HALIFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JULY / AUGUST 2018 | VOLUME 27 ISSUE 7

Reaching a world-class calibre of excellence STARTUP CITY PAGE 16

PURPOSEFUL DESTRUCTION DREAMING IN 3D RANSOMWARE ATTACKS Growing Atlantic Canadian science- Halifax’s Smarter Spaces Are local businesses safe based technology startups Pg 22 is on the global front Pg 26 from cyberattacks? Pg 31 6WUHDPOLQH \RXU FDUHHU LQ DFFRXQWLQJ

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Learn more at VPXFDVREH\ Volume 27 • Issue 7 We want to focus on improving opportunities 16 Business Voice is published 11 times a year for members of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and Metro Halifax’s for young people in our region.” business community. Views expressed in Business Voice are those of the contributors and individual members, — Dr. Alain Joseph, Director of Applied Research, NSCC and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are a policy of, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. 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 COVER STORY: responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. Please address editorial enquiries and changes to information to: Halifax Chamber of Commerce STARTUP CITY 100-32 Akerley Boulevard, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1N1 Tel: 902-468-7111 Fax: 902-468-7333 [email protected] www.halifaxchamber.com Board of Directors Cynthia Dorrington, Vale & Associates, Chair Margaret Chapman, Corporate Research Associates, Vice Chair Mark Fraser, T4G, Past Chair Directors Lori Barton, Beaumont Advisors Limited Robert Dean, MNP LLP Mark Sidebottom, Nova Scotia Power Inc. Gavin MacDonald, Cox & Palmer Paul Bent, Consultant Saeed El-Darahali, Simply Cast Faten Alshazly, WeUsThem Stefanie MacDonald, Halifax Paper Hearts Captain Paul W. Forget, Maritime Forces Atlantic Richard Butts, Clayton Developments Limited Michele Peveril, Halifax Port Authority Brad Proctor, McInnes Cooper Chamber Staff Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO Nancy M. Conrad, Senior Vice President, Policy Colin J. Bustard, Director of Finance and Administration Becky Davison, Director of Marketing Business Voice is published by 16 The Chronicle Herald, Custom and Community Publishing Department Publisher: Sarah Dennis Vice President, Partner Solutions (NS): Jeff Nearing Editor: Denise Surette • [email protected] Layout & Design: Peter Ross Contributing Writers: Erin Elaine Casey, Jon Tattrie, Heather Laura Clarke, Mike Murphy, Pat d’Entremont, Arin Selig, Matthew Halliday, Kathleen MacEachern TABLE OF Customer Relations Specialist: Jennifer MacLean Sales Executive: Wanda H. Priddle, Karen Publicover 902-426-2811 ext. 1163 22 Cover Photo: Paul Darrow CONTENTS: Copyright 2018 by The Chronicle Herald. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without expressed written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. 04 Events 2717 Joseph Howe Drive Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2T2 Tel: 902-426-2811 05 President’s message TheChronicleHerald.ca Disclaimer 06 New & noted Business Voice magazine makes no warranties of any kind, written or implied, regarding the contents of this magazine 10 Members Purposeful and expressly disclaims any warranty regarding the accuracy or reliability of information contained herein. in the news destruction The views contained in this magazine are those of the writers and advertisers; they do not necessarily refl ect the views of Business Voice magazine and its publisher 16 Startup city The Chronicle Herald. Reaching a world-class Publications Mail Agreement No. 40032112 calibre of excellence 26 Profi le: Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Smarter Spaces Halifax Chamber of Commerce. 22 Purposeful 28 Trends destruction Growing Atlantic Canadian 32 Working for you science-based technology startups into booming 34 Where are they now: companies Appili Therapeutics

BUSINESS VOICE 3 EVENTS

For a full and up-to-date list of our Chamber events, please visit CHAMBER EVENTS www.halifaxchamber.com/events

2019 HALIFAX SMALL BUSINESS THANK YOU TO OUR BUSINESS SUMMER SCHOOL JUNE SPONSORS: AWARDS DATE: Wednesday, Aug. 15 TIME: NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN DATE: Wednesday, July 18 3:30 – 5 pm LOCATION: We will be accepting nominations TIME: 12 – 1:15 pm The Stubborn Goat until Tuesday, Sept. 4. LOCATION: 32 Akerley Blvd. Gastropub, 1579 Grafton St. FACILITATOR: Nominate a deserving TRAMPOLINE BRANDING business today! DATE: Wednesday, Aug. 15 www.halifaxchamber.com TIME: 12 – 1:15 pm LOCATION: 32 Akerley Blvd. A CANNABIS CONVERSATION: SMALL BUSINESS WHAT YOUR BUSINESS SUMMER SCHOOL DATE: Friday, July 20 NEEDS TO KNOW DATE: Wednesday, July 18 TIME: 12 – 1:30 pm DATE: Wednesday, July 11 TIME: 3:30 - 5 pm LOCATION: 32 Akerley Blvd. TIME: 11 am – 2 pm LOCATION: The Stubborn Goat LOCATION: The Cunard Centre Gastropub, 1579 Grafton St. DATE: Friday, Aug. 17 FACILITATOR: TIME: 12 – 1:30 pm TRAMPOLINE BRANDING LOCATION: 32 Akerley Blvd.

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4 JULY / AUGUST 2018 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A new era Startups and innovation are defining Halifax’s next generation @prezhfxchamber

In memory of Ron Hanlon By Matt Hebb, Chair of the Halifax Partnership Board of Directors

On May 27, Halifax lost a champion. and realistic. With great humour and With an understated approach intellect, he set a high bar — and then that belied his vast business experi- set to helping us clear it. ence, Ron inspired us to believe in the He was a colleague, mentor, leader PATRICK SULLIVAN limitless potential of Halifax. More and friend. We shall strive to honour PRESIDENT & CEO than that, he lifted us up to go after it. his memory by sustaining his positive Ron could have chosen anything sense of urgency and his unbounded or anywhere in the world to spend optimism for our city. When I first took this position at the the final chapter of his career. He Ron, Halifax will miss you. Halifax Chamber of Commerce, I knew chose to spend it promoting the great I would be entering a community full of potential of our city. And he loved it. well-established businesses — in a city He was a person of great integrity and that’s more than 250 years old and full of strong values. His ambitious vision of organizations that have been around for Halifax’s future was both optimistic just as long. What I did not expect was the new era that Halifax was entering, one that was filled with startups. Over my time at the Chamber, the sheer number of startups that I’ve come face-to-face with has surpassed my expectations. Each of them with their own mission and purpose and desire to grow their businesses. Many of these entrepreneurs got their start in larger organizations and now have stepped out on their own to take their idea and turn it into a reality. Nova Scotia Community College prides itself on aiding students from a variety of backgrounds to develop these ideas from incubation to fruition. It’s compelling to see. You can catch a glimpse of some of their work on page 16 of this issue. Dean Casavechia Dalhousie University’s Creative Destruction Lab is another excellent to grow your network and pivot accord- encouraging our members to lift Halifax initiative that connects the most success- ingly, Halifax really will meet its full to its fullest potential. Ron’s last article ful entrepreneurs and business leaders potential. can be found in our June issue of Business in Atlantic Canada to mentor the most As I write this President’s message, Voice and focused on the power of inno- promising science and technology-based it comes merely days after learning of vation and immigration. startups in the region through a nine- the passing of Ron Hanlon, the President Our thoughts and support go out to month objective-based program. You can and CEO of the Halifax Partnership. He Ron’s family, his colleagues and many find more about their program on page 22. was a leader in our city and knew what friends. We will not forget his passion I’m impressed by this type of collab- Halifax could become. Needless to say, and commitment to Halifax. I hope oration happening at our post-secondary the Halifax Chamber community is learning more about Ron will inspire institutions and I encourage them and deeply saddened by his passing. each of you to do what you can to move their many startups to keep going. From Ron regularly contributed to his dream forward and never stop work- my perspective, if you keep at it, continue Chamber publications. Inspiring and ing towards a brighter tomorrow.

BUSINESS VOICE 5 NEWSMAKERS NEW & NOTED We welcome our new Chamber members

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6 JULY / AUGUST 2018 NEWSMAKERS

FINANCIAL FITNESS HORIZON COURT PROPERTIES LAKECITY WORKS Ernie Robinson develops financial liter- Tim Keddy LakeCity supports people with mental acy and leadership through self-directed 7 Horizon Court, Suite 105 illness to build on their strengths, take education materials and workshops to Dartmouth, NS on responsibilities and access work show how you can get totally out of debt 902-466-6500 experience, education and employment. (including your mortgage), to signifi- [email protected] We provide hope, support, respect and cantly increase your income and lower www.HorizonCourt.ca empowerment to our community — your taxable income, keeping more in REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION – and through this we help each person your household. Property Management reach their full potential. Ernie Robinson Liam O'Rourke IQ COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE Kentville, NS 386 Windmill Road STRATEGY INC. 902-385-1515 Dartmouth, NS ernie@financialfitnessinfo.com iQ Commercial Mortgage Strategy Inc. 902-465-5000 ext. 124 www.mainhomepage.com/ernierobinson (iQ) is a commercial real estate debt [email protected] FINANCE & INSURANCE – advisory firm servicing Atlantic Canada, www.lakecityworks.ca Financial Services which exists to provide borrowers with NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS – smarter commercial mortgage options Charitable Organizations GENUMARK in a competitive and complex lend- LETTERPERFECTVA – With emphasis on your brand, we focus ing climate. iQ helps clients plan and access capital options from $1 million VIRTUAL ADMINISTRATIVE on your client experience and provide SUPPORT SERVICES creative promotional solutions to ensure to $50 million, through thier network of you stay top-of-mind with your custom- regional and national lenders and syndi- Is your plate full? Are you surrounded by ers. Genumark is the largest Canadian cated funds. growing stacks of paper? Do you have a owned and operated custom promo- Steve Foot shoebox full of receipts? LetterPerfectVA tional product and corporate apparel 620 Nine Mile Drive is a virtual office for hire when you need distributor, delivering exceptional Bedford, NS us. We help your business get back on quality and service. 902-266-7760 track by doing the tasks you don’t have Kari Watson [email protected] time for, while you focus on making Halifax, NS www.iqcommercial.ca money. 902-401-0663 FINANCE & INSURANCE – Terri Brownell [email protected] Mortgage Dartmouth, NS www.genumark.com 902-329-7088 ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA – [email protected] Promotional Products www.letterperfectva.ca BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – Virtual Office

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BUSINESS VOICE 7 NEWSMAKERS

LIGHTFORTYSIX INC. Travis Dacey Mark Dacey 64 Trider Crescent 6140 Young Street Our story starts with passionate busi- Dartmouth, NS Halifax, NS ness owners who are working every day 902-201-1555 902-800-1225 to fulfill their vision. Lightfortysix works [email protected] mdacey@orangetheoryfitness.ca side-by-side with business owners to www.mrelectric.com/Halifax www.orangetheoryfitness.com achieve success, while paving the road INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING – HEALTH CARE – Health Club for sustainability. Lightfortysix provides Electrical/Mechanical structure and vision so that business OSPREY ATHLETICS owners can do what they love. MTE BUSINESS COACHING CROSSFIT + WEIGHTLIFTING Kurt Benson Osprey Athletics is Bedford’s home for Halifax, NS I give control back to business owners 647-914-5599 and managers so they can focus on what CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting. You [email protected] is important. This control comes from only have so much time in your week for www.lightfortysix.com improving relationships and interactions working out — maximize that time, with BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – with its customers, staff and vendors. expert programming, coached classes Management Consulting Improvements that lead to higher sales, and a supportive community. Osprey increased profits and a healthier work/ will get you in the best shape of your life MIDLAND TRANSPORT LTD. life balance. and you will have fun doing it. Michael Thornhill Ticia O'Brien Cody McLellan Beaver Bank, NS 275 Rocky Lake Drive, Unit 14 10 Simmonds Drive 902-719-7464 Bedford, NS Dartmouth, NS [email protected] 902-818-8860 902-494-5493 www.MTEcoaching.com [email protected] [email protected] BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – www.ospreyathletics.com www.midlandtransport.com Business Consulting SPORTS & RECREATION – TRANSPORTATION – Recreation/Sports/Fitness Automotive Warehousing/Processing ORANGETHEORY FITNESS SCANWAY CATERING & CAFÉ MR. ELECTRIC OF HALIFAX Orangetheory Fitness offers 60-minute Nova Scotia’s premier high-end caterers, Mr. Electric® has been offering residen- workout sessions split into intervals combining international flavours with a tial and commercial electrical services of cardiovascular and strength train- local maritime feel. We cater all types of throughout the U.S. and Canada since ing with heart rate monitors to track events, to learn more about our offerings 1994. We offer repairs, upgrades and intensity and maximize metabolic burn. please call 902-425-0386. You can also installations, delivering high customer Increase energy, get visible results and visit our Grafton Street Café to enjoy a satisfaction by getting the job done burn more calories, even after leaving healthy lunch or a freshly baked treat. right the first time. Whatever electrical the studio. That's the Orange Effect! Established 1981, reestablished in 2017. services you need, Mr. Electric has the power to make things better. ARE YOU READY TO RISE TO THE TOP?

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Ankur Gupta TELCOVISION GROUP LTD. WILSONS SECURITY 1505 Barrington Street We are a boutique consulting firm Wilsons Security has grown to become Halifax, NS focused on the ICT industry. Our key one of the premier security and life 902-489-1695 expertise resides in three main lines of safety solutions companies in Canada. [email protected] www.scanwaycatering.ca business: strategy management consult- Established in 2007, we now offer a RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE – ing, training and solution development. range of integrated security and life Catering/Food/Drink Our aim is to support SMEs and startups safety solutions for our customers, from to excel in their field. multi-site national accounts, to govern- SCIENTEXT TECHNICAL Marc Zirka ment, commercial and residential. WRITING LTD. 1100-99 Wyse Road Gordon Hebb Dartmouth, NS 204 Brownlow Avenue, Unit 135 Scientext™ Technical Writing Ltd. is 902-989-7177 Dartmouth, NS proud to offer high-quality, evidence- [email protected] 866-453-3388 based architectural specifications. www.telcovisiongroup.com [email protected] Project-tested bidding and technical COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY – www.wilsonssecurity.ca specifications developed over 30-plus Technology Management SAFETY & SECURITY – years, numerous projects and diverse Security Systems/Locksmiths jurisdictions function as our resource TRAVELONLY ATLANTIC base. Clients retain full control of their TravelOnly is a family owned, Canadian ZAHRA ZAMAN PHOTOGRAPHY design without the intense time invest- company that has been in business now Zahra is a photography instructor and ment and specialized skills required for for more than 42 years and boasts more business owner who specializes in creat- quality specifications. than 600 travel experts nationwide. Our ing unique images using a documentary David Organ passion is unique travel experiences style approach. She works with busi- Halifax, NS specializing in group travel. nesses to create promotional materials 902-441-6141 [email protected] Kelly Neonakis-Morash for digital and print use. Showcase your www.scientext.ca Dartmouth, NS company with a fresh set of images cre- BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – 902-240-6686 ated specifically for your audience and Writing [email protected] your brand. www.travelonly.com Zahra Zaman SHELTER NOVA SCOTIA TRAVEL & TOURISM – Travel Services Dartmouth, NS 902-830-6355 Shelter Nova Scotia serves up to 1,200 WASKO AV [email protected] people annually, with two emergency Wasko AV provides innovative solutions www.haliphotographer.com shelters for people experiencing home- that blend the latest technologies with PERSONAL CARE & SERVICES – lessness, two affordable, supportive creative strategies specializing in projec- Photography apartment buildings for people who’ve tion, production and motion graphics experienced homelessness and has STUDENT MEMBERS design. We create customized content two community residential facilities for and immersive installations across east- Derek Blois - PR, MSVU people transitioning from correctional ern Canada. With a passion for live event Halifax, NS facilities, a community trustee program production, we specialize in bringing 902-574-5886 and a supportive housing program for people together through a harmony of [email protected] people leaving shelter living. technology and art. Heidi Mossman Nick Iwaskow 101-5506 Cunard Street Halifax, NS Halifax, NS Are you a new member? 902-293-5371 902-406-3631 To submit your 50-word description for New [email protected] [email protected] & Noted, please contact Emma Menchefski, www.waskoav.com www.shelternovascotia.com Communications Specialist at Emma@ ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT – NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS – halifaxchamber.com or 902-481-1239 within Video/Multimedia Charitable Organizations the first six months of membership.

BUSINESS VOICE 9 NEWSMAKERS MEMBERS IN THE NEWS How our members are growing Halifax

NORTHWOOD FOUNDATION RAISES FUNDS WITH LIVE MORE AWARDS GALA The Northwood Foundation’s 20th anniversary Live More Awards raised more than $188,000 at the gala on May 4, to help support programs and initia- tives offered by Northwood that are not funded by the government. Well-known A DIFFERENT STAGE OF MIND 2018 RAISES $600,000 local philanthropists, Ken and Dorothy Rowe, were the evening’s featured Thanks to all of our performers, support- people think about mental illness and honourees, receiving the Hedley G. Ivany ers and volunteers for making this year’s addictions in Nova Scotia. We’re looking Live More Award. Six other individuals BMO Bank of Montreal’s A Different forward to next year’s DSOM and gearing were presented with distinction awards, Stage of Mind (DSOM) such a huge up for our upcoming Festival of Trees in recognized for their contributions to success. Together we raised more than November. For more information on the research, innovation, advocacy, diversity, $600,000 to go toward helping fund Mental Health Foundation please visit community and loving care — the six mental health initiatives, community mentalhealthns.ca. We can’t change the pillars of Northwood. grants programs and changing the way way people think without you.

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10 JULY / AUGUST 2018 NEWSMAKERS

MAKING NOVA SCOTIA A HEALTHIER PLACE TO LIVE AND BREATHE Thanks to Labatt Breweries of Canada, Peter Clarke was able to speak on behalf of the Lung Association of Nova Scotia at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Dinner. Peter shared his story about lung transplantation and spoke SPRING IS IN THE AIR about how we are making Nova Scotia a AT FOREST LAKES healthier place to live and breathe. We hope you found his words impactful. As Another successful event has taken place a business community we can make a at Forest Lakes. On May 27, the resort- difference. Investing in lung health means style community came to life during healthier employees, lower health care the Spring Big Open House. In addition costs and higher productivity. A healthier to touring our beautiful homes for sale, Nova Scotia means a healthier place to guests were able to shop at the artisan do business. For more information, visit market, enjoy outdoor yoga classes, www.ns.lung.ca. kayak and canoe on Cochran Lake and experience our golf course created by TYLER BOWMAN JOINS Nicklaus Design. Thank you to everyone ATLANTIC CANADA’S LARGEST who made it out to this event — the HOME INSPECTOR TEAM turnout was spectacular and we are looking forward to our upcoming Originally from Alberta, Tyler and his events this year. Stay up to date with wife, Brittany, from Lower Sackville, events at Forest Lakes, by visiting met while they were working in northern forestlakescountryclub.ca/events. Alberta. After many visits to Nova Scotia, Tyler fell in love with the east coast and NASA TECHNOLOGY USED TO wanted to raise their family here. A welder CREATE MINI AIR PURIFIERS and industrial inspector by trade, attention to detail and thorough inspections are HEALTHWIZE Wellness Centre not new territory for Tyler. Becoming is excited about a revolutionary new tired of the lifestyle and wanting to spend product with NASA technology used to more time with family, Tyler joined the HALIFAX STARTUP HIRES “cleanse” the International Space Station A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE interior and has been perfected into a team. He completed the highest Home special coating developed and applied Beaumont & Co., a full-service trade Inspector technical certification in Canada to LED bulbs, which emit “high-potency show display, retail signage and specialty and is proud of the business he is building oxygen,” creating an environment that print product provider, welcomes Barry in HRM. For more information, visit dissolves and destroys E. coli, salmonella, Deturbide as Senior Account Executive. abuyerschoice.com/halifax. MRSA, SARS, staph, cold and flu viruses, He brings 15 years of management exper- mold, mildew, fungus, flesh-eating tise gained at IMP Aerospace and more FOX HARB'R HAS A NEW necrosis, streptococcus, Legionnaire’s than 14 years of experience managing PICKLEBALL COURT disease, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde corporate accounts in the print and and more. They cannot survive this It looks like tennis, sounds like ping-pong signage industry for an impressive array “oxygen-rich environment.” There are and has the same light-on-your-toes of clients, including Tim Hortons, Boston endless applications: at home, doctor’s action of badminton. But pickleball is the Pizza, Parkland Fuels and the East Coast offices, hospitals and nursing homes. fastest growing sport in North America. Music Awards. He has built a strong rep- These bulbs are highly-effective mini The new pickleball court and equipment utation for delivering timely projects that air-purification systems. was up and running in late June. exceed expectations.

BUSINESS VOICE 11 NEWSMAKERS

CELEBRATING TWO YEARS AT THE SOCIAL BOUTIQUE Dress for Success Halifax is pleased We are thrilled to be reaching an addi- to announce the second anniversary of tional demographic of women in our The Social Boutique™. “Since opening community who do not qualify for our the doors of this non-profit women’s regular services by providing affordable pre-loved clothing store in July 2016, we attire of all kinds. We are equally grateful have witnessed exponential growth and for the financial funding that is being pro- are thankful to Larry Swinemar who has vided by the daughter of Dress for Success been providing complimentary space. Halifax,” says President Julie Wisen.

NOMINATIONS OPEN

2 0 1 9

PRESENTING PRESENTINGSPONSOR SPONSOR: ROYER THOMPSON’S NEW LOCATION We are excited to announce our WINNERS IN SIX CATEGORIES WILL BE ANNOUNCED: relocation to Purdy’s Landing, Suite 305, SIX CATEGORIES TO ENTER 1949 Upper Water Street in Halifax. Our New Business of the Year new office offers a welcoming, creative and open space for clients to collaborate Small Business of the Year on building talented teams that achieve results. We welcome all Chamber Export Business of the Year members to drop in and say hello to our growing team — our door is always open. Innovative Business of the Year In October 2017, Royer Thompson was acquired by company President Kim West. Business of the Year Since taking the helm West has welcomed Business Leader of the Year Amy Reid to the team as Partner and #HFXBizAwards Vice President of Recruitment. For more information on Royer Thompson, visit WWW.HALIFAXCHAMBER.COM www.royerthompson.com.

12 JULY / AUGUST 2018 NEWSMAKERS

SECOND ANNUAL BENEFIT FAMILY BUSINESS ATLANTIC CONCERT FOR NO TIME FOR CELEBRATES 22ND THAT ANTI-BULLYING SOCIETY PETER WILSON DINNER The second annual Mud Creek Rotary Family Business Atlantic celebrated Benefit Concert for No Time for That its Peter Wilson Dinner on May 10, with Anti-Bullying Society, founded by George Bishop of Scotia Investments, Elsie Morden, was held on April 27, at his two daughters, Leslie and Kristin the Wolfville Farmers’ Market. Thank and nephew Jesse Brotz, to share the you to everyone who came out to support history of this fifth generation company. bullying prevention, mental health We thank them for sharing insights on awareness and youth empowerment. It succession planning, best practices for was a fun night and more than $20,000 corporate governance and the breakup of was raised for the charity. All proceeds their family dynasty. This annual event from the benefit concert will help the celebrates the accomplishments of suc- No Time for That Tour continue to visit cessful family enterprises in our region. Canadian schools free of charge. So far, they have been to 22 schools in the CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD Halifax Regional School Board. ATLANTIC AWARDED 16 LEASING MANDATES CULTURAL INNOVATION FUND Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic is GRANT GOES TO HAL-CON pleased to announce that it has been Hal-Con Sci-Fi and Fantasy awarded the retail leasing mandate for DEVOFX PROUDLY SPONSORED Association is thrilled to announce it Slate Asset Management in Nova Scotia, BY EUROPEAN BODY ART has received a grant from the province New Brunswick and Newfoundland and of Nova Scotia which will contribute April was a productive month for Labrador. Slate Acquisitions Inc. acquired $240,000 to projects over the next three DevoFx. They are proud to be sponsored the assets in a recent purchase from years. The grant, generously awarded by European Body Art, which provides Cominar REIT. “This is an exciting time by the Department of Communities, leading airbrush tattoo systems, airbrush for Slate — and more importantly the Culture and Heritage through its paints, performance makeup, stencils retail marketplace in Atlantic Canada,” Cultural Innovation Fund, will help and supplies to professionals around the says Bill MacAvoy, Managing Director of support projects and events, such as a world. In addition, DevoFx is now the Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic. The man- video game development conference, largest distributor of European Body Art date coincides with affiliated company the Hal-Con Art Showcase, the Hal- products in eastern Canada, providing Cushman & Wakefield Asset Services Con Costuming Series and the Hal-Con easier access for makeup professionals in being awarded property management by Reading and Discussion Series. the Maritimes. Slate for retained office and retail.

BUSINESS VOICE 13 NEWSMAKERS

BUILD TOGETHER NOVA SCOTIA LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT WOMEN IN TRADES The Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades Council is excited to announce the formation of Build Together Nova Scotia, the fi rst chapter of a program on PAYFORMANCEPOS the east coast that promotes, supports REBRANDS TO SONA and mentors women in skilled construc- PayformancePOS has rebranded to tion trades. The offi cial launch of the Sona. The rebrand refl ects the com- GROCERY ORDERING committee took place at the fi fth annual pany’s transparent approach to pay- WITH PETE’S FROOTIQUE conference on April 10. Build Together is ment acceptance and aligns Sona with What would you do with an extra hour a national program by Canada’s Building innovative technology. “The Gaelic word in your day? Pete’s Frootique & Fine Trades Unions (CBTU), represented by Sona represents feeling satisfaction Foods is here to save you time. Pre- tradeswomen of Building Trades Unions or well-being, coming from a positive order your groceries with us — just call in across the country. Specifi c aims of the situation,” says Sona CEO Ryan O’Leary. your order and pick it up, we do the rest! committee include introducing women “The name resonated with me because Choose from the freshest ingredients to trades and providing mentorship and it speaks to how we do things diff erently like local produce, antibiotic and hor- support. with a transparent, customer-focused mone free meats, gluten-free and vegan approach to payment acceptance.” Sona options, as well as unique grocery items, partners with First Data in off ering readymade soups, salads and sand- Are you launching a new business or tailored solutions. For more information, wiches. Healthy options are just a phone product? The Halifax Chamber wants visit www.sonapay.ca. call away. Call 902-425-5700 for Halifax to share your story! Please contact (on Dresden Row) or 902-835-4997 for Emma Menchefski at Emma@ Bedford (in Sunnyside Mall). Visit halifaxchamber.com or 902-481-1239. petes.ca for more information.

Atlantic Business Magazine’s 2018 list of Top 50 CEOs included 15 winners from the Halifax Chamber of Commerce’s business community:

Cory Bell, President & CEO, Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, Dr. Travis McDonough, Lindsay Construction IWK Foundation Founder & CEO, Dartmouth, NS Halifax, NS Kinduct Technologies Inc. Also featured in the Hall of Fame Halifax, NS as a fi ve-time award winner Roger Howard, Regional President, Also featured in the Hall of Fame Atlantic Canada RBC as a fi ve-time award winner Lydia Bugden, Halifax, NS CEO & Managing Partner, Norm Mensour, CEO, Stewart McKelvey Roger King, President, Big Erics Inc. Halifax, NS Supplement King Canada Dartmouth, NS Dartmouth, NS Don Bureaux, President & CEO, Darren Nantes, President & CEO, Nova Scotia Community College Allan MacIntosh, President, Nantes Capital Inc. Halifax, NS Marco Group of Companies Dartmouth, NS Dartmouth, NS Richard Butts, President, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, Clayton Developments Ltd. Laurie MacKeigan, President, President & Vice-Chancellor, Halifax, NS Backman Vidcom Saint Mary’s University Halifax, NS Halifax, NS Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Stuart MacLean, CEO, Airport Authority WCB Nova Scotia Enfi eld, NS Halifax, NS

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6REH\ 6FKRRO RI %XVLQHVV FUHDWHV LPSDFW ZLWK SXUSRVH COVER STORY

For the last three years Noethermal Energy Storage Inc. has been working with NSCC’s Applied Research team at the Ivany Campus in Dartmouth. Neothermal’s CEO, Jill Johnson (right), and Chief Research and Technology Offi cer, Louis Desgrosseilliers (left ), have worked closely with Director of Applied Research, Alain Joseph (centre), shortly aft er they won the Innovacorp Smart Energy Demo Challenge in 2015. COVER STORY STARTUP CITY Reaching a world-class calibre of excellence BY ERIN ELAINE CASEY • PHOTOS BY PAUL DARROW

ova Scotia Community College is a key part of NSCC’s mission to build that adapts really well to research. We Nhas come a long way in the last Nova Scotia’s economy and quality of life off er applied research opportunities at couple of decades. NSCC has grown to a through education and innovation. our campuses to link students and com- complement of more than 120 programs, “We want to focus on improving munity with experts,” says Joseph. covering everything from skilled trades opportunities for young people in our “Culturally, we really recognize the to the very latest in science and technol- region,” says Joseph. “And we’re really talent and skill sets of our faculty from ogy. It might surprise you to learn that in proud that the college is a middle space in having worked in industry and pass- the last fi ve years alone, NSCC has been that ecosystem, building on cutting-edge ing that on to the next generation,” he involved in more than 260 research and ideas and developing them for practical explains. “They’ve recently come from innovation projects. In fact, NSCC has implementation by industry.” industry, so they have a current under- a department completely dedicated to NSCC employs expert research standing of what kinds of needs exist in developing practical and innovative solu- teams and off ers a network of faculty and various industry sectors.” In addition to tions for industry’s real-world problems. students from a wide range of programs, scientifi c disciplines, Applied Research As the Director of Applied Research to help industry improve their products also has the expertise of more than 120 at NSCC, Dr. Alain Joseph spends a lot and processes — and grow their busi- programs at its fi ngertips, including busi- of time thinking about those problems. nesses. Joseph describes the cutting-edge ness, culinary and natural resources. “There are a lot of social, business and eco- labs, facilities and equipment at NSCC Applied Research at NSCC focuses on nomic questions in Nova Scotia that could campuses as a “community resource.” fi ve areas. The Applied Energy Research use some research,” he says. Establishing “We have a lot of great infrastruc- team develops and tests sustainable energy the college as part of the province’s innova- ture that we need to deliver teaching and alternatives; the Engineered Technologies tion and entrepreneurship ecosystem training to young people — and a lot of Research team works in a range of

We want to focus on improving opportunities for young people in our region. And we’re really proud that the college is a middle space in that ecosystem, building on cutting-edge ideas and developing them for practical implementation by industry.” — Dr. Alain Joseph, Director of Applied Research, NSCC

BUSINESS VOICE 17 COVER STORY technology sectors; the Environment and Startup Neothermal Energy Storage construction professionals can learn how Agriculture team studies real-world eco- fi t perfectly into the Applied Energy to incorporate sustainability into their logical and spatial questions in the sector; Research stream. Chief Research and work. the Applied Geomatics Research group Technology Offi cer, Louis Desgrosseilliers, “It’s a high performance house, applies advanced mapping techniques to developed Neothermal’s electric thermal built the same as an occupied home, solve problems and support sustainable storage (ETS) technology during his PhD all the same systems, but with a whole development in the coastal zone and studies at Dalhousie. Together with CEO, home automation system that’s more aquaculture sites; and the Applied Oceans Jill Johnson, he formed a company in 2015 common to commercial buildings,” says Research group investigates the latest to develop and market a plug-in supple- Desgrosseilliers. This test run is measur- innovations in ocean survey instruments. mental room-heating appliance. This ing both performance and cost savings, NSCC’s Industry Liaison Offi ce (ILO) electric space heater uses thermal storage critical information that will inform the acts as the link between industry and to save customers money by using time of pilot project planned for this fall, which expertise, working with industry partners day electricity rates. will see up to 25 homes outfi tted with to identify opportunities and develop “We’ve been working with NSCC for the new heating appliances. “We’d like collaborative research agreements. three years — and trying to get a brand to talk to anyone interested in being an How does Applied Research at NSCC new clean-tech startup, from an idea to early adopter and we’re looking at pro- actually work? “We want to help indus- market is a very long process. The fact grams that would reduce the cost to the try partners solve problems and the ILO that they’ve been supportive of us has customer,” adds Johnson. facilitates those interactions,” explains been really great. I don’t think we would Desgrosseilliers points to the set up Joseph. “There are other agencies that have gotten here without their support,” of NSCC as a huge benefi t. “Having a direct clients our way: Innovacorp, says Johnson. “They gave us access to a more expansive network of campuses is a ACOA, Nova Scotia Business Inc. and lab, equipment and resources, which is really big structural advantage of NSCC. others.” Once a project comes to the front invaluable early on.” The initial con- It’s designed in a way that you can drive door of the college, the Applied Research nection to NSCC came when they won 45 minutes in any direction and you can team looks at it to see if it’s a good fi t. the Innovacorp Smart Energy Demo get to a campus.” He and Johnson are “We put together a team and look Challenge in 2015 and they’ve been work- now also connected to the Lunenburg for funding resources to make it happen,” ing with them ever since. campus, located in Bridgewater — that says Joseph. “It’s a little diff erent from Neothermal Energy Storage started network has been invaluable. the traditional research model — we out at the Ivany Campus in Dartmouth, Students are a big part of every recognize that industry partners have the but in May moved to Bridgewater, a research project at NSCC. “Any research greatest expertise in their problem and small town that’s fast becoming a clean activity we do is linked to an industry they are part of the team in looking at energy destination with their Energize partner and almost all of it involves stu- next steps to solve that problem.” Bridgewater program. Johnson and dents,” explains Alain Joseph. “Students Joseph emphasizes that the college Desgrosseilliers also installed their very often will work as hired research assis- must play to its areas of strength when fi rst prototype in March, at Pilikan House tants, or have opportunities to engage in choosing which projects to pursue. “We on the Middleton Campus. The house research for their senior projects. This is a only have so many hours in the day!” he is a “living lab” and demonstration site great opportunity to work on an industry laughs. where the next generation of residential challenge.”

We’ve been working with NSCC for three years — and trying to get a brand new clean-tech startup, from an idea to market is a very long process. The fact that they’ve been supportive of us has been really great. I don’t think we would have gotten here without their support.” — Jill Johnson, CEO, NeoThermal Energy Storage

18 JULY / AUGUST 2018 COVER STORY

Having a more expansive network of campuses is a really big structural advantage of NSCC. It’s designed in a way that you can drive 45 minutes in any direction and you can get to a campus.” — Louis Desgrosseilliers, Chief Research and Technology Offi cer, NeoThermal Energy Storage

“We also bring those problems to working with would be a great person to certainly benefi tted from student contri- the classroom and see if students want have on your team. butions. This will be their third year par- to work on them. It often leads to good When it does work, the partners are ticipating in the NSCC student exchange ideas and a nice connection if companies always really happy, because they know program. “Students from Austria come are looking to hire someone who knows, exactly who they have joining their team — for the summer and complete diff erent or has insights into an emerging area. it’s kind of a seamless transition.” projects related to our technology,” says You might realize that a student you’re The Neothermal Energy team has Johnson. “This has been so valuable

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BUSINESS VOICE 19 COVER STORY

The Applied Research team at NSCC helps industry partners, such as NeoThermal Energy Storage, solve problems and grow their businesses. because it’s just the two of us building the business.” “When we first started with Austrian NSCC Applied Research by the numbers students, we were still completing work at Ivany,” adds Desgrosseilliers. • Dollar value of research activity in the last five years = $10 million “Students there were building on exper- • Number of publications and reports in the last five years = 100+ iments we were already doing around design of components. Last year, they • Number of students involved in applied research over the last five years = 500+ were doing some experiments on future • Number of NSCC locations engaging in applied research activity = 9 directions, such as cold storage for AC and heat storage for solar electricity. This year, we’re back onto doing stuff directly related to our path. We have two students Director of Applied Research about a NSCC is also one of the only academic working on central heating integration year ago. “I’m even still impressed by the institutions in Canada to have light detec- approaches — taking our technology and calibre of some of the research activi- tion and ranging — or LiDAR — mapping tying it into either a furnace or a boiler. ties we have here. We have many of the instrumentation available. “LiDAR uses We would be directly linked to existing world’s leading experts in some of these a laser instrument to produce really high systems so they would physically operate applied fields.” quality maps, which allows local resource together and all equipment would be One example is NSCC hosting the sector companies to get really accurate located in the furnace room.” Industrial Research Chair for Canadian maps for things like aquaculture. We’ve This win-win situation allows Colleges, Dr. Craig Brown, who holds a worked with municipalities to look at students to study and learn from cut- $1 million grant from NSERC, the flooding and road planning and to map the ting-edge technology while contributing Natural Sciences and Engineering solar energy potential of roofs in Halifax.” much-needed research hours to a fledg- Research Council of Canada, in the field Joseph also points to important ling business. “It’s fun to see students of ocean sea floor habitat mapping. collaborations emerging in the ocean- excel in areas where we really need skills Dr. Brown has two post-doctoral tech arena. NSCC is a partner in the and excellence,” says Joseph. researchers working with him. “These Ocean Supercluster — and when the Joseph has been with NSCC since young PhDs could go anywhere in the COVE (Centre for Ocean Ventures and 2009 when he started as one of the world,” says Joseph, “but they’re actively Entrepreneurship) facility opens this College’s first post-doctoral researchers doing applied research at the college. summer on the Dartmouth waterfront, after completing an interdisciplinary This is not something you would have NSCC’s Ocean Research team is going to PhD at Dalhousie. He took over as seen 10 or 15 years ago.” be based there.

20 JULY / AUGUST 2018 COVER STORY

We want Nova Scotia to have one of the most innovative economies in the world. This is a province with 10 universities and a college with 13 campuses. We can compete globally. The research is about Take advantage of your reaching a world-class member benefits. calibre of excellence.” — Dr. Alain Joseph, Get preferred rates and coverage Director of Applied that fits your needs. Research, NSCC

Get more out You could save big* One of the most unusual things when you combine your of your benefits. about NSCC’s Applied Research model is that the college does not retain any member preferred rates As a Halifax Chamber of Commerce ownership of the intellectual property and bundle your home member, you have access to the developed by their partnerships. “Our and car insurance. TD Insurance Meloche Monnex program. mandate is to help industries grow. We This means you can get preferred insurance help them improve, advance and turn rates on a wide range of home and car ideas into prototypes. Then we turn it all coverage that can be customized over to our partners,” explains Joseph. for your needs. “Hopefully, we have a chance to loop back to them. If they have success, they’ll For over 65 years, TD Insurance has been be looking for people to help them grow, helping Canadians find quality home and further refine their research, implement car insurance solutions. training and develop a business model. Having that connection to industry Recommended by Feel confident your home and car coverage helps us improve how we teach across all fits your needs. Get a quote now. our programs, even the ones that don’t have a direct connection to science or technology.” HOME | CAR Despite the hundreds of projects NSCC has participated in — and the mil- lions of research dollars the institution has garnered, Joseph thinks there’s still tons Get a quote and see of untapped potential. “I’d love to see a lot how much you could save! more of that capacity leveraged. You can Call 1-866-296-0888 or,goto walk down the halls here and see so many tdinsurance.com/halifaxchamber talented people. Our region needs to put that skill and talent into action.” The Applied Research team at NSCC The TD Insurance Meloche Monnex program is underwritten by PRIMMUM INSURANCE COMPANY. It is distributed by Meloche Monnex Insurance and Financial Services Inc. in Quebec and by TD Insurance Direct Agency Inc. in the rest of Canada. Our address: 50 Place is thinking big. “We want Nova Scotia to Cremazie, Montreal (Quebec) H2P 1B6. Due to provincial legislation, our car and recreational insurance program is not offered in British have one of the most innovative econo- Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan. *Nationally, 90% of all of our clients who belong to an employer group that have an agreement mies in the world,” says Joseph. “This is with us and who insure a home (excluding rentals and condos) and a car on July 31, 2017, saved $455 when compared to the premiums a province with 10 universities and a col- they would have paid without the preferred insurance rate for groups and the multi-product discount. Savings are not guaranteed and may vary based on the client’s profile. Savings vary in each province and may be higher or lower than $455. All trade marks are thepropertyof lege with 13 campuses. We can compete their respective owners. ® The TD logo and other TD trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. globally. The research is about reaching a world-class calibre of excellence.”

BUSINESS VOICE 21 TECHNOLOGY STARTUPS

Zachary and Joshua Green, co-founders of Mysa, with members of the Mysa team.

Contributed Purposeful destruction Growing Atlantic Canadian science-based technology startups into booming companies By Jon Tattrie

riting in the 1940s, the German successful entrepreneurs and business “The thesis of the program is that Weconomist Joseph Schumpeter people across Canada,” he says. there are no better ideas or efforts argued capitalism can never be station- CDL is a seed-stage program for elsewhere in the world, but you see more ary and that the fundamental impulse massively scalable, science-based of these companies growing in Silicon driving the capitalistic engine comes companies. It started at the University Valley and Boston and a few other places. from entrepreneurs creating new con- of Toronto five years ago and arrived But in Canada, we’ve had less of them,” sumer goods, new methods of production at Dalhousie University’s Rowe School Larsen says. or transportation and new markets. of Business in 2017. In 2019, New York He thinks the Silicon Valleys of the “Capitalism requires the perennial University will start the first American world take advantage of a long tradition gale of creative destruction,” he concluded. CDL program. It has locations at of growing companies and a better men- Those winds are blowing through the Sauder School of Business at the toring system. Larsen says the insights the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) – University of British Columbia, the east coast startups can learn from CDL Atlantic, which in June graduated its first Haskayne School of Business at the mentors like Clearwater’s John Risley, cohort of nearly a dozen new companies University of Calgary and HEC Montreal. IMP’s Ken Rowe and Microsoft Canada’s looking to clear ground to grow their Atlantic Canada’s first class includes Ozge Yeloglu, can help young entrepre- own businesses on. Executive Director Harbr, which raised $1.75 million for its neurs make wise decisions from the start. Jeff Larsen says the course runs for startup to use artificial intelligence in And Atlantic Canada, with a stag- nine months and uses objective-based project management, real estate develop- nant economy and aging population, is mentoring. ment and construction projects. Bereda rife for creative destruction. “GDP per “We take the best startups in Training got $150,000 through three capita is essentially equal to productivity Atlantic Canada and we help accelerate angel investors it met at CDL-Atlantic to times demographics,” Larsen says. “If we their growth by putting them through develop its online training platform for know our demographic is declining, our a program with some of the most endurance athletes. only option is increasing productivity.”

22 JULY / AUGUST 2018 TECHNOLOGY STARTUPS

Atlantic Canada doesn’t have a could be increasing sales, getting new growing labour force, nor fl oods of ven- partnerships, working with contract ture capital, so CDL focuses on green- manufacturers or making critical hires. These are the people blue innovation (ocean-tech, clean-tech “A lot of the cases, it’s uncovering the who have been there and agri-tech). Larsen says job growth unit economics, or the economic benefi ts, will come from startups, not big compa- within how they sell to their customers. and done that. They nies expanding. It does require a deep dive and analysis have the experience, Gillian McCrae is a Venture on market assessments, customer engage- Manager with CDL-Atlantic. She works ment and success planning around the the history and the directly with the companies over the customer side.” challenges that nine-month program, connecting them Even when they don’t meet the to mentors, scheduling regular one-on- objectives, they do fi nd a new under- new entrepreneurs one calls to check in on them and guiding standing of what they should be focused them through the process. on. “They don’t get cut from the program have to go through They work in two-month “sprints,” if they don’t achieve the programs. The and overcome too.” setting three critical objectives that will way they make it through is the commit- “move the needle” for the businesses in ment of the fellows and associates who — Gillian McCrae, that eight-week period. McCrae says it want to continue working with them,” Venture Manager, she says. CDL-Atlantic McCrae, who has run her own busi- nesses including GetGifted, says mentors We take the best helped her immensely. Putting your hopes startups in Atlantic and dreams before experienced business people can leap-frog you ahead, she says. Canada and we “These are the people who have been help accelerate their there and done that. They have the expe- rience, the history and the challenges that growth by putting new entrepreneurs have to go through and them through a overcome too.” She won’t name it, but says one program with some Toronto-based company built so many of the most successful relationships in Atlantic Canada through CDL that it’s looking at relocating here. entrepreneurs and The CDL cohort gets even more business people across support from MBA students like Ryan Bunker, who help them meet those sprint Canada.” goals. “It can be general market intelli- gence. If a company is looking to enter a — Jeff Larsen, Executive new market space, we would help them Director, Creative with determining the overall market size, Contributed Destruction Lab Atlantic dynamic, who are the big players, how do they compete, what are the growth experience,” Bunker says. “I said to prospects of that market,” Bunker says. everyone in the Creative Destruction “It could be helping a company who has Lab that the fi rst day session was the best a product in a market, but isn’t sure on day of my professional career. It was just the actual value and how it should be so exciting. I got to meet a lot of great captured through pricing.” people and build a network that is very Bunker was paired with a CDL startup valuable.” as part of his studies at Dalhousie. He can’t Zach Green says the CDL program name it for confi dentiality reasons, but he worked well for Mysa, the pioneering helped it fi gure out how its products dif- smart thermostat company he co-founded fered from existing ones and learned about to control electric baseboards. “We make the pricing strategies of rivals. Other MBA it really simple for homeowners to set students look at cash fl ow performance energy-saving schedules from their phone and projections to help with investor pack- or tablet and they can see in real time the ages, or improve pitching and presentation energy consumption of all the heaters — skills to win investors. and all the stuff in their house,” he says. Bunker says the students get to test “We make really easy for people to save classroom concepts in the real world. “If energy and money.” we’re not doing something like this, it’s One of their investors suggested Contributed a lot of theory without a lot of hands-on they apply for a CDL-Atlantic spot to gain

BUSINESS VOICE 23 TECHNOLOGY STARTUPS

mentors and secure investment. “It’s we found a few problems with our man- been extremely positive,” he says. “There ufacturing line that we were able to fix were so many things at CDL that we before the units went to customers.” It can be general didn’t think of that has put our business Green says the CDL experience was market intelligence. on the right course.” a little chaotic at first, with 20 startups For a startup company looking to and 20 mentors meeting all at once. If a company is looking get into the power business, they got But by the second meeting, things had to enter a new market a heck of a mentor: Chris Huskilson, smoothed out. They got a number of CEO of Emera, the company that owns angel investors on board for the next space, we would help Nova Scotia Power and other utilities round of funding and are now explor- them with determining in Canada, the U.S. and the Caribbean. ing a different thermostat for the condo “We know our solution from the end-con- market and a software subscription for the overall market size, sumer angle, but to hear how our solution commercial users. impacts the utility angle and how we “It was the very first initiative I have dynamic, who are the scale up to provide to thousands and hun- seen that does a good job of including all big players, how do dreds of thousands of customers — Chris four Atlantic provinces,” he says. “I never is masterful at that,” Green says. felt like one was stronger than the other. they compete, what are Huskilson has agreed to work with Just because we are from Newfoundland the growth prospects Mysa after the CDL program ends. “It’s doesn’t mean we were a ‘nobody’ startup. awesome.” CDL did a really good job of making it of that market.” Mentor Matthew MacLellan, pan-Atlantic.” — Ryan Bunker, President of Eastlink Wireless, gave them The Creative Destruction Lab takes MBA Student valuable insight on debt planning, raising applications on a rolling basis and has set debt and how to use it to sustain the busi- an Aug. 12 deadline for the next cohort. It ness. “It was extremely helpful advice.” selects ventures based on their potential Another mentor suggested they do to scale, the defensibility of their product another round of manufacturing before or service and the commitment of the they started to sell units. “We did — and co-founding team. Ventures can apply

Contributed

at www.CreativeDestructionLab.com or email questions to [email protected]. CDL-Atlantic’s Gillian McCrae says the graduating ventures are already blowing the winds of change through eastern Canada. “They’re representing some of the best companies in Atlantic Canada in front of a national audience and to be part of that has been a plea- sure,” she says. Joseph Shumpeter would have called it “unternehmergeist,” or the entrepre- neurial spirit. “Only a few people have these quali- ties of leadership,” he wrote. “However, if one or a few have advanced with success, many of the difficulties disappear. Others can then follow these pioneers.”

24 JULY / AUGUST 2018 Join the Halifax Chamber for an adventure to… October 13 - 23, 2018 11 Day trip for only CHINA $2,299* BEIJING • SHANGHAI • SUZHOU • HANGZHOU

Your Trip • Roundtrip international airfare & Chinese domestic airfare & Tax (from TO) • 4-and 5-star hotel accommodations • 3 meals each day • Deluxe bus tours Includes: • Fluent English-speaking tour guides • Entrance fees for attractions

Day 1: YYZ/Beijing Day 5: Beijing Day 9: Hangzhou/Shanghai Check in at YYZ International Airport for an Bus excursion to the Great Wall, the 4,000 Morning boat cruise on West Lake with afternoon flight. Your adventure begins as mile long and 2,000 year old construction relaxing stopover at jewellike pagodas and you fly trans-Pacific aboard a wide cabin is said to be the only man-made structure tea houses. Afternoon tour bus trip to jetliner. visible by the naked eye from the moon. Shanghai. Visit the Ming Tombs. One of the 13 Ming Day 2: Beijing Emperors' Tombs is fully excavated and open Day 10: Shanghai Arrive in Beijing, the Capital of China by for exploration. Visit the Yu Garden, a maze of marvelous midnight. You will be met at the airport by pavilions, ponds, rocky works and over- your tour guide and transferred to the hotel. Day 6 - 7: Beijing/Shanghai/Suzhou arching trees. Also visit the Bund, Shanghai's Fly to Shanghai, followed by a bus trip to famous waterfront park. Tour the Pudong Day 3 - 4: Beijing Suzhou for the Lingering Garden, Tiger Economic Development Zone. Visit the Tian An Men Square, the largest Hill, Hanshan Temple and the National square in the world, the Palace Museum, Embroidery Institute to see silk embroidery, Day 11: Shanghai/Beijing/YYZ also known as the Forbidden City, home a local craft with thousands of years of Free time in the morning. The afternoon of 24 emperors with a total space of 9,999 history. Dinner this evening will include a flight will depart by 1:30pm for YYZ where rooms and the Summer Palace, featuring show featuring traditional Chinese music. you will arrive at 10:30am on the same day. the Long Corridor with painted gallery, Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, Seventeen Day 8: Suzhou/Hangzhou REGISTER BY JULY 15 Arch Bridge and the Marble Boat. Tour Morning tour bus excursion to Hangzhou For more info contact: to the Lama Temple and the Temple of for a visit to the Economic Development Heaven, built in 1420 A.D., where the Zone and the centuries-old Lingyin Temple, [email protected] emperors prayed to the heavens for a good featuring a 64.3 foot high camphor-wood or visit: harvest. carving of Buddha. HALIFAXCHAMBER.COM/CHINA

• Price reflects double occupancy • Add $500 for single occupancy • 11-day all inclusive tour package plus all the air travels (from Toronto) • Includes everything on the itinerary • Add $200 to take Terra-Cotta Warriors Itinerary • English speaking tour guide on every tour bus • Valid passport and visa required

BUSINESS VOICE 25 PROFILE Dreaming in 3D Halifax’s Smarter Spaces is on the global front of 3D scanning By Matthew Halliday

Contributed Dan MacIntosh (left) and Colin Gillis, co-founders of Smarter Spaces, which uses 3D scanning to create digital models of buildings, streetscapes and other spaces.

“I don’t want to create hundreds of create detailed digital models of build- “We’re right now working with a jobs in other countries,” says Colin Gillis. ings, streets and other spaces for clients local developer to scan a new building as “I want to create them here in Nova including developers, government, it’s being built, before the drywall and Scotia. Part of the reason we built this non-profits, universities and hospitals. ceilings go on,” says Gillis. “When a con- company was to make something that “It sounds simple,” says Gillis, “but tractor builds, he’s supposed to red-mark could grow locally and internationally, one of the biggest causes of cost overruns the drawings to indicate changes — but but create value here above all.” in any building project are those ‘I didn’t sometimes doesn’t. Same with the archi- “We” refers to Gillis and Smarter know that was there’ moments.” tect, so you can have a brand-new building Spaces co-founder Dan MacIntosh, who The Smarter Spaces team uses an with an ‘as-built’ that’s already off.” jointly created the company in 2016 as array of scanning tools which utilize To that end, Smarter Spaces has an outgrowth of their previous company, LiDAR (light detection and ranging) trademarked the phrase “as-scanned,” IPECC. That company focused on project technology. The most sophisticated as opposed to “as-built.” With an management and relocation planning, tools can emit tens of thousands of laser “as-scanned,” every stud, bundle of among other services. But, says Gillis, pulses per second, measuring the dis- wire and pipe is accounted for, making “The model wasn’t growing, wasn’t creat- tance between the scanner and nearby for an unprecedently accurate image of ing new jobs, not really even paying a fair objects, creating a “point cloud.” Each a building, inside and out, which helps market wage.” point is assigned three-dimensional says Gillis, “Everything from figuring They decided to take a risk and co-ordinates and the point cloud is out where a water leak is coming from to become early adopters in the burgeoning transformed into a 3D representation of knowing where to hang a picture.” field of 3D scanning. With the help of a the space is being scanned. The technol- The need for accurate drawings Business Development Bank of Canada ogy has been used for years in industrial, is even more vital in older buildings, loan to purchase equipment, they tran- military and other applications, but the which might have decades of undoc- sitioned the company into what would benefits on smaller scale projects are umented renovations and repairs. become Smarter Spaces. Today, they potentially transformative. Smarter Spaces has been working with

26 JULY / AUGUST 2018 PROFILE

I don’t want to create hundreds of jobs in other countries. I want to create them here in Nova Scotia. Part of the reason we built this company was to make something that could grow locally and internationally, but create value here above all.” — Colin Gillis, Co-founder, Smarter Spaces

Contributed

Armco on Halifax’s old World Trade and Smarter Spaces uses an array of scanning tools to create a “point cloud,” to create Convention Centre (WTCC) and that’s 3D representations of spaces. also where they’re besting their competi- tion globally. “We are world leaders in merging technology like photogrammetry [sur- veying and measuring distances between objects with photography] and LiDAR,” says Gillis. For Armco, they deployed drones to capture aerial images of the WTCC and merged that with their LiDAR scanners. “It allowed us to do a complete model, which would have been impossible oth- erwise,” since the LiDAR scanners alone only measure up to 30 metres. The applications go well beyond accurate building drawings — it can be used to create immersive 3D environments for tourism or in video games. All of which makes the company poised that much more for the growth Gillis envisions. It’shardtostayintheknow. The staff is almost all drawn from NSCC’s Architectural Engineering Make it easy by signing up for the Technician program and Gillis hopes the current team is just the beginning — and that no matter how large the company CHAMBER BULLETIN scales, the bulk of its workforce remains in Nova Scotia. “Every hour of scanning requires three or four hours of processing, which can be done from anywhere. So we can scan a building in Ottawa and the techni- Don’t miss it, subscribe at cians putting together those renderings www.halifaxchamber.com are right here in Halifax.”

BUSINESS VOICE 27 TRENDS Blockchain demystified New technology could revolutionize commerce

Blockchain technology has the potential of vastly reducing the cost and complexity of PAT D’ENTREMONT online commerce SENIOR PARTNER, NICOM IT SOLUTIONS and it doesn’t seem like it’s At first, it seemed to be all about going away.” online monetary transactions and in the very early stages of adoption. But Oksana Stepanenko/123RF suddenly it’s here now — and likely in your industry. So, you should start paying system is peer-to-peer, where com- ACCESSIBLE VIA WEB SERVICES attention to blockchain technology. munication is decentralized and each Participants use the internet to par- What exactly is blockchain technol- machine has the same capabilities as any ticipate in the blockchain. ogy? First of all, it’s not magic. A block- other. There is no central server to be Blockchain technology can be chain is physical storage of data, just compromised and all records are public used for transmitting many types of like any other data storage, but what is and verifiable by authorized individuals. transactions and other digital assets unique is how it is being done. Basically, Also, it is very robust, because if one part such as mortgages, video content and information is recorded in blocks of data of the network goes down, other copies shipping bills of lading. Although banks that are linked together, then replicated will take over. and federal authorities are studying multiple times across a network of users, “IMMUTABLE” TRANSACTIONS this technology, it may be a while called “nodes.” That means that transactions can before it gets widely adopted. Because Think of a blockchain as an associa- only be added. The technology does not these organizations have already spent tion and the nodes as its members. There allow for changing or deleting informa- billions of dollars on existing secure is no central authority dictating the rules tion once it is placed on the blockchain, systems. Also, blockchains are extremely of conduct, only whatever governance leaving a clear audit trail. If anyone tries resource-intensive due to their security the association puts in place. It is an ideal to change an existing transaction, it will algorithms, something that has to technology to ensure trust among trading be easily detected. Since only one part be improved upon before it becomes partners without having to rely on some of the chain has been compromised, the mainstream and the legality of “smart higher authority or neutral third party. node where the block resides will simply contracts” is something that is still up Plus, for the reasons I’m going to list replace it with a block from another node. for review. below, it is hard to hack and it’s easy to CRYPTOGRAPHICALLY SECURE Regardless, blockchain technology detect if anyone is attempting to do so. Every digital asset and block goes has the potential of vastly reducing the In short, it is highly secure and through a cryptographic one-way “hash- cost and complexity of online commerce decentralized. ing” algorithm that further ensures they and it doesn’t seem like it’s going away. There are two types of blockchains: cannot be tampered with. The hashing In fact, blockchain has been described by public (like the online currency known as yields a unique result called a digest and some as being even more important than Bitcoin) and private (like most business someone modifying a block and correctly the internet itself. usage). It is the unique properties of these guessing the input that produced the blockchains that make them very appeal- digest is highly unlikely. ing as a means of direct communication TRANSACTIONS ONLY ALLOWED among trading partners: BY CONSENSUS Pat d’Entremont is a Senior Partner RESILIENT DISTRIBUTED Network participants must agree at Nicom IT Solutions, an IT firm that NETWORK on the rules of business, which are provides professional advisory services The fact that data gets replicated embedded in “smart contracts” that are and software products to the seaport across the nodes means that the entire programmed right into the blockchain. industry.

28 JULY / AUGUST 2018 TRENDS A mindset of curiosity How to find growth in conflict

Recently, I had the pleasure of Among the strategies discussed was delivering a constructive conflict work- a simple yet powerful rule of thumb — shop to a group of local leaders. Going in, adopt a mindset of curiosity. on a Friday afternoon after two days of The underlying theme being: you meetings and what looked to be a hearty can’t be both defensive and curious lunch, I wondered about the energy of at the same time. When a person is the crowd. However, when I arrived, the in defense mode, they become self- room was full, and people were eager and absorbed, lose perspective and quickly ready. Constructive conflict is a hot topic become too attached to their own these days and one that was particularly way of thinking. The easiest and most relevant for this group. effective way to escape this pitfall is to MICHELLE FITZGERALD, Preparing to embark on a major adopt a mindset of curiosity. Once a SENIOR CONSULTANT, transformational change initiative these person begins to ask questions, probe KNIGHTSBRIDGE leaders had fallen prey to the all too and get curious about the other person’s ROBERTSON SURRETTE common groupthink syndrome. In order perspective it will pave the way for a to drive success, they knew they needed more constructive conversation and, to collaborate with other teams and orga- as a result, better outcomes. nizations, think outside of the box and More often than not, the challenge Whether it’s because challenge each other’s thinking. isn’t what is being said, it is the meaning Within the two-hour workshop, we behind what’s being said. you don’t believe discussed the value of constructive con- The more you exercise this muscle — in it, because you flict in the pursuit of collaboration and adopting a curious mindset — the more innovation, explored a conflict model natural it will become, and, as some of don’t think you can and completed a quick self-assessment to those leaders have already discovered, succeed through it uncover the way they typically approach, the more success you’ll have navigating or avoid, conflict so they can more easily through challenging conversations. or because you don’t flex when needed. So next time: think it can lead to a better outcome, When this happens … Try … you’ve probably got good reasons for I feel myself reacting to a “stupid” “Help me understand what you're avoiding conflict. The comment said by someone trying to achieve … ”

problem is that you’re I perceive a negative reaction in “I get the sense we're not on the on a slippery slope someone to what I've said same page here. Tell me more that leads to a pit of about what you're thinking.” groupthink and risk Someone starts expressing strong “This sounds like an important uniformity. You are views or emotions during the point to you. I'd like to understand going to have to open conversation that better. Tell me more … ” yourself to the benefits of healthy conflict.” The discussion goes off track “I think we might be losing focus. Tell me how this fits in?” — Dr. Liane Davey, You First Author, Several comments are on the “We have three ideas on the table or multiple people are table, let's tackle them one at a speaking at one time time.”

BUSINESS VOICE 29 TRENDS Protecting your business Why small businesses need cyber security

ARIN SELIG, CIP, CRM, COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGER, A.P. REID INSURANCE

Cyberattacks on businesses are becoming more frequent news items. glebstock/123RF The attacks on high-profile companies, such as Sony and Target, have resulted results of which are often devastating for and applications as they become in national headlines — and have helped these small business owners. available. to bring the growing issue of cybercrime In recent years, almost 60 per • Make backup copies of important to the forefront. Surveys conducted by cent of small businesses victimized by business data and information. organizations such as the Small Business a cyberattack were forced to perma- • Control physical access to your Authority, Symantec and the National nently close within six months. Many computers and network components. Cyber Security Alliance, revealed that of these businesses had put off making • Secure your Wi-Fi networks. If you many small business owners are still necessary improvements to their cyber have a Wi-Fi network for your operating under a false sense of cyber security protocols until it was too late workplace, make sure it is secure security and are unaware of the growing due to beliefs that the costs would be too and hidden. threat of cyberattacks on their business. prohibitive. Avoid making this mistake • Require individual user accounts for The statistics are bleak. The majority — even if you don’t currently have the each employee. of small businesses surveyed did not resources to bring in an outside expert • Limit employee access to data and have a formal internet security policy to test your computer systems and make information and limit authority to for employees and only half of these security recommendations — there are install software. businesses had a basic cyber security simple, economical steps that you can • Use secure passwords and change measure in place. Further, only about a take to reduce your risk of falling victim them regularly. quarter of small business owners have to a costly cyberattack. The following list had an outside party test their computer includes easily implementable security In addition to taking these steps, systems to ensure they are hacker-proof. procedures and is a great place to start: having a disaster recovery plan ready in Nearly 40 per cent do not have their data • Train employees in cyber security the event of an attack is critical. Having backed up in more than one location. principles, including (but not limited backup copies of your important data, Despite these critical security expo- to) email safety and identifying including one offsite and one discon- sures, up to 85 per cent of small business phishing and fraudulent emails. nected from your network may assist owners believe their company is safe Establish policies on how business with the recovery. There are various from hackers, viruses, malware and data data, such as email, should be insurance products available to assist in breaches. This disconnect is largely due accessed remotely. transferring cyber risks. to a widespread belief that small busi- • Install, use and regularly update nesses are unlikely targets for cyberat- antivirus and antispyware software Cyber security is a serious concern tacks. To the contrary, data thieves are on every computer used in your actually looking for the path of least business. for all businesses, large and small. resistance and as more and more of the • Use a firewall for your internet Contact a member of the Commercial larger companies get serious about data connection. Insurance Team at A.P. Reid to help security, small businesses are becom- • Download and install software identify your exposures and provide ing increasingly attractive targets. The updates for your operating systems options that best suit your needs.

30 JULY / AUGUST 2018 TRENDS Ransomware attacks Are local businesses safe from cyberattacks?

to a business’s email addresses and send that proper measures are put in place companywide emails pretending to be to make certain confidential data is not an executive. Typically, these emails will breached. Presently, the importance of have an attachment and the content of data backup and network security cannot the email will ask each employee to open be overstated. Redundant backups are the file. Once clicked, the employee’s a vital security measure every company computer will begin to infect the network should invest in, large or small, to ensure and access will be denied — all from an that if an attack were to happen, data outside assailant. Once the hacker has can be restored from a secured source. penetrated the network, personal infor- This ensures that not all data is lost and mation about clients, emails, balance ransom would be avoided. Network MICHAEL MURPHY sheets and income statements can be security audits are a recommended PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR, stolen, lost or made public if ransom first step to assess an organization’s GBS TECHNOLOGIES is not paid before a certain date. The level of exposure and employees should U.S. National Archives and Records have a foundational understanding of Canadian businesses experience Administration states 93 per cent of all cybersecurity in the workplace. With the as many as 1,600 ransomware attacks companies that lose access to their data digital black market selling ransomware per day and estimates indicate that total for 10 days or more go bankrupt within a kits for little as $10, it is not a matter incidents for 2018 will exceed all previous year (TechTarget, 2014). if your business will be targeted but a years (CCIRC, 2018). With the ability to When considering the threats that matter of when. Make sure your business leak, encrypt and lock all business assets businesses face, it’s critical to ensure is secure. from employees, ransomware attacks are becoming a serious problem for businesses. Breaches have become so fre- quent that banks now ask new businesses to validate their network security prior to providing loans. Who is most at risk? Larger busi- nesses and corporations often have a whole team dedicated to monitoring security. Small businesses typically don’t have that type of luxury. Unfortunately, without the proper security measures and experience, no business of any size is truly safe against hackers. WannaCry, an early 2017 ransom- ware virus, took control of more than 250,000 businesses in 116 countries (CSO, 2017). Similarly, TeslaCrypt, which accounted for 48 per cent of ransomware attacks in 2016, made files effectively impossible to restore without help from the malware creators (CSO, 2017). In the period since then, ransom costs to free data rose 230 per cent and in some cases experienced attackers can charge millions (IDG News Service, 2017). The BARBI HOLLAND Send your referrals to: question now becomes, how do these SALES CONSULTANT (902) 481-1228 hackers gain access into private business MEMBER MAGNET [email protected] records? Ransomware can be spread through REFER YOUR FAVOURITE BUSINESSES AND simple email attachments, software apps HELP US BUILD AN EVEN BETTER CHAMBER. and compromised websites. For example, Earn $50 in Chamber Bucks for each successful referral! hackers can use fake domains, similar

BUSINESS VOICE 31 WORKING FOR YOU When technology fails A solid backup plan is your best bet to mitigate loss

In the end, while power outages and lost internet can have a major impact on businesses, having a game plan for when it does happen can save your business in the long run.”

• Have an offline project: Try writing • Use a cloud: If you’re data isn’t something by hand. Maybe you sensitive, or if you have a secure need to brainstorm some marketing server, try using a cloud backup for ideas or a new communications your information. KATHLEEN MacEACHERN plan. You’ll rediscover how much • Two words: Hard. Drive. Always fun colourful pens and blank paper save important documents some- POLICY ANALYST, HALIFAX can be. where other than your computer. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • Go to lunch: Sometimes power • Old-fashioned scanning: Scan really outages and internet outages don’t important documents into a hard Several months ago, many Atlantic last too long, but just long enough copy. Canadians lost access to their social for you to try a new restaurant or media accounts, internet browsing capa- walk around the block a few times. If you do lose data because of a bility went to zero and calling, texting Getting some vitamin D is always a technology fail, there are businesses that and emailing was almost impossible. good option. can help you extract information from For a few hours — and for those on that devices, such as external hard drives. specific internet network — the world WRITE IT DOWN was at a standstill. Others, like myself, I often feel like I might be the only INTERNET CONNECTIVITY on a different network, watched the epic person my age with an actual address IN URBAN HRM meltdown occur on Twitter. The fact is book. Call me old-fashioned, but there’s Internet access is an on-going issue though, for many businesses the outage something about writing addresses into in Nova Scotia. Rural Nova Scotians meant lost revenue as phone lines were a fancy notebook with letter dividers. For have been having trouble connecting down, debit machines stopped processing this reason, I know that if my internet for years and while the province has and I’m sure many meetings were can- goes down or I lose power my list of allocated money towards the cause, celled. The lack of internet access would contacts won’t go with it. Make sure you many people would be surprised to know have had a severe impact on businesses have your business or customer contact that it’s not just a rural issue. There are in the Atlantic provinces. So, what do list written somewhere other than online businesses in urban HRM, including businesses do when technology fails? or on the computer. Maybe you have an the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, important meeting, but because of a loss that have faced difficulties acquiring PREPARE FOR THE WORST of power you don’t have any lights. You internet access. There is a real cost We all know that technology can may want to reschedule, but without to businesses if internet access is not fail. The internet can go down, the power knowing their number, this might not be available and may even affect a business can go off, or sometimes just forgetting easy. owner’s decision to locate into a certain a password can lead to lost data. The area. If you are a business within the best way to mitigate the loss is to have a HAVE A TEAM MEETING HRM having trouble acquiring internet, backup plan! How often do we get a chance to contact Kathleen at the Chamber as the • Find an internet backup: Mobile meet with our team without someone Create a Positive Business Environment hotspots, often offered by your constantly checking their emails? If your Task Force is looking into this issue internet carrier, can save you if you office loses connectivity or power and you ([email protected]). really need the internet at the time can still see each other, why not check In the end, while power outages and it goes down. For instance, during a in with everyone’s projects or just have a lost internet can have a major impact on high-stakes presentation or an conversation. businesses, having a game plan for when important international Skype call. it does happen can save your business in • Find a good coffee shop: If it’s just BACKUP TIPS the long run. Use the internet, find the your internet that’s down or your • Automatic save: Set your writing best way to back up your data, or find a power is out, know where a good tools, like Microsoft Word, to cozy coffee shop. Don’t panic, there was “work-from-outside” the office automatically save your work every a time when no one had internet and spot is. five minutes. business still continued.

32 JULY / AUGUST 2018 WORKING FOR YOU

Presenting Sponsor:

THANK YOU! n May 2, we hosted our annual OSpring Dinner in the impressive new Halifax Convention Centre. It was an insightful evening and we are excited about the benefi ts that the Ocean Supercluster will provide our mem- bers. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Oland Brewery for supporting our event.

EVENT SPONSORS:

A member of the SaltWire Network

For more information on next year’s Spring Dinner visit www.halifaxchamber.com.

BUSINESS VOICE 33 WHERE ARE THEY NOW Fighting global disease Appili Therapeutics wages war on dangerous bacteria By Heather Laura Clarke

They don’t wear capes and masks, but a team of employees in Halifax is working hard to save the citizens of earth from infectious disease. Experts in drug development, infec- tious disease and commercialization Halifax is a great place to founded Appili Therapeutics less than launch a company and three years ago — and the company has already been making a difference on a the local business commu- global level. nity has been extremely Appili Therapeutics’ CEO, Kevin Sullivan, says winning New Business supportive. There’s a lot of the Year at the 2017 Halifax Business of good talent coming out Awards was an important moment in the early life cycle of the company. of local universities and “We’d come a long way fairly we’ve been able to attract quickly and we’d also been successful in the fundraising end of things — raising a really top-notch team just shy of $12 million in equity financing as well as $14.6 million in non-diluted to drive our growth.” funding [through partnerships and — Kevin Sullivan, incentive programs] to support our three CEO, Appili Therapeutics programs,” says Sullivan. “We were able to do a lot in a short period of time and it got people’s attention.” Since winning the award last Contributed January, Sullivan says the Appili Therapeutics team has been charging programs in the earlier stages of devel- “The program is partially funded by the ahead and continuing to expand, going opment — which can really and truly U.S. Department of Defense, so we’re from 14 employees to 20. change how we treat infectious diseases,” developing a vaccine to protect troops “Last year we grew our management explains Sullivan. “The faster-to-market as well as the civilian population against team and this year we’ve been focusing products give the company stability and this potential bioterrorism threat.” on filling out the organization with a the higher-risk programs provide the Since Appili Therapeutics’ business number of critical roles,” says Sullivan. long-term potential growth.” model centres around growth through “We’ve been finding the right people in At the moment, their near-to-patient acquisition, Sullivan says their new asset business development, finance, project focus is the ATI-1501 program, which has identification team has been hunting for management and regulatory affairs.” finished its clinical trial and is on track to their future programs. He says the company’s approach file its New Drug Application (NDA) to “We’ve looked at more than 150 dif- focuses on “matching clearly defined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ferent infectious disease programs glob- medical needs with opportunities for (FDA) by the end of the year. It’s an oral ally and there are a few we’re interested more effective solutions,” which range suspension (liquid) form of antibiotic in,” says Sullivan. “If we’re successful from improvements in established that’s designed to help pediatric and in bringing those in, we’ll have some therapies to entirely new classes of elderly patients who have difficulty important announcements to make in the anti-infectives. swallowing. coming year.” Because Appili Therapeutics isn’t Sullivan says their ATI-1503 program Sullivan says the company’s focus is bound to a specific technology or plat- is in the critical gram-negative antibi- entirely global, but it works well for Appili form, employees are able to consider otic space, where there is discussion to maintain their head office in Halifax, a wide range of additions and target surrounding antibiotic-resistant “super- along with a secondary office in Toronto. programs that rapidly generate value bugs.” The Appili team is also working on “Halifax is a great place to launch a or represent significant advances in the a brand-new vaccine to combat a danger- company and the local business commu- treatment of infectious diseases. ous strain of bacteria called francisella nity has been extremely supportive,” says “The focus has always been to build tularensis. Sullivan. “There’s a lot of good talent a balanced risk portfolio that’s a mix “It’s a thousand times more potent coming out of local universities and of products close to market, which can than anthrax, so it could be used as a we’ve been able to attract a really top- generate revenue and cash flow — and bioterrorism weapon,” says Sullivan. notch team to drive our growth.”

34 JULY / AUGUST 2018

Wherever Business Takes You

At MNP, focusing on the success of our clients has always been at the heart of who we are and what has set us apart. This client-centric approach is also why MNP has grown to become one of the most trusted accounting, tax and business consulting firms in Canada. Committed to Atlantic Canada, our diverse team of business advisors delivers the customized and innovative strategies you need to succeed, wherever business takes you. Contact Kirk Higgins, FCPA, FCA, Regional Managing Partner, Atlantic Canada, at 902.493.5452 or [email protected]