BRINGING SMALL BUSINESS MATTERS TO THE FOREFRONT DOWNTOWNS ATLANTIC CANADA (DAC) CONFERENCE HALIFAX, | MAY 27-29, 2018 downtownsatlantic.com DAC PARTNERS

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DAC ADVOCATE TABLE OF CONTENTS

About Downtowns Atlantic Canada (DAC) 1

Message from the President of DAC 2

Greetings from the Mayor 2

DAC Board of Directors 3

About the 2018 DAC Conference 3

DAC Conference BID Hosts 3

Registration 4

Special Events 4

WiFi 4

Mobile Tour 4

Schedule-at-a-Glance 5

Venue Information and City Map 6

Keynote and Panel Descriptions 8

Keynote Speakers 10

Moderators and Panelists 11

ABOUT DOWNTOWNS ATLANTIC CANADA (DAC)

The downtown business improvement areas (BIAs) of Atlantic Canada, with representatives from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island, merged together and joined a Memorandum of Understanding to create Downtowns Atlantic Canada (DAC). Together, they represent over 15,000 businesses and are a network of advocates from BIAs across Atlantic Canada. DAC works to improve the positioning of the BIAs as unique, diverse, vibrant, and economically healthy urban cores.

DAC’s mission is to be recognized as the collective voice of the downtown business improvement areas of Atlantic Canada. DAC’s goal is to increase partnerships with provincial and municipal governments, as well as with the federal government to achieve their goals of growth and investment in our urban cores. In addition, DAC members strive to bring the challenges of urban economic development to the attention of decision-makers and to facilitate actions that will result in prosperous and vibrant business improvement areas.

1 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF DAC GREETINGS FROM THE MAYOR

Welcome to Halifax for the 2018 Downtowns Atlantic As Mayor of Halifax and on behalf of Regional Council, Canada (DAC) Conference. This year’s conference is a it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings truly collaborative effort by all eight local business and a special welcome to all those attending the 2018 improvement district (BID) organizations coming together Downtowns Atlantic Canada (DAC) Conference taking place to organize a terrific program, with both international and May 27-29. regional talent. Downtowns are the centre of commerce, the seat of It is the next step for DAC, as we become an officially government, the heart of culture. They are intrinsic to registered organization, which joins other regional our pride of place, our identity, and our personality. Great associations, across Canada and the USA, to share best downtowns are a celebration of art, music, food, and practices, provide valuable networking, and communications architecture. They are walkable, liveable, and unique across our downtown and main street organizations. places. Successful downtowns are the result of strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, Over the next three days, you’ll hear from keynote speakers and over the next few days you will hear speakers from from the USA, mayors representing municipalities in across North America who are leaders in downtown Atlantic Canada, local businesspeople, and your peers in revitalization. The 2018 DAC conference celebrates the the BID community. This year’s theme is “Bringing Small success of our downtowns, the importance of small Business Matters to the Forefront.” We know that small business, and the innovative entrepreneurs who keep our businesses are the backbone of the local economy, and mainstreets vibrant and prosperous. unquestionably the backbone of our main streets. As disruptive market forces accelerate, we need to better I want to thank the downtown business improvement support our small business members, to ensure our areas (BIAs) of Atlantic Canada for recognizing the critical districts thrive. role our downtowns play in creating successful cities, and for coming together to advocate for positive change that We know you’ll learn a lot, and also enjoy the experience will help us reach our vast potential. I wish you all a very of your host city, on both sides of the harbour. memorable conference, and hope you enjoy your stay in Halifax. All the best, Kindest regards,

Paul MacKinnon President, Downtowns Atlantic Canada Mike Savage, Mayor

2 2017-18 DAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Members: Board of Directors: Paul MacKinnon, President Dawn Alan, Downtown Charlottetown Karla Nicholson, Vice President Scott Cluney, Downtown St. John’s Bruce McCormack, Treasurer Graziella Grbac, Village on Main – Community Improvement District Nancy Tissington, Secretary Trina MacDonald, Business Fredericton North Deborah Elliott, Past President Paul MacKinnon, Downtown Halifax Business Commission Samantha Madore, Downtown Truro Partnership Bruce McCormack, Downtown Fredericton Karla Nicholson, Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association Anne Poirier-Basque, Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc. Tim Rissesco, Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission Juanita Spencer, Spring Garden Area Business Association Nancy Tissington, Uptown Saint John Business Improvement Association

ABOUT THE 2018 DAC CONFERENCE

“Bringing Small Business Matters to the Forefront”

Inspired by the challenges small businesses face on a day-to-day basis, the organizers of this year’s DAC Conference, “Bringing Small Business Matters to the Forefront,” set out to create a program dedicated to addressing small business issues. The keynote speakers and panel discussions will address many of these issues and provide us with tools and motivation to lead our small business communities and keep our main streets vibrant and prosperous.

The DAC Conference is co-hosted by: Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission, Downtown Halifax Business Commission, North End Business Association, Sackville Business Association, Spring Garden Area Business Association, Spryfield Business Commission, and Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association, and Village on Main – Community Improvement District.

DAC CONFERENCE BID HOSTS

3 REGISTRATION SPECIAL EVENTS

At the Registration Desk, you can: DAC OPENING NIGHT PECHAKUCHA • Pick up your delegate badge • Pick up your delegate bag – includes drink tickets and Sunday, May 27, 7:30 pm ferry ticket Sponsored by North End Business Association and • Sign up for the Mobile Tour (May 28) Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association

HOURS & LOCATIONS: PechaKucha 20x20 is a simple presentation format Sunday, May 27 where presenters show 20 images, each for 20 seconds. 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm The images advance automatically, and the speaker Main lobby, to the right of the concierge desk, on the talks along to the images. Why? Because people tend to ground floor of The Prince George Hotel, 1725 Market talk too much! PechaKucha Nights are informal and fun Street, Halifax gatherings where creative people get together and share their ideas, works, and thoughts. This event is included Monday, May 28 with your DAC registration. 7:30 am to 3:00 pm Windsor Rooms 1 & 2, The Prince George Hotel, 1725 DAC DINNER AT THE CANTEEN Market Street, Halifax Monday, May 28, 7:00 pm Tuesday, May 29 Sponsored by Ekistics Planning + Design 8:00 am to 12:00 noon Hallway outside of Paul O’Regan Hall, Halifax Central A set menu, three-course dinner at the hottest Library, 5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax restaurant in Downtown Dartmouth. The Canteen is a neighbourhood restaurant, serving up chef-inspired seasonal fare. Delegates can unwind, relax, and network, over a great meal, influenced by classic French, Italian, and traditional Nova Scotian cuisine. This dinner is included with your DAC registration.

WIFI MOBILE TOUR

For free WiFi at The Prince George Hotel, you can use the Argyle and Grafton Streetscape, Halifax Convention Centre, following networks: Halifax Waterfront Monday, May 28, 4:00 pm Network: PG Meeting Password: reception Explore the recently completed shared Argyle and Grafton Streetscape, the newly opened Halifax Convention Centre Network: PG Public and the beautiful Halifax Waterfront with your tour Password: diamond guides: Suzanne Fougere, Halifax Convention Centre, Paul MacKinnon, Downtown Halifax Business Commission; For free WiFi at the Halifax Central Library, you can use the Hanita Koblents, HRM Planning; and TJ Maguire, following network: Waterfront Development.

Network: Halifax Public Libraries There is no extra fee for this tour but it is a separate Password: No password needed registration. Please sign up at the Registration Desk. Delegates meet at the Halifax Convention Centre. For updates and to join the conversation, follow #DACHalifax2018 on Twitter and Instagram.

4 SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE

SUNDAY, MAY 27 4:00 PM-5:30 PM Mobile Tour: Argyle & Grafton Streetscape, Halifax Convention 1:30 PM-4:00 PM Registration Desk Centre, Halifax Waterfront The Prince George Hotel Lobby 5:45 PM-7:00 PM Ferry to Alderney Landing 4:00 PM- 5:30 PM DAC Board Meeting Halifax Ferry Terminal Closed to DAC Board Members 7:00 PM-9:00 PM DAC Dinner at The Canteen 7:30 PM-10:00 PM Opening Night PechaKucha The Canteen on Portland, Dartmouth The Seahorse Tavern, Halifax Sponsor: Ekistics Planning + Design Sponsor: North End Business Association & & Downtown Dartmouth Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association Business Commission

9:30 PM Alderney Ferry to Halifax: ferries MONDAY, MAY 28 run on the half-hour Alderney Ferry Terminal, Dartmouth The Prince George Hotel (Windsor 1 & 2) 7:30 AM-3:00 PM Registration Desk TUESDAY, MAY 29 8:00 AM-9:00 AM Breakfast Halifax Central Library (Paul O’Regan Hall) Sponsored by HotSpot Inc. 9:00 AM-9:15 AM Welcome by Andy Fillmore, MP 8:00 AM-12:00 PM Registration Desk 9:15 AM-10:15 PM Keynote Speaker: Michael Shuman 8:00 AM-9:00 AM DAC AGM Breakfast “Why Small Business Matters” Sponsor: The Flag Shop Nova Scotia 9:00 AM-10:00 AM Panel Discussion: Secrets to Success Sponsor: HotSpot Inc. 10:15 AM-10:30 AM Morning Nutrition Break Sponsor: Sackville Business Association 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Panel Discussion: Giving Small Business a Voice - the Art of Advocacy 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Panel Discussion: The Art of the Sponsor: Waterfront Development Marketing Campaign Sponsor: Downtown Truro Partnership 11:00 AM- 11:15 AM Morning Nutrition Break Sponsor: Spring Garden Area 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Panel Discussion: Business Association Small Business Realities Sponsor: HotSpot Inc. 11:15 AM-12:30 PM Mayors' Roundtable 12:30 PM-1:15 PM Lunch Sponsor: Boyne Clarke Sponsor: Downtowns New Brunswick 12:30 PM-12:45 PM DAC Closing Remarks 1:15 PM-2:15 PM Panel Discussion: Future Outlook for Mainstreet Business Sponsor: Halifax Regional Municipality 2:15 PM-3:15 PM Keynote Speaker: Tim Tompkins “Transformational Power of a BID” Sponsor: Halifax Regional Municipality 3:15 PM-3:30 PM Afternoon Nutrition Break Sponsor: Spryfield Business Commission

5 VENUE INFORMATION AND CITY MAP

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6 VENUE INFORMATION AND CITY MAP

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1. The Seahorse Tavern 2037 Gottingen Street Halifax 2. The Prince George Hotel Windsor Rooms 1 & 2 1725 Market Street Halifax 3. The Canteen on Portland 5 22 Portland Street Dartmouth 4. Alderney Landing Ferry Terminal Darmouth 5. Halifax Ferry Terminal Halifax 6. Halifax Central Library Paul O’Regan Hall 5440 Spring Garden Road Halifax

7 KEYNOTE AND PANEL DESCRIPTIONS

MONDAY, MAY 28 Keynote Speaker Michael H. Shuman: Panel Discussion: Why Small Business Matters Small Business Realities 9:15 am – 10:15 am 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Windsor Rooms 1 & 2, The Prince George Hotel Windsor Rooms 1 & 2, The Prince George Hotel Sponsored by The Flag Shop Nova Scotia Sponsored by HotSpot Inc. Michael H. Shuman is an economist, attorney, author, Owning a small business is no walk in the park. This panel entrepreneur, and a globally recognized expert on of business owners explores the challenges of owning and community economics. He’s also a founding board operating a local, small business and how BIDs can best member of the Business Alliance for Local Living support small business members. Economies (BALLE). He makes the argument for why small business deserves more attention in economic Moderator: Nancy Tissington, Uptown Saint John Inc. strategies and shares how to leverage small business to Panelists: Margaret Armour, Aerobics First create successful local economies. Jeremy Smith, Freak Lunchbox Doug Townsend, The Canteen on Portland Panel Discussion: The Art of the Marketing Campaign Panel Discussion: Future Outlook for Mainstreet Business 10:30 am – 11:30 am Windsor Rooms 1 & 2, The Prince George Hotel 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm Sponsored by Downtown Truro Partnership Windsor Rooms 1 & 2, The Prince George Hotel Sponsored by Halifax Regional Municipality This panel will present three different scales of marketing campaigns – from street‐specific to city‐wide – and With changes in retail markets, demographics, and share ideas and lessons learned for creating your own consumer behaviours, this session will present trends, unique marketing campaigns targeted at supporting local dynamics, and issues affecting and shaping mainstreet business. business environments. Moderator: Christine Oreskovich, The Coast Moderator: Patty Cuttell, North End Business Association Panelists: Karla Nicholson, Quinpool Road Mainstreet Panelists: David Harrison, Urban Planner District Association Ian Munro, Halifax Partnership Erica Pellerin, Discover Halifax Michael Shuman, Telesis Corporation Gordon Stevens, The Uncommon Group and I Love Local HFX Keynote Speaker Tim Tompkins: Transformational Power of a BID 2:15 am – 3:15 pm Windsor Rooms 1 & 2, The Prince George Hotel Sponsored by Halifax Regional Municipality Tim Tompkins has been the President of the Times Square Alliance since 2002. The Alliance is a business improvement district that works to improve and promote Times Square by cultivating the creativity, energy, and edge that have made the area an icon of entertainment, culture, and urban life for over a century.

8 KEYNOTE AND PANEL DESCRIPTIONS

TUESDAY, MAY 29 Panel Discussion: Panel Discussion: Secrets to Success The Mayors’ Roundtable 9:00 am – 10:00 am 11:15 am – 12:30 pm Paul O’Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library Paul O’Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library Sponsored by HotSpot Inc. Sponsored by Boyne Clarke All BIDs have an eclectic mix of members — from retailers Every BIA needs to work with city hall. This relationship can and restaurants to property owners and managers. This be complicated, depending upon who sits at the Council session considers different aspects of BID membership, table. Most vital of all is the relationship with the mayor. and how as BID managers we can effectively support the Halifax Mayor Mike Savage will be joined by two mayoral different interests we represent. colleagues, for a lively discussion from their perspective, on what it’s like to work with BIAs in the important role Moderator: Karla Nicholson, Quinpool Road Mainstreet of city building. This session will be open and free to the District Association public. Panelists: Ross Cantwell, HRM Apartments Luc Erjavec, Restaurants Canada Moderator: Amy Pugsley Fraser, allNovaScotia.com Ken Kelly, Urban Planner Panelists: Mayor Danny Breen, St. John’s Mayor Pam Mood, Yarmouth Mayor Mike Savage, Halifax Panel Discussion: Giving Small Business a Voice, the Art of Advocacy 10:00 am – 11:00 am Paul O’Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library Sponsored by Waterfront Development

Advocacy is a big part of what BID leaders do. In this session, we will hear lessons learned from former government representatives and community activists on how we can become more effective advocates. Moderator: Tristan Cleveland, Smarter Streets Panelists: Deputy Mayor Waye Mason, Halifax Hnourable Kelly Regan, MLA for Bedford Honourable Graham Steele, ECNS

9 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Michael H. Shuman, Telesis Corporation Tim Tompkins, Times Square Alliance Michael H. Shuman is an economist, attorney, Tim Tompkins has been the President of the Times author, and entrepreneur, and a leading visionary Square Alliance since 2002. The Alliance is a business on community economics. He’s Director of Local improvement district that works to improve and Economy Programs for Telesis Corporation, a non- promote Times Square – cultivating the creativity, profit affordable housing company, and currently an energy and edge that have made the area an icon adjunct instructor at Bard Business School in New of entertainment, culture and urban life for over York City and at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. a century. He is a board member of the NYC BID He’s also a Fellow at Cutting Edge Capital and at the Association and the current Chair of the International Post-Carbon Institute, and a founding board member Downtown Association. Prior to joining the Alliance, of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies he was the Founder and Director of Partnerships (BALLE). His two most recent books are The Local for Parks, which works to support New York City’s Economy Solution: How Innovative, Self-Financing neighborhood parks, which won an Innovations Pollinator Enterprises Can Grow Jobs and Prosperity in Government Award from the JFK School of and Local Dollars, Local Sense: How to Shift Your Money Government at Harvard for its work to restore the from Wall Street to Main Street. One of his previous Bronx River. He has an undergraduate degree from books, The Small Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses Yale and an MBA from Wharton, and currently Are Beating the Global Competition (Berrett-Koehler, teaches “Transforming Cities” and “The Arts and Artist 2006), received a bronze prize from the Independent in Urban Revitalization” at the Robert F. Wagner Publishers Association for best business book of 2006. Graduate School of Public Service.

10 MODERATORS & PANELISTS

Margaret Armour, Aerobics First Ross Cantwell, HRM Apartments Margaret Armour is one of the founding owners of Cantwell is a developer who has just completed a $20M Aerobics First, a specialty sporting goods retailer which has mixed-use building in Halifax’s North End (The VÉLO). been a Halifax institution for 38 years. This local business As a real estate consultant, he has completed more than has created a unique culture which encourages customer 200 studies, including 40 downtown and waterfront loyalty, staff commitment and community involvement. plans throughout the Maritimes. He previously owned She has always recognized that the success of any business two Pharmasave stores and was on the Board of is its people and has worked to find ways for staff to Downtown Halifax Business Commission and North End participate in profits or in ownership of the business. She Business Association. Mr. Cantwell currently sits on the is passionate about entrepreneurship, local business, and board of NSCAD and the Housing Trust of NS. Ross is a mentoring younger entrepreneurs in the start-up phase. former CPA and has a Masters in Real Estate from the planning school at MIT.

Mayor Danny Breen, St. John’s Danny Breen was first elected to the St. John’s City Council Tristan Cleveland, Smarter Streets in the Fall of 2009 and was re-elected by acclamation in Tristan Cleveland is an urban planner, advocate, and 2013, representing Ward 1, in the east end of St. John’s. He researcher from Halifax. In 2017, he co-founded a was elected as Mayor of the City of St. John’s in September research consultancy, Smarter Streets, that analyzes the of 2017. Danny has served as Chair of the Public Works relationship between built form, transportation, and Committee, Chair of the St. John’s Sport Event Partnership prosperity. He writes a weekly column with The Star and Chair of the Finance Committee of the Eastern Halifax on issues related to urban design, transportation, Regional Services Board. He has also served as Chair of the and equity. City’s Audit and Accountability Committee and the Finance Committee, as well as Co-Chair of the St. John’s Regional Fire Services Committee. In the past Danny has been actively involved in his community serving on The Board of Directors of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

11 MODERATORS & PANELISTS

Patricia Cuttell, North End Business Association Andy Fillmore, MP for Halifax Patricia is the Executive Director of the North End Business Andy Fillmore is the Member of Parliament for Halifax and Association, a diverse, vibrant, and eclectic neighbourhood Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic in the heart of Halifax’s urban core. She is also an urban Institutions. Andy has been devoted to making Canada’s planner, strategist, and an Adjunct Professor at Dalhousie communities healthy and sustainable spaces in which to live, University. Her work has been recognized internationally, work, and play; supporting innovation; improving relations including the “Places Planning Award” and the “Canadian with Indigenous peoples;​ and protecting the environment. Institute of Planners Award of Planning Excellence.” Prior to his election in 2015, Andy spent twenty years as an urban planner and community builder in the private, public, and academic sectors. As Halifax’s first Manager of Urban Design, Andy’s career has included projects like the new Halifax Central Library and “HRM by Design,” the downtown Halifax plan. His leadership on HRM by Design has seen development activity in downtown Halifax increase by over forty times.

Luc Erjavec, Restaurants Canada Restaurants Canada is one of Canada’s largest business associations representing over 30,000 foodservice establishments across the country. Restaurants Canada represents the owners and operators of foodservice establishments, including full-service and quick-service restaurants, bars, pubs, hotels, caterers and institutions, as Suzanne Fougere, Halifax Convention Centre well as educators and foodservice suppliers. Luc joined the Suzanne Fougere is Vice-President, Experience & association in 1995, establishing the organization’s first Engagement, with the Halifax Convention Centre. regional office. Based in Halifax, Luc is responsible for an With over 15 years of experience, Suzanne is a senior ongoing government relations program in Canada’s four strategist and communications practitioner with a proven Atlantic provinces. ability to conceive and deliver solutions that support organizational growth. Her diverse experience includes issues and reputation management, stakeholder and shareholder relations, governance, marketing and brand strategy. She is a graduate of the Mount Saint Vincent University’s Bachelor of Public Relations Program with a Certificate in Marketing and is accredited by the Institute of Communications and Advertising.

12 MODERATORS & PANELISTS

David Harrison, Urban Planner Hanita Koblents, HRM Planning David Harrison is an urban planner who has been active in Hanita Koblents is senior planning professional a wide range of planning, economic development and real with Halifax Regional Municipality. She has worked estate development projects. He has a specialty emphasis on a diverse array of projects from community and on providing seniors and other special needs housing. In transportation master plans, to detailed design of sites 2017, he oversaw development of the Village on Main’s and active transportation infrastructure. Hanita thrives age-friendly community plan, the first plan of its type on building strong multidisciplinary teams to collaborate that has been adopted in Halifax. He has been involved on bold new plans and projects. Hanita was the in redevelopment projects in Dartmouth’s Main Street construction project manager for the Argyle & Grafton District – a couple of these projects included the use of Streetscape transformation. social enterprise and special-needs housing in supporting revitalization and community development.

Paul MacKinnon, Downtown Halifax Business Commission Ken Kelly, Urban Planner Paul MacKinnon is the President of Downtowns Ken Kelly is an urban planner who has worked throughout Atlantic Canada. He has been involved in downtown Canada for more than forty years to revitalize downtowns revitalization for the past two decades, spending the and inner cities. He has served as the manager of past 15 years as Executive Director of Downtown Halifax Downtown Victoria and of Downtown Moncton Centre- Business Commission, which is the advocacy voice and ville Inc. as well as president of Downtown New Brunswick promoter for 1,600 businesses in Halifax, NS. Paul is and BIABC. He is an honourary citizen of , a past board member of the International Downtown , and a graduate of UBC and Queen’s University. Association (IDA), and is the past-chair of IDA Canada, an advocacy and research arm of IDA. Paul served as the Vice Chair of the Urban Design Task Force, which oversaw the creation of HRMs’s new downtown planning strategy, HRM by Design, adopted in 2009. He was also a core team member of the Strategic Urban Partnership and a founding member of OurHRMAlliance.

13 MODERATORS & PANELISTS

TJ Maguire, Waterfront Development Mayor Pam Mood, Yarmouth TJ is the Urban Designer with the team at Waterfront Pam Mood comes to us from the beautiful seaside town Development. He volunteers with the Planning & Design of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, which she refers to as the Centre, Fusion Halifax, Downtown Halifax Business “best piece of real estate on earth.” Currently serving Commission, Walk N Roll Halifax, and Doors Open Halifax. her second term as Mayor of Yarmouth, Pam strongly believes that our downtowns are the heartbeat of our communities and that the strength of the downtown is indicative of the strength of the region and indeed the entire Province. She has worked tirelessly on “opening the doors” for businesses to set up, survive, and indeed thrive. Pam is the mother of three grown children, is a proud Acadia University graduate, and loves nothing more than a good conversation, a hearty laugh, and an action plan come to life!

Deputy Mayor Waye Mason, Halifax Regional Municipality Waye Mason is an activist, entrepreneur, educator, and municipal councillor who was re-elected to Halifax Regional Council in 2016. In 2017, he was elected Deputy Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality. Known for his social media savvy and relentless constituency work, Waye has grown businesses, lead member organizations, and advanced the arts and creative sector in Nova Scotia for over two decades. Ian Munro, Halifax Partnership Ian Munro is Chief Economist with the Halifax Partnership, the city’s economic development organization. Throughout his career, Ian has worked for the federal public service, large and small consulting companies, and a public policy think tank. He also spent several years working out of his home as a freelance researcher and consultant. Ian grew up in Charlottetown and in addition to Halifax has lived in Sackville, New Brunswick, Ottawa, Boston, and Toronto. He lives in the south end of Halifax with his wife and two sons.

14 MODERATORS & PANELISTS

Karla Nicholson, Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Erica Pellerin, Discover Halifax Association Erica Pellerin is the Vice President, Marketing and Visitor Karla Nicholson’s keen interest in business and Experience for Discover Halifax, the tourism agency for business development led her to her current position the Halifax Regional Municipality. Erica is responsible of Executive Director for the Quinpool Road Mainstreet for promoting Halifax as a destination of choice to both District Association. A community-minded, dedicated leisure and business travellers. She works with key professional with more than 24 years’ experience in strategic partners and the tourism industry, as a whole, strategic planning, communications, event management, to develop motivating marketing campaigns, engaging business networking, and marketing, Karla has been content, and helpful information for visitors once in the bringing excitement, imagination and realistic new market. She has over 15 years’ experience marketing ideas to the association for the past ten years. Energetic some of Canada’s most popular brands including to the core, Karla thrives on effectively communicating Cheerios, Dentyne, Caramilk, and now Halifax. and implementing ideas with team members, business partners, and the media as well as community and government stakeholders.

Amy Pugsley Fraser, allNovaScotia.com One way or another, Amy Pugsley Fraser has been writing about Halifax in local, national and international Christine Oreskovich, The Coast publications since 1996. She covers City Hall for Christine Oreskovich is publisher and co-owner of The Coast, allNovaScotia.com, a beat she also had with The Chronicle an alternative weekly newspaper and media company in Herald. Her work has appeared in Reader’s Digest, Canadian Halifax. Over the two decades since its founding, The Coast Lawyer, and Canadian House & Home, and in several books, has grown from a bi-weekly run on volunteer labour, to a including Halifax Street Names and the Fodor’s series of media organization recognized with local and international travel guides. awards for its writing, design and website. Christine is a past board member of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia. Currently she sits on the board of Leave Out Violence Nova Scotia and the Halifax Youth Foundation. Christine is also the founder of Halifax Oyster Festival, the biggest oyster festival in Canada.

15 MODERATORS & PANELISTS

Honourable Kelly Regan, MLA for Bedford Honourable Graham Steele, ECNS Kelly Regan was first elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature Graham Steele was a member of the Nova Scotia in June 2009 and was re-elected in the 2013 and 2017 legislature from 2001 to 2013 and was Nova Scotia’s provincial elections as the Member for Bedford. In June finance minister from 2009 to 2012. His first book, What 2017, Premier Stephen McNeil re-appointed Kelly to I Learned About Politics, became a bestseller when it Executive Council as Minister of Community Services and was released in September 2014. His second book, The Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status Effective Citizen, helps citizens understand why politicians of Women Act. She has previously served as Minister of act the way they do, and how to work with politicians to Labour and Advanced Education, Minister responsible for get things done. It came out last October. the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act, Minister responsible for the Workers’ Compensation Act (except Part II), and Minister responsible for Youth. Prior to entering politics, Kelly worked as an award-winning television director, producer, and writer.

Jeremy Smith, Freak Lunchbox Jeremy Smith is co-founder and CEO of Freak Lunchbox, an award-winning chain of candy stores with multiple locations. Trained in fine and commercial art, he has Mayor Mike Savage, Halifax Regional Municipality an enthusiasm for brick and mortar businesses that improve the visual landscape and experience of the Mike Savage was first elected Mayor of Halifax Regional local community. Municipality on October 20, 2012. Mayor Savage ran on a platform to make Halifax the most livable, entrepreneurial and inclusive city in the country, principles that continue to shape his work at City Hall and in the community. On October 15, 2016, Mayor Savage was elected to a second term based on a platform of sustained progress in making the Halifax region a place where residents can live, belong and thrive. Mayor Savage is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Big City Mayors’ Caucus and a strong voice in support of local economic development, immigration, social equity, and infrastructure investment.

16 MODERATORS & PANELISTS

Gordon Stevens, The Uncommon Group Doug Townsend, The Canteen on Portland Gordon Stevens is the founder and President of The After ten years of working in culinary tourism marketing Uncommon Group. Starting in 2003, The Uncommon for Taste of Nova Scotia, Doug decided to join forces with Group is now a collection of Halifax retail stores including his wife and chef, Renée Lavallée, to move and expand Uncommon Grounds, Rum Runners Rum Cake Factory, their small sandwich shop to a restored building on Sugah! Confectionery, Lost Cod Clothing Company & High downtown Dartmouth’s Portland Street. Since opening Seas Taffy & Tees. Each of these businesses were created in their full service 65-seat restaurant in February of 2017, Nova Scotia and feature many products, which are one-of- they have expanded to include an adjacent take-out shop a-kind creations made in-house. In 2010, Gordon created called Little C. Last year, The Canteen won four golds and a local co-operative marketing and promotional brand two silvers in The Coast’s Best of Halifax Awards. Doug lives for independent retailers and restaurants in Downtown near Lake Banook in Dartmouth with Renée and their kids Halifax, I Love Local HFX. Today, 50+ companies are Zoé and Phil. He currently serves on both the Downtown members of I Love Local HFX and the group has a very Dartmouth Business Commission and Dartmouth Family active social media presence and several initiatives Centre boards. throughout the year aimed at promoting the shop local and eat local movements.

Nancy Tissington, Uptown Saint John Inc. Nancy Tissington has over two decades of experience in community-building, marketing, and public administration. Prior​ to her post as Executive Director ​ at Uptown Saint John Inc., she worked as the Executive ​ Director for the Spring Garden Area Business Association and the Halifax Regional Municipality as the BID Coordinator. ​Her expertise in connecting public and private sectors has repeatedly resulted in winning outcomes for the business community.​ Nancy’s approach as an BIA practitioner is: we are nimble – let’s get it done!

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