Brookside abbatoir expansion good news for farmers
Michael Isenor, manager of NorthumberLamb in Bible Hill, is looking forward to entering new markets with its new federal inspection licence designation.
Abattoir expansion good news for local farmers
BIBLE HILL - A newly completed expansion at a Bible Hill abattoir is good news for local sheep farmers.
Michael Isenor, manager of NorthumberLamb on Brookside Road, said during the past three years about $700,000 in upgrades and renovations have been completed at the facility through government partnerships.
The abattoir has been processing lamb since 1982 with its provincially inspected products being direct marketed to stores across the province.
Isenor said while the locally produced lamb was making its way onto grocery stores in Nova Scotia there was lots of room to grow markets outside the province once the abattoir received a federal inspection licence.
“The big issue with that is the bigger stores, like Loblaws and Sobeys, sell through their warehouses,” said the manager. “Because we’re not in their warehouses they send lamb to stores from Australia, New Zealand, Quebec, Alberta and others.
“That put us in kind of a handicap spot.”
He said the key to entering new markets outside the province was to become federally inspected, a milestone NorthumberLamb achieved on July 6 after three years of upgrades.
“As far as barriers, now we don’t have any barriers to ship anywhere in the world,” Isenor said.
While NorthumberLamb is currently working with grocery giants to enter their warehouse distribution centres, Isenor said there has also been increased demand for lamb in restaurants and specialty stores.
“We have a lot of restaurants in the Halifax area that sell lamb. People try it then want to buy it themselves.”
Last year the facility processed about 5,800 lambs, however, the previous year – the best on record – saw about 6,300 lambs processed.
Isenor said with the new federal inspection lincence they are aiming to process 10,000 lambs annually.
He said the new interest is a great benefit for sheep farmers that are currently producing more than the market in Nova Scotia can hold. Historically, when there were more lambs then markets, they would be shipped to auction yards in Ontario, adding expenses and cutting profits by 10 to 25 per cent.
“It’s definitely an advantage to having them marketed here.”
Chamber urges government to reduce red tape to welcome more immigrants, refugees
Chamber urges government to reduce red tape to welcome more immigrants, refugees
TRURO - The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is urging all levels of government to streamline immigration and refugee services with a focus to increase settlement in rural areas.
For 148 years Canada has been a welcoming place for immigrants and refugees from around the globe. However, for many refugees the dream of seeking safe asylum while attempting to escape violence in their home countries is ending, tangled in bureaucratic red tape.
"Nova Scotians have expressed a desire to increase the number of immigrants allowed to enter the province each year,” said chamber president Andrew Lake. “History has shown the contribution of immigrants to the culture and economy of the province to be invaluable.
“Unfortunately, barriers to immigration as demonstrated through the recent Iraq and Syrian refugee crisis further highlights this country’s need for immigration reform.”
Recent media reports have captured images and stories about the plight of hundreds of thousands of Syrians attempting to flee their homeland ravaged by war often ending in tragic circumstances.
According to the United Nations Refugee Agency website there is an estimated 16.7 million refugees around the world.
The province of Nova Scotia recently donated $50,000 to support the Syrian refugee relief effort. While Lake applauds the provincial government for offering support on behalf of Nova Scotians, he would like to see greater collaboration by provincial and federal governments aimed at reducing wait times for processing refugee applications for resettlement removing people from harm’s way.
He points out that community based organizations such as the Colchester Immigration and Refugee Partnership, supported by local churches, has hosted a number of refugees while offering support that has encouraged them to remain and build new lives in this region.
Truro and surrounding area has the greatest retention rate of refugees in Atlantic Canada.
Lake urges the federal government to expand immigration and refugee services focused on ensuring there is a regional strategy to fairly apply resources required to meet settlement needs for newcomers in all regions of the country.
Chamber to host federal election candidate debate
Please note: The location of this debate has changed. It will now be held at the Dalhousie Alumni Theatre, same date and time.
Chamber hosting federal election candidate debate
TRURO – All five federal election candidates running in Cumberland-Colchester will participate in a debate in Truro on Oct. 6 hosted by the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce.
Incumbent Conservative MP Scott Armstrong will join Liberal candidate Bill Casey, NDP Wendy Robinson, Green Party Jason Blanch and independent Kenneth Jackson on the debate panel at the Marigold Cultural Centre, 605 Prince St.
“The debate offers the community an opportunity to engage with the candidates, learning their position on a variety of topics relevant to local constituents,” said chamber president Andrew Lake. “It’s one of the many beautiful aspects of living in a democratic society; voters have an opportunity to make their voice heard by the candidates, shaping their decision on Election Day."
Lake will moderate the hour-long evening debate. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the debate will get underway at 7 p.m.
The event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors.
The chamber is soliciting questions from the businesses community, as well as the general public by email until 12 p.m. on Oct. 5. Questions should be sent to [email protected].
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce represents more than 400 member businesses and has been the principal voice for business in the Colchester region for 125 years in matters of economic, social and political importance.
2015 Small Business Awards call for nominations
Oct. 21, 2015 - Small Business Awards Luncheon at Holiday Inn
Nominate your business or the business of someone you know and appreciate!
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce will honour five local enterprises at its award luncheon during Small Business Week. Award nominations are currently being accepted for the following categories: New Small Business of the year, Small Business Achievement, Export Achievement, Business Innovation and, a new category this year, Excellence in Community Development. The awards will be presented on Wednesday, Oct 21, 2015 at 12 p.m. (noon) at the Holiday Inn.
Click here to view nomination forms:
New Small Business of the year
Excellence in Community Development
Then print, fill in the form and either scan/email it to us using [email protected] or drop it off in a sealed envelope at the Chamber Office, 605 Prince Street, Truro (Marigold Cultural Centre).
Lunch and learn to promote benefits of business-education partnerships
Businesses reap benefits from educational partnerships
TRURO – There are many rewards for local businesses willing to host students, says Robert Langille, head of the Cobequid Educational Centre’s Career Exploration Program (CEP).
Langille is aiming to introduce the local business community to the benefits of the CEP workplace-education partnership on Thursday, Sept. 10 during a free lunch and learn event sponsored by the program’s student- run café, and co-ordinated by the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce.
“My program is probably the most hands-on program in the province,” says the department head.
“These kids are getting a real-world lesson on what it’s like to own a business and be a professional.”
During the senior high program students learn a variety of skills ideal for placements in commercial cooking, property maintenance and retail businesses.
Langille says one of the greatest benefits to businesses hosting students as part of the CEP program is connecting employers to potential employees.
“They just need someone to believe in them and push them to be the best they can be,” said Langille.
The CEP program is one of three community-based learning programs offered within the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board at its three Colchester County high schools. Participants at the lunch and learn will also gain insight into the Options and Opportunities program.
The event will be held at noon at the CEP Café inside the Cobequid Education Centre, 34 Lorne St., giving business people an opportunity to learn more about these valuable education programs.
"It's a win-win situation,” said chamber president Andrew Lake. “ Students get exposed to the demands of different jobs prior to pursuing a career and/or post-secondary education.
“Employers get introduced to a pool of potential employees where the student skills and work ethic can be assessed on a trial basis, with the potential to develop into a future employee.”
The chamber hopes the event will bring exposure to the merits of the program in an effort to foster a partnership between the business community and local schools. There is no cost to participate, however, people are asked to register by calling the chamber office at 902-895-6328 or emailing the events co-ordinator at [email protected]
2015 BDC Lifetime Achievement Award
2015 BDC Lifetime Achievement Award
Former Millbrook First Nation Chief Lawrence Paul
The 2015 BDC Lifetime Achievement Award was presented posthumously to Chief Lawrence Paul & accepted by his daughter,
Sharon Touchie at the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce's annual gala.
“Millbrook has come a long way since it became a First Nation in 1896. Today, we’re a leader among First Nations in economic development. We’re generating revenues. We’re creating employment. We’re sowing the seeds of self-sufficiency. We’re benefiting the Truro and Colchester County economies. And we’re proud to be paving the way for other First Nations by setting an example.”
“Economic development and building solid business partnerships are of primary importance to the Millbrook First Nation. We will continue to build the capacity of our community and our people, and will continue to invest in training and preparing our people for gainful employment.” - Chief Lawrence Paul.
2015 BDC Lifetime Achievement Award
2015 BDC Lifetime Achievement Award
Former Millbrook First Nation Chief Lawrence Paul
The 2015 BDC Lifetime Achievement Award was presented posthumously to Chief Lawrence Paul & accepted by his daughter,
Sharon Touchie at the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce's annual gala.
“Millbrook has come a long way since it became a First Nation in 1896. Today, we’re a leader among First Nations in economic development. We’re generating revenues. We’re creating employment. We’re sowing the seeds of self-sufficiency. We’re benefiting the Truro and Colchester County economies. And we’re proud to be paving the way for other First Nations by setting an example.”
“Economic development and building solid business partnerships are of primary importance to the Millbrook First Nation. We will continue to build the capacity of our community and our people, and will continue to invest in training and preparing our people for gainful employment.” - Chief Lawrence Paul.
125th Chamber Celebrations
Chamber Celebrates 125 Years with New Logo & New Event
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is turning 125 years old this year! Yes, we've been the voice of business in Truro and Colchester County since 1890. So we've organized a special Fall Flavours Celebration in partnership with the Truro Farmer's Market, who is also celebrating their 35th year, for the beginning of autumn. It's an evening affair with music, food and beverage samplings from Nova Scotia producers and vintners / distillers and more! So as we continue working on more details, your only job is to mark your calendars for the evening of Saturday, September 19th at the Truro Farmer's Market. The Chamber is turning 125 and we're ready to celebrate with you!
Employment Opening
April-May, 2015 - Employment Opening
Executive Director
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
One of Nova Scotia’s most established and credible business groups is seeking an Executive Director. The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has existed since 1890. We serve our members as an advocacy organization and work as a business champion and promoter from our offices in downtown Truro, NS.
We are seeking a dynamic, talented communicator who has the ability to deal with traditional and social media, and who is equally comfortable in public speaking and research roles. The ideal candidate has experience examining and critiquing government legislation and policy, and will be able to help the Chamber get its message through to all three levels of government and the private sector. A background in business, journalism and/or public relations would be an asset.
If you can handle a fast-paced environment and would be easily labelled as a diplomatic problem-solver who can think on your feet, we would like to hear from you.
Salary is commensurate with experience. This is full time position with benefits and a retirement package. The hours are Monday to Friday, but may require occasional travel and evening hours.
Interested candidates should forward their resume to Chamber President Andrew Lake before 5pm on May 22, 2015
Chamber Reacts to 2015 -16 Budget
Lake Cautiously Optimistic on Most Financial Moves
TRURO - The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce says the spring budget decision to reduce the size of the provincial civil service is a good start.
“Finance Minister Diana Whalen’s promise to reduce the provincial payroll by more than 3 per cent is something the private sector has been calling for,” says Chamber President Andrew Lake. “The devil will be in the details, but if this contributes to stabilizing taxes in the years ahead, it’s hard to argue against it.”
The provincial budget also proposes a health care spending increase of 0.8 per cent, which Lake points out is the smallest increase in about 10 years. Mr. Lake also wants to hear more about the budget’s promise to bring in multi-year and predictable health care funding.
Other highlights sounding a positive note with the Chamber President are the promise to reduce government red tape and to recruit and train more doctors for areas outside of Halifax.
Mr. Lake says today’s provincial budget is complicated, given that Nova Scotia taxpayers fork out 9.9 billion dollars a year to cover provincial government services. He expects the Chamber Board to examine more details in the days ahead before meeting with various political leaders to ask spending questions pertaining to the Truro-Colchester Region.