Lake to serve second term as Chamber president
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce sets priorities for 2016, elects new officers
TRURO – Economic development topped the list of seven policy priorities identified by the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce Wednesday at its Annual General Meeting.
Chamber president Andrew Lake introduced the new slate of policies developed through member feedback received during his term by personally visiting about 100 businesses to learn their challenges.
“The past 12 months as Chamber president can be characterized as involving transition, reflection, growth and optimism,” Lake said in his president’s report.
Along with Economic Development, Tourism, Municipal Governance, Infrastructure and Transportation, Information and Communication Technology, Membership and Youth Engagement, Retention and Investment were identified by the Chamber’s Policy Committee as priorities in 2016.
In the coming months, policy task forces will be established to address the policy recommendations.
New officers were elected by the membership which will see Lake, of Will-Kare Paving and Contracting, remain in the president’s seat for a second term. This is the first time since 1999 a president has re-offered for a second, successive term.
“I’m honored to be given the opportunity to serve another term as President of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce,” Lake said in his incoming president report. “I’m encouraged by a number of new policies being proposed today, many developed from feedback derived through meetings with the members.
“These policies, bookmarked by a strategic planning exercise planned for this year, will help set the direction of the Chamber for the next two to three years.”
Other newly elected executives and directors are: Vice-President Alex Stevenson, manager of commercial banking, CIBC; Treasurer Joanne McRae, senior staff accountant at WBLI Chartered Professional Accountants; Solicitor Elisabeth Sieber, McLellan, Richards, Begin Law; and directors Don Hay, Hay Hospitality; Don Locke, RBC; Dr. David Gray, Dean of Dalhousie Agricultural Campus; Karen Baillie, Elegant Steps; Karen Gillespie, Nova Scotia Community College; Fran Grant, Remax/Fairlane Realty; John Squires, Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc.; Matt Robblee, Caldwell-Roach Insurance; Ron Smith, Old Fletcher’s Farm Property Ltd., Masstown Market; and Dan Clarke, Stanfield’s.
Stephanie Jones, McDonald’s restaurant owner/operator, will remain on the board as past-president.
Outgoing treasurer David Miller of PricewaterhouseCoopers was recognized for his contribution to the Chamber movement during the past six years.
During the meeting, amendments were made to the Chamber by-laws for the first time since 2010 to recognize the organizational name change effective 2013, while also removing redundancies and updating language and processes.
Lake said the Chamber has a proud and rich history of serving the business community of Truro and Colchester since 1890.
“Through this period, the chamber has been led by talented business people who have devoted their time and energy to make Truro and Colchester a great location to operate a business and raise a family,” said the incoming president. “I’m proud to share that the past presidents of the Chamber remain engaged in the business of the Chamber, and routinely are solicited for feedback and insight on a number chamber initiatives.
The Chamber’s annual dinner gala and awards will be held on April 21 at the Glengarry Best Western.
The Chamber has issued a call for nominations for BDC Business Person of the Year and, a new award this year, the Community Credit Union Business Excellence award.
To reserve a seat at the gala or for more information about award nominations, call 902-895-6328 or email [email protected]. Deadline for nominations is March 24, 2016.
Call for gala awards nominations
Call for nominations
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.
These awards will highlight achievements and share the impressive accomplishments of businesses throughout Truro and Colchester County.
“The chamber has recognized the accomplishments of businesses in Colchester County since 1989, when the inaugural BDC Business Person of the Year Award was conferred to Tom Stanfield,” said Chamber President, Andrew Lake. “A rich and diverse list of businesses and entrepreneurs have been recipients of the award since its inception.”
Along with presenting the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Business Person of the Year Award at the gala, the Chamber is pleased to introduce a new award this year, the Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award.
The deadline to submit completed nominations is March 24, 2016. 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.
To view the full award criteria and to download the 2016 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.
The Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award recognizes a business that has been in operation for at least the past 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.
Click HERE to Download a PDF BDC Business Person of the Year Award form
Click HERE to Download a PDF Community Credit Union Business Excellence form
Along with the two prestigious award presentations, the gala will feature special guest speaker John Peller, President and CEO of Andrew Peller Limited, the largest Canadian-owned winery.
Last year Andrew Peller Limited celebrated its 50th anniversary manufacturing wines in Truro.
“John Peller’s keynote address is fitting with their recent business milestone and family ties to immigration,” said the Chamber president.
“The impressive story of John’s grandfather’s journey from his home country of Hungary, to his establishment of Andrew Peller Limited, reinforces the importance of immigration in building a strong economy and diverse country.”
The Chamber is now accepting seating reservations for the April 21 gala dinner at the Best Western Glengarry. Tickets cost $45 plus tax for members and $55 plus tax for future members. For more information contact the Chamber office at 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].
College president to share positive narrative showcasing opportunities
College president to share positive narrative showcasing opportunities
TRURO - Don Bureaux is working hard to change the narrative of Nova Scotia. The present provincial storyline, punctuated with seemingly insurmountable challenges, must change to one of untapped opportunities weaved with themes of positive economic growth.
Bureaux, president of Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), will discuss this necessary shift in conversation as the guest speaker at a Lunch and Learn in Truro on Feb. 17, hosted by the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by the Town of Truro.
His commitment to adult education spans more than two decades working with adult learners at colleges and universities, as well as professional designation granting organizations across Canada and internationally. At NSCC, he works to bring the college’s vision – transforming Nova Scotia one learner at a time – to life.
The college, a powerful asset for this region, and the province as a whole, plays a leading role in transforming the current narrative with positive impacts already being realized.
Before becoming president of NSCC in 2011, Bureaux served as vice-president, academic and vice -president, people and planning at the college, and has served in many academic leadership roles throughout his career. His work has allowed him to collaborate with educational institutions across North America, Europe and Asia to promote the concepts of student and employee success, subjects he believes in deeply.
Last year Bureaux was named one of the top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine. He serves on the boards of many not-for-profit organizations in Nova Scotia in the areas of board governance, policy development and strategic planning.
The lasagna luncheon will be held in Salon C, NSCC Truro campus at 12 p.m. (noon) on Feb. 17. This event is open to the entire community. The cost is $10 for chamber members, $15 for future members. To reserve a seat, contact the chamber office at 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].
Call for citizen appointees -Bay of Fundy Gateway
Municipality of Colchester & Town of Truro
Citizen Appointees – Bay of Fundy Gateway
Project Steering Committee
The Municipality of Colchester and the Town of Truro are embarking on a masterplan for the redevelopment of the former Palliser property in Lower Truro. In the spring of 2015, the Municipality purchased the prominent 10 acre site with the intention of establishing a gateway to the Bay of Fundy Region. The project is envisioned to be a world-class anchor to the vast array of amenities, attractions and experiences the Region has to offer and strengthen its place as a competitive tourist destination. The Municipality of Colchester and Town of Truro are currently seeking two highly motivated, skilled and dynamic citizen representatives to fill vacancies on the Project Steering Committee for approximately a one year term. Individuals with backgrounds in planning and design, tourism, business and economic development, etc. are encouraged to apply.
Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy are asked to respond in writing by February 14, 2016. A letter of interest outlining credentials and related experience in this capacity, contact information, as well as any other relevant information, should be forwarded to:
Project Steering Committee
Bay of Fundy Gateway Project
c/o Paul Smith, MCIP, LPP
1 Church Street
Truro, Nova Scotia
B2N 3Z5
Or by Email: [email protected]
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce celebrates 125 years
** Note events listed are 2015 dates unless otherwise specified.
Lack of family physicians concerns business community
Lack of family physicians concerns business community
Chamber of commerce to host lunch and learn to connect health officials with community
TRURO – Challenges in obtaining family physicians in the Truro and Colchester area are having an impact on the business community.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has heard from several of its members expressing concern about the lack of family physicians in the area.
“A number of businesses have cited concerns regarding staff relocating and commuting from areas where access to a family physician can be obtained,” said chamber president Andrew Lake. “This raises broad implications for the economy of our region.”
In December, Lake met with Janet Knox, CEO of the Nova Scotia Health Authority, as well as Dr. Nicole Boutilier, executive medical director, northern zone, to share the business community’s concerns.
“We’ve learned that the health authority is aware of the barrier in the community, with plans in place to navigate the issue,” said Lake. “Health care is undergoing a fundamental change in an effort to provide better access and sustainable delivery of services to citizens of Nova Scotia.”
Lake said significant investments have been made to attract people to the area such as the construction of state-of-the-art facilities like the Rath Eastlink Community Center and the Colchester East Hants Health Centre.
The president said these facilities, and other assets in the area, are showcased by employers to attract staff.
In an effort to address the community’s concerns and provide up-to-date information on the health authority’s efforts to recruit physicians to the area, the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce will host a lunch and learn event on Jan. 27, at 12 p.m. at the Best Western Glengarry featuring special guests Dr. Boutilier and Cheryl Northcott, executive director, operations, northern zone.
“Access to a family physician is a critical element to a sustainable and vibrant economy,” said Lake.
The event is being sponsored by Village Family PharmChoice, Bible Hill. Tickets cost $15 plus HST for members and $20 plus HST for non-members. For more information or to reserve a seat, call the chamber office at 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].
Request for member feedback
Dear valued Chamber member;
As 2015 draws to a close, the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support. A Chamber membership is an investment in your business. As members, you and your staff qualify for exclusive programs from our partners offering discount rates on group health insurance, home and auto insurance, fuel, merchant services, freight and shipping and audio conferencing services. Other member benefits include: invitations to all Chamber-hosted activities at a premium rate; automatically receive a Chamber newsletter by email each Wednesday; access to educational workshops and other tools to build your business; access to member’s only marketing opportunities; and many other benefits.
We are seeking member feedback, as well as updating our membership records. Your business information on the Chamber website http://www.trurocolchesterchamber.com/ may also need to be updated. We ask that you take just a couple minutes out of your day by the end of December to fill in the questionnaire by clicking this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3RRD5DR .
Requested changes to website profiles should be emailed to [email protected].
Economic impact of Pinty's Grand Slam Curling 2015 Masters
Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling 2015 Masters resulted in $1.94 million in Economic Impact
A measure of economic impact revealed that over $1.25 million in economic impact as a direct result of the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling 2015 Masters was felt in the Truro and Colchester area, and a total of $1.94 million in the Province of Nova Scotia. The numbers are based on a Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model provided by the Canada Sport Tourism Alliance.
The 2015 Masters was held at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre from October 27th – November 1st and featured the top 15 men’s teams and 15 women’s teams based on the World Curling Tour’s order of merit. The event saw the number one ranked men’s and women’s teams, Mike McEwen and Rachel Homan respectively, take home the championship prizes.
The event was estimated to have brought nearly 2,200 unique individuals from outside the Truro area to the community during the event. These spectators spent money on such things as local hotel accommodations, meals, groceries, shopping, and vehicle expenses. Along with the event spectators, there were also 30 curling teams and approximately 40 media personal from Sportsnet in Truro for the event. Local spending by spectators, participants and media, along with the expenditures of the event organizers, resulted in the total economic impact for Truro and Colchester.
"The results of the economic impact of Pinty's Grand Slam of Curling is an incredible accomplishment for the RECC,” said Town of Truro Mayor, Bill Mills, “That was the goal all along! All of us had visions of the facility being an economic engine for the region from the start. This event, among the many held at the RECC, is very very positive and I believe there are many more successes to come! The volunteers and staff are keys to our success!”
Along with the economic impact assessment, a number of businesses were surveyed to determine the impact the event had on local businesses. Overwhelmingly, businesses reported they’d like to see more events of this magnitude hosted in Truro and felt that overall the event was a huge success for the community, as well as for the Rath Eastlink Community Centre.
“Being the Rock Sponsor for the Grand Slam of Curling was a wonderful opportunity for our business,” said Karen Ballie, owner of Elegant Steps on Inglis Place. “The event brought huge awareness to our community and our business. We would like to thank everyone who was involved for bringing this opportunity to Truro.”
The event was planned and hosted in partnership with the Town of Truro, Municipality of the County of Colchester, and the Rath Eastlink Community Centre. A host community spent about a year planning the event, and it was executed through the commitment of approximately 150 volunteers.
“This was a terrific event and the results of the economic impact report are tremendous. It goes to show what a great economic benefit events of this magnitude have on the entire community,” stated Municipality of the County of Colchester Mayor, Bob Taylor.
The visibility that the event brought to the Truro area, and to the Rath Eastlink Community Centre, was magnified through the televised coverage on Sportsnet and CBC. Along with coverage of the event, a local tourism commercial was aired and beauty shots from the community were shown.
“With the success of this event to add to our resume, the Rath Eastlink Community Centre is well positioned to host many other national sporting events,” said Matt Moore, General Manager of the Rath Eastlink Community Centre, “We hope to be part of a formalized approach and an event attraction strategy which will help Truro and Colchester attract more events of this magnitude to the local area. Events of this magnitude are something we take great deal of pride in being able to present to the community.”
Employer readiness key to integrate refugees into workforce
Employer readiness key to integrate refugees into workforce
Chamber hosting lunch and learn to connect businesses with immigration officials
TRURO - The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event this month aiming to connect businesses with immigration officials co-ordinating resettlement efforts.
A lunch and learn, sponsored by the Municipality of Colchester County, will be held at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre at noon on Dec. 16 to share information with businesses about immigration programs and federal refugee resettlement plans.
Chamber president Andrew Lake said providing businesses with an opportunity to interact directly with the people working hands-on to co-ordinate the resettlement efforts will benefit both parties.
“Employers in the region have long expressed a need and desire to increase immigration to support the economy of the region,” said Lake. “To ensure a successful settlement of the refugees, it’s important for communities to be welcoming. Employment is a critical component to immigrants and refugees establishing roots and successfully integrating into the community.”
The Government of Nova Scotia, along with Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), the YMCA, the Red Cross and many other volunteer organizations and provincial departments, are jointly planning for the arrival of refugees into Nova Scotia. The objective is to ensure the successful settlement of refugees in the province. One of the committees of this larger working group is working with employers to ensure employer readiness to integrate refugees into the workforce.
As part of the process, businesses are being asked to provide information on employment opportunities which may be available to these refugees. Refugees arriving in Canada will comprise both skilled and unskilled labour, so information is being sought on all available positions.
Guest speakers at the event will be Cliff MacDonald, a member of ISANS Business Workforce Integration Team, and Robyn Webb, Director of Labour Market Development with the Greater Halifax Partnership. Officials with the Office of Immigration will also be participating in the event.
MacDonald will discuss ISANS’ role in welcoming immigrants, working in partnership with other organizations to offer services and create opportunities that enable them to participate fully in Canadian life. The organization provides a full range of programs and services along the settlement and integration continuum to more than 3,500 clients annually in 34 communities across Nova Scotia.
Webb leads the Partnership's talent attraction and retention initiatives, including the National Connector Program. She partners with and supports Canadian communities and industry associations interested in launching the Connector Program and has an extensive background in promoting Nova Scotia as the best possible choice for North American and European companies looking to expand into Canada.
The cost to attend is $10 for members, $15 for future chamber members. To reserve a seat contact the chamber office at 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].
