Chamber asks for a delay in second reading of proposed kennel development By-law
News Release
August 29, 2018
Chamber asks for a delay in second reading of proposed kennel development By-law
TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is asking Colchester County Council to delay the second reading of a proposed temporary By-law impacting the development of kennels.
The Chamber has engaged with its members and municipal officials on the issue which has resulted in the submission of several recommendations on the proposed Municipality of the County of Colchester Kennel Development By-law.
“At this time, we are asking that County Council delay the second reading of the proposed By-law in order to allow time for consultation to occur with local businesses that will be affected, as well as to establish a timeline to be included while the land use By-laws are reviewed,” said Chamber president Joanne McRae.
Of particular concern to Chamber members is the lack of timeline associated with the implementation of the proposed By-law which council has indicated would be temporary.
Based on feedback from its membership, the Chamber believes if a By-law of this nature were to remain in effect for an indefinite period of time, there is potential for wide-spread negative impacts to local business of all kinds, from real estate to existing kennels, veterinarians, breeders, groomers, pet supply businesses, trainers, boarding facilities, dog daycares, kennel clubs, professional dog handlers and many others.
“It is unreasonable to expect business to wait an undetermined timeframe for the county to lift a moratorium directly impacting their livelihoods,” said the President.
Colchester County has attracted high-caliber canine events drawing thousands of people to this area and has been home to dogs trained as international champions. The pet industry is a multi-billion dollar business and needs the support of Council to continue to provide economic benefits to this region.
Since 2013 the pet industry has grown 3.8 per cent and was worth more than $7 billion in Canada, with 52 per cent of households having a pet. Colchester County boasts a wide variety of pet-related businesses and is well positioned for economic growth.
The Chamber provided several recommendations to council including a need to clearly outline how proposed new legislation would be enforced and the estimated cost to tax payers.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is committed to working cooperatively with government to better educate businesses about their legislative obligations and look forward to engaging with the government on this critical issue in future.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business in this region for 128 years. It represents more than 400 member businesses and advocates on their behalf at all levels of government on issues of political, economic and social importance.
Read letter submitted to the Municipality of the County of Colchester
Impact Investing Pilot Program Launches in Nova Scotia
(August 13, 2018 – Truro, NS) Social enterprises across the province of Nova Scotia may be eligible for a boost – thanks to an exciting, new pilot program being launched in partnership between Nova Scotia’s credit unions, their trade association, Atlantic Central and the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council.
Launching today, the Impact Investing pilot program will invest up to $25,000 into eligible Nova Scotia social enterprises who are making a real impact in their communities. Social enterprises can be a not-for-profit, a Co-operative or a privately owned enterprise that has a social mission and are delivering social impacts. Applicants must be providing a service that meets a need in their community or is helping under-served populations.
“The capital available through the program is intended as an investment in our communities” says Dianne Kelderman, President and CEO of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council. “The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council and credit unions have a long history of giving back to the places we call home, so this is a natural fit and an extension of what we already do”
Interested social enterprises are encouraged to apply for funding by visiting their local credit union or connecting with the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council. Enterprises must prove that they are financially sustainable and have support within their local area.
Applications for the pilot will remain open until September 17th with funding recipients being announced later this fall.
Documents and further information can be found at www.novascotia.coop
About Atlantic Central
Atlantic Central is the trade association that represents 50 member-owned credit unions across Atlantic Canada.
About the Nova Scotia-Cooperative Council
The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council is the economic development arm of the Nova Scotia Co-operative and Credit Union system. The Council represents 322 Co-operative businesses who employ over 11,000 Nova Scotians and have over $5.2 billion at work in our provincial economy.
Coalition to Keep Trade Free established
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is joining the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to rally the business community through its Coalition to Keep Trade Free, and we are inviting you to participate.
Members can show support by joining the Coalition to add your logo to the Keep Trade Free website https://www.keeptradefree.com/ and to share its messages on your social media platforms using #KeepTradeFree.
Chamber soliciting feedback on need for E-commerce education
Dear Valued Chamber Member;
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing educational opportunities for our members.
This questionnaire is to determine the interest and needs for E-commerce training for our members. If you are interested in implementing or upgrading your e-commerce business, or just want to learn more about 'How To' for E-commerce, please take a few minutes to fill out this questionnaire as it will help us to understand what topics need to be covered by those interested.
All results will be kept confidential.
We would also ask you to take a few minutes to view your listing on our online member's directory on the Chamber website, www.trurocolchesterchamber.com . Please email updates to [email protected]. Members are also welcome to call the office to share any updated information 902-895-6328.
CLICK HERE to participate in the four-question survey
5 Minutes for Business: Latest on Canada-U.S. Tariffs
5 Minutes for Business: Latest on Canada-U.S. Tariffs
In this edition of 5 Minutes for Business, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Director of International Affairs, Mark Agnew, takes stock of the latest Canada-U.S. tariffs and examines what could come next and how it could impact Canadian business.
On June 1—and in the absence of any cogent justification—Canadian steel was hit with a 25% tariff and aluminum with a 10% tariff. Unfortunately, these actions necessitated a proportionate response to attempt to encourage the U.S. administration to reverse these unwarranted tariffs on Canadian exports.
At time of writing, there has been relative silence from President Trump on Canada’s retaliatory tariffs. But, how long will he remain quiet and what will be his next move?
Read 5 Minutes for Business to learn more.
Canadian Chamber: Immediate retaliatory action required in response to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs
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Third Annual Lobster and Steak Kitchen Party
Live music. Come meet your chamber members and enjoy a locally harvested lobster with friends. This event is open to everyone. This event supports our local fishery.
Promote your business with video workshop
Book early for our next Business Builder Breakfast! Erik Muckle with Truro Nissan will join us to share a presentation on how to promote your business with video. He has been creating his own video marketing materials and will share how he has grown his customer base by posting them on social media.
The breakfast will be held May 22, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.at the Marigold Cultural Centre. A light breakfast is served. This event is offered free of charge, sponsored by White LeBlanc Wealth Planners, Hollis Wealth. To reserve a seat call 902-895-6328 or email [email protected]
The Business Builder Breakfast series connects members offering peer support and coaching. It is held once a month, 10 months of the year from September until June on a variety of topics to support business. It is offered free of charge. For more information contact the Chamber office.
Golf Tournament June 8, Mountain Golf Club.
Annual Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, members and guests Best ball scramble. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., shotgun start at 9 a.m.
Registration costs $400 per team plus HST, or $100 for individual golfers. Includes: 18-holes of golf, golf cart rental, chicken dinner, snacks, Prize draws, Hole-in-one prizes. RSVP by June 4, [email protected], or call 902-895-6328
Truro & Colchester Partnership Seeking Input for Strategic Direction
April 06, 2018
NEWS RELEASE
Truro & Colchester Partnership Seeking Input for Strategic Direction
TRURO, NOVA SCOTIA —. The Partnership officially formed late in 2017 and is tasked with improving economic development in the Colchester region, supporting business growth in communities.
A series of more than eight community focus groups have been planned offering Businesses and residents an opportunity to provide vital input. People may also submit information to the organization online.
“Developing a regional strategy requires a regional approach,” said Mark Wood, Partnership Chairman. “We need the current pulse of our region’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities & threats. Getting input and thoughtful, evidence-based ideas from our communities across the Colchester region is essential.”
The two-hour focus groups will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at various locations across the county including Stewiacke, Bass River, Millbrook and Tatamagouche with the remaining sessions taking place within the Truro and Bible Hill region. Details can be accessed online via the Partnership’s website at www.tcpep.ca.
The Truro and Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity is a newly established Regional Enterprise Network (REN) supported by the towns of Truro and Stewiacke, the County of Colchester, Millbrook First Nation, the business community through the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce and the Province of Nova Scotia.