Chamber recognizes 14 outstanding businesses during Small Business Week
Small Business Week activities reinforce shop local message
TRURO - The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce believes thriving communities and a healthy economy go hand and hand. That sentiment was at the root of the business organization’s annual Small Business Week celebrations, aiming to grow awareness about the importance of supporting local businesses.
"We understand the challenges many businesses are facing right now,” said Executive Director Sherry Martell. “Labour shortages across many sectors, increased pressures of high interest rates, supply chain demands, a seemingly endless quagmire of "red tape" and a growing need to reboot consumer confidence, among many other challenges, are hampering business’s ability to grow and thrive."
Martell said it is vitally important for consumers to adapt to a "local-first" mentality to support the overall health of their communities.
In Canada, about 98 per cent of businesses are considered “small” by meeting the criteria of employing less than 100 people. Looking at the membership of the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce, 82 per cent its members employ 25 people or less.
“These small businesses are the backbone of our community,” said the Executive Director.
For every dollar spent at a local, independently owned business, 60 to 70 per cent is returned to the local economy by way of payroll, commercial taxes, sponsorships, donations to local charities, etc. to support economic growth.
“There are other ways to show support for your local business community that have no cost. Like or share their social media posts online to boost their reach, give them a positive Google review, recommend their products or services to friends and family and be kind,” said Martell
During the week-long business celebration, the Chamber hosted a Women in Business Breakfast and a Small Business Awards luncheon where 14 awards were presented to outstanding business leaders. This year a new award, Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, was presented.
"The Chamber's Small Business Week awards program is an opportunity to celebrate excellence within our local community and allows us to share stories about the successes of our businesses while creating a greater awareness that we hope translates into increased efforts by consumers to support local," said Martell
Chamber seeks support from national network to protect vital trade corridor
Media Release
July 27, 2023
Chamber seeks support from national network to protect vital trade corridor
TRURO- The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce is seeking support from the national Chamber network to protect vital trade infrastructure on the Chignecto Isthmus.
In early June, the Truro Chamber submitted recommendations to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce for federal government action that will be presented to more than 400 chambers across Canada in October to seek the national organization’s endorsement for support.
“Our Chamber, and its supporters across Atlantic Canada, is firm in its position that securing this trade corridor is an absolute priority and government at all levels must immediately put an action plan in place to address it,” said Chamber President Eric Tanton.
The policy position, and its recommendations, has already received an endorsement by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Transportation Policy Committee.
The Isthmus of Chignecto is the narrow, low-lying neck of land spanning approximately 21 km, that provides the only land connection between Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada and the principal transportation connection to Newfoundland and Labrador. The isthmus is composed primarily of marshlands located at the head of the Bay of Fundy.
There are numerous transportation and energy transmission linkages that, if interrupted, would have enormous economic impacts on people and businesses in and outside Atlantic Canada. The Trans-Canada Highway, the Canadian National Rail Line, the High Voltage interconnect, fiber-optical cables, a wind farm and the Maritimes and Northeast Gas Pipeline span this narrow stretch of land.
The Truro-based Chamber is recommending the federal government consider the vulnerabilities in this vital trade corridor a national priority while committing to reliable timelines for project completion. It further asks that they establish an equitable funding model removing the unfair burden of repair cost from the two provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick that reflects the national significance of this corridor on trade and utilities.
The estimated $35 billion per annum value of goods and services through the corridor, inclusive of revenues generated by in-corridor economic activity, is at risk. The origin and destinations of transported goods span well beyond markets in Atlantic Canada, handling goods from across Canada to international markets and the island of Newfoundland.
The key challenge in this area is that flood protection is provided by a system of dykes managed by two provincial government departments and CN Rail. A significant portion of the system relies solely on the existence of a raised rail bed that parallels the Trans-Canada Highway for about 8 km. The balance of the system is provided by very old dykes.
“We recently witnessed the impact intense storms and flooding can have on significant trade corridors with the destruction of a section of CN’s rail line right here in Millbrook First Nation, as well as the damage to main roads including sections of the TransCanada Highway,” said Tanton. “The value of this transportation infrastructure to the national economy is significant and the threat to its operation is real.”
The value of goods transported across the isthmus is estimated at roughly $50M a day and growing. More than 400,000 containers and 230,000 new cars pass through the isthmus on their way to and from the Port of Halifax every year.
The impact of imports and exports to and from the port of Halifax last year is significant in reaching North American Markets. In 2022, 21 per cent of exported goods originated from Midwest US, 39 per cent from Central Canada and 33 per cent from Atlantic Canada, the remaining export markets include Western Canada and other areas of the US. When looking at imports of containerized cargo last year, nearly half of the cargo arriving at the Port of Halifax was sent to markets in Central Canada, about a quarter of it remained in Atlantic Canada and 19 per cent was sent to the Midwest US, the remainder was shipped to western Canada, and other US markets.
A 2022 study costing more than $700,000, cost shared between the federal government and provincial governments of NS and NB, identified 10 potential options, then shortlisted to three with the highest costed option being $300.8 M. That cost is speculated to have increased in the past year. The study indicated a 10-year timeline to put solutions in place. Federal government has indicated it would consider covering up to 50 per of the cost.
“It is not a question of if there will be an extreme weather or tidal event that breaches the dyke system, simply a question of when,” said Tanton.
The study assumes that, if the status quo persists, over the next 30 years there will be an extreme weather event which results in the closure of the Chignecto Isthmus for two days’ duration once every five years. on the annual trade value of $35 billion the 12-day interruption has a total value of $1.2 billion.
To ensure an all-season trade route to PEI, in the past 30 years Ottawa has contributed more than $1.257B, through an annual subsidy to Strait Crossing Development Inc., compensating for the construction of the Confederation Bridge, exclusive of ongoing revenue from tolls. The Chamber believes the federal government should consider the Chignecto Isthmus of equal importance to the country’s trade infrastructure.
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Media Contact:
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328, or 902-890-4616 (cell)
Download Release here:
Protecting vital infrastructure- NR-072723-f
2023 Small Business Start-Up Legacy Award
Small Business Week Awards – October 19th, 11 a.m. – Legends Gaming Centre
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to issue a call for submissions for its 6th annual Rising Star Start-Up Award Investing in Entrepreneurs provided in partnership with several of its members to offer support to a budding entrepreneur.
This award will be presented in October during the Chamber’s Small Business Week Awards Luncheon on Oct. 19 to assist the recipient in taking their venture to the next level.
Its purpose is to identify a viable start-up – a business that is just beginning to develop, located within Truro and Colchester region – and provide it with a one-time $2,500 cash prize as well as in-kind supports, products, and services, from partnering member businesses.
Criteria:
To qualify, the applicant must live and operate their business within the Truro & Colchester Region. This award is open to an individual or partners with a business idea that needs capital and professional support. All entrepreneurs applying must be able to demonstrate the impact of their current business offerings, giving a unique edge on the competition. Further, they must demonstrate how the grant money & support service will have a meaningful impact on business growth and job creation in the local area.
Selection Process:
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce will appoint an internal preliminary adjudication committee to review submissions consisting of the Chamber Board of Directors and members, which determines the eligibility of each nominee. Submissions will be treated with the strictest of confidence. Shortlisted nominees will be invited to present to a judging panel consisting of Chamber members and/or representatives from sponsoring partners.
Applicants/nominees understand and agree that merely by applying for these Awards does not entitle the applicant/nominee to any other form of consideration.
The decision of the Chamber-appointed judging panel on all matters is final and binding on all applicants/nominees and no correspondence will be entertained on the same.
The Chamber reserves the right to withdraw or amend the terms of the Awards at any time and does not take responsibility for any loss or damage that any person/organization / Applicant / Nominee may suffer as a result of the Awards being withdrawn or its terms amended.
2023 Small Business Start-Up Legacy Award
2023 Small Business Awards Nominations Now Open
Small Business Week Awards – October 19, 11 a.m., Legends Gaming Centre
*All Nominees will be contacted to fill out a questionnaire from the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce that will be used by the panel of judges to determine the award recipient. All responses will be kept strictly confidential.
2023 Small Business Award nominations are currently being accepted in the following categories:
Note: Qualifying businesses must employ less than 100 people.
New Small Business of the Year
Criteria: The New Small Business of the Year award recognizes a Truro or Colchester County business person whose dream of opening their own business has earned them the title of “Start-Up Entrepreneur” over the past year. Their business must have shown innovation, and they must offer a unique product or service to Truro and Colchester County.
Small Business Achievement
Criteria: The Small Business Achievement Award recognizes a local entrepreneur who has been in business for more than 10 years and demonstrates new product or service achievements, business growth and a commitment to their community.
Export Achievement
Criteria: The Exporter of the Year award will recognize a Truro or Colchester County business that has demonstrated excellence in exporting outside Nova Scotia. The business must have achieved noticeable growth as a result of entering the global marketplace and has made a significant contribution to the growth of the local economy.
Small Business Innovation
Criteria: The Small Business Innovation Award will recognize a Truro or Colchester County entrepreneur who has been in business for more than five years, continually modifying to demonstrate innovative leadership through technology, development of new or value-added products and services and improved productivity. Those nominated for this innovation award portray community spirit and generosity towards clients past, present and future by consistently supporting community causes and grow employment in the local area.
Excellence in Community Development award
Criteria: The Excellence in Community Development award will recognize a business or social enterprise that has made significant and notable contributions to its community (cultural, social, environmental and/or economic) and that serves as a catalyst for positive action, exhibiting the highest standards of leadership.
Agriculture/ Agri Small Business Award
Criteria: Recognizes an individual, group or organization or business where the principles of running a successful agricultural or related operation are applied and result in a thriving and environmentally friendly endeavor. The enterprise must derive more than 50 percent of its annual revenue from agricultural-related activities.
Small Business Growth Award
Recognizes a business that has been in operation for more than two years, demonstrating growth in a measurable way such as expansion, increased customers, new employees, and new products.
Workplace Excellence Award
This award recognizes a small business employee that goes above and beyond in their job duties. The employee delivers excellent customer service, engages in professional development and places a high level of importance on corporate culture, teamwork and ensuring a happy and healthy work environment.
Small Business of the Year Award
Honors an outstanding business with 1 – 20 full-time employees that demonstrates commitment to performance excellence in their business or industry and embodies the spirit of the business community. Must be an independently-owned business for at least 3 years. Recognizes outstanding achievement in some or all of the following: Research & Development, Company Growth, Customer Service, Products & Services, Market Development, Sales & Marketing, and Community Service. The nominee must be a registered business operating in Colchester County.
Newcomer Business Award
This award recognizes the contribution to the local economy by a business that has opened in Truro or Colchester County by an individual who has moved to the community in recent years and is not an original resident of this region.
Tourism business of the year
This award recognizes an individual, group, organization or business operating in Central Nova Scotia where the principles of running successful tourism or related operation are applied and result in a thriving attractive business for visitors. The enterprise must derive more than 50 percent of its annual revenue from tourism-related activities.
Small Business Environmental Stewardship Award
This award recognizes a business that keeps environmental stewardship at the forefront of its operations. They keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them, and then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life. Their focus on environmental stewardship may reduce waste, drive greater resource productivity, address emerging resource security/scarcity issues in the future, while implementing a plan to extract the maximum value and use from raw materials, products and waste, fostering energy savings and reducing Green House Gas emissions.
Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion
This award celebrates a business or non-profit organization operating within Truro-Colchester area, working to advance a more accessible, equitable, diverse and inclusive business community. This award recognizes the transformative efforts and dedication of a local business that embeds the importance of promotion and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, economic reconciliation and accessibility in work environments for staff, stakeholders and clients. This business or organization exemplifies leadership in fostering excellence in achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.
Nomination forms are also available from the chamber office at 105B Walker Street, Truro and online at www.trurocolchesterchamber.com
Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 15, 2023
When will the awards be presented?
The award luncheon will be held at Legends Gaming Centre on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 beginning at Eleven
Chamber sets new course with updated strategic plan
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, non-government, volunteer-governed organization representing the business community of Truro and Colchester County. The organization was established in 1890, as the Truro Board of Trade with 37 charter members. The Chamber is a membership-based organization, where dues from members provide sustainable revenue. Fundraising events, special projects and commission from member insurance programs top up the revenue sources.
Membership has continually grown over the years, reporting a 94% retention rate among members in recent years. The Chamber hit a milestone in 2022, exceeding 500 members. Year-end reports noted 517 members, a 22% increase from the previous year. Interestingly enough, 75% of the membership base employs 10 people or less, a true representation of a small-business community. The Truro & Colchester Chamber is the second largest Chamber in the province, second only to Halifax Chamber of Commerce.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has been the principal voice of the business community in this region for 133 years on matters of economic, political and social importance. The Chamber is also a member of the Atlantic and Canadian Chambers, collaborating with both of these organizations in policy debates and seeking better conditions for businesses. The current strategic planning cycle concluded in 2023 and the Chamber has now embarked on another strategic planning exercise. A steering committee consisting of Matthew Mossman, Eric Tanton, Christian Thompson, and Sherry Martell worked with Consultant Yvonne Thyssen-Post of Thyagrissen Consulting Limited in creating this strategic plan.
The organization operates through a volunteer Board of Directors, elected by the membership, and is responsible for developing policy and strategic direction. The composition of the Board of Directors at the time of the compiling the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan is as follows:
- President: Eric Tanton, Scotia Wealth Management
- Past-President: Matthew Mossman, Bell Media
- 1st Vice-President: Kim Boomer, LIBCAN
- Treasurer: Cyndi MacLean, MacQuarries
- Solicitor: Jennifer Hamilton Upham, Patterson Law
- Directors:
- Carole Fisher, Ditch Doctor
- Vonda Hazzard, NovelTea Coffeehouse, Bakery, Bookstore & Gifts
- Kenisha McMaster, Kenisha’s Cleaning Company
- Doug MacInnes, Wilson’s Heating
- Heidi Sponagle, Inn on Prince Hotel & Conference Centre
- Jeremy Nichols, Commercial Safety College
- Glen MacKenzie, AEL Millwirght Services
- Christian Thompson, Truro Nissan
Chamber staff carry-out the day-to-day operations of the organization. Current staff listing is as follows:
- Sherry Martell, Executive Director
- Lisa Matthews, Office & Membership Coordinator
- Chelsea Weatherbee, Events & Special Project Coordinator
CLICK here to read the Strategic plan
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Lifetime Achievement Award 2023
Laurie Jennings
The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented this year by Patterson Law, is the highest honour of the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce. It recognizes individuals who have had a life-long commitment to economic and community growth in the Truro and Colchester Region.
Tonight, we honour a businessman who is a visionary, a man that challenges the status quo and isn’t afraid to ask, “why not?” One can only imagine the original ideas that have flitted through Laurie Jennings mind as he quietly restocks his vegetable bins, one of his favourite tasks at his family-owned business, Masstown Market.
We can imagine him pondering “Why not build an inland light house? Why not add a real-life fishing boat to create a restaurant and welcome people to eat local seafood? Why not add some tourist information so they can discover more about the area?
The Market was established over 50 years ago by Laurie’s parents which grew a large clientele seeking local foods. It has expanded exponentially and flourished in the past decade under Laurie’s leadership, and contributes greatly to the region’s economy, now employing about 160 people year-round.
The business’s footprint has expanded from the original market and bakery to now include a creamery, butchery, service station, gift shop, café, event venue, pharmacy building and a new medical clinic.
He must have also thought, why not even add a Las Vegas-style “Welcome to Masstown” sign? Which is now an iconic stopping spot for social media enthusiasts to snap selfies.
Living by the mantra “Always have them leave with a little more than they expected,” he has kept a laser focus on supporting local which can be recognized within all aspects of the business.
Of the more than 500 regular suppliers across all the Market business units, about 73 per cent are based in Nova Scotia, followed closely by others located within the Atlantic Provinces and Canada, totally nearly 94 per cent.
Through his efforts and commitment to support local, about 73 cents of every dollar spent at the market remains in the region.
He has also kept environmental stewardship front of mind in his business growth plans. From engineered wetlands, heat recovery systems and LED lighting, to the installation of a massive solar project on the roof of the Creamery, he has blended economic growth with green energy solutions. The new solar power system includes 610 panels and reduces 212 tons of Carbon Dioxide annually, powering about 20 per cent of the site.
Never one to seek recognition, Laurie, wife Lisa and family have supported countless community, cultural, school and sport initiatives contributing to the vibrancy of the community.
Laurie received a Bachelor of Science and Biology from Dalhousie University in 1987 and has held several positions on committees and boards in the years since, including the Dalhousie University Board of Governors, for more than nine years, and Chair Academic and Student Affairs Committee for three years.
He has also served as an Invest Nova Scotia board member, past chairman of the Colchester Regional Development Agency, Chairman and corporate director for the Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Nova Scotia Exhibition Commission, member of the Minister’s Advisory Committee for Select Nova Scotia, President of Colchester Credit Union, President of Truro and District Chamber of Commerce 2005 and President of the Nova Scotia Chamber of Commerce.
He also played an integral role serving on the Chamber’s steering committee in the establishment of the Truro and Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity.
This is also notably the first time in the Chamber’s 133-year history that a lifetime achievement award has been presented to both a father and son of a long-time business in the region.
The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce and Patterson Law are honoured this evening to recognize Laurie for his enormous contribution to our community.
2023 Business Excellence Award Recipient
Business Excellence Award 2023
Coldstream Clear Distillery
The Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award recognizes a business that has exhibited visionary leadership; achieving growth by introducing new products or ideas, expansion or exportation of goods or services and valuing employees and safety in the workplace.
The business is actively involved in the community through fundraising and partnerships in support of organizations or individuals working to better the community. It establishes partnerships and supports the local business community with leadership while actively looking to the future, focused on long-term results and job creation.
What started as a hobby business in Stewiacke about eight years ago, has flowed into becoming a leader in the beverage and alcohol industry across Atlantic Canada and is now reaching further with product being carried at Ontario’s LCBO stores.
Coldstream Clear Distillery is a family-owned business with parents and founders, Robert and Elaine Giffen, working along side their three children Liam, Olivia and Riley and about 85 employees.
The business has experienced exponential growth since its inception, carrying on a long-time family tradition of distilling, a story told on the label of their signature spiced rum about Simon Giffin, Halifax’s first distiller in 1749.
The business was initially started as a craft Vodka distillery and has expanded its range to include 10 types of spirits. A true turning point in their growing success was tapping into the development of ready-to-drink products, of which they now offer a compliment of 13, and a new lager is soon to enter the market.
Along with the flagship store at Mastodon Ridge in Stewiacke, their footprint has now reached Dartmouth and Antigonish and they have moved the head office and main production to Truro.
During its exponential growth since inception, the company has maintained a focus on innovation and expansion to meet consumer demand. The company bought an 11,000 square-foot building in the Truro Industrial Park in 2018.
This increased production and enabled more efficient packaging reaching an processing average of 200 cans per minute.
They have already outgrown this space, and are once again in expansion mode increasing to more than 48,000 square-feet. This will house the new brewing line as the company prepares to launch its Lager.
Even the pandemic didn’t slow down the company’s growth as they adapted and changed to meet new demands. They were one of the first alcohol companies in the province doing home delivery with up to five trucks on the road across Nova Scotia, a service which still continues today. They pivoted to manufacture hand sanitizer at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and supplied countless first responders and businesses with this key protection to fight the virus.
They are focused on environmental stewardship with every piece of packaging is recyclable, from bottle and cans to can toppers and boxes.
They say the secret ingredient to their success isn’t just what is found the in the bottles and cans but is their employees, a dedicated, extremely passionate team where everyone strives to be their absolute best.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to honour Coldstream Clear Distillery with the 2023 Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award.
2023 Business Person of Year Recipient
Business Person of the Year Award 2023
Robin Young
The BDC Business Person of the Year Award acknowledges a founder, owner, CEO, president or manager who has achieved significant success in their business by showing strong leadership skills and business acumen, contributing to the growth of the business.
This year we are pleased to honour the contributions of small business owner, Robin Young, owner of Jeans Flowers and Gifts.
Robin’s love for flowers began when she was a teen in high school. She would spend weekends, evenings, and summers in her parent's flower shop in Shubenacadie. Taking what she learned from her parents, Robin worked a couple years in Edmonton, gaining even more knowledge in floral arranging and business management.
Upon returning to Nova Scotia in the early ‘80’s, she bought her parents’ flower shop and then a few years later went on to purchase Jean’s Flowers and Gifts; where she has been its sole owner for 37 years.
Robin is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to floral arranging, having taken a floral design course in Holland, passing the exams with distinction, from there went on to teach floral design at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College.
On every occasion, happy or sad, and all the important milestones in between, Robin and her staff have delivered beautiful flower arrangements for generations and every branch of her customers’ family. Robin’s commitment to her community often goes undetected, helping when and where she can without hesitation. Her passion for flowers has blossomed into a well-known, and trusted family-oriented business.
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize Robin Young with the BDC Business Person of the Year Award.
12 Days of Local Boxes are back!
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A gift box filled with 16+ local products perfect for the holiday season. Perfect as a present for a loved one, for yourself, or as a corporate gift!