Taxation System Review
Background
In 2008, the Nova Scotia government announced it would be conducting a “major review” of its taxation system. The aim, according to the province, would be to put in place ‘‘the best possible tax system,’’ while helping the province’s economy become more competitive. The review would examine business and personal income taxes as well as provincial user fees.
Motion
Be it resolved that the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce will urge the Nova Scotia Government to make this review as transparent as possible, with adequate time for input from residents and the business community and that any reasonable input received be given serious consideration before any decisions are made.
Passed at the 2009 AGM. Expires in 2011 unless renewed
Transportation Infrastructure
Background
The Truro and surrounding area has long been recognized as the “Hub of Nova Scotia.” Many goods and people travelling to other areas of this province and country have to go through our region to get where they are going. The safe and efficient movement of these goods and people is a vital part of our economic well-being in the Colchester Region and has been for many years. The rail industry has been synonymous with Truro for a long time and as such, improvements and upgrades to it should be encouraged by the business community as a way to strengthen the local economy. However, there has been a tendency for our region to be overlooked when it comes to transportation infrastructure funding in favour of more urbanized areas of the province and country. If this continues, our identity as “The Hub of Nova Scotia” will be lost.
Motion
Be it resolved that the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce will actively lobby all levels of government for upgrades, improvements and investments into the area’s transportation infrastructure.
Also be it resolved that the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce will urge the Nova Scotia and Federal Governments, via written and verbal correspondence, to return 100 per cent of fuel taxes collected to road and highway infrastructure.
Passed at the 2009 AGM. Expires in 2011 unless renewed
Municipal Governance
Background
Colchester County has a unique situation when it comes to municipal governments, as the Town of Truro is contained within the Municipality of the County of Colchester. Added to that are Village Commissions, the Millbrook First Nation, the Town of Stewiacke, etc. all with similar goals and aspirations when it comes to economic development. These municipalities also provide similar services to their constituents, which are paid for through the collection of residential and commercial taxes.
The Truro and District Chamber of Commerce realizes that all municipalities in the Colchester Region have their own mandates and the best interest of their constituents at heart. However, there have been disagreements between municipalities which have held up developments that would benefit our entire region. The TDCoC also realizes that increased cooperation between local municipalities could decrease the cost of some of the services these municipalities provide which, in turn, should ease the burden on taxpayers and provide more money to be entered into our local economy.
Motion
Be it resolved that the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce urge local governments and government agencies to work together whenever possible for the greater good of all businesses and residents in our region. And, when conflicting approaches between local municipalities and governments stall economic development in our region, that the TDCoC use any resources it deems necessary, as decided by the Board of Directors, to help resolve those differences as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Passed at the 2009 AGM. Expires in 2011 unless renewed
Tourism
Background
The Truro and District Chamber of Commerce’s membership is comprised of businesses from all different sectors. However, the tourism industry is a huge part of the Colchester region’s economy and is important to the survival of all of its businesses, whether they are directly involved in the tourism industry or not. Attractions and festivals, in whatever form, are all revenue generators for businesses in many different sectors, and as such, are vital to our economic prosperity.
Motion
Be it resolved that the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce will actively promote Nova Scotia, and more specifically, those attractions and festivals within its boundaries, as premiere tourist destinations and that the TDCoC will support attractions and events in our region verbally and in writing, and financially, where fiscally responsible, as decided by the Board of Directors, in its absolute discretion.
Passed at the 2009 AGM. Expires 2011 unless renewed
Past Presidents
Past Presidents of the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce (Truro Board of Trade)
The Senate club was formed in 1966 with all past presidents asked to participate.
| 1932 - D. M. Smith
1933 - R.B. MacLennan 1934 - H. Ward Murdock 1935 - Senator F. M. Blois 1936 - Frank T. Stanfield 1937 - Frank T. Stanfield 1938 - B. C. Holder 1939 - E.B. MacDaniel 1940 - S.E. Archibald 1941 - W. A. Flemming 1942 - W. A. Flemming 1943 - W. A. Flemming 1944 - D. A. Sandilands 1945 - H. B. Goodspeed 1946 - C. G. Mac Leannan 1947 - K. M. Armstrong 1948 - George Wilson 1949 - George Wilson 1950 - G. T. Purdy 1951 - C. Elmer Doyle 1951 - C. Elmer Doyle 1952 - H.I Cornell 1953 - Dr. W.V.Longley 1954 - Wm. H. Yeadon 1955 - B.M. Goodman 1956 - Arlie G. Parks 1957 - J.M. Murphy |
1958 - J.M. Murphy
1959 - J.M. Murphy 1960 - D. C. Stephen 1961 - J. Randy Bourgeois 1962 - J. E. Tipler 1963 - Clarence B. Johnson 1964 - Frank R. Fulton 1965 - Ryland L Marshall 1966 - John F. Lawrence 1967 - W.J. Bigelow 1968 - Don A. McLeod 1969 - Eric D Mosher 1970 - Neil N. Mac Lennan 1971 - Logan S. Barnhill 1972 - Don H. Goodspeed 1973 - Henry A. Johnson 1974 - Allan F. Bruce 1975 - W. Frank Harvey 1976 - W. Frank Harvey 1977 - Carl T. Bigelow 1978 - Dr, George Yuill 1979 - Brian E. Ross 1980 - Ira Parker 1981 - Robert Fulton 1982 - A.M. Murchie 1982/83 - Robert Fulton 1983 - Edgar Goss |
1984 - Orland Dickson
1985 - Ernie Lund 1986 - John MacDougall 1987 - Phil Rafuse 1988 - George Teed 1989 - Phil Cole 1990 - Mark Mc Crea 1991 - David Curtis 1992 - Wayne Gillis 1993 - Wayne Gillis 1994 - John Kelderman 1995- John Kelderman 1996 - Ed MacDonald 1997- Ed MacDonald 1998 - Dianne Fitzgerald 1999 - Dianne Fitzgerald 2000 - Floyd Gaetz 2001 - Duane Rath 2002 - Bob Williams 2003 - Alain Begin 2004 - Peter Henderson 2005 - Laurie Jennings 2006 - Greg Mosher 2007 - Melody Lockhart 2008- Ted Jordan 2009- Jim Lorraine 2010- Chantale Hache |
Member to Member Discounts - Please Scroll Down
LL Masonry Discount for Chamber Members
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Other services include: chimney cleaning, wood & pellet stove cleaning, custom masonry, Sales of Wood, Pellet, Gas and Electric stoves, fireplaces & inserts, Wett Certified Installation, Sales & Installation of Napoleon brand Ductless Heat Pumps, BBQ's & BBQ Supplies, door gasket repairs and more....
For more information on our company, please go to www.llmasonrystoves.ca , call 902-843-4030 or visit us at 184 Arthur Street, Truro in the Hallidays building.
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Bell Business Services Now at Truro Mall
My name is Troy McNutt and I've been with Bell for 5 years now. Some of you already know me from visiting our store in the Truro Mall. In those 5 years I've achieved a lot of success because of my commitment to my growing customer base. My role with Bell has recently changed and I will now be focusing more with the business customers and helping them find solutions to benefit and help grow their business. With that being said, I will still be available to help you with any of your personal bell accounts including wireless and home services.
I will still be based out of the Bell Aliant Store in the Truro Mall and will be available to come meet with you at your business. Please feel free to contact me at any time for a free wireless needs assessment. You can reach me at the store at 902-897-2592 or on my cell at 902-890-7094.
I'm looking forward to working with you in the future and earning your business. - Troy McNutt - Click here for some of our exciting partner offers. Partners and Bonuses
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Contact : [email protected]
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE SNOW SEASON THAT’S ON ITS WAY?
DAVE FIDDES LAWN & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SETS THE STANDARD
For more information, please call 902-899-9343 or [email protected]
Dave Fiddes Lawn & Property Management is a full service property management company providing year-round grounds maintenance services. So with thoughts now moving toward the snow season, people are lining up the services they’ll need. If you own a home or business, Dave Fiddes is one of those sought-after services.
“My winter snow management services include snow plowing and removal if necessary, as well as ice control for safety,” says Dave. “I want to make sure you get the service you’re paying for, so my equipment is well-maintained so to ensure you get timely service every time.”
Dave will do “a few extras” for his senior clients, so they can take comfort from his knowledge and experience creating safe and worry-free driveways and parking lots in the winter months. He services business as well as residential properties, so if you’re a business owner, you might want to use his services to cover both locations.
“Your property is where your visitors create their first impression of you,” he often says. “And that’s true whether you’re a retailer in the downtown or in a suburban or rural location. If you’re a home owner, you want people to have fond memories of their visit instead of thinking about falling on ice creating injuries. We eliminate those concerns because we have a reputation for being dependable. ”
This year, Dave is offering something new to Chamber of Commerce members. If you’ve never used his services before, just let him know that you’re a first time client and you’ll get the preferred newcomer rate for Chamber Members!
“I am competitively priced with other services in the area,” says Dave. I’d welcome a phone call at your convenience to set up your free estimate and consultation. It’ll cost you nothing to ask for a quote, so why not get in touch?”
For more information, please call 902-899-9343 or [email protected]
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Maritime Bus is offering Same Day parcel service for as low as $9! AND Chamber
Members who sign up for a corporate account, get their first shipment FREE! Just visit:
www.maritimebus.com
[email protected] for more information....Or visit our terminal at 280 Willow St., Truro
Hub Tune Up & Repair Centre Ltd offers to provide automotive maintenance, service and repairs at discount prices on both parts & labour for fleet vehicles(including staff personal vehicles) for members of the Chamber. (Payment by Cash, Cheque, Visa, MC or Debit only).
For more information about Hub Tune Up see www.hubtuneup.ca. For specific details of this offer please contact Doug at Hub Tune Up. Call 895-7126 or email [email protected].
Read more
NCS Network is pleased to offer 15% off new web design to fellow members for sites $1500 and over.
Contact us for more information at 895-6604 or visit our website at www.ncsnetwork.net
Fees
Rates as of January 1st, 2016
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY PRICE HST TOTAL
| Retirees | 68.70 | 10.30 | 79.00 |
| Small Non-Profit | 125.00 | 18.75 | 143.75 |
| Business 1 - 2 | 135.00 | 20.25 | 155.25 |
| Business 3 - 5 | 167.00 | 25.05 | 192.05 |
| Business 6 - 10 | 199.00 | 29.85 | 228.85 |
| Business 11 - 25 | 249.00 | 37.35 | 286.35 |
| Business 25 and over | 335.00 | 50.25 | 385.25 |
| Large businesses: i.e. Financial Houses, Banks, Industries, etc. | 417.00 | 62.55 | 479.55 |
Links Beyond the Chamber
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Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Canada's Yellow Pages CanadaOne Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre Ceed:Nova Scotia's Entrepreneurship Initiatives
Truro Daily News |
Doing Business In Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development Site Showcasing Nova Scotia Business Opportunities, Numerous Links to Related Sites Downtown Truro Partnership Nova Scotia Government
Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Target Nova Scotia The Debert Hospitality Centre
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Benefits of Membership
REASONS TO JOIN THE TRURO & COLCHESTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
As a member of the Chamber you gain access to many benefit programs that can save you or your company money. You can recover the cost of your membership many times over just by taking advantage of these money and time saving benefits:
The Chamber Group Health Insurance Plan
Our health insurance program is regarded as the #1 Group Plan in Canada for Small Businesses. By sharing your claims with over 28,000 other Canadian businesses like you (1–50 employees), you’ll not only have access to healthcare, dental, disability, etc., but you’ll also know that your premiums will remain stable years into the future regardless of how much you may claim. Call the Benefit Experts at Theriault Financial Inc. at (902) 434-9088 to learn more or you can click here.
The Chamber Merchant Credit Card Discount Program
This discount allows merchant members low rates on Debit Card Fees, Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Discover Card transactions. Discount rates are also offered on wired and wireless, Iphone and Ipad terminals, to name just a few. Only as a Chamber Member can you enjoy such great discounts. For more information and a free comparison with the rates you are paying now, contact Gary Jones with First Data at (902) 403-9567 or email him by clicking here.
The Chamber Esso Business Card Program
Imperial Oil is pleased to offer Chamber members and their employees the opportunity to enroll in the Esso Business and Fleet Card program offering member fuel rebates. The Esso Business and Fleet Card program is a convenient and secure way to control and manage fuel expenses for your company vehicles! Save as much as 3.5¢ on every litre of fuel purchased. Click here for full details.
Access to Group Home and Auto Insurance through Caldwell Roach
As a member of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, you’re automatically entitled to many home and auto insurance benefits from Caldwell Roach and Aviva Traders, including: Preferred group rates on your home and auto, easy pay options, No monthly service fees, free unlimited legal, health and home advice, a money back claims Service guarantee and accident waiver coverage. If you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce or an employee of a member, you are eligible for this program, even if you are an existing customer with Caldwell Roach. Click here for more information or call 1-888-511-0777 for a free quote!
Access to Home, Auto and Travel Insurance through Johnson Insurance
As a member of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, you are entitled to preferred home, auto and travel insurance rates through Johnson Inc. designed to save money and make things easier for you. Whether you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce or an employee of a member, you can qualify for these preferred rates. Click here for more information or call your local agent.
Certificates of Origin
A Certificate of Origin (CO) is a document attesting that goods exported in a shipment have been wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country. COs may be requested by customs administrations, importers, freight forwarders or banks for clearance of letters of credit. The issuance of a CO is an important function for chambers of commerce as many countries view chambers of commerce as credible organizations and require that they authenticate documents with their stamp or seal. With a membership with the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, we will authenticate these documents for you free of charge! (For non-members, we charge $45.00 plus HST per authentication).
Access to Preferred Rates though Enterprise Car Rental
A membership with the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce gives you access to considerable savings from Enterprise Rent-A-Car by reducing the cost of your local/regional business travel. The program provides discounted rates at any of the 228 North American Enterprise locations !
Other benefits of joining the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce include:
Advocacy – Working for a Healthy Business Environment
Advocacy is the heart and soul of Chamber activity. Your Chamber takes a stand on local, regional and national issues that affect business. It gives active support to local businesses and lobbies for their benefit. Every year, we meet with the local MP, MLAs, Mayors, councillors, etc., to pass along the concerns of the business community and press for change. We issue news releases on business concerns that are distributed to local media outlets and through our social media sites, reaching thousands of people.
Networking – Expand Your Business Contacts
‘Networking’ is one of the most important factors in business success. The Chamber hosts many business and social functions that provide the opportunity to network. These networking events allow you to expand your business and social contacts. Your Chamber also hosts ‘targeted networking’ events, an opportunity to learn and practice your networking skills while meeting other members.
Raise Your Company Profile.
The Chamber provides publicity opportunities including a “New Member Profile” and “Members in the News” articles that are published in HubNow, posted on the Chamber's website and on the Chamber's social media profiles. Your individual membership profile that is posted on our website when you join will improve your ranking in search engines like Google and Bing and give a wider audience access to your contact information and the products and services you provide. Sponsorship of Chamber events provides exposure to a large segment of the business community. Your Chamber understands the importance of business exposure.
Attend Educational Events - Luncheons, Roundtables, and Panel Discussions
The Chamber hosts many educational events featuring informative and provocative guest speakers. Educational issues range from local politics to regional economic development, business issues, financial management, etc.
Attend Community Events – Business and Recreation
The Chamber offers many community events for its members to attend. These include the Colchester County Home Show, The Chamber Golf Tournament, The Annual General Dinner, Best of Colchester, Small Business Week Events and many Lunch n' Learns designed to be fun, educational and to help you grow your contacts. These events are great places to network!
Member-to-Member Discount Opportunities
Your Chamber provides the opportunity to give and receive discounts from other members on a variety of valuable goods and services. Click here to see what is currently available.
HubNow
The Chamber publishes articles in HubNow. About 20,000 copies of this monthly newspaper are delivered to various sites all over Colchester County. The Business News section features articles from the Chamber Executive, informative articles on business skills, Chamber events and Community and Regional updates.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce Website.
trurocolchesterchamber.com is a core component in the Chamber’s communication strategy. It allows visitors to keep up to date with chamber news and activities, view and register for Chamber events as well as email any questions or concerns. Our membership directory also gives consumers access to products and services available throughout the Truro/Colchester region and received thousands of hits per month. Make sure your business is included!
Your Chamber Supports Our Community.
The Chamber of Commerce is proud of its position as a strong community supporter. It supports an ongoing number of community initiatives including the Festival of Lights, the new Central Nova Civic Centre and others. Our role is to enhance our entire community through the development of a vibrant business sector.
