#CanadaUnited to promote shop local
The #CanadaUnited campaign is a nationwide small and local business campaign encouraging Canadians to buy local.
RBC, ‘Corporate Canada’, Business Associations and Major Media Partners have teamed up to start a movement, Canada United™, where everyday Canadians and large businesses come together in support of small and local businesses. The movement will start with a #CanadaUnited campaign where Canadians are asked to complete ‘micro-actions’ (likes, views, etc.) in support of small and local businesses on social media. In short, Canada United encourages action from everyday Canadians and Corporate Canada and kickstarts the recovery of local economies and small businesses.
Learn more at GoCanadaUnited.ca
Canada United is offering small business relief grants of up to $5,000 to help small Canadian businesses with recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19. The grant funds will grow over the next several weeks as every video watched and social post liked from Canada United will result in a 5¢ contribution from RBC. Funds can be used for PPE, renovations, or e-commerce capabilities.
To determine if you’re eligible to apply for a relief grant or learn more about this program, visit https://occ.ca/canadaunited-ns
Conditions apply.
Free Re-open kits for business
May 29, 2020
News release
Local support offered as more businesses set to reopen
May 29, 2020
News release
Local support offered as more businesses set to reopen
TRURO – Two local organizations are teaming up to provide support for businesses preparing to reopen or expand services, supported by municipalities and other partners.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Truro Partnership (DTP) are preparing packages free of charge for businesses in Truro and Colchester that will include front of store signage, a physical distancing floor decal, resources to find appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) encouraging support of local providers and resources and tips for developing COVID-19 Workplace Prevention Plans.
“The province has been clear with its message that businesses need to have a plan in place to demonstrate safe operation of their locations to customers,” said Sherry Martell, Chamber Executive Director. “As businesses in Truro, and throughout Colchester County, get ready to reopen and expand operations, we want to support them to ensure customers see consistent safety messages to reduce fear while boosting confidence that it is safe to come out and support our local economy,”
The Chamber and Partnership combined resources to organize the business reopen packages, which are also financially supported by the Town of Truro, The Municipality of the County of Colchester, Village of Bible Hill and Town of Stewiacke.
“We hope that these reopening packages ease a little bit of stress for business owners as they prepare to reopen their doors. We are doing our best to listen to businesses and support their needs as we all transition into the next phase.” said Jenn Mantin, Downtown Truro Partnership Executive Director. “The next steps will be ensuring that there is consistent messaging so customers feel safe and also understand the importance of supporting local at this time.”
The Partnership and Chamber hosted a series of three information sessions to help businesses prepare for reopening following a more than 70 day-long State of Emergency order in the province of Nova Scotia. The province announced on Wednesday that many businesses previously mandated to close could reopen as of June 5 if they have a Workplace Prevention Plan in place.
“The Chamber and Partnership want businesses to know we are here to help them during these challenging times that are overwhelming for so many people,” said Martell. “Our organizations offer support in a variety of ways and connect businesses with the resources they need to comply with new guidelines for operating with the increased risk of COVID-19 in our workplaces.”
The partners anticipate packages will be ready for distribution to businesses during the first week of June. More details on how to receive packages will be available on the Chamber and Partnership’s websites and social media channels. Businesses that would like to be added to a distribution list to receive a package are asked to email [email protected] or [email protected] .
For more information on this project visit www.trurocolchesterchamber.com or downtowntruro.ca/ .
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Media Contact:
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
Jenn Mantin
Executive Director
Downtown Truro Partnership
(902) 223-6768
Information for business on COVID-19
Click this link for more information about COVID-19 information for business
https://www.trurocolchesterchamber.com/covid-19-business-resources/
Please remember that up to date information regarding COVID-19 can also be found from the Nova Scotia Government at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
Chamber calls for an immediate end to rail disruption
News Release
February 19, 2020
Chamber calling for an immediate end to rail disruption
TRURO – Jobs are being put at risk as the supply chain to manufacturers and other businesses in this region is strongly affected by the disruption of rail service.
“We have the highest number of manufacturers per capita in the province operating in Colchester County and those businesses employ hundreds of people in this area,” said Ron Smith, President of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce. “It is absolutely vital that businesses depending on rail service to deliver raw materials to them for manufacturing can receive those shipments, along with being able to send finished products to reach their destined markets.”
The Chamber has heard from several members impacted by the rail disruption and is encouraging others to reach out to them by email [email protected]. They are also joining chambers from across the Atlantic Provinces and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to call for an immediate resolution to the issue.
“Along with the economic implications for our manufacturers, we know many local businesses are reliant on propane for their operations, from heat to food preparation,” said Smith. “This disruption will have wide-sweeping impacts on businesses here, now and into the future, as contracts are broken because supply demands cannot be met. It also puts the safety and security of our residents and institutions at risk.”
From grocery and retail stores, to vehicle dealerships, construction and manufacturers, members are sharing the many ways the disruption of service is impacting business in Truro and Colchester, an area already feeling the economic impact of the closure of Northern Pulp. Many are facing challenges as they attempt to seek alternate means of delivery. Rationing of basic daily consumables has already begun and material shortages are imminent.
Smith is deeply concerned about the safety of all people as the disruption continues.
“This isn’t just a business issue, this is a national emergency impacting all people, families and children,” he said. “It’s about providing the necessities of life to people and ensuring the safe operation of our institutions.”
The local Chamber supports the statement issued by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce regarding ongoing rail service disruptions:
“From propane to grain and food and consumer items, Canada’s supply chains are being severely damaged by the continuing interruptions to Canada’s rail services by protestors.
The rail system affects the entire Canadian economy and Canadians everywhere, including people trying to get to and from work. They must be allowed to continue to serve the thousands of businesses that depend on them.”
Smith is calling on all parties involved, including all levels of government, law enforcement, business and protesters to work together to bring an immediate end to the blockades and to restore all rail service.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business in this region for 130 years. It represents more than 475 member businesses and advocates on their behalf at all levels of government on issues of political, economic and social importance. For more information, visit www.trurocolchesterchamber.com.
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Media Contact
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
Join us for lunch with CEO of Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Join us for our Annual General Meeting followed by a lunch with guest speaker Honourable Perrin Beatty, PC, OC, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
March 11th
Holiday Inn Truro
11 am with lunch to follow
Meeting is free of charge
Lunch: $25+tax for members or $35+tax for future members
Register at (902) 895 - 6328, [email protected] or at www.trurocolchesterchamber.com
Improved access to high-speed internet good news for business
News Release
February 4, 2020
Improved access to high-speed internet good news for business
TRURO - The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is thrilled with today’s announcement by Develop Nova Scotia which will see high-speed internet service provided to thousands of unserviced and under serviced homes and businesses in this region.
“The Chamber has been lobbying for better access to high-speed Internet for a number of years and today’s announcement will create new opportunities to grow and attract business in this region,” said Chamber President Ron Smith.
“We applaud the municipalities of Colchester and Cumberland counties for their work in forging a partnership with the province and Xplornet. This will enhance this essential service for residents and businesses.”
Smith said the $60 million investment in this region will improve services and productivity of businesses currently in underserviced areas, as well as open opportunities for many locations to compete globally. He also anticipates increased access to internet service will be an attractive incentive for people considering relocating to the area from urban centres which would contribute to a vibrant rural economy.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business in this region for 130 years. It represents more than 475 member businesses and advocates on their behalf at all levels of government on issues of political, economic and social importance.
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Read More at the links below:
Cumberland Colchester Internet Announcement Feb 7 2020 (002)Project-Announcement-Backgrounder-Feb-2020-1
Project-Announcement-Backgrounder-Feb-2020-1
Media Contact
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
Curling Funspiel
Join us for our annual Curling Funspiel January 23rd at the Truro Curling Club! $40 for Members/$50 for non-members or $140 to register a team of 4 people!
RSVP today to [email protected] or call 902-895-6328
Advocacy Bulletin- Northern Pulp
Holiday Mix & Jingle
Outstanding local businesses to be honoured with 2019 Small Business Awards
Oct. 11, 2018
For immediate Release
Outstanding local businesses to be honoured with 2019 Small Business Awards
TRURO - The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has announced this year’s Small Business Week award recipients.
For the second year in a row, the category of growth received the greatest nominations. Chamber President Ron Smith said that is good news for the area’s economy
“Our panel of judges had some really tough decisions to make with the quality nominations received,” said Smith. “We are so proud of all our local business entrepreneurs who work hard to contribute to the community. We congratulate all those that were nominated and look forward to seeing the business community join together in celebration of Small Business Week at our luncheon on Oct. 23.”
The category with the second highest number of nominations was the New Small Business of the Year Category.
“It is noticeable driving around Truro and Colchester region that a number of new businesses have opened in recent months,” said Smith. “The Chamber is seeing a trend with an increasing number of new businesses joining and we look forward to supporting them as they grow.”
The award recipients of 2019 are: New Small Business of the Year, : G-Man Waste Removal ; Small Business Achievement, Fowler Construction Services Ltd.; Small Business Innovation, Specialty Steel Inc.; Export Achievement, Ocean Sonics; Excellence in Community Development, Colchester Community Workshops; Small Business Growth, Today’s Nurse; and Agriculture/Agri-Small Business, AEL Millwright Services. The seven awards are sponsored by Community Credit Union, PWC, RBC, Nova Scotia Business Inc., Town of Truro, BDC and MNP LLP, respectively.
Recipients will be honoured at this year’s Small Business Week Award Luncheon, Oct. 23, 12 p.m., at the Holiday Inn and Conference Centre. Guest speaker will be Tracey Higgs, MCP of U-Haul Atlantic.
The chamber will also present its third annual Legacy Start-Up Award at the luncheon to Laurie’s Bakeshop. The award designed to support a start-up includes a $2,500 cash prize along with more than 12 hours of mentorship and products or services from member award partners. This year’s award partners are: Alliance HR Consulting Services, Atkinson Accounting Ltd., Burchell MacDougall Lawyers LLP, Caldwell Roach Insurance, CBDC-NoBL, Colchester Printing Company Inc., Hub Now and White Leblanc Wealth Planners.
To reserve seats at the luncheon, contact the Chamber of Commerce office by calling 902-895-6328 or email [email protected]. Seats cost $30 for chamber members and $40 for future members (plus tax).
The Chamber will be hosting Small Business Week activities from Oct. 21 to 24.
Watch the chamber website www.trurocolchesterchamber.com and Facebook page for a schedule of chamber-hosted events and details on other Small Business Week events in the area.
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