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.
Chamber Job Opportunity -Part-time Events Co-ordinator
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is looking to add a dedicated, flexible, organized, resourceful individual to its team to fill the role of part-time events co-ordinator. This position is responsible for assisting with event planning and coordination, as well as member services.
Minimum 12 hours per week, plus additional hours as required during events.
Job Description/ Qualifications:
- Assist with planning and coordinating Chamber Events such as: monthly Lunch & Learns, Political Engagements, Curling Bonspiel, Annual Gala, Kitchen Party, Fall Flavours Festival, Annual Fun Golf Tournament, Small Business Week, and other business related events
- Calculate budgets and ensure they are adhered to
- Book talent, including musicians, bands, and disc jockeys
- Select chefs or catering companies to prepare food for event
- Visit venue to plan layout of seating and decorations
- Schedule speakers, vendors, and participants
- Coordinate and monitor event timelines and ensure deadlines are met
- Initiates, coordinates and/or participates in all efforts to publicize event
- Edit and design promotional materials
- Prepare presentations
- Negotiate and secure event space
- Secure sponsorships
- Manage registration lists
- Manage correspondence
- Coordinate event logistics, including registration and attendee tracking, presentation and materials support and pre- and post-event
- Keep inventory of decorations and other display materials
- Develop and distribute weekly E-Newsletter
- Maintain event calendar on Chamber website
- Development of promotional material and liaising with current and potential members
- Assist the Executive Director and Office Administrator with duties as assigned
- Experience in event planning and working in the not-for-profit sector with an elected board considered an asset
Please forward your resume and cover letter to [email protected] . This job opportunity will remain posted until a suitable candidate is selected.
We thank all candidates who apply but only those who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
Infrastructure agreement good for business
News Release
April 10, 2018
Infrastructure agreement good for business
TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce says today’s deal inked by the provincial and federal government supporting infrastructure is good for business.
“This agreement with Ottawa, providing our province with $828 million in infrastructure funding over the next decade, will contribute to economic development of the region,” said Chamber President Joanne McRae.
“The long-term funding will allow the provincial government flexibility to allow for investment in a wide range of projects that will benefit the region such as climate related disaster mitigation, culture and recreation infrastructure and will improve the quality of life in rural communities.”
However, the Chamber is concerned investment in trade-enabling infrastructure was not among the funding streams included in the announcement.
“Highways and roads are important to support growth in our region by enhancing competition in a global trade network,” said McRae. “Limitations in vital transportation and infrastructure, are restricting the region’s ability to grow and prosper.”
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.
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Chamber continues to monitor small business tax policy changes
TRURO - Ensuring changes in small business tax rules do not harm business growth remains a priority for the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce.
As the “Voice of Business” in Truro and Colchester, advocating on behalf of more than 400 members, the Chamber has been actively lobbying the federal government to pause its proposed tax changes impacting our member businesses and take a more comprehensive look at the entire Canadian Tax system.
“We were happy to learn the government has lowered the small business tax to 10 per cent this year, with future reductions planned that will allow business to invest, prosper and grow,” said Chamber President Alex Stevenson. “However, as the voice of business we continue to follow the developments around the tax policy issue to ensure it is fair for small business to protect growth.”
In a letter sent to Finance Minister Bill Morneau in December, the Chamber recommended a broad consultation of pending changes with tax professionals and businesses, encompassing jurisdictional, profession and sector variations. It was further recommended any proposed tax change be supported by data that quantifies economic impact.
The Chamber recently received a response from the Minister’s office.
“The Government is committed to addressing any unintended consequences of these measures and is focused on supporting Canada’s hard-working, middle-class small business owners, while targeting unfair advantages that largely benefit the wealthiest Canadians,” Elliot Hughes, Deputy Director – Tax Policy, from the Minister of Finance’s office, wrote in the letter.
Hughes outlined actions the government has taken to support small business, such as lowering the small business tax rate. The Deputy Director also shared details of the government’s position regarding changes to its income sprinkling policy, passive investment, conversion of income into Capital Gains and support for small business and entrepreneurs.
The Chamber invites the business community to read the Minister’s letter on its website (www.trurocolchesterchamber.com ) and to provide input on the impacts of the developing tax policy changes.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and all levels of government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families. Representing more than 400 members it is the local voice for business connected to both the national and Atlantic chambers of commerce.
Truro & Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity Hires New CEO
TRURO, NOVA SCOTA — The Board of the Truro & Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity is pleased to announce it has recruited its new CEO. Brennan Gillis, a resident of Valley, will join the organization on Jan. 8, to begin ramping up the work of the newly formed Partnership.
The hire is a result of eight months of volunteer planning and collaborative talks with businesses, communities and government partners to secure funding for the new Partnership. Gillis will co-locate with ACOA, NSBI and CBDC NOBL at 35 Commercial Street, Suite 208, Truro.
Gillis has worked previously with the Community Business Development Corporations, RRFB Nova Scotia (now Divert Nova Scotia) and Mitacs Inc., a national not-for-profit organization that funds innovative research collaborations between business and academia. Brennan obtained his Masters of Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University and has been an active volunteer in the community working with young professionals and business start-ups. He is passionate about the opportunities in the region.
“I’m really excited to work with the Partnership,” said Gillis. “I love living in this community. Working with a committed group of partners who want to grow the region and increase business opportunity – it’s a dream job.”
The Truro and Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity is a newly established Regional Enterprise Network (REN) financially 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. Partners have agreed to initially finance the organization for three years to encourage and stimulate economic growth.
In preparation for the strategic planning process which Gillis will spearhead in early 2018, the organization has contracted Turner Drake & Partners to complete an Economic Market Assessment.
“We are excited to have all the critical parts coming together now for our Partnership for Economic Prosperity,” said Mark Wood, Chairman of the Truro-Colchester Partnership and President/CEO of Ocean Sonics. “With Brennan starting in the New Year we hope to bring the business community together, grow our region and make it the place where people choose to live.”
Expedia Names Truro as a Favourite Small Town in Canada
Expedia Canada Travel Blog recently surveyed one thousand local Canadians and asked them to nominate their favourite small town (pop. max 20,000) in Canada. After sorting through all of the nominations, the list was narrowed down to the top 25 choices.
Ranking in #22 on the list is Truro, Nova Scotia, with the caption, “If you’re planning on vacationing with someone who can’t sit down for more than five seconds at a time, leave them home before you visit peaceful Truro. This town in Nova Scotia has made an impression on travellers looking for serenity. Known for excellent picnic spots (like Victoria Park) and a quaint downtown that’s as charming as it is welcoming, this is where you go to unwind.”
The article goes on to comment on Truro’s “lovely experience” and “great accommodations”, as well as highlight on a number of downtown businesses, the Civic Square, and the Colchester Historeum!
A number of other Nova Scotia communities also made the list. Peggy’s Cove ranked #16, Annapolis Royal ranked #24, and Antigonish rounded out the list at #25. Topping the list was Banff, Alberta.
For more information, or for the full article, check out https://www.expedia.ca/travelblog/canadians-choose-their-favourite-small-towns/
Breakfast with MP Lisa Raitt
Join us for breakfast with The Hon. Lisa Raitt, PC, MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Member of Parliament for Milton, Friday, October 27, 8:00 a.m., Holiday Inn Truro. RSVP required by calling 902-895-6328 or email oa@tcchamber.ca
Outstanding local businesses to be honoured with 2017 Small Business Awards
TRURO - The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has announced this year’s Small Business Week award recipients.
“The quality of the applications was excellent,” said Chamber President Alex Stevenson. The people operating these businesses are amazing and all are truly deserving of recognition.
“However, there can only be one winner in each category and the decisions were difficult. I thank our vetting committee for their hard work, and I thank everyone who took the time to submit nominations.”
The award recipients of 2017 are: New Small Business of the Year, Yoka Sushi; Small Business Achievement, S. Sorenson Electric Ltd.; Small Business Innovation, Tobias Portraiture; Export Achievement, My HOME Apparel ; Excellence in Community Development, The Nook & Cranny; Small Business Growth, Berry’s Furniture ; and Agriculture/Agri-Small Business, Truro Agromart Ltd. The seven awards are sponsored by Community Credit Union, PWC, RBC, Nova Scotia Business Inc., Town of Truro, BDC and MNP LLP, respectively.
Recipients will be honoured at this year’s Small Business Week Award Luncheon, Oct. 18, 12 p.m., at the Best Western Glengarry and Conference Centre. All nominees will receive recognition for their contributions to the local economy during the luncheon. Guest speaker will be Heather Coulombe, of the Farmer’s Daughter Country Market, Whycocomagh, NS. The business offered free land in return for employment at their store last year and received 200,000 emails in reply.
To reserve seats at the luncheon, contact the Chamber of Commerce office by calling 902-895-6328 or email [email protected]. Seats cost $25 for chamber members and $35 for future members (plus tax).
The Chamber will kick off a week of Small Business Week activities with a Women in Business Breakfast on Monday, Oct. 16 at the Holiday Inn from 8:30 to 10 a.m. with guest speakers Miriah Kearney, Founder and CEO, My Home Apparel and Stephanie Jones, Owner, McDonald’s Restaurants. This event is offered to all business women in the community at no cost. Registration is required.
On Oct. 17 Patterson Law’s Truro Business law practice group will present Building Business Success in partnership with the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce. This event will bring together key business leaders to both celebrate this area’s economic success and provide business owners at all stages with tools to build a foundation for sustainable growth.
Using a panel presentation format led by professionals and other business owners, each session provides practical advice for concrete examples identifying best strategies for success for any entrepreneur. This event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marigold Cultural Centre. There is no charge for this event and a complimentary lunch and refreshments will be provided.
RSVP by emailing [email protected]
The panel discussion themes are navigating successful business transition from generation to generation, leveraging technology for success, smart growth, impact of proposed tax changes on small business, attracting top talent and protecting your business assets.
On Oct. 19 a member’s networking night will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Marigold Cultural Centre.
The last event of Small Business Week on Friday will be Live & Work. This event will allow businesses to participate in an initiative to build the vibrancy of our region and reach out to our future workforce. The purpose is to bring attention to our community offerings and build a competitive awareness to assist youth in securing employment and developing an attractive lifestyle here. We welcome businesses of all kinds, big and small, to join us in showcasing the local opportunities.
To participate, businesses are asked to register with the Chamber as a Live and Work location willing to open their doors to visitors on the event day. We ask that someone be available to greet visitors at their location between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m., as well as to answer questions about the job opportunities in their field of work.
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.