Success doesn’t happen overnight

Dear Cheese Enthusiasts,

As 2010 draws to a close, we will not rest on our laurels but press on into 2011. The past few months have been really successful since we took the time to do extensive research and strategically plan for the road ahead. In other words, you don’t build a house without a plan in place.

In that sense, the past few months are actually the first in this new award winning venture and we are just now beginning to get momentum and attract attention. Investment is now starting to happen.

In this short time we have, however, had several accomplishments, namely:

- Developed the first comprehensive hand-book for starting an artisan cheese making facility (soon launched as an iPad app)

- Attracted the first Great Canadian Cheese Festival to our region which will draw in thousands of people and dollars

- Won a Marketing Award in Quebec City for www.investincheese.ca

- Two entrepreneurs are now choosing to host one of their successful Craft Beer festivals in our region (beer pairs well with cheese)

- More than 100 enquiries about cheese making have been handled – but they wouldn’t be knocking on our door without this initiative

- Right now one of our County partners is coaching a local entrepreneur wanting to start an artisan cheese making operation after visiting a booth we had at a local show

This initiative is a catalyst putting our region on the map as Ontario’s Artisan Cheese Region! Cheers to another successful year in 2011!

November Events

Well, even though we’re officially in shoulder season, there is still plenty to draw one to Eastern Ontario during the oft blustery month of November.  Here’s a quick overview of the happenings for 2010:

Countylicious November 3-27

The Maker’s Hand November 5-7

Wassail Nov 20-22 and beyond through Dec 5

The British Empire Cheese Show Nov 28 (judging), Dec 2 (convention, open to public)

Frontenac Farmer’s Market Saturdays through end Dec, 9am-noon

What are your favourite events in Eastern Ontario this month?

Contributed by Galen Newman – Invest in Cheese team

The Great Canadian Cheese Festival – Part 2

This is the second and final part of an interview with Georgs Kolesnikovs about the Great Canadian Cheese Festival coming to Picton, Ontario, June 4 and 5, 2011.

Q:  Georgs, what is your vision for the festival?

I see it as a showcase event for Canadian cheese and Canadian cheesemakers and a great opportunity for Canadian cheese lovers to meet cheesemakers and other cheese enthusiasts in a unique setting at the Crystal Palace at the Prince Edward County Fairgrounds.

Cheese lovers will be able to taste cheese, talk cheese, learn about cheese and buy cheese from Canada’s leading cheesemakers. And have a great time.

Q:  How will this play out?

Saturday will be dedicated to a keynote presentation, a choice of tasting seminars, several cheesemaking demonstrations and guided tours of the cheesemaking operations within an hour’s drive of the Festival. Attendees will be able to pick and chose the program that suits them.

Saturday evening will be a Cheese Gala, a moveable feast featuring tasting dishes prepared by Canadian chefs with Canadian cheese and paired with Canadian wines and beers. Featuring a groaning board of fine cheeses. Followed by sweet delights. With two sittings to eliminate long lines at food stations.

On Sunday, the Cheese Fair and Gourmet Market will take place with a wide variety of artisan and specialty cheeses for sampling and purchase, represented by Canadian cheesemakers from coast to coast. Vendors will include vintners, brewers, purveyors of fine foods, charcuterie and other delectables.

Q:  How can folks get involved?

First mark the dates June 4th and 5th on your 2011 calendars. Our website will go live in October with program details, seminar selection and advance registration.

Until then, http://www.cheesefestival.ca redirects to a temporary page at CheeseLover.ca, where cheese enthusiasts can sign up for an email advisory of posts about cheese, the cheese scene, and the Festival.

Cheesemakers and others in the cheese business can obtain information about participation by contacting me via telephone 905.837.0102 or festival@cheeselover.ca

Or follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/CheeseLoverG

Georgs at the Warwick Cheese Festival 2010