BONNIE JAMES
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
BRISTOL – Entrepreneurs from across the Pontiac gathered at Pine Lodge, November 22, for the Techvolution Summit organized by SADC Pontiac. Held in celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, it aimed to empower rural entrepreneurs with digital tools and tech insights to drive business growth and innovation.
The day started with keynote speaker Kyle Smendziuk of Webmarketers and Phantom Productions, who gave a presentation titled “Holistic Strategies for Digital Success.” He noted the importance of a business’ website in developing clientele, explained the steps of the path to purchase, and the tools that can be used to influence potential buyers at each step.
Participant Trefor Munn-Venn of Leystone Farm said: “Smendziuk’s presentation explained how to think about your business, digital presence, and how to apply social media and other tools. Tools are fast-changing, so an event like this is really helpful because you need to check in regularly.”
The next presentation was on cybersecurity, given by Stéphane Pharand, who explained the importance of security in data management and the handling of personal information. Pharand explained Quebec’s Law 25, regarding the use of personal information by businesses, and the implications of non-compliance.
Next up, Jon Stewart of Calumet Media presented “Leveraging AI [Artificial Intelligence] for Businesses.” He described the many ways AI can be used by businesses for applications like content creation, virtual assistance, and data analysis or to create anything from social media posts to proposals and even to fill out grant applications.
The day ended with a panel discussion featuring Kristine Amyotte of Beck Family Farms, Jared Hamilton of Mountainview Turf/Gemma/Jolly Egg Farm, Gary Johnson of Johnson Auto Wreckers, and Adam Thompson of Pine Lodge. The entrepreneurs discussed how they implemented technology into their businesses.
Amyotte spoke about how the transition to milking robots has improved quality and consistency in her dairy farm’s operations. She also explained the health benefits of an automated milk pasteurizer, warmer, and dispenser for feeding calves. The farm started using an app that tracks aspects of the animals’ care including medications, treatments, and milkings, resulting in fewer errors and more time to focus on other things.
Hamilton implemented an order tracking system that allows customers to track their order each step of the way and drivers to confirm delivery.
Johnson highlighted the inventory and order picking system his auto recycling business has. The app has increased the accuracy of his staff’s picks, improved efficiency, and customer satisfaction by enabling staff to communicate with customers about the used auto parts they’ve selected. The system also helps Johnson make better decisions about which vehicles to buy by telling him how much value is in each vehicle, helping him track his current inventory, and what parts are selling.
Thompson discussed the lodge’s new reservation system and how it has improved customer experience. The system sends an automated e-mail a few days before a guest’s arrival, indicating current restaurant hours, services available, and what to expect upon arrival. The system also tracks customer analytics, which can be used to apply for financing for business expansions. The lodge has also adopted an online ordering system for the restaurant.
Many participants commented on the wealth of information shared. “There’s so much I learned,” remarked Celine Romain of Constructions Morin & Fils, “Even if I don’t have a farm or turf business, all their experiences gave me good insight on how technology can be used. There’s no limit.”.
Photo – L/R: Kristine Amyotte, Jared Hamilton, Gary Johnson, and Adam Thompson participate in a panel discussion led by Amy Taylor (back) at the Techvolution Summit, Nov. 22. (BJ)