2024 Gala Award Presentations
Business Person of The Year 2024
Arnold Hagen
Read Citation for Arnold Hagen here
Buiness Excellence Award 2024
Kerr Smart Energy Ltd.
Read Citation For Kerr Smart Energy Here
Lifetime Achievement Award 2024
Sharon Corcoran
Lifetime Achievement Award- citation Corcoran
Chamber to present three outstanding businesses with awards on gala night
Sharon Corcoran to receive Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award
TRURO – Well-known business woman Sharon Corcoran will be recognized next month for her life-long commitment to building community through real estate and volunteerism in the Truro area.
Corcoran, broker and owner of RE/MAX Fairlane Realty, will be presented with the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award on April 4, at the organization’s Annual Dinner Gala and Awards in Truro.
“Sharon has an incomparable zest for life and a love for her community which shines through, not only at her business, but also with the volunteer organizations she supports,” said Sherry Patriquin-Martell, Chamber Executive Director. “She has been an inspiration to many business owners with her willingness to share experiences and knowledge.”
Along with the Lifetime Achievement award, sponsored by Patterson Law, two additional prestigious awards will be presented at the Chamber’s Dinner Gala and Awards. Developer, entrepreneur and community volunteer Arnold Hagen will be honoured with a Business Person of the Year award, sponsored by BDC, for his efforts to revitalize “Uptown Truro” by modernizing the former Truro Mall creating the new Hub Shopping Centre. Kerr Smart Energy has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Community Credit Union. Marking 75 years in operation in 2024, the business has evolved with changing consumer demands and recently constructed a new Distribution Center in Truro, doubling its pallet storage capacity.
Leah Nord, Senior Operations Director with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association national branch, will be the guest speaker for the event. The Chamber Social will kick off the evening’s festivities at 6 p.m. at the Best Western Glengarry followed by the gala dinner at 7 p.m. Seats must be reserved in advance by March 26 and cost $75 plus HST for members and $125 plus HST for future members. To book a seat contact the Chamber at 902-893-6328, email [email protected] or reserve online at www.trurocolchesterchamber.com by clicking on the event’s calendar.
The Chamber is a non-profit, membership-based organization representing more than 500 businesses and organizations in the Truro and Colchester region as the recognized voice of business.
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Media contact:
Sherry Patriquin-Martell
Executive Director
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
Petition issued requesting extension of CEBA loans
ADVOCACY ACTION
We are writing today with a call to action regarding Canada Emergency Business Account (“CEBA”) loans. We have been advocating to the federal government to provide a further extension of the repayment and partial loan forgiveness deadline that is looming on 18 January 2024. We were hopeful that Minister Freeland was going to announce such an extension during her fall economic update last month, but that did not happen.
We have also met with local MLAs regarding this issue and were pleased to see a joint letter issued by the Premiers of Canada seeking additional time for businesses to repay the CEBA loan without losing the benefit of a forgivable portion.
With the deadline just over a month away, our Chamber is supporting a petition launched by the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and MP Jenica Atwin have directed at the Government of Canada to extend the deadline for an additional year.
A recent analysis of over 15,000 Canadian businesses found that inflation, input costs, and interest/debt costs are the three most acute obstacles faced by business (at 56%, 40% and 38%, respectively), and the smaller the firm, the more constrained they are by debt.
Moreover, recent surveys focused on CEBA loan-holder companies reveal that:
- 49% of small businesses are still making below normal revenues;
- 50% of Canadian foodservice operators are currently operating at a loss or breaking even compared to 12% pre-pandemic; and,
- 45% of Canada's tourism businesses are likely or somewhat likely to close within the next three years without government intervention into their mounting debt load.
At the local level, we are hearing from members that this deadline will have a material impact on their business and require further relief. For further background, read this column by the Fredericton Chamber of commerce.
While the CEBA loan repayment may not be an issue for many of you who do not own businesses, but we would ask that you consider signing the petition anyway as a show of support for your community businesses that have been slower to recover from the pandemic.
Click here to sign the petition.
The Province wants input from Nova Scotians on improving the workers’ compensation system and preventing harassment in the workplace
The Province wants input from Nova Scotians on improving the workers’ compensation system and preventing harassment in the workplace.
Nova Scotians can share their input on both the workers’ compensation system and harassment in the workplace at in-person and virtual sessions and through an online survey and written submissions.
In-person sessions take place:
November 28th, 6:45-8 pm Truro NS at the Douglas Street Recreation Center.
Virtual sessions will be held November 17, 20 and 27, as well as December 1, 6 and 8. The surveys will open on November 14.
People can register at the consultation websites:
workers’ compensation engagement: https://novascotia.ca/workers-compensation-engagement/
preventing workplace harassment engagement: https://novascotia.ca/preventing-workplace-harassment.../
“We know there is work to do to improve workers’ compensation. The system needs to be updated with today’s workplaces in mind to be the best it can be for Nova Scotians,” said Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “We also want all workers to feel safe at work – not just physically but psychologically, too.”
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia provides workplace injury insurance to Nova Scotia employers and employees. The compensation system was last reviewed in 2002, and the Province recognizes that Nova Scotia lags behind other jurisdictions in areas such as workers’ access to coverage, employer assessment rates and benefits.
The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration is overseeing the review of the system, alongside an eight-member review committee that includes employer and employee representatives. Douglas Reid, chair of the review committee, has significant experience in management, regulatory compliance, financial services and corporate governance, and was a partner with KPMG Canada for nearly 30 years
The Department is also consulting the public on harassment in the workplace. Information gathered will be used to help create rules so employers can prevent harassment and support healthier and safer workplaces.
Nominations now open for Gala Awards!
Nominations are now open for the 2023 Gala awards.
Click Here to submit an application for the Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award
Click Here to submit an application for the BDC Business Person of the Year Award
12 Days of Local Boxes are back!
!
A gift box filled with 16+ local products perfect for the holiday season. Perfect as a present for a loved one, for yourself, or as a corporate gift!
2022 Small Business Award Recipients
Chamber to honour outstanding businesses with Small Business Awards
2022 Small Business Start-Up Legacy Award
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to issue a call for submissions for its 5th annual Rising Star Start-Up Award Investing in Entrepreneurs provided in partnership with several of its members to offer support to a budding entrepreneur.
This award will be presented in October during the Chamber's Small Business Week Awards Luncheon, sponsored by MNP LLP on Oct. 21 to assist the recipient in taking their venture to the next level.
Its purpose is to identify a viable start-up - a business that is just beginning to develop, located within Truro and Colchester region - and provide it with a one-time $2,500 cash prize as well as in-kind supports, products and services, from partnering member businesses.
Criteria
- You must live within Truro or Colchester Region
- The business must operate within Truro & Colchester Region
- Open to an individual or partners with a business idea that needs capital and professional support.
- All entrepreneurs must have ideas or business models in the start-up phase and have earned less than $5,000
- Your business idea should stand apart from current business offerings, giving you a unique edge on the competition.
- Demonstrate the grant money and support services will have a meaningful impact on business growth and job creation in the local area
Submissions will be received by the Chamber until Sept. 26, 2022. Awards will be presented at the 2022 Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards luncheon at noon on Oct. 21. Chamber at 902-895-6328 or email [email protected]
Selection Process:
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce will appoint an internal preliminary adjudication committee to review submissions consisting of Chamber Board of Directors and members, which determines the eligibility of each nominee. Submissions will be treated with the strictest of confidence. Shortlisted nominees will be invited to present to a judging panel consisting of Chamber members and/or representatives from sponsoring partners.
Applicants/nominees understand and agree that merely by applying for these Awards does not entitle the applicant/nominee to any other form of consideration.
Decision of the Chamber-appointed judging panel on all matters is final and binding on all applicants/nominees and no correspondence will be entertained on the same.
The Chamber reserves the right to withdraw or amend the terms of the Awards at any time, and does not take the responsibility for any loss or damage that any person / organization / Applicant / Nominee may suffer as a result of the Awards being withdrawn or its terms amended.
Small Business Week Award Nominations Now Open!
Small Business Week Awards – Oct. 21, 12 p.m., Inn on Prince
*All Nominees will be contacted to fill out a questionnaire from the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce that will be used by the panel of judges to determine the award recipient. All responses will be kept strictly confidential.
2022 Small Business Award nominations are currently being accepted in the following categories:
Note: Qualifying businesses must employ less than 100 people.
New Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Community Credit Union
Criteria: The New Small Business of the Year award recognizes a Truro or Colchester County business person whose dream of opening their own business has earned them the title of “Start-Up Entrepreneur” over the past year. Their business must have shown innovation, and they must offer a unique product or service to Truro and Colchester County.
Small Business Achievement, sponsored by Grant Thornton
Criteria: The Small Business Achievement Award recognizes a local entrepreneur who has been in business for more than 10 years and demonstrates new product or service achievements, business growth and a commitment to their community.
Export Achievement, sponsored by Nova Scotia Business Inc.
Criteria: The Exporter of the Year award will recognize a Truro or Colchester County business that has demonstrated excellence in exporting outside Nova Scotia. The business must have achieved noticeable growth as a result of entering the global marketplace and has made a significant contribution to the growth of the local economy.
Small Business Innovation, sponsored by RBC
Criteria: The Small Business Innovation Award will recognize a Truro or Colchester County entrepreneur who has been in business for more than five years, continually modifying to demonstrate innovative leadership through technology, development of new or value-added products and services and improved productivity. Those nominated for this innovation award portray community spirit and generosity towards clients past, present and future by consistently supporting community causes and grow employment in the local area.
Excellence in Community Development award sponsored by the Town of Truro.
Criteria: The Excellence in Community Development award will recognize a business or social enterprise that has made significant and notable contributions to its community (cultural, social, environmental and/or economic) and that serves as a catalyst for positive action, exhibiting the highest standards of leadership.
Agriculture/ Agri Small Business Award, sponsored by MNP LLP
Criteria: Recognizes an individual, group or organization or business where the principles of running a successful agricultural or related operation are applied and result in a thriving and environmentally friendly endeavor. The enterprise must derive more than 50 percent of its annual revenue from agricultural-related activities.
Small Business Growth Award, sponsored by BDC
Recognizes a business that has been in operation for more than two years, demonstrating growth in a measurable way such as expansion, increased customers, new employees, and new products.
Workplace Excellence Award - Payworks
This award recognizes a small business employee that goes above and beyond in their job duties. The employee delivers excellent customer service, engages in professional development and places a high level of importance on corporate culture, teamwork and ensuring a happy and healthy work environment.
Small Business of the Year Award – CBDC NoBL
Honors an outstanding business with 1 – 20 full-time employees that demonstrates commitment to performance excellence in their business or industry and embodies the spirit of the business community. Must be an independently-owned business for at least 3 years. Recognizes outstanding achievement in some or all of the following: Research & Development, Company Growth, Customer Service, Products & Services, Market Development, Sales & Marketing, and Community Service. The nominee must be a registered business operating in Colchester County.
Newcomer Business Award – Sponsored by TCPEP
This award recognizes the contribution to the local economy by a business that has opened in Truro or Colchester County by an individual who has moved to the community in recent years and is not an original resident of this region.
Tourism business of the year – Municipality of the County of Colchester
This award recognizes an individual, group, organization or business operating in Central Nova Scotia where the principles of running successful tourism or related operation are applied and result in a thriving attractive business for visitors. The enterprise must derive more than 50 percent of its annual revenue from tourism-related activities.
Small Business Environmental Stewardship Award - Sponsored by the Town of Stewiacke
This award recognizes a business that keeps environmental stewardship at the forefront of its operations. They keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them, and then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life. Their focus on environmental stewardship may reduce waste, drive greater resource productivity, address emerging resource security/scarcity issues in the future, while implementing a plan to extract the maximum value and use from raw materials, products and waste, fostering energy savings and reducing Green House Gas emissions.
Nomination forms are also available from the chamber office at 105B Walker Street, Truro and online at www.trurocolchesterchamber.com
Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 26, 2022
When will the awards be presented?
The award luncheon will be held at the Inn on Prince on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022 beginning at noon.