Another province begins to loosen regulations and prime the economy for a long return to health. Strict guidelines stay in place–the ones we have all been indoctrinated to follow. The Ontario government is allowing certain businesses and workplaces to reopen as long as they comply. Those permitted to start up include seasonal businesses and some … Continue reading
Category Archives: Business
How My “Non-Essential” Retail Shop Found Life Online
By Elizabeth Hess for theWedge.LIVE For the past 15 years, I have been self-employed in the horticulture industry. It has been the best journey that I have undertaken for myself and for my family. I started as a small garden design business and evolved very quickly towards a design-build firm. At the start of my … Continue reading
All Businesses on Notice with Local Launch of Amazon
By theWedge.LIVE Articles in print, announcements on the airwaves and social media are abuzz with Amazon’s sparkling, new distribution centre just east of Ottawa in Carlsbad Springs. They actually fulfilled their first order in July. They didn’t launch on time but rather, early. So Amazon-like surprising us with speed. OttawaMatters.com just went live with this … Continue reading
Linton Shock Felt Around The World and especially, Smiths Falls
By MAGGIE M, Publisher, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE As I began my daily ritual, reading the printed word on the front porch at 7am, fog had settled in. An odd morning for July. It was a sign. It was a metaphor for the future of Canopy Growth. The news of the termination of its great leader, Bruce … Continue reading
Canopy Zigzags Toward Big Growth
By MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE It was moments before midnight on Valentine’s Day when the widely awaited earnings missive from Canopy Growth arrived in our mailboxes–all sixteen pages. I read the good news. Top line revenues were impressive with the lion’s share coming from domestic recreational buyers. Canopy’s third quarter sales exceeded expectations–by 282%. … Continue reading
World Needs More Break-Ups
By Maggie M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE I woke this morning to an article extolling the virtues of mergers with ten recommendations. I almost spit my coffee. The first and most revolting acquisition recommended by Marketwatch writer, Jeff Reeves, was Amazon of Netflix. Let me make myself perfectly clear. The business world needs break-ups, not mergers–especially … Continue reading
Tobi Lutke : “Friction is the only thing in the way”
By MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-in-Chief, theWedge.LIVE Amen Tobi! I was thrilled to hear one of Canada’s leading digital creators, Founder of Shopify, Tobi Lutke, speak one little word that identifies the obstacle to success. The word is “friction.” It’s not a new word in tech. But it is the crux of the problem. Friction. I … Continue reading
Maggie M Up Close with Bruce Linton
By Maggie M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 💚 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper-right column. TO COMMENT click upper-right of story. One man is on an amazing journey that brings him to the doorstep of most nations. He is Bruce Linton, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Canopy Growth and Tweed … Continue reading
More Bragging Rights For Smiths Falls : le boat First Year Report
By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 💙 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper-right column. TO COMMENT go to upper-right of story There was a calm and congenial atmosphere in Smiths Falls’ sparkling Welcome Centre last night. The town has been reveling in its good fortune of late. This evening … Continue reading
Canopy grows. And Bruce Linton Moments : Webisode 2
By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 🌱 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper right column. TO COMMENT go to upper right of story Bruce Linton, Chairman of Canopy Growth and Tweed, continues to be shared by the wedge in a time-release format. Every moment with the man is data-rich … Continue reading
Visionary Retailers in Smiths Falls and Perth Who Will Survive
By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 👗 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper-right column. TO COMMENT go to upper-right text link I am thrilled by the success of this 31 year-old retail store in Smiths Falls, Marianne Style! I asked owner, John Wakim today, “Can you handle any more … Continue reading
Two Downsize For Growth : Dawn Quinn and Lindsey McFadden
By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 🧡 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper-right column. TO COMMENT click text upper-right of story I know my headline sounds like a “jumbo shrimp” oxymoron. Humor this writer. Two established women are unwittingly making the same moves. Uncannily, they are neighbors at Davidson … Continue reading
KACHING! First Main Street Sales Receipt for Cannabis in Canada
By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE ☀️ TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper-right column. TO COMMENT go to upper-right of story. The Tweed shop swung its doors open at one minute past midnight, October 17th, 2018–in St. John’s, Newfoundland. This moment ushered in the first main street sale of … Continue reading
Getting to know Bruce Linton
By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 💚 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper-right column. TO COMMENT go to upper right of story. Bruce Linton is on fire. Just over a year ago he was “panhandling investors” (his words.) Today, Canopy Growth’s valuation continues to climb. Last time I heard, … Continue reading
Cornwall Woman Cleans Up With Lifelong Dream
By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE ❤️ TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper-right column. TO COMMENT click upper right of story I drove up to the rear of a pale metal-clad industrial building on a clammy, humid–perhaps the last–hot afternoon of the summer. As I crossed the threshold my … Continue reading
Bruce Almighty
By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, theWedge.LIVE 💚 TO SHARE click icons at story’s end. TO SUBSCRIBE go to upper right column. TO COMMENT click text at upper right of story. TO TRANSLATE in your language go to upper right column. “It’s at $9 billion,” Bruce Linton, Chairman and CEO, Canopy Growth Corporation, replied to my … Continue reading
MAN OF THE YEAR : Bruce Linton
BY MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, thewedge.LIVE Our office is central to the region we cover from Pembroke to Cornwall to Kingston. We are located in Smiths Falls; so, we know a thing or two about the town. And a rising figure. Smiths Falls has been transforming at quite a pace. Overnight, it has become the … Continue reading
BIG NIGHT: Quebec City UNDER G7 SIEGE, Ontario GETS NEW LEADER AND MARIJUANA BILL UP FOR ROYAL ASSENT
By MAGGIE M, Editor, Wedgee-In-Chief, thewedge.LIVE Lest we forget, it is also the anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. Heavy day, heavy night with so much at stake. Global elites gather at the sumptuous Le Manoir Richelieu, La Malbaie, Quebec, while shops are shuttered in nearby Quebec City fearing violent protests against G7 and U.S. … Continue reading
UNWITTING SWEET REVENGE FOR Smiths Falls : Hershey TARIFF
By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, the wedge.LIVE The tariffs imposed on U.S. goods announced by our PM yesterday may be a kiss of death to Hershey sales in Canada. In my opinion, it was never delicious chocolate or the healthiest. Canadians will not bite at an additional 10%. This news is bittersweet. Among the tariff … Continue reading
No Fire-Breathing Investors at 2018 Otter’s Den
By MAGGIE M, Wedgee-in-Chief, Editor, the wedge.LIVE A kinder, gentler breed of investors sat up-front at Otter’s Den, Brockville, listening to 15-minute pitches from five start-ups and entrepreneurs. A Q & A session ensued, questions exclusively from the Otters. Occasionally, tough questions and critique kept the audience of 90 guests on edge. It was a … Continue reading
Smiths Falls Two Rivers Food Hub Closes Distribution
by MAGGIE M, Editor, the wedge.LIVE A disheartening event took place in Smiths Falls this Valentine’s day. Two Rivers Food Hub gave up the its distribution arm today. Gone are the customer pages on its web site that display products for selection into a virtual shopping cart and later delivery. Two Rivers is now out … Continue reading
Communities being redesigned by Google–right now.
By MAGGIE M, Editor, the wedge.LIVE An unprecedented shift to “life as we know it” is already in play. It’s not coming. It’s here. And it is being installed incrementally under our noses. The dominoes are falling one after the other. A MICROCOSM IN THE MACROCOSM Imagine your refrigerator is on the cloud (that’s internet … Continue reading
Mainstreet is at war with Cyberstreet : It’s not pretty
By MAGGIE M, Editor, thewedge.LIVE — NOTE: This is a new category, “Opinion.” The wedge is super positive–no deaths, no crime, no politics; but, a little edginess once-in-awhile is valued by our readers. So, here it is. This writer has seen Amazon’s packages–that unmistakable smirk in its logo–stacked high at our Canada Post locations through … Continue reading
Local Shops Overtake Amazon Last Week of Christmas
By MAGGIE M, Editor, the wedge.LIVE ❤️ TO SHARE story, click buttons at story’s end Our readers are forewarned, local shopping is a cause we support. Community stability is increasingly challenged by those who concentrate power thousands of miles away inside a circuit box with superficial intelligence. Amazon has been the darling of this process … Continue reading
End of piggy banks, tooth fairies, gumball machines?
By MAGGIE M, Editor, the wedge.LIVE I read moments ago how Toronto and Ottawa are leading the charge toward a cashless society. As these technocrats careen toward launching these apps, one wonders if they have considered the carnage. I have no objection to technology; but, I am vehemently against eliminating choices. The elimination of cash … Continue reading
Food Hub potentiates vibrant health in the region : Two Rivers
By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE I just signed up as a customer at the Two Rivers Food Hub . Until today, it was just getting too hard to find foods that have necessary nutrients and to maintain what health I have left. I seek foods that are “unfooled around with”–foods that are not genetically altered … Continue reading
Smiths Falls On Economic Fast-Track
By MAGGIE M, Editor, thewedge.LIVE (video below) The Town’s engagement in economic development is at full-throttle in Smiths Falls. The Town has just re-launched its brand and website. Its council and executives are putting revitalization on a fast-track, accelerating business growth. Local magnates are investing in rebuilding. The Hotel Rideau is returning to its former … Continue reading
Return to Renfrew : 7-Visits Marathon
By MAGGIE M, Editor, thewedge.LIVE I visited the Town of Renfrew a second time, from a different angle. This day began dry and overcast with my first visit to their famed dairy, and ended in my being soaked to my underthings in a den of musicians. It didn’t just rain cats and dogs at 4:45 … Continue reading
Glorious Day in Arnprior : 7-Visits Marathon
By MAGGIE M, Editor, thewedge.LIVE This writer went on another tourist marathon last week, this time in the Town of Arnprior, Ontario. First, I explored its natural hot spots; then, I discovered some of its excellent businesses, through a downpour which did not cease. It’s only rain, not fire and brimstone; so, I visited each, … Continue reading
BIG teeny idea will energize towns : Smiths Falls, Gananoque, Manotick, Cornwall, Arnprior ?
By MAGGIE M, Editor, thewedge.LIVE An idea is floating around water coolers and sidewalks’ edges. It’s not new; but, it is unexpressed. What’s more, it engages everyone, locals and visitors. It’s a big idea; but, by virtue of its scale, it is teeny-tiny. A lovely friend, Judy Gorman Abromeit, brought this project to this writer’s … Continue reading
Chocolate trinity brings happiness to Perth
By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE Friday evening, June 2nd, was a lovely temperate evening for the opening of Belgian Chocolate purveyor, Perth Chocolate Works, in Perth. I arrived in the last hour to capture the excitement which showed no sign of abating. The guests were positively ebullient. This is the power of a chocolaterie, especially … Continue reading
Street Beauty : it’s a thing and it’s not going away
By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE A village, town or city that gives its residents a sense of place is in good stead. It will stave off migration of talent and stimulate growth. This sense of belonging to something special is not achieved by spaghetti nights at the local hall. It requires far more. Where we … Continue reading
Historic shift hits Nepean, Kanata North, Kingston and Smiths Falls
By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE A global shift has now arrived here in the wedge, East Ontario, and it’s all good. Global data confirming this shift has been rolling in for several years. It is now evident, the world is leaving the trading of their labour for diminishing wages and benefits at such velocity that … Continue reading
Ottawa declared, “No. 1 place to visit in the world,” New York Times
Businesses in the wedge are you ready for tourism this 2017? Here is one of the chief reasons why tourists are flocking to the region. Watch MAGGIE M’s interview of Guy Laflamme and how he is changing Ottawa, for ever. Be ready. Paint your awnings, shine your windows, and practice, “Hello” and “Thank you,” in … Continue reading
Smiths Falls Growth is Set : Tweed on fast-track
By MAGGIE M, Editor, http://thewedge.LIVE You can’t walk into the Tweed ‘campus’, Smiths Falls, unannounced. There are no public tours and for good reason. This writer climbed the front steps and pressed a buzzer. That’s what happens when you shift a building from chocolate to cannabis. Let this be your public tour. I entered the … Continue reading
LIVE : interview Jenna Sudds, Kanata North Tech Park
And now learn what all the fuss is about. Hang on every word from Jenna Sudds, Executive Director, North Kanata Business Association, as Kanata North Technology Park is indeed set to roar! Continue reading