Lunch and learn to showcase business-university partnership success

Lunch and learn to showcase business-university partnership success

BIBLE HILL – Innovative thinking and a spirit of entrepreneurship can take your business to places you’ve never thought possible.

The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture on May 5 to host an inspirational event “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” The event will showcase support programs for local business, is open to everyone at no cost and lunch is provided.

Dr. Richard Florizone, President of Dalhousie University, will be the guest speaker at the event. There will also be presentations about the successful partnership between the Chamber and Dalhousie University’s Rowe School of Business (RSB) and the university’s Cultiv8 program encouraging students to grow their own businesses.

“We are fortunate to have the resources and expertise of Dalhousie University in our community,” said Chamber President Andrew Lake.  “The partnership between the business community and Dalhousie has helped many businesses overcome challenges, freeing up time for entrepreneurs to focus on other aspects of their business.

“The school’s Cultiv8 program is further inspiring young entrepreneurs; stimulating potential business opportunities and exposing students to entrepreneurism.”

During the past year, local Chamber members worked with Dalhousie Commerce students on eight-month long projects through the RSB Connects program to aid in business growth, strategic planning or new product and service development at little to no cost.  Along with assisting businesses in realizing potential avenues for growth and opportunities to streamline efficiencies, these projects gave students real-world, hands-on learning experience.

“The One Nova Scotia Report, appropriately called Now or Never, clearly challenges us all to explore ways to make our province more attractive for entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Dr. David Gray, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie Agricultural Campus.

“Dalhousie University is a leader in integrating entrepreneurship and innovation into its curriculum and The Faculty of Agricultures’ Sandbox, Cultiv8, is a prime example of this.”

He added that working in partnership with the local business community, the university is able to offer students a fantastic learning experience, helping them gain skills that will make them competitive in today’s industry while benefiting the community, region, province and local economy.

The University will also share details about a new Bachelor of Technology in Small Business Management, two-year, post-diploma program it is launching, specifically envisioned for those who wish to become business owners and managers.

This event will be held on May 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Dal AC campus, Jenkins Hall, Riverview Room. While lunch is provided free of charge, advance registration is required by April 29. RSVP to [email protected] or call 902-895-6328.


Master planning underway for former Palliser site

TRURO - Local municipalities are moving forward to plan for a world-class attraction in this region.

UPLAND, a Halifax-based consulting firm, has been selected by the Bay of Fundy Gateway Steering Committee to provide a detailed multi-phased master plan for the former Palliser Motel site.

Geoff Stewart, municipal councilor and project steering committee chair says “this is an exciting time for our Region and has been a while in the making but we are pleased to finally have the UPLAND consulting team on the ground.  They will bring a lot of depth and imagination to the master plan process.”

The company’s successful proposal was one of about a dozen submitted by firms from across Canada.

UPLAND provides award-winning strategic planning and urban design services to public and private sector clients throughout Atlantic Canada. Bruce Mans and Steffen Kaubler, experienced urban planning professionals, manage the company and are passionate about their work while understanding that building vibrant communities and regions is a complex process that often required input from many professions.

The UPLAND team has experts with extensive experience and knowledge in landscape architecture, building design, parks planning, place-making, interpretive planning, public consultation and graphic design, as well as tourism and business planning.

A stakeholder and public consultation process is being planned for the last week of April with a public open house scheduled for April 25 between 4 and 8 p.m. in the Millbrook Multi-purpose Room at the RECC.  Work on the master plan will continue over the summer and is expected to be completed by early September.

Both Tourism Nova Scotia and ACOA are providing up to $50,000 each toward the master plan process, while the remaining amount is equally shared by the Town of Truro and County of Colchester with each contributing $25,000.

The 10—acre property, located close to Highway 102 and  easily accessible from Exit 14, was purchased by the Municipality of Colchester  in April of 2015 with a long-term goal of developing the site as a tourism destination and gateway to the Bay of Fundy region.

The area is a popular stopping spot for both tourists and locals and attracts several thousand people each year and is an ideal viewing platform for the world-famous Fundy tidal bore.

Steering Committee has representation from the Town of Truro, County of Colchester, Tourism Nova Scotia, citizens and business stakeholders.


Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce announces 2016 gala award finalists

Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce announces 2016 gala award finalists

TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2016 gala award finalists.

MBW Courier Inc., owned by Barry Mitchell and Phil Walters, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award and Eric MacKeen, General Manager of Tri County Ford, has been selected as the BDC Business Person of the Year.

“MBW Courier and Eric MacKeen join an accomplished list of businesses and leaders recognized by the Chamber since the awards were first introduced in 1989,” said Chamber President Andrew Lake. “Their recognition coincides with MBW’s 20th year in business and Tri County Ford’s achievement of Ford Canada’s President’s Diamond Club Sales and Service Award for the 15th time.

“These accomplishments demonstrate the strength and diversity of businesses operating in Colchester County.”

The awards will be presented on April 21 during the Chamber’s 126th annual gala dinner celebration at the Best Western Glengarry. Reserved seats are available by calling the Chamber at 902-895-6328, or by email [email protected].

The Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award recognizes leadership achieving demonstrated growth in sales, workforce investment, community involvement, support of the local business community, commitment to the environment, innovation and job creation.

“We are thrilled,” Mitchell said of being named the Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award finalist. “The people of Greater Truro have been a big part of our success. We appreciate the support we receive locally.”

MBW Courier Inc. will celebrate 20 years in business in May and employs about 100 people with locations in Dartmouth, Moncton, Fredericton and St. John.  With its head-office based in Truro Heights, the company recently expanded into new markets, which Mitchell attributes to growth predominantly in rural areas.

The BDC Business Person of the Year Award acknowledges a founder, owner, CEO, president or manager who has achieved significant success showing strong leadership skills contributing to the growth of the business.

MacKeen has worked at Tri County Ford for 26 years. The Tatamagouche dealership has been serving the community for more than 80 years building life-long relationships with customers achieving growth in sales, parts and service while contributing to countless community fundraising initiatives and supporting North Colchester High School’s Student of the Month recognition program.

Under MacKeen’s leadership the company has earned Ford Canada’s top honour in Atlantic Canada, the President’s Award, eight times in the past 10 years, most recently in 2015.

Nominations for the Chamber awards were open to all businesses in Truro and Colchester County.

The gala awards dinner will feature guest speaker John Peller, president and CEO of Andrew Peller Limited, the largest Canadian-owned winery.

Everyone is invited to celebrate the accomplishments of local business at the Chamber’s gala, which is open to members and future members. Tickets cost $45 plus tax for members and $55 plus tax for future members. The deadline to reserve seats is April 18 to be eligible to win the grand prize draw of a two-night stay at Irwin Lake Chalets.