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A RUNNING TALLY
ACTION REQUIRED
EXECUTIVE COACHING
Blue Nose Marathon
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Time to move on climate
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Looking at the big picture
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BUSINESS VOICE
HALIFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
|
M AY 2 0 1 5
Startup
season
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VOLUME 24
ISSUE 4
Shining a light on
new entrepreneurs
HALIFAX’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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Available for free download, the Business Voice app is a digital copy
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of the magazine. Available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices,
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Business Voice magazine is free, published 10 times a year,
plus a special Outlook issue every February and two bonus
inserts of All Ships Rise (April &Oct).
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Page 12
S M AG A
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All Ships
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CONTENTS }
It totally changed our mindset.”
– Michael Dunn of Dunn & Associates
on taking an All Ships Rise program.
23
COVER STORY
04 Events
05 President’s message
06 New & noted
10 Members in the news
14 Startup season
Shining a light on new entrepreneurs
20 It’s time to say yes!
We need both a positive attitude
and decisive action
24 Profile – Blue Nose Marathon
28 Working for you
14 Startup season
20
30 Trends
Shining a light on new entrepreneurs
It’s
time to
say YES!
33 Halifax Partnership
34 Where are they now?
– IMP Group
38 Message from the Chair
We need both
a positive attitude
and decisive action
Board of Directors
Volume 24 Issue 4
Rob Batherson, Colour, Chair
Carol MacMillan, The Shaw Group, Vice-Chair
Francis Fares, Fares Real Estate Inc., Past Chair
Business Voice is published 10 times a year for
members of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce
and Metro Halifax’s business community. Views
expressed in Business Voice are those of the
contributors and individual members, and are
not necessarily endorsed by, or are a policy of,
the Halifax Chamber of Commerce
Directors
Cynthia Dorrington, Vale & Associates
Level Chan, Stewart McKelvey
Lori Barton, Beaumont Advisors Ltd.
Darren Nantes, The Nantes Group
Mark Fraser, T4G
Jamie O’Neill, Bluteau DeVenney
Don Bureaux, NSCC
Margaret Chapman, Corporate Research Associates
Mark Sidebottom, Nova Scotia Power Inc.
Michele Williams, Grant & Thornton LLP
Stanley Julien, BMO Atlantic Canada
Sreejata Chatterjee, LeadSift
Capt (N) Angus Topshee, Maritime Forces Atlantic
Valerie Payn, Halifax Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Staff
Valerie A Payn, President and CEO
Nancy M. Conrad, Senior Vice President
Colin J. Bustard, Director of Finance and Administration
Becky Davison,
Marketing and Communications Specialist
No part of this publication may be reproduced
without written consent of the publisher. While
every effort has been made to ensure accuracy,
the publisher cannot be held responsible for any
errors or omissions that may occur.
Please address editorial enquiries
and changes to information to:
Halifax Chamber of Commerce
656 Windmill Road, Suite 200
Dartmouth, NS B3B 1B8
Tel: (902) 468-7111
Fax: (902) 468-7333
[email protected]
www.halifaxchamber.com
SPECIAL FEATURE
35 Financial services
Business Voice is published by
The Chronicle Herald, Custom and Community
Publishing Department
Publisher: Sarah Dennis
Vice President, Business Development: Jeff Nearing
Editor:@e[o<_jpfơjh_Ya`ǃ_jpfơjh_Ya6^[hơbZ$Yơ
Layout & Design: Julia Webb
Contributing Writers: Jon Tattrie, Richard Woodbury,
Gordon Whittaker, Karen Hourtovenko, Eric Blake,
Carol Dobson, Pam Tower, Fred Morley, Kathy
Johnson
Sales Executives: Victoria MacDougall,
David A. McNeil (902) 426-2811 x1163
Disclaimer
Cover Photo: Paul Darrow
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to
Halifax Chamber of Commerce.
Business Voice magazine makes no warranties of
any kind, written or implied, regarding the contents
of this magazine and expressly disclaims any
warranty regarding the accuracy or reliability of
information contained herein. The views contained
in this magazine are those of the writers and adl[hj_i[hi1j^[oZedejd[Y[iiơh_boh[ǃb[Yjj^[l_[mi
of Business Voice magazine and its publisher
The Chronicle Herald.
Publications Mail Agreement No. 40032112
Copyright 2015 by The Chronicle Herald
All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article,
photograph or artwork without expressed written
permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
2717 Joseph Howe Drive
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2T2
Tel: (902) 426-2811
TheChronicleHerald.ca
BUSINESS VOICE
3
EVENTS
CHAMBER EVENTS
INFORMATION
SESSIONS
(1) SPEAKER: Wendy Vrooman,
Sandler Training Halifax
TOPIC: President’s Club Sales
and Strategic Sales Management
Program
(2) SPEAKER: Brenda Fay,
PRESENTED BY: Dartmouth Seniors
Centre
DATE: May 14, 2015
TIME: 5 pm – 7 pm
LOCATION: 45 Ochterloney St,
Dartmouth
BrenDaniel Productions
Certification Preparation Program
Bluteau DeVenney & Company
TOPIC: Applied Leadership and
Management Program
(4) SPEAKER: donalee Moulton,
Quantum Communications
TOPIC: Marketing and
Communications Program
For full event details visit our
website halifaxchamber.com
2015 CHAMBER
GOLF CHALLENGE June 12
DATE: May 13, 2015
TIME: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
LOCATION: Kenneth Rowe Hall,
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Pier 21
12
Networking
@ Noon
SPEAKERS: Gregg Saretsky,
CEO Westjet, & Glenn Squires,
Chair of TIANS
SPONSORED BY: Halifax Stanfield
International Airport
DATE: May 29, 2015
TIME: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
LOCATION: WTCC – 200B
DATE: May 13, 2015
TIME: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
LOCATION: The Westin Nova
Scotian – Seaport Room
DATE: May 7, 2015
TIME: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
LOCATION: Halifax Chamber
of Commerce Boardroom,
656 Windmill Rd
THANK YOU TO OUR
APRIL SPONSORS
of Commerce Boardroom,
656 Windmill Rd
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MAY
PAUL DAVIDSON, PRESIDENT
OF THE ASSOCIATION OF
UNIVERSITIES AND
COLLEGES OF CANADA
June 18
ALL SHIPS RISE
LEADERSHIP
SUMMIT
September 16
THANK YOU TO OUR SPRING DINNER SPONSORS
DATE: May 8, 2015
TIME: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
LOCATION: Halifax Chamber
4
SAVE THE DATE FOR
OUR SIGNATURE
EVENTS!
of Commerce Boardroom,
656 Windmill Rd
NETWORKING
TRADESHOW
TOPIC: Project Management
(3) SPEAKER: Jamie O’Neill,
DATE: May 20, 2015
TIME: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
LOCATION: Halifax Chamber
To learn more:
halifaxchamber.com
2015
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Our members speak up
Annual survey tells us what’s on your mind
the secondary reason shifts to: Keeping
up to date on issues affecting business
(15 per cent).
Slightly less than half of respondents
described their level of activity as active,
citing a lack of time, too much competition for other activities and expense
the main reasons for not participating in
Chamber activities. Of course, we would
love to see this increase!
VALERIE PAYN PRESIDENT & CEO
Late last year we distributed our
annual survey to our entire membership.
This is a great opportunity to hear from
you, our members, on the value you see
in the Chamber of Commerce. We had
an incredible response rate of over 300
members letting us know how satisfied
you were in our key focus areas.
Over the next few months I would
like to review some of the findings from
our Annual Fall Satisfaction Survey,
and this month I would like to focus on
Member activity.
Why be a member?
The top two reasons for joining the
Chamber were to: Network and develop
business contacts (42 per cent), followed
by: Establish a business profile in the
community (22 per cent). Although the
main reason for staying remains the same,
How to increase involvement?
Activating your membership will
help you promote your business at little
to no cost!
For decades, networking has been
the number one reason people cite when
joining the Chamber. What that really
means is that they not only want to meet
new people, they want to promote their
business, brand themselves as the expert,
and grow their business. The Chamber
has a number of ways that members can
do this at little to no cost — and often
with minimal time investment!
1. Enhance your listing in the membership
directory,
2. M2M Marketplace
OLD ORCHARD INN
Conference Resort & SPA
3. Social media sharing
4. At Issue: A Business Voice Blog
5. Business After Hours
6. Becoming an Ambassador
7. Attending one of our 100 annual events
And on that topic, we asked members what value they place on our events,
and the highest results included our Distinguished Speakers Series luncheons,
Halifax Business Awards and our Annual
Fall and Spring Dinners. These are our
signature events and are we delighted
at the high level of value members place
on these. I would really like to see the
numbers around All Ships Rise training
increase. With dozens of free annual
training programs in Project Management, Leadership, Sales, Marketing and
more, we really want our members to
take advantage of this opportunity to increase skills and become involved in the
major projects supply chain in our region.
Please take a look at an upcoming
All Ships Rise 101 event held on May 7
and June 4, held at the Halifax Chamber
offices providing information on these
training programs. For more information
please contact Lisa Francis, Program
Coordinator, All Ships Rise at lisa@
halifaxchamber.com or 902-481-1239.
Next month I will look at Membership Value in advocacy, communications
and events.
ANNAPOLIS VALLEY
NOVA SCOTIA
- Indoor Pool, Sundeck
- Full Service Spa
- Local Wineries, Beaches
- Hall’s Harbour (Lobsters)
- Grand Pre UNESCO Site
- 1 Hour from Halifax
The only place
to truly experience the culinary combinations
www.oldorchardinn.com
of
Orchards,
Tides.
101, Exitand
11, 153
Greenwich Rd. South, RR2 Wolfville, NS B4P 2R2
1-800-561-8090 HwyVineyards
Hwy 101, Exit 11, 153 Greenwich Rd. South, RR2 Wolfville, NS B4P 2R2
www.oldorchardinn.com 1.800.561.8090
BUSINESS VOICE
5
NEWSMAKERS
CATAGORY
NEW & NOTED
New to the Chamber this month
ATLANTIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BOUTIQUE BOOKKEEPING SERVICES
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is
a federation of nearly 100 local chambers of commerce and boards of trade
throughout Atlantic Canada, representing more than 16,000 businesses
and professional people. ACC pursues
opportunities for growth and prosperity
through regional cooperation, and provides a strong, unified voice for business
in Atlantic Canada.
Glenn Davis, Vice President Policy
PO Box 2291, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0
(902) 698-0265
[email protected]
www.apcc.ca
GOVERNMENT
Ms. Julie Bellefontaine
8 Oland Crescent, Halifax, NS B3S 1C6
(902) 407-7046
[email protected]
www.boutiquebookkeepinghfx.com
FINANCE & INSURANCE
Jane Parsons, CEO
Elizabeth Smith, Senior Director,
Development
5251 Duke St, Suite 417, Halifax, NS B3J 1P3
902-422-5520
[email protected]
www.cbcf.org/atlantic
NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS
CANADIAN BREAST CANCER
FOUNDATION
CANADIAN RECYCLING LIMITED
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
is Canada’s leading community-driven
breast cancer charity dedicated to
creating a future without breast cancer.
Funds raised in the Atlantic Region are
invested in Atlantic Canada, funding
innovative breast cancer research and
supporting and advocating for the
breast cancer community.
Halifax Business News on the Go
Mr. Peter Burgess
365 Portland St, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1K7
(902) 830-1267
[email protected]
www.canadianrecyclingltd.com
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
CBDC BLUE WATER
CBDC Blue Water is a non-profit organization which offers a variety of programs
and services to help you start, expand or
modernize your small business. We offer
valuable business counselling, training
as well as financing. We work with every
industry, including fishing and forestry.
If your small business is located in rural
HRM we can help!
Mr. Bill Aasvangen
5228 Hwy 7, Unit 6, Porters Lake, NS B3E 1J8
(902) 827-5564
[email protected]
www.bluewatercbdc.ca
BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES
CITADEL NETWORK SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Mr. Jody Hubert
5530 Artillery Pl, Unit 507, Halifax, NS B3J 1J3
(902) 705-0191
[email protected]
COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY
COMMON KNOWLEDGE
RESEARCH AND CONSULTING
Common Knowledge Research and
Consulting specializes in program evaluation, social policy research and gender
based analysis. We work with diverse
communities and provide efficient
consulting services throughout Atlantic
Canada. Using a strengths-based ap-
6
MAY
2015
NEWSMAKERS
proach, we aim to increase the depth and
quality of your organization’s common
knowledge.
Ms. Joanne Hussey
Halifax, NS
(902) 445-5493
[email protected]
commonknowledgeconsulting.ca
BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES
DARTMOUTH METALS
Dartmouth Metals Ltd is a purchaser
and processor of all kinds of scrap metal,
and all metals are sorted and adapted to
comply with international and domestic
Steel Mill foundry specifications. The
company serves as a global resource for
all industries. Dartmouth Metals Ltd is a
family owned business that has serviced
the Maritimes for over 35 years. The
company’s mission is to offer outstanding service to its stakeholders, while
maximizing the value of the clientele’s
recyclable material in an environmentally
sound manner.
David Giberson
14 Dawn Dr, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1H9
(902) 468-1995
[email protected]
www.dartmouthmetals.com/en
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
EMC - EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE INC.
Ms. Margaret Martell Hiltz
Suite 300-239 Brownlow Ave
Dartmouth, NS B3B 2B2
(902) 832-8356
www.emsincns.com
SAFETY & SECURITY
Mr. Gino Paesani
6960 Mumford Rd, Suite 2077
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
(902) 454-8112
[email protected]
www.foreigncanada.com
BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES
HEALTH ASSOCIATION NOVA SCOTIA
FOREIGN CANADA INTERNATIONAL
WORKFORCE AND IMMIGRATION
SOLUTIONS INC.
A full service immigration and foreign
worker recruitment firm offering services
for prospective newcomers to Canada as
well as Canadian residents and businesses. At Foreign Canada we plan on revolutionizing how people immigrate and
settle in Canada, while helping Canadian
businesses continue to be, and become
even more globally competitive. Health Association Nova Scotia is a
non-profit, non-government, membership-based association of health and
health-related organizations. We provide
high-quality, cost-effective services
(Clinical Engineering, Group Benefits
Solutions, Labour Relations and Compensation Analysis); policy support for
continuing care members; and we are a
joint sponsor of the Nova Scotia Health
Employees’ Pension Plan.
Mrs. Mary Lee
2 Dartmouth Rd, Bedford NS B4A 2K7
(902) 832-8500
[email protected]
www.healthassociation.ns.ca
HEALTH CARE
Success on Your Terms
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accounting, structured for full-time working
professionals. Set yourself up for success
on your own terms. Earn your professional
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CPA Atlantic School of Business.
Accepting applications for Fall entry until
June 15.
Questions? Email [email protected]
sobey.smu.ca/mbacpastream
MBA
Master of Business
Administration (CPA Stream)
BUSINESS VOICE
7
NEWSMAKERS
JENNIFER BERRY CONSULTING
Ms. Jennifer Berry
Halifax, NS
(902) 456-2541
[email protected]
jenniferberry.ca
BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES
JILL’S CHOCOLATES
Here we carefully handcraft all of our
selections, with a simplistic charm.
Whether you need a box to say thank
you, or something custom designed,
we use some of the best chocolate the
world has to offer, mixing it with fine
ingredients and filling her boxes with
handmade creations that everyone will
adore. Chocolate making, and helping
others with delicious and eye catching
gifts is our passion. Visit our website:
jillschocolates.com
Mrs. Jill Franklin
Halifax, NS
(902) 209-6788
[email protected]
jillschocolates.com
SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAIL
LARRY CHISHOLM,
QUALITY ASSURANCE SERVICES
We are a Nova Scotia based company
that provides assistance to organizations
in quality system implementation to internationally approved quality management standards such as ISO 9001 and
AS9100. These services include quality
management system development and
implementation, auditing, continuous
improvement, training and supplier
development. For organizations seeking
combined certification for quality, OHS
and environment we can offer complete
system implementation packages.
Mr. Larry Chisholm
Halifax, NS
(902) 406-2688
[email protected]
www.larrychisholm.com
BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES
MATLEN STRATEGY CONSULTING
Matlen Strategy Consulting (Matlen)
works with companies to define, direct
and design authentic and distinguishing
strategies which are uninfluenced by the
vast emergence of tactical trends. Strong
advocates of critical thinking during
strategy development, Matlen’s consulting services include: marketing strategy,
brand ingenuity, custom literature and a
unique ‘director retainer program’.
Mr. Matthew Harpell
61 Fathom Crt, Halifax, NS B3M 0A7
(902) 497-8919
[email protected]
www.matlenstrategy.com
ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA
MONK RENOVATIONS
MONK Renovations is a residential
renovator, specializing in bathrooms
& ensuites, kitchen, basements (Man
Caves, In-Law Suites & Media Rooms)
and additions (Main Floor or Second
Story) in HRM. MONK Renovations has
been “Turning Renovation Dreams into
Reality” in Halifax since 2009 and are a
proud new member of HCC Mr. Dan Monk
P.O. Box 48003, Bedford, NS B4A 3Z2
(902) 497-0011
[email protected]
www.monkreno.com
REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION
QUALITY INNS & SUITES HALIFAX
Ms. Shelly Dean
980 Parkland Dr, Halifax, NS B3M 4Y7
(902) 444-6700
[email protected]
www.qualityinnhalifax.com
TRAVEL & TOURISM
SHAYNA YOUNG - STUDENT MEMBER
Ms. Shayna Young
Halifax, NS
(902) 240-8819
[email protected]
STAGED FOR UPSELL
Staged for Upsell is Halifax’s leading
home staging and decorating company.
Staged for Upsell prepares your home for
sale so it shows beautifully, sells quickly
8
MAY
2015
NEWSMAKERS
and for top dollar. As well the company
offers staging and furniture and décor
rental for events and trade shows. We
create beautiful spaces!
Ms. Joanna Lane
Halifax & Dartmouth, NS
(902) 830-3170
[email protected]
www.stagedforupsell.com
HOME & GARDEN
STARFRESH MODERN DINER
Ms. Lisa Barry
20 Wright Ave, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1G6
(902) 446-4946
[email protected]
RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE
STATION12
Ms. Lauren Langlois
560 Windmill Rd, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1B3
(902) 468-2810
[email protected]
station12.ca
SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAIL
WAEGWOLTIC CLUB
WINGENBACK INC.
Established in 1908 the Waegwoltic has
been a beloved feature in the hearts of
generations of Halifax families for over
100 years. Founded by like-minded
families to enjoy the love of sport and
camaraderie. The Waegwoltic Club
features tennis, sailing, aquatic, dining
and lifestyle programming to suit every
age. With over 10 rolling acres situated
along the Northwest Arm we are perfectly positioned for a picnic lunch or a day
on the water. At our core, we are in the
memory business. Building on decades
of tradition while looking forward to a
vibrant future within our community
and with our members.
Mr. David Greaves
6549 Coburg Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 2A6
(902) 429-2822
[email protected]
waegwoltic.ca
SPORTS & RECREATION
Mr. Michael Cross
10 Morris Dr, Unit 27, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1K7
(902) 407-4030
[email protected]
www.wingenback.com
TRANSPORTATION
Are you a new member?
To submit your 50-word description for New
& Noted, please contact John MacDonald,
Member Services Coordinator at john@
halifaxchamber.com or 902-481-1227
within the first six months of membership.
EMBA
Executive Master
of Business
Administration
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career.
• Classes arranged to accommodate
demanding schedules.
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professionals.
Learn downtown—modules offered exclusively
at the WTCC. Program AACSB-accredited.
Upcoming information sessions April 23 and
May 14. Visit sobey.smu.ca/emba for details.
Cassandra Dorrington
President of the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), CPA,
BComm’81, EMBA ‘00: sobey.smu.ca/success
BUSINESS VOICE
9
NEWSMAKERS
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Movers and shakers, our members are newsmakers
KILLING THE K-CUP
NEPTUNE UNVEILS SEASON
In July of 2014 Egg Studios and Social
Bean Gourmet Coffee, both of Halifax
NS, combined to create a short video
outlining the Environmental issues
surrounding the Pod Coffee Industry.
In January of 2015, the “Kill the K-Cup”
video was released. The Satirical “invasion of Halifax by K-Cup monsters and
such” has gone viral with over 600,000
views on YouTube to date and has truly
brought the K-Cup Industry under scrutiny for their environmentally unfriendly
products. Both Mike Hachey of Egg, and
Doug Leblanc of Social Bean, have been
interviewed across North America for the
Kill the K-Cup Campaign. Killthekcup.
org is a site that has many articles about
this issue, along with a petition (with over
25,000 signatures), asking Keurig to expedite their efforts for a more sustainable
product. Check it out, it’s worth a look!
Neptune Theatre revealed its magical
53rd Season recently. This free public
event, held annually, featured the official
unveiling of the 2015/2016 season lineup
along with special performances, patron
appreciations and video presentations.
In the meantime, Neptune’s season
ending musical The Addams Family
runs on the Fountain Hall stage April 7 May 24. Trudeau Stories, the final Studio
Series production of the season written
and performed by Brooke Johnson,
plays April 21-May 3. Tickets for both
shows are available 3 ways: online at
www.neptunetheatre.com, in person
at the Box Office, or by phone at
902-429-7070 or toll free 1-800-565-7345.
WIRED FLARE ACHIEVES
B CORP CERTIFICATION
Wired Flare has joined the ranks of
Certified B Corporations. As an organization that specializes in social media
strategy and online communication, it is
the first company of its kind in Canada
to achieve B Corp Certification and the
13th company overall to be certified in the
Maritimes. As a company that works with
an international clientele, the certification
strategically differentiates Wired Flare
in the global marketplace and improves
competitiveness in an economy that
increasingly places real value on social responsibility. According to president, Frances Leary, “Wired Flare’s core has always
been about affecting positive change.”
Learn more: www.wiredflare.com.
STRUM CONSULTING
MARKS 20 YEARS
Strum Consulting is kicking off its
20th year in business since its inception
in March of 1995. With a staff of 45 and
offices in Antigonish, Moncton and Deer
Lake, Strum has grown its presence
across Atlantic Canada. Its services have
grown as well with a large civil design
group practicing commercial and residential land development here and in Alberta, and land surveyors providing legal,
topographic and GIS based surveying.
Strum has also grown its environmental
assessment and contaminant groups.
Thanks for the support from our many
successful clients over the years!
63 McQuade Lake Cres, Bayers Lake, Halifax, NS B3S 1C4 • tel: 902-421-2116 • fax: 902-425-3517 • [email protected]
10
MAY
2015
NEWSMAKERS
PARTNERSHIP WELCOMES
MINDER SINGH
The Halifax Partnership welcomes
Minder Singh, Account Executive for
the Partnership’s Business Retention
and Expansion program (SmartBusiness). Minder helps local businesses
overcome growth obstacles, take advantage of opportunities, and connect to
the resources and programs they need
to succeed in Halifax. Minder has more
than 20 years of international business
and consultancy experience. He was a
registered consultant with the Productivity and Standards Board, Singapore, and
a Fellow of the Faculty of Secretaries and
Administrators, UK. Email Minder, [email protected], to book a
SmartBusiness consultation.
one-size fits-all fits no one. Which is why
we only offer coverage that’s completely
customized for your unique needs.
www.archwayinsurance.ca
D’COSTA RECEIVES AWARD
STANLEY JULIEN WITH
BMO COMMERCIAL BANKING
ARCHWAY INSURANCE GROWING
Archway Insurance is set to grow its
commercial footprint across Nova Scotia,
rounding out its experienced commercial
team in Halifax with account executive
Joel Young. Young’s key focus is commercial insurance, and he enjoys a reputation
of knowledge and ability second to none
in the area of Surety and Bonding. Young
began his insurance career in 2009, earning his Canadian Accredited Insurance
Broker designation in 2012 and currently
pursuing his Chartered Insurance Professional designation. At Archway Insurance, we believe in choice. And that
lions of travellers. More information can
be found here: http://www.tripadvisor.
com/TravelersChoice-Hotels-cFamilyg153339
Stanley Julien is the Regional Vice-President, Commercial Banking, Atlantic
Provinces Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. In this role, Julien is accountable
for leading the Commercial Community,
covering the four Atlantic Provinces.
He is also responsible for improving
and maintaining the bank’s competitive
commercial position and leading the
commercial customer experience within
the Atlantic Provinces Division. Julien
is involved in a number of volunteer
activities and enjoys coaching and mentoring young people. Julien is currently a
member of the Board of the Turnaround
Management Association. He also sits
on the Advisory Board of Centennial
College. Julien is a graduate of Concordia
University with a Bachelor of Commerce
degree in Finance, an MBA from Dalhousie University and is a Fellow of
the Institute of Canadian Bankers.
D’Costa Marketing Limited, leading supplier of promotional products in
Atlantic Canada has received an award
from PPPC – Promotional Products
Professionals of Canada for Distributor
of the Year Eastern Small Enterprise.
The Award was presented to Michael C.
D’Costa, President of D’Costa Marketing
at the PPPC Image Awards in Toronto,
Ontario on January 28, 2015. This event
brings together suppliers and distributors
of the promotional products industry
from across Canada to recognize top
achievers in the industry. D’Costa Marketing Limited is a key Atlantic Canadian
distributor of promotional products and
strives to exceed in relations not only
with customers, but also suppliers.
www.dcostamarketing.com
HELPING SENIORS
INCREASE INDEPENDENCE
While staying physically active may be a
challenge for seniors, getting Mom (and
Dad) moving can help prevent and even
reverse signs of frailty, and help increase
their independence. To help keep seniors
engaged and fit, Home Instead Senior
Care has developed a public awareness
program to promote an active lifestyle.
The program includes a seniors’ activity
calendar and the website www.getmommoving.com. In celebration of Mother’s
day, Home Instead Senior Care is offering Activity Cards for the Mind, Body
and Soul. For more information about
how to help seniors at home or for your
set of Activity Cards, call 902-429-2273.
HAMPTON INN WINS
TRIPADVISOR HONOUR
Hampton Inn & Suites Dartmouth has
just been awarded and ranked # 7 on
tripadvisor in all of Canada as a top rated
family hotel. This elite honour is awarded
to the top 1% of all hotels on TripAdvisor,
based on reviews and opinions from mil-
BUSINESS VOICE
11
NEWSMAKERS
event was $440,763. The Old Spice Girls
raised over $130,000 for the Foundation,
winning the Top Fundraising Award. For
a full list of cast members, sponsors and
supporters, visit www.mentalhealthns.
ca/a-different-stage-of-mind
ROBERT ZED LAUNCHES NEW VENTURE
After five years of volunteering as a high
school entrepreneurship teacher, Robert
Zed is working on a new venture of his
own, one that will bring entrepreneurship education to many. Zed, chairman of
Triangle Strategies of Halifax, helps a
teacher at Citadel High School teach an
entrepreneurship program to Grade 12
students. Zed has been inspired to create
Prime 101, which will launch across
Canada by September 2016 and offer a
curriculum in entrepreneurship. “It will
have an online component. We will roll
it out to school boards, First Nations and
others that want to learn about entrepreneurship.” Zed hopes Prime 101 will play
an important role in increasing knowledge about entrepreneurship.
www.trianglestrategies.ca
MARY BLACK TAKES ON NEW ROLE
The RCR Hospitality Group and
White Point Beach Resort are pleased
to welcome Mary Black to the newly
created role of Business Development
Manager. Mary had an extensive career
with National Art, a sister company, as
Contract Sales Manager for Atlantic
Canada. In her new position, Mary will
be promoting the RCR Hospitality
Group venues and White Point Beach
Resort to the regional corporate market.
White Point is a year round, 4 Star, RCI
Gold Crown beachfront resort located on
Nova Scotia’s South Shore. RCR Hospitality Group operates the Cunard
Centre, Canada’s Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Grill at Glen Arbour Golf
Course, ONYX on Argyle, Waterfront
Warehouse, CUT Steakhouse & The Grill
at CUT, Bistro Le Coq and The Arms
Public House. www.rcr.ca
THINK MARKETING INTRODUCES
NEW ART DIRECTOR
Think Marketing is excited to introduce its new Art Director, Joey Brown,
who has relocated from Regina with his
family to join the team. Brown brings
seventeen years of design experience,
and has spent much of that time in leadership roles providing creative direction
and strategic planning at both large
agencies and smaller shops. “We’re lucky
to have such great clients and exciting
projects to work with, so we’re thrilled to
have even more creative talent behind us
to help really bring our big ideas to life,”
said Think President and CEO, Cheryl
Chappel.
BMO HAS RECORD BREAKING EVENT
The 12th annual BMO Bank of Montreal A Different Stage of Mind on February
20th was a record-breaking night for
the Mental Health Foundation of Nova
Scotia. The event featured performances
from five “star” groups of Nova Scotian
business leaders. Each group raised
funds through ticket sales, fundraisers,
and high end sponsorships, as well as live
donations during the show. At the time of
this news release, gross revenue for the
LIFEZONE IMPROVES
CORPORATE CULTURES
Founder Dr. Karen (Martell) Hourtovenko
is a born and raised Maritimer and wants
to help individuals and businesses in her
home province to be the best they can
be. LifeZone assists clients in the area
of personal and professional coaching,
vision/mission development and strategic and health and wellness programing
through webinar/teleconference format
as well as face-to-face. Lifezone’s
programs are based on the foundation
of Business, Psychology and Medicine,
which makes LifeZone Consulting
in a class that supports many different
challenges individuals and corporations. LifeZone uncovers challenges of
corporate cultures that may be minimizing success and creates opportunity for
growth and development.
HAL-CON TICKETS ON SALE MAY 4TH
The 6th annual sci-fi convention expands
once again, now adding the Scotiabank
Centre to its event space. Last years’
tickets sold out in under 13 minutes!
www.hal-con.com
To make a submission to Members in the
News please contact John MacDonald,
Member Services Coordinator at john@
halifaxchamber.com or 902-481-1227.
Deadline for submissions is six weeks before
publication, on the 15th of each month.
12
MAY
2015
Sweet dreams
CERTAINLY CINNAMON BUILDING A CATERING EMPIRE
BY HEATHER LAURA CLARKE
CUSTOM CONTENT
Although its warm-and-cozy name
is reminiscent of the days when
the business served up nothing
more than coffee and baked goods,
Certainly Cinnamon has evolved
into one of Halifax’s largest off-site
catering operations.
Scott Colwell, who owns the business with his wife, Donna, says the
opportunities for catering in Halifax are endless. He and his team cover
everything from business breakfasts and lunch meetings to parties, grand
openings, product launches, funerals, and weddings.
The Colwells are a well-known Halifax family, dating back to the Halifax
Explosion when Deputy Mayor Cyril Colwell organized the disaster response
since Mayor Peter Francis Martin was overseas at the time.
After quietly looking for a larger space,they came across a gigantic warehouse —
with ample parking — at 3204 Barrington St., across from the Irving Shipyards.
“We love it, and it’s really afﬁrmed that we are not a restaurant doing catering on
the side — we are caterers, ﬁrst and foremost.” says Colwell.
“We’re encouraging people to think outside the box. You don’t need to have a
meeting in a boardroom, or have a book launch in a museum,” says Terry Pottie,
general manager of Certainly Cinnamon.“You can have a unique event right in the
middle of an industrial kitchen.”
“Our mantra is ‘If we don’t know how to make it, we’ll say yes and ﬁgure it out,’”
says Pottie.“We can do just about anything.”
PROVIDING COMPLETE AND COMPREHENSIVE MEETING AND EVENT PLANNING SERVICES
W
NE
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ON
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LO
Going above and beyond.
VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION AT 3204 BARRINGTON STREET, HALIFAX
902-423-CINN (2466) CERTAINLYCINNAMON.COM
Startup seas
Shining a light on new entrepreneurs
By Jon Tattrie | Photos By Paul Darrow
N
ova Scotia needs more entrepreneurs
to help turn around its fortunes, but we
“subtly discourage” it, says One Nova
Scotia’s Ivany report. “These and other
attitudes constitute significant barriers to
bringing people together around a shared
vision for change and renewal.”
The Halifax Chamber of Commerce
used Nova Scotia’s annual State of the
Province address to shine the spotlight
on three emerging businesses that are
finding innovative solutions to persistent
problems. One has come up with a way to
make your knee injury work for you; another to help caregivers with home care;
14
and another helps to smooth transitions
in companies with high turnovers.
National Public Relations sponsored
the February event and picked the three
startups: Spring Loaded Technology,
Quick Shift, and Phased.IO. Each got
90 seconds to give their elevator pitch to
700 members of the business community,
plus Premier Stephen McNeil.
One of the issues National identified
was the difficulty startups often have
in connecting with mentors. “What if
we were to actually take a moment and
create an environment where three entrepreneurs actually get up there and we
MAY
2015
actually hear what they’re doing?” asks
Sarah Young, head of National in Atlantic
Canada. “Potentially, they can make a
connection. Small things can make a
difference. We need more entrepreneurs,
and therefore we need more of an environment that fosters entrepreneurism.”
The inspiring, exciting event put
the entrepreneurs right in front of the
connectors they may need to successfully
launch. Guests completed comment cards
with advice and suggested contacts for
each of the presenting teams.
Here are the three who took the
stage:
The Halifax Chamber of
Commerce would like to thank the
Dalhousie Rowe School of Business
for allowing us to photograph our
entrepreneurs on site for this issue.
COVER STORY
Our technology acts as
a living memory in your
organization by storing
knowledge and keeping
previous members
connected.”
— Colin MacInnis,
Phased.IO
on
Phased.IO
The problem: Every time an employee
leaves her job, or takes extended leave,
a huge amount of knowledge vanishes
from the company. Her replacement strug]b[ijeǃ_dZekj^emj^[Z[fơhj[Zf[hied
did her job, what tools helped, and where
jeǃ_dZYhkY_ơbf_[Y[ie\_d\ehcơj_ed$
Colin MacInnis saw how much time
and money is lost trying to regain this
knowledge when he joined the student
union at St. Francis Xavier University.
Each year, a new crop of presidents
and treasurers take the reins and ride
in circles as they re-invent the wheel.
MacInnis had to learn from scratch, as
did the person before him and the person
after him. MacInnis still gets emails from
another old job as his replacements need
to borrow his brain.
This happens when people quit, retire, take parental leave, or need medical
absences. It wastes time and money.
The solution: MacInnis needed to pitch
a business idea as part of his studies at
Cape Breton University’s UIT startup
program. His first idea, in December
2014, was to create a social network for
student unions, and in January revised
that to CoHost, software for studentunion management.
MacInnis needed a good programmer
to turn his idea into a reality, so he took
fellow student Brian Best to lunch. “He’s
really, really good at code,” MacInnis says.
So good that he turned around a working
demo by 3 p.m. that day.
Their mentors urged them to
look at the student union market more
closely. They realized that even if they
fully tap out the market in Canada, the
company would earn about $600,000 a
year. “That’s quite a bit of money, but the
chances of us getting the full 100 per cent
of the market? That’s not the case for
most companies.”
Bringing in the U.S. lifts it from 94
universities to 2,506 universities, but
that’s still a small market in the overall
BUSINESS VOICE
scheme. “We looked at the market cap
for student unions and we realized it’s
not the biggest market we could go after,”
Best says. “This is a situation that every
single employer has to face.”
The new Phased offers that digital
memory for all organizations. “A good
way of imagining this is a Wikipedia for
your specific job and your specific organization,” MacInnis says. “Our technology
acts as a living memory in your organization by storing knowledge and keeping
previous members connected.”
Departing employees can add helpful links, training information, recommended courses and videos to advance
your skills, as well as ideas they have for
the future.
After their 90-second pitch at the
State of the Province, Best and MacInnis
headed straight to Volta Labs, a Halifaxbased organization that helps to arrange
mentorships and build a business community. Phased is now pursuing its first
customer so that it can tailor its product
to that company.
“If this works here, we can make it
work in other places,” Best says. “We can’t
focus on getting seven customers before
we get one.”
And just as Phased seeks to build its
future one customer at a time, it points
the way for Nova Scotia to build its own
future, one startup at a time.
15
COVER STORY
MacKenzie Atlantic
It’s really to aid the caregiver,
to help reduce back injury while
repositioning patients.”
The problem: Stuffing a pillowcase under
an 83-year-old woman’s bottom and then
hefting her up in her wheelchair makes for a
back-hurting experience for the caregiver
and an unpleasant intimacy for the senior.
Northwood, a Nova Scotia organization that helps seniors living at home, in
independent seniors’ buildings and with
24-hour care, partnered with the Nova
Scotia Community College to engineer
a better device to correct slouching in
wheelchairs. Students created a great
prototype device that would reduce the
physical burden, but the project never
left the college. No one really knew why
the device worked, or even how well it
worked.
NSCC called Matthew MacKenzie
of MacKenzie Atlantic, a full-service
tool-making and machining company,
and asked him to take the project off the
lab shelf and get it onto store shelves.
The solution: With some refinements,
MacKenzie turned the prototype into the
16
— Matthew MacKenzie,
MacKenzie Atlantic
Quick Shift. It’s a sheet that sits under
the patient and attaches to the back of
the wheelchair by webbing straps. The
caregiver wears a special belt that feeds
into the straps. The patient’s weight is
then repositioned around the caregiver’s
waist, reducing the stress on the back.
“It’s really to aid the care giver, to
help reduce back injury while repositioning patients,” MacKenzie explains. “With
our product, there’s limited touching
of the patient. The caregiver leaves one
hand on the patient’s shoulder just in
case, but other than that they do not have
to touch the patient. It’s not so intrusive.”
MAY
2015
The Quick Shift reduces the
patient’s weight by up to 85 per cent.
MacKenzie’s company spent four years
going through ethics review boards,
getting patents, testing at NSCC and at
Northwood. He hopes that 2015 is the
year it turns from prototype to product.
He wants to sell it to long-term care
facilities, and as an in-home care device
so husbands and wives can help partners
without needing heavy-lifting muscles.
His 90-second pitch at the State of
the Province bore fruit shortly after he
left the stage: he landed a meeting with
the CEO of PharmaSave.
www.sawmilllanding.com
Sherbrooke Waterfront Developments Inc.
P.O. Box 150, 8073 Hwy. #7, Sherbrooke, NS B0J 3C0
email: [email protected] • (T) 902.522.2343 (C) 902.328.4338
S
- Lot 51 – Deep
water and 376 feet of
water frontage. 7.8
acres, $78,000 +HST.
ABOVE
- Ancestral Home in
Sherbrooke
LEFT
- Lot 30A – Model
home, 2,000 sq. ft.,
1,000 sq. ft. garage.
5.06 acres, 880 ft. water
frontage, $575,000, has
an automatic standby
20,000 watt generator
set, 2 bedroom, 2.5
baths, den/study, all
one level
LEFT
- Log Home on
Lot 14, 3 bedroom, 3
ﬂoors with 3,200 sq. ft.,
416 ft. water frontage
with wharf, 3.5 Acres, 2
garages, $489,000
LEFT
awmill Landing
is a residential
development in
Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia,
nestled along the St. Mary’s
River. The lots range in size
from over 2.5 acres to up
to 12 acres, with up to 650
ft of water frontage. Many
lots are on the water and
many have deep anchorage
for docks. We also have
vista lots if you are looking
for a great view without
being right on the water.
Our development has a park
area with water access for
Sawmill
Landing
residents.
There is
power to
all lots and
excellent
roadways.
The St. Mary’s River,
famous for its salmon
ﬁshing, is 50 miles long.
Sawmill Landing is located
at the wide end of the river,
where it meets the salty tidal
water of the Atlantic Ocean.
It is eight miles to the ocean,
all buoyed. From your lot,
you may bicycle or canoe
up to the village for lunch,
or take your boat and head
out to the ocean for a day of
beachcombing.
The large lot size affords
privacy, but the location near
Sherbrooke provides access
to the amenities of a much
larger center. Sherbrooke
offers both the character of
a village in the 1800s with
the services and facilities of
the 21st Century. The lower
part of the village has been
restored and is a “living”
museum which is open to
the public during
the summer months.
Sherbrooke is a busy
community with lots
of social events and
celebrations
year round
for all ages.
Sherbrooke
also offers
lots of
activities for
the outdoor enthusiast.
Sherbrooke has the
following amenities — bank
(with ATM), grocery store,
drug store, post ofﬁce,
liquor store, library,
garage, two gas stations,
convenience store, three
restaurants, hospital, St.
Mary’s Fitness Center,
school, RCMP detachment,
St. Mary’s RecPlex with
hockey and curling arenas,
and St. Mary’s River
Smokehouses.
Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia remains one of the world’s best kept property secrets
COVER STORY
Chris Cowper-Smith, Spring Loaded
Technology, with an early prototype
version of the knee brace. The marketready version will be much more
streamlined.
Spring Loaded
Technology
The problem: The knee is one of the most
often injured body joints, particularly for
athletes. Hundreds of thousands of people hurt their knees in North America each
year, derailing their pursuits and slowing
their lives.
A few years ago, two Dalhousie
University students added their knees to
the long list of the injured: Chris CowperSmith and Bob Garrish.
“We had experienced knee injuries
of our own, so we understood the value
of knee-bracing in augmenting the user’s
mobility,” Cowper-Smith says. Garrish
has had knee surgery for chronic knee
injuries and osteoarthritis. As a result of
his injuries, his knee regularly gives out.
The solution: Two strangers met via Dal’s
Starting Lean entrepreneurship course
The idea was to create a brace that could actually augment
strength and power, rather than taking it away.”
— Chris Cowper-Smith, Spring Loaded Technology
and decided to blend their skills in engineering, math, science and business to create
a better brace. (Gerrish, an engineer and
mathematician, oversees product design
while Cowper-Smith handles corporate
financing, business development and
works with clinicians to organize the
testing on people.)
The team went through 15 design
iterations before crafting the winner.
Spring Loaded Technology’s streamlined
solution loads energy when the user flexes her knee and releases the energy upon
extension. Basically, when you squat, that
downward energy will help propel you up.
“The idea was to create a brace that
could actually augment strength and
power, rather than taking it away,” says
Cowper-Smith.
“We’re developing the world’s
first compact and powerful knee-brace
technology. It can directly enhance the
strength and mobility of the user’s leg
muscles, while providing increased
protection to what is the most commonly
injured joint in the body.”
The potential market has expanded
beyond athletes to grandparents who
want to play with their grandkids more
easily, people with neurological problems
or an acute knee injury, and those working in manual labour or the military.
They hope to sell it in sporting goods
stores as a consumer product.
Are you launching a new business or product? The Halifax Chamber wants to share your story!
Please contact Becky Davison at [email protected].
18
MAY
2015
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CONNeCT wiTH US
POSITIVE ATTITUDE
It’s time
to say
YES!
We need both a
positive attitude
and decisive
action
By Richard Woodbury
T
here are a lot of great things happening in the
Halifax business community, with many businesses taking decisive action to ensure Nova Scotia has
a prosperous future. The Ivany Report said that to
tackle the challenges we face, we need to use innovative approaches and be willing to take on risks.
In short, we need to do things differently than we
have in the past.
To achieve that, we need to support:
Growth
Entrepreneurship
Graduates
Our immigrant population
The major projects in this region
The companies and individuals profiled
in this story are all in some shape or form
saying an enthusiastic “Yes!” to the above.
Ask yourself: are you saying yes to the above
things? Remember, our future depends on it.
20
The Startup 100
A new partnership between the Sobey School of Business and the provincial government is helping develop more student entrepreneurs. The Startup
100 began Feb. 23 and has a goal of launching 100 student-driven businesses
in 50 communities across the province in 100 days. The participants include
university students, community college students, as well as high school students.
So far, the program has exceeded its goals, as about 125 students are
participating in the program in 51 communities, says Jared Perry, a project
manager with the Sobey School of Business’ Business Development Centre.
He says the businesses can be found across the province, in communities
such as HRM, Pictou, Amherst, Truro, Sydney and Yarmouth.
Perry says he thinks one of the broader implications of the pilot program
is participants seeing entrepreneurship as a career option. “I think they’ll be
able to see entrepreneurship is a viable option for them. I think their mindset
might change from: ‘Where’s my next job going to be?’ to: ‘What’s my next
venture opportunity going to be?’ I think that’s key,” he said.
For now, the businesses will likely be part-time in nature or be ones for the
students to focus on in summer. The businesses are at different stages of development and are diverse in nature. Businesses are in a range of areas including
web development, website design, apps, photography and there’s even a farm.
Perry says the Business Development Centre is looking for businesspeople
across the province to help mentor the program participants.
MAY
2015
POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Farmers
Two years ago, Farmers Co-operative
Dairy Limited merged with Agropur dairy
cooperative, a Quebec-based entity. The
move has been a good one for Farmers,
says Ralph Ballam, Farmers’ former
President and CEO. “I think this has been
a great development for our company,
shareholders, employees and it allows us
to be able to compete in the national market and on a more global basis,” he says.
Ballam is currently a Guest Director
on the board of directors for Agropur.
Agropur is one of the largest dairy processors in the world and the largest dairy
processor in Canada on a volume basis.
It is owned by dairy farmers in Quebec,
Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia
and Newfoundland.
Ballam says since the merger, several
millions of dollars have been invested into
Atlantic Canadian plants, helping ensure
there are jobs for Atlantic Canadians and
helping fuel optimism for a prosperous
future.
There are two processing plants in
Nova Scotia and one in Newfoundland.
The one in Bedford handles fluid, ice
cream and culture products, while the
one in Truro works with industrial powder.
The St. John’s, Newfoundland plant works
with fluid. There are also various distribution centres in those two provinces.
Ballam says the merger worked
because the two co-ops “have the same
principles, same culture and same
motivations. It was just a natural fit.”
Ballam is excited about what lies
ahead. “There’s been some investment
into some new product lines,” he says.
While he can’t speak in more specifics
about what these products are or what the
potential timelines are for the products to
hit the shelves, he says the products will
position the company well for growth in
the future.
Mohammad Ali Raza (L) and Kevin Latimer (R).
Photo: Contributed
Cox & Palmer
A challenge immigrants often encounter in Canada is that employers are focused
on looking for Canadian experience. For immigrant Mohammad Ali Raza, his employer,
Cox & Palmer, hired him in part for the opposite reason. “They were actually valuing
my foreign experience,” he says. Prior to settling in Canada in October 2014, Ali Raza
had about 10 years of experience practicing law in the energy and gas sector in Asia
and Europe.
Oddly enough, Ali Raza was married in Halifax in 2008. His wife and her family
are from here. In the ensuing years, the two contemplated whether to settle in Pakistan
or Canada, but because of the deteriorating security situation there, Halifax was ultimately chosen.
Upon coming to Canada, Ali Raza thought he would work on getting his credentials
straightened out and then head to Calgary, the home of Canada’s energy sector. But,
Ali Raza saw a lot of opportunity in Nova Scotia’s energy sector.
He then researched local law firms to find out who practiced in energy and gas
just to get some advice (and not to land a job), so he contacted Danny Gallivan at Cox
& Palmer. A chat soon blossomed into dinner meetings and Ali Raza was brought on
board. For now, he is working as a business paralegal, but is expected to be called to the
bar in January 2016, at which time he will join the company as an associate. “From our
standpoint, it was an easy decision,” says Managing Partner Kevin Latimer.
BUSINESS VOICE
21
Photo: Contributed
POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Luke Williams,
Dalhousie Engineering graduate
Welaptega Marine Limited
Halifax-based Welaptega Marine Limited is known for the fact it often hires young
engineers. Business Development Manager James Kesten uses an anecdote from his
days at Dalhousie University as an engineering student to describe why. The 2008 grad
says in a class he took, the instructor gave the students a coat hanger and told them to
come up with a list of all the things the coat hanger could be used for. “If you do this
same test with a five year old, they’re going to come up with 500 ideas, 1,000 ideas
because they’re not constrained by pre-conceived notions of how this thing should be
used or could be used,” he says.
Welaptega designs inspection equipment technology for use underwater. The
majority of this technology is used to inspect the mooring ship systems of offshore oil
and gas assets and Welaptega’s technology is used worldwide.
The company currently employs 21 people and has grown from 14 to 21 people
in the last year alone. Most of the engineering staff are mechanical and electrical
engineers.
Kesten says the company’s culture appeals to young people. It’s hierarchical structure, and questioning the way things are done is not just tolerated, but encouraged.
“Everybody has the onus that if they have a good idea, go forth and make it so,” he says.
This also applies to the ways the company has long conducted its business. If employees
think that there’s a better way, they should pursue it.
T4G
Lior Zelering, a recent immigrant
from Israel, is thrilled with how life has
turned out in Halifax. Not only are people
are welcoming, but they’re willing to go
the extra mile. This was reinforced when
he was hired by T4G, a company focused
on analytics, managed services, retail
planning, digital marketing and custom
applications.
After being introduced to somebody
from T4G through the Greater Halifax
Partnership’s Connector Program last
fall, a good meeting was had but there
was no opportunity available at the moment. Four months later, T4G contacted
him about an opportunity. “I had never
seen anything like that before,” says
Zelering, expressing amazement someone would think of him four months after
the fact. Before coming here with his wife
and daughter Zelering believed Halifax
was an immigrant-friendly community,
and this experience backed up his belief.
Zelering works as a digital strategist
with T4G and feels like he fit in with the
company’s culture from day one, in part
because it wanted to see what he could
bring to the table to help the company. “It
was more about, ‘Let’s see what you got.
Let’s see how you do things. Let’s try and
work together,’” he says.
For its part, T4G says it hired Zelering
because he was the best candidate for the
job, but does concede his foreign expertise is a plus because he brings a different
perspective to the table. “Life experience
in different geographies is never a bad
thing,” says Mark Fraser, the company’s
Executive Vice President.
Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
In mid-February, Irving Shipbuilding
Inc. (ISI) announced details of a partnership with Women Unlimited for 20 women to get funding to study in the welding
and metal fabrication program at NSCC’s
Akerley Campus. Even better, the program includes job opportunities for these
women once they finish their studies.
Women Unlimited is a not-for-profit
women’s organization that promotes the
full participation of women in trades and
technology.
The roots of the partnership come
from ISI’s Centre of Excellence. It has
a mandate of providing Nova Scotians,
22
particularly under-represented ones,
with programs and training to help
secure work in the marine industry.
The program participants will
receive 50 per cent tuition funding over
the course of four semesters (two years)
from ISI to complete their studies. Successful graduates who meet employment
eligibility criteria will then be employed
by ISI as positions become available in
2017 and beyond. Prior to starting the
NSCC program in September, the women
will complete a 14-week pre-academic
career readiness program. The readiness
program began in March.
MAY
2015
The union representing about 1,000
shipyard workers applauded the effort
to build a more diverse shipbuilding
workforce in a news release. “Unifor is
proud to promote women in the skilled
trades, and to be a part of Irving Shipbuilding’s Centre of Excellence Women
Unlimited pilot project,” said National
Representative Rick Rose. “We recognize
that to increase women’s participation in
the trades we need innovative approaches and real commitments that include
having industry, union, government,
education, and community working
together in partnership.”
POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Dunn &
Associates
For the principals of Dunn &
Associates, a communications and
public affairs company, a five-day course
offered through the Halifax Chamber
of Commerce’s All Ships Rise program
was life changing. “It totally changed
our mindset and the way we look at
ourselves as individuals and as business
owners,” says Michael Dunn.
A key insight was the need to work
both “in” and “on” their business. Through
some simple actions, it increased its revenue by 25 per cent.
Another key lesson was setting the
business up to continuously improve,
innovate, grow and share the gains. As
part of this, the company looked at key
business functions, and the strengths
and weaknesses of its people, then
aligned their roles with improved processes. For example, rather than giving
each partner equal say in all decisions,
Michael now leads strategy and administration, while his partner and wife,
Holly, leads editorial and client services.
These actions have allowed them to
better understand their business’ realtime health, making it more efficient,
effective and harmonious.
The training also changed their
view of entrepreneurs. They aren’t just
self-employed people, but rather those
who create jobs for others. While the
company will continue to work with
external associates, it’s now preparing
to make its fi rst full-time hire.
Holly says their mindset and
process changes have improved everything, and if even a small percentage
of Atlantic businesses did the same, it
would have a profound effect. “If we all
did that, then the whole region would
take off,” she says.
Jasim Uddin,
and his extended family.
Photo: Contributed
Cherubini Metal Works
When Cherubini Metal Works went looking to hire a specialized welder eight
years ago, little did the company know this move would inadvertently create a talent
pipeline for it.
Finding a specialized welder isn’t easy and through a staffing agency, the company
was connected with Jasim Uddin, a Bangladeshi who was working in Singapore at one
of the largest shipyards in the world. He began working for Cherubini eight years ago.
Four years ago, his wife came over and they have since had two children in Canada.
Three years ago, Cherubini hired two of Uddin’s brothers, Zia and Kabir, also
specialized welders who had been working in Singapore. Zia and his wife already had
a child when they came over and have had a son since being here. Kabir and his wife
have one child and he was born here.
One year ago, Cherubini hired another brother, Al-Amin, also a specialized welder.
Al-Amin is not married, but will bring his eventual bride from Bangladesh to settle here.
As of now, that works out to a total of 12 family members. “We certainly didn’t know
it was going to turn into a whole family immigrating here,” says Jane Caudle, Cherubini’s human resources manager. As a family company, Cherubini couldn’t be happier.
Staff at Cherubini don’t hesitate to provide assistance to the family to help make life
easier in Canada, such as on matters regarding documentation or the things that pop
up in life. “We have a great working relationship with them,” says Caudle.
Photos: Contributed
BUSINESS VOICE
23
PROFILE
A running tally
Blue Nose Marathon will have its 100,000th participant this May By Carol Dobson
bluenosemarathon.com
Photo: Adrien Veczan/The Chronicle Herald
F
or the past 11 years, the Victoria Day
weekend in Halifax has become synonymous with the Scotiabank Blue Nose
Marathon. It’s a chance for people of all
ages and skill levels to get involved in
walking, running, wheeling, and Nordic
Pole walking over courses ranging from
two kilometres to 42 kilometres in length.
The first marathon attracted 3500 participants; last year, it swelled to six events
with 13,500 participants, ranging in age
from three months to senior citizens. Not
only does the Marathon promote physical
fitness, but through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, raises thousands of dollars
to support the community.
“This is our 12th year and we’re
watching for our 100,00 participant to
register,” says Gerry Walsh, the Co-chair
of the Marathon’s organizing committee.
That special individual will find
themselves with a Blue Nose-themed merchandise package to mark the occasion.
This year’s events kick off on Saturday, May 16 at 11 a.m. with the 2 and
4 K Youth Runs. The 2K was added last
year to give younger children a chance
24
This is our 12th year
and we’re watching
for our 100,000
participant to
register.”
— Gerry Walsh,
Co-chair, Blue
Nose Marathon
to participate in the weekend, perhaps
with a parent or grandparent, at a more
appropriate distance. It proved so popular that it is back on the agenda this year.
The Youth Runs work hand in glove with
running programs sponsored by Doctors
Nova Scotia in schools across the province and Walsh says this segment of the
weekend has grown to be the largest of its
MAY
2015
kind in the country.
“We’ve also added a relay this year,”
Walsh says. “Teams of between four
and eight runners will run or walk relays
on the full marathon route. Each leg of
the relay varies between 4 and 8K and
we’re hoping that local companies and
organizations will enter teams into the
relay. They are also able to use their relay
teams to raise money for the Scotiabank
Charity Challenge.
Walsh and his co-chair Rod McCulloch were the founders of the Marathon.
Over the years, they have developed a
structure for organizing and running the
event and have decided that the time has
come to move a step forward and create
a board of volunteer directors for the
Marathon.
“We are seeking leaders, in particular, those who have specialist knowledge
in: community engagement, finance,
legal, HR, sponsorship, health & wellness, operations, marketing, technology,
risk management or governance,” Walsh
said. Instead of inviting individuals to
join the Board, Walsh and McCulloch
SUMMER with Bikram Yoga
As we head toward the warmer months
of summer, what better time to focus on
your health and well-being? Daily Bikram
Yoga classes will allow you to forget
about everything else and focus solely
on you. There are lots of great reasons to
keep up with your practice this summer.
Bikram Yoga, practised in heat and humidity,
can help you acclimate to the season’s
warmth by teaching your body to cool itself
more efﬁciently and effectively through
sweat. This yoga encourages you to stay well
hydrated by keeping on top of your water
intake and replenishing your electrolytes
regularly.
During the hot summer months this can be
helpful outside the hot room, too. Bikram Yoga
is a great physical workout, burning nearly
1000 calories per class leaving you feeling
more comfortable and conﬁdent in your skin.
Planning on swimming, hiking, sailing, biking,
jogging this summer? Bikram Yoga will give
1567 GRAFTON ST, HALIFAX, NS
(902) 444-7660
you the athletic upper hand no matter what
outdoor activity you choose, increasing your
strength, stamina, balance and co-ordination.
Bikram yoga is a great compliment to your
summer activities in Halifax and we hope to see
you in the hot room soon.
Kristin Johnston opened Bikram Yoga Halifax
three years ago after moving here from Montreal.
It was the ﬁrst Bikram Yoga studio east of
Montreal, and has grown from 10 members to
the hundreds. The studio has grown so fast
because people can see that Bikram Yoga
works!
Bikram Yoga is a beginner series that is open to
everyone no matter your age, size, stamina or
ﬂexibility. Absolutely anyone can walk into the
studio and feel comfortable and feel like they
belong. Staff and facilities are top of the line, and
are here to help you through your yoga journey.
All Bikram yoga is hot, but not all hot yoga
is Bikram. Healing the body and the mind is
something everyone deserves.
BIKRAMYOGAHALIFAX.COM
ADVERTORIAL
PROFILE
We’ve become a community-owned event,
so it’s the logical next
step to invite diverse
leaders from the community who share our
passion for Blue Nose.”
— Rod McCulloch,
Co-chair, Blue
Nose Marathon
Photo: Ted Pritchard/The Chronicle Herald
RegistraƟon Open!
Friday, June 12, 2015 | Glen Arbour Golf Course
Where it’s more about the blast you have
on the green than in the bunker
www.halifaxchamber.com
26
MAY
2015
Photo: Ingrid Bulmer/
The Chronicle Herald
have launched an open recruitment
process.
“We’ve become a communityowned event, so it’s the logical next step
to invite diverse leaders from the community who share our passion for Blue
Nose,” McCulloch said.
Members of the community who are
interested in becoming a board member
are asked to visit the Blue Nose website at
www.bluenosemarathon.com. Prospective members are asked to send a letter
and resume, stating why they would like
to be part of Blue Nose Marathon. Attention: Selection Committee, Board of Directors, Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon.
Email: [email protected],
fax 902 492-2888, or mail to 205-3600
Kempt Road, Halifax, NS, B3K 4X8.
Alternative Legal Thinking for Start-ups
Cox & Palmer’s alt program provides emerging companies with second-to-none, affordable legal advice
and mentoring, with a view to building a solid foundation for your venture’s next stage of growth.
At Cox & Palmer, we share a passion for innovation and partnership and truly believe that entrepreneurs
with great ideas and some motivation can change the world (or at least their community, for starters).
Due to a start-up’s limited (or non-existent) budget at the early stages, retaining strong legal advisors
ends up falling off the entrepreneurial radar. That’s where we come in.
Our multi-disciplinary legal team has extensive experience in equipping start-ups with the necessary
tools and advice to compete on the local, national, and international stage.
Patrick Fitzgerald | Halifax, NS
[email protected] | 902.491.4117
t ant c
Marketing Conference
May 21, 2015
World Trade Convention Center, Halifax
Hear from leading brands who will share their success stories
and insights on how their great ideas were brought to life.
Kelly Peters,
CEO & Managing
Partner, BEworks
Ted Ghanime, Director
of Video Production,
Weber Shandwick
Greg Plata
Mike Mills
WestJet
studio m
This year, we are featuring exclusive, intensive workshops from
leading CMA instructors. Plus, attend conference sessions hosted
by top brands offering you a unique educational experience.
Register today at CMAatlantic.ca
Thank you to our sponsors and partners:
BUSINESS VOICE
27
WORKING FOR YOU
Time to act on climate change
Businesses need to be aware of government options
ERIC BLAKE
POLICY & RESEARCH ANALYST
Carbon pricing has been a familiar
topic in the news lately. Laurel Broten’s
tax and regulatory review endorsed
adopting a carbon tax in order to reduce
emissions and fund cuts to provincial
income taxes. As well, at a Chamber DSS
event in March, former Premier of Quebec Jean Charest told the audience that
he believed carbon pricing would become
the norm within 10 years and that major
companies such as Exxon Mobile were
already incorporating it into their longterm plans.
Given the scale of the challenge
presented by climate change, there
is growing pressure on governments,
citizens, and businesses to act. Whatever
your views on climate pricing may be,
now certainly seems like a good time
for a quick refresher on what any new
government actions to combat climate
change might look like.
Carbon Taxes
Easily the most well known example
of a carbon tax is in British Columbia,
which taxes carbon at $30 per tonne. The
tax is applied to different types of fuel,
such as gasoline, diesel, coal, and natural
gas and is collected in a similar way to
gas taxes. Since different fuels produce
different amounts of carbon, the actual
amount of tax levied varies. For example,
in 2012 the carbon tax added 6.67 cents
per litre to the price of gas in British
Columbia.
BC’s carbon tax is revenue neutral,
meaning that all of the money collected
is used to cut other taxes. This was the
model recommended by Laurel Broten’s
tax review. BC has used its carbon tax
revenue to lower corporate and personal
28
Illustration: Dejan Bozic/123RF
income taxes, and ease the impact on lowincome and rural residents and certain
industries. While tax reductions certainly
help reduce the carbon tax’s economic
impact, by design it will be harder on more
carbon-intensive industries than others.
Cap and Trade
With a cap and trade system, the
government creates a limit for annual
carbon emissions and then auctions off
permits to companies for the right to
emit. Cap-and-trade programs tend to be
targeted toward large emitters, as they
are easier to monitor. The original model
for this kind of program is the 1980s capand-trade system for sulphur emissions
that helped reduce acid rain.
Like a carbon tax, revenue could be
returned to the public to offset the cost of
the system. The downside for businesses
is that the price of emissions permits can
be unpredictable, as they will fluctuate based on demand. Cap-and-trade
systems are also more complicated for
governments to operate.
Programs and Regulation
Nova Scotia’s Environmental
Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act
is our province’s largest effort to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions so far and it
is a good example of taking a regulatory approach. The act committed the
government to increase automobile fuel
efficiency, mandate that utilities produce
a certain amount of renewable energy,
and increase energy efficiency. While
these options do not always have a direct
cost for consumers, they can have an
economic impact by making some things
more expensive to produce.
MAY
2015
With its many seaside communities,
and dependence on industries such as
fisheries, agriculture, and forestry, there
is no doubt Nova Scotia is at risk from
climate change. Given this challenge, we
will likely see governments take more
action to reduce carbon emissions in the
future. It is important for businesses to
be aware of the government’s options
and understand how these policies
might affect their industries.
Chamber
News
MAY 2015
Mandi Bowser, Reception,
Administrative Assistant
Growing up in Dartmouth has
made Mandi more than happy to cheer
on not only Halifax, but Nova Scotia and
the Maritimes. Joining the Chamber
in November has allowed her to learn
more about what there is to offer and
she is thrilled to promote local business.
Graduating from Dalhousie University
with a Bachelor of Arts (Majors: Political
Science and Sociology & Social Anthropology), Mandi has jumped into her
role in reception, building on skills from
previous administrative roles, including
survival equipment and home furnishings retail. Always ready to help, she
has brought a big smile to the front desk
and is ready to welcome anyone coming
through the door.
WORKING FOR YOU
Demographic realities
A prosperous city benefits the province
Today, Halifax is our most important asset
and continues to emerge as our best chance
for a prosperous future.”
GORDON WHITTAKER
MBA
The Globe and Mail article, “The
Incredible Shrinking Region” from
March 21 provides insightful background to the dire economic and demographic challenges currently facing the
Maritimes. It is an honest, bleak telling
of our current situation but there are no
surprises. For me, the historical context
was the only “new” content but I was
raised in central Canada where sadly
there was little awareness of Canada
east of Quebec City!
I appreciated that the article included the “Five Rules for Saving the Maritimes.” They are: Don’t rely on Ottawa,
grow the private sector, invest in Halifax,
improve inter-provincial collaboration
and increase immigration. We have
heard these before but it was reassuring
to read them so clear and obvious in a
national newspaper. They are all worthy
of our collective attention.
Rule #3 reinforces the importance of
Halifax to the Province’s future. Halifax
has always played a key role in Nova Scotia
and the region since well before 1879
when the federal government imposed
a tariff wall that cut off the Province’s
main trading partners. Now 136 years
later, Nova Scotia needs Halifax more
than ever. Halifax does not define Nova
Scotia but a prosperous city will benefit
the Province just as Halifax benefits from
Nova Scotia’s rich history, culture and
beauty. Today, Halifax is our most important asset and continues to emerge as
our best chance for a prosperous future.
The article states, “Halifax, especially, could once again be a major hub.”
Good or bad, the universal trend of
urbanization is well underway and most
young people (the ones we need) want
the diversity, opportunities and richness
that cities provide. This is a global trend
and sadly for Canada it means our vast
beautiful country is imploding into a
handful of urban/regional centres. While
these already exist we can be sure that
our country’s urban powered economic
and cultural centres will grow and fuel
larger and larger geographic and political
areas. Nova Scotia is a prime example
with 940,000 residents of which 50 per
cent live in a city generating close to 50
per cent of the provincial GDP. The city is
not only important economically, but has
the best shot at meeting the expectations
of the very mobile younger demographic.
The provincial budget’s proposed
change to the film, television and animation tax credit will seriously impair
Halifax’s ability to meet those expectations. After the many impacts from lost
productions are felt we will see the erosion of our most important asset: young,
driven, creative talent. This isn’t good on
Professional
space that works
for you.
so many levels the least of which is the
negative impact on Halifax, the city that
will drive NS’s brighter economic future.
Timing could not be worse as the range
of opportunities for success narrow and
the margin of error tightens with each
spring budget.
The majority of the industry lives
and works in Halifax. They collaborate,
move between sectors, create companies, supply goods and are engaged with
the city. Having spent close to 20 years
in this complex and creative industry, I
can confirm, these hard working people
are entrepreneurial and are an essential
part of the larger creative eco-system. I
have written before, Halifax needs this
creative community of artists, technical
and business people just as Nova Scotia
needs Halifax to thrive. Tax credits are
universally offered and if NS’s credit
remains unchanged, the industry will not
compete. Halifax will lose its pipeline of
creative talent and that will impact us all.
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BUSINESS VOICE
29
TRENDS
Trends in executive coaching
www.lifezone.ca
Companies need to look at the big picture
DR KAREN HOURTOVENKO,
LIFEZONE CONSULTING
30
To place an ad call: 426-2811 ext 1163
COMMERCIAL
REAL ESTATE
OPPORTUNITIES
Coaching has become increasingly popular over the years, and is now
common in many different industries. A
recent analysis suggests coaching is a $2
billion industry worldwide.
There is an obvious need, as individuals and groups look for guidance. Initially for CEOs and those in leadership roles,
now there is a shift and everyone from
stay-at-home moms getting back into the
workplace, those looking for a change in
career, increasing personal marketability
in the workplace or becoming an amaz-
ing leader.
Coaching is specific however,
and choosing a coach that assists you
in growth is essential. Goal setting is
important, as there is much more to the
coaching process than setting goals with
a plan to achieve them.
To start, it is essential to look at the
big picture. What do you really want?
Personally? Financially? Emotionally?
Physically? Professionally? If you cannot
describe what you want in all these areas,
then you will fall short in your personal
development. The same is true for organizations.
All too often corporations will
retain a coach to work with individuals
on personal development, but fall short
in supporting organizational culture
change. Without culture growth, individuals usually minimalize their potential,
or valuable people are lost to the competitors.
Organizations have to also create a
strategic plan, but it is essential to know
what the big picture is before the game
plan is implemented. Organizational
challenges, including lack of morale and
inefficiencies are often due to lack of
clarity of the big picture. A good test is to
ask a handful or employees at different
levels of the organization to describe your
company so that a random person on the
street would understand. It will not take
you long to know if the big picture is clear
or not.
Let me make this clear… it is NOT
what you DO; it is WHAT YOU ARE as
a company. Beliefs that individuals and
organizations have drive behaviors that
can be supportive to success or create
dysfunction. The coaching process must
assess underlying cultural beliefs before
growth can take place. For example,
comments like “we have always done it
that way” and “that is who he is, he just
reacts and then he will be ok” and “we
always…” or “We never…” tell me a lot
about underlying beliefs that will keep an
individual or organization stuck. Beliefs
are just beliefs someone has told us that
keeps us stuck. Making changes without
this knowledge, many corporations lose
potential superstars that move on and
join organizations that are progressive
and support growth.
Are you at your greatest potential?
What is holding you back? Is your organization supporting your growth? Are you
supporting your organizational growth?
If you answered no to any of these then
maybe a coach to support this growth is
an investment that will be worth your
while. Not all coaches are equal however, so like interviewing a new staff, you
also want to interview coaches to see the
correct fit for you. If you need a business
coach and the coach has no understanding of business, then it’s probably not the
correct fit. Coaches should also be versed
in the psychology of behavior to offer an
understanding of how to encourage and
not force change.
Finally, rapport is essential for a
working relationship, regardless whether
it’s a client-coach or customer–organization relationship. Choose wisely.
Dr. Karen Hourtovenko is an
Executive Coach and Founder of
LifeZone Consulting
MAY
2015
TRENDS
Design: Functional or Aesthetic?
Work spaces must be designed with the end-user in mine
PAM TOWER
OWNER, TOWER INTERIORS
Many people think that being a
professional interior designer is “fun”.
That is the response we get most times
when we tell people what we do, and it is
true, as it relates to the aesthetic portion
of our job. Aesthetic design is the surface
decoration or the appearance and visual
appeal. We do coordinate colours, wall
coverings, flooring, paint, tiles and fabrics and this is indeed fun!
However, many people don’t realize
that the profession of a Registered Interior Designer is much more about function.
Functional design is achieved when the
object that is designed and built fulfils a
specific need or purpose. When we design
the floor plan layouts for a business, there
are many issues to consider, such as placing people next to the people they need
to work with, and creating flow between
each group of people and their tasks,
to make sure their equipment is easily
accessible. We ensure their work space
is built with appropriate work surfaces,
storage and technology, all while meeting
building code.
This all has to work for the end-users so they can perform their day-to-day
tasks in a safe, efficient manner. All of
the interior built-ins, cabinetry, storage,
shelving and displays need to be designed based on how they will be used.
Each space that is designed will need
appropriate light for the particular task
and ambience desired. This means we
need to be specialists in lighting, which
is ever-changing toward more energy efficiency. If the lighting was not designed
and specified correctly it could throw off
the whole aesthetics of a well-planned
space.
When you walk into a space that was
designed by an interior designer, each
surface you see was not only selected
for its aesthetics but also for how it will
function and how durable it will be. Each
type of flooring, wall covering, tile and
fabric is rated for its wearability, slip-resistance and flame retardancy, and it is
our responsibility to specify products
appropriate for the end-use. The tile that
you would use in an office lunchroom
would be very different than the tile you
would specify for the shopping mall or
airport. We need to test flooring and wall
finishes to ensure they will hold up to
everyday use. For example, we don’t want
the floors in a hair salon to be able to be
stained by hair dye.
Interior design also encompasses
ergonomics; the study of how people and
their surroundings work together in a
healthy and safe manner. All these issues
are considered and included in the work-
BUSINESS VOICE
ing drawings and specifications that are
prepared by an Interior Designer. These
are legal documents that will be used to
procure bids from interested Contractors.
The Interior Designer will be with you
throughout the construction, ensuring
everything is built as planned. Their
expertise in combining the functional
design with aesthetic design is the key to
making sure your space is well planned
and visually pleasing.
On your next construction project,
make sure you are working with a Registered Interior Designer to ensure your
space is functional and aesthetically well
designed.
Pam Tower is a Registered Interior
Designer, Owner of Tower Interiors
and member of Interior Designers of
Nova Scotia. Contact 902-455-1544 or
www.towerinteriors.ca
31
TRENDS
Planning to fail
How mistakes can help your business By BDC
bdc.com
Illustration: Narong Jongsirikul/123RF
Every entrepreneur feels it at some
point: the fear of failure. Only half of new
businesses make it to their fifth birthday,
and that can cause entrepreneurs a lot of
stress. However, experts say failure can
actually lead to major accomplishments.
In fact, failure has been a key
ingredient in some of the business
world’s great success stories, says Michel
Bergeron, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs at the Business
Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
“Canadian entrepreneurs and the public
at large need to be more forgiving about
failure. Failure — and learning from mistakes — is often an important milestone
on the path to success,” Bergeron says.
“We have to change our perception about
failure in order to help business owners
stay in the game.”
Deborah Conroy of EY agrees. She
points to the new BDC Entrepreneurial Resiliency Award, an initiative that
recognizes a Canadian business that has
successfully undergone a turnaround or
pivotal event in the past and come back
stronger because of it. “Many entrepreneurs talk about some kind of massive
failure or hurdle they’ve overcome,”
says Conroy, Vice President of Transaction Advisory Services at EY. She is also
President of the Montreal chapter of the
Turnaround Management Association, a
group for corporate turnaround experts
that teamed up with BDC for this award.
No business is too big or too small to
confront roadblocks. Bergeron cites the
example of Groupon, the giant deals web32
site. The company got its start as a social
media site called The Point, which was
created to help people connect for social
activism purposes. After a year of effort
and US$1 million in operating costs, the
start-up was going nowhere.
“The founders shifted gears and
turned their offering into the discount
coupon service Groupon. They learned,
adapted and made a fortune,” Bergeron
says. Two years later, the shift in focus
proved profitable: Groupon ballooned
from a few dozen employees to 10,000
and was the fastest company in history to
make US$1 billion in revenue.
Bergeron advises entrepreneurs to
adopt a “try, try again” philosophy. At
its core: learning from mistakes and
showing resilience, a new business
approach that is growing in popularity
in today’s rapidly changing economy,
he says. Instead of the old model, which
emphasized extensive planning before
launching a new venture — by which time
technology and markets may change
substantially — the new approach favours
a lean and nimble start-up.
The idea is to engage customers
early with a basic product, even if you
haven’t worked out all the bugs. The second step: Learn quickly from customer
feedback and missteps. Third: Constantly refine your efforts. And the final secret
ingredient: Don’t give up.
“I don’t think fear is all bad. It can
be healthy and reasonable. It keeps entrepreneurs from making rash decisions,”
Conroy says. “But it’s important to avoid
excessive hesitation and waiting for the
exact perfect moment. Trying, failing
and trying again is much better than not
trying at all.”
Canadians slow to accept failure
How do entrepreneurs turn failure
into success? “They have had a knack
for seeing failure as an opportunity or
challenge,” says BDC’s Michel Bergeron.
“When solution ‘A’ didn’t work, they tried
solution ‘B’ if they were still convinced
there was a need. Or they decided to meet
a different need and, in the process, found
a new path. The setback helped them identify a weakness, and they fixed it.”
Deborah Conroy of EY agrees. She
cites a 2013 EY survey that found the
following:
MAY
2015
Over one third of Canadian entrepreneurs (35 per cent) said business failure is seen as a barrier to future business
prospects. This is nine percentage points
higher than the average across the G-20
countries, which was 26 per cent.
Canadian entrepreneurs may be
more worried about failure because of
“higher expectations,” but they should
also keep in mind Canada’s “many entrepreneurial upsides,” such as the low cost
of starting a business, the survey authors
noted.
HALIFAX PARTNERSHIP
Leadership needed
halifaxpartnership.com
It’s time to take back economic development
FRED MORLEY
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
AND CHIEF ECONOMIST
Change is hard. Most of us want
change as long as it doesn’t affect us or
our business…and big change is hard to
sell. For Nova Scotia, change needs to
come from business and our approach
to economic development.
Successful communities don’t talk
about government much and invest
directly, not just in their business, but in
their community. They put energy and
money into growth partnerships. They
also partner with each other through
mentorships, direct investment, and
other means in a pay-it-forward kind of
approach. They seem to understand that
what they share comes back to them…
sometimes many times over.
What if as business, we stopped
worrying about government and took
back the economic development file?
What would this look like? Perhaps not
too different from what good businesses
do today.
Head and regional office companies
often buy from local businesses. Let’s
work to expand and enhance these local
supply chains. Our good exporters have
established market contacts and networks that could be shared with aspiring
exporters. Our locally headquartered
businesses tend to hire and train locally,
often right out of our universities and
colleges. Some of our companies have the
capacity to prototype products invented
and developed by local entrepreneurs.
How do we encourage more of this?
Businesses in Halifax are very aware
of the challenges and goals outlined in
the One Nova Scotia report. The economic future of businesses is dependent
on how well the economy of Halifax and
Nova Scotia performs. What is good for
Nova Scotia’s future is good for businesses. Many of our businesses invest heavily
in our province and could encourage
others to do the same.
So perhaps the change we need is
not dramatic. The change we need is
within us and simply involves a personal
decision to behave like we do when we
are at our very best. That’s when, by all
accounts, our culture and attitude are the
envy of the world.
A personal business response to the
One NS report could include commitments to:
· Be an employer of choice – create
good employment opportunities and
be a training ground for people who
want to build careers in our city and
province.
· Invest in R&D related to new technology and new energy opportunities
· Be a good partner with organizations
committed to growing Halifax and
Nova Scotia.
The Halifax Partnership is working with our investors and the larger
Halifax business community to lead a
private-sector response to the One NS
report that demonstrates and celebrates
what can be achieved when business
leads.
It’s time for the private-sector to take
back economic development. Our future
depends on it.
MARKET
PLACE
To place an ad call:
426-2811 ext 1163
· Drive business to SMEs in Nova Scotia
through our supply chain.
· Expand your international and export
MARITIME CHROMING
& ANODIZING INC.
presence and share your experience
and networks with Nova Scotia companies that want to enter new markets.
Servi
Se
rvices:
· Be a Connector – welcome new people
into your business and our community by connecting them into your
network.
· Improve our quality of life in Nova
Scotia through corporate social responsibility activities.
· Partner with universities, NSCC and
research institutions to develop new
products and our workforce.
· Support innovation and start-ups by
investing in and/or mentoring new
companies.
For many businesses, none of this is
new. Telling people about our business
success is one thing; showing them how
it’s done is another. One is information;
one is leadership.
BUSINESS VOICE
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33
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
A national footprint
IMP Group makes major acquisitions By Richard Woodbury
Photos: Contributed
The last few years have been busy ones
for the IMP Group, as it has acquired two
companies in the last three years, including B.C.-based Cascade Aerospace.
Cascade is the prime contractor for heavy
maintenance and modifications for the
defence department’s fleet of Hercules
aircraft. That company is based in Abbotsford and employs about 600 people.
“We’ve now got a much more national footprint in the aerospace business,”
says Stephen Plummer, IMP’s group
President and CEO. (Fittingly, IMP has
for many years looked after Canadian
military aircrafts such as the Sea Kings,
Auroras and Cormorants.)
The second acquisition was of Toronto-based executive aircraft management
company Image Air Charter. The company manages a fleet of about 10 corporate
aircraft in the Toronto area. IMP made
Image Air a part of its Execaire business,
which is Canada’s largest operator and
manager of business jets.
IMP sees the potential to grow these
34
companies by leveraging its worldwide
network of contacts. This is not surprising, given IMP has done work for
the U.S. Navy, Egyptian Air Force and
Royal Norwegian Air Force. “We’ve got
a lot of contacts around the world,” says
Plummer.
With the acquisitions, IMP now has
about 4,500 employees across Canada,
with roughly 1,900 in Nova Scotia.
Diversity is an IMP hallmark as it
also has businesses in health care, information services and hotels. “The economy spins at different rates for different
sectors and it doesn’t all hum at the same
speed for all markets. That’s been our
strength over the years,” says Plummer.
“When one part of the economy seems to
be soft, another seems to be strong. It’s
been a recipe that we’ve leveraged well
over the years.”
Looking to the future, Plummer sees
lots of room for growth, both within the
company and through acquiring other
companies.
MAY
2015
We’ve now got a much
more national footprint in the aerospace
business,”
– Stephen Plummer,
President & CEO,
IMP Group
IMP is consistently ranked as a top
employer regionally and nationally, and
has been recognized in the past by the
Halifax Chamber of Commerce’s Halifax
Business Awards. Being recognized at
home has special meaning. “When our
home city says, ‘You guys are pretty good,’
that’s kind of nice,” says Plummer.
Celebrating success
One of the Chamber of Commerce’s
strategic goals is to create a positive
business environment through the
promotion of entrepreneurs and small
business success. Our “Where Are They Now?”
section aims to celebrate the continued success
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winners. Do you have a small business success
story? Contact [email protected] to
share your experience.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
SPECIAL FEATURE
Small business solutions
Financial services becoming customized for SMEs By Kathy Johnson
The range of financial services that
are available for small and medium sized
business owners are changing with the
times, becoming more innovative and
sophisticated to provide tailor-made
solutions in the ever growing global
marketplace.
“Increasingly even single person
businesses are doing more trade internationally so the type of financial solutions
needed today are not just loans and working capital,” said Justin Scully, BMO’s
Vice President of Commercial Banking
in Nova Scotia. “We have really been
able to bring all types of sophisticated
business solutions to our small business
customers.”
With industry leading online banking technology, BMO now offers global
financing solutions to its small business
customers, said Scully. “Even from
a home office our business customers
can pay and collect globally. By having
sophisticated cash management solutions,
they get paid faster, which reduces operating costs.”
Scully said one new product being
offered by BMO to business customers
is “deposit edge,” which allows business
customers to scan a cheque from their office and deposit it in their online account.
“It’s good for our customers in rural
areas. It gives them the ability to make
deposits from home.”
Scully said BMO offers its business
customers a comprehensive range of
products, services and expertise that
covers the entire business lifecycle. “Our
small business bankers are experts in
both business and personal banking,”
said Scully, noting that often during the
start up days of a business, the financ-
BUSINESS VOICE
Photo:
Tyler Olson/123RF
35
SPECIAL FEATURE
FINANCIAL SERVICES
From business planning and customized financing options, to a multitude
of resources and support services, today’s financial institutions can help
their business customers achieve their goals on numerous fronts.
Photo:
Tyler Olson/123RF
ing and decisions of the business are
completely intertwined with personal
finances and vice versa. “Our experts can
help navigate both sides of that coin,” he
said.
Scully said BMO has adopted the notion that “we are one bank with 47,000
employees across North America who are
all here to serve our customers. There is
no question that BMO is proud of its role
in helping small and medium size businesses,” said Scully. “They are the real
growth engine that drives the Canadian
economy.”
36
TD Canada Trust is also proud of
the support and expertise they offer their
business customers, whether they are just
starting out, are looking to expand, or are
ready to retire.
“TD’s Business Banking specialists can provide the advice and tools
businesses need to succeed,” said Rob
Lindstrand, Vice President of Commercial Banking, Atlantic Region. “We
employ more than 2,000 Business Bankers across Canada (including) 65 in the
Atlantic region who work with businesses
to create and implement viable financial
MAY
2015
plans and guide them through their business journey.”
From business planning and customized financing options, to a multitude of
resources and support services, today’s
financial institutions can help their business customers achieve their goals on
numerous fronts.
“Access to sufficient credit is integral
to running a successful business,” said
Lindstrand. “There are a variety of financial solutions available for businesses,
from an operating line of credit, business
mortgage or equipment financing to
government financing and grants. Cash
flow is the lifeblood of all businesses, so
keeping a close eye on your company’s
financials is critical,” he advised.
“Whether purchasing an existing
business or starting from scratch, owning a successful business requires solid
planning, hard work and unwavering
passion for what you do,” said Lindstrand. “Starting and growing a business
can be one of the most exciting and
rewarding experiences of your career.
But becoming your own boss is not for
the faint of heart and solid planning is
non-negotiable. A strong business plan
should clearly and concisely outline your
business model and financial plan. You
should consider your value proposition
and business strategy and how financially viable your business is. What’s
most important is accurately predicting
revenues, expenditures and cash flows
during the first few years as well as
throughout the life of your business.
“Another consideration to keep
top-of-mind is retiring your business,”
said Lindstrand. Experts say you should
run your business like you plan to sell
it tomorrow. Whether you plan to sell,
wind down or transfer your business to
someone else, it’s important to determine
your exit strategy, seek solid counsel from
business experts, tax professionals and
lawyers. Lastly, review your exit plan regularly as life and business circumstances
change.”
Both BMO and TD Canada Trust
have a wealth of information and resources
online for business owners as well as for
people who are thinking about starting a
business.
Get the expert advice you need
from the bank you trust.
Your business started up in Halifax, and it’s going places. You’re
looking for more customized banking solutions that fit your growing
needs. Whether you’re planning to expand locally, nationally, or
even globally, we can help achieve your business goals.
You can rely on our commitment and dedication as a knowledgeable
business banking team. We can offer a comprehensive range of
products and services, including customized solutions to suit the
needs of your growing business.
TD Commercial Banking
1791 Barrington St.
Suite 200
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3K9
Robert Lindstrand
Vice President
Commercial Banking
Atlantic Region
902-496-3369
[email protected]
Robert McNally
Manager
Commercial Services
902-420-8545
[email protected]
John Zeggil
Relationship Manager
902-420-8064
[email protected]
Jauna Garland
Relationship Manager
902-496-8615
[email protected]
Richard Saurette
Account Manager
902-420-8012
[email protected]
Matt Black
Account Manager
902-420-8526
[email protected]
Inge McKeown
Account Manager
902-420-8063
[email protected]
Scott Vail
Manager
Cash Management
902-420-2595
[email protected]
Call us for an appointment and let us show
you how we can help your business grow.
®
The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
M00060 MOD (0315)
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
How are we doing?
Chamber members must be at the focus of everything we do.
Bottom line: we want to do what we can to
help our Chamber members perform better
and be more profitable and successful.”
ROB BATHERSON
BOARD CHAIR
S
ince becoming Chair of the Halifax
Chamber of Commerce, I have been
touched by the number of people who have
reached out to say hello and wish me well.
Some chamber members. Others not
(at least not yet!)
Some who are longstanding friends
or acquaintances.
Others who I have yet to meet (either
in person or through social media).
It’s a nice thing personally to have
so many people take the time to connect.
But I believe the number of calls and
emails are more a reflection of the ongoing relevance of the Halifax Chamber
of Commerce.
Our role as the voice of business can
only matter, however, if we reflect a large
collection of businesses in Halifax.
Your membership in the Halifax
Chamber of Commerce matters.
It matters to our volunteer board of
directors.
It matters to our management and
staff who work each and every day on
your behalf.
Hopefully, your membership matters
to you and your business.
The Chamber’s 2013-2018 strategic
plan was developed two years ago by our
board and staff.
While we have talked a lot about the
plan’s focus on creating a positive business
38
environment and growing and nurturing
a skilled workforce, there’s a third part
of our plan that deserves attention.
That’s driving member prosperity
and value.
Bottom line: we want to do what we
can to help our Chamber members perform better and be more profitable and
successful. Because if Halifax businesses
are doing better, Halifax’s economy is
doing better, more of our neighbours
have jobs to support their families and
communities and together we will be that
much closer to seeing Halifax become
one of Canada’s top three economic
growth cities by 2018.
That’s only three years away. Time is
therefore of the essence to ensure that we
are on the right track to help our members.
We survey our members on an annual basis. That information is helpful to
our staff and board, most recently in our
decision to relocate to our new Halifax
Chamber of Commerce building for the
fall of 2015.
During the winter of 2015, we undertook a series of focus groups among our
members to build on this knowledge.
We also refocused our board’s Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations Committee, so that its sole mandate is Membership. Board member Level Chan of
Stewart McKelvey has graciously agreed
MAY
2015
to chair our Membership Committee.
This month, our board will be holding our annual offsite — led by our new
Vice Chair Carol MacMillan of The Shaw
Group.
As this year marks the half-way point
of our five-year strategic plan, we will be
using the offsite to take a hard look at how
we’re doing in implementing the plan,
whether the plan still holds up as is and
what changes should we be making, either
to the implementation or the plan itself.
As a Chamber member, what do
you think — either about the plan or the
specific work that we’re doing?
We are fortunate to have a great
team of professionals, led by our CEO
Valerie Payn. They are but a phone call,
email or (for social media types like me)
tweet away. Never hesitate to contact
them if you have a question or concern.
But please know that as a volunteer
board chair — and as a Chamber member
too — I am more than happy to listen to
what’s on your mind. Without members
and without the investment of our members of time and money, there can be no
Chamber to advance your interest as
“the voice of business”.
If you want to talk, drop me a line
at [email protected], 902-406-0707 or
@rbatherson. Good communication
starts with and depends on listening.
THE HEART OF
HALIFAX
F BUSINESS.
Where you operate speaks volumes about your
business. Purdy’s Wharf is home to some of the
most prominent companies in Eastern Canada.
It’s where your business needs to be.
For leasing information, contact us at
(902) 421-1122 or visit purdyswharf.com.