Chamber fundraising to support new economic development body
On June 23, the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce hosted a rally in support of economic development introducing the board of directors of the new Truro-Colchester Regional Enterprise Network.
The Chamber is actively campaigning to raise $60,000 from the local business community as a key stakeholder of this new pilot project focused on business growth, attraction and retention. It is anticipated the province will match funds raised in this community.
Many businesses have pledged to support economic growth in the region. Please join them by calling the chamber office at 902-895-6328 or emailing [email protected] for more details.
The campaign will continue until the end of July.
Supporting businesses will be recognized at Chamber events during the three-year pilot project, as well as on the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce website and other social media.
Chamber looks forward to working with newly elected MLAs to strengthen economy
News Release
May 31, 2017
Chamber looks forward to working with newly elected MLAs to strengthen economy
TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce congratulates the region’s three newly elected MLAs and looks forward to working with them on local issues.
Chamber president Alex Stevenson said the organization will build on established relationships with Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River MLA Lenore Zann, Colchester North MLA Karen Casey and Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley MLA Larry Harrison. The three incumbents retained their seats following Tuesday’s provincial election, which saw the Liberals return to government for a second consecutive term.
“Constituents in this region had tough choices with many quality candidates in the race for seats,” said Stevenson.
Prior to the election, Nova Scotia chambers reached out to each of the parties to ask what their government would do to create an environment for business to thrive. Responses were shared with the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce membership.
Stevenson said while a majority Liberal government provides an element of confidence and stability to the provincial economy, the Chamber will continue to monitor the progress of the party’s election platform that named creating a competitive tax environment, improving trade-enabling infrastructure, addressing service effectiveness within government, supporting innovations and investing in workforce attraction and retention as key priorities to support business.
The Chamber was also pleased to host a series of debates for the nine candidates running in each of the three local ridings prior to the election that offered them an opportunity to share their party platforms with the public.
The Chamber is looking forward to meeting with each of the newly elected MLAs in the coming weeks.
“Maintaining a respectful relationship with all of our elected officials is important to the Chamber,” Stevenson said. “We will continue to foster an awareness of issues impacting the local economy working together in the best interest of our business community.”
The local chamber represents more than 400 member businesses and has been the principle voice of business in the Colchester region for more than 127 years in matters of economic, social and political importance.
Chamber hosting provincial election candidate debates
Chamber hosting provincial election candidate debates
TRURO - The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has organized a series of three provincial election debates.
Chamber president Alex Stevenson said the Mission of the chamber is to act in the best interest of business in Truro and Colchester on matters of economic, social and political impact and hosting debates is a one way the organization strives to deliver to its membership.
“We feel it’s important to play a role during elections to host political debates as we’ve done in the past and will continue to do in the future,” said Stevenson. “Most importantly, hosting debates provides an opportunity for the community to come and listen to the candidate’s messages so that they can make an informed decision when it’s time to vote.”
Two debates will be held on May 23 at the Marigold Cultural Centre, 605 Prince St., Truro.
The first will be held at 6 p.m. for candidates campaigning in Colchester-North, including Liberal Karen Casey, NDP James Finnie and Progressive Conservative Rebecca Taylor.
A second debate will be held at 7:30 p.m. the same night for the candidates campaigning in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River, including NDP Lenore Zann, Liberal Craig Johnson and Progressive Conservative Keltie Jones.
The doors at the Marigold Centre will open at 5:30 p.m. and the first debate will begin promptly at 6 p.m.
The third debate will be held the following evening, May 24, at 6 p.m. at the Stewiacke Legion, 299 George St., and will include candidates campaigning in Colchester –Musquodoboit Valley; Progressive Conservative Larry Harrison, Liberal Matthew Rushton and NDP Janet Moulton.
Everyone is welcome to attend these free events, sponsored by the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors, to listen to the candidates answer questions about topics impacting the local economy and community.
No questions will be taken from the floor during the event. Suggested debate questions may be submitted in advance for consideration. Due to debate time restrictions a limited number of questions will be presented to the candidates. Email questions to [email protected] by May 22.
2017 gala award finalists announced
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce announces 2017 gala award finalists
TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2017 gala award finalists.
Central Equipment Inc., owned by Anthony Waugh and Chad Bower, has been selected as the recipient of the Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award, and Jack and Andrew Roop of Roops Esso have been selected to receive the BDC Business Persons of the year Award.
“Central Equipment Ltd. and Jack and Andrew Roop join an impressive list of business leaders to be recognized by the Chamber at its annual gala dinner and awards,” said Chamber President Alex Stevenson. “They are committed to providing excellent customer service and employment opportunities in Colchester County, along with supporting community events and organizations.
The awards will be presented on April 27 during the Chamber’s 127th annual gala dinner celebration at the Holiday Inn. The cost is $50 (+HST) per seat for members and $55 (+HST) for non-members. To reserve seats call the Chamber office at 902-895-6328, or email [email protected].
The Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award recognizes leadership achieving a demonstrated growth in sales, workforce investment, community involvement, support of the local business community, commitment to the environment, innovation and job creation.
Central Equipment Inc. is celebrating 59 years in Lower Truro this year. The business employs more than 20 people, dedicated to providing top-of-the-line products and customer service, while supporting the community in a number of ways from volunteering with 4-H, to serving with fire departments and providing companionship to residents in special care homes, and more.
The BDC Business Person(s) 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.
Jack and Andrew Roop “grew up” in the family business working alongside their parents who took over ownership in 1971. Jack joined the family enterprise in 2004, followed by Andrew 2006. The brothers have continued to expand the business offerings that began as a service station which includes a convenience store, Tim Hortons Drive-thru and NSLC agency store.
The Roop’s business employs up to 38 full-time and part-time employees during the summer tourist season in rural Colchester County.
Nominations for the Chamber awards were open to all businesses in Truro and Colchester County.
The gala awards dinner will feature guest speaker Cathy Bennett, CEO of Bennett Group of Companies, recipient of several Top CEO awards and recognized as one of the top 25 Women of Influence in Canada. Bennett is currently serving as the Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Everyone is invited to celebrate the accomplishments of local business at the Chamber’s gala, which is open to members and future members.
Business fraud topic of chamber Lunch and Learn
TRURO – Business fraud will be the topic of an upcoming lunch and learn hosted in Truro by the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce.
A new report by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says the increasing frequency of cyber attacks is costing Canada billions of dollars a year, hindering the ability of business to compete in the global economy.
“Small businesses, which account for about 98 per cent of the Canadian economy, often lack financial resources and technical expertise to protect themselves, making them susceptible to cyber attacks,” said chamber president Alex Stevenson. “Businesses need to be informed of the risks to protect themselves and their customers.”
The chamber is pleased to host guest speakers Leah White and Jaime Rudolph of Grant Thornton at a Lunch and Learn in Truro on April 12 to discuss real cyber fraud cases and share how businesses can protect themselves against attacks.
White, a Partner, and Rudolph, a senior manager, are responsible for operational advisory services across the Atlantic region. They facilitate enterprise and business-level risk assessments, evaluating fraud prevention and detection programs and controls, and have extensive experience conducting risk and control advisory services for a variety of organizations in both the private and public sectors. They frequently present on fraud-related topics and facilitate workshops to help identify red flags of fraud when reviewing typical financial reports.
White and Rudolph will break down fraud to the basics, and deliver real-life stories offering valuable information on detecting the red flags and protecting your business from employee or cyber fraud.
During the lunch and learn a special guest from the office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness will also share information about its new Business Navigator program.
The lunch and learn will be held at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre, noon (12 p.m.), Cost $20 per person. To RSVP, call 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].
Changes to building code positive for forest industry
TRURO - A recent announcement the province of Nova Scotia will align its building code with the National Building code is positive news for the forest industry and the overall economy of the province, say area chambers.
“This is a positive change that has the potential to boost timber sales in this region while supporting the overall economy of the province,” says Alex Stevenson, President of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce. “At a recent carbon pricing discussion hosted by the Chamber, panel experts outlined how locally sourced timber used in construction can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as the timbers store naturally captured carbon for the long term.”
The changes that came into effect April 1, allow for the maximum height of timber structures to increase from four to six storeys. The Fire Safety Act and Regulations will also be changed to enhance safety requirements for the taller wood buildings.
This will offer flexibility to designers and developers in their choice of building products in structures up to six storeys, while promoting the broader use of wood which can be locally sourced, providing valuable employment and economic spinoffs while offering sustainable ‘green’ building solutions.
“Our sawmills are vital to the rural economy but they are often at the mercy of ever changing lumber markets in North America and off shore,” says Jack Kyte, Executive Director, Pictou County Chamber of Commerce. “The announced changes offer the opportunity to increase lumber sales right here in Nova Scotia and provide more stability for producers.”
Eight percent of the province’s annual wood harvest is done in Colchester County and nine per cent in Pictou County.
Nova Scotia forests cover four million hectares, or 75 per cent of the province. The forest industry provides 11,500 direct and indirect jobs to Nova Scotians, contributing an economic impact of $2.1 Billion and $800 million to the provincial GDP.
2017 Federal budget cautious with minimal positive impact for business
2017 Federal budget cautious with minimal positive impact for business
Photo caption: Greg Mosher of MNP reviews the 2017 federal budget during a luncheon on March 23.
TRURO- A wait-and-see approach of the Federal budget does little to support small business growth.
“From the perspective of our member businesses it appears the budget will have minimum impact,” said Alex Stevenson, President of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce.
“Our Chamber shares the concerns of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, which includes a need for government to reduce the cost of doing business in Canada and improve competitiveness.”
The March 22 budget offered new programs for enhanced skill and workplace development, however, there is concern these investments are partially funded by EI premiums set to increase in fiscal 2018-19 by five cents, up to $1.68 per $100 of insurable earnings.
“We welcome the focus on skills and innovation, but are less enthusiastic about an increase in EI premiums to partially fund skills training costs,” said the President.
The Chamber was pleased to see the federal government kept its pre-budget promise to avoid taxation of employee health benefits following a national campaign lobbying against that move.
Investment in trade-enabling infrastructure to boost productivity fell below Chamber expectations, an area Stevenson said the Chamber would like to see an enhanced focus. Those investments represent just 11 per cent of the total $120 billion in spending, with the remainder going toward green and social infrastructure.
“We also have concern regarding the deficit spending of $23 Billion in 2017 and $28.5 Billion by end of 2018. This will increase the overall debt and this in turn impacts our future.”
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business in this region for 127 years. It represents more than 435 member businesses and advocates on their behalf at all levels of government on issues of political, economic and social importance.
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce elects new officers
TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated 127 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 Alex Stevenson of CIBC step into the president’s seat.
Stevenson recognized the commitment to the organization of past-president Andrew Lake who served two consecutive terms.
“Over the past two years, his leadership, dedication, commitment and collaboration has raised the profile of the Chamber,” said Stevenson. “ He has guided it to the successful completion of a number of key initiatives.”
He thanked Lake for his efforts to engage members and stakeholders and offering leadership in a strategic planning process, “to help focus the chamber to maintain relevance and integrity through updated internal policies and strengthened board governance.”
“Going forward, my intention is to continue to build on the momentum we have created and continue to focus on the key initiatives that we have outlined in our 2017 Business Plan,” said newly elected president. “These initiatives include serving our membership, supporting tourism marketing efforts, advancing our economic development initiative, lobbying for transportation and infrastructure improvements, supporting youth retention, focusing on operational excellence, promoting investment and opportunities in information and communication technology and to work with all stakeholders to support a sustainable and prosperous business environment.
“We are also committed to establishing our Vision – where we see the Colchester business community as collaborative, connected and thriving.”
Other newly elected executives and directors are: Vice-President Dan Clarke, Stanfields; Treasurer Joanne McRae, MNP; Solicitor Heidi Walsh-Sampson, Patterson Law; and Directors Don Locke, RBC; Dr. David Gray, Dean of Dalhousie Agricultural Campus; Karen Baillie, Elegant Steps; Karen Gillespie, Nova Scotia Community College; Fran Grant, Remax/Fairlane Realty; Matt Robblee, Caldwell-Roach Insurance; Ron Smith, Old Fletcher’s Farm Property Ltd., Masstown Market; Bob Brown E. Lynds Enterprises; Nancy Johnstone, Lock and Stone Property Management; Peter Theisen P.T. Property Care; Connie Baird, Party Time Rentals and Sam Abushenaf, PuroClean Restorations.
Lake , Will-Kare Paving and Contracting, will remain on the board as past-president.
We are fortunate to have a board comprised of dedicated, progressive and engaged professionals who volunteer their time for the betterment of our business community,” said Stevenson.
Business Development Enterprise identifies board, sets priorities
TRURO - A pilot project focused on business attraction and retention has taken a step forward with the selection of a business-led board.
The nine-person board was selected following a nomination process which saw many diverse individuals across the county express an interest in participating. Those chosen for the inaugural board are Jo Ann Fewer, Dr. David Gray, Stephanie Jones, Dianne Kelderman, Jennifer Hamilton-Upham, Bruce Casey, Mark Wood, Don Hay and Steve Johnston.
“We saw a tremendous response from the business community with so many high quality candidates,” said Truro Mayor Bill Mills. “Choosing who would be part of the initial board was difficult, however, we feel we have a diverse group that balances youth, experience and business backgrounds that bring skill and knowledge we need at the table.”
In the weeks ahead, the board will be tasked with preparing a budget, setting a strategic direction and identifying staffing needs to meet an anticipated launch of early spring.
“Our Councils recognize collaboration with the business community is key,” said Colchester County Mayor Christine Blair. “Who better than those in business to lead this initiative of growing our economy? Their knowledge is crucial to our success.”
The business development enterprise, a combined effort of the Colchester region municipalities, Millbrook First Nation and the business community, will bring a focused approach to business attraction and retention in this area.
“Collectively, the funding partners, key stakeholders and the new board are excited and enthusiastic about the opportunities an identifiable regional business development organization offers the region,” said Andrew Lake, President of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce. “It will support existing and prospective business while being catalyst to job creation and population growth.”