Markdale Farmers' Market Weekly Farmers' Market at Olde Firehall downtown Markdale. Runs from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Vendor space available to direct from the farm producers. Call 519-986-4612 for details.
Fri - Sep 24 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM		Markdale Farmers' Market Weekly Farmers' Market at Olde Firehall downtown Markdale. Runs from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Vendor space available to direct from the farm producers. Call 519-986-4612 for details.
Sat - Sep 25		Rocklyn Fall Fair Rocklyn Fall Fair.
Fri - Oct 01 -- Sun - Oct 03		Autum Leaves Studio Tour See www.autumnleavesstudiotour.ca
Fri - Oct 01 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM		Markdale Farmers' Market Weekly Farmers' Market at Olde Firehall downtown Markdale. Runs from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Vendor space available to direct from the farm producers. Call 519-986-4612 for details.