March 14, 2018
News release
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce sets priorities for 2018, elects new officers
TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated 128 years serving the business community at its Annual General Meeting held in Truro. A new slate of officers and directors was elected by the membership which will see Joanne McRae, a manager with MNP LLP Truro, step into the president’s seat.
McRae said building stronger partnerships with business stakeholders and all levels of government was a focus of the chamber during the past year.
“The efforts that have been put into these initiatives have shown the positive results that can be achieved when government, businesses and local organizations, like the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce, can work together for the business community in our region,” said McRae. “The partnerships that have been developed over the last few years bring our region a new strength and are key to continuing to move forward.”
McRae was elected to serve a one-year term.
She said during the next year the Chamber will continue to collaborate with organizations, government and business to help grow and support the businesses within our region.
“Small and medium sized businesses are the heart of the Canadian economy and it is important that organizations like this one exist to advocate on your behalf to ensure your interests are protected,” said the president. “I look forward to continuing to meet with our members and hearing your concerns as well as working with our Board of Directors to find new and innovative ways to provide support to you.”
Outgoing president Alex Stevenson reviewed many of the key initiatives of the Chamber during the past year such as achieving accreditation with distinction, hosting a Project Management Professional Certification Exam Preparation Course, the fundraising campaign to establish a regional enterprise network, working with a tourism stakeholder group, networking opportunities and organizing initiatives to support youth, among many others.
“I believe we’ve been successful building on momentum, delivering on key initiatives, focusing on our Mission and Vision, and working collaboratively to support a prosperous business environment,” said Stevenson. “Going forward, I’m confident our incoming president, Joanne McRae will do an outstanding job and I wish the board, staff and the executive continued success in 2018 as they continue their important advocacy work on behalf of the members.”
At the end of 2017 there were 430 members in the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce making it the largest Chamber in Nova Scotia outside metro.
Other newly elected executives and directors are: Vice-President Ron Smith, Business Development, Old Fletcher Farm Property Limited, a division of Masstown Market Limited; Treasurer Amanda Pothier, owner Atkinson’s Accounting; Solicitor George White, Patterson Law; and directors Dr. David Gray, Dean of Dalhousie Agricultural Campus; Karen Baillie, Elegant Steps; Karen Gillespie, Nova Scotia Community College; Bob Brown E. Lynds Enterprises; Nancy Johnstone, Lock and Stone Property Management; Peter Thiesen Pulse Property Care; Connie Baird, Party Time Rentals and Sam Abushenaf, PuroClean Restorations; David Ritcey, Hampton Inn Truro; Julie Taylor, Skin Decision; Trina Langille, Warmth By Design; and Matthew Mossman, Bell Media. Alex Stevenson, manager of commercial banking CIBC, will remain on the board as past-president.
The Chamber’s Annual Dinner Gala and Awards will be held on April 12 at the Best Western Glengarry.
The Chamber has issued a call for nominations for BDC Business Person of the Year and the Community Credit Union Business Excellence awards.
To reserve a seat at the gala or for more information about award nominations, call 902-895-6328 or email [email protected]. Deadline for nominations is March 16, 2018.
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Media Contact:
Sherry Martell
Executive Director, Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328