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

by Sherry Martell

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

 

by Lisa Matthews

Advocacy Bulletin- Northern Pulp

Dear Chamber members,
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has been working closely with Chambers from across Nova Scotia, the Atlantic Provinces and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to advocate on behalf of its members to support the forestry industry in Nova Scotia.
For more than a year, we have been engaging with members working within this sector, stakeholders and government.
At 10:30 this morning the Premier confirmed that the province will not grant a temporary extension to operation of the Boat Harbour effluent treatment facility.
During the press conference Premier Stephen McNeil:
·   Placed responsibility of non-compliance entirely on Northern Pulp
·   Committed $50M to a transition fund with little details except a reference to supporting workers
·   Expressed hope that the owners would temporarily shut the plant and invest in completion of a two-year Environmental Assessment process
Following the press conference Northern Pulp’s CEO announced that layoff notices will be issued shortly, and no temporary shut down of the plant is possible.
The Chamber would like to hear from as many businesses as possible willing to offer details about the current and potential impacts on their operations that a mill closure will present.
We will be collaborating with other Chambers at all levels to ensure the voice of business continues to be heard on this issue.
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, supported by Nova Scotia Chambers, has already taken action and their efforts will continue, supported by regional Chambers like ours. We will continue to work collaboratively with the network to hold government accountable for its commitment to support forestry workers impacted by today's announcement, as well as to learn from this experience by investigating and revising regulatory processes that ultimately led to today's decision.
Sincerely,
Ron Smith
President
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
Click below to read ACC media statement

by Sherry Martell

Holiday Mix & Jingle

Join us for a holiday Mix & Jingle, Dec. 5 at the Marigold Cultural Centre. Chamber members are welcome to bring guests and their staff for a networking social. Join us and make a connection!
RSVP to [email protected] or call 902-895-6328

by Lisa Matthews

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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by Sherry Martell

Chamber and Partners celebrating Waste Reduction Month

October is Waste Reduction Month and The Town of Truro, in partnership with the Downtown Truro Partnership, The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce and Colchester Waste Resource Management have teamed up to run an awareness campaign to "Reduce Single Use" during the month of October in Truro and Colchester County.
There will be a variety of initiatives that occur during the month, however we are running a social media campaign, asking YOU, the Business Community, to publicly proclaim how you plan to reduce your use throughout the month. Here's how it works...
1. Choose a waste reduction initiative that works for you and your business and set a goal for the month of October! Examples would include eliminating the use of plastic bags & straws, requesting that suppliers use less packaging, reduce plastic coffee and tea pods in the staff room, etc.
2. Let us know what your initiative is and we will come to you to take a picture of the business owner(s) or employee(s) with a written statement of what you initiative is!
3. These photos will be shared on 4 different social media platforms: The Town of Truro, Downtown Truro Partnership, The TC Chamber of Commerce and Colchester Waste Resource Management's Facebook and Instagram pages. We plan on highlighting 20 different businesses throughout the month - one per day, Monday - Friday during October!
4. The goal is to raise awareness to the general public and encourage them to take on initiatives of their own through an online pledge!
5. If you'd like to take part in this campaign, please email [email protected] no later than Monday, September 30th and let us know how you plan on reducing single use!

by Sherry Martell

Chamber to host federal election candidates’ debate 2019

 

News Release

 

September 25, 2019

 

Chamber to host election candidates’ debate

TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a debate Oct. 2 for federal candidates in the Cumberland-Colchester.

“Hosting a candidates’ debate is an opportunity to bring important topics to the forefront during an election period, as well as to ask questions on issues identified by our members and to receive real-time answers,” said Chamber President Ron Smith.

The debate will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m. at Cumming Hall, 62 Cumming Drive, Dalhousie University Alumni Theatre, Bible Hill. It is open to the public and there is no cost to attend.

The chamber recognizes there may be eight or more candidates running in the riding, however, the debate will include Scott Armstrong, Conservative; Jason Blanch, Green Party; Larry Duchesne, NDP; Lenore Zann, Liberal; and William (Bill) Archer, People’s Party of Canada.

“While we acknowledge there are emerging parties and platforms, our debate will include candidates that meet the criteria of the Chamber’s Election Activities policy,” said Smith. “We are aware there are candidates in the Cumberland-Colchester riding that will not be represented on the panel as a result of the criteria.”

The Chamber’s Election Activities policy outlines the following criteria for participation in its federal election debate: have at least one MP elected under the party’s banner; and at least one of the two following items, intend to run candidates in at least 90 per cent of the country’s ridings or have captured at least four per cent of the votes in the previous election.

Smith said the Chamber is extending an invitation to meet with any candidate in the Cumberland-Colchester riding to discuss the Chamber’s advocacy priorities for the business community.

People may submit debate questions in advance of the event to the Chamber via email to [email protected]

by Sherry Martell

Nominate an outstanding business - Chamber awards Oct. 23

For Immediate Release

Sept. 6, 2019

Call for nominations for the 2019 Small Business Week Awards

TRURO –Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to celebrate the many outstanding businesses in this region with a week of activities including award presentations.

“The Chamber is very excited to showcase our thriving local business community during Small Business Week,” said Executive Director Sherry Martell.

“Along with recognizing the dedication and determination of our many locally owned businesses, we have organized a week of activities to offer support for businesses and networking opportunities to help them make new connections.”

The Chamber is now accepting nominations for the following small business awards: New Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Community Credit Union; Small Business Achievement, sponsored by PWC; Export Achievement Award sponsored by NSBI; Small Business Innovation, sponsored by RBC; Excellence in Community Development Award sponsored by the Town of Truro; Agriculture/ Agri Small Business Award, sponsored by MNP LLP; and Small Business Growth Award, sponsored by BDC.

 

Along with these awards, the Chamber will also present its third annual Start-Up Legacy Award Investing in Entrepreneurs provided in partnership with several of its members. The award is valued at more than $5,000 including a combination of cash, expertise in key business development areas and products and services.

“This award is an example of how chamber of commerce members are investing in the local economy by supporting a start-up with mentorship and advice as well as seed funding to take their venture to another level,” said Chamber President Ron Smith.

The award is designed to offer support to a budding local entrepreneur. Smith said the professional mentorship offered as part of the award is key in helping a new business build a strong foundation for success in the future.

A viable start-up located within Truro and Colchester region, a business that is just beginning to develop, will be identified through a submission selection process. The award recipient will receive a one-time $2,500 cash prize as well as in-kind supports, products and services, from our partnering businesses Caldwell Roach Insurance, Burchell MacDougall Lawyers, Colchester Printing Co., Alliance HR Consulting Services, Atkinsons Accounting, White LeBlanc Wealth Planners– Hollis Wealth, CBDC- NoBL and Hub Now.

The Chamber is now welcoming submissions for its awards. Details and criteria can be found on the Chamber’s website www.trurocolchesterchamber.com. Nominations for the Small Business Week Awards will be accepted by the Chamber until Sept. 30/19.

Chamber events are open to members and future members.  Join them in supporting the local business community. For more information about Chamber activities and events, visit www.trurocolchesterchamber.com or Truro Colchester Chamber Facebook page.

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Legacy award –link

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07egjad0r0jzd2p6tx/a015vk0738o4n/greeting

Award nominations link

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07egikzqmvjz00k468/a017wk0737dq5/greeting

Download a form:

http://www.trurocolchesterchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sbwnomform2019-1.pdf

 

by Sherry Martell

2019 Small Business Award nominations open

2019 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 be offering a product or service that’s unique to Truro and Colchester County.

 

Small Business Achievement, sponsored by PWC

Criteria: The Small Business Achievement Award recognizes a local entrepreneur who has been in business 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 of Nova Scotia, has achieved noticeable growth as a result of entering the global marketplace, and has made a significant contribution to the growth to 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, who is continually modifying to demonstrate innovative leadership through the use of 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 their 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 endeavour. The enterprise must derive more than 50 per cent 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, new products.

 

How to submit a nomination:

 

Nomination forms are available from the chamber office at 605 Prince St. (Marigold Cultural Centre), Truro; online at www.trurocolchesterchamber.com and the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Print the form, fill it in, scan/email it  to [email protected] or drop it off at the chamber office in a sealed envelope. Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 30, 2019

 

When will the awards be presented?

The award luncheon will be held at the Holiday Inn on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 beginning at noon.

 

Fill in the nomination form online by clicking HERE

Download a PDF:

sbwnomform2019

 

Legacy Award for start-ups - click HERE

by Sherry Martell

Fall in Love with Small Business Expo being held in October

The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Truro Partnership are collaborating to host a fun, fall-themed Small Business Expo to showcase our awesome small business community.
October 16, 4-7 PM | Best Western Glengarry
Registration Deadline: October 8, 2019
Exhibitors are encouraged to incorporate a fall theme into their booth décor, displays, as well as highlight their fall services, merchandise, foods, etc. To make the event extra festive, exhibitors are asked to bring a precarved jack-o-lantern as we will be hosting a contest to award the most creative design of the day.

by Sherry Martell