H ALIFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | MARCH 2020 | VOLUME 29 ISSUE 3
The people and processes that are part of planning Nova Scotia’s annual budget BEHIND THE BUDGET Pg 16
CLUSTER CONCEPT BUBBLING BUSINESS WORKING WEBSITES Turning part-time jobs into full From apples, to profi ts Is your webpage on your side? Pg 19 Pg 22 Pg 27 58%
OF NOVA SCOTIANS NEED TO UPGRADE THEIR NUMERACY SKILLS
HELP US CHANGE THE NUMBERS
NSPGI DINNER AND AUCTION FOR LITERACY
TUESDAY, MARCH 31,2020 INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: $150 TABLE OF 8 SEATS: $1,200 HALIFAX MARRIOTT HARBOURFRONT Reception: 5pm • Awards Dinner/Auction: 6 -8:30pm Sponsorship opportunities available.
TO LEARN MORE VISIT literacyns.ca/pgi.htm OR PHONE 902-897-2444 Volume 29 • Issue 3 It’s not about fi nding a job, it’s about fi nding a place 19 Business Voice is published 11 times a year for members of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and Metro Halifax’s where you can contribute and where you can grow.” business community. Views expressed in Business Voice are those of the contributors and individual members, — Sylvia Gawad, Research, Innovation and Immigration Manager, and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are a policy of, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Placemaking 4G No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. Please address editorial enquiries COVER STORY: and changes to information to: Halifax Chamber of Commerce 100-32 Akerley Boulevard Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1N1 16 Tel: 902-468-7111 Fax: 902-468-7333 [email protected] www.halifaxchamber.com Board of Directors Margaret Chapman, Narrative Research, Chair Gavin MacDonald, Cox & Palmer, Vice Chair Cynthia Dorrington, Vale & Associates, Past Chair Directors Robert Dean, MNP LLP Mark Sidebottom, Nova Scotia Power Inc. Richard Butts, Clayton Developments Ltd. Paul Bent, Self-Employed Consultant Saeed El-Darahali, SimplyCast Faten Alshazly, WeUsThem Stefanie MacDonald, Halifax Paper Hearts Michele Peveril, NS Department of Business Brad Proctor, McInnes Cooper Captain(N) David Mazur, Maritimes Forces Atlantic Roger Boutilier, Nova Scotia Association of Realtors Caroline Wolfe Stewart, Nova Scotia College of Nursing BEHIND Andrew de Freitas, Canadian National Railway Cayla Stryncl, Fiera Properties Christopher Googoo, Ulnooweg THE BUDGET Chamber Staff Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO Nancy M. Conrad, Senior Vice President, Policy The people and processes that are part of Colin J. Bustard, Director of Finance and Administration Becky Davison, Director of Marketing planning Nova Scotia’s annual budget Emma Menchefski, Communications Specialist Business Voice is published by The Chronicle Herald Custom Publishing Department President & CEO: Mark Lever Director, Product Management: Lindsey Bunin Editor: Nicole Gnazdowsky Layout & Design: Peter Ross Contributing Writers: Sara Ericsson, Joey Fitzpatrick, TABLE OF John Pelley, Verity Lamb, Peter Woodward, Firas Zaytoun, Kathleen MacEachern Customer Relations Specialist: Meghan O'Neil Sales enquiries: [email protected] CONTENTS: 19 902-426-2811 ext. 1163 Cover photo: 123RF Copyright 2020 by The Chronicle Herald. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, 04 Events photograph or artwork without expressed written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. 05 President’s message 2717 Joseph Howe Drive Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2T2 Tel: 902-426-2811 06 New & Noted TheChronicleHerald.ca Disclaimer 10 Members Business Voice magazine makes no warranties of any kind, written or implied, regarding the contents of this magazine and expressly disclaims any warranty regarding the in the news accuracy or reliability of information contained herein. The views contained in this magazine are those of the 16 Behind the budget writers and advertisers; they do not necessarily refl ect the views of Business Voice magazine and its publisher The people and processes The Chronicle Herald. that are part of planning Publications Mail Agreement No. 40032112 Nova Scotia’s annual budget Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Halifax Chamber of Commerce. 19 Matching full-time 22 Profi le: needs with part-time Chain Yard Urban Cidery resources Introducing the concept of 24 Trends cluster employment to the Atlantic-Canadian job market 28 Working for you
BUSINESS VOICE 3 EVENTS
For a full and up-to-date list of our Chamber events, please visit CHAMBER EVENTS www.halifaxchamber.com/events
PINTS + POINTERS THANK YOU TO OUR THANK YOU TO OUR DATE: Thursday, March 5 FEBRUARY SPONSORS: TAP SPONSORS: TIME: 3:30 – 5 p.m. LOCATION: Garrison Brewing
CHAMBER 101 DATE: Wednesday, March 18 TIME: 12 – 1 p.m. LOCATION: Halifax Chamber offi ce, 32 Akerley Blvd.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: Blue Nose Marathon DATE: Tuesday, March 24 TIME: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. LOCATION: TBD
LUNCHEON: Leading with Integrity SPONSORED BY: Atlantic School of Theology DATE: Tuesday, March 26 TIME: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. LOCATION: Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
LUNCHEON: Minister Karen Casey SPONSORED BY: Chartered Professional Accountants of Nova Scotia DATE: Wednesday, April 1 TIME: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. LOCATION: Westin Nova Scotian
SAVE THE DATE: LUNCHEON: The Future is Green: An energy conversation DATE: Thursday, April 16 TIME: 8 – 10 a.m. LOCATION: TBD
SPRING DINNER PRESENTED BY: Labatt Brewing Company DATE: Tuesday, May 19 TIME: 5 – 9 p.m. LOCATION: Halifax Convention Centre
4 MARCH 2020 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Finding a balance Discover Halifax Nova Scotia’s budget season is here @prezhfxchamber
As we often joke, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
We tip our hats to the Office of to measure the impact of its regulatory Regulatory Modernization for their decision-making.” recent work in reducing red tape. The Cape Breton’s municipalities and Halifax Chamber of Commerce, CFIB, others in the province are looking the Halifax Partnership, business to these successes to build plans of PATRICK SULLIVAN improvement districts, the Nova Scotia their own to modernize regulations. PRESIDENT & CEO Federation of Municipalities, the The more support we have from Nova Construction Association of Nova Scotia, Scotia’s communities, the more we can ach year, the Halifax Chamber’s Restaurants Canada, representatives accomplish. Epolicy team reviews the past budgets from the development community and It may seem repetitive, but these of both the municipal and provincial staff from HRM and the province joined issues continue to be at the forefront for governments and provides pre-budget forces two years ago to find long-term a reason. They keep us from achieving submissions that contain recommen- solutions to complicated issues. our goals as a growing city and economic dations on the issues most affecting our As Jordi Morgan, Vice-President of driver for Nova Scotia. Let’s keep the members. These issues include reducing CFIB Atlantic Provinces points to in his pressure on our governments. the corporate tax rate, cutting red tape, Jan. 20, 2020 Chronicle Herald op-ed: We want to hear from you, our paying down our debts and increasing “We’re making progress. A ridiculous members. Is your business experiencing immigration. patio-licensing system fiasco has been red tape? Struggling with tax increases? Our 1,700 members make up the resolved, solutions are underway to fix Running into permit barriers? Finding it fabric of Halifax’s business community. long-standing irritants around signage difficult to recruit human capital? Is there They inspire new businesses, they bylaws, a new streamlined municipal a positive business story we should know contribute to our growing GDP and permitting and licensing system will about? Reach out to the Halifax Chamber they attract investment. Our pre-budget be launched online in 2020 to shorten and let us know what you’ve experienced. submissions allow our members the wait times and improve service delivery, We can then take these issues straight to opportunity to share their ideas directly staff are looking at regulatory proposals government and work to find a solution. with government in solidarity with the using the critical lens of a charter of As we often joke, “it’s the most business community. principles and the city is now beginning wonderful time of the year!” ■
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BUSINESS VOICE 5 NEWSMAKERS NEW & NOTED We welcome our new Chamber members
A.C. COVERT DISTRIBUTORS ATLANTIC MONTESSORI Bruce MacDonald SCHOOL 202 Waverley Rd. A.C. Covert is the fishmonger supplier Dartmouth, NS of choice for the finest retailers and food Atlantic Montessori School provides 902-435-2886 high-quality education for children service professionals in Atlantic Canada, [email protected] 18 months to six years of age in a warm, offering 400 different fresh and frozen www.benchautomotive.ca seafood products to customers from nurturing environment that focuses on TRANSPORTATION – its distribution centre and retail outlet the individual needs of each child. Automotive Repair/Parts at 390 Higney Avenue in the Burnside Analia Lowe Business Park in Dartmouth. 12 Flamingo Dr. BRODIE ART APPRAISAL Rick Kloschinsky Halifax, NS 390 Higney Ave. 902-405-3966 Providing fully independent appraisals Dartmouth, NS [email protected] of artwork for insurance coverage and 902-377-3474 www.atlanticmontessori.com damage claims, estate planning and [email protected] EDUCATION & PROF. division of assets, as well as financial www.accovert.com DEVELOPMENT – Education/Schools planning and charitable donation. SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAIL – Brodie Art Appraisal is a member of Retail (General) BEAUMONT the International Society of Appraisers. CABINETS & MILLWORK Our valuation reports are affordable, ALLIE WHITE – KELLER Beaumont Cabinets & Millwork impartial and prepared to the highest WILLIAMS SELECT REALTY specializes in custom kitchens, baths professional standard. Allie White and millwork for entire homes and Rachel Brodie 222 Waterfront Dr., Suite 106 commercial spaces. We are a team Halifax, NS Halifax, NS of highly skilled designers, architects, 902-201-5766 902-402-5419 fabricators and client relation specialists. [email protected] www.rachelbrodie.ca [email protected] We take your project, whether a BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – www.allierealty.com preliminary idea or full architectural Appraisals REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION – drawings and bring them into reality Real Estate Residential with the utmost attention to detail. CAA ATLANTIC Sean Court ALLNORTH 30 Simmonds Dr. CAA Atlantic serves more than 250,000 Allnorth is an engineering, surveying and Dartmouth, NS members in Atlantic Canada. In addition technical services consulting company. 902-603-1234 to being the preeminent auto club in the At Allnorth, we provide comprehensive [email protected] country, CAA is also one of Canada’s solutions for land development and www.beaumontcabinets.ca largest leisure travel agencies, is a leading construction projects including land INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING – provider of insurance products and surveys, 3D scans, ground-penetrating Kitchens/Cabinets offers members an outstanding rewards radar and pre-disturbance utility locates. program. CAA has a long history of BENCH AUTOMOTIVE INC. We pride ourselves on our agility and advocacy as the voice of the travelling ability to respond to clients’ needs within We are a boutique-style business offering public. a 48-hour window. both general and specialized automotive Glenda Hunter Heather Duncan repair services. We opened in 2013 and 330 John Savage Ave. 102 – 100 Venture Run have grown from a one-employee, two- Dartmouth, NS Dartmouth, NS bay shop, to a six-employee, seven-bay 902-443-7592 902-223-7796 shop, remaining focused on automotive [email protected] www.atlantic.caa.ca [email protected] trends and allowing for continuous FINANCE & INSURANCE – www.allnorth.com technical growth. INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING – Financial/Insurance Services Surveying
6 MARCH 2020 NEWSMAKERS
CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE Diana Ocampo Taylor Kline FRANCOPHONE DE HALIFAX Halifax, NS Halifax, NS (CCFH) 902-449-2457 902-223-5425 We take pride in representing the franco- [email protected] [email protected] Website coming soon www.dotmarketingco.com phone business community of Halifax. BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA – Marketing We strive to engage our members in Business Advisors networking and act as a voice to EDGECOMBES MARKETING co-ordinate activities and events in our DOT & COMPANY AND PROMOTIONS INC. area to further develop our members and foster opportunities for business. DOT & Company is a first-of-its-kind, Edgecombes is a full-service branding Martin Théberge client account-management agency, and marketing company. Family run Dartmouth, NS offering full-service client account- and established in 2001, we are proudly 902-229-9131 management services for growing digital East Coast-based with offices in both [email protected] marketing agencies worldwide. We Toronto and Calgary. The 2018 addition www.ccfh.ca partner with growing digital marketing of Think Marketing allows us to provide NOT–FOR–PROFIT GROUPS – agencies to provide best-in-class client integrated branding, creative and digital Not–For–Profit Groups communication and project manage- marketing, along with our promotional ment, acting as a liaison between the premiums, corporate apparel, uniforms, COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES LTD. agency and their clients. We give the POS collateral and printing services. One of Eastern Canada’s top property agency owner an opportunity to grow John Edgecombe developers, managing over one million and scale their business by managing the 2624 Windsor St. square feet of premium office and day-to-day client communications. Halifax, NS commercial space. We have a proven 902-453-0111 [email protected] commitment to environmental www.edgecombes.com responsibility and have earned a ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA – Marketing reputation for the quality maintenance of our buildings and the responsive service we provide to our clients. Mark McColgan 12 Smythe St., Suite 400 Saint John, NB 877-536-6600 [email protected] www.cplre.ca BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – Project Management
DO GLOBAL CONSULTING INC. Do Global Consulting Inc. is a boutique innovation consulting firm focused on the practice of strategic innovation, founded by Diana Ocampo. Ocampo has over 20 years of experience in several global industries from B2C to B2B. We work with private companies and govern- ments by helping them create, reinvent and redesign their corporate strategy to drive business growth, generate value and create a competitive advantage. For more information, please contact us at [email protected].
BUSINESS VOICE 7 NEWSMAKERS
EIMSKIP GARDAWORLD IHSAN ACADEMY PROTECTIVE SERVICES Eimskip has had a major presence in Iman Badawi Canada for the past 25 years and has GardaWorld is the largest privately 2728 Robie St. become a leader for all your transpor- owned security services company in the Halifax, NS tation requirements. Our dependable world. Our 92,000 highly trained, dedi- 902-454-4284 and efficient sailing system makes us the cated professionals serve clients across [email protected] preferred international carrier in Eastern 45 countries. We are trusted by more EDUCATION & PROF. Canada, with services built around our than 35,000 clients worldwide, includ- DEVELOPMENT – Education/Schools direct-liner connections to Europe and ing governments. We earn our clients’ freight forwarding to destinations all respect with the quality of our services LITTLE EDEN BAKERY AND CAFE around the world. and the commitment of our people. Little Eden is a bakery and cafe ded- Shawn Doyle Chris Murray icated to the ethical, sustainable and 577 Marginal Rd. 15 Oland Cres. local sourcing of its goods and products. Halifax, NS Halifax, NS A welcoming space for all, we serve 902-292-7690 902-417-0266 fresh, house-baked breads and pastries, [email protected] [email protected] light foods, espresso coffees and other www.eimskip.ca www.garda.com beverages. Support our earth-friendly TRANSPORTATION – Logistics SAFETY & SECURITY – Security commitment by bringing your own mug or use ours! Katherine Hosker 1996 Brunswick St. Halifax, NS 902-717-2144 [email protected] www.littleedenhfx.ca RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE – Bakery
springgreat day meetings package $ Single occupancy. from 199 Plus gratuities & taxes. MARTIN THEBERGE CONSULTANT INC. Martin Théberge Dartmouth, NS 902-229-9131 [email protected] www.martinthebergeconsultant.ca BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – Consulting (General)
MCK KITCHEN & BATH For over 30 years, MCK Kitchen & Bath has combined the best materials with local craftmanship to create affordable dream kitchens and cabinetry for count- less families across Nova Scotia. A 10-time Consumer Choice Awards It’s spring. Renew your crew! winner, each year since 2011, we offer Does everyone feel like throwing open the windows and clearing winter from your brain, or is it just us? free in-home consultations and a new Spring at the beach is all about renewal, and hitting the reset button. Our all-inclusive meetings do extensive Burnside showroom. just that – simplifying even last-minute beach gatherings. Our meetings guru, Anne is second only to Michael Thornhill Mother Nature for putting a spring in your step. Reach out to her at: [email protected] and get 19 Akerley Blvd. in May mode. Plan a little golf, add on a lobster dinner, mussel bake, or a unique Dartmouth, NS White Point Experience. We’ll get your crew outside making s’mores by the 902-468-6453 bonfire and running free on the beach as much as your agenda allows. [email protected]
Package includes: Overnight accommodation • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner www.mckkitchens.com Breaks • Basic AV equipment • Parking • Wi-fi INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING – Callanne: 902.423.8887 whitepoint.com Kitchens/Cabinets
8 MARCH 2020 NEWSMAKERS
MR. APPLIANCE OF HALIFAX SIMPLY GOOD FORM THE OLD TRIANGLE CONSULTANCY IRISH ALE HOUSE Premier appliance-service provider for residential owners and property man- Change the narrative, change lives. Owned and operated by the Doherty agers in Halifax. We pride ourselves in Simply Good Form Consultancy family, The Old Triangle was founded same-day or next-day service. We work proudly builds bridges beyond the in 2000 and features live music seven on all major residential brands. We offer binary. Certify your employees with nights per week, an extensive menu of an unparalleled one-year warranty of our confidence, cultural competency and Irish and Maritime fare, 22 taps of local work in our industry. Now featuring the intersectional understanding of margin- and international brews, terrific wines only Red Seal appliance technician in alized communities. Our Canada-wide and the best Irish whiskey selection Halifax. programming is designed to empower in town. Its second floor features two Glen Matheson your team with inclusive behaviour to private function rooms and a secondary 302 Kingswood Dr. interrupt biases around gender identity kitchen. Hammonds Plains, NS and sexual orientation. Cheryl Doherty 902-406-4240 Cynthia Sweeney 5136 Prince St. [email protected] Hammonds Plains, NS Halifax, NS www.MrAppliance.ca/Halifax 902-292-6331 902-492-4900 HOME & GARDEN – [email protected] [email protected] Appliance Sales/Service www.simplygoodform.com www.oldtriangle.com EDUCATION & PROF. RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE – REVENUE MANAGEMENT LTD. DEVELOPMENT – Training Programs Restaurant Based on 30 years of consulting in STUDENT MEMBERS various sectors, Heather Marriott has SUMMIT SEARCH GROUP developed 360traction, a division of Summit Search Group is a Canadian Ha Vu – MTEI, SMU Revenue Management Ltd. This is a professional recruitment firm com- Halifax, NS learning and linking process that inte- mitted to helping great employers hire 782-414-9728 grates the value proposition, the business intelligent, educated, motivated profes- [email protected] model and the key business metrics to sionals in order to advance the corporate help organizations stop the fire fighting bottom line and to enhance individual Huschang Pourian – MTEI, SMU and crisis management that distracts career goals. Our Atlantic team is com- Halifax, NS time and resources from building greater prised of tenured professionals who truly 647-801-4497 [email protected] traction at each stage of the business life partner with our clients for successful www.linkedin.com/in/pourian cycle. 360traction enables companies to outcomes. see the organization from the 100-foot Cynthia McCutcheon Karla Nasralla – Bachelor of view to pinpoint the issues that derail 647 Bedford Hwy., Suite 103 Business Administration, MSVU progress and success. Marriott provides Bedford. NS Halifax, NS both consulting services and educational 902-405-3607 [email protected] 902-899-6046 seminars on the business model as an [email protected] integrated value-delivery chain. www.summitsearchgroup.com Andrew Thompson HR, EMPLOYMENT & STAFFING – Halifax, NS Exec/Technical Search 902-423-3717 [email protected] THE ALS SOCIETY OF NEW www.revenuemanagement.ca BRUNSWICK AND NOVA SCOTIA FINANCE & INSURANCE – Kimberly Carter Are you a new member? Accounting 1000 Windmill Rd., Suite 1 To submit your 50-word description for Dartmouth, NS New & Noted, please contact Mandi Bowser, RUGGLES TOWING SERVICE LTD. 902-454-3636 Administrative Specialist, 902-468-7111 Karen Ruggles [email protected] or [email protected] within 902-434-3226 www.alsnbns.ca the first six months of membership. [email protected] NOT–FOR–PROFIT GROUPS – www.rugglestowingservice.ca Charitable Organizations TRANSPORTATION
BUSINESS VOICE 9 NEWSMAKERS MEMBERS IN THE NEWS How our members are growing Halifax
RBC APPOINTMENT Chris Ronald, RBC Regional President for the Atlantic provinces, is pleased to announce Kellie Sauriol as Regional Vice President of business financial services. Sauriol leads a team of 190 financial ser- vices professionals, overseeing the deliv- ery of advice and solutions to commercial and small businesses throughout Atlantic Canada. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Sauriol joined RBC in 1998 and over her $1M FOR KIDS HELP PHONE 20-plus year career has held a variety of Kids Help Phone is thrilled to announce silent auction and much more. All sales and leadership positions in personal that the Ruth Goldbloom Ladies Golf proceeds support Kids Help Phone’s and commercial banking, wealth man- Classic has achieved $1 million in net professional counselling, information agement, human resources and sales sup- proceeds since the inception of the event and referrals, as well as the volunteer-led, port in Halifax and Toronto. She holds a in 2010. The event is known to be a fun- text-based support for young people. This bachelor of arts degree in sociology from filled day, including 18 holes of golf, a year’s event will be held on Thursday, Saint Mary’s University and an MBA one-of-a-kind caddie auction, sponsor Sept. 17 at Glen Arbour Golf Course. from the University of Toronto. activities and giveaways, a spectacular
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10 MARCH 2020 NEWSMAKERS
MOXIE'S NOVA CENTRE NOW OPEN Downtown Halifax is home to a fresh new kitchen. Moxie’s Grill & Bar has opened their third location in HRM at the Nova Centre on the corner of Argyle and Sackville Street, joining existing Dartmouth Crossing and Bayers Lake locations. Moxie’s diverse and flavourful menu is made from fresh, quality ingredi- ents, inspired by local and international cuisine. Their beverage offering includes a wide selection of craft beer, cocktails and an extensive wine list. Stop in today and enjoy the vibrant downtown Halifax scene at Moxie’s!
BOYNECLARKE LLP WELCOMES NOVA SCOTIAN DISTILLERY 3 NEW PARTNERS WINS BIG AT THE WORLD BOYNECLARKE LLP is pleased to GIN AWARDS announce that three of our lawyers Late last week, Compass Distillers, have been admitted to the partnership. the grain-to-glass distillery in its third We congratulate Ian D. Brown, Alanna year of operation, took home their biggest SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY Mayne and Peter D. Stanhope. Brown win to date: Three Best in Canada wins HR MAJOR NOW ACCREDITED is a member of our business-law team, from the World Gin Awards. Compass Chartered Professional in Human focusing on labour and employment law. received the Best Contemporary Award Recourses (CPHR) Nova Scotia and He is a member of the bar in Nova Scotia for their Gin Royal, their Gin Wild earned Sobey Business School at Saint Mary’s and New Brunswick and has appeared the Best Classic Award and their Fort University have signed an accreditation before all levels of court in Nova Scotia George Genever took home the award agreement. Graduates from the year as well as the Labour Board, the Human for Best Genever. This win was the best 2017 and onward who earned a bachelor Rights Commission and the Workers’ showing for a Canadian distillery at of commerce with a major in human Compensation Appeals Tribunal. Mayne this year’s awards. “Compass Distillers resources and industrial relations with is a Trust and Estate Practitioner assisting is thrilled with these results, as they a minimum GPA of 2.7 are now eligible clients with corporate and commercial law, confirm our ability to make world-class to apply for a waiver for the National real estate, trust and estate planning, as gin with Nova Scotian terroir,” says Knowledge Exam. With a successful well as franchise law. She has experience Compass Distiller President, Graham waiver application, students will become advising individuals, business owners Collins. “Winning three categories with a CPHR candidate and are one step and institutions on a range of business- the best contemporary gin, best classic closer to receiving the national CPHR law matters. Stanhope is a member of our gin and best genever showcases how well designation. CEO Nick Beynon said, business-law team and practices primarily Compass can compete with the rest of the “It was evident during the accreditation in the areas of commercial real estate and world. These results are unprecedented process that SMU was offering their HR development, business, franchise and for a Canadian craft distillery.” students a valuable and robust program.” environmental law.
BUSINESS VOICE 11 NEWSMAKERS
ADVANCING WOMEN IN AEROSPACE IVAN’S AV ADDS NEW SALES EXECUTIVE Women in Aerospace Canada is interactive and informative program will thrilled to announced a partnership with develop a wide range of skills necessary Ivan’s Audio Visual is pleased Brenda Landry of Evoke Consulting to in leadership. Participants will gain new to announce the addition of Ryan launch a national leadership-development insights while learning about concepts McKinnon as the newest member of the program called Advancing Women in such as overcoming the imposter syn- sales team as an Account Executive. Aerospace. Designed to prepare women drome, projecting confidence and dealing McKinnon brings with him more than for upcoming or new leadership opportu- with challenging situations. Visit 20 years of experience in the commer- nities within their organization, this highly www.wia-canada.org to learn more. cial AV-rental industry and is the latest addition to the fast-growing Dartmouth office. “We are thrilled to have Ryan’s unique perspective in the AV industry and know that our clients will benefit from his understanding of all aspects of AV installations,” said General Manager, Dave Melanson. Ivan’s Audio Visual, with offices in Moncton, N.B. and Dartmouth, N.S., is a 37-year-old professional audio-visual integration company.
HALIFAX STANFIELD ACHIEVES GOLD ACCESSIBILITY RATING The Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) is pleased to announce that Halifax Stanfield airport has received the Accessibility Certified Gold rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) program. This makes the airport the first gold-certified facility in Nova Scotia. “This achievement is a tes- MONK AND TOWER INTERIORS WIN AWARD tament to the ongoing efforts of HIAA’s MONK Renovations was honored by build. Working continually to raise the employees, partners and our overall the Canadian Home Builder Association - bar in the residential renovation industry, airport community, who help create a Nova Scotia, with the prestigious Koltech Dan Monk serves on several industry superior customer experience for every- Peak Award for the Most Outstanding boards and committees dedicated to one who passes through our airport,” Kitchen Renovation of the Year, 2019. improvements in safety, training, licens- said HIAA President and CEO, Joyce What makes this award even more special ing, ethics and business development Carter. “We’re all very proud of this mile- is that we won it in partnership with for all renovators and their staff. The com- stone.” RHFAC is a national program and fellow Chamber of Commerce member, pany motto is “trusted — professional,” the first to rate meaningful access, based Tower Interiors. We have worked closely and Monk and the crews work hard every upon the holistic user experience of with Tower for many years and appreciate day to ensure they live up to it. people with varying disabilities affecting the great designs they provide for us to their mobility, vision and hearing.
12 MARCH 2020 NEWSMAKERS
FROM START-UP TO TOP EMPLOYER SigMast Communications Inc. is delighted to announce that it has been selected as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers for 2020. “This recognition as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all our staff who contribute to SigMast’s continued success. A tech- nology company like ours does not exist without people and our people have built the culture of excellence found in our company,” says Brent Newsome, CEO. It’s a landmark for the software company which started with a handful of employ- ees and now employs more than 50 as a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics.
SOCIAL BOUTIQUE JOINS BEDFORD PLACE MALL HAPPY 20TH ANNIVERSARY Dress for Success Halifax is pleased as well as Global TV, who made our TO NSAR to announce the newest location of The transition possible with such ease and The Nova Scotia Association of Social Boutique! “We are incredibly speed. It is situations like this that we REALTORS (NSAR) is celebrating its grateful to the Bedford Place Mall for our experience tremendous community 20th anniversary in 2020. NSAR is the new home now located at 1658 Bedford support for what we are doing to assist professional association for REALTORS® Hwy., as it offers ample parking and women in our community,” says Board in Nova Scotia, representing over 1,500 easy customer access. We are extremely Chair, Julie Wisen. For volunteer members who subscribe to a high standard thankful for donated moving services by opportunities, please contact: Brenda at of service and a strict code of ethics. Kingos Moving Inc. and our volunteers, [email protected]
BUSINESS VOICE 13 NEWSMAKERS
100+ WOMEN WHO CARE REACH DONATION MILESTONE Colette Robicheau, the Chair of NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW SERVICE 100+ Women Who Care Halifax has FOR TRAMPOLINE CLIENTS announced that donations from members The year 2020 will kick off for have reached half a million dollars. The Trampoline with the introduction of group of women meets quarterly to donate a new public relations practice. Led by $100 each to a nominated charity. It’s a long-time communicator Rob Batherson, fun, low-commitment — meetings are just Trampoline’s PR practice will strengthen one hour — and high-impact way to give the agency’s overall brand offering to back to our community. One hundred existing and new clients. “As Trampoline per cent of donations have gone to 27 local has grown over the last several years, charities. Visit 100womenhfx.com to so have the needs of our clients. A suc- learn more. PRECISION BIOLOGIC cessful brand today relies on complex LAUNCHES NEW TEST communication needs — great creative, INTRODUCING EASTER SEALS In January, Precision BioLogic an effective media plan including tra- NOVA SCOTIA announced availability of CRYOcheck ditional, social and digital, compelling Easter Seals Nova Scotia advocates for Chromogenic Factor VIII in Canada, video content and real-time analytics. A a barrier-free Nova Scotia and provides Europe, Australia and New Zealand successful brand also depends on smart, top-quality services promoting mobility, following market authorization by Health strategic thinking on how organizations inclusion and independence for Nova Canada and respective in-country and individuals can be helped or harmed Scotians living with disabilities. We authorities. Intended for use by clinical by how they engage with different audi- bridge the gap between Nova Scotians labs, it’s Precision BioLogic’s second ences,” said Mark Gascoigne, CEO of with disabilities and the programs and hemophilia-related product to launch in Trampoline. services that can help them to meet their less than a year. “Last February, we intro- goals, aspirations and have access to full duced a kit to help labs quantify FVIII participation in their communities. Our inhibitors in patient samples,” explains four-pillar programs include Take PART, Paul Empey, President and CEO. “With which allows those with disabilities to the launch of our latest product, we’ve participate in recreational sports; New taken a leadership role in the coagulation- Are you launching a new Leaf Enterprises, allows participants diagnostics industry by bringing novel, business or product? to train in a commercial food service authorized solutions to labs conducting Celebrating a new partnership? setting, developing skills and gaining hemophilia testing in Canada and The Halifax Chamber invites you to share independence; Assisted Mobility, which beyond.” your Members in the News story in helps with access to mobility and health- Business Voice. Upload your content here: care devices; and Camp Tidnish, the only halifaxchamber.com/business-voice barrier-free and fully-accessible summer *Note: we do not publish event promotions. camp in Nova Scotia. Learn more about us at www.easterseals.ns.ca.
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Visit us at www.mmfoodmarket.comBUSINESS VOICE 15 COVER STORY
BEHIND Finance and Treasury Board Minister Karen Casey delivers the 2019-2020 provincial budget on March 26, 2019. THE BUDGET Communications Nova Scotia The people and processes that are part of planning Nova Scotia’s annual budget By Sara Ericsson
udgeting isn’t easy for most, but Estimating revenue from data Bbudgeting on behalf of a province is Rafuse says planning for the budget exponentially more complicated than a each year actually starts years ahead, as standard budgeting process. The Nova A budget, in decisions made and financials allocated Scotia government presents a budget government terms, in previous budgets impact future years. each year, but there is no one start date Rather than having a single point of on which people come together to begin is a policy statement start, Rafuse says past budgets and their laying it out. Instead, it’s a process that about the direction of related financials are all factored in involves hundreds of people across multi- before the annual paper process picks up ple levels, with countless components that government on what for the operating budget in late summer add up throughout the year to ultimately it wants to provide and for the capital budget in early fall. filter down a vast amount of information The capital budget is an important part of into a distilled version for the province’s to citizens. It’s a the process, but it’s the operating budget Department of Finance and Treasury that Rafuse says is most synonymous Board to analyse and decide from there reflection of decisions with the annual budgetary process that where to allocate its resources. the government has comes to mind for the public. Department of Finance and “The operating budget is the cost Treasury Board Deputy Minister Byron made on what its of running our programs and services Rafuse says this decision confirms what priorities are and offered in that year [and a] recognition the government’s priorities are and how of the cost of government that period, it will deliver on them — in other words, where it wants to whereas the capital budget plans spend- it’s a big deal. allocate resources.” ing on long-term projects,” he says. “A budget, in government terms, is Rafuse says there are two main con- a policy statement about the direction of — Byron Rafuse, siderations when preparing the budget: government on what it wants to provide Treasury Board the government’s priorities and its com- to citizens. It’s a reflection of decisions Deputy Minister mitments — more specifically an analysis the government has made on what its pri- of what they want to do and have said orities are and where it wants to allocate they are going to do. The ability to afford resources,” he says. this is determined by the province’s
16 MARCH 2020 COVER STORY
revenue estimates, which is calculated The people involved to determine how much money it has Another estimate is the number of to spend. Such revenue estimates are people involved in the whole budget plan- based on what the government extracts ning process. Kumaranayake and Rafuse from economic activity in the province estimate that it sits in the hundreds, with through taxes, as well as what it receives totals from the revenue and economic from federal government transfers. side, the Challenge Session and policy And calculating the government’s makers are simply too fl uid to count. economic activity and resulting revenue “It involves entire senior manage- is a process in and of itself, according ment teams of every government depart- to Lilani Kumaranayake, Executive ment, their fi nancial and policy groups Director of Fiscal Policy, Economics and and countless others working on data
Budgetary Planning at the Nova Scotia Contributed that then comes into a central group at Finance and Treasury Board. She says the Finance and Treasury Board, which that unlike a traditional business basing then submits its data to the Treasury revenue off sales or other similar income Board, a subcommittee of cabinet and its generated, the government bases its so forth,” says Rafuse. revenue on estimates calculated from That process also includes a data a model called an economic forecast, review completed by the auditor general. combined with past tax data. This step is one that Kumaranayake says “We take the latest tax data we’ve should give Nova Scotians even more received — 18 months to two years earlier — peace of mind on the fact that their bud- and then try and estimate it. We [do this] The operating get is being thoroughly vetted. by understanding where the economy “The auditor general comes in and is and how it will grow — this is an budget is the cost of reviews the economic models, attends economic forecast — and adding the eco- running our programs the challenge session and examines the nomic forecast and past tax data to then overall results. This is an extremely high approximate where we think the current and services off ered level of due diligence that is exercised as tax estimates are,” says Kumaranayake. they verify if the results are reasonable,” in that year [and a] she says. Ensuring accurate estimates recognition of the cost Rafuse says the vast number of indi- Kumaranayake says this economic viduals and teams involved is perhaps the forecast is the result of hundreds of of government that best factor to illustrate how major of an equations that analyze data from sources period, whereas the undertaking the budget truly is. including Statistics Canada. The results “The budget is a major initiative from these models predict, or forecast, capital budget plans for all departments to participate in. It’s what Nova Scotia’s economy will be like spending on long-term about more than just the numbers — it’s a and how it will grow. Once the fore- policy statement about what government cast has been developed, it is analyzed projects.” intends to do,” says Rafuse. through the department’s challenge — Byron Rafuse, session, which consists of major private Determining if it works sector bank economists, think tank rep- Treasury Board Prioritizing a balanced budget ver- resentatives and academic economists Deputy Minister sus running a defi cit is diff erent for each from Nova Scotia universities. These eco- political party, according to Rafuse, as nomic experts then review the estimates each runs on a diff erent set of values and and economic forecast during the session tax, harmonized sales tax (HST) and defi nes a successful budget diff erently. and then confi rm with the Minister more. This fi nal answer is then used as Deciding whether a budget is whether they are reasonable. the budget revenue estimate. successful is therefore a tricky matter, “This step is critical in ensuring we Other things that Rafuse says are but Rafuse and Kumaranayake say a few have robust and prudent estimates for considered during the budget planning metrics exist that can be used to measure our budget,” says Kumaranayake. process are government programs, a budget’s strength, rather than success. The economic forecast is fi nalized what they cost and how that number Kumaranayake says a key factor once the session has been completed will change over time, capital budget in a strong budget is built-in fl exibility and is then used to produce results for spending for large multi-year projects, that allows for pivoting after unexpected the Nova Scotian economy — on matters the province’s overall debt and its ability fi nancial situations arise, like the repairs including future GDP growth — which to pay it off and the debt-to-GDP ratio. and cleanup that followed hurricane are then used alongside Statistics Canada “These are just some of the many Dorian. She says this, along with budget information and tax data for the tax rev- factors that go into the decision making forecasts updating the public on how enue models. These models then provide process, alongside what we can aff ord the budget successfully adapted to these revenue estimates, or tax collected for that year from a revenue perspective,” changes, show the public their province is personal income tax, corporate income says Rafuse. being fi scally responsible.
BUSINESS VOICE 17 COVER STORY
We take the latest tax data we’ve received —18 months to two years earlier — and then try and estimate it. We [do this] by understanding where the economy is and how it will grow — this is an economic forecast — and adding the economic forecast and past tax data to then approximate where we think the current tax estimates are.” — Lilani Kumaranayake, Executive Director of Fiscal Policy, Economics & Budgetary Planning, Nova Scotia Finance & Treasury Board
“[These] give the public a sense of Beyond these metrics, things get what government has had to adapt to and a little less black and white. A person’s how it did it, like with hurricane Dorian. opinion on whether a budget worked for They are checkpoints that are provided to them can be diff erent from the person the public,” she says. sitting to their left. While annual online Rafuse says another area that can questionnaires in late fall provide the determine whether a budget performed public an opportunity to tell the province as it should have is with the release of what matters to them and what should its actuals, which he says compare the be done diff erently, Rafuse says the most amount spent by the province versus surefi re way the public can tell a gov- what the budget approved. ernment how it felt about its budget and “This says what was allocated versus priorities is simple — voting. what was spent and is also subject to “The most obvious way the public audit by the auditor general. It looks at has its say is voting and elections results. the overall position the province is sitting Whether the budget was ultimately suc- at and is the fi nal accountability docu- cessful is for others to determine, but the ment of what was done with taxpayers’ ultimate way for them to have their own money,” says Rafuse. Contributed say is at the ballots,” says Rafuse. ■
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18 MARCH 2020 CLUSTERCOVER EMPLOYMENT STORY
123RF Matching full-time needs with part-time resources Introducing the concept of cluster employment to the Atlantic-Canadian job market By Joey Fitzpatrick
luster employment is still in its early Africville was demolished in the 1960s “There was a meeting between the Cstages in Atlantic Canada, but the to make way for industrial development. two executive directors and there was an concept has great potential. Cluster On the land where the people of Africville instant alignment,” recalls Sylvia Gawad, employment can generate new opportu- lived, worked and raised their families, Research, Innovation and Immigration nities in for-profits, non-profits and social the Africville Museum tells a story of Manager with Placemaking 4G. enterprises alike, by creating full-time survival in the face of injustice. Africville Museum and Veith House positions from the part-time needs of Another north end non-profit, Veith were able to create a 35-hour per week multiple employers. House, is a neighbourhood hub that position comprised of 15 hours per week Fund development is a key function primarily focuses on helping children and at Africville Museum and 20 hours at in any non-profit endeavour. Funding vulnerable persons in the community Veith House. The opportunities for for non-profits typically comes from a thrive through programming. Key pro- partnerships also extend beyond the fund variety of sources and so the fund devel- grams include Veith Kids, which provides development position, Gawad points out. opment position entails writing grants, after school activities, food security sup- “There are collaborative programs organizing events, developing donor port and summer camp, as well as new- between the two organizations,” she relationships, strategic planning and comer, counselling and trustee services. says. “The organizations can align their community outreach. Besides their geography and non- values and objectives in reaching their While many non-profits do not have profit status, another thing Africville communities and creating programs.” the resources to have a full-time fund Museum and Veith House have in com- Placemaking 4G helps identify com- development person on staff, two Halifax mon is the need for a fund development mon talent needs and gaps among two to organizations were recently able to use officer, but a budget sufficient for only a three different employers. A pilot project an innovative concept to meet their part-time position. that matched a Saint Mary’s University respective fund development needs. The Halifax recruiting firm, co-op student with one employer in On the northern shore of Halifax Placemaking 4G helped facilitate a clus- Halifax and two employers on the south harbour, Africville Museum commem- ter employment solution between the two shore provided proof of concept and orates more than 100 years of African organizations and the position was filled Gawad joined Placemaking 4G as a full- Nova Scotian history. The community of in January. time cluster employment consultant.
BUSINESS VOICE 19 CLUSTER EMPLOYMENT
Placemaking 4G Co-founders Bradley Daye and Matt Thomson with Research, Innovation and Immigration Manager, Sylvia Gawad.
Contributed Photos Sara Ericsson
Two more cluster employment place- contribute and where you can grow.” ments are now close to being operational. In the cluster employment model “What we’re doing now is getting one employer will be the lead employer, some projects up and running and responsible for administrative duties and identifying what works and what doesn’t employee benefits. Placemaking 4G will work,” Gawad says. “We’re reaching out If you can pool the work with both organizations to help deter- to organizations, recruiting and creating resources of two mine the time required for each employer clusters. We’re not charging for that.” and compensation and will also present She has received expressions of inter- or three different short-listed candidates and schedule inter- est from across a range of sectors, from organizations you views for employers. Employers can then fisheries and golf courses to IT companies. select the candidates of their choice. Ultimately all of this data and employ- can create that full- “Now the push is on to get as many ment requirements will be plugged into time position and organizations from all different sectors an online platform where both employers involved in clusters, while we’re doing the and employees can conduct searches. An give a family a reason research and development for free,” says employer can identify a need or a gap and to move to a rural Bradley Daye, Co-founder of Placemaking the platform will conduct a search within 4G. “We’re trying to drum up interest the relevant sector and geographic area. community.” from companies across the province that In some ways the cluster employ- have a need for part-time talent.” ment model runs contrary to many of the — Bradley Daye, Placemaking 4G was launched current trends in recruitment, which rely Co-founder, in 2017 by Bradley Daye, Lauren Sears increasingly on key word searches on a Placemaking 4G and Matt Thomson. From the start, resume. Placemaking 4G was built on the concept “We don’t call them job descriptions — of “values alignment.” we call them opportunity briefs,” Gawad “We highlight the values of an orga- says. “It’s not just about finding a job. It’s nization and put that forward. We then also about finding a place where you can attract individuals who have values that
20 MARCH 2020 CLUSTER EMPLOYMENT
align with that organization,” explains While that number has since risen to 12 Rural communities everywhere are Daye. per cent, that still represents a great deal struggling to deal with access to talent Placemaking 4G is registered as a of lost potential for the province. and gaps in the labour market. On Sept. social enterprise, which means 60 per “We’re going in the right direction, 23 to 25 this year, Halifax will host the cent of its profits are returned to the com- but there is still low retention because Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), munity. The innovative social enterprise there is a narrative that Nova Scotia is not where delegates from around the world model is offered only in Nova Scotia and a place you want to settle if you want to can learn about best practices and the British Columbia. be successful,” Gawad says. “With this challenges facing rural communities. It was while working in rural com- cluster employment model we should be SEWF exists to support the growth munities in Atlantic Canada that Daye able to change that narrative.” and development of social enterprises would hear the same types of concerns To be eligible for permanent resi- throughout the world. from small business owners. dency in Canada after graduating, inter- “I’ve been fortunate enough to be “We’d hear: ‘I’d love to hire a market- national students are required to find able to attend the last two SEWF events ing manager, but I only have a budget for 10 full-time employment within their field in Scotland and Ethiopia,” Daye points hours a week’ and another company down of study within three years after gradu- out. “Access to talent is a huge issue no the road would have a need for 15 hours a ating and keep that job for a full year. By matter where you go — this is not just a week,” Daye recalls. “As a social enterprise, creating new full-time, professional-level Nova Scotia problem.” we tend to see an issue and then come up positions, cluster employment can create When the cluster employment plat- with a solution for that issue.” more avenues that allow graduates to stay form is up and running, the model can be Full-time positions created through in the province. easily scaled and exported to other juris- cluster employment are also eligible Cluster employment solutions can dictions, Daye points out and he is hoping for any government or student co-op work in both for-profit and non-profit to have a beta version ready to showcase wage subsidy programs that are already sectors, in rural and urban settings, with at the SEWF event. in place. Nova Scotia’s Graduate to startups or with established companies. “It’s really an opportunity for Nova Opportunity program, for example, Interested organizations can learn more Scotia to be on the forefront of what provides a 25 per cent wage subsidy in the or reach out to Placemaking 4G at could be an innovative solution for rural first year for recent graduates. www.p4g.ca, or by email at [email protected]. communities around the world.” ■ “This makes it a really cost-effective way to find talent,” Daye says. “In our pilot project we had one employer who was able to utilize five hours of a week of masters-level talent for just $20 per week.” The viability of Nova Scotia’s rural communities figured prominently in the report of the One Nova Scotia Coalition. Cluster employment can help mitigate the region’s looming talent shortage, CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR caused by a combination of an aging MEMBERS, SOME OF ATLANTIC workforce and out-migration. According to Statistics Canada, a total of 23,000 CANADA'S TOP EMPLOYERS! jobs in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince ADMIRAL INSURANCE SERVICES LTD. IRVING OIL Edward Island went unfilled in 2016. In CAA ATLANTIC LTD. KILLAM APARTMENT REIT Nova Scotia alone the projection is we CBCL LTD. NEW CASTLE HOTELS & RESORTS will have 200,000 fewer working age CLEARWATER SEAFOODS LP NORTHWOOD people by 2032. CROMBIE REIT NTT DATA CANADA INC. “If you can pool the resources of DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY PROVINCIAL AEROSPACE LTD. two or three different organizations you EAST COAST CREDIT UNION SIGMAST COMMUNICATIONS INC. can create that full-time position and EFFICIENCYONE VERB INTERACTIVE INC. give a family a reason to move to a rural EMERA INC. WEB.COM CANADA community,” Daye points out. INNOVACORP WORKERS' COMPENSATION BOARD NS Nova Scotia’s post-secondary institutions are an enormous asset to the province, with students from around the world coming here to study at our uni- versities and community colleges. Some WE'RE IN YOUR CORNER. 15,000 international students graduate LOVE, THE HALIFAX CHAMBER TEAM every year, but at the time of the One Nova Scotia report only four per cent of those students were staying in the prov- ince to live and work after graduation.
BUSINESS VOICE 21 PROFILE
Photos Kyle Nunn Business is bubbling Chain Yard Urban Cidery on growing cidery, community at Halifax taproom By Sara Ericsson
uccess tastes sweet at Chain Yard GROWING ALREADY SUrban Cidery. When the business The cidery ferments fresh apple juice started in 2017, they were among a small into alcoholic cider. Downey Lim says the handful of cideries spread out across cidery works with local Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia. Its Halifax site was the first farmers, who press several different craft cidery in the city and paved the way varieties of apples into juice, which then for others to open their own doors in the We’re trying to stay arrives at the cidery’s Halifax location at following years. the corner of Agricola and North streets, The industry was one of humble ahead of the curve right on the cusp of the city’s north end beginnings, but is one that is ready to and are trying to be neighbourhood. stand at the forefront of its own move- Chain Yard opened in May 2017 ment, alongside that of craft beers and innovative, so we’re and fermentation began. A taproom was other alcoholic beverages, with the using fruits we never also quickly set up alongside an on-site creation of an association to give cideries kitchen space that has since been rented a unified voice and show just how strong have before while out by a separate business, Unchained the industry is and that it is one that’s showcasing Nova Kitchen, which prepares the food served here to stay. alongside Chain Yard ciders within the Chain Yard Partner and Marketing Scotian produce.” building. The taproom features Chain Manager Susan Downey Lim has been Yard ciders alongside other rotating guest with the cidery since it first opened and — Susan Downey Lim, ciders, three that are dedicated to craft says even the most aggressive of market Partner and beer. predictions and optimistic personal goals Marketing Manager, And Downey Lim says business is did not forecast the success that Chain Chain Yard Urban effervescing nicely at the cidery, which Yard has seen. has already expanded twice since its 2017 “It’s definitely busy and the demand Cidery launch and has increased its fermenta- is there, more so than even what we pro- tion capacity by 60 per cent. The cidery jected. The numbers from 2019 show our has continued crafting three main lines sales increasing even in that last quarter, that it both cans for sale and uses within so altogether it shows us things are going its taproom, alongside others that are well with us for sure,” she says. sold at the NSLC and on tap at other
22 MARCH 2020 PROFILE establishments. Downey Lim says its focus has remained on creating ciders that are drier, with more complexities that permeate during the fermentation process and that result in less sugar. Its approach has been recognized with awards and the cidery’s Rhubee Cyser, a blend of rhubarb wine, mead and cider, was awarded double gold at the 2019 Cidercraft Awards held by the United States-based Cidercraft Magazine. “That was huge for us — it was a really big win. That product has been really successful for us, so we definitely want to expand on that,” says Downey Lim.
NEW VENTURES Downey Lim says the cidery is continuing to add new cider varieties to its collection by increasing focus on its specialty ciders, growing its offering of mead — a liqueur made from honey — along with continuing its successful cysers, which is the combination of mead and cider. “This is all the rage in New England but we’re the only ones doing this right now in Nova Scotia, so we’re really excited about that,” says Downey Lim. The cidery is also sourcing new types of fruit like Nova Scotia-grown arctic kiwi for its Easy Breezy Arctic Kiwi cider — another product unique to Chain Yard — alongside new varieties of apples they haven’t yet used. The cidery is also planning on creating a new batch Chain Yard Urban Cidery staff members Hanna Eidson, Lucy Fisher and Jonny Solari made from Nova Scotia peaches — which enjoy a flight of ciders at its north end taproom. Downey Lim says are extremely rare in the province — and will be receiving juice products,” says Downey Lim. “But we a craft establishment — you can go enjoy a in a few months. Downey Lim says the realize it’s something that will be solved cider on Sunday afternoon in a safe space juice will be blended with Chain Yard with education on how cider can be very for kids while there are also kid-friendly cider and will most likely result in an different from product to product. That activities happening,” says Downey Lim. off-dry, sweeter product. will start to come as the industry grows.” The event continues to be a successful one “We’re trying to stay ahead of the for the cidery and has helped cement it as curve and are trying to be innovative, HERE AT HOME a Halifax institution. so we’re using fruits we never have before But it’s not just the ciders that have Other moves have also helped while showcasing Nova Scotian produce,” made Chain Yard Urban Cidery a north- entrench Chain Yard’s place within the says Downey Lim. end staple. It’s also the unique events cidery community, including its joining The NSLC reported nearly 20 per cent they host like BYOBB, or Bring Your Own of a cideries’ association alongside most growth in ready-to-drink product sales, Baby to our Bar. Downey Lim says the of its contemporaries. The association the section which includes ciders, in the idea for a kid and family-friendly event meets monthly and has created a collec- last quarter of 2019. Downey Lim says within the taproom came from travelling tive voice for the industry — something this upward trend shows why all cideries to breweries around the province, Ontario Downey Lim says will be needed more in Nova Scotia are feeling growth despite and elsewhere, where family groups were and more as the industry continues ongoing challenges that persist, like setting up shop within daytime hours. growing. trying to get licensees — restaurants and “BYOBB was our answer to that after we “Having that collective voice is bars — to carry cider on tap alongside noticed all kinds of [parent] groups com- important, especially considering we their existing selection of beer. ing to our restaurant during the day and don’t fit into the wine or craft beer associ- “There seems to always be several thought we should do something a little ations. It’s a big step for our industry and beers on tap, but only one cider. That different. So now, one Sunday a month, speaks to its overall growth and also gives leaves us, the cideries, all fighting for that we do a baby-focused brunch. It’s the idea us an outlet to advocate for ourselves,” one tap even though we offer such different that we can be a family restaurant and still says Downey Lim. ■
BUSINESS VOICE 23 TRENDS A changeable mindset leads to savings How being bold while dealing with your bank can bring in big bucks
JOHN PELLEY PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER, COLIBRI FINANCIAL SERVICES AGENTS
Let’s be honest, the majority of peo- 123RF ple would prefer not to have to deal with their bank or their merchant service pro- confusion, frustration and potential mis- an increase of $0.02 per cheque depos- vider. It ranks up there with root canals, takes of the DIY method. ited and each of the other banks quickly mammograms and colonoscopies. But And sadly, when you do have a followed. Now on the surface, two cents as a colon cancer survivor, I can attest transaction processing issue, you’ll often per cheque doesn’t seem like a large to the importance of colonoscopies and end up in conversations with a person at a amount however, when you look at this the benefits that can be derived from this contact centre in some undisclosed loca- across the total number of cheques pro- procedure — just as there are important tion (I recently spoke with someone in cessed in Canada in 2018 (734 million) benefits from regularly dealing with your Colombia to deal with an online process- this seemingly small increase will boost financial services providers. Sometimes ing issue with my Canadian bank), who combined revenue by $14.7 million. all it takes is a change of mindset. likely doesn’t understand the issue, lacks The banks would most likely argue that Granted, banks and merchant the authority and, more importantly, the they have increased capital cost to cover service providers often don’t make the desire to have it corrected. the imaging and electronic processing process easy. The jargon can be confus- In 2019, the big five Canadian banks of cheques, but at the same time, they ing, the paperwork is a nightmare and the posted a combined net profit of $46.5 bil- reduced counter service for businesses pricing of every single possible transac- lion — that’s net profit, not gross revenue! and got businesses to scan and deposit tion is cumbersome. How can customers The old saying that “time is money” cer- their own cheques. be expected to fully understand the tainly is true here as this combined net Now, I am certainly not advocating a complexities of a banking relationship profit works out to $88,379 per minute — rise against the banks! There are all types when a lot of bankers don’t? It’s difficult 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. That’s of necessary evils in the world. I am sim- to find someone who has the experience an increase of seven per cent from the ply suggesting that it’s time for business and knowledge to be able to first under- $82,352 per minute in 2018. And yes, the customers to take back some control, to stand and second, to be able to explain to banks provide employment in Canada, understand the myriad of fees and rates you the full picture. although shrinking rapidly in Atlantic charged, to demand increased value from To add to the confusion, banks are Canada and give back to the community, their financial institution and to realize pushing the customer experience to the at about one per cent of their net profit in that there are other financial services lowest-cost delivery channels — call cen- each of the past two years. alternatives rapidly developing. You can tres and online do-it-yourself methods — While technically not considered a easily get back a few seconds profit from in an effort to reduce expenses and drive monopoly, the Canadian banking world whatever bank you deal with! profits higher — where does it end? We does work in lockstep. For example, in As the old proverb goes, “The art is certainly cannot minimize the increased the spring of 2019, one bank announced not in making money, but in keeping it.”
24 MARCH 2020 TRENDS Discover the difference community makes Health is just the beginning at the new John W. Lindsay YMCA Contributed
YMCA
In spring 2020, the YMCA of Greater chronic disease and social isolation are Place. Meet our friendly Y team on-site Halifax/Dartmouth will welcome our real threats to any community’s overall to share more about our new YMCA, entire community to the new John W. health and prosperity, organizations membership options and pre-registra- Lindsay YMCA — a best-in-class health, like the Y can help build the potential, tion perks. Just visit the John W. Lindsay fitness and aquatics facility at the corner the confidence and the connections Community Hub in Spring Garden Place of South Park and Sackville Street in that ensure overall wellness in spirit, (5640 Spring Garden Rd., unit 203) every downtown Halifax. As a leading charity, mind and body. To ensure that no one Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. we feel fortunate that we’re able to 5 p.m. to provide each person in our Business owners know community the space and time better than anyone the power they need to connect, engage of connection and belong- and be themselves. In other ing to happy and productive words, everyone can belong employees. here. John Lindsay, lifelong Built on the site of the Halifax business leader and former South Park YMCA and passionate YMCA supporter on CBC building, our new 70,000- the local, national and interna- square-foot centre of commu- tional scale, puts it best: nity is almost complete — “This new YMCA is a key including three pools, a state- tool to address important issues of-the-art gym, two levels of affecting our community. It strength and cardio equipment, will be a truly inclusive space, an indoor walking/running/ accessible to all, regardless of wheeling track and four well- economic circumstance. This ness studios. Emma Davie/CBC centre of community will have This means a lot of exciting a lasting impact on our city and From left, YMCA staff members Brittany Alminayan, Amber Grosse new things for Haligonians of all and Jim Pomeroy. will be a place where people ages, including the businesses come to belong.” and organizations that call our downtown is denied membership due to financial And that’s the promise of our new home. circumstances, we proudly assist one YMCA. To be a safe and welcoming place Sure, we’ve got CycleFit, AquaFit, in three members so that everyone has to workout and to create connections — bootcamps, yoga, personal training and access to the YMCA. within teams and families and between so much more, but the promise of the But you don’t have to wait until this individuals of all ages, abilities, income YMCA goes far beyond physical health spring to discover the difference commu- levels, beliefs and cultures. and strength. nity can make. At a time when we’re working We’re excited to announce our Visit: www.JWL2020.ca for more more and connecting less and when membership hub is open in Spring Garden information!
BUSINESS VOICE 25 TRENDS The power of positivity How improving your attitude can improve your business
On the flip side, have you had days 1. Positive interaction: Interact with when everything seems to just go wrong? people that make you feel good and Have you ever taken the time to notice speak to people you like, whether what outside influences might be going that be in person or on the phone. on in your own life that may coincide with Hang out with your tribe. those dreadful or awesome days? Did you get enough sleep? Did you eat 2. Positive activity: Take time to do properly? Did you get fresh air? Did you get things that you enjoy, like going for some exercise? Did you fall out with a fam- a walk, reading a book, having a ily member? All of these things, along with massage or playing a round of golf — many others can affect our performance. make time for you. There is a neurotransmitter in the 3. Positive thought: Try to notice and VERITY LAMB brain called serotonin and when we pro- appreciate the good things in life. duce a constant flow of it we feel very pos- It could be something big or OWNER, VERITY VALE itive, we can make good decisions and we HYPNOTHERAPY something small — a lovely sunrise, feel more confident. Chances are, when a nice coffee or your slippers! If you’re having a good day in the office the something negative happens, take a Have you ever noticed how there are serotonin levels are high and vice versa. second and have another look at it — days when you seem to function at a high So, what can we do to keep producing is there another perspective? Is there level, business is great and everything serotonin? As a starting point, there are a positive, however small, that can seems to go according to plan? three very simple things that we can do: be found in the situation? Sometimes the positive might even be that a lesson has been learnt. Treat your mind like a hotel — thoughts, like guests, can come and go. Ask the unpleasant guests to check out and invite new ones in.
The above is not only true for you but also for your employees. Ask yourself, is there anything you can do within the workplace to cultivate those three P’s — positive interaction, positive activity and positive thought? Here are a few things you may wish to consider in order to assist in boosting that serotonin and improving your well- ness: Good sleep, good nutrition, exer- cise, learning, meditation, journaling, coaching, connect with those you like, contribute to others, creativity, gratitude, being in nature and anything else that you like to do. Ultimately, we all want more of the awesome days and fewer of the less-so awesome ones. Sure, business has its ups and downs, but it’s how we react to it that determines whether it is a disaster or whether we can find the positives in it and keep on growing. Why wouldn’t you do everything within your power to make not only your work life wonderful, but your whole life wonderful?
26 MARCH 2020 TRENDS
5 ways your website builds brand trust Parker Byrd/UnSplash How keeping your audience in mind ensures they keep you in mind
We’re in an age where people are relying more and more on brand trust to make decisions about where to take their business.”
PETER WOODWARD MAKE SURE YOUR SITE LOADS FAST MAINTAIN BRAND CONSISTENCY People don’t want to wait for a Your website content should be DIGITAL MANAGER, REVOLVE website to load. A fast website shows you consistent with the rest of your brand. are keeping up with current technology We’ve all been to websites that feel like Brand trust is defined as a consum- and that you value your audience’s time. Frankenstein’s monster. When writing er’s expectation for a brand to operate the There are a lot of online tools to check website content, it’s important for the way it promises it will. We’re in an age your website’s speed. Also make sure voice of the brand to come through. where people are relying more and more your website is optimized for desktop, To take that a step further, the content on brand trust to make decisions about tablet and mobile devices. Small adjust- formatting should also be consistent. where to take their business. A good web- ments can make a big difference! If people come to a page on your website site can help tell your brand’s story and that doesn’t feel the same as the rest of build trust with your audience. Here are DELIVER FRESH CONTENT the site, it can send the message that some tips to make sure your website helps Fresh content shows you’re alive and you’re sloppy or not detail oriented. build brand trust. well. Blogs are a great way to keep your content fresh. They also give you the KEEP YOUR AUDIENCE IN MIND KEEP YOUR WEBSITE TECHNOLOGY opportunity to deliver your expertise to The direction of the website should UP TO DATE people who might not know who you are. always be focused on your target market Web technology is constantly chang- If you don’t have a blog, focus on other rather than your own personal prefer- ing. Most modern website platforms will areas of your website you can update. ences. This is true for website functional- offer updates for different components of The homepage is often the most visited ity, as well as content. You should always the website. Depending on the content page on your website so it’s a good area to do research to find out what your audience management system you use, it may be put in some effort. Even if it’s something is looking for. Even if you fall within your called plugins or modules. It’s important small like updating photos, good imagery target market, you need to be careful that to keep these up to date for security, as can go a long way to delivering your your own opinions don’t cloud what the well as website performance. Updating brand message. Videos are an excellent data says your audience wants. Whether your technology will help keep your web- way to get a message across and tell a it’s a new website build or creating a new site functioning as it should. brand story. blog post, your audience is number 1.
BUSINESS VOICE 27 WORKING FOR YOU From transition to transformation The art of adapting to change By Firas Zaytoun
June 26, 2018 was the day. I am now, which left me stuck in the past I woke up that morning and drove for a period of time. I admit that I still to the office with all kinds of different Change requires compare, but I believe that I am no longer thoughts bouncing around in my head. Is effort and the living there. The truth is, despite how this the right thing to do? I asked myself, much we had planned, the reality of our but I couldn’t answer. The 30-minute best results are new situation was much different and drive came and went and before I knew experienced when much more difficult than anticipated. it, I found myself walking past the largest But, now that we are here, we have to Mercedes-Benz workshop in the world. we plan, be agile deal with it. The next thing I remember, I was behind and just live it.” One year has passed now and as I my desk with just one thing in mind. look back and evaluate what we have I walked to the chief’s office and accomplished, I feel good. But looking asked, “Boss, do you have 15 minutes?” ahead and thinking about what’s next He looked at me with wonder and a ques- still scares me. Why? Because if the tion on his face and said, “of course.” I transition is that difficult, how hard will closed the door and he stood, moving the transformation be? The one thing from behind his desk he asked me to I can be sure of is that the good people join him in the guest lounge, almost as that have helped us along the way are if he knew something big was about to still there for us and they seek nothing happen. in return. I can’t thank them enough and Yes, that’s right — I was about to knowing they are there to support us make my exit. makes us feel safe. He asked where I was going, to It doesn’t matter if you are chang- which I responded: Halifax. ing countries, provinces, cities or even He looked me in the eyes and I could jobs. Change requires effort and the best sense what he was thinking. With his results are experienced when we plan, wisdom and experience, I knew he was be agile and just live it. From my expe- going to appreciate my decision. riences, I’ve gained the knowledge of “It is time to find your purpose in how important it is to plan a transitional life — I wish you all the best,” he said. period and be flexible to adjust when The whole conversation lasted only Firas Zaytoun and wife, Sasha Chehayeb. necessary. Having somebody to talk you about 15 minutes, but it is 15 minutes I will through your problems is vital to your never forget. to execute. If I could summarize it into success, even if you have to invest in a life That day marked the beginning one phrase, I would call it: transition to coach or counsellor. At the end of the day, of a new life for my wife and I. After 13 transform. we are living in an ever-evolving world years of living in the beautiful city of Abu Transitioning to new country meant and change is the one thing we can be Dhabi, it was time to move on. The deci- that we would have to establish ourselves sure of. sion had been made and the destination both socially and professionally. We was Halifax. would have to meet new people, adjust Fast forward to Sept. 27, 2018, we to the traditions and integrate ourselves Firas Zaytoun is the Owner, were finally here, walking down Lower into the culture. We would have to create Talent Strategist and Life & Career Water Street in search of a spot to have a safe environment, be accepted in Coach of Thinking Career Coaching. dinner. society and feel comfortable interacting He can be reached at Looking around I was in disbelief with the local people. On the other hand, [email protected] at what a change this was. Nothing was we have to create a climate in which we the same anymore. Different language, could be accepted and welcomed as a climate, traditions, beliefs, values — couple. you name it. For me, the transition period was But then came the question of what not easy. I continued to look back at my now? We had a simple, but difficult plan old life, comparing where I was to where
28 MARCH 2020 WORKING FOR YOU
Dylan Gillis/UnSplash It’s 2019 … 2020! Checking in on your business’ New Year’s resolutions
DELEGATION passwords and implement anti-virus Sometimes it can be diffi cult to let others protection on your computers. While the do things that you can do yourself. But initial investment may involve a cost, the doing everything by yourself can lead to cost will certainly be smaller than having burnout, ineffi cient resource allocation to pay a ransom fee to get your potentially and a lack of trust between you and your vital and confi dential information back. employees. Try delegating just one of The Halifax Chamber has some great your usual tasks to an employee. Not cyber security businesses as members, only is it one thing less for you to do, your so have a look through our membership employee is now gaining confi dence and directory to start your year off safer. learning a new skill. If you are happy with the outcome of that one delegation of BUILD A WORKING WEBSITE work, then try two. You might fi nd that Eighty-eight per cent of consumers KATHLEEN MACEACHERN not only do you feel less stressed, but you search for a product or service online POLICY & RESEARCH have time to try that new piece of equip- fi rst before heading to a store, therefore a ANALYST, HALIFAX ment you ordered that you just haven’t business needs a strong website for mar- CHAMBER OF COMMERCE had time to use, or read through a list of keting, communication, brand awareness potential interns that you just didn’t have and sales. I don’t want to go into too It’s hard to believe we’ve been typing the spare time to do before. If it doesn’t much detail about why you should have 2020 for two months now. I wonder how work out, don’t give up. Try delegating a a website because I trust you know why many others have accidentally written diff erent task until you fi nd the one that they are important. However, I do think 2019 dozens of times — I think it will be works and go from there. it is important to stress that your website April before I get it right. Two months shouldn’t have broken links or empty into 2020 also means that some of you INVEST IN CYBER SECURITY webpages. Take the time to continuously are working diligently to keep your I’m sure many of you have seen an email update your website and you will have New Year’s resolution, while some of from your supervisor or co-worker that increased and improved communica- you might be saying, “I’ll do better next asks you to pick up “a few gift cards.” The tion channels with your customers and year.” Many will have made personal res- email looks legitimate and some might clients. olutions, but resolutions can also be for actually go through with the requests, Often, businesses think of their your business as well. There’s no written but we all fi nd out in the end that it was outlook in fi nancial or budget terms. rule that says resolutions need to start a scam. These scams can be costly for This year try and think of the fi scal end/ January fi rst, so if you haven’t already small businesses and the big scams like beginning as an opportunity to resolve to made a resolution for your business, here data base breaches can be also costly for start something new. Whether that’s del- are a few that you can use that might big businesses. Try investing in a security egating tasks, increasing your business’s just make the outlook for your business a plan for your business. Back up your security or updating or creating a website, little brighter. data to a secure cloud, reset company April 2020 can be your fresh start.
BUSINESS VOICE 29 SPONSORED CONTENT
Contributed New grads building business reputation Marine electronics company saving money with each new hire Contributed
Dartmouth-based marine electronics “I am able to pick up knowledge and to invest the money right back into our Acompany is building a strong and expertise from senior technicians, while newest employees.” reliable reputation, thanks to the talented using my recent education at the same Spacek originally grew up in New young technicians who serve their clients time,” says Charles, who works in the Brunswick and is now working full time province-wide every day. Yarmouth, N.S., area. “The Graduate to in Digby, N.S. Many of them are recent graduates. Opportunity program helped me get a foot “I enjoy the autonomy and responsi- “The grads we hire are flourishing in the door and make this career a reality.” bility given to me to do my job. The skills and it’s been fantastic for business,” Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) I picked up at NSCC allowed me to enter says Ashley Collins, Human Resources lowers the cost of hiring a recent graduate this industry with an extra edge. I am Manager at Atlantic Electronics. “They for start-ups, small businesses of fewer happy to be motivated by something are demonstrating a keen interest in than 100 full-time employees, non-profits I enjoy doing,” he says. marine electronics and strong leadership and social enterprises. To date, more than 600 organizations, qualities that will help them grow in the Employers receive 25 per cent of a like Atlantic Electronics, have hired more company.” grad’s first year salary — 35 per cent if than 1,000 recent graduates across Nova Atlantic Electronics recently hired the grad is diverse — and 12.5 per cent Scotia using GTO funding. multiple Nova Scotia Community of a grad’s second-year salary from the Graduate to Opportunity could save College (NSCC) grads straight out of province. you money on the next person you hire. the electronics program including Boris Collins says they have seen the ben- The process is quick and easy — applica- Spacek, Timothy Charles and Zachary efits of the program first hand. tions are typically turned around within Semchuk. “There is a big learning curve in this five business days. Learn more at “A lot of senior staff have retired industry,” she says. “The GTO program www.novascotia.ca/GTO. ■ from the company, so these new hires are is great because it gives us that subsi- crucial to the continuation and growth of dization while we’re training our new our work,” says Collins. technicians. It gives us the opportunity
30 MARCH 2020 THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR YOUR BRAND.
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