Bruce County invites entrepreneurs, business owners and community members to attend its annual Bridges to Better Business networking event on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in Lucknow, Ontario.
This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Emily Baillie, an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker and professor at McMaster University. Through her presentation, “The Power of Showing Up,” Baillie explores how authenticity can serve as a powerful business strategy for building trust, strengthening relationships, and driving business success.
Local entrepreneur and artist Heather Lynne Travis emcees the event, guiding attendees through interactive networking activities designed to foster meaningful connections. A strategist, storyteller and artist, Travis is known for turning bold ideas into brands that stick.
Presented in partnership with the Province of Ontario, Bridges to Better Business supports entrepreneurs and businesses across Bruce County by creating opportunities to learn, connect and grow. Attendees gain practical insights, fresh perspectives and new strategies to help move their businesses forward.
“Bridges to Better Business brings together the entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders who help shape our local economy,” says Jeff Loney, Director of Government Relations, Bruce County. “The event creates valuable opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas and learn from experienced leaders. We’re excited to welcome Emily Baillie and provide attendees with practical insights they can apply to their own businesses and organizations.”
Attendees can register now through Eventbrite. Event details are as follows:
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 4:30 to 9 p.m.
- 4:30 p.m. Doors open and networking
- 5:30 p.m. Program begins
Location: Grassroots Woodfired Pizza, 760 Bruce Road 86, Lucknow, Ontario
Tickets: $45 plus HST
Registration: Eventbrite, Bridges to Better Business 2026
Dinner and non-alcoholic beverages are included. A cash bar is available.
About Keynote Speaker, Emily Baillie: Emily Baillie is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker and professor who has built her business by leaning into authenticity, curiosity and the courage to show up—even before she felt completely ready. As the founder of Compass Content Marketing, Emily has trained thousands of professionals and spoken at events across Canada and internationally. She is also a longtime instructor at McMaster University and was named the recipient of the 2025 HBEC Community Entrepreneur Award.
