Economics of forestry industry to be discussed at Chamber lunch and learn
Economics of forestry industry to be discussed at Chamber lunch and learn
TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a lunch and learn on Sept. 22 featuring guest speakers representing Forests Nova Scotia and Northern Pulp.
This noon-hour event is being held as part of National Forestry Week (Sept. 18-24) celebrations happening across the country.
“We recognize the value that the forest sector provides to the economy of Colchester and Nova Scotia,” said Chamber president Andrew Lake.
“A number of businesses in this region are directly tied to the industry or in-directly reap benefits from it.”
“These studies will provide an understanding of the economic impact of what this industry does for the region through direct and indirect employment of service providers.”
He added the Chamber recognizes the impact mill closures in other areas of the province have had on the business environment in those regions.
“We are looking to get a better understanding of the forestry sector,” said Lake.
Jeff Bishop, executive director of Forests Nova Scotia, and Bob Fraser, representing Northern Pulp, will each present information from two economic impact studies related to the province’s forestry industry.
The luncheon will begin at 12 p.m. at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre and is being sponsored by Grant Thornton.
The cost is $20 for Chamber members or $25 for future members (plus tax). To reserve your seat by Monday, Sept. 19 call, 895-6328 or email [email protected] .
Town of Truro and County of Colchester endorse business development pilot project
Town of Truro and County of Colchester endorse business development pilot project
TRURO - A pilot project aimed at attracting new business to the Colchester Region while supporting existing business in growth and retention is being endorsed by local municipalities.
Truro Town Council accepted the business development proposal at its Sept. 12 council meeting subject to developing a satisfactory governance model and other partner approvals.
“We applaud the Truro & Colchester Chamber’s commitment in proposing to take on this very challenging aspect of our economic development,” said Truro Mayor Bill Mills.
The 36-month pilot project will focus on marketing, promotion and communication by establishing a central point of contact to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as sector development, business retention and other supports.
Last month, Colchester County Council voted to support the proposed plan, which was developed by a group of business leaders with participation and input by local CAOs, municipal leadership and Millbrook First Nation in recent months.
“Colchester Council has endorsed the proposal as lead by the Chamber and are pleased with the commitment of all partners thus far,” said Colchester County Mayor Bob Taylor. “This is an important step to uniting our communities with a strong unified voice for economic development in our region. This first step will lead to many exciting initiatives in the immediate future. ”
In recent months the Chamber has engaged with the business community and municipalities in an effort to garner support for the establishment of a business development body with a sharp focus on attracting new business to the area.
“The region has a tremendous geographic advantage over other areas and is rich with recreational, educational and social infrastructure,” said Chamber president Andrew Lake. “A unified effort to market and leverage these assets for prospective and existing business will position the region for continued prosperity.”
During the next few weeks the three municipalities in Colchester region and Millbrook First Nation will be meeting to discuss governance and work together to finalize a funding model with a goal to implement initial phases of the plan in the fall of 2016.
Call for Chamber small business award nominations 2016
Call for Chamber small business award nominations
TRURO - The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce will honour seven local enterprises during is Small Business Week awards luncheon in October. The nomination period for awards is now open and will continue until Oct. 4.
To highlight the importance of small business, the chamber is hosting several events in Truro and the surrounding area in October, bringing the business community together to share achievements, network and showcase information and supports for local entrepreneurs.
“Small business is the backbone of our economy, contributing 98 per cent of employment in the private sector in Canada,” said Andrew Lake, Chamber president. “Many are growing and creating jobs, which contributes to the prosperity of the region. The Chambers' small business awards program is an opportunity to celebrate those businesses that are leaders among their peer group."
To nominate a business, visit the Chamber website www.trurocolchesterchamber.com or Facebook page to download a form, or stop by the office at 605 Prince St. to pick up one up. To request a nomination form via email, contact [email protected] .
The awards luncheon will be held at the Holiday Inn on Wednesday, Oct. 19, beginning at noon. (12 p.m.) Reserve your seat in advance by calling the chamber office, 902-895-6328; tickets cost $25 for chamber members and $35 for future members (plus tax).
This year’s guest speaker at the awards luncheon is Rodney Small, Business Development manager with Halifax-based Common Good Solutions. A resident of Halifax, Small has been an active volunteer in his community and is a graduate of Dalhousie’s Bachelor of management program with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. He is a highly motivated leader with a passion for entrepreneurship, community and people development.
Awards will be presented in the following categories: New Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Community Credit Union; Small Business Achievement, sponsored by PWC; Export Achievement, sponsored by Nova Scotia Business Inc.; Small Business Innovation, sponsored by RBC; Excellence in Community Development sponsored by the Town of Truro; and new this year, Agriculture Business of the year, sponsored by WBLI Chartered Accountants and Small Business Growth Award, sponsored by BDC.
As part of the Chamber’s small business week celebrations, a Women’s Business Breakfast will be held on Oct. 17 sponsored by BDC, an entrepreneur expo will be held on Oct. 18, a speed networking social event will be held on Oct. 20 and a lunch and learn with special guest Dr. Ryan Sommers speaking about the economics of health will be held on Oct. 21, sponsored by MacQuarries Pharmasave.
Watch the chamber website and Facebook page for a full schedule of Chamber-hosted events and details on other small business week events in the area.
For more information about any of our events, Chamber benefits programs or membership call 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].
Chamber Newsletter Sept. 7, 2016
Click here to read the latest Chamber newsletter. The newsletter is Free for all members and their staff and distributed by email each Wednesday.
To have the newsletter emailed to you directly, email [email protected]
Atlantic Canada Business Confidence Index benchmark study released
Atlantic Canada Business Confidence Index benchmark study released
Published in Hub Now, September 2016
The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce joined dozens of other Chamber’s across Atlantic Canada last June by participating in the inaugural 2016 Atlantic Canada Business Confidence Index benchmark study undertaken by Corporate Research Associates Inc. (CRA) and funded by TD Canada Trust.
This is a comprehensive survey of business of business owners and executives across industries, providing insight into current economic business conditions, anticipated business conditions for the coming year, capital purchase intentions and hiring intentions. The semi-annual initiative provides important economic indicators for industry, the business community and the region's policy makers.
According to the report, Canada has been in an unprecedented period of slower than normal economic growth since the great recession. Atlantic Canada has experienced exceptionally low growth during the last eight years, which is a consequence of a population that is aging and not growing.
However, the benchmark study results reveal optimism among business leaders about the future of their own organizations. Businesses located in PEI showed the highest level of confidence and optimism followed by Nova Scotia. The inaugural results also revealed a collective belief that more could be done among the business community to foster a positive business environment to address three top issues identified – government and politics, high taxes and a lack of qualified employees.
The full report can be viewed on the Chamber’s website, READ MORE
Our membership will be asked to participate in the CRA study again in December and June of 2017 to provide an overview of economic conditions relevant to this market.
September is a busy month at the Chamber as we prepare to launch our fall lineup of events.
Jeff Bishop of Forest Nova Scotia will present an economic impact study about the forestry industry to members on Sept. 22 at the RECC, at noon (12 p.m.), an event coinciding with Forestry Week.
He will be joined by Bob Fraser, presenting an economic impact study completed for Northern Pulp demonstrating a strong link to business in Colchester County. This event is Sponsored by Grant Thornton.
The cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members.
The Chamber will be launching a new program on Sept. 28, The TD Business Builder series. This series of 10 early morning workshops will provide Chamber members an opportunity to connect with an expert on a variety of topics providing information and tools to build their business. This program is sponsored by TD Canada Trust and is offered free of charge to Chamber members. Participants can choose to participate in one or more sessions or register for all 10.
The TD Business Builder series will be held from 8 to 9 a.m., at the Marigold Cultural Centre Workshop, 605 Prince St., Truro.
Carolyn Pierce, an experienced public relations and communications manager, will present the first session on Sept. 28 themed Marketing on a Shoestring Budget.
Visit the Chamber website for registration information and a list of other TD Business Builder speakers scheduled through the fall and winter.
The Chamber will honour six local enterprises during Small Business Week in October. The nomination period for the awards will open on Sept. 14 until Oct. 4.
Awards will be presented in the following categories: New Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Community Credit Union; Small Business Achievement, sponsored by PWC; Export Achievement, sponsored by Nova Scotia Business Inc.; Small Business Innovation, sponsored by RBC; Excellence in Community Development sponsored by the Town of Truro; and new this year, Agriculture Business of the year, sponsored by WBLI Chartered Accountants.
To highlight the importance of small business, the chamber is hosting several events in Truro and the surrounding area in October, bringing the business community together to share achievements, network and showcase information and supports for local entrepreneurs. Visit the Chamber’s website or facebook page for a full lineup of the week’s events.
The award luncheon will be held at the Holiday Inn on Wednesday, Oct. 19, beginning at noon. (12 p.m.) Reserve your seat in advance by calling the chamber office, 902-895-6328; tickets cost $25 for chamber members and $35 for future members (tax inc.).
This year’s award luncheon’s guest speaker is Rodney Small of Common Good Solutions. A resident of Halifax, Small has been an active volunteer in his community and is a graduate of Dalhousie’s Bachelor of management program with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Watch the chamber website and Facebook page for a schedule of chamber-hosted events and details on other small business week events in the area.
For more information about any of our events, Chamber benefits programs or membership call 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].
Sherry Martell is the Executive Director of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce.