The recipient of the Kawartha Chamber’s 2019 Tourism/Hospitality Excellence Award is The Kawartha Buttertart Factory!

Their nominator notes, “I have yet to be there at a time when people weren’t regularly coming
in the door.” Hundreds and hundreds, from near and very far, have found Warsaw due to their
15 kinds of delicious butter tarts, apple fritters and many other goodies. Regular clientele enjoy
the friendly atmosphere and use it as a local coffee shop. In peak season they bake more than
100 dozen tarts a day; prepared onsite, from scratch, and by hand, “just like grandma did.” (more…)

The recipient of the Kawartha Chamber’s 2019 Entrepreneur Innovation award is Entomo Farms.

Being the first edible insect company in North America, this family run business in Norwood
caused a paradigm shift in normalizing insects as a food ingredient. Driven by the benefits to
human health and the health of the planet, they now provide nearly 50 companies worldwide
with cricket powder to use in their own products, and Loblaws sells it under their PC label.
There is almost no waste produced since the castings are even used as a natural fertilizer. (more…)

The recipient of the Kawartha Chamber’s 2019 Service Sector Excellence Award is Whelan’s Flooring Centre.

Family owned for over 45 years, they shine at non-standard services and making things right if
something goes wrong. Service begins with an in-home visit at no cost or obligation. Detailed
discussion ensures informed decisions are made. Fifteen installation teams are headed by
master technicians with the support of apprentices. More than 1600 residential, commercial
and restoration installations were completed in 2018 and there is follow up on every project.

(more…)

Griffin’s Greenhouses is the Kawartha Chamber’s 2019 Retailer of the Year.

2018 saw an increase of 10% in sales and a sizable profitability increase. The industry standard
is 75% of sales in May and June but they have pared this to 60% by keeping customers coming
in typically quiet months. Merchandising is fresh and on trend for the season. A beautiful and
informative biweekly e-newsletter has a readership of over 3000. They grow 75% of what they
sell and only stock zone appropriate plants. Staff are trained to help all levels of gardeners. (more…)

The recipient of the Kawartha Chamber’s 2019 Not-for-Profit Excellence Award is the Lakefield Literary Festival!

Lakefield’s literary heritage has been celebrated for 25 years while showcasing Canadian
authors and promoting the joy of reading. With a reputation for excellence the Festival and its
hometown have become known to literary enthusiasts and authors throughout the country.
Entirely volunteer run this incorporated non-profit has a broad base of partners, vibrant online
presence and full range of policies. Many of the 100 volunteers have been involved from the
beginning. (more…)