WILD ROCK RECOGNIZED AS AN EPIC VENTURE
Outfitters selected for commitment to inspiring products and service as well as a strong commitment to community intiatives and promotions
[PETERBOROUGH] The Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation (GPA EDC)’s Business Advisory Centre is excited to announce Wild Rock Outfitters as the latest EPIC Venture. Located in downtown Peterborough, Ontario, Wild Rock Outfitters has been serving the non-motorized outdoors community since 1992 in this ideal location surrounded by a natural playground of lakes, rivers and granite. Wild Rock started in a leased 900 square foot space but has since moved to wholly owned 8000 square foot store on Charlotte St. During this period is went from having 2 owners and 2 part time employees to the present 4 owners, 18 full time staff and 8 part time staff. It’s business has expanded from camping and hiking to now include cycling, snowboard, Nordic skiing, travel and paddlesports.
Wild Rock Outfitters was selected not only for fostering growth in Peterborough’s downtown with their outdoor product and active lifestyle store, but because of their staff, service and community presence that sets them apart. Staff are always friendly, helpful and knowledgeable but more importantly they are as active and engaging outside of the store as in it. They are strong supporters not just of the product they sell but the active, healthy lifestyle that those products enable and the community groups involved in those activities.
“Wild Rock, the business has been an adventure of a lifetime for Kieran and I. Our business has allowed us to explore the world as we pursued climbing, paddling and cycling. It has pushed our limits of business savvy as we negotiated the tail end of the 90’s recession, the tech boom and bust, the 2008 financial meltdown and the myriad of competitors that have entered the marketplace and, finally, it has stretched the boundaries of our people skills as we have kept almost 30 young at heart adults aimed in one direction and working together.” Scott Murison, Co-owner.
Wild Rock has supported local initiatives such as the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Trails Guide and the PTBO Rides guide and program; and run their own education programs from simple bike tuning to stand-up paddling, as well as excursions locally and internationally. They are active users of social media as a sales, marketing and educational tool and cross promote often with other local businesses and venues for marketing events (Ridley night at St. Veronus). Overall, they are committed to the well-being of the Greater Peterborough Community and genuinely interested in engaging and educating the youth of the region on practices that encourage a life-long healthy lifestyle.Wild Rock will receive a promotional prize pack that includes a “My Peterborough” radio feature on the KRUZ FM, a profile on PTBOCanada.com, on-line recognition on the Peterborough This Week and Peterborough Examiner websites, downtown display space provided by DNS Real Estate Limited Brokerage, a profile in The Business Beat and a one hour social media consultation with Sofie Andreou.
The GPA EDC is committed to promoting vibrant economic and employment opportunities. EPIC (Entrepreneurs Proudly Investing in our Community) Ventures is a program that recognizes the Peterborough region’s small business community’s contribution to economic growth, quality of life and creative business opportunities. Each month the BAC will collect nominations from the City and County of Peterborough and a winner will be chosen to receive the promotional prize pack. Nominations for the EPIC Ventures program are due by the 20th of each month. Check out our online nomination form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EPICnomination
The Business Advisory Centre, a member of the Ministry of Economic Development & Trade’s Small Business Enterprise Centre network, is a resource centre for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Our professional consultants advise business owners in the City and County of Peterborough on key aspects of startup and maintaining successful businesses. For more information, visit www.businessadvisorycentre.ca
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For additional information please contact Kate Young, Communications Officer,705-743-0777 Ext. 2134 or kyoung@gpaedc.on.ca, @youngk8e, @PtboEcDev
