Small Business Week Award Nominations Now Open!
Small Business Week Awards – Oct. 21, 12 p.m., Inn on Prince
*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.
2022 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, sponsored by Community Credit Union
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, sponsored by Grant Thornton
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, sponsored by Nova Scotia Business Inc.
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, sponsored by RBC
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 sponsored by the Town of Truro.
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, sponsored by MNP LLP
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, sponsored by BDC
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 - Payworks
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 – CBDC NoBL
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 – Sponsored by TCPEP
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 – Municipality of the County of Colchester
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 - Sponsored by the Town of Stewiacke
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.
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. 26, 2022
When will the awards be presented?
The award luncheon will be held at the Inn on Prince on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022 beginning at noon.
Butterfly Sculpture - Request for Proposal
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, along with our partners, is creating a series of interactive, human-scale butterfly wing sculptures to be placed in key main street neighbourhoods throughout Colchester County. These art installations will beautify our downtown and main street neighbourhoods and provide aesthetic, artistic and interactive benefits which will enhance the pedestrian experience for visitors, businesses and the community.
5 x Butterfly Wing Sculptures with moveable display bases, made to human scale that can be decorated by local artisans and can withstand the elements.
For more information, click here to download the Request for Proposal.
Shop Local Boxes - Summer boxes available now!
News Release - Temporary Physician Housing Pilot Project Announced
May 9, 2022
News release
TRURO – Two business-led organizations have launched a pilot project that will provide temporary
accommodations to support physician recruitment in the county.
The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce and the Truro Colchester Partnership for Economic
Prosperity have partnered to lease a fully furnished, two-bedroom apartment located close to the
Colchester East Hants Health Authority.
“This as a fantastic opportunity for two major business groups in Colchester County to come together and
partner with this project,” said Chamber President, Matthew Mossman. “To be able to create this
opportunity to help bring in physicians to our area by offering temporary housing is so beneficial to
recruitment efforts.”
The partnering organizations are members of a Community Physician Recruitment Committee for Truro
and Colchester, along with the three local municipalities and Millbrook First Nation. The group has been
working with the province for more than five years in an effort to recruit physicians to this region.
A lack of housing in the region is impacting the ability for employers to recruit new employees and
unfortunately this issue has also been identified as an ongoing barrier to physician recruitment.
The Partnership, partially funded by the business community, has a dedicated employee working handson with physician recruitment activities.
“Our objective with this project is to provide incoming doctors with a soft landing in the community”,
said Mark S. Wood, TCPEP Chair. “As opposed to having to scramble to find a place to live, a doctor
coming to our community can settle into a comfortable, ready-to-go space”. Wood added that TCPEP is
happy to be collaborating with the Chamber on this innovative new offering. “It is just another important
piece in our ongoing effort to attract family doctors to our area.”
An estimated 20 per cent of the population of Truro and Colchester is currently not assigned to a Family
Physician.
The Chamber and Partnership have combined funds to invest about $30,000 to support the pilot project
including the lease, insurance, cleaning and other associated costs. The project launches this month with
clients ready to move in on a short-term basis.
The apartment will be available for short-term accommodations for new physicians moving to the area,
those providing locum (temporary coverage for another in the region physician) or residents and medical
students needing accommodation as part of their education such as job shadowing or work terms in the
region.
The Chamber will manage the financial part of the project while the Partnership will co-ordinate with
physicians requiring accommodation support.
“I’m happy to see the Chamber, along with our partner, be a part of an idea and once again turning that
idea into solution-oriented action that will positively benefit our community,” said Mossman.
While the organizations are pleased to offer this support, they also recognize it is a temporary solution.
Wood added that, “while this pilot project is a big step forward in our effort, the important work to close
the physician gap continues”.
We will continue to do and try new things to ensure that doctors know they will be welcomed and valued
in Colchester County”.
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Media Contacts:
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
J. David Phillips
CEO
Truro and Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity
902-222-8839
Dianne Kelderman to receive Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award
For immediate release
News release
April 5, 2022
Dianne Kelderman to receive Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award
TRURO – Well-known business woman Dianne Kelderman will be recognized this month for her life-long commitment to economic growth here and the province as a whole.
Kelderman, president and CEO of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, will be presented with the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award on April 21, at the organization’s Annual Dinner Gala and Awards in Truro.
“Dianne is an inspiration to so many with her can-do attitude and out-of-the-box solutions to overcome social and economic challenges,” said Matthew Mossman, Chamber President.
“We are incredibly pleased to honour her, especially as a Past President of our Chamber, for her many contributions to the local community and helping drive economic development in the province.”
Through her leadership at the Council, Kelderman has spearheaded countless projects and initiatives to help businesses thrive while also supporting the diverse social needs of communities. She was also recently recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Business by Atlantic Business magazine.
This is the first time the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement award has been presented since 2015 and Kelderman is the first woman to receive it.
Along with the Lifetime Achievement award, sponsored by Patterson Law, two additional prestigious awards will be presented at the masquerade-themed evening gala. Developer, entrepreneur and community volunteer Joe Pinto will be honoured with a Business Person of the Year award, sponsored by BDC, for his efforts to increase mixed-housing units, repurpose historic buildings in Great Village and support for the Food Bank. Mastodon Ridge in Stewiacke has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Community Credit Union. Marking 25 years in operation in 2021, the popular attraction has been expanded and enhanced in the past year and offers countless spin-off benefits to several businesses as a key tourism destination.
The Chamber is pleased to bring back an in-person event after hosting a virtual gala and awards in 2021. Ian Munro, Chief Economist with the Halifax Partnership will be the guest speaker for the event discussing market trends. The President’s Social will kick off the evening’s festivities at 6 p.m. at the Best Western Glengarry followed by the gala dinner at 7 p.m. Seats must be reserved in advance by April 15 and cost $65 plus HST for members and $75 plus HST for future members. To book a seat contact the Chamber at 902-893-6328, email [email protected] or reserve online at www.trurocolchesterchamber.com by clicking on the event’s calendar.
The Chamber is a non-profit, membership-based organization representing more than 450 businesses and organizations in the Truro and Colchester region as the recognized voice of business.
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Media contact:
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
Call for Nominations open for Gala & Awards
The call for nominations is now open for the BDC Business Person of the Year Award & the Business Excellence Award. Nominations will be received by the Chamber until April1st, 2022. Awards will be presented at the 2022 Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala & Awards taking place on April 21st at the Best Western Glengarry. The cost is $65 for members and $75 for future members. To reserve your seat, call (902) 895-6328, email [email protected] or visit the Events Calendar.
Nomination form for BDC Business Person of the Year Award
Nomination form for the Business Excellence Award
AGM announced for March
Join us as we welcome a new slate of officers, and to learn about Chamber activities.
March 9th
AGM at 11 am
Truro Legion - 42 Brunswick St, Truro
Luncheon at 12pm
$30 for Members and $35 for Non Members
Guest Speaker
Arnold Hagen
Owner of Harris Home Hardware (Truro & Bible Hill) and Truro Mall
Speaking on his Development Projects in the area
To register click HERE
Download our Health & Wellness Kit for Business today!
Health & Wellness Kit for Business
Health and Wellness programs support employee well-being
Designing and managing an employee wellness program is an important step in improving the health and productivity of employees and potentially improving the overall cost of employer-provided health care.
The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Truro and Area Community Health Board Wellness Funds program, and several local groups to support the business community in establishing health and wellness programs for their staff.
Within this Workplace Health & Wellness kit, we have provided local and global resources to build a workplace wellness program, a sample plan and activities to inspire you to try new things while also offering challenges with incentives to boost participation.
Download the Health & Wellness Kit for Business HERE
Download the Health & Wellness Activity Kit HERE
Winter festival to include lightshow, night markets in Downtown Truro
Winter festival to include a light show, night markets in Downtown Truro
Downtown Truro will be glowing with community spirit next month when a light show transforms the Civic Square into a winter wonderland.
The light show is a new addition to the Truro Winter Long John Festival, made possible by funding from Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and a three-way partnership of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Truro and the Downtown Truro Partnership.
“We’re thrilled about this project that celebrates the winter season in Downtown Truro. There are lots of opportunities to participate and enjoy the festival,” said Rochelle Roberts, Executive Director of Downtown Truro Partnership. “It’s so important to find ways to continue to support our local businesses and stay active this winter while following public health restrictions.”
More than 25,000 lights will be installed in trees in and around the square to create a magical atmosphere to attract visitors to the Town throughout the winter months. The Town is set to launch its Winter Long John Festival on February 3, and the display will remain in place throughout the month into mid-March. In addition, a light show projection will run from Feb. 3 - March 12 in the evenings at the square projected on the historic Colchester East Hants Public Library building creating a stunning backdrop for skaters and visitors alike. The show will run every 15 minutes from 5 p.m. until 9:45 p.m.
“We are thrilled to add to the Winter Long John Festival in a way that promotes getting outside during the winter,” said Mayor Bill Mills, Town of Truro. “We hope it will encourage visitors to enjoy the outdoor activities Truro has to offer this time of year.”
Businesses are encouraged to be involved in the festival by hosting a booth at one of the night markets being held in collaboration with the Truro Farmers’ Market. Market nights will be accompanied by live entertainment. In addition, businesses in Truro and the area will have an opportunity to sponsor hot chocolate for visitors, apply for funding to assist them in hiring live performers at their locations or offer specials to join in on the festival fun.
“The local business community needs as much support as possible right now. It has been an incredibly tough couple of years as the pandemic continues to impact shopping and entertainment trends,” said Sherry Martell, Chamber Executive Director. “We are so pleased to be a part of this beautiful project that will bring joy to our local residents and attract people to the community while we celebrate an iconic Truro product, Stanfield’s Long Johns.”
The project will have a lasting impact on the community with lights and equipment purchased that will be used for other events and promotions in future years.
The partners have received $50,000 in funding from ACOA to host the winter light show in Truro, along with additional local funding and in-kind contributions.
More information about the Truro Winter Long John Festival, the light show, and Winter Night Markets, can be found at www.trurolongjohn.ca.
ATLANTIC CANADA OPPORTUNITIES AGENCY NEWS RELEASE:
Truro Winter Long John Festival Live Entertainment Fund
Live Entertainment Fund
Downtown Truro will be glowing with community spirit this winter when a light show transforms Civic Square into a winter wonderland. The light show is a new addition to the Truro Winter Long John Festival, made possible by funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and a three-way partnership between the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Truro, and the Downtown Truro Partnership.
As part of the celebration, businesses can apply for the Live Entertainment Fund. The funding program is open to venues that provide live music as part of their customer attraction strategy. This may include bars, cafes, restaurants, and other types of business.
To apply for this funding or for more information, click here.