UpFront

VCCS ready to help job-seekers and employers in uncertain economy

In the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic, VCCS Employment Services continues to adapt and change how it delivers its programs and services in Kawartha Lakes.

VCCS continues to provide one-on-one employment counselling to clients and employers via phone, email, text and web meetings to help provide access to information, support and services.

The organization also offers free online sessions that help job-seekers continue with their job search and successfully find work even during these difficult times.

Employers are continuing to hire, and the VCCS job board is full of postings. VCCS offers screening, recruitment and virtual job fairs to employers to help them fill their vacancies..

For more information visit www.vccs.work, email info@vccs.work or call 705-328-0180.

A business specializing in custom-designed sunrooms, screen rooms, patio covers and more pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic to build something most businesses now desperately need — hygiene shields.

While Sunscape is based in Newmarket, one of its manufacturing facilities, known as “number three,” is in Lindsay where about 30 employees can now produce up to 3,000 shields per day. The plant is under full isolation and all products are cleaned before packaging.

“The team at number three is just amazing and we are proud of them,” says Bob Newnham, director of marketing and branding, who adds they may need more people at their Lindsay plant soon.

Owner Steve Hunt, returning from vacation, had to selfisolate and it made him restless, says Newnham. He conceived of the idea on a Friday night and by Sunday “we had our first products manufactured and installed Monday at 8 a.m.”

Sunscape is shipping hygiene shields as far away as Texas and across Canada.

For more information call 1-800-755-3365.

Sunscape shifts focus to making hygiene shields for local businesses

Williamson Chrysler will build on Manley family’s success

From left to right: Brett Crawford, CFO, Todd Williamson, Jim Williamson. Photo: Sienna Frost.

Jim and Todd Williamson may live in Uxbridge but they’re not strangers to Kawartha Lakes. The brothers — the new owners of Williamson Chrysler in Lindsay — have fond memories of Balsam Lake at their grandparents’ cottage. (Their grandfather started the family automotive sales business in Uxbridge back in 1947.)

“Both of us spent many of our younger years at the lake and many summers in and around Lindsay and the Kawarthas,” Jim says. Now he and his brother have their own cottages on Balsam Lake.

The Williamsons took possession of the old Manley Motors dealership April 7, operating under government COVID-19 regulations. They look forward to having a grand opening in the future when it’s safe to do so.

“Our focus today is to help the local area with any of their automotive needs during this difficult time,” says Jim.

Jim says they believe “a business that has been operating as long as the Manley family’s has” is already doing a lot of things right. “Our plan is to build on those successes.”

He says they will be able to offer a larger selection of new and used vehicles than people were used to at Manley’s, given their intent is to share their inventories between the Uxbridge and Lindsay dealerships.

Williamson Chrysler is located at 76 William St. N in Lindsay.

It was only in 2017 when Al Hussey decided to purchase his first electric bike. As he tells the story on his website, after falling in love with this new mode of transportation, he realized that many baby boomers and young families in the area might also appreciate the benefits of assisted biking.

In the spring of 2018 Hussey opened his first bike store in Bobcaygeon – Pedego – featuring a full line of electric bikes as well as some accessories and clothing. A year later, he opened a second store, in Lindsay, now branded The Bike Garage, offering electric bikes, traditional bikes, and a full line of accessories and clothing.

Given continuing restrictions on other forms of recreation, Hussey says 2020 is “an especially great opportunity for families to get out and enjoy some fresh air this summer” in an environmentally friendly way.

The Bike Garage is located at 66 William St. N., Lindsay. }} Fitness and fresh air

The Bike Garage

Isn’t it time to think about that new floor? Open by appointment. Book ahead of time and avoid waiting!

309 COLBORNE STREET EAST, LINDSAY 705-324-9481 1-877-292-3291 | www.floortrends.ca

THE CAT CAME BACK! Independently owned and operated by Lisa

Miller since 2007. The Cat & The Fiddle Lindsay is a British pub and family restaurant in the heart of historic downtown Lindsay. See our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. Thank you to all our customers for your support.

Keep Loool KawwwwhhLaaaa

Helpsupportourbusinessesand entrepreneursduring COVID-19 bykeeping itlocal.

Eat l

Nothing tastesbetterthan fresh food. Local farmers and restaurantsareoffering pickupand deliveryoptions.

Shoo ccc

Manybusinesseshave newprotocolsin place toshopsafely, including curbsidepickupand online options.

Suppppt al

Showyoursupportin any wayyou can tothosewho need itin ourcommunity, such asdonating food to local food banks.