Busola Adeniji, Director of Finance and Administration
Emma Menchefski, Communications Manager
Emily Bednarz, Communications Specialist
Business Voice is published 8 times a year for members of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and Metro Halifax’s business community. Views expressed in Business Voice are those of the contributors and individual members, and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are a policy of, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.
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. All images are contributed unless otherwise stated.
Please address editorial enquiries and changes to information to:
Halifax Chamber of Commerce
100-32 Akerley Boulevard
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1N1
Tel: 902-468-7111
Fax: 902-468-7333
info@halifaxchamber.com
www.halifaxchamber.com
Cover Image Credit: Uncharted Media
EVENTS
CHAMBER EVENTS
Thursday, July 10
WORKSHOP
Building Pride in Halifax: How to Get Rainbow Registered
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Grafton Street Dinner Theatre, Halifax
Thursday, September 25
LUNCHEON
CAPP CEO – Canada Builds on Oil and Natural Gas
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Prince George Hotel 1725 Market Street, Halifax
Thursday, October 30
SIGNATURE EVENT Annual Fall Dinner
Halifax Convention Centre Save the Date!
Thursday, July 10
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
The Decks | Grafton Connor Group
4:30PM – 6:30PM 1732 Argyle Street, Halifax
Wednesday, July 23
WORKSHOP
Awards Submissions 101
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
RBC Waterside Centre 1871 Hollis Street (6th Floor), Halifax
January 22, 2026
SIGNATURE EVENT 2026 Halifax Business Awards
Halifax Convention Centre Save the Date!
For a full list of Chamber events, visit: halifaxchamber.com/events
Wednesday, September 17
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
John W. Lindsay YMCA 5640 Sackville Street, Halifax
Tuesday, October 2
SIGNATURE EVENT Annual Chamber Golf Challenge 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Granite Springs Golf Club
THANK YOU TO OUR MAY/JUNE EVENT SPONSORS:
NEW & NOTED
We welcome our new Chamber members
ADA HAIRITAGE
Ada Hairitage is a hair/beauty supply store and a hair braiding salon that braids all kinds of intricate african hair designs to celebrate the individuality and uniqueness of our esteemed clients all genders with the use of eco-friendly products providing exceptional customer service.
Margaret Osakwe
Dartmouth, NS (902) 880-5886
Adahairitage@gmail.com adahairitage.com
Personal Care & Services - HAIR SERVICES
AGADA BIOSCIENCES, INC.
Amanda Mullen
Halifax, NS (902) 442-4011
contact@agadabio.com
agadabio.com
Computers, IT & TechnologyRESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
ALIVERA COUNSELLING PSYCHOTHERAPY
Denise Young
Dartmouth, NS (902) 224-5766
admin@alivera.ca alivera.ca
Health Care - COUNSELLING
AMERI TRADING COMPANY
This import/export company provides high-quality packaging materials and food products, connecting Nova Scotia with trusted Middle Eastern markets.
Amir Ameri Matin
Halifax, NS (778) 834-5808
Ameri.trading.c@gmail.com
Ameritrading.ca
Business & Prof. Services - IMPORT/ EXPORT/TRADING
ANN RAGBIR, WEALTH ADVISOR WITH RBC DOMINION SECURITIES
Argan Beauty is proud to bring Nyssae— an Argan Oil sourced from Morocco and made in France—to Canadians. Nyssae is an Arabic word meaning “women.” Our company and products are created by and for women, offering the purest quality organic argan oil for exceptional skincare and luxurious hair treatment.
Tracy Kwan
Halifax, NS (902) 414-3969
info@nyssae.ca nyssae.ca
Personal Care & ServicesPERSONAL CARE
ARTSHINE ATLANTIC
Artshine Atlantic is a social enterprise dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality visual arts education across the Maritime provinces. Through lunchtime/after-school programs in elementary schools, art camps, art kits, and community partnerships, we foster creativity for all ages and abilities. Our mission is to make the arts accessible to everyone!
Real Estate/Construction - REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL
BBK CARPENTRY AND CONSTRUCTION LTD.
Keya Hesketh
Halifax, NS (782) 899-3007
keya@bbkcarpentry.ca bbkcarpentry.ca
Real Estate/ConstructionCONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION
BENJAMIN BRIDGE
Nestled in the picturesque Gaspereau Valley, Benjamin Bridge’s vineyards span the heart of this sheltered valley where its growing season is moderated by the powerful Bay of Fundy. The result is a unique maritime climate perfectly suited to crafting internationally-acclaimed sparkling wine and Nova Scotia’s iconic wine, Nova 7.
Kaitlyn Hagen
Gaspereau Valley, NS (902) 542-1560
wines@benjaminbridge.com benjaminbridge.com
Restaurants, Food & BeverageWINERY
BERMUDAIR
Nicole Conrad 1-844-543-9200
info@flybermudair.com flybermudair.com
Travel & Tourism - AIRLINE
BESHARAM BAR AND GRILL
Manikanth Padumati
Halifax, NS (902) 444-0484
besharamhfx@gmail.com
besharamfood.com
Restaurants, Food & Beverage –RESTAURANT
BETTER DREAMS DESIGN STUDIO
Better Dreams Design Studio is a design-centric partnership for people driven to create positive change.
Greg Dubeau
Halifax, NS (902) 209-2287
greg@betterdrea.ms betterdrea.ms
Advertising, PR & Media - GRAPHIC DESIGN
BIRD CANADA
Austin Spademan
Toronto, ON (866) 205-2442
hello@bird.co birdcanada.ca
Transportation - VEHICLE RENTALS
BLOOM FUNDING
Bloom Funding is an Atlantic-based consultancy that helps small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits access funding, scale innovation, and enhance social and environmental impact. As of May 2025, Bloom secured over $23 million for Canadian organizations. At Bloom, we help drive innovation through scientific expertise and social responsibility.
Colum Connolly
Saint John, NB (506) 607-2022
info@bloomfunding.ca bloomfunding.ca
Business & Prof. ServicesCONSULTING (GENERAL)
NEWSMAKERS
BREAKING GLASS INC.
Breaking Glass is a boutique HR consulting firm, working with businesses of all sizes, helping leaders break some glass in order to affect necessary change to create a high performing culture. We specialize in developing strategies through values-based leadership to drive engagement and alignment across the company.
Andrea Garson
Halifax, NS (902) 441-9360
inquiries@breakingglass.ca breakingglass.ca
Business & Prof. ServicesMANAGEMENT CONSULTING
CHEF ABOD CAFE & CATERING
Imagine your event being catered by one of Halifax’s top chefs! Chef Abod came to Canada 15 years ago after working as a Personal Chef for a Saudi Prince and has won several culinary awards for his work. Chef Abod will create a spectacular menu from appetizers to desserts.
Abdul Kader Sadieh
Halifax, NS (902) 455-3881
chef.abod@gmail.com chefabod.com
Restaurants, Food & BeverageCATERING/FOOD/DRINK
CHRYSALIS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Chrysalis Women Empowerment offers career coaching, confidence coaching, and personal development services specifically designed for mid-life women. We provide 1:1 coaching, group programs, workshops, and online courses focused on career transitions, clarity, mindset, and life direction. Our services are tailored to women ready to redefine their professional and personal paths.
Yanick Séïde
Eastern Passage, NS (902) 471-3937
yanick@
chrysaliswomenempowerment.ca chrysaliswomenempowerment.ca Business & Prof. ServicesBUSINESS CONSULTING
COMMUNITY COURIER
Community Courier is your fast, friendly, local delivery partner across HRM. We connect communities with same-day, next-day, and custom courier solutions’no hidden fees, just dependable service. When it matters most, trust the people who know the roads best. Service doesn’t cost—it pays.
Julie Benoit
Bedford, NS (902) 497-2225
jbenoit@communitycourier.ca communitycourier.ca
Business & Prof. ServicesCOURIER/POSTAL/MAILING
COLLABORATION WORKS
INTERNATIONAL
We work with organizations, enterprises, and institutions addressing complex challenges. Using collaborative approaches that highlight the expertise of each stakeholder, we enhance creativity and produce impactful results. Though new to Halifax, we come with over two decades of experience in participatory international development ready to be adapted to local needs.
Corina Frank is an Associate Mortgage Broker with TMG – The Mortgage Group. In the business since 2020, she has earned three awards, including TMG’s Rising Star (2022). Based in downtown Dartmouth, Corina specializes in purchases, refinances, renewals, reverse mortgages, and more. She’s excited to join the Chamber!
We connect Nova Scotia employers facing labour shortages with qualified foreign workers, streamlining recruitment and immigration processes. Our services ensure a smooth hiring experience, from candidate selection to work permit support, helping businesses grow while supporting newcomers in building successful futures in Canada.
Marcia Freese
Fall River, NS (782) 800-7204 info@crossingoceansimmigration. com
crossingoceansimmigration.com
Business & Prof. ServicesCONSULTING (GENERAL)
CULTURED CREATIVE STUDIO
Cultured Creative Studio is a business dedicated to celebrating culture, identity, and storytelling through design. We offer various services, including illustration, graphic design, and community events that foster cross-cultural exchange. We create designs for branding, event campaigns, exhibitions, and workshops, collaborating with individuals and organizations to celebrate the beauty in our differences.
Empowerment For Hope wants to break the cycle of abuse, violence, and trauma by breaking down the wall of silence on sex trafficking and by giving children and families the resources they need for a better future through awareness and empowerment.
Freelea Financial is a women-owned and led private lending company that provides secured lending solutions throughout Nova Scotia. Freelea Financial empowers clients to achieve their financial goals by offering unique lending solutions, transparent terms, and personalized customer service in areas of Nova Scotia that are underserved by more traditional lenders.
Juleanna Freeman
Upper Falmouth, NS (902) 398-3733
info@freelea.ca freelea.ca
Finance & Insurance -
G23 TECHNOLOGIES INC.
G23 Technologies provides smart, simple IT support and internet services for small and medium-sized businesses in Atlantic Canada. We keep your systems running and your team connectedoffering local expertise, friendly service, and reliable solutions that grow with you. Tech headaches? Call G23, and consider it handled.
Luc Boudreau
Bedford, NS (902) 817-2323
info@g23.ca g23.ca
Computers, IT & Technology - IT PRODUCTS/SERVICES
GRANTCO CONSULTING
At GrantCo Consulting, Ed Grant delivers clear and definable outcomes by helping business owners and sales leaders build better teams, design smarter strategies, and drive real results. With over 25 years in IT sales, recruiting, and small business ownership, Ed brings a proven experience driven approach to every engagement.
Ed Grant
Halifax, NS (902) 403-7665
grantcoconsulting@gmail.com edgrant.ca
Business & Prof. Services - SALES
GREEN PUMP ENERGY
Christopher Wood
Halifax, NS (902) 900-0484
info@greenpumpenergy.com greenpumpenergy.com
Energy & Environment - ENERGY EFFICIENCY
GREENDOT IMMIGRATION SERVICES LTD.
Manisha Sharma is a licensed immigration consultant based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Being an immigrant herself, she tries to provide detailed and personalised immigration support for individuals, families, and employers—including LMIA, Designation, ERC applications, temporary residence, sponsorships, and permanent residency. Let’s make your Canadian dream a reality.
The Health Association of African Canadians (HAAC) was formed in 2000 to address health issues and system inequities. We identify People of African Ancestry among those facing disproportionate health disparities and inequities. HAAC is committed to addressing anti-Black racism and incorporating systemic cultural competence in our policy recommendations and action.
Evan Williams
Halifax, NS (902) 414-7328
info@haac.ca haac.ca
NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPSCharitable Organizations
NEWSMAKERS
INNOVA AGENT
Innova Agent specializes in creating tailored AI agents to enhance business efficiency. Their services include auditing existing workflows to identify automation opportunities, designing and building custom AI solutions, and ensuring seamless deployment with ongoing support. With expertise in AI optimization, they help businesses integrate advanced AI technologies for improved performance.
Jack’s Car Spa is home to Atlantic Canada’s most advanced 120-ft wash tunnel, delivering a gentle yet thorough clean. Based in West Bedford, we offer full detailing services, 24/7 self-serve bays, pet wash stations, and fleet programs for spotless vehicles inside and out.
Angie Meerakker
Bedford, NS (902) 593-1531
info@jackscarspa.ca jackscarspa.ca
Transportation - AUTOMOTIVE CLEANING/DETAILING
JAM’S BURGERS & SHAKES
Jam’s Burgers & Shakes blends bold flavour with a splash of 50s-inspired charm, serving burgers juicier than beauty salon gossip, waffle fries with serious crunch, and shakes as sweet as nostalgia. Locally owned, it’s comfort food done right with quality you can taste and vibes you can’t fake.
Kate Gallant Bedford, NS (902) 593-1273
info@jamsburgers.ca jamsburgers.ca
Restaurants, Food & BeverageRESTAURANT
JAMES DOUCHER CFO CONSULTING, INC
James Doucher
Halifax, NS (902) 333-3960
james@jdoucher.com
jdoucher.com
Business & Prof. Services - BUSINESS CONSULTING
JANICE INSPIRING CHANGEHOLISTIC
NUTRITION
Janice Amirault
Halifax, NS (902) 212-0279
janice@janiceinspiringchange.com
janiceamirault.com
Business & Prof. ServicesCONSULTING (GENERAL)
JIM PATTISON LEASE
Julian Karst
Dartmouth, NS (902) 718-6391
Julian.Karst@jplease.com jimpattisonlease.com
Transportation - AUTOMOTIVE SALES/LEASING
JUST BREATHE VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Just Breathe Virtual Assistant supports busy professionals and entrepreneurs with administrative tasks, creative projects and time management support. Our goal is to make your day run smoother by handling the details. With friendly, reliable service, we make it easier for you to focus, Breathe and get things done!
Kee Export Solutions is a European export consultancy firm launched this year in Nova Scotia, Canada. With decades of experience in European marketing, our mission is to help Canadian businesses grow internationally by tapping into new opportunities in English,
Spanish, and French-speaking markets across Europe and beyond.
Michael McKee
Halifax, NS (902) 715-4013
admin@keeexportsolutions.ca keeexportsolutions.ca
Business & Prof. Services - IMPORT/ EXPORT/TRADING
At Lemonade Co. we’re about more than marketing. We’ll help you build connections with your community through strategic marketing, branding, and your website. We’re breaking down norms and encouraging genuine connections. If you are seeking marketing done differently—where humans and the environment are valued over profit—let’s chat. Meghan Doucette Halifax, NS meghan@lemonadeco.ca lemonadeco.ca
Advertising, PR & MediaMARKETING
LENS & LIFTS VIRTUAL
ASSISTANCE
Offering virtual assistant and social media management services that empower small business owners to focus on what they do best. With a passion for ethical business, local networking, and organization, I provide streamlined support that helps entrepreneurs grow with clarity and confidence. I’m excited to be joining the Chamber’s vibrant business community.
Sarah Demings Halifax, NS (902) 471-3002
sarah@lensandliftsva.com lensandliftsva.com HR, Emplyment & StaffingADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
LOCK SEARCH GROUP
Lock Search Group is a leading national recruitment firm with offices coast-tocoast. For over 40 years, we have been delivering exceptional talent, contributing to countless organizations’ success. We deliver personalized hiring solutions across Life Sciences, CPG, Industrial/ Transportation, and B2B/Technology sectors, building lasting client relationships through trusted, performance-driven service.
Matt Frost Halifax, NS (902) 938-1898
mfrost@locksearchgroup.com locksearchgroup.com
Business & Prof. ServicesCONSULTING (GENERAL)
MICCO WAREHOUSING & LOGISTICS
MWL delivers warehousing and thirdparty logistics built for Atlantic Canada’s supply chain. From port to customer, our intermodal-capable facility, flexible solutions, and decades of experience keep your goods moving efficiently. Whether short-term storage or full 3PL services, we’re your dependable logistics partner. We also specialize in secure destruction and recycling.
michelle@michelledoucette.ca michelledoucettephotography.ca Business & Prof. ServicesPHOTOGRAPHY
NEWSMAKERS
MUSIC NOVA SCOTIA
Music Nova Scotia is a non-profit supporting the province’s music industry through advocacy, education, and export development. Since 1989, we’ve connected and empowered members— artists and professionals alike—across Nova Scotia and beyond, helping grow careers, attract investment, and retain our local talent through resources, representation, and industry opportunities.
Natalie Joseph Lake Echo, NS (416) 312-9286 natjoseph14@gmail.com
Business & Prof. Services - BUSINESS CONSULTING
NOVA CONTAINERS LTD.
NOVA Containers prides itself on its high-quality services for all your shipments arriving or leaving Montreal and Toronto, Canada. We also support exporters, importers, manufacturers, freight and customs brokers, and more! As a trusted partner, we are here to provide efficient solutions and worry-free logistics management services for your company.
Diane Sirois Candiac, QC (450) 444-8994
info@novacontainers.com novacontainers.com
Transportation - TRANSPORTATION/ WAREHOUSING
OAKHILL
OUTDOOR
Oakhill Outdoor is a Halifax-based company servicing Nova Scotia. Our goal is to build and maintain luxury outdoor spaces that enhance lives, increase property value, and promote long-term sustainability. With a commitment to being an employee-first company, we aim to provide stable careers, develop leaders, and set new standards in the landscaping industry.
Noah Harrington Halifax, NS (902) 444-4663
info@oakhilloutdoor.ca oakhilloutdoor.ca
Home & Garden - LANDSCAPING/ LAWN CARE
PACRIM HOSPITALITY SERVICES INC
Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. is a privately owned hotel management and development company. Pacrim has, for nearly two decades, expertly managed hotels in partnership with many of the world’s most recognized hotel brands. Friendly staff, superior service, and comfortable rooms make our hotels the perfect choice for your next trip.
Pepper It Services offers marketing coaching and consulting driven by the expertise and experience of Kathy and Marco Colaiacovo. Kathy helps private practice owners and service providers streamline their marketing, and Marco helps nonprofit associations and small businesses identify the gaps holding them back and build long-term sustainable growth.
Quantafic Digital Inc. is a subsidiary of Quantafic Business Solutions, an Indian IT company with expertise in digital transformation in the financial sector. To serve North American customers, Quantafic Digital provides technology expertise by offering off-the-shelf products, ready components for process automation, machine learning, and BI capabilities for data analytics.
SO DESIRE is a Halifax-based brand. We help business spaces look unforgettable by creating floral decor with artificial flowers that look so real, you’ll want to touch them! We offer both rentals and permanent flower arrangements for event organizers, malls, offices, hotels, restaurants, boutiques, beauty and spa salons, and photo studios. Olga Kasyanchuk
Halifax, NS (336) 782-4738
sodesireos@gmail.com sodesire.net
Business & Prof. Services - RENTALS/ SALES/SERVICE
SUNBELT RENTALS
Richard Bruinsma
Dartmouth, NS (519) 500-4210
richard.bruinsma@sunbeltrentals. com
sunbeltrentals.com
Industrial & ManufacturingEQUIPMENT LEASING
TEAM RAHUL MORTGAGES INC
Jess Anderson
Dartmouth, NS (902) 608-6008
rahul@activemortgage.ca teamrahul.ca
Finance & Insurance - MORTGAGE
THAT ANIMATION COMPANY INC
Lynn Chadwick
Dartmouth, NS (647) 202-6547
lchadwick@thatanimationcompany. com
thatanimationcompany.com
Arts, Culture & EntertainmentFILM/TELEVISION
The Breath Factory Sleep Clinic, founded by three Nova Scotia doctors, focuses on patient-centered care for sleep disorders. With a dedicated team of nurses and support staff, the clinic emphasizes personalized treatment and comprehensive support to enhance patients’ sleep quality and overall well-being, ensuring a compassionate and effective healthcare experience.
Christine Mossman Bedford, NS (902) 404-6545
info@thebreathfactory.ca thebreathfactory.ca
Health Care - MEDICAL SUPPLIES
THE PAW PAD RETREAT & SPA
Julia Fletcher
Halifax, NS (902) 421-5365
Thepawpadretreat@gmail.com thepawpadretreat.com
Pets & Veterinarian - PET SUPPLIES/ SERVICES
THE VISITOR CREATIONS INC
Owen Kavanagh
Halifax, NS (902) 717-1410
Info@thevisitor.ca thevisitor.ca
Advertising, PR & MediaMARKETING
TIDAL WAVE CONSULTING
Having guided 15 years of business transformation across industries, I pull from agile strategies, process optimization, change management, and psychological insights to drive tangible growth and achieve strategic value. My passion lies in helping teams not just survive change, but thrive in it. Let’s explore your organization’s path forward.
For over a decade, Whitecap Entertainment has set the stage for incredible performances and festivals in Atlantic Canada. We liven up the east coast with events like the PEI Beer Festival, Cannabis East, and the Cavendish Beach Music Festival—the largest multi-day outdoor music festival in the region.
Charmaine Iscala Charlottetown, PE (902) 892-5647
charmaine@whitecapentertainment. com
whitecapentertainment.com
Events - FESTIVALS/SPECIAL EVENTS
WYNDALE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
John Wanczycki
Halifax, NS (902) 448-9180
wanczyc@yahoo.ca
Education & Prof. DevelopmentCOACHING
ARE YOU A NEW CHAMBER MEMBER?
Get listed in New & Noted!
Contact Mandi Bowser at mandi@halifaxchamber.com or call (902) 468-7111 to submit.
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
How our members are growing Halifax
HALIFAX CHAMBER CEO AND PAST CHAIR AWARDED
Patrick Sullivan (President & CEO, Halifax Chamber) and Ann Divine (Past Chair of the Halifax Chamber Board and CEO of Ashanti Leadership PDS) were amongst those presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal in March. The medal was awarded to 25 Nova Scotians who have made a lasting impact in business, the arts, education, and public service. Congratulations to the recipients!
CHAMBER MEMBERS AMONGST TOP 50 CEO AWARD WINNERS
Congratulations to the winners of Atlantic Canada Magazine’s Top 50 CEO awards for 2025, including Halifax Chamber members: Stephanie Hovey (Allied Therapy), Dawn Dalley (CAA Atlantic Ltd.), John Flewelling (CBCL Ltd), Stephen Harding (Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation), Mike Davis (Davis Pier Consulting), Stephen MacDonald (EfficiencyOne), Carrie Cussons (Events East Group), Courtney Sherlock (Halifax Tides Football Club), Nadine Bernard (Indigevisor), Billy English (Kindred Home Care), Kevin Kiley (McInnes Cooper), Bradley Farquhar (Purple Cow Internet), Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie (Strongest Families Institute), Matt Symes (Symplicity Designs), Alfred Burgesson (Tribe Network), and Faten Alshazly ( WeUsThem).
NEW AI INITIATIVE LAUNCHES IN YARMOUTH TO SUPPORT RURAL ENTREPRENEURS
On May 5, immediac launched a new AI-focused initiative in partnership with IGNITE Atlantic and Digital Nova Scotia, aimed at helping entrepreneurs across Nova Scotia explore and adopt practical AI tools. The kickoff event in Yarmouth featured Minister Colton LeBlanc, who announced new provincial funding for IGNITE and joined our team for some hands-on “vibe coding” to mark the occasion. The initiative begins with a roadshow of introductory workshops and will continue with regular visits to IGNITE locations across the province, offering ongoing AI consultation and support for startups, small businesses, and rural innovators.
ALSHAZLY IS ATLANTIC CANADA’S TOP 50 CEO AND IS TOP-RANKED IN THE FORPROFIT CATEGORY
Faten Alshazly, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of WeUsThem and Chief Executive Officer of HealthEMe, has added yet another honour to her growing list of accolades, this time being named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs. Ms. Alshazly was recognized for her outstanding leadership in driving WeUsThem and HealthEMe’s growth and positioning it as a growing powerhouse in advertising and health technology spaces. In addition to being named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs, Faten Alshazly received a surprise second award as the Top Ranked Leader in the For-Profit category for the Top 50 CEOs.
HMCS SACKVILLE RETURNS TO THE HALIFAX WATERFRONT
Canada’s Naval Memorial Trust’s HMCS Sackville, the last surviving WWII corvette and Canada’s Naval Memorial, continues to honour our nation’s proud naval history. HMCS Sackville welcomes members to book private group tours and uniquely Maritime themed event bookings aboard the ship. With an annual membership of just $75, individuals and organizations can support ongoing preservation efforts and join a dedicated community working to keep this vital piece of history alive. Learn more by visiting cnmt.ca.
ROYER THOMPSON EXPANDS OWNERSHIP
Two senior leaders at Canadian executive advisory firm Royer Thompson join Kim West as equity shareholders. Amy Reid, Managing Partner, Executive Search, has been with Royer Thompson since 2018, building its reputation for rigor and care in executive search. Amy has increased her ownership. Greg Dickie, Managing Partner, Royer Thompson is a new owner. Greg joined the business in 2021 after almost twenty years in the banking sector. All three owners are actively engaged in the business providing expertise across an array of executive development, coaching, HR advisory, and executive search services.
HALIFAX TOWER HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE WINS SECOND PLATINUM GUEST SATISFACTION AWARD
The Halifax Tower Hotel & Conference Centre has won its second Platinum award from Choice Hotels Canada. Platinum winners are among the top three per cent of over 330 hotels in the country, representing the best of the best in the Choice Hotels Canada portfolio. Winners are determined by verified customer feedback. The hotel opened in 2022 and is owned by Stephanie Giannoulis, who was named Developer of the Year by Choice Hotels Canada that same year. In addition, last year the hotel also won the top honours of Canadian Hotel of the Year and International Hotel of the Year.
WORKSOURCE ALLIANCE
On May 15, 2025, WorkSource Alliance hosted the inaugural CareerNexus event in Halifax—a first-of-its-kind AI-powered career matchmaking experience designed to connect job seekers directly with local employers. With over 120 attendees, the event brought together 17 organizations and 12 employers for on-site, one-on-one interviews. Attendees included international students (24%), recent grads (44%), and careertransitioning professionals (16%), reflecting a diverse talent pool across industries. CareerNexus delivered real hiring conversations and meaningful connections, with several employers planning to shortlist or hire. Energized by this year’s success, WorkSource Alliance is already planning CareerNexus 2026, aiming to grow its reach and deepen its impact across Nova Scotia.
MEDAVIE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES
THEIR LARGEST MULTI-YEAR INVESTMENT IN ACCESS TO MEMBERSHIP AT THE YMCAS OF NOVA SCOTIA
The YMCAs of Nova Scotia are pleased to announce a renewed multiyear partnership with the Medavie Foundation to increase access to YMCA facilities across Nova Scotia. This increased investment of $2.25 Million over the next three years will support thousands of individuals with subsidized memberships to access the programming available at their local YMCA. This funding enables YMCAs of Nova Scotia to offer more memberships through financial assistance, working with community partners across the province to expand access and help individuals and families reach their full potential.
GDI INTEGRATED FACILITY SERVICES WINS CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
GDI Integrated Facility Services won the Pinnacle Award for Customer Service at the 2025 BOMA Nova Scotia awards. This award recognizes companies who embody excellence in the commercial real estate industry through consistency, ingenuity, integrity, and a relentless dedication to service.
PROUD MOMENT: JINESH
SHAH BECOMES CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL BOOKKEEPER (CPB)
We are proud to announce that Jinesh Shah from Hausgaard Bookkeeping & Tax Services Inc. has earned the prestigious Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation. This certification reflects his dedication to mastering the skills required for top-tier bookkeeping, including financial statement preparation, payroll management, and tax calculations. Achieving this credential demonstrates Jinesh Shah commitment to professional growth and excellence in the accounting field. As a CPB, he join an elite group of professionals committed to upholding high standards of financial management. Congratulations to Jinesh Shah on this outstanding achievement.
VERECAN FUNDS BEHAVIOURAL FINANCE RESEARCH CHAIR AT UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Verecan Group of Companies has funded a limited-term research chair for Dr. Lisa Kramer, Professor of Finance at the University of Toronto. Appointed the Verecan Chair in Behavioural Finance, Dr. Kramer will lead innovative research into investor behaviour, market psychology, and financial decision-making. Over three years, her work will help bridge academia, the financial services industry, and the public, making complex insights more accessible. Verecan’s support reflects its commitment to transparency and integrity in financial services, advancing the conversation around how people think about money. For more information, contact Kathryn Toope at kathryn.toope@ verecan.com
A NEW INCLUSIVE SPORTS PROGRAM
Easter Seals Nova Scotia is partnering with the Halifax Lancers to bring our inclusive sports program, Learn to Ride, to participants this summer. This camp runs for two weeks over the summer for children and youth ages seven to 24 with a physical and/or cognitive disability. This program promotes the development of healthy life skills for educational, professional, and personal development through equine-assisted activities. Benefits from this program include positive development of communication, confidence, team building, increased awareness of non-verbal communications and improved self-esteem.
SA KENNEDY FINANCIAL GROUP EXPANDS
SA Kennedy Financial Group, operating as Co-operators in Burnside and Sackville and serving clients across Nova Scotia, is pleased to announce another exciting milestone in its fifth year of operation. Under the continued leadership of owner Shane Kennedy, the firm is expanding once again, demonstrating sustained growth and commitment to delivering personalized insurance and investment solutions to local business owners. SA Kennedy Financial Group also welcomes Devon Forshner as its new Group Benefit & Retirement Lead. Devon will spearhead the expansion of the firm’s group benefits services, helping to strengthen its offerings for business clients who value community connection, expert advice and long-term impact.
NEW OFFERING AT THE WINE SPA
With the introduction of The Wine Spa Lunch this spring, The Wine Spa begins a new chapter in merging wellness with social connection. Designed as a refreshing end-of-week reset with a colleague, friend, or prospect, this catered lunch includes an express manicure or pedicure on Thursdays or Fridays. It’s already become a guest favourite! This offering represents a small but meaningful milestone in the spa’s mission to rethink how people unwind, connect, and care for themselves. Whether for business or pleasure, The Wine Spa Lunch offers a unique way to rejuvenate. Visit TheWineSpa.ca to learn more.
CHAMBER
TEAM TOURS HALIFAX SHIPYARD
Our Chamber team and Board members toured the Halifax Shipyard, where 15 new Canadian Surface Combatants are being built for the Royal Canadian Navy. The National Shipbuilding Strategy has created thousands of jobs and generated billions in economic activity across the country, including right here in Halifax. A huge thank you to the team at Irving Shipbuilding for showing us where all the action happens!
LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECOGNIZES CMM’S HARD WORK
The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM) has received some well-deserved accolades for its work, alongside other members of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce. The CMM received the Business Excellence Award, recognizing exemplary work for its Member Communities over the course of the past year. The award was handed out during the Chamber’s 135th Anniversary Gala, which included dinner and accolades for fellow award winners Business Person of the Year Miriah Kearney, and Duane Rath, the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
POWERUP LEADERSHIP TURNS SEVEN
We’re proud to celebrate our 7th anniversary with exciting growth and milestones. This year, we were selected as the exclusive strategic vendor for leadership coaching by both the Region of Peel (ON) and the City of Maple Ridge (BC). We also welcomed a new Dalhousie graduate to our internal team, Layan Jasser, and onboarded 10 new ICFcertified coaches to meet growing demand. These achievements reflect our continued commitment to building inspired, values-driven leaders. PowerUp Leadership specializes in executive coaching, leadership development, team coaching and facilitation, talent assessments, and succession planning.
REFLECTING ON A YEAR OF GROWTH AS HALIFAX STANFIELD TAKES OFF
At its recent annual public meeting, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) celebrated its incredible growth in 2024 and recognized its positive economic impact on Atlantic Canada and beyond. Total revenue for HIAA was up 10.5 per cent from 2023, with growth reported in all travel sectors and revenue categories. HIAA reached a new record of service to international destinations, driving both aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue. In tandem with strong passenger levels, bottom-line performance in 2024 was driven by strong revenues dedicated to funding the airport infrastructure investments necessary to meet rising activity levels and increasing air carrier connectivity.
Rural tourism renaissance
Inside the four-season transformation of tourism in rural Nova Scotia By Emily Bednarz
There’s a quiet revolution underway in rural Nova Scotia. From the Cabot Trail to Chester, small communities are reshaping how we think about tourism and travel. It’s not just about rustic charm anymore (though there’s plenty of that). With year-round experiences, creative entrepreneurs, and serious investment in infrastructure, rural tourism is proving to be a powerful engine for economic development in Nova Scotia.
Coastal getaways, year-round
Perched on the edge of the Cabot Trail, Cape Smokey is evolving into Atlantic Canada’s first four-season coastal mountain destination. Martin Kejval, Chief Executive Officer at Cape Smokey, points out that the location was once a volunteer-run ski hill that grew with the help of loyal regulars and lots of community support. “Cape Smokey has always had deep local roots,” says Kejval. “It originally opened decades ago as a small ski hill and was most recently run by local community members who kept it going with a lot of heart and dedication.”
In 2019, that legacy met a new
long-term vision and redevelopment plan that honours the past while building toward the future. “We’re still growing and still learning, but what hasn’t changed is the sense of place,” says Kejval. “The mountain, the ocean, the community—they’re still at the centre of everything we do.”
Their new vision included gondolas with panoramic ocean views, modern snowmaking, mountain biking, and guided hikes in the off-season. “We’re still growing into our four-season potential,” Kejval says. “But every year, more people are discovering that Cape Smokey isn’t just a winter destination—it’s a place to return to, season after season.”
About four hours southwest, the seaside village of Chester is seeing a rural renaissance of its own, complete with creative cuisine, spa getaways, a vibrant arts scene, and boutique hotels like The Sunroom Restaurant & Inn. “We are proud to be entering our fourth season in the lovely seaside Village of Chester,” says owner Dean Leland.
Chester maintains a balance of oldworld appeal and modern experience.
“Its seaside beauty, lovely shops, inns, and restaurants, along with the world-renowned Chester Race Week, make Chester the ideal getaway,” says Leland. “Its proximity to Halifax and other Maritime cities also help to make Chester a sought-after destination, year-round.”
At the Sunroom, a new chef is taking the helm, bringing west coast culinary training and a deep appreciation for coastal ingredients to Nova Scotia’s South Shore. “We look forward to his innovative approach and passion with each dish,” says Leland, whose team is doubling down on hospitality as their differentiator. “Our priority remains to offer a leading dining and accommodation operation in Chester with excellent food, amazing service, and beautiful comfy beds.”
Opportunities and obstacles
Of course, rural growth doesn’t come without challenges. Staffing is a persistent puzzle, especially outside urban cores. “Operating outside of the core of HRM does present challenges, most specifically with available labour,”
says Leland. “We have to get very innovative with that part of our business as well.”
Kejval at Cape Smokey echoes the sentiment, pointing to broader infrastructure needs in rural regions. “In remote areas, things like housing, transportation, and staffing can be tough,” he says. “Internet access, infrastructure, and year-round economic activity all take work to build and maintain.”
Still, for both operators, these challenges aren’t deterrents—they’re part of the journey. “We believe Cape Smokey, and rural Nova Scotia more broadly, can offer something truly meaningful to today’s traveller,” says Kejval. “Our job is to keep improving, keep collaborating, and make sure we’re creating something that benefits not just visitors, but the local community too.”
Road trips with returns
Operators like Kejval have noticed the appetite for rural tourism has grown significantly in recent years. “More and more, people are looking to get off the beaten path—not just to relax, but to connect with places that feel real,” he says. “They want authentic, genuine experiences—the kind you can’t manufacture.
That’s a big shift, and it’s created exciting new opportunities for communities like ours.”
According to the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS), rural tourism is more than a travel trend—it’s a key economic driver. “Over the past number of years, many rural Nova Scotia communities have become important tourism destinations,” says TIANS President Darlene Grant Fiander. “Significant investments have been made to transform rural economies.”
The returns on these investments are revitalizing main streets across the province. “This results in increased employment and renewed infrastructure that benefits residents, as well as visitors,” says Grant Fiander. “Tourism has the highest multiplier effect in the economy—for every $1 invested, $3.2 is generated on Mainstreet.”
Beyond its economic impact, rural tourism contributes to community identity and cultural preservation. “Tourism in rural communities is transformative,” says Grant Fiander. “It plays an important role in preserving heritage structures and celebrates our diverse culture and environmental stewardship.”
With global travellers seeking
immersive experiences in natural settings, rural Nova Scotia has a clear edge. But to maintain that edge, Grant Fiander stresses the need for continued focus on talent, season extension, and leveraging sporting and global events.
Big picture, small communities
The ripple effects of rural tourism are being felt across HRM, where many rural communities sit within reach of the urban core. “Rural tourism is at the heart of our value proposition for out-of-region visitors,” says Ross Jefferson, President and CEO of Discover Halifax. “While access to urban amenities provides comfort and convenience, it’s the easy reach to open spaces and vibrant rural communities that truly inspires international travelers.”
This urban-rural proximity is now one of Halifax’s key competitive advantages. “This unique blend allows visitors to spend more of their time in Nova Scotia within the Halifax Regional Municipality,” says Jefferson. “And with the continued growth in sophistication and diversity of our rural offerings, it’s become a clear competitive advantage for our destination.”
Supporting those offerings is a major
CAPE SMOKEY
THE SUNROOM RESTAURANT & INN
focus for Halifax Partnership, which is working with rural communities and partners to develop year-round tourism and employment opportunities. . “Strengthening our relationships with rural communities and businesses in HRM is enabling greater collaboration and support to drive community-led, sustainable economic growth,” says Lindsay Morley, Rural Account Executive, SmartBusiness Program.
Tourism has been a powerful force in Halifax’s economy, with strong numbers to back it up. In 2024, there were 1.9 million nights sold, with visitors spending an estimated $1.4 billion. In addition, approximately 35,000 people work in tourism at more than 4,000 businesses throughout Halifax.
Collaboration, community, and coastlines
As Nova Scotia leans into its rural potential, the path forward is being shaped by community. “Cape Smokey is a platform, not a spotlight,” says Kejval. “We’re proud to be part of a growing business ecosystem that’s full of passion, creativity, and local pride.”
That philosophy drives their plans for growth, from real estate opportunities to workforce housing. “We’re in a long-term growth phase, and we’re committed to doing it right—with care, vision, and respect for the community and landscape,” says Kejval. “That means expanding our trail network, adding accommodations, and building out infrastructure for events, festivals, and sustainability. We’re also addressing essential needs like workforce housing, so we can support year-round operations and create stability for the people who help make this place what it is.”
The Sunroom’s approach is similarly grounded, guest-first, and forward-looking. “Our priority remains to offer a leading dining and accommodation operation in Chester,” says Leland. “Rural tourism is on the upswing, and local entrepreneurs and communities are leading the way with innovative hospitality options.”
Kejval agrees that rural tourism is a team effort. “The real magic comes from
the people—the local café owner who puts everything into their business, the guide who knows the land inside and out, and the artists and entrepreneurs who stay year-round because they see a future here,” he says. “At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to help Cape Smokey thrive—not just as a destination, but as a pillar of long-term growth and opportunity for the entire region.” ■
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY THIS SUMMER? VISIT OUR MEMBERS!
• Alt Hotel Halifax Airport
• Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake Hotel
• Best Western Truro - Glengarry
• Coastal Inn Halifax
• Courtyard by Marriott Halifax Downtown
• Four Points by Sheraton Halifax
• Fox Harb'r Resort
• Great George Properties Ltd
• Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
• Halifax Tower Hotel Bayers Lake
• Hampton Inn & Suites Halifax/ Dartmouth
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Halifax Bedford
• Hotel Halifax
• Lord Nelson Hotel and Suites
• Manga Hotel Group
• Moore Suites
• Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre
• Oceanstone Seaside Resort
• Over Sea Real Estate Management
• Over The Edge
• Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc
• RCR Investments
• Residence Inn by Marriott Halifax Dartmouth
• Rodd Hotels & Resorts
• Sunroom Restaurant & Inn
• Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
• The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews By-The-Sea, Autograph Collection
• The Prince George / Cambridge Suites Hotel
• The Quality Inn Magnetic Hill
• The Quarterdeck Resort
• The Westin Nova Scotian Hotel
• Moxy Hotel FIND MEMBER DETAILS AND SPECIAL OFFERS HERE:
• Upper Clements Cottages ltd
From L-R: Martin Kejval (Chief Executive Officer, Cape Smokey), Lindsay Morley (Rural Account Executive, SmartBusiness Program, Halifax Partnership), Ross Jefferson (President and CEO, Discover Halifax).
Intentional, actionable, inclusive
A note from the Chair of the Halifax Chamber Board of Directors
JOANNE BERNARD CEO EASTER SEALS NOVA SCOTIA
Thefirst few weeks as Chair of the Halifax Chamber Board of Directors have been full of good wishes, meeting new board members, orientations, events, and establishing the exciting path forward in the search for our new Chamber President and CEO. I am a firm believer that I try not to fill the shoes of my amazing predecessor Ann Divine but to bring my own pair and set my stamp on my year-long tenure.
The Halifax Chamber is very much on the cusp of building on our reputation and in a solid strategic direction while forging the way for a new leader who will again, bring their own shoes. The Strategic Plan guides our work and is pillared by Affordability, Labour and Infrastructure—all relevant and timely focal points for our 2000 member organizations. Members can be assured their voices will be lifted through the work of the Chamber through submissions to government and other stakeholders on the issues important to them.
My personal motto is “if it matters, measure it” so we will continue to communicate with our members of directions sought and action taken.
The Halifax Regional Municipality has seen three elections in the last seven
months which gives the Halifax Chamber and every level of government a tremendous opportunity to work together on issues that affect not only our quality of life but our livelihoods. Rest assured that the Halifax Chamber will continue its role of leadership on issues important to our members to all levels of government and our advocacy will be intentional and actionable.
As a leader in the nonprofit sector, I know first-hand the challenges that face my sector every day. That is why I am ceding this space over my time in the next year to highlight the work of other nonprofit organizations that you might not be familiar with in your community. I want to give space to small shops that do not have the resources or capacity to tell their stories but often perform critical work in our community and even for you or a loved one. My hope is that by doing so, their work garners attention,
resources, and recognition. I also want to give space to nonprofits who do work which can directly benefit your business culture. (See next issue for an article about Engage Nova Scotia and their Quality of Life survey.)
I have been told that I am the first Chair of the Halifax Chamber from the nonprofit community. Whether you have crafted a Mission Statement on what your organization does or a Vision Statement on what you want your business to accomplish, the similarities between the nonprofit sector and the business community are far greater than their differences.
One of my favorite quotes is from Management theorist Peter Drucker who says “Management is about doing things right. Leadership is about doing the right things.” I have spent most of my career striving to do the right things. No sense stopping now. ■
Joanne with Camp Tidnish campers, Kiera and Gabby. Camp Tidnish is the only barrier-free overnight summer camp for Nova Scotian children, youth, and adults who live with disabilities.
Summer in the city
Summeris more than a season in Halifax. With record foot traffic, a surge in local events, and new names making waves, Halifax’s summer tourism drives serious momentum for downtown businesses.
To find out what’s fuelling the city’s busiest season this year, we checked in with three key players shaping summer experience downtown: the TD Halifax Jazz Festival, Halifax Tides FC, and the Moxy Hotel.
Community at the core
For local businesses, Halifax offers a magic mix of coastlines, culture, and community. “Downtown Halifax is the perfect place for a summer getaway,” says Angela Clevett, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Moxy Hotel. “With its restaurants, local events, concerts, and unique scenery, Halifax stands out from other Canadian cities. It has a small-town feel and is rich in history but brings to life all the elements that a larger city can offer.”
That charm is why the TD Halifax Jazz Festival has called downtown home for nearly 40 years. “With 60% of our programming being free, it’s a festival that truly belongs to the community,” says Tenille Goodspeed, Executive Director of the festival. “From the moment you arrive, you’re met with the energy of music lovers, volunteers, and staff who make you feel welcome. Whether you’re here for international
headliners, local gems, or a waterfront set in the sun, this is where summer memories are made.”
Courtney Sherlock, CEO and Co-Founder of Halifax Tides FC, agrees that the downtown core sets the stage for connection. “A Halifax Tides game isn’t just about soccer—it’s about community,” she says. “It’s where locals and visitors come together to celebrate the city, the sport, and the people who make it all possible. Every match is a showcase of Halifax’s heart and soul. The atmosphere is electric, with passionate fans packing the stands and creating a hometown vibe like no other.”
Where summer energy ignites
Downtown’s summer momentum is powered by planning, partnerships, and programming that invites people in and gives them a reason to stay. “The TD Halifax Jazz Festival helps bring downtown to life,” says Goodspeed. “From pre-show dinners and post-show drinks to browsing local vendors on-site, there’s a real energy that radiates beyond the stages.” Their Friends of the Festival program helps extend this energy. “We encourage festival goers to explore the city, with special offers that connect audiences to local businesses.”
Halifax Tides FC has a similar growing network of downtown partners. “We collaborate with restaurants, bars, and shops to offer fans special discounts and promotions on game days,” says
Sherlock. “We also work with local venues to host events like watch parties and fan meet-ups. These partnerships boost the game-day experience as well as our vibrant downtown economy.”
Clevett says the Moxy leans into the summer vibe with flexibility and fun. “Since opening, the Moxy hotel has had so many wonderful opportunities to host unique events and guests—from weddings to corporate events to discos to youth groups to senior tours,” she says. “The brand is vibrant and bold. It’s different from everything else in this area, and I think Halifax really needed that.”
Opening the very first Moxy in Canada came with some challenges. “At first, people didn’t know the name
How local events, venues, and new attractions are turning up the heat downtown By Emily Bednarz
Executive Director Tenille Goodspeed and her family at the TD Halifax Jazz Festival.
TD HALIFAX JAZZ FESTIVAL
or that it was part of Marriott,” Clevett explains. “Now, with more locations opening across Canada, that awareness is building.”
Sherlock is similarly focused on building awareness. “We’re energizing downtown, bringing soccer excitement to the heart of the community,” she says. “With rising local support, we’re building momentum through events like our kit reveal and season ticket member event, where fans had a chance to meet their on-field heroes.”
Even on off days, the Tides’ Business Development Manager Ally Pedvis says the team stays grounded in the downtown scene. “When the Tides team has some downtime, they love checking out the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market and the Brewery Farmers’ Market,” she says. “It’s a great way to unwind and enjoy everything Halifax has to offer.”
Designed for discovery
One reason summer downtown feels so full of possibility? There’s always something new to discover. “We’ve built the festival to be wide open—literally and figuratively,” says Goodspeed. “Our site is designed to invite everyone in, with local vendors, a kids’ zone, and even a spot to chill in the sand. Whether you’re
planning your night around a favourite act or just wandering by on a sunny afternoon, there’s something to discover.”
That sense of discovery extends to the lineup itself. “We’ve got global icons like Femi Kuti, indie favourites like The Decemberists and Iron & Wine, heavy-hitters like St. Vincent and Big Boi, and local legends like Adam Baldwin and Aquakultre,” says Goodspeed. “But every year, we hear the same thing: ‘I came for [insert headliner], but now I’m obsessed with [new discovery].’ That’s exactly what we hope for.”
The Moxy pays tribute to the city of Halifax, down to cheeky references and details in the hotel’s design. “The ‘Container Lion’ at the front door references the lion in the Nova Scotia flag and the shipping container represents Halifax as a port city,” says Clevett. “The ‘Luggage Wall’ pays homage to those who arrived in Canada through Pier 21, and the Lion’s Den, AKA ‘the Secret Room,’ is located behind a bookshelf. All guests can enjoy this secret space—if they can find it and figure out how to open the door!”
Sherlock says the Tides bring the same spirit of discovery to the pitch. “For families, we have mini-soccer games, face painting, and sign making. There
are sponsor activations, food trucks with local favourites, and live entertainment,” she says. “It’s a fun, family-friendly experience for everyone before and after the match.”
It’s also a platform for local talent. “We feature local artists for pre-game entertainment and partner with a local print company for all our marketing materials,” Sherlock adds. “Everything we do is about amplifying our community.”
Summer buzz, lasting business
While summer may only last a few short months, its impact can carry through the rest of the year—especially when businesses are intentional about the way they show up. “The Halifax Tides FC is built for the community, by the community,” says Sherlock. “We’re partnering with the QEII and IWK Foundations to promote women’s health equity. We’re also growing the youth soccer culture through school programs and collaborations with Soccer Nova Scotia. The potential to further elevate the Tides’ presence in downtown Halifax is limitless.”
Clevett sees long-term opportunity, too. “The Moxy really does work well for many different segments,” she says. “We’ve had wonderful feedback from our corporate clients and leisure guests alike.”
And for Goodspeed, some summer memories never fade. “There have been so many incredible moments at the festival,” she says. “But Lauryn Hill in 2016 really captures Halifax’s spirit. The audience and Hill waited patiently and eagerly for an hour until the downpour stopped and the show resumed. That kind of dedication—from both the artist and the crowd—is what makes this city so special.” ■
The Moxy Hotel includes references to Halifax through design. The ‘Container Lion’ (left) represents the lion in the Nova Scotia flag, and the shipping container represents Halifax as a port city. The ‘Luggage Wall’ (right) pays homage to those who arrived in Canada through Pier 21.
HALIFAX TIDES FC
Sip, soak, and celebrate
Blending beauty and bubbly at The Wine Spa By Emily Bednarz
What’s the best pairing for a mimosa? A mani, of course.
In spring of 2024, Angela Szubielski opened The Wine Spa—a social spa where you can connect with friends and enjoy a pedicure with a little splash of Nova Scotia wine.
For Szubielski, building a business has been years in the making. “I’ve been searching for the perfect business venture since I was a kid,” she says. That search eventually led her back to school in 2018 to become a certified sommelier. Her early business ideas revolved around wine-infused experiences, and by 2020 she was poised to launch a wine tour company—until the pandemic changed her course.
Instead, Szubielski joined the team at Peacock Wine Bar to get hands-on experience and deepen her industry knowledge. When a favourite co-worker left to become a hairstylist, Szubielski had an idea. “After our final shift together, I sat up late, sipping wine and thinking about how much fun it would be to create a business where she could work,” she says. “I laughed at the idea of a spa or salon at first, but a few sips later, I started imagining a completely different kind of spa: one where Tina Turner plays in the background and you’re sipping wine with your best friends.”
From that late-night brainstorm came The Wine Spa—a feel-good destination that combines wellness treatments with wine-forward hospitality. “We’ve created a joyful, welcoming space that feels like a celebration, whether you’re getting a facial, enjoying a pedicure, or sharing a laugh over bubbles,” says Szubielski.
Of course, no small business journey comes without its hurdles. “Like many small businesses, our biggest challenge has been getting the word out while building the right team,” says Szubielski. “It’s a classic chicken-and-egg scenario: you need staff to grow, but you need consistent business to afford the staff.”
The Wine Spa’s strategy has been to focus on creating a celebration of the senses through community-driven
connections and standout guest experiences. Word of mouth has been their strongest marketing tool, but a renewed focus on strategic promotions has helped broaden their reach. “As for staffing, we’ve been lucky to attract passionate people who understand the heart of The Wine Spa, and that’s made all the difference,” says Szubielski.
It’s a model that resonates with both locals and out-of-town visitors. “Some guests describe it as ‘Disneyworld for ladies,’ and we’ll happily take that!” says Szubielski. “For locals, we’re a go-to spot for birthdays, girls’ nights, and self-care Saturdays. For visitors, we’re a uniquely Haligonian experience that blends beauty, wine, and local charm in a way you just won’t find anywhere else.”
For Szubielski, business is all about showing her local love. The Wine Spa is working closely with Wine Growers of Nova Scotia on a micro museum celebrating the province’s wine industry while also sourcing spa products and gifts from local artisans. “We love Nova Scotia wine
at The Wine Spa, it’s at the heart of what we do,” says Szubielski. “Supporting other small businesses and elevating local talent isn’t just good for the economy—it makes the guest experience richer and more meaningful.”
This summer, The Wine Spa is doubling down on its experiential offerings. Their upcoming “Glam & Grapes Experience” is a partnership with 7 Virtues and will feature a DIY Refresh Facial, guided Nova Scotia wine tasting, and custom perfume-making. Stay tuned for some more exciting new partnerships launching this summer!
In the meantime, be sure to visit The Wine Spa for your next wellness boost. “We’ve created an environment that’s upbeat, inclusive, and full of feel-good moments,” says Szubielski. “It’s not just a spa; it’s a social spa—where you can sip, laugh, get pampered, and leave feeling a little more like yourself again.”
Learn more about The Wine Spa at: thewinespa.ca
Angela Szubielski (centre) opened The Wine Spa in spring of 2024.
Responsive by design
BeResponsive Media celebrates 10 years of heart and hustle in Halifax By Emily Bednarz
WhenDavid Tonen and Garth Holmes cofounded BeResponsive Media a decade ago, their goal was simple but bold. “We started the company because we wanted to bring integrity and transparency to the discipline of marketing,” says Tonen, CEO and Cofounder. “Garth and I love helping businesses be successful by having their marketing strategy drive revenue.”
Ten years on, that mission still fuels the Halifax-based digital marketing agency. But it’s evolved in some very deliberate ways. “Over the years, we have focused on working with companies that value the foundation of a marketing strategy,” says Tonen. “Focusing on tools and collateral without a plan as the foundation results in less effective outcomes.”
That clarity of purpose has shaped the firm’s growth, especially over the past five years. A turning point came in 2018, when BeResponsive worked with a business consulting company to sharpen its value proposition. “Over the two years of that engagement, we redefined our value propositions and targeted three specific sectors for specialization—public safety/ security, education, and medical,” says Tonen. “The sectorization has been the key driver of our growth because of the experience and knowledge we bring to customers in these niche markets.”
Combined with a strong sense of place, that strategic focus has helped the team deliver standout results. “We
have tried variations of outsourcing and remote work and determined that this doesn’t help us ‘be responsive,’” Tonen explains. “Our entire team of experts lives in Halifax and comes to our Bedford office daily. This allows for the highest level of problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity in our marketing, and our clients reap the value.”
One of those clients is New Jerseybased Eventide Communications, which operates in the public safety sector. “They embraced the value of developing a foundational marketing strategy to focus and strengthen their marketing and communications,” says Tonen.
“Because of that commitment, they have seen the benefits of greater clarity in their messaging, focus on their target customers, and increased leads through their website and marketing campaigns. Their marketing engine is running very effectively, and it has elevated their revenue and brand recognition within the industry.”
That kind of measurable impact is key to the BeResponsive approach. “The greatest benefit of digital marketing is that every client has access to tons of data,” Tonen says. “We help identify the most critical metrics and interpret their meaning. Bringing simplicity and clarity to the numbers and presenting the truth about what is working and what isn’t
ensures transparency and integrity in the digital strategies we have developed and implemented for each company.”
While the rise of AI is reshaping the marketing landscape, Tonen sees it as just another tool in the kit. “Our success is not tied to tools but to determining the strategy around how they will most strategically benefit each client,” he says.
Looking ahead, the BeResponsive team is feeling energized and ready for what’s next. “In many ways, we have just hit our stride in the past two years,” says Tonen. “We have seen our best growth through increased visibility and networking in our sectors of specialization. We will continue building on our expertise and involvement as we commit to serve each industry.”
For Tonen, there’s also a deep sense of pride in building a business that’s rooted in Halifax. “I love employing great people in our city to invest in our community’s talent,” he says. “The strength of our team’s expertise will be the foundation for the next level of growth we are entering.”
Learn more about BeResponsive Media at: beresponsive.com
David Tonen (right) and Garth Holmes cofounded BeResponsive Media ten years ago “to bring integrity and transparency to the discipline of marketing.”
How EY is Doing Business Differently
EY Canada setting the standard in diversity and inclusion
SUBMITTED ON BEHALF OF CANADA’S 2SLGBTQI+ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CGLCC)
EYCanada has been a Corporate Member through Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) since the program’s early days. A longstanding sponsor of CGLCC’s Black and White Gala and partner for the EY/CGLCC Pitch Competition, EY Canada has been active in the chamber’s ecosystem.
But is this corporation just trying to check off a box? We chatted with Lindsay Swanson (she/her), EY Canada’s Leader of ESG Services, Supplier Diversity and Inclusion, who told us all about how EY Canada is setting the standard.
EY has been a champion for inclusion since its inception 150 years ago. Its founder, Arthur Young, was hard of hearing and had vision loss, so since the beginning, the company has been committed to breaking glass ceilings and redefining what diversity means. EY has built several programs that celebrate individual differences, regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, socioeconomic background, working and thinking styles and abilities.
“It’s not just lip service. We’re really focused on creating programming and opportunities that ultimately bring people together,” said Lindsay. “We’re seeing how corporate membership with organizations such as the CGLCC offers
us an opportunity to demonstrate our values to the external market but also to our people, within the walls of EY. They’re able to see that alignment of values and the safe space EY creates for all.”
EY Canada’s supply chain is small due to the nature of its business, but it is powerful. Being a Corporate Partner is about more than taking advantage of the network of diverse suppliers. To them, it’s about using the size and power of the firm to be a leader in inclusion. So, Lindsay and her team create high impact programming and organize networking events to involve diverse suppliers and connect them with like-minded organizations and people.
“We want to do good things, provide value, and bring people together,” said
Lindsay. “We are investing in relationships. I believe that is where we excel. We help diverse suppliers forge relationships within our network, and we create connections across our market by bringing people together. The simple act of investing in an event that brings diverse-owned businesses together with other members of our network creates connections. It’s those connections that give way to amazing things.”
EY Canada is a Big Four accounting firm that provides services in assurance, consulting, strategy and transactions, and tax. As a firm that offers several services to its clients, it knows how to make an organization run better. EY knows to be profitable, competitive and representative; it needs to be diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
“As a professional services organization that relies on the best talent to stay ahead, we need the smartest and most talented people. Those people are going to be from diverse communities,” said Lindsay.
McKinsey & Company research shows that companies with a diverse workforce are 35% more likely to experience greater financial returns than their non-diverse counterparts.
Lindsay also noted the value of inclusion in employee retention. Research from Perceptyx’s Center for Workforce Transformation shows that diverse workforces lead to a greater sense of belonging, which increases retention.
“Once you get the smartest people in the door, you need to give them a reason to stay and build their careers,” said Lindsay. “When your employees have a sense of pride for their workplace and when the organization has a sense of pride for its employees, I fully believe you are going to have stronger loyalty to your firm.”
And during a time when some large corporations are scaling back their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, EY remains committed to inclusion. Lindsay said becoming a Corporate Member through CGLCC should be a no-brainer for companies that want to invest in inclusive practices right now.
CGLCC Corporate Members have access to a network of 2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses, CGLCC Diverse Suppliers, who they can collaborate and network with.
“Do it because it’s the right thing to do and it gives you access to businesses
that you might not have been aware of. It opens up a whole new network of not only the small- to medium-sized businesses but other corporate members as well.”
Working with CGLCC perfectly aligned with EYs values, showing their commitment to creating a more equitable working world and doing business differently.
CGLCC offers an array of certifications, programming, and events for Certified Suppliers and Corporate Partners including their annual Global Business Summit, OUT For Business, Export Readiness, and the Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program.
With offices across Canada, EY is connected to the 2SLGBTQI+ business community across the country, including here in Halifax.
Rainbow Registered businesses undergo a strict review to meet standards which ensure the business is 2SLGBTQI+ friendly. The program, created in partnership with CGLCC and Tourism HR Canada, works to ensure that 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel more
welcomed and accepted.
The Halifax Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a Rainbow Registered business, as it demonstrates our consistent commitment to creating inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
This nationally recognized, time-limited accreditation helps to gain public trust in your organization as an inclusive space and enhances internal culture by ensuring your workplace fosters values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
To learn more about how your organization can do the same, learn how to become a Corporate Member today at: DoBusinessDifferently.ca
“We want to do good things, provide value, and bring people together,” says Lindsay Swanson (she/her), EY Canada’s Leader of ESG Services, Supplier Diversity and Inclusion.
Tourism roadmap
Unpacking the Integrated Tourism Master Plan 2030
NICK CUNNINGHAM SENIOR POLICY ANALYST HALIFAX CHAMBER
Tourism is a big part of life in Halifax, supporting businesses, jobs, and investments to the area. It also gives visitors a chance to experience everything that makes the region special.
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is made up of several unique areas like Downtown Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford/Sackville, the Eastern Shore, and Peggy’s Cove to name a few, each with its own personality, charm, and local experiences.
In 2024, Nova Scotia saw a slight dip in visitor numbers, with around two million people coming to the province, which was down 2% from 2023, and 12% lower than in 2019. Still, those who did visit spent more, pushing tourism revenue up by 10% to $3.5 billion.
To help Halifax bounce back and keep growing as a top destination, Discover Halifax, the non-profit organization behind the region’s tourism efforts, has come up with a set of new ideas and recommendations.
Their plan aims to bring more people to the area and make sure tourism continues to benefit everyone who lives and visits here through a comprehensive investment roadmap for HRM.
The Integrated Tourism Master Plan (ITMP) 2030, which is built off the original 2019 plan, aims to create a roadmap for future tourism growth by encouraging collaboration between stakeholders, decision-makers, and the community to highlight what’s needed, what’s working, and what’s not working in each of the distinct areas in HRM.
The preliminary ‘What We Heard’ report bundles the feedback it received from tourism-based industries into 7 key themes, one of which are required Policy Changes. While the final report is set be published in the coming months, the potential policy changes listed in the preliminary report suggest that the current regulatory landscape in Halifax presents several challenges that hinder the growth and sustainability of its tourism sector such as:
• Outdated liquor laws that complicate the organization of all-ages events and suffer from inconsistent enforcement.
• Short-term rental regulations are viewed as overly restrictive, particularly in rural and suburban areas, limiting economic opportunities despite the acknowledged housing crisis.
• There is a shortage of accommodations outside the downtown core, highlighting the need for broader
geographic tourism development.
• Outdated transportation regulations, particularly under the Motor Carrier Act, limits the potential expansion of ground transport services.
• A need for a neutral advocacy body. These policy changes, along with the other major recommendations in the report, are not meant to happen all at once. Instead, the recommendations in this report are meant to be a practical guide that decision-makers can turn to when they’re looking for ways to support and grow Halifax’s tourism sector. It’s about breaking down barriers, helping local businesses thrive, and making the city a more welcoming place for visitors.
Just like the Ivany Report helped set a clear direction for Nova Scotia’s future and got people moving in the same direction, the Integrated Tourism Master Plan (ITMP) 2030 can perhaps do the same for tourism in HRM. It lays out a shared vision and real, actionable ideas that can help drive progress over time. If we use it well, the ITMP could ideally spark the same kind of momentum and help shape the Halifax tourism industry for future decades.
For more information, visit: discoverhalifaxdmo.com/ integrated-tourism-master-plan
Ready to grow
Empowering the Eastern Shore to drive sustainable tourism and economic growth
JASON GUIDRY DIRECTOR, TRADE & INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
HALIFAX PARTNERSHIP
TheEastern Shore of Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Located only 45 minutes from the downtown core, this coastal community is known for its historic attractions, protected 100 Wild Islands coastal wilderness area, and long white sand beaches.
As a tourism destination, the Eastern Shore remains a largely underdeveloped, undiscovered gem within HRM, with less than 1% of the provincial total number of room nights sold. The region faces several challenges in capitalizing on growing global demand for sustainable and experience-based travel, including seasonal employment gaps and a lack of coordinated economic development and marketing efforts.
These obstacles have hindered the growth of its tourism sector, leaving much of its potential untapped. Recognizing these challenges as opportunities, a new community-led sustainable tourism initiative aims to help better
position the Eastern Shore as a vibrant, destination for visitors seeking experiences and adventures rooted in the natural beauty and rural charm of the area
“The sustainable tourism initiative is not only about tourism—it’s about building community capacity, resilience, and collaboration, and driving economic growth that will have long-term positive impacts and create more employment opportunities for the region,” said Lindsay Morley, Rural SmartBusiness Account Executive at Halifax Partnership, who supports business development and growth in rural HRM.
Community-led, communityfocused
At the heart of the initiative is the establishment of the Eastern Shore Community Tourism Team, representing various communities in the area, who will ensure that efforts are community-led and inclusive, grounded in local knowledge and experience, and responsive to each area’s unique strengths and needs.
The team will be supported by a steering committee comprised of representatives from Halifax Partnership, Discover Halifax, Tourism Nova Scotia, CBDC Blue Water, and the Nova Scotia
Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration.
Foundations for success
A key part of the initiative is building the skills, knowledge and capacity required to develop the region’s tourism industry long-term. The community tourism team and its partners are developing and delivering workshops tailored to the needs of Eastern Shore residents, covering essential business skills, tourism trends, customer service, digital marketing, and funding opportunities. They are also focused on developing effective strategies to attract and retain workers to help address the region’s longstanding seasonal employment challenges and support year-round economic development.
By building community capacity, fostering collaboration, and embracing the region’s natural and cultural assets, the sustainable tourism initiative lays the groundwork for long-term prosperity on the Eastern Shore. With a shared vision and commitment from community members, businesses, and partners, the region is poised to grow a tourism economy that is resilient, inclusive, and uniquely its own, creating lasting and shared benefits for generations to come. ■
RYAN WILLIAMS/UNBOUND MEDIA
Pride: Moving beyond rainbow capitalism
An opinion editorial by Mica Daurie on behalf of T.R.A.N.S.
Aspride season arrives again with the warm summer months, businesses look toward ways to celebrate pride and invite the 2SLGBTQIA+ community into their establishments.
Beyond trying to capitalize on queer dollars, are you creating a truly queer and trans inclusive business to invite community into? Are you doing more than simply trying to profit off community goodwill?
Pride in Halifax started decades ago as a small march of queer and trans folks, many of whom donned paper bags to cover their faces in fear of losing their jobs or homes in retaliation. Are your celebrations rooted in that spirit of revolution and resilience, or are they simply a ‘pinkwash’ of rainbow stickers and slogans?
When we talk about 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in business, it is more frequently becoming a ‘checkbox’ that people in leadership are trying to fill, without considering whether they are actually engaging with community, learning from and supporting community, and taking steps beyond a simple ‘one-and-done’ corporate training for staff then claiming to be rainbow inclusive.
When engaging educators to talk to your staff and leadership about 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, are you engaging community-led organizations that teach from first-voice experience? While trying to create a business that appears attractive and welcoming to the rainbow community on the outside, are you also doing the work to build a safe and inclusive environment for queer and trans employees on the inside?
These are the important questions we must be asking ourselves this Pride season 2025. As it becomes less popular and more risky to be a vocal supporter of Pride, are you continuing your commitments to rainbow inclusion, and not backing down?
In today’s climate where there is such a prominent shift toward the exclusion of queer and trans people, the community needs more than shallow commitments and rainbow flags. Businesses, government bodies, community organizations, and partners across sectors need to be doing more to make Pride a year-round practice, and not something to brush the dust off for a short celebration and pack away once the parade is over.
Thinking about ongoing commitments to training, education, engagement, and giving back, all stand as crucial elements to consider this Pride season and beyond. Are you sourcing your Pride merchandise from companies that are owned by and give back to community? Are you considering what the organization you’re inviting in to train your staff is offering, is it meaningful, holistic and community-led?
Too often we are seeing organizations develop training and materials that are not formed by first voice experience, which misrepresent or underrepresent
2SLGBTQIA+ issues and needs. This kind of ‘education,’ even when offered with the best of intentions, is actively causing harm and taking away opportunities from community organizations, who ought to be the ones leading the work.
If you’re looking for ways to more meaningfully engage during this Pride season, we encourage you to reach out and see how we can better root your celebrations in the spirit of giving back to community. As a grassroots community organization with ties to dozens of non-profits, social impact organizations, as well as charitable and community serving initiatives across the province, we can connect you with the right resources for education, celebration, creative ways to foster liberation, and so much more this Pride season.
For more information, visit our website at TRANSadvocacyNS.com or contact us directly via email at TRANSadvocacy@ outlook.com or by phone at ( 902) 410-2955.
Mica Daurie speaking at the Halifax 2SLGBTQI+ Business Symposium hosted by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce in 2024.
The traveler’s stories
Rethinking
travel, tourism, and hospitality advertising
rethink how we tell those stories.
ASHWIN KUTTY CEO WEUSTHEM
Have you ever visited a new destination and struck up a conversation with a complete stranger from that locale? You are so engrossed that you get lost in the breadth and depth of the culture, the unique stamp that makes that destination unique and, of course, the individual and the conversation. I have recently considered starting a blog series called Uber Diaries to catalogue all the conversations I’ve had. Language is never a barrier; time is. What you happen to capture in those fleeting moments tells you more about a destination, the people, the culture and the environment than any guide could tell you.
In an industry built on wanderlust and memory-making, tourism and hospitality advertising has never simply been about selling. It’s about inviting people into an experience that can’t be replicated. But with traveller expectations evolving rapidly, driven by digital platforms, shifting values, and AI, we have to
Today’s travellers aren’t just booking places, they’re seeking belonging, discovery, and meaning. Successful campaigns are those that tap into deeper emotions, helping audiences feel inspired or seen. FOMO may drive some of it, but underneath is a hunger for genuine connection.
The real shift is from promotion to empathy. Whether you’re a boutique inn or a national tourism board, your advertising must resonate year-round, not just during high season. It’s no longer about just showing what’s available, but how it feels to be there. Advertising today needs to reach people emotionally, meeting them exactly where they are.
So, how do you create that connection?
First, embrace authentic storytelling. Today’s audiences aren’t drawn to flashy influencers or perfectly curated feeds; they want real stories. Campaigns that highlight genuine, lived experiences create emotional connections and build trust. These stories don’t need big budgets or cinematic polish, just sincerity. The joy of a grandmother sharing a family recipe at a local cooking class, or a young couple finding community
at a small-town festival, these are the moments that resonate.
Second, be truly inclusive. Many travellers, particularly those from underrepresented communities, still don’t see themselves reflected in tourism ads as a major missed opportunity. Inclusive marketing drives engagement, loyalty, and bookings. If your campaigns don’t reflect the diversity of your visitors or your community, you’re leaving people and revenue behind. Inclusivity isn’t just ethical; it’s smart business.
Third, use technology to support, not replace, human connection. AI can analyze trends and automate delivery, but it can’t feel. Creative strategy still matters; prioritize how your content makes people feel. Emotions drive memory and decisions. Media habits are shifting: people now discover destinations through podcasts, reels, and short-form videos. They want to hear the voices, feel the energy, and experience the vibe before they book. Tourism marketing needs to meet that moment, not just with visuals, but with values.
Learn more about WeUsThem at: weusthem.com
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