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A recent article in the National Post (Federal Liberals eye tax on private health and dental plans a move that would take in about $2.9B) reports the Liberal Government is considering the taxation of employer-provided health benefits. The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has raised concerns on your behalf to Cumberland-Colchester MP Bill Casey and Minister of Finance Bill Morneau. Employers who offer these programs to their staff, recognize the value they provide, and understand any change to the tax treatment will be a detriment to staff and the business. We encourage you to support a united effort to reinforce this important policy position by sending a letter of your own to Cumberland-Colchester MP Bill Casey and Finance Minister Bill Morneau.

Click this link to access a template of the letter:

www.trurocolchesterchamber.com/images/stories/billcaseyletterbenefits.pdf

Email: [email protected]

Mail: Bill Casey, MP Cumberland-Colchester, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ont., K1A 0A6

Email: [email protected]

Mail: Finance Minister Bill Morenau, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ont., K1A 0A6

TRURO – One of Canada’s newest residents and an inspiring young entrepreneur will be the guest speaker at a Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce lunch and learn Feb. 1 at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre in Truro.

Tareq Hadhad, owner of the Antigonish-based business, Peace by Chocolate, along with his father Assam and mother Shahenaz, will share his family’s personal journey from war-torn Damascus, Syria, to a refugee camp in Lebanon then starting a new life in Canada.

“Tareq and his family have overcome unimaginable dangers and challenges to flee their native Syria and start a new life here in Canada,” says Chamber president Andrew Lake. “His resilience and determination has extended to the opening of a chocolate shop in Antigonish that employs a number of individuals. His story demonstrates the value that immigration offers to the cultural and economic prosperity of the province and country.”

The Hadhad family once owned a thriving chocolatier business in Syria employing 30 people, many of whom fled Syria with them in 2013. Tareq was the first member of his family to arrive in Canada in late 2015, followed soon after by others, where they began to quickly rebuild their lives surrounded by strong community support in their new hometown of Antigonish.

The family opened the now nationally acclaimed Peace by Chocolate in August 2016 in a small shed built by volunteers and they are already in expansion mode. Last November, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared the family’s story at a UN summit on refugees and personally stopped by the newly opened business.

In addition to guest speaker Hadhad, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab, will provide an update about the province’s support of refugees and Darrell Kuhn, president and CEO of Community Credit Union will speak about its small business financing/loan guarantee program, a joint initiative of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, Credit Union Central of Nova Scotia, local credit unions and Nova Scotia Economic Development, which supported the Hadhad family in their entrepreneurial activities.

The cost to attend is $20 plus HST for members, $25 plus HST for future chamber members. The event will begin at noon (12 p.m.) To reserve a seat contact the chamber office at 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].

Carbon pricing panel participants are moderator Glenn Davis, left, vice-president of policy with the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce; Elizabeth Beale, economist and commissioner of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission; Peter MacDonald, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters energy committee and advisory board member;  Maxine MacLean, communication and research co-ordinator, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture;  Jason Hollett, Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Dale Prest, ecosystem services specialist with Community Forests International. PHOTO BY SHERRY MARTELL

 

TRURO – An official with the Nova Scotia Department of Environment said they will be having “meaningful conversations” around the province as they establish a carbon cap and trade system.

“We are absolutely in the very beginning stages of putting this program together,” said Jason Hollett, leading the team developing the province’s cap and trade system and other climate change initiatives.

“For us this is really about transformation, building on what we have already done.”

He said Nova Scotia is leading greenhouse gas reduction efforts across the country.

Hollett was one of five carbon pricing experts participating in a panel discussion on the topic on Thursday at the Marigold Cultural Centre in Truro.  He was joined by Elizabeth Beale, economist and commissioner of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission; Maxine MacLean, communication and research co-ordinator, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture; Peter MacDonald Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters energy committee and advisory board member; and Dale Prest, an ecosystem services specialist with Community Forests International. The panel was moderated by Glenn Davis, vice-president of policy with the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce.

The panelists shared varying views on the impacts of carbon pricing regulation, opportunities and shared details about how programs are working in other jurisdictions in Canada, as well as greenhouse gas reduction efforts around the globe.

“In general, a well-implemented cap and trade system, the market will drive the energy-intensive users to change,” said MacDonald. He added if credits are permitted to flow out to the desired markets, high carbon emitters will purchase those credits and if it gets too expensive they will reinvest in energy reduction.

Beale, shared perspectives of carbon pricing schemes across the country explaining in most jurisdictions government revenues are raised through these programs.

“One of the important priorities for many governments is to offer incentives for particularly the energy intensive sectors to take further steps to reduce their emissions,” said the economist.

MacLean said during the past 10 years, several high-energy use commodities within agriculture have changed their practices which would otherwise have forced them out of the market such as greenhouses switching to propane heating systems. She added it is critical to have open communication with business across the province as the cap and trade system is implemented in the province.

“Make sure the message is consistent across the province,” she said.

Describing trees as “solar-powered carbon vacuums,” Prest spoke about the great opportunities provided by responsibly managing the rich, mixed forests in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

“We are sitting on exactly what the world needs at exactly the right time,” he said.

The panel discussion was co-hosted by the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce and the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce.

Andrew Lake, President of the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce, said the discussions provided business an opportunity to learn about carbon pricing and its role in limiting green house gas emissions.

“A cap and trade policy to manage carbon emissions in Nova Scotia was particularly a focus,” Lake said.
“Businesses were able to absorb the content provided by the panelists to prepare for implementation, mitigating the fear while identifying potential business opportunities.”

Combined, the chambers represent about 650 businesses in the region.

To view video clips of the discussion, visit the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Dear Chamber Members,

For a long time now, we have all lamented about our shared reality of ‘jobs without people, and people without jobs.’  The Chamber has been engaged in ongoing work on your behalf to address this narrative. While there is no one singular solution to this complex community challenge, we do remain optimistic about the opportunities in our region. We are confident that as a business community we need to play an active role in building the vibrancy of our region.

To this end, one of our strategies has been to facilitate a working group to focus specifically on youth retention. Having explored the above narrative, the group feels we as a business community, can do something about the gap between the available workforce and available jobs. Our proposal closely aligns with the intent of the Ivany Report, and the goals outlined in the consequent N.S. Playbook.

We are proposing to stage a community wide, full day, highly publicized large-scale event in the fall (tentatively in late September), to bring knowledge and awareness to the broader community about the available immediate and long-term job prospects in our region. We anticipate hosting a community wide open-house where participating businesses will open their doors and welcome community members to learn about your particular industry, workplace and job opportunities.

This day is expected to provide a chance for prospective job seekers, both in the immediate and long term range, to learn about what is available. Most of us, as community members at large, know very little what goes on in our respective institutions. This day, is just one opportunity to welcome, inform, build optimism and pride in our region through showcasing opportunities, and ultimately attract prospective employees. The diversity of opportunity in our region is our strength – let’s get the word out!

 

Here’s a few specifics:

 

• Begin and end at a rallying point, could be outside new library.
• Stage an event that will draw a broad audience. Could have opportunities for business sponsorship/presence at the event itself.
• From that location we would offer a hop-on hop-off transportation service with your business along the journey. This would bring the community to your door.
• The event would be broadly promoted.
• We expect to go big, or go home. We need a significant number of business committed to participating (min. 40).

 

What we would need from your business:

• Someone to greet guests as they drop by
• Consider offering tours of your facility
• Offer information on your business, industry and job/career opportunities. Maybe a company profile and opportunities handout.
• Consider swag/door prize etc…
• Be prepared to receive resumes
• Support the initiative

 

Next steps:

 

We need a solid base of support from you for this concept, if we are to move forward. Our mechanism to solicit your interest is to hear from you by March 1, 2017 by replying to the following questions. You can follow the link below to submit answers electronically. If you prefer, you can also email responses to [email protected], call us at the 902-895-6328 , or drop of in person at the office 605 Prince. St.

Click on Link to Complete Survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6JB9MQS

 

Survey Questions:

• Do you feel this concept has merit and should be something we put our collective effort behind?
• Do you expect to have your business participate in this day? If so, what is your company name?
• Please briefly give a description of your immediate hiring needs. Number and type of positions…
• Would you have interest in having a business presence during the rally at the start or end of the day?
• Please indicate if you have a particular interest and are willing to contribute your energy or resources in any aspect of this concept. Success of such an event hinges on a collaborative and all-hands-on-deck approach.
• Any other comments/advice?

Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce to honour outstanding business leaders

TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking nominations to recognize outstanding business leaders at its annual dinner gala and awards celebration.

Two awards will be presented at the April 27 event; the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Business Person of the Year Award and the Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award.

“The chamber’s annual dinner gala and awards celebration has recognized the accomplishments of the region’s businesses and leaders since 1989,” said Chamber President, Andrew Lake.   “The award program provides recognition for individuals and businesses that are rooted in their communities, providing strong leadership and value.”

To view the full award criteria and to download the 2017 nomination forms, visit www.trurocolchesterchamber.com, email [email protected] to request a form, or stop by the Chamber office at 605 Prince St., Truro (Marigold Cultural Centre). Self-nominations are welcome.

Click here to download BDC Business Person of the year nomination form

Click here to download Community Credit Union Business Excellence Nomination Form

The deadline to submit completed nominations is March 29, 2017. They may be submitted electronically to [email protected], by mail to Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, 605 Prince St., Truro, N.S. B2N 1G2, or at the Chamber office.

The Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award recognizes a business that has been in operation for at least 10 years and has had an outstanding impact on the community in Truro or Colchester. The BDC Business Person of the Year Award acknowledges a founder, owner, CEO, president or manager who has achieved significant success in business showing strong leadership skills and business acumen contributing to the consistent growth of the business.

Along with the two prestigious award presentations, the gala will feature special guest Cathy Bennett, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Within her ministerial portfolio, she is also responsible for the Women’s Policy Office, Human Resources Secretariat, Public Service Commission, Office of the Chief Information Officer and the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation.

Prior to her election to the Legislature in April of 2013, she was CEO of Bennett Group of Companies, leading Bennett Restaurants’ franchises for eight St. John’s area restaurants, a small construction company and a commercial property company. Bennett was also the partner in an industrial construction and supply company and a day spa.

Her business and community focus has been acknowledged with awards as Employer of Distinction in 2011, and several top CEO in Atlantic Canada awards from Atlantic Business Magazine. She was recognized as one of the top 25 Women of Influence in Canada in 2012, and is a Paul Harris Award and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal Recipient.  She is also the recipient of a Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs Award of Excellence.

“Cathy offers an inspirational story of applying work ethic, focus and direction to advance from a front-line worker to a successful owner/operator, respected business woman and politician,” said the Chamber president.

The Chamber is now accepting seating reservations for the April 27 gala dinner at the Holiday Inn and Convention Centre.  Reserve seats by April 14 for early booking discount, cost $45 plus tax for members and $55 plus tax for future members.  Cost for members booking seats after April 14 is $50 plus HST ($60 plus HST for future members). For more information contact the Chamber office at 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].

New Year resolution for positive change

President’s column (As published in the February 2017, Hub Now)

Ringing in a New Year is synonymous with pledging a resolution. Resolutions are often aimed at improving an individual’s well-being.  Goals to quit smoking and the proverbial diet and exercise plans top many resolution lists. Enthusiasm to reach the goal starts high, but more times than not, focus and commitment wanes, with the undesirable habits returning, leaving participants discouraged.

So you may ask, how do resolutions apply to business?  In simple terms, businesses and their managers can set their own resolutions. Simply committing to change, one or two things in how they operate their business, aimed at meeting specific business objectives.

One resolution may be focused on improving the workplace culture.  Advancing a positive workplace can start with the manager leading by example.  Demonstrating actions towards reducing negativity and limiting meddling, which contribute to a loss of trust and support within the workforce, is a manageable first step.  It’s often stated that it takes three positive comments to offset a single negative comment.  Efforts to create a positive work environment lead to an engaged workforce, which contributes to higher job satisfaction, reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.

Another tangible resolution may be tailored to supporting our own.  As businesses we recognize the value of residents supporting local establishments. Businesses, in among themselves, are large consumers of good and services. Their purchasing decisions can have a tremendous impact on the local economy. Resolving towards purchasing a greater portion of products and services locally will help support the sustainability of local business. This in return, will support the retention and attraction of staff, the creation of employment and provide donor supports for the social, cultural, educational and recreational needs of the area.

These small yet progressive actions can be very rewarding to business. Silently, the business will become an employer of choice, providing access to a larger labour pool and opportunities to attract the brightest talent.  Efforts towards positive actions further demonstrate the values of the business. Consumers are more aligned to trust a business with shared values and a perception of transparency.  Seeing their consumptive dollars being reinvested in the community, rather than funding programs of an external or foreign entity, provides an element of respect and fulfillment.

Andrew Lake is President of the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce. He is Project Manager with Will-Kare Paving and Contracting.

Refugee family embraces new hometown

Executive director’s column (published in February 2017, Hub Now)

Tareq Hadhad challenged people to imagine the unimaginable, as he told his personal story of loss while recounting living in a refugee camp.

The owner of the Antigonish-based business, Peace By Chocolate, accompanied  by his father Assam and mother Shahenaz, recently spoke at an event in Halifax hosted by the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council and Atlantic Central Credit Unions.

The young man originally from Damascas, Syria, detailed how his family’s perfectly normal, happy life changed overnight as civil war gripped his home country destroying all they had worked to build.

He spoke with great pride about the family’s chocolatier business, once a thriving enterprise in Damascas employing 30 people, many of whom fled Syria with the family in 2013 to a refugee camp in Lebanon.

Then, he shared joy about being the first of his family to arrive in Canada in late 2015, followed soon by others, where they began to quickly rebuild their lives.

Surrounded by strong  community support in their new hometown of Antigonish, the refugees turned entrepreneurs opened the now nationally acclaimed Peace By Chocolate in August 2016 in a small shed built by volunteers.

And they are already in expansion mode.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared the family’s story at a UN summit on refugees and stopped by the newly opened chocolatiers in November  for a private visit congratulating them on their early success in Canada.

The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has invited Hadhad to share his family’s touching story at a lunch and learn on Feb. 1, 12 p.m., at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre in Truro.

This event is one of several the Chamber will host during the next few weeks.  Divert Nova Scotia is hosting a networking social for Chamber members on Jan. 19 at its location, 35 Commercial St., Suite 400, beginning at 5 p.m. They invite members to learn about the many services they offer and recycling programs underway across the province. On Jan. 27, the Chamber will host its second annual curling bonspiel at the Truro Curling Club beginning at 1 p.m. Beginners and experienced curlers are welcome to participate in this fun-themed day. A short introduction to the game will be held prior to the first draw so join us for an afternoon of relaxed entertainment as a team or individual.

James Taylor, Commissionaires Nova Scotia regional manager,  will be the special guest speaker at the Jan. 25 TD Business Builders series workshop discussing business security. This session will be held from 8 -9 a.m., is free for members and a light breakfast is served.

For more information about the benefits of Chamber membership or to register for events contact the Chamber office at 902-895-6328, email [email protected], or visit our website www.trurocolchesterchamber.com.

Sherry Martell is the executive director of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce. She may be reached by email at [email protected].

Town of Truro and County of Colchester endorse business development pilot project

 

TRURO –  A pilot project aimed at attracting new business to the Colchester Region while supporting existing business in growth and retention is being endorsed by local municipalities.

Truro Town Council accepted the business development proposal at its Sept. 12 council meeting subject to developing a satisfactory governance model and other partner approvals.

“We applaud the Truro & Colchester Chamber’s commitment in proposing to take on this very challenging aspect of our economic development,” said Truro Mayor Bill Mills.

The 36-month pilot project will focus on marketing, promotion and communication by establishing a central point of contact to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as sector development, business retention and other supports.

Last month, Colchester County Council voted to support the proposed plan, which was developed by a group of business leaders with participation and input by local CAOs, municipal leadership and Millbrook First Nation in recent months.

“Colchester Council has endorsed the proposal as lead by the Chamber and are pleased with the commitment of all partners thus far,” said Colchester County Mayor Bob Taylor. “This is an important step to uniting our communities with a strong unified voice for economic development in our region.  This first step will lead to many exciting initiatives in the immediate future. ”

In recent months the Chamber has engaged with the business community and municipalities in an effort to garner support for the establishment of a business development body with a sharp focus on attracting new business to the area.

“The region has a tremendous geographic advantage over other areas and is rich with recreational, educational and social infrastructure,” said Chamber president Andrew Lake. “A unified effort to market and leverage these assets for prospective and existing business will position the region for continued prosperity.”

During the next few weeks the three municipalities in Colchester region and Millbrook First Nation will be meeting to discuss governance and work together to finalize a funding model with a goal to implement initial phases of the plan in the fall of 2016.

Business attraction and retention focus of pilot project

NEWS RELEASE

Dec. 28, 2016

Call for nominations to participate on business-led board

CLICK HERE to download a board recruitment package

TRURO –  Colchester region municipalities and Millbrook First Nation are uniting with the business community to bring a focused approach to business attraction and retention in this area.

Five key stakeholders – the towns of Truro and Stewiacke, Colchester County, Millbrook First Nation and the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce supported by the business community  – will provide funding and expertise to support the establishment of a new economic development organization, structured similarly to the provincially organized regional economic networks.

The stakeholders have formed a Liaison and Oversight Committee (LOC) with participation from all five groups as the first step to launching a business development enterprise in the spring of 2017.

“It’s critical to the region’s success that municipal, First Nation and business interests are united and focused on a strategic direction and prepared to partner to ensure that tangible results are achieved in the next three years and beyond,” said Truro Mayor Bill Mills.

The 36-month pilot project will focus on marketing, promotion and communication by establishing a central point of contact to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as sector development, business retention and other supports.

“Getting our councils and our business community all pulling together to build a better local economy is what the Ivany Report called for,” said Colchester Mayor Christine Blair. “And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

The LOC is currently working to formalize governance, finalize the funding formulas and establish a business-led board that will identify opportunities and provide strategies tailored to this region.

“The business community is proud to be partnering with municipal and First Nation stakeholders at providing a regional focus on economic development,” said Chamber President Andrew Lake. “Populating the board with a diverse and talented group of community and business leaders will support identifying strategies that will grow and prosper the region.”

The group is calling for nominations of candidates to serve on the inaugural board of directors.  Board terms will be one, two and three years. Applicants should be driven by the belief that they can make a difference in the region with their diverse backgrounds and possess knowledge and skills in one or more of the following areas: leadership, business, law and audit, human resources, finance, governance, strategic planning, partnership development, government navigation, communications, economic development, entrepreneurship and relationship networking.

For more information or to obtain a recruitment package and application, contact the Chamber office by calling 902-895-6328, email [email protected] or visit www.trurocolchesterchamber.com.

The deadline for receipt of applications is noon (12 p.m.), Jan. 16, 2017.

CLICK HERE to download a board recruitment package

Time Sensitive Invitation to all Chamber Members

 

The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has arranged the opportunity for members of our chamber to participate in a twice-yearly Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey to be conducted by Corporate Research Associates Inc. (CRA) and sponsored by TD Canada Trust. CRA has been conducting a Consumer Confidence Index in the region for the last twenty-five years and felt the time was right to have a business perspective on the economy in Atlantic Canada. CRA will produce a Business Confidence Index for each of the four Atlantic provinces and the region overall for comparison purposes.

There are two direct benefits to our Chamber members. The first is that all those participating in this survey (which will take about 10-12 minutes to complete online) will receive a copy of the results. The second is that, any chamber that has a minimum of 100 of their members or 50% of its membership participate, these chambers will receive their own Business Confidence Index for their members. There is no cost involved either for our chamber or members who participate in the survey. To view the summary report of the inaugural Atlantic Business Confidence Index, click here.

We would encourage all our members to simply clink on the link below and help us build our own Business Confidence Index. Please be assured that all individual company responses will be treated in complete confidence and only aggregated data will be reported. The survey will only be opened until Wednesday, January 11, 2017. Why not take a few moments and complete the survey now. This survey is only open to those in the private sector.

To complete the survey click on the following link: https://surveys.cra.ca/s/112297/?tccc&l=en

Should you have any questions on the survey, or require assistance accessing or completing the survey, please do not hesitate to contact Corporate Research Associates at [email protected].

Thank you for your anticipated support of this important initiative to develop an economic indicator for our chamber membership.