Call for Chamber small business award nominations 2016
Call for Chamber small business award nominations
TRURO - The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce will honour seven local enterprises during is Small Business Week awards luncheon in October. The nomination period for awards is now open and will continue until Oct. 4.
To highlight the importance of small business, the chamber is hosting several events in Truro and the surrounding area in October, bringing the business community together to share achievements, network and showcase information and supports for local entrepreneurs.
“Small business is the backbone of our economy, contributing 98 per cent of employment in the private sector in Canada,” said Andrew Lake, Chamber president. “Many are growing and creating jobs, which contributes to the prosperity of the region. The Chambers' small business awards program is an opportunity to celebrate those businesses that are leaders among their peer group."
To nominate a business, visit the Chamber website www.trurocolchesterchamber.com or Facebook page to download a form, or stop by the office at 605 Prince St. to pick up one up. To request a nomination form via email, contact [email protected] .
The awards luncheon will be held at the Holiday Inn on Wednesday, Oct. 19, beginning at noon. (12 p.m.) Reserve your seat in advance by calling the chamber office, 902-895-6328; tickets cost $25 for chamber members and $35 for future members (plus tax).
This year’s guest speaker at the awards luncheon is Rodney Small, Business Development manager with Halifax-based Common Good Solutions. A resident of Halifax, Small has been an active volunteer in his community and is a graduate of Dalhousie’s Bachelor of management program with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. He is a highly motivated leader with a passion for entrepreneurship, community and people development.
Awards will be presented in the following categories: New Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Community Credit Union; Small Business Achievement, sponsored by PWC; Export Achievement, sponsored by Nova Scotia Business Inc.; Small Business Innovation, sponsored by RBC; Excellence in Community Development sponsored by the Town of Truro; and new this year, Agriculture Business of the year, sponsored by WBLI Chartered Accountants and Small Business Growth Award, sponsored by BDC.
As part of the Chamber’s small business week celebrations, a Women’s Business Breakfast will be held on Oct. 17 sponsored by BDC, an entrepreneur expo will be held on Oct. 18, a speed networking social event will be held on Oct. 20 and a lunch and learn with special guest Dr. Ryan Sommers speaking about the economics of health will be held on Oct. 21, sponsored by MacQuarries Pharmasave.
Watch the chamber website and Facebook page for a full schedule of Chamber-hosted events and details on other small business week events in the area.
For more information about any of our events, Chamber benefits programs or membership call 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].
Chamber Newsletter Sept. 7, 2016
Click here to read the latest Chamber newsletter. The newsletter is Free for all members and their staff and distributed by email each Wednesday.
To have the newsletter emailed to you directly, email [email protected]
Atlantic Canada Business Confidence Index benchmark study released
Atlantic Canada Business Confidence Index benchmark study released
Published in Hub Now, September 2016
The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce joined dozens of other Chamber’s across Atlantic Canada last June by participating in the inaugural 2016 Atlantic Canada Business Confidence Index benchmark study undertaken by Corporate Research Associates Inc. (CRA) and funded by TD Canada Trust.
This is a comprehensive survey of business of business owners and executives across industries, providing insight into current economic business conditions, anticipated business conditions for the coming year, capital purchase intentions and hiring intentions. The semi-annual initiative provides important economic indicators for industry, the business community and the region's policy makers.
According to the report, Canada has been in an unprecedented period of slower than normal economic growth since the great recession. Atlantic Canada has experienced exceptionally low growth during the last eight years, which is a consequence of a population that is aging and not growing.
However, the benchmark study results reveal optimism among business leaders about the future of their own organizations. Businesses located in PEI showed the highest level of confidence and optimism followed by Nova Scotia. The inaugural results also revealed a collective belief that more could be done among the business community to foster a positive business environment to address three top issues identified – government and politics, high taxes and a lack of qualified employees.
The full report can be viewed on the Chamber’s website, READ MORE
Our membership will be asked to participate in the CRA study again in December and June of 2017 to provide an overview of economic conditions relevant to this market.
September is a busy month at the Chamber as we prepare to launch our fall lineup of events.
Jeff Bishop of Forest Nova Scotia will present an economic impact study about the forestry industry to members on Sept. 22 at the RECC, at noon (12 p.m.), an event coinciding with Forestry Week.
He will be joined by Bob Fraser, presenting an economic impact study completed for Northern Pulp demonstrating a strong link to business in Colchester County. This event is Sponsored by Grant Thornton.
The cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members.
The Chamber will be launching a new program on Sept. 28, The TD Business Builder series. This series of 10 early morning workshops will provide Chamber members an opportunity to connect with an expert on a variety of topics providing information and tools to build their business. This program is sponsored by TD Canada Trust and is offered free of charge to Chamber members. Participants can choose to participate in one or more sessions or register for all 10.
The TD Business Builder series will be held from 8 to 9 a.m., at the Marigold Cultural Centre Workshop, 605 Prince St., Truro.
Carolyn Pierce, an experienced public relations and communications manager, will present the first session on Sept. 28 themed Marketing on a Shoestring Budget.
Visit the Chamber website for registration information and a list of other TD Business Builder speakers scheduled through the fall and winter.
The Chamber will honour six local enterprises during Small Business Week in October. The nomination period for the awards will open on Sept. 14 until Oct. 4.
Awards will be presented in the following categories: New Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Community Credit Union; Small Business Achievement, sponsored by PWC; Export Achievement, sponsored by Nova Scotia Business Inc.; Small Business Innovation, sponsored by RBC; Excellence in Community Development sponsored by the Town of Truro; and new this year, Agriculture Business of the year, sponsored by WBLI Chartered Accountants.
To highlight the importance of small business, the chamber is hosting several events in Truro and the surrounding area in October, bringing the business community together to share achievements, network and showcase information and supports for local entrepreneurs. Visit the Chamber’s website or facebook page for a full lineup of the week’s events.
The award luncheon will be held at the Holiday Inn on Wednesday, Oct. 19, beginning at noon. (12 p.m.) Reserve your seat in advance by calling the chamber office, 902-895-6328; tickets cost $25 for chamber members and $35 for future members (tax inc.).
This year’s award luncheon’s guest speaker is Rodney Small of Common Good Solutions. A resident of Halifax, Small has been an active volunteer in his community and is a graduate of Dalhousie’s Bachelor of management program with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
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.
For more information about any of our events, Chamber benefits programs or membership call 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].
Sherry Martell is the Executive Director of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce.
Business input needed to reduce regulatory burdens
Business input needed to reduce regulatory burdens
TRURO – Business has a key role to play in working with provincial officials to reduce regulatory burdens directly impacting economic growth.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a roundtable meeting providing its members with an opportunity to share their personal regulatory burden experiences directly with officials working to reduce the impact of “red tape” across government departments.
“Red tape has a financial cost and places demands on human resources,” said Andrew Lake, president of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce. “As businesses navigate red tape it is distracting them from growing by taking people away from focusing on what they know best, the operation of their business.”
Leanne Hachey, executive director, stakeholder relations for the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness, and Tatiana Morren Fraser, director, regulatory modernization, listened to concerns voiced by local business people during the hour and a half-long conversation.
Some of the topics discussed related to frustration over lack of co-ordination and communication between government departments, downloading of provincial services onto business, confusion caused by duplication between municipal and provincial regulations requiring different standards and provincial procurement practices.
“In lots of ways things are cumbersome and not streamlined. I would suggest that a number of items that were brought forward are common themes that the Office is familiar with and have heard before,” said Lake. “In general, the businesses represented there had some micro issues but collectively issues fell under broad areas such as fire codes, inefficiencies of procurement practices and overall frustration with service offered by some government departments.”
Hachey provided an overview of the work the Office has achieved since it was established about 18 months ago, along with identifying several future priorities such as financial measurement of regulatory burdens, service improvement, Worker’s Compensation improvements aligning practices across Atlantic Canada and more.
The Chamber is continuing to work with the Office to improve the business climate in this region.
For more information contact the Chamber at 902-895-6328.
Employment opportunity
Book-Keeper/Office Assistant
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is looking to add a dedicated, resourceful and passionate individual to its team to fill the role of full-time Book-keeper/Office Assistant. This position is responsible for office administration and basic accounting, as well as assisting with member services, event planning and coordination.
Job Duties:
- Data entry, accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, bank reconciliation, collections, deposits
- Responsible for office reception, face to face and by telephone.
- Monthly financial reporting
- Coordinate meetings and minute taking
- Prepare bulk e-communications as required
- Maintain and reconcile member databases
- Assist with design of flyers, and marketing materials
- Mail management
- Assist with the delivery of all member programs & events
Requirements:
- Previous administrative experience
- Proficiency with Simply Accounting, Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- Graphic Design, Social Media experience is an asset
- Excellent customer service skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Flexibility in order to adapt to an ever-changing environment
We are accepting applications via regular mail or at the Chamber office addressed to: Sherry Martell, Executive Director, Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, 605 Prince Street, Truro, N.S., B2N1G2, or email: [email protected].
Deadline date is July 22, 2016
Being included on national top places list positive for the community
Being included on national top places list positive for the community
TRURO – Being included on a list of best places to live in Canada, despite a low ranking, is a positive for the Town of Truro, says Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce president Andrew Lake.
MoneySense magazine recently released its Best Places to Live 2016 list where the Town of Truro was ranked in second last place, in position 218, just above New Glasgow.
The ranking certainly is not a view shared by residents of Truro, Lake says.
“The community is the envy of many, home to a diverse economy, several new schools, hospital, library and civic centre and is rich with tourism, culture and community assets,” says the president. “The businesses and citizens of the area share the passion for the region, investing human and financial capital to contribute to its appeal and offerings.”
In its methodology, MoneySense indicates it can’t “gauge many of the elements people enjoy in their cities, the nearness of family, the friendliness of neighbours or even great sunsets.” Its numbers determining rank were gained from Census Metropolitan Areas (CMA), Census Agglomeration (CA) and Census Subdivisions, (CSD) as defined by Statistics Canada. Demographic data was supplied by Environics Analytics.
Category weightings included demographics, wealth/income, housing affordability, weather, commute and other topics such as includes crime, taxation, number of luxury vehicles amenities and culture.
There are more than 1,100 cities and towns across Canada, so to be included on the list of the top 219 is positive says Lake, however, some numbers used to determine the results do not accurately reflect the town.
Truro’s population is about 12,000, while according to the data shared by MoneySense its population is listed as 46,062. It is unclear if that number reflects populations in surrounding rural areas, which would have an impact on the rankings such as the number of people able to travel to work by walking, biking or public transit.
The town did score in the top 25 percentile of all the communities ranked for having affordable housing and low-priced-homes.
Lake says there are many benefits and opportunities for residents and businesses in this region and this report doesn’t clearly reflect that. A demonstration of the community’s pride is being offered on June 17 in the form of a Partnership for Economic Prosperity or PEP Rally in support of economic development. The rally, held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Marigold Cultural Centre in downtown Truro, is designed to celebrate the entrepreneurship and community spirit of local business and community leaders says Lake.
“The community is passionate about positioning Truro and Colchester for future success,” he said.
“The community has a history of demonstrating its pride, rallying behind a number of community building initiatives including being the inaugural recipient of Hockeyville and most recently the only Atlantic Canadian finalist in the Coors Banquet One Horse Town contest.”
For more information about the Chamber or the PEP Rally, contact the Chamber office at 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].
Business community to rally in support of economic development
Business community to rally in support of economic development
TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, supported by a group of business and community leaders, will be hosting an economic rally celebrating successes while looking to the future.
The Partnership for Economic Prosperity (PEP) rally will be held in Truro on June 17, at the Marigold Cultural Centre, beginning at 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., to build business and community support for economic development, both financially and in spirit.
An engaged group of independent speakers, with various business, economic development and community backgrounds is being brought together to rally the business community in an effort to initiate and fund a sustainable plan for future economic growth.
“We are building community spirit and also, we want to show the value of economic development and what it means to the community,” said Chamber president Andrew Lake.
The morning session will feature a panel discussion including several business people from diverse local sectors sharing their views on the opportunities in the area and how to achieve them, as well as five keynote speakers.
Amanda Langille and Tanya Colburne of Langille and Colburne – More Than Events, new entrepreneurs with vision for future growth in Colchester, will join Basil L. Stewart, former Mayor of Summerside, PEI, and former President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities; Keith MacDonald, President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership and Tom Stanfield, President and Chairman of Stanfield’s Limited.
“We want to ensure Colchester remains a destination,” said the President. “With the dissolution of towns around the province, we are aware of the challenges other communities are facing.
“Developing a community that is welcoming and open for business will make us a valuable region.”
A group of business and community leaders have been in discussions with local municipalities and provincial officials about the future of economic development for this region. Several models have been explored to form a body with a sharp focus to drive economic development forward, complementing supports and services already in place in this region.
Whichever model is selected for future development, the business community will have a role to play ensuring it is sustainably funded. This rally will provide an opportunity for local businesses to pledge their support for economic development.
“Everybody has a role to play in economic development,” said Lake. “This event is for the business community to build energy and support for its role.”
For more information contact the Chamber office, 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].
Request for proposals, website development
Request for proposals, website development
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has issued a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the development of a new website. A copy of the RFP can be downloaded by clicking HERE or picked up at the Chamber office at 605 Prince St., Truro.
All proposals are to be received on or before 4 p.m., Friday, May 27, 2016 at the offices of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, 605 Prince St., Truro, N.S., B2N 1G2.
If you have questions you would like answered before developing a proposal, please contact Sherry Martell at [email protected].
Lunch and learn to showcase business-university partnership success
Lunch and learn to showcase business-university partnership success
BIBLE HILL – Innovative thinking and a spirit of entrepreneurship can take your business to places you’ve never thought possible.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture on May 5 to host an inspirational event “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” The event will showcase support programs for local business, is open to everyone at no cost and lunch is provided.
Dr. Richard Florizone, President of Dalhousie University, will be the guest speaker at the event. There will also be presentations about the successful partnership between the Chamber and Dalhousie University’s Rowe School of Business (RSB) and the university’s Cultiv8 program encouraging students to grow their own businesses.
“We are fortunate to have the resources and expertise of Dalhousie University in our community,” said Chamber President Andrew Lake. “The partnership between the business community and Dalhousie has helped many businesses overcome challenges, freeing up time for entrepreneurs to focus on other aspects of their business.
“The school’s Cultiv8 program is further inspiring young entrepreneurs; stimulating potential business opportunities and exposing students to entrepreneurism.”
During the past year, local Chamber members worked with Dalhousie Commerce students on eight-month long projects through the RSB Connects program to aid in business growth, strategic planning or new product and service development at little to no cost. Along with assisting businesses in realizing potential avenues for growth and opportunities to streamline efficiencies, these projects gave students real-world, hands-on learning experience.
“The One Nova Scotia Report, appropriately called Now or Never, clearly challenges us all to explore ways to make our province more attractive for entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Dr. David Gray, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie Agricultural Campus.
“Dalhousie University is a leader in integrating entrepreneurship and innovation into its curriculum and The Faculty of Agricultures’ Sandbox, Cultiv8, is a prime example of this.”
He added that working in partnership with the local business community, the university is able to offer students a fantastic learning experience, helping them gain skills that will make them competitive in today’s industry while benefiting the community, region, province and local economy.
The University will also share details about a new Bachelor of Technology in Small Business Management, two-year, post-diploma program it is launching, specifically envisioned for those who wish to become business owners and managers.
This event will be held on May 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Dal AC campus, Jenkins Hall, Riverview Room. While lunch is provided free of charge, advance registration is required by April 29. RSVP to [email protected] or call 902-895-6328.
Master planning underway for former Palliser site
TRURO - Local municipalities are moving forward to plan for a world-class attraction in this region.
UPLAND, a Halifax-based consulting firm, has been selected by the Bay of Fundy Gateway Steering Committee to provide a detailed multi-phased master plan for the former Palliser Motel site.
Geoff Stewart, municipal councilor and project steering committee chair says “this is an exciting time for our Region and has been a while in the making but we are pleased to finally have the UPLAND consulting team on the ground. They will bring a lot of depth and imagination to the master plan process.”
The company’s successful proposal was one of about a dozen submitted by firms from across Canada.
UPLAND provides award-winning strategic planning and urban design services to public and private sector clients throughout Atlantic Canada. Bruce Mans and Steffen Kaubler, experienced urban planning professionals, manage the company and are passionate about their work while understanding that building vibrant communities and regions is a complex process that often required input from many professions.
The UPLAND team has experts with extensive experience and knowledge in landscape architecture, building design, parks planning, place-making, interpretive planning, public consultation and graphic design, as well as tourism and business planning.
A stakeholder and public consultation process is being planned for the last week of April with a public open house scheduled for April 25 between 4 and 8 p.m. in the Millbrook Multi-purpose Room at the RECC. Work on the master plan will continue over the summer and is expected to be completed by early September.
Both Tourism Nova Scotia and ACOA are providing up to $50,000 each toward the master plan process, while the remaining amount is equally shared by the Town of Truro and County of Colchester with each contributing $25,000.
The 10—acre property, located close to Highway 102 and easily accessible from Exit 14, was purchased by the Municipality of Colchester in April of 2015 with a long-term goal of developing the site as a tourism destination and gateway to the Bay of Fundy region.
The area is a popular stopping spot for both tourists and locals and attracts several thousand people each year and is an ideal viewing platform for the world-famous Fundy tidal bore.
Steering Committee has representation from the Town of Truro, County of Colchester, Tourism Nova Scotia, citizens and business stakeholders.