“When I moved to Orillia in the fall there was nothing I dreaded more than searching for work. I was laid-off at the onset of the pandemic and had struggled with depression; I could not imagine being happy or helpful in any environment. My employment coach, Katie, provided the guidance and support I needed to…
Apparently, Paul Sheridan needs lots of time to work on his golf game. Luckily, thanks to the Orillia Area CDC’s BizLink program, Sheridan will soon have lots of time to do just that. A few years ago, with the help of the BizLink Program, Sheridan started trying to sell his business, Sheridan Seating, in earnest.…
Dean and Roseanne Beers are retired and loving it. The long-time owners of Orillia’s Floor Fashion Centre handed over the keys to the kingdom to former store manager, Nicole Smith, on January 1, 2022. With the help of the Orillia Area CDC, the transition has been seamless and practically painless. “My wife and I were…
Mario was recently hired by Orillia Drywall as a new comer to Orillia, and to Canada. Pathways to Employment has provided both essential equipment and training support for Mario to begin a new career in his new country of choice in the Drywall industry. Since Maurice Purkiss brought the drywall trade to Orillia in the…
“After completing my schooling in 2020, I struggled finding a career during a global pandemic. I was applying to every job related to HR without hearing anything, not even a rejection notice. I was starting to give up on finding something in my chosen field when I learned about this program. Pathways to employment…
In late 2021, the Orillia Area CDC ‘s Community Capacity Building Fund approved $26,500 in grants to support local projects that improve opportunities for growth and/or success within an organization/business. Of the 42 applications submitted, 12 businesses rose to the top. Proposals showcased projects that are collaborative, innovative, and address local needs and priorities, resulting…
“I was teetering on the edge but wasn’t ready to fail. What we’re doing here is too important; we’re helping to keep people sane, giving them an outlet, and helping them take care of their health.” This is how Matt Spencer, owner of CrossFit Orillia, located at 7 Progress Drive, described his situation when faced…
Changing of the Garnet is owned and operated by Susie Maurice. She currently employs 2 youth from the Pathways to Employment Program. Susie has a passion for educating like-minded stylists and training young individuals with an interest in hairdressing. Susie has struggled with anxiety and depression since she was 9 years old. She understands the hurdles…
Vettä Nordic Spa Founder and President Eric Harkonen has a passion for Finland, his Finnish heritage, and the Finnish lifestyle. So much so, that he has brought a big piece of that experience to Horseshoe Valley, for everyone to enjoy. Vettä Nordic Spa offers thermal therapy and an authentic Finnish experience with its impressive hot…
“DWN Craft Chocolatier is a new business and in order to grow, I needed some help. Participating in the Youth Employment Program has allowed me to pass along my production duties so that I could focus on building the business. It has also allowed me to teach the craft of being a chocolatier. Traditional…
