Lack of budget support to help business rebound amid pandemic concerning for local chamber
For immediate release
March 25, 2021
Lack of budget support to help business rebound amid pandemic concerning for local chamber
TRURO – While no new fees for service or increased taxes were tabled in Nova Scotia’s budget Thursday, the lack of support to assist business rebound is a concern for the local Chamber.
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce President Matthew Mossman said the budget ‘A Fair and Prosperous Future: Path to Balance,’ missed the mark in addressing support for those best positioned to drive the province’s economy as we continue to navigate a global pandemic.
“We had expected to see increased investment in rural supports such as highspeed internet, more direct support for business, especially in the hardest hit sectors, and greater investments to encourage participation in the workforce by women,” said Mossman “The COVID-19 crisis has disproportionately affected women in the province.”
The president recognizes that the employment gap between pre-COVID-19 and present closed in February, however, women in the workforce were greatly impacted by job losses that have been slow to recover.
“We can learn from this pandemic, identify opportunities and work together to prevent employment gaps of this nature in the future.”
He applauds the new $12.3 million investment in additional Mental Health programming; however, he feels efforts toward physician recruitment should also have been identified as a priority. Mossman said recent numbers provided to the Chamber by Nova Scotia Health Authority officials, indicate there are about 12,000 people in the Truro Colchester region that do not have an assigned family physician.
“That is a startling number of people on waiting lists in a time when access to health care is top of mind for everyone,” said the President.
He also notes variances from the previous budget year which include a reduction in funding for the Department of Agriculture, about $1.46 million, Tourism Nova Scotia’s budget was reduced by $586,000, and the former Department of Business, now the Department of Inclusive Economic Growth, is showing a budget reduction of nearly $23.4 million, despite the transfer of responsibilities from other departments such as Regional Enterprise Network funding previously managed by the Department of Municipal Affairs and Services, and Housing.
Mossman said those sectors are extremely important to our regional economy. The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce will be further reviewing the budget in the coming days to better understand the roles and budgets of the new and realigned departments. The Chamber will also seek clarity on the creation of 142 new positions in Nova Scotia’s government departments in the past 12 months, about 50 COVID-19 related.
“It is extremely concerning that Nova Scotia is predicting a $585 million deficit but we are in a better position than many other provinces across Canada,” said Mossman. “Government must remain vigilant in holding the line on taxes and ensuring fiscal responsibility is always front of mind. We must stay focused on economic recovery and ensure our business community remains strong to drive that forward.”
He said the Chamber looks forward to working with the new Department of Inclusive Economic Growth as the government attempts a return to balance in the next four years amid many potential risks tied to the pandemic.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce represents more than 450 members and has been the recognized voice of business in this region for 131 years on economic, political and social matters impacting business.
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Media contact:
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
News release from Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
ACC Press Release_2021 NS Budget Reaction_March 25-21_FINAL
AGM 131- New president sets sights on membership growth amid global pandemic
March 24, 2021
News release
New president sets sights on membership growth amid global pandemic
More than $225,000 invested into rural economy in 2020
TRURO - Growing membership will be a key focus of the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce in the coming year.
During the Chamber’s 131st Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday (March 24), President Elect Matthew Mossman addressed about 50 people joining the online forum, sharing that growth in membership is key to the organization’s future sustainability.
“Like any business, we need to have a plan to sustain…we must look at growing our membership,” said Mossman. “When you introduce yourself to another business person, please let them know you’re with the Chamber. You never know where the conversation may lead.”
This was the first time in history the Annual General Meeting was held online rather than in person, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Mossman said that the pandemic has had an impact on the local business community and the Chamber is ready, willing and able to continue to provide assistance.
“Help for business is still needed today and will be for some time,” said the newly elected President. “We have a wonderful group of people coming onto our board with experience, knowledge and love for our community to help achieve our goals.”
Outgoing President Ron Smith concluded his second, one-year term in the position, amid the pandemic. He acknowledged business faced unprecedented challenges in 2020, but added that hard work and creative, collaborative spirit continues to propel the Truro Colchester region towards new heights.
“Never have I been as proud to be associated with the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce, as I have been over the past year,” said the outgoing President. “The Chamber staff, Executive, volunteer Board members and stakeholders have truly stepped up to demonstrate what support for business is all about.”
Smith said the Chamber reacted quickly to support business throughout the pandemic including being a reliable source of information and connecting people with supports they needed.
The chamber currently has more than 450 members and is the second largest Chamber in Nova Scotia.
During 2020, the Chamber co-ordinated projects related to tourism, economic development, mentorship and E-commerce directly investing more than $225,000 into the local community in support of business.
“Through creative program development, funding was awarded to allow the Chamber to financially support local businesses that either had no online presence or needed to improve their online shopping processes,” said Smith. “A game changer for many, including at least one business more than 100 years old, proving we all adapt to survive, with a little help.”
The newly elected President, Mossman, a sales manager with Truro-based Bell Media, and Past President Smith, Manager of Business Development, at Old Fletcher Farm Property Limited, a division of Masstown Market Limited, will be joined on the Executive Committee by Vice-President Karen Baillie, owner of Elegant Steps; Second Vice-President Carole Fisher, owner of Ditch Doctor Drainage Solutions; Treasurer Cyndi MacLean, senior accountant, MacQuarries Pharmasave; and Solicitor George White, managing partner, Patterson Law.
The elected directors are: Julie Taylor, owner of Skin Decision; Phil Smith, assistant manager Home Hardware Stores Ltd., Eastern Dealer Support Center; Vonda Hazzard, owner NovelTea Bookstore Café; Andrew Lake, project manager, Will-Kare Paving; Fran Grant, realtor with Remax; Glen MacKenzie, operations manager, AEL Millwright Services; Eric Tanton, senior wealth advisor, Scotia Mcleod, The Tanton Group, a division of Scotia Capital Inc.; Christian Thompson, general manager Truro Nissan; Doug MacInnes, regional sales manager, Wilsons Heating and Heidi Sponagle, director of sales Inn on Prince Hotel and Conference Centre.
For more information about Chamber programs and services visit www.trurocolchesterchamber.com.
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Media Contact:
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
Cutlines: Sherry Martell, Executive Director of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce and President Matthew Mossman participated in the organization’s 131st Annual General Meeting on March 24, held online for the first time in history. Submitted Photo
Cutlines: Matthew Mossman, sales manager with Truro-based Bell Media, was elected President of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce at its AGM on Wednesday (March 24). The meeting was held online with about 50 members participating. Submitted Photo
Chamber spearheads new regional tourism initiative
Published by Saltwire media:
New website helps travellers and locals explore central Nova Scotia
Richard MacKenzie
Saltwire Media
TRURO, N.S. —
Groups coming together to maximize tourism opportunities in the region have a new tool in the toolbox through the website, Explore Central (explorecentral.ns).
“A landing site for anyone looking for information about what to see and do in our area,” explained Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce executive director Sherry Martell.
The chamber spearheaded the project in partnership with the Downtown Truro Partnership, the towns of Truro and Stewiacke, the Municipality of Colchester County and the Millbrook First Nation Heritage and Cultural Centre.
“We’ve included items from all over the Truro-Colchester region as well as those on the periphery,” Martell said. “When you’re talking about tourism, you can’t see boundaries. For instance, Ski Wentworth is in Cumberland County, but it’s important we promote that as a tourism driver here. Jost Vineyards is in Cumberland County, it’s a tourism driver. There are other places, such as Burntcoat Head Park, which is in East Hants. We have to promote those as reasons people may come to Truro and Colchester.”
Martell said it’s important to take advantage of one of Truro’s biggest advantages as a central location to the many attractions the province offers.
“People can stay here, as a home base per se,” she said. “If they were planning to stay a few days, within an hour or two-hour drive there is a multitude of activities they can take in. And it’s wide ranging."
Martell said there are many opportunities for adventure, for outdoor enthusiasts and family activities.
"We have a wide range of things people can see and do. Particularly during the pandemic time, people want to be outside, they want to be in nature and spend time with their families, enjoying all of that in a very comfortable way.”
She said the pandemic actually played a role in funding the new website.
“In the early months of the pandemic, Tourism Nova Scotia put out a call for applications to tap into a program for regional tourism marketing. It was a one-time program being funded through funds diverted from Destination Canada’s International Travel attraction program," she said.
“They took dollars they would have been using for international campaigns, trying to attract those travelers, and spread it among the provinces, who then reached out to the regional destination marketing organizations or other business organizations, which were supporting tourism, to assist with tourism in a really bad year.”
Martell said with this area having no formalized regional destination marketing organization, the chamber - as a business organization - asked its partners and other stakeholders to come together to apply for some of the funds to assist the local tourism sector.
“Within Truro and Colchester, we know, pre-COVID, there were more than 2,500 jobs directly tied to the tourism sector. And then there were thousands of jobs indirectly related to tourism. Tourism itself is a huge economic driver for this region and our chamber has always been a major player in trying to promote the region to tourists.”
We're Moving!
We're Moving!
We have some very exciting news to share that we hope will benefit many of our members in the year to come.
After 14 years based at the Marigold Cultural Centre, the Chamber office is on the move!
We will be transitioning to our new location during the month of December. As of January 1, 2021, our new home will be 105 B Walker Street, Truro.
This move will enable us to offer a new opportunity to our entire membership. While the plan to relocate our office has been in the works for more than a year, the need for increased space to support social distancing for staff and patrons during COVID-19 has become a necessity.
One of the most popular requests we received in 2020, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, was from members asking if we could provide a safe space for them to use highspeed internet which they may not be able to access from their businesses or remote work spaces.
Our new location will include a spacious meeting room and private office for the use of our members at no cost (some restrictions apply) through a generous sponsorship of Wilsons Heating.
In January, any member wishing to use the meeting space for business purposes such as staff meetings, training, interviews, etc. can book it by emailing [email protected] (Depending on availability and public safety protocols.)
We look forward to meeting with you at our new location in the New Year!
Take care,
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
Join us in sunny Portugal!
As part of our 130th anniversary celebration, we have partnered with Indus Tours to send our members on a trip Portugal.
Online booking link: https://www.indus.travel/tour/a-taste-of-portugal---truro-and-colchester-chamber-of-commerce
Hold your booking today with a deposit and pay the balance until 90 days before departure. Booking deadline is June 29, 2020
Click Below to view detailed itinerary
0120_16_A_TASTE_OF_PORTUGAL-final-3 pages
Jes - A Taste of Portugal EX Halifax - Truro and Colchester - Harish (004)
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO- Portugal Portugal Know Before U Go
A TASTE OF PORTUGAL
TOUR DAYS: 08 DAYS /06 NIGHTS
TOUR TYPE: PRIVATE TOUR
DEPARTURE: WEDNESDAY, September 30, 2020
HALIFAX – LISBON – OBIDOS – NAZARÉ – BATALHA – COIMBRA – AVEIRO – PORTO– FATIMA – LISBON – HALIFAX
Explore the famous cities of Portugal on this 08-day tour, alongside learning about the country's history, cuisines and popular tourist destinations.
TOUR SUMMARY:
This incredible 08-days tour will offer you the opportunity to see the major cities in Portugal. This southern European country is known for its, cobblestone villages, captivating cities, fine wines, and golden beaches. The Portugal experience can be many things from history, great food, and idyllic scenery to name a few. Begin your tour in Lisbon, the capital city and enjoy time exploring its mixture of gothic architecture. Next you will travel North to Batalha and Fátima, a place for you to gain insights into Portugal’s religious culture. You then travel to Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal thanks to is picturesque canals. Lastly you will spend time in Porto, where you might sample sumptuous food and drink while being delighted by the gorgeous scenery along the Douro River, before to head back to Lisbon for your return flight.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- Explore Lisbon’s postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways
- Visit the fishing town of Nazaré and observe massive waves (in winter)
- See the Monastery of Batalha, one of the most beautiful works of Portuguese and European Gothic architecture
- Discover Aveiro: The Venice of Portugal along the Aveiro River
- Enjoy a morning sightseeing in Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2,000 years of history
TOUR LODGING INFO: 06 Nights Hotel
Accommodation will be provided on a twin sharing basis
CITIES NIGHTS SUPERIOR HOTELS
Lisbon 02 Nights Hotel Tryp Caparica/ Hotel Mercure Almada
Coimbra 01 Night Hotel Tryp Coimbra
Porto 02 Nights Hotel Central Parque/ Hotel Axis
Lisbon 01 Night Hotel Tryp Caparica/ Hotel Mercure Almada
TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 6 nights’ accommodation at listed hotels or similar
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Private deluxe transportation
- Service of English-Speaking Driver/Guide
- Sightseeing tour in Lisbon and Porto
- International return flights Halifax – Lisbon - Halifax
- Air taxes and fuel surcharges
- All local applicable taxes
TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Items of a personal nature, tips & gratuities
- International airfare for land only option
- Arrival and departure transfers for land only option
- Luggage fees may apply and vary by carrier
- Local city taxes in Porto and Lisbon
- Optional tours
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees if applicable
- Items not mentioned as being included
TOUR ITINERARY:
DAY 01: HALIFAX – LISBON
Today, make your own way to your gateway airport for your overnight flight to Lisbon. Enjoy inflight meals and services on your flight.
DAY 02: LISBON ARRIVAL
Welcome to Lisbon! On your arrival at Lisbon International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day at leisure
Overnight in Lisbon
DAY 03: LISBON (B/-/-)
After breakfast enjoy a tour of the beautiful city of Lisbon. You will first discover Belém where the 16th century Monastery of Jerónimos is (UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit the Belém pastry “pastel” factory dating from 1837 where you will taste the delicious “pastéis de Belém”. You will also have a photo stop at Belém Tower before continuing on to hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. you will have the day at leisure to explore the city. We suggest you visit Piriquita coffee shop in the center and taste the delicious pastries: “Travesseiros and Queijadas” - not included. Perhaps you will book one of the following tours.
Overnight in Lisbon
Optional tour: Gastronomic & Cultural Tour of Baixa-Mouraria (4H) – Based on Min of 2 pax- 160 CAD/person
Available: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Departure Time: 02:00 PM
Meeting Point: Café a Brasileira *transfer to the meeting point not included
The best way to get familiarized with Lisbon historic district while tasting delicious snacks and portuguese typical dishes. This included a guided tour of the city and 10 tasting of local food.
Optional tour: Electric Bike Tour (3 or 4H) – Based on Min of 2 pax -35 CAD/ person
Available: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Departure Time: 02:00 PM
Meeting Point: Martim Moniz Square *transfer to the meeting point not included
Guided tours to get familiarized with Lisbon in a fun and ecological way! Ideal for touring the hills of Lisbon! This tour will be provided by a guide.
DAY 04: LISBON – OBIDOS – NAZARE – BATALHA – COIMBRA (B-/-/)
Today after breakfast, you will head north with your first stop being at the medieval walled city of Obidos a charming city with its narrow-cobble stone streets, quaint houses and imposing hilltop castle, which once guarded the region. You will continue to Nazaré, a typical fishing village and seaside resort, famous for its high waves. The tour will continue to Batalha, and you will have time to admire the Santa Maria Monastery listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Near the end of your day you will arrive in Fátima, where Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three young shepherds and turned the town into one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage sites. Continue on to Coimbra.
Overnight in Coimbra
DAY 05: COIMBRA – AVEIRO – PORTO (B-/-/)
Coimbra, bathed by Mondego River and known as the city of students, is home to the first university in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. You can visit the university (not included) which was once the residence of Portuguese Kings, with its Library, considered one of the most beautiful in the world and currently a World Heritage Site. You will have free time to stroll through the city before departing for Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal”. You will have free time here; we recommend a Moliceiro boat tour along the river to admire the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and the salt pans or taste the delicious “Ovos moles” a typical local pastry. We will then continue on to Porto, you will be transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day at your leisure.
Overnight in Porto
DAY 06: PORTO (B-/-/)
Your day will begin in the beautiful city of Porto situated on the Douro River. Porto is a fascinating and vibrant city that is rapidly becoming one of Western Europe’s most respected tourist destinations. The city boasts an extensive history, interesting tourist attractions, a buzzing nightlife, and outstanding tourist facilities. This morning you will have a sightseeing tour to get you familiar with the main attractions of the city. Then you will have the afternoon at leisure to explore the city on your own. There is a lot to see and do in Porto, and this diverse city will appeal to a wide range of visitors. The region is famed for producing Port, which is stored and matured in the vast cellars along the banks of the Douro River. You might finish your day by walking through the Jardins do Palácio De Cristal to enjoy the pleasant views of the Douro River, or maybe book one of the following optional tours.
Overnight in Porto
Optional Tour: Tuk Tuk Tour and Six Bridge boat ride (1H50) – Based on Min of 2 pax- 55 CAD /person
Available: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Departure Time: 04:00 PM
Meeting Point: Largo dos Loios *transfer to the meeting point not included
Discover Porto through a Tuc Tuc Ride in the city and an hour boat ride on the exceptional Douro river; learn about the winery history in Porto and its exceptional wine.
Optional Tour: Walking food tour (3H30) – Based on Min of 2 pax- 155 CAD/person
Available: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Departure Time: 02:00 PM
Meeting Point: Liberdade Square *transfer to the meeting point not included
Get a true taste of Porto on this private food tour with a local guide. Come hungry and visit everything from local hot spots to hidden gems for a look into the authentic side of Porto. This tour includes: 10 Food tastings – a perfect balance of sweet and savory /visit the bustling Bolhão food market / Taste 4 wines from Portugal's many undiscovered regions.
DAY 07: PORTO – FATIMA – LISBON (B-/-/)
After breakfast you will go to Fátima, counted among the largest centers of Mariano worship. Enjoy free time to explore the city on your own, perhaps visit Aljustrel a hamlet located on the outskirts of Fatima. It is the birthplace of Lucia dos Santos, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, who are known to have witnessed three apparitions of the Angel of Peace in 1916. Afterwards we will depart back to Lisbon.
Overnight in Lisbon
DAY 08: LISBON – HALIFAX (B-/-/)
After breakfast, today you will be transferred back to Lisbon International Airport to check in for your onward flight back home.
END OF OUR SERVICES
TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY:
You may cancel your booking at any time prior to the commencement of your by notifying us in writing, which must be signed by the person that signed the Reservation Form. If you cancel on or before the first day of the tour, we will retain any monies paid to cover our costs.
HOW TO BOOK:
If you are happy with the arrangements outlined within this itinerary and would like to book, please forward your completed booking form and the deposit. If you would like to revise the itinerary, feel free to contact us and we can prepare another version which will hopefully match your requirements. The deposit is at least 50% of the total cost (Please refer to the booking form for more details), plus any applicable insurance premiums. This deposit can be paid by cheque, bank transfer or Visa/Master card.
CHANGES BY YOU:
If you request any changes to your travel arrangements once we have confirmed a booking, all out of pocket charges, including charges imposed by our suppliers, will be payable by you, plus an amendment fee of $100.00 per revision per booking. No name changes are accepted. If after the commencement of your tour you request any changes to your travel arrangements, we will do our best to implement them, but we cannot guarantee that it will be possible.
PASSPORTS & VISA FEES:
All Passengers are responsible for securing proper documentation prior to joining the tour. Passports are required; in addition, travelers are advised to check with local consulates for full details regarding Visa requirements. Please note securing a valid visa for entry is sole responsibility of the traveler. Please ensure that passport/s are valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended date of return and contains between 2-6 blank “Visa” pages.
SEAT RESERVATIONS:
We understand that our guests would like to confirm seat reservations for their flights. Please note that some airlines don’t allow seat requests until the time of check in whether that is online or at the airport. When an airline does allow seat requests in advance there is often a cost associated with this. Each airline has its own fees, and this can often depend on the length of the flight or destination etc. If you would like us to pre-book a seat for you and it is possible for us to do so, we will charge $25 per person plus any airline fees.
Nominate an outstanding business for a gala award
Links to online nomination forms:
Link to online application-BDC Business Person of the Year
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eg4zjgwpjsm9z35f/start
Link to online application – Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eg4zk5u7jsma7kjk/start
Click links below to download a PDF
Business Person of the Year Nomination Form19
ccc Business Excellence Award nom form19
Call for nominations for Annual Gala Dinner and Awards
News Release
Feb. 27, 2019
Call for nominations for Annual Gala Dinner and Awards
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 Gala Dinner and Awards celebration.
Two awards will be presented at the April 25 event; the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Business Person of the Year Award and the Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award.
“The Chamber looks forward to hosting this special evening each year, celebrating our business community and honouring those that have made significant contributions to our local economy by not only investing in the community but inspiring others through their success,” said Chamber President Joanne McRae. “We have so much to be proud of here and we want everyone to celebrate with us.”
To view the full award criteria and to access 2019 nomination forms, visit www.trurocolchesterchamber.com, or email [email protected] .
The deadline to submit completed nominations is April 1, 2019.
The Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award recognizes a business that has been in operation for at least 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.
The Chamber is now accepting seating reservations for the April 25 gala dinner at the Holiday Inn, Truro. Reserve Seats by April 17. Cost for members $50 plus HST ($60 plus HST for future members). For more information contact the Chamber office at 902-895-6328 or email [email protected].
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Links to online nomination forms:
Link to online application-BDC Business Person of the Year
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eg4zjgwpjsm9z35f/start
Link to online application – Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eg4zk5u7jsma7kjk/start
Federal Small Business and Export Promotion Minister to speak in Truro
March 21, 2019
News release
Federal Small Business and Export Promotion Minister to speak in Truro
Swift action needed to improve broadband internet access
TRURO – Newly announced support for business will be one of the topics to be discussed at a Chamber breakfast next month with the federal Small Business Minister.
On April 8, Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce will host a roundtable breakfast with Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion.
Ng will speak about benefits for small business identified in the Liberal’s 2019 budget, released on March 19, along with answering questions presented by the business community.
One of the the recently announced benefits, support for rural broadband, could help grow business in the Colchester region, said Chamber president Ron Smith.
While the Liberal government has committed $1.7 billion, specifically earmarked for rural and remote and Northern communities as part of its plan to have Canada-wide high-speed internet access by 2030, swift action needs to be taken by Internet Service Providers to get projects moving as soon as possible.
“Our members have told us repeatedly that access to better, and in some case any, high speed internet will assist with business growth and retention in this region,” said Smith. “Lack of access was identified as one of the greatest barriers to growth and we have been lobbying on our member’s behalf to all levels of government to seek improvements.”
Last fall, the Truro and Colchester chamber was among 450 chambers from across the country to vote on policy recommendations that were forwarded to the federal government for consideration. The budget recognizes some of those recommendations, such as expanding Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs, new partnerships with industry for WIL, and enhancements to skilled trades apprentice programs.
However, two other major barriers to growth identified by Truro and Colchester chamber members, and echoed by business across the nation, were not addressed in this year’s federal budget. The Chamber has joined calls from across the nation for a comprehensive review of the taxation system to make it fair and less cumbersome for businesses and a broad-based commitment to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses.
“For years our Chamber has been asking the federal government to review its taxation system with an eye to modernizing it for today’s business world,” said Smith. “It is unacceptable that we are using the same system that was implemented more than 50 years ago. Business has changed and the government needs to evolve with us.”
The Chamber will continue to work with the federal government to ensure the voice of the business community is heard to identify critical priorities for them to maintain competitiveness and prosperity. A report 50 Years of Cutting and Pasting, Modernizing Canada’s Tax System is available on the Chamber’s website, www.trurocolchesterchamber.com.
The breakfast with Minister Ng is open to anyone in the business community, however, the cost to attend is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members.
To reserve a seat at the breakfast roundtable, call 902-895-6328 or email [email protected]
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business in this region for 129 years. It represents more than 430 member businesses and advocates on their behalf at all levels of government on issues of political, economic and social importance.
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View Canadian Chamber of Commerce report by clicking the link below:
190214-50YearsOfCuttingAndPastingModernizingCanadasTaxSystem
For more information about Canadian Chamber of Commerce's position on the budget, visit:
http://chamber.ca/media/news-releases/190319-budget-2019/
Young Entrepreneurs and Professionals invited to Talk Taxes
Young Entrepreneurs and Professionals are welcome to join us for a FREE lunch on April 2 to talk about taxes and meet connections to build your business!
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce elects new officers
March 15, 2019
News release
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce elects new officers
TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated 129 years serving the business community at its Annual General Meeting held March 13 in Truro. A new slate of officers and directors was elected by the membership which will see Ron Smith, Manager of Business Development, Old Fletcher Farm Property Limited, a division of Masstown Market Limited, step into the president’s seat.
More than 80 people attended the meeting where Smith spoke about the positive growth across many sectors taking place in this region
“Our community shows continuous improvements and growth in commercial, industrial, residential and social infrastructure,” said Smith. “The last number of years have shown large-scale investment in both public and private construction projects from our rural areas to our revitalized downtown cores. Each project offering more and more opportunity to retain and attract people to live and work in Colchester County.”
Smith has served on the Chamber board for four years and was elected to serve a one-year term as President. He said during the next year the Chamber will continue to focus on membership growth and supporting the needs of business.
“Serving with the Chamber has presented the privilege to meet one-on-one, in groups and en masse many of our local business people, community proponents and interested citizens, all willing to work together and strive for a more inclusive and prosperous Truro Colchester,” said the newly elected President. “It is amazing to see behind the scenes what many of our local business people have contributed in time, resources and pure financial gifts to help this area prosper, often below the radar and without acknowledgement.”
Outgoing president Joanne McRae, CPA, CA, Senior Manager with MNP, said there were many Chamber accomplishments to celebrate during the past year and looks forward to continuing her work with the board in the role of Past President.
“During the past year, we have continued to collaborate with government of all levels, local businesses and organizations, the Truro and Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity, and other Chambers in the region to ensure the voices of our members and businesses from the area are heard and their interests are protected as our region continues to grow and flourish,” said McRae.
At the end of 2018 there were 431 members in the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce making it the largest Chamber in Nova Scotia outside metro.
Other newly elected executive and directors are: Vice-President Mathew Mossman, Sales Manager at Cat Country and Big Dog Radio; Treasurer Amanda Pothier, owner of Atkinson’s Accounting; Solicitor George White, Patterson Law; and directors Dr. David Gray, Dean of Dalhousie Agricultural Campus; Karen Baillie, Elegant Steps; Karen Gillespie, Nova Scotia Community College; Bob Brown Lynds Industrial Services; Nancy Johnstone, Lock and Stone Property Management; Peter Thiesen Pulse Property Services; Connie Baird, Party Time Rentals and Sam Abushenaf, PuroClean Restorations; David Ritcey, Community Credit Union; Julie Taylor, Skin Decision; Trina Langille, Warmth By Design; and Phil Smith, Home Hardware Stores Ltd., Eastern Dealer Support Center.
The Chamber’s Annual Awards and Dinner Gala will be held on April 25 at the Holiday Inn.
The Chamber has issued a call for nominations for BDC Business Person of the Year and the Community Credit Union Business Excellence awards.
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 April 1, 2019.
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Newly elected executive and directors are, front row, from left, Treasurer Amanda Pothier, owner of Atkinson’s Accounting; Solicitor George White, Patterson Law; Past President Joanne McRae, CPA, CA, Senior Manager with MNP; Ron Smith, Manager of Business Development, Old Fletcher Farm Property Limited, a division of Masstown Market Limited; Vice-President Mathew Mossman, Sales Manager at Cat Country and Big Dog Radio, and Executive Director Sherry Martell. Second row, Connie Baird, Party Time Rentals; Nancy Johnstone, Lock and Stone Property Management; Phil Smith, Home Hardware Stores Ltd., Eastern Dealer Support Center; Peter Thiesen, Pulse Property Services; Karen Gillespie, Truro Campus, Nova Scotia Community College; and David Ritcey, Community Credit Union.
Other elected directors are: Dr. David Gray, Dean of Dalhousie Agricultural Campus; Karen Baillie, Elegant Steps; Bob Brown Lynds Industrial Services; and Sam Abushenaf, PuroClean Restorations; Julie Taylor, Skin Decision; Trina Langille, Warmth By Design. PHOTO BY BRENNAN GILLIS