The 2026 Bridges to Better Business event featured several presentations from professional in the business world. From the left: SDG Economic Development Officer Kat Rendek, Executive Director, Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce, Angela Bero, Business Advisor, Cornwall SDG Business Advisory Centre Mireille Lemire, ACC Futures Executive Director Denis Lapierre, Keynote Speaker Jessie Cardinal, and Ashley Lewis. Thompson Goddard Photo

LONG SAULT – Close to 80 people attended the “Bridges to Better Business” breakfast meeting on Thurs. Oct. 29 at the South Stormont Community Hall. The event was organized by several organizations including the ACC Futures Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce, the Cornwall ADG Business Advisory Centre, in collaboration with SDG Counties and Choose Cornwall.

The event brought together realtors, economic development leaders, business owners and professionals as well as people interested in the local economy explained Mireille Lemire, Business Advisor for the Cornwall SDG Business Advisory Centre.

Those attending the event were able to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, socialize and then enjoy a morning filled with information on several aspects of business development.

“We were thrilled to welcome Jessie Cardinal from Cardinal & Son Wholesale Meats. Jessie was a big part of why the event sold out in just over a week! The food was great, the coffee was hot, and there were plenty of conversations and new connections happening. That’s what it’s all about!” commented Lemire.

SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn, unable to attend the event due to the legislative schedule, provided a welcome to those attending via video and mentioned the vital role that small businesses play in the community. SDG Warden François Landry then spoke on the important role that establishing connections with other business and the different levels of government.

Jessie Cardinal from Cardinal & Son Wholesale Meat in Cornwall was the keynote speaker at the event. She began an interesting and informative presentation on the company’s story. Cardinal & Son Wholesale Meat was begun by her grandfather, then her father and in 2017 Jessie and her brother Andre purchased the business from their father. Currently the fourth generation of the family is working in the family business.

One of the key messages given during the presentation was the importance of being flexible while maintaining excellence. She discussed the need to ensure good customer service, quality product, creativity and dealing with challenges in a timely fashion.

Since 2014 local small businesses have been able to gather together, share ideas and make connections thanks to the work of the organizers of events such as this. Together we are building a future for everyone.