July Business Voice

H A L I F A X C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E | J U LY 2 0 2 1 | V O L U M E 3 0 I S S U E 0 7

DOWNTOWN CORE, UPWARD TRENDS Transforming, expanding and improving Halifax PAGE 16

MAKING THE MOVE

Welcoming new Haligonians despite the pandemic Pg 24

COMFORTING COMPANIONS Meeting people where they’re living

Pg 28

PURPOSE-DRIVEN RETIREMENT Needing a financial strategy

Pg 34

A REOPENING CELEBRATION IS BETTER IN GOOD COMPANY. When you’re a member of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, you never have to go it alone. Members benefit from training, information sessions, networking events, and profile-boosting opportunities. And now that the economy is opening back up again, you have a city-wide community of peers to cheer you on and add fuel to your fire. Let’s work together to make sure we all bounce back—stronger than ever.

Become a member today.

CLICK HERE HalifaxChamber.com 2

AFFINITY PARTNERS As a member of the Chamber you gain access to many benefit programs that can save you & your company money. You can recover the cost of your membership many times over just by taking advantage of these money and time saving benefits from our Affinity Partners.

Find out more here.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: 05 Events & Policy

I started Comforting Companions to help families care for 28 those they love. So they would know there was support out there from people who truly understood their challenges and wanted to spend time with their loved ones.”— Yvette Gagon, CDP, Founder, Comforting Companions Care Providers Inc.

06 President’s message 07 New & Noted 12 Members in the news

POSITIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT:

16 Downtown core, upward trends Transforming, expanding and

improving Halifax

24 Making the move Welcoming new Haligonians

despite the pandemic

28 Profile Comforting Companions:

Meeting people where they’re living – physically and mentally

24 MAKING THE MOVE

28 Board of Directors – Officers

Mark Sidebottom, Nova Scotia Power, Chair Faten Alshazly, WeUsThem, Vice-Chair Gavin MacDonald, Cox & Palmer, Past Chair Roger Boutilier, Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS Ann Divine, Ashanti Leadership Karim George, InTouch Communications

Directors

33 Trends The great resignation is

coming: Are you ready?

Purpose-driven retirement

35 Working for you

Congratulations to Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs and Chamber Members

Looking forward

Building youth careers and community spaces

Michele Peveril, Halifax Port Authority Brad Proctor, McInnes Cooper Richard Butts, Clayton Developments Limited Caroline Wolfe Stewart, Nova Scotia College of Nursing Andrew de Freitas, Canadian National Railway Christopher Googoo, Ulnooweg Hon. Joanne Bernard, Easter Seals Nova Scotia David Rideout, MetroWorks Chris Cowper-Smith, Spring Loaded Technology Martha Casey, VOLTA Captain (N) A.S. Williams, CD, Maritime Forces Atlantic Kimberly Stephens, Appili Therapeutics Inc. Denise Allen, Food Processors of Canada Donna Harding, Engel & Völkers Paul Way, TD Private Wealth

Chamber Staff

Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO Becky Davison, Vice President, Marketing Kent Roberts, Vice President, Policy Sandra White, Director of Finance and Administration Emma Menchefski, Communications Manager Mina Atia, Communications Coordinator

38 Thank you to our webinar sponsors 4

BUSINESS VOICE

Volume 30 • Issue 07 Business Voice is published 11 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.

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 photo credit

Jay Fisher, Captrue It Photography

EVENTS & POLICY

CHAMBER EVENTS

For a full and up-to-date list of Chamber events, please visit

halifaxchamber.com/events

Contact chris@halifaxchamber.com for partnership opportunities

VIRTUAL EVENTS BUSINESS SUPPORT SERIES

**Resuming in September**

Check out the September lineup HERE and October lineup HERE

We're accepting speaker requests for the fall lineup. Addressing the Chamber membership and audiences will help raise your profile in the business community!

Fill out a form HERE

Chamber 101 with Patti Dow, Member Services Specialist July 21 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM REGISTER HERE

COVID-19 Employee Vaccine Policy Framework

Cindy's Benefits Meeting

with Tanya Tynski, Senior Advisor, MC ADVISORY, Karen Lockerby, Senior Advisor, MC ADVISORY, Ian Pickard, Partner, MCINNES COOPER

July 7 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM REGISTER HERE

July 15 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM REGISTER HERE

JOIN US ON THE WAVES

POLICY & ADVOCACY

For more info on Chamber policy and advocacy work, please visit

halifaxchamber.com/advocacy

Reopening Safely in Nova Scotia We are officially one week into Phase 2 of the provincial reopening plan and things are looking great!

During phase 2, we have expanded our indoor and outdoor activities, including social gatherings!

More activities, including the opening of fitness establishments, and increased capacity for retail, continues in small, well-managed groups, where the risk of spreading COVID-19 is low.

To make things easier to understand, we’ve created a document that easily displays the phases, and what changes come with each milestone. While this document is currently accurate, things are constantly changing, so keep an eye out for updated versions of this document as we move through the phases.

Click HERE to for the full-size reopening chart!

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Learning and growing @prezhfxchamber

Confronting Canada’s continued discrimination against Indigenous Peoples of residential schools and broken treaties over the last few hundred years. You can listen to this CBC podcast or this Canadian Encyclopedia podcast series. You can also read these books: • A Knock on the Door: The Essential History of Residential Schools from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada by P. Fontaine • Unsettling the Settler Within: Indian Residential Schools, Truth Telling, and Reconciliation in Canada

by P. Regan

PATRICK SULLIVAN PRESIDENT & CEO, HALIFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

J

uly is here and with it comes not only sunshine, but also an opportunity for reflection and change. There have been discussions about Canada Day and whether it is inclusive and reflective, but this year those discussions seem even more pressing with the horrific discoveries of mass children’s graves at residential schools in British Columbia and searching is now happening at other locations, too.

• Reconciliation & the Way Forward

by S. Rogers, M. DeGagné, M. Lowry and S. Fryer • 21 Things You May Know About the Indian Act by Bob Jopseh Before we can mend our relationships and reconcile with our pasts, we need to know what has happened. To better understand

each other, we need to recognize what Indigenous people lived through and continue to live with today. We need to unlearn biases and start to dispel myths some of us have lived with our entire lives.

How can the business community get involved? We are leaders in our community. We need to set the example.

Support Indigenous-owned businesses: Include them in your supply chain, give them a platform and share their content.

Engage with organizations like Ulnooweg, Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network and the Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre.

Hire Indigenous workers.

This Canada Day, take a moment to reflect on your experiences living in Canada and how they might differ from Indigenous Peoples’. Communities across the country are wearing orange this year–– It’s a good place to start.

Canada’s history did not begin in 1867.

The Indigenous peoples of this land have been here for thousands of years, tending to it, learning the ways of the forests and creatures, and living in harmony with both. The first step in breaking down Canada Day is first acknowledging that we in Halifax are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq and Maliseet Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725 and this place existed long before the Canadian government became official.

What can we do to support our friends in the Indigenous communities? First, to quote our Board member, Chris Googoo of Ulnooweg, “improve our ignorance of Canada’s history and our realities – my children live with this knowledge, so should yours.”

FIND OUT MORE

I urge you to read more about the history 6

BUSINESS VOICE

NEWSMAKERS

NEW & NOTED We welcome our new Chamber members ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF NOVA SCOTIA

AXIOS CONSTRUCTION LIMITED

The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia is the leading not-for-profit health charity serving Nova Scotians impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Active in communities across the province, the Society offers help for today through programs and services for people living with dementia and hope for tomorrow by funding research to find the cause and the cure.

Audrey Milley

Dartmouth, NS (902) 440-0890

2719 Gladstone St Suite 112 Halifax, NS (902) 422-7961 audrey.milley@asns.ca alzheimer.ca/ns

HEALTH CARE - Health Care Services, General

ASSOCIATION OF PSYCHOLOGISTS OF NOVA SCOTIA APNS, a volunteer-based professional organization established in 1965 to represent psychology in NS, advocates for psychology as a profession, science and means of promoting human welfare. APNS advocates to government, employers and the public on mental health and wellness issues. Find a Psychologist with our referral service available on our website.

Susan Marsh 5991 Spring Garden Road Suite 645 Halifax, NS (902) 422-9183 apns@apns.ca apns.ca

NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS Associations/Agencies

Michael McCurdy michael@axiosconstruction.ca axiosconstruction.ca

REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION Contractor/Construction

BLACK STAR WEALTH On a mission to change 1,000,000 lives, the award winning Black Star Group is not your typical financial firm.

They invented a unique system––One Number Solution––that is so effective, advisors across the country are using it. Entrepreneurs love the One Number Solution for Business and the innovative programs for growing their business.

Wendy Brookhouse 6309 Chebucto Rd Halifax, NS (902) 446-4661

wendy@blackstarwealth.com blackstarwealth.com

FINANCE & INSURANCE - Financial/ Insurance Services

B-LINE B-Line is a facilities-management and emergency-alert platform. It helps building owners and employers prevent the spread of infectious disease by limiting human-to-human contact with access controls, capacity monitoring and mobile devices to identify possible chains of transmission.

Aaron Short Halifax, NS (416) 305-7858

CANVAS MONCTON, TAPESTRY COLLECTION BY HILTON Canvas Moncton, Tapestry Collection

by Hilton is Moncton's Premiere Boutique Hotel. Home to 97 guest rooms, including Bar55 bar & café, Gahan House Hub City and the Éxperience by NB Liquor. With 2,900 SF of meeting space, Canvas is also the perfect place to host your corporate or social event.

Rebecca Hodd 55 Queen St Moncton, NB (506) 800-8118

Rebecca.Hodd@hilton.com CanvasMoncton.com

TRAVEL & TOURISM - Hotel/Motel

CAPE & COWL COMICS & COLLECTIBLES Cape and Cowl Comics is a comic shop and community hub in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. Home to the Leighann Wichman Safe Place youth drop-in center, we have hosted hundreds of community events, and help connect those in need to community resources and services. We showcase a diverse representation of stories through our retail shop and support over 100 local artists through our consignment program.

Jay Roy 622 Sackville Dr Unit 5 Lower Sackville, NS (902) 252-3452

jay@capeandcowlcomics.ca capeandcowlcomics.ca

SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAIL – Gifts

aaron@bline.io bline.io

COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY Computer Software J U LY 2 0 2 1

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NEWSMAKERS CATHERINE WALKER - RETIRED MEMBER Catherine Walker Halifax, NS

cwalker@walkerlaw.ca

OTHER - Retired Member

CCRW- YOUTH THE FUTURE CCRW is a national not-for-profit organization. Our Youth the Future program in Halifax serves three main purposes: to support job seekers with all types of disability to find meaningful employment; to support employers who wish to hire employees who are persons with disabilities; and to share our resources and experiences to make employment opportunities accessible for every candidate.

Tina Morash 7071 Bayers Rd, Suite 301 Halifax, NS (902) 482-9656 tmorash@ccrw.org ccrw.org

NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS Associations/Agencies

CLUB INCLUSION Club Inclusion provides social, cultural, life skills, vocational and recreational programs that are accessible to people of all abilities and interests. We enrich lives by building friendships, community and success. Club Inclusion empowers individuals and their families to thrive through innovative and creative programming, by building bridges to inclusive communities.

Jackie Rivers 2652 Joseph Howe Dr Halifax, NS (902) 401-5938

theclubmembers@gmail.com theclubinclusion.com

NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS Charitable Organizations

COURTYARD & RESIDENCE INN HALIFAX-DARTMOUTH Courtyard Halifax Dartmouth offers a comfortable stay for business and leisure travelers. Experience our spacious guest rooms. Jump-start your morning with Starbucks® and The Bistro, our on-site restaurant. Relax by the fireplace with 8

BUSINESS VOICE

a handcrafted cocktail and dinner.

Re-energize in our 24-hour fitness centre, heated indoor pool and 150ft waterslide. Reserve one of our flexible meeting rooms designed to enhance productivity and communication.

Katheryn Elson 35 Shubie Dr Dartmouth, NS (902) 406-3000

katheryn.elson@courtyarddartmouth. com marriott.com/hotels/travel/ yhzcd-courtyard-halifax-dartmouth

TRAVEL & TOURISM - Hotel/Motel

CRAIG'S CAUSE PANCREATIC CANCER SOCIETY Helen Wright

Halifax, NS (877) 212-9582

Helen@CraigsCause.ca craigscause.ca

NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS Charitable Organizations

DMA GLOBAL DMA Global is ''The Trust Based Relationship Partner'' in Professional Recruiting. Our Professional Search Experts provide customized consulting to meet your organization's needs. We will help you find the best employees for your organization nationally and internationally. We are associated with Go Easy Immigration, an expert Immigration firm based in Halifax and Edmonton, who will help our clients in navigating the immigration and application process with utmost ease.

John Paul 1459 Hollis St Suite 302 Halifax, NS (902) 499-4488

john.paul@dmaglobal.net dmaglobal.net

HR, EMPLOYMENT & STAFFING Recruitment Services

ENGLISH LAW Amy Thomas

287 Highway 2 Enfield, NS (902) 883-2264

amy@englishlaw.ca englishlaw.ca

BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES - Law

NEWSMAKERS FLETCHER'S PEST CONTROL LTD Jeff Fletcher

Dartmouth, NS (902) 809-7781

fletcherspestcontrol7@gmail.com fletcherspestcontrol.com/ola/ services/fletcher-s-pest-control-ltd

HOME & GARDEN - Landscaping/ Lawn Care

HANDALA DENTAL LTD. We are a dental clinic aiming to provide oral healthcare in an accessible and comfortable setting. We provide quality care using advanced methods and digital technologies. Handala Dental is humbly located in Mi’kma’ki, and we’re grateful to be in community with other locally owned and operated businesses on this territory.

Ayman Awad 5730 Young St Halifax, NS (902) 444-1948

ayman.awad@handaladental.ca handaladental.ca

HEALTH CARE - Dental

KINSTONE GLASS Joshua Livingstone

ONE OF A KIND FURNITURE Welcome to One Of A Kind Furniture Decor & more. We are a small Local family business that provides unique handcrafted solid wood furniture, decor, and lots of gift ideas––ethically sourced from other small businesses in Canada and around the world. Our store is the place where Unique Meets Unique.

Jaqueline Schneider 173 Hector Gate Dartmouth, NS (902) 481-5510

oneofakind.dartmouth@gmail.com oneofakindfurniture.ca

HOME & GARDEN - Furniture

OUTLAW COUNTRY TATTOO Outlaw Country Tattoo was born from necessity. We offer a safer space to those who seek body art from artists who cater to queer bodies and experiences. Our staff is composed of LGBTQ+ persons and we strive to create an environment where everyone enjoys the experience of altering their bodies to better fit their self image.

Charles Bottomley 6103 North St Halifax, NS (902) 221-3857

393 Herring Cove Road Halifax, NS (902) 536-1980

tucker.bottomley@gmail.com

INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING - Glass

Cari Duggan-MacNeil

joshua@kinstoneglass.ca kinstoneglass.ca

NOVA INJURY LAW NOVA Injury Law is a personal injury law firm representing injury victims and disabled workers across Atlantic Canada. NOVA Injury Law is the only law firm in the region with an in-house Medical Consultant, assisting our legal team build medical-accurate and persuasive injury claims. Call for a free same-day consultation.

Jeff Mitchell

OTHER - Gay Business

OUTSIDE EDGE HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT INC. 531 Herring Cove Rd. Suite 200 Halifax, NS (902) 223-0045 cari@outsideedge.ca outsideedge.ca

SPORTS & RECREATION Recreation/Sports/Fitness

OWEN SAGNESS - INDIVIDUAL MEMBER Owen Sagness Halifax, NS (416) 949-1922

owen@sagness.com

BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES Management Consulting

PPG-DULUX PAINTS Dulux is a global leading brand of premium quality paint. Dedicated to delivering high performance solutions and quality products, its unrivaled technical expertise meets the current and future needs of our customers through our network of over 250 stores in Canada.

Visit our website for more information on our colour promise, store locations, products, services and more!

Kevin Burgess 75 Akerley Blvd Halifax, NS (902) 468-3965

kburgess@ppg.com dulux.xa

INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING Paint/Paint Equipment

RIDGEBACK SECURITY INC. Ridgeback Security is a security risk management consultancy and advisory firm. We develop physical and cyber security solutions for organizations to protect the people, places and data they value. Our team brings decades of military and policing experience to our holistic security solutions. We provide use of force training, site security audits, threat risk analysis, security and emergency planning, and mental resilience training to manage internal risk.

Chris O'Brien Halifax, NS (902) 293-1188

chris.obrien@ridgebacksecurity.com

BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES Business Consulting

1959 Upper Water Street, Suite 1301 Halifax, NS (902) 442-8853 jeff@novainjurylaw.com novainjurylaw.com

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NEWSMAKERS SHOOBI PARK PRODUCTIONS Yasser Haidar

Dartmouth, NS (902) 412-0500

yasser@shoobipark.com

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT - Film/Television

SIGNATURE HEALTH Monique Fares

102-3481 Dutch Village Rd Halifax, NS (902) 444-6600

monique.fares@signaturehealth.ca signaturehealth.ca

HEALTH CARE - Health Care Services, General

SPARK ENGAGEMENT INC. Spark’d is the ONLY Employee Engagement Survey that gives an accurate lens into the hearts and minds of your people. Spark’d empowers every individual, from the mail clerk to the CEO, to connect with the company and own their place in it. Personalized reports provide all individuals with game-changing insight.

Jacqueline Throop-Robinson Antigonish, NS (902) 229-8989

jacqueline@spark-engagement.com sparkdifference.com

HR, EMPLOYMENT & STAFFING Human Resources

ST BARBARA ATLANTIC OPERATIONS Brenna Reynolds 409 Billybell Way Mooseland, NS (902) 384-2227

brenna.reynolds@atlanticgold.ca atlanticgold.ca/

AGRICULTURE, FISHING & FORESTRY - Mining

THE CO-OPERATORS With 6 offices in HRM, the Co-operators is a leading Canadian multi-line insurance and financial services co-operative with $47.3 billion in assets under administration. We protect 663,000 lives, insure 230,000 employees through Group Benefits plans, offer a wide range 10

of Wealth Management products, and provide Creditor Life insurance to 545,000 Canadians. We insure more than 896,000 homes and more than 1.5 million vehicles. We provide coverage for 40,000 farms and 269,000 businesses.

Shane Kennedy 796 Main St Dartmouth, NS (902) 469-0910

shane_kennedy@cooperators.ca cooperators.ca

FINANCE & INSURANCE - Financial/ Insurance Services

THE NORTH GROVE The North Grove is a dynamic community hub in the heart of Dartmouth North. Our nonprofit Family Centre and Community Food Centre offer programs, services and space for people to learn and connect through family support, food and friendship.

Anne-Marie McElrone 6 Primrose St Unit 115 Dartmouth, NS (902) 464-8234

amcelrone@thenorthgrove.ca thenorthgrove.ca

HEALTH CARE - Health and Wellness

THE ROUNDS The Rounds is the secure collaboration network modern physicians trust to improve healthcare outcomes.

Physicians of all specialties use The Rounds to learn, share and discuss with peers and thought leaders to advance their knowledge and apply to their own practice.

Tim Rice 3377 Kempt Rd Halifax, NS (902) 266-8198

tim@therounds.com therounds.com

COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY IT Products/Services

BUSINESS VOICE

TIMBAR CONSULTING INC. Barbara Meens Thistle Bedford, NS (902) 430-2002

timbarconsulting@gmail.com

BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES Consulting (General)

TRUCKING HUMAN RESOURCE SECTOR COUNCIL ATLANTIC While the Trucking Human Resource Sector Council Atlantic is a not-forprofit, we are a for-impact organization. Our focus is to assist the trucking industry of Atlantic Canada with their workforce development. From professional driver to dispatch to administration, THRSC Atlantic is supporting both employers and employees through innovative strategic practices.

Kelly Henderson 14 Court St Suite 301 Truro, NS (902) 893-8410 kelly@thrsc.com thrsc.com

TRANSPORTATION - Transportation Consulting

UPPER CLEMENTS COTTAGES LTD We have upscale two-bedroom, fully equipped cottages overlooking the beautiful Annapolis Basin and a 5-minute drive away from Annapolis Royal.

Whether it is for a family vacation, outdoor activities or a romantic getaway, our year round facilities will satisfy your needs. We are your perfect base camp to explore Southwest Nova Scotia!

Nathalie Sanfacon (she/her) 3059 Hwy 1 Upper Clements, NS (902) 532-0269

vacation@upperclementscottages.com upperclementscottages.com

TRAVEL & TOURISM Accommodations (General)

Are you a new member?

To submit your 50-word description for New & Noted, please contact Mandi Bowser, Administrative Assistant at Mandi@halifaxchamber.com or 902-468-7111 within the first six months of membership.

WATCH THE WEBINAR

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NEWSMAKERS

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS How our members are growing Halifax

ATLANTIC SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY ANNOUNCES NEW FACULTY

MARCO POLO ARRIVAL A NEW MILESTONE FOR PSA HALIFAX PSA Halifax welcomed the largest containerized vessel to Halifax. The CMA CGM Marco Polo adds capacity to a service comprised of 19 ‘ultraclass’ vessels. With a large terminal area, PSA Halifax is the only terminal in Eastern Canada that can accommodate ultra-class vessels. “The arrival of CMA CGM Marco Polo signifies a milestone for PSA Halifax as a team – it is a testament to the terminal’s capabilities and to the recent

delivery of key infrastructure – taking Halifax forward together and recognizing the efficiency and reliability of this deep-water Atlantic hub for our customers,” says Jan van Mossevelde, CEO of PSA Halifax. The maiden call of the CMA CGM Marco Polo is a fitting reminder of the great support that international trade by Halifax has received from across Canada.

NEW ONLINE COURSE OFFERING P4G and TEAM Work Cooperative launched an exciting new program: FUTURE READY New Opportunities. The program’s goal is to connect 20 displaced Nova Scotians from underrepresented groups to meaningful employment after job loss or reduced hours due to COVID-19. Local employers looking to grow their team can put their organizations forward as a potential employer. If matched with a potential jobseeker, there

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are wrap-around supports available including wage subsidies, free or cost-shared workplace accommodations and skills training, and access to professional development, training and education sessions amongst a variety of other things ensuring a successful transition. Check out this video to learn more about the Getting HR Ready for Launch: How to Design and Launch an Impactful Leadership Coaching Program.

BUSINESS VOICE

The Atlantic School of Theology is pleased to announce three tenure-track faculty appointments: Dr. Evangeline Kozitza Dean – Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies; Rev. Dr. Susan MacAlpine-Gillis – Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology; and Rev. Dr. Andrew O’Neill – who is taking on a half-time tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology. These three outstanding educators and scholars will help advance AST’s mission of shaping faithful and effective leaders.

They will assist in leading AST into the future for years to come.

GBBA WELCOMES NEW BOARD The Greater Burnside Business Association (GBBA) welcomed five new Board Member at their Annual General Meeting. GBBA is a volunteer organization that promotes, supports and advocates for businesses and organizations within Burnside Business Park – Canada’s largest industrial park east of Montreal and a major economic driver of the Halifax Regional Municipality. Its mandate is to support the needs of the Greater Burnside Business Community for services, infrastructure and activities that enhance the successful operation and growth of businesses. Through its efforts, the GBBA works to increase the satisfaction of employees in Burnside.

Are you launching a new business or product? Celebrating a new partnership?

Hired new staff ? The Halifax Chamber invites you to share your Members in the News story in Business Voice. Upload your content here: halifaxchamber.com/business-voice *Note: we do not publish event promotions.

NEWSMAKERS COMMUNITY RALLIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH

A remarkable $368,675 was raised for A Very Different Stage of Mind presented by BMO. Thanks to the Emera Eagles: Bruce Marchand, Chris Huskilson, Mike Roberts and David Landrigan; The Conter Crooners – Howard, Adam and Jenna; and Disco Bob – Robert Logan for performing on the virtual stage.

“We’re so grateful and proud for the Foundation’s resilience, agility and leadership,” says Justin Scully, BMO Regional VP. “The easy thing to do would’ve been to do nothing, but the right thing to do was innovate and find a way to make a difference no matter the circumstance, especially given the elevated importance of its work during this period of time.’

Learn more at mentalhealthns.ca .

FATEN ALSHAZLY ON THE GERETY AWARDS JURY The Gerety Awards has announced their 2021 grand jury with feminist activist Ms. Faten Alshazly, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of WeUsThem, joining this prestigious group. She will represent the female voice of advertising in Canada.

Representing Canada and the female leadership needed in the field is vital not just for advertising but also

for creative, diverse, inclusive and equitable consumers. The Gerety Awards’ mission is to change the narrative around female leadership by reinforcing the value in the female visions of advertising. It continues to define the standard to which advertising should be held and show clients the best way to target the world’s most powerful consumers.

SOLID STATE PHARMA WELCOMES NEW TALENT

Solid State Pharma (SSPI) is pleased to welcome Taylor Lynk, Dr. Paul Gray and Yameng He to the ever-growing team. Having recently earned a MSc. in Analytic Chemistry from University of Alberta, Taylor returns to Halifax where she previously completed a BSc. in Forensic Science at St. Mary’s University.

Similarly, Paul returns to Nova Scotia having attained a BSc. in Chemistry from Acadia University before travelling to University of Victoria to obtain his PhD. Yameng has already completed a BSc. from St. Francis Xavier University and joins SSPI as a lab analyst. For more information about SSPI and how our team is generating knowledge not just data, visit soldstatepharma.com .

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NEWSMAKERS

MIT REAP FOCUS PROGRAM HELPS NOVA SCOTIA GROW LOCAL ECONOMIES In collaboration with the Organization for Nova Scotia Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship (ONSIDE), MIT REAP Focus Nova Scotia will help the province grow its local economies through evidence-based and practical approaches to strengthening regional capacities for innovation and entrepreneurship. Teams representing five Nova Scotia regions are participating in a tailored version of the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (MIT REAP). This global

initiative engages with communities to boost innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystems to help transform economies. “The MIT REAP Focus Program has brought together some of the most resourceful and committed members of our communities to turn this capacity into strategies and action that can drive real economic and social prosperity for our province,” said Alex McCann, Executive Director, ONSIDE. “This is especially crucial as we navigate through a global pandemic and our economic recovery.”

TRAVELLERS' CHOICE 2021 AWARD RECOGNIZES BUSINESS ADAPTATION Hampton Inn & Suites is among the winners of the 2021 Travellers’ Choice award. The award recognizes businesses that are consistently excellent, getting continuous love and support from people, and always providing customers with a memorable experience. “The past year has been extremely challenging for tourism businesses,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “What has impressed me is how business adapted to these challenges, implementing new cleanliness measures, adding social distancing guidelines and utilizing technology to prioritize guest safety.”

Congratulations to all the winners of the 2021 Travellers’ Choice Awards.

LAKECITY WORKS OPENS ONLINE STORE

FIVE ATLANTIC CANADIAN START-UPS JOIN VOLTA COHORT Five Atlantic Canadian start-ups won the 8th Volta Cohort Pitch Event. The winners selected to join the next cohort are Drastic Scholastic Thermoplastic, Food For Thought Software Solutions, PLAEX Building System Inc., Pressto and Tribe Network. Each will receive $25,000 in investments, resources, mentoring and a space at Volta as part of the year-long program.

“The competition is evidence of the innovative thinking and 14

entrepreneurial drive in Atlantic Canada. All of these companies will have tangible impacts on their respective industries and sectors, and it is inspirational to be part of supporting these Founders,” said Martha Casey, CEO at Volta. “Many Volta Cohort companies have gone on to significant national and international success, and Volta is proud to support their growth.”

Volta cohort companies have raised more than $10 million so far.

BUSINESS VOICE

LakeCity Works is offering an online shopping experience for its customers. With products available from their group of social enterprises, online offerings for commercial and residential purposes range from recycled plastics outdoor furniture to quality solid wood furniture. Their certification as a supplier of Buy Social Canada assures that the value of your dollar goes towards the benefit of your local mental health community and environment.

To browse the product lines of LakeCity Woodworkers and LakeCity Plastics products, go to: shop.lakecityworks.ca

NEWSMAKERS

SHANE KENNEDY MOVES TO NS FOR NEW OPPORTUNITY Shane Kennedy returns to Nova Scotia ready to embark on a new journey of entrepreneurship. After a decade away and with more than 24 years in Financial Services for two of Canada’s largest banks, Shane is excited to join The Co-operators Franchise model. He brings executive level experience, in managing a retail distribution advice business to this new opportunity and looks forward to the opportunity to deliver that same focus of client experience to help and advise Co-operator’s clients. Shane and his team at the Dartmouth office are focusing on growth with the six other HRM locations.

DEMPSTER WELLNESS WELCOMES NEW ASSOCIATES TO THEIR TEAM

EFFICIENCYONE ANNOUNCES NEW COO EfficiencyOne has appointed Sarah MacDonald as Chief Operating Officer. Formerly Chief Operating Officer with XOCEAN, an ocean data collection services company, Sarah also had a 19-year career with Emera Inc. in various senior leadership roles. "Sarah brings extensive strategic and operational leadership experience that will be invaluable to EfficiencyOne as we continue to expand our impact,” says Stephen MacDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer of EfficiencyOne. Since 2011, EfficiencyOne has reduced energy costs in the province by more than $1.4 billion and contributed 25 per cent of Nova Scotia’s overall GHG emission reductions.

Dempster Wellness welcomes new associates to the team: Ruvi Makuni – Corporate Wellness Specialist; Donna McLean – Clinical Therapist; Heather Creamer – Certified Medical Exercise & Nutrition Specialist and Coach Practitioner; Sonny Wilson – Certified Personal Trainer; and Leanne McDow – Certified Personal Trainer.

Dempster Wellness is offering support to access Virtual Fitness/ Health/Mental Health service demands, which are on the rise. For more information on the new associates and their programs/services, visit www.dempsterwellness.com

READY TO DISCOVER A WHOLE NEW YOU? 30 Minute Hit is providing an accessible workout for all women, helping them discover new physical and mental strengths never thought possible. It offers a safe, clean, fresh and vibrant place to train like a champ, where women can become sharper, stronger, balanced and more confident. From physical to mental strength, the program provides the best 30 minutes of the way with the help of a qualified trainer.

It helps leave stressors behind while strengthening the mind because there’s nothing that exercise can’t solve.

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DOWNTOWN CORE, UPWARD TRENDS Transforming, expanding and improving Halifax

by Mina Atia

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ousing the entertainment sector with Neptune Theatre, the Halifax Convention Centre, Scotiabank Centre and 200 restaurants and bars, downtown Halifax represents more than a billion dollars of property assessment.

“From an economic standpoint, there is no question that just as Halifax is the heart of Nova Scotia’s economic prosperity, downtown is the heart of Halifax’s economy,” says Paul MacKinnon, Chief Executive Officer of Downtown Halifax Business Commission.

Home to NSCAD University and within close range of Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie Universities, the area is inhabited by an influx of students annually and more than 15,000 office workers (pre-pandemic). It also boasts the most visited tourist sites in the province: the Halifax Waterfront and Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

The downtown core is key to the economic growth and prosperity of our city with its undeniable appeal as a destination for people to visit, gather, shop, discover and in turn, spend.

Filled with unique and vibrant attractions, most of which are locally owned, downtown brings life to our city’s main streets––stretching all the way to the North End and across the bridge to Downtown Dartmouth. Together, this collective makes up the downtown core area offering exciting eatery, touring, and shopping experiences. It brings in tourists year after year while keeping the interest of locals.

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With 12 Business Improvement Districts across Nova Scotia collectively representing more than 4,000 businesses, the downtown core is supporting small business through economic recovery.

“Small businesses truly are the backbone of our economy,” says Tracy Jackson, North End Business Association Executive Director. “Not only do they make up the lion’s share of employers in Nova Scotia, but they also provide innovation, inspire growth and keep money close to home in our neighbourhoods and communities.”

BUSINESS VOICE

In continued support of small business and economic recovery efforts for all sectors, the area has recently been undergoing noteworthy transformations. It’s cultivating a diverse makeup of storefront offerings, while driving growth and prosperity with new and improved directions for expansion.

Transforming the downtown core “The pandemic gave us, as a city, license to move things forward quicker, and take a few more risks,” says MacKinnon. “We saw this from the municipal government with changes made to more pedestrianized streets, such as Argyle Street, Grafton Street, and Bedford Row.” “We also saw it in the provincial government making changes to laws surrounding take-out of liquor and allowing dogs on patios, which are changes that had been stalled for years.”

By allowing year-round patios, the city gave Haligonians the opportunity to experiment and see if they’re ready to embrace all-seasons outdoor dining. “The jury is still out on that!” says MacKinnon.

“The change in restrictions and allowing dogs on the patios this summer in places with a food license improved our business,” says Ian Lawson, Brewer and Co-Owner of Brightwood Brewery.

Back in 2019, the Brewery ended up in the dog house due to an inspection warning after a complaint of dogs being allowed on premises. It spurred many members of the community along with Lawson to file a petition in hopes of changing the regulation. Now with the recent change and the opening of the brewery’s large patio last year, Brightwood has officially become dog friendly like on many other patios.

“When it comes to our location, we want to make it as attractive as possible for people to visit and to create an additional inviting space to the downtown core,” says Lawson. “And by simply having more stores and locations to visit when going downtown and opening more patios, it benefits all kinds of bars, restaurants, shops and other businesses that are in the area.”

On top of waiving patio license fees and permitting dogs on

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JAY FISHER, CAPTRUE IT PHOTOGRAPHY

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We are encouraged by all of these efforts made to strengthen our economy and support small businesses, but the battle is not over, there is still work that needs to be done."

— Tracy Jackson, Executive Director, North End Business Association 18

JAY FISHER, CAPTRUE IT PHOTOGRAPHY

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PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS GEWORSKY IMAGING

patios, the municipality recently made investments into a new Business Recovery parking program to bring shoppers to the main streets of downtown. Moreover, many support programs like the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, the NS Small Business Impact Grants and Real Property Tax Rebate have already helped many small businesses weather the pandemic storm of lockdowns.

“We are encouraged by all of these efforts made to strengthen our economy and support small businesses, but the battle is not over, there is still work that needs to be done,” says Jackson who is still concerned for new businesses opened after March 2020. They remain unable to benefit from the federal programs or any continued financial supports into 2022.

Diverse storefronts in the works “Up through 2020, we always have had more businesses opening in Downtown Halifax than closing,” says MacKinnon. “But there’s no question that over the past 10 years, what has disappeared from our Downtown is traditional retail.”

The dwindling number of downtown retail options is due to the intense local competition from malls, big-box parks, and of course, the pandemic-induced surge in online shopping. Many vacant traditional retail spots have been replaced by food and drink, personal services and more experiential retail offerings. These substitutes have been able to generate business and make a living off the lively downtown foot traffic, pandemic aside.

“Thank goodness there have been efforts to support restaurants. They have been able to pivot by offering take out and opening outdoor spaces, allow them to keep their businesses alive while the indoor spaces are closed,” says Frank Brophy, Foreign Affair Owner.

“Unfortunately, retail cannot offer services similar to bars and restaurants,” says Brophy. “We had to do a lot on our own to survive.”

During the first lockdown, Foreign Affair launched an online store two weeks after the closure. Although the Spring Garden storefront is the primary source of business, the new e-commerce site ensures customers are offered an online experience the Foreign Affair way.

Founded in 1973, the curated high-end women’s fashion store was lucky to have an amazing and loyal clientele who ordered online or through other channels to keep the business going during the tough times.

“Our ability to survive during the pandemic has really come down to the incredible team we have and their strong relationships with the people in Nova Scotia and beyond,” says Brophy.

The hope is that as people emerge from lockdowns, they will be particularly craving in-person experiences and connections including retail shopping. And it’s something the downtown core can re-offer in cascades.

“I actually think, especially as many people suffered from

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COVER STORY online fatigue, that there will be a renewed market for the main street store,” says MacKinnon. “But perhaps one with a smaller footprint, who also sells online, manufactures on-site and potentially shares space with other uses, such as food and drink.”

“As a small business, and any business for that matter, it's no fun to be in a construction zone,” says Marshall Haywood, Owner of Venus Envy. “But when it's done, having more residential units downtown is just great for every downtown business.”

As more people return to in store shopping, downtown shopping ought to become the heart of the city once again.

When that demand increases, more experiential retail stores will supply by taking over vacant storefronts that were at one point in time quite vital to the downtown core.

Located on Barrington Street since 1999––with plans to move a few storefronts down to a new location––Venus Envy has experienced waves of downtown developments including the one of its current building. As a business owner, Haywood finds them frustrating in addition to the lack of parking and having to pay to park. It drives out shoppers to business parks where it's much easier and free to park.

Downtown core, new directions “The story of Downtown is the story of adversity and overcoming societal shifts,” says MacKinnon. “Pandemics aren’t new. Yellow fever used to sweep across eastern cities in the late 1700s, forcing people to flee the cities. And more recently, Downtowns emptied out post World War II, due to subsidized suburbanization.”

MacKinnon knows downtown will survive; and it will survive COVID-19, especially with the abundance of tools, resources and technologies now afforded to businesses.

However, things will need to change. Greater workplace flexibility and remote work, with varying hybrid options, became the norm through the pandemic and are bound to remain so for a while.

This will stimulate the creation of distinct workspaces to meet new needs and different commuting times and patterns. Most importantly, it means a growing residential population is in the making, which has not slowed down in Halifax or across Canada.

“Parking is the perennial issue for any business downtown and is also one of the reasons I am encouraged by so many new residential units downtown,” says Haywood.

“Those are people who already live in and probably worked downtown, so they don't need to drive in and find a parking spot.”

“Our sales really suffered because people weren't coming downtown to go to the parks and the arts, not having music and theatre venues. The last year and a bit has really impacted foot traffic and how many people come downtown.”

“This means we need to be much more thoughtful about how we make our streets even more pedestrian-focused and ensuring our public spaces are intentionally inclusive for all,” says MacKinnon. “The good news is that Halifax, as a mid-sized city with a very walkable downtown and lots

PHOTO CREDIT: DASHBOARD LIVING

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BUSINESS VOICE

As a small business, and any business for that matter, it's no fun to be in a construction zone, but when it's done, having more residential units downtown is just great for every downtown business." — Marshall Haywood, Owner, Venus Envy J U LY 2 0 2 1

JAY FISHER, CAPTRUE IT PHOTOGRAPHY 21

When people come downtown, they expect to see things happening. And we are confident that the area will recover" — Paul MacKinnon, Chief Executive Officer, Downtown Halifax Business Commission 22

JAY FISHER, CAPTRUE IT PHOTOGRAPHY

COVER STORY

PHOTO CREDIT: MICHELLE DOUCETTE PHOTOGRAPHY

of opportunity for residential growth, is relatively wellpositioned for recovery.”

To rejuvenate the vitality of downtown, residential developments are worth pursuing for large developers.

The downtown density in the making is providing a muchneeded positive outlook to downtown storefronts, who are yearning for a steadier increase in foot traffic and sales.

“Having more residential units, either condos or apartments downtown is just great for every business downtown,” says Haywood.

Additionally, the city is investing in a Grand Parade concert series this summer, to help bring vibrancy back to the main streets. Downtown Halifax Business Commission has also created placemaking and music grants for its members.

“We also plan to activate our district with events, seating, flowers, art, music and open streets this summer and can’t wait to welcome visitors to our community,” says Jackson.

all of this is how important it is to just be there for your businesses, to listen to their concerns, and assure them that someone is out there fighting for them.”

“With an end to restrictions in sight, we now need to look ahead to how we recover from this and rebuild as a business district and as a city,” says Jackson. “We have been very lucky in the North End to have had approximately 25 new businesses open up during the pandemic.”

This is a true testament to the resiliency and perseverance of small business, who are still gravitating towards the downtown area, believing in the strength of downtown. It’s a reflection of the optimism of small business owners and the downtown core’s commitment to vibrancy.

“When people come downtown, they expect to see things happening,” says MacKinnon. “And we are confident that the area will recover.” ■

The North End Business Association has been echoing the voices of businesses in its area to the government and advocating on their behalf. “We have provided digital grants to set up online stores, beautification, patio and façade grants, put out social distance markers and mask decals in shop windows,” says Jackson. “All of these were important to do, but the most valuable takeaway from

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POSITIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Making the move Welcoming new Haligonians despite the pandemic

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PHOTO CREDIT: JAY FISHER, CAPTRUE IT PHOTOGRAPHY

alifax is known for being an affordable, mid-sized but major city on Canada’s east coast. It’s friendly, welcoming and enjoys and a laidback atmosphere with a strong support-local mindset. Halifax offers a balanced lifestyle that is both relaxed and simple. When you want to escape the downtown hustle and bustle, the rest of the city or suburban life for an afternoon, you don’t need to go far.

Businesses here are provided with opportunities to be globally competitive.

They have access to global markets, highly skilled talent, and endless innovation opportunities, not to mention the cost-saving incentives. With a growing economy, a strong relationship to the environment and a booming social scene, business owners are choosing to move to Halifax to join its thriving business community.

With beautiful scenery, tons of green space, lakes, hiking trails, wilderness, clean air, ocean breeze and incredible beaches minutes away, Halifax delivers the best of both worlds!

Photographer feels welcomed with open arms For Jay Fisher, when the pandemic hit and the event industry in lively Toronto came to a grinding halt, most in-person photography work followed suit.

In the past few years, Halifax has become a tourism and relocation destination with growing markets for business development and expansions. The city offers inclusive economic growth by continuously developing infrastructures for enterprises to start up, grow and prosper.

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By Mina Atia

“I realized there was very little keeping us where we were other than what had been an abundance of work,” says Fisher, Photographer, Designer and Owner of Capture It Photography. “My partner had always wanted to spend more time on the east coast, and I was ready for a big change.”

BUSINESS VOICE

After discussing their situation and looking at different options, they packed up and headed east. It was a different lifestyle, having lived in Canada's biggest urban centre for a while. “We still wanted opportunities in events, arts and for my business to grow, but we also wanted a change of pace,” says Fisher who found Halifax to be a great compromise––in the best way!

“Many people here have really made an effort to welcome us and make us feel a part of the community. They seem a little more open and willing to at least have that initial conversation,” says Fisher.

“Also, we love being 15 minutes away from any number of lakes, forests and other natural beauty.”

Based out of Dartmouth, Fisher’s photography is his lifelong passion. He takes joy in capturing special moments and pride in presenting clients with cherished memories. When holding the lens, he aims to capture a snapshot that speaks, inspires, provokes and tells their story.

POSITIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Capture It Photography was founded on Fisher’s photo-philosophy: “The person in the photo needs to look like the person walking in the room. More than that, the personality of the photo needs to scream ‘you’!”

Fisher’s current business focus is headshots. He believes they’re a vibrant, dynamic glimpse into personalities.

They portray personal brands, provide initial introductions, and tell your side of the story. He is becoming known as the "Headshot photographer for people who think they hate having their photo taken" instilling confidence and comfort in his prospective clients.

“I know many people hear ‘headshot,’ and their head goes in the sand, or the eyes get wide with fear,” he says. “But I’ve made it my goal to change that and bring back the fun, enjoyment, and empowerment that comes with owning it in front of the camera.”

Within a year of living on the East Coast, Fisher discovered a lot of potential in Nova Scotia. He's also currently donating a portion of headshot-session fees to Make a Wish, NS Chapter, to sort of give back to the community that welcomed him with open arms.

Yet, he feels some more forward looking thinking is needed.

Moving forward and adapting is critical.

There needs to be some new thinking about infrastructure, housing, transportation and health care. Demand for products and services is increasing, and there's opportunity in having things more readily and quickly available, as with the larger centres”

— Jay Fisher, Photographer, Designer and Owner of Capture It Photography

“Moving forward and adapting is critical,” he says. “There needs to be some new thinking about infrastructure, housing, transportation and health care.

Demand for products and services is increasing, and there's opportunity in having things more readily and quickly available, as with the larger centres.”

“But overall, we're very happy we made the move here. My partner and I both feel happier here than we have in a long time,” says Fisher. “There's more optimism and hope for building a new life for us, and I can't wait to see how Nova Scotia grows, develops and innovates in the next few years.”

Automotive company seeks the East Coast for climate change action Solutions Serafin is one of the leading pioneers in the vehicle electrification aftermarket based in Montreal. It’s actively collaborating with several North American and European manufacturers on a range of technologies to electrically propel vehicles.

The automotive market is shifting towards zero-emission vehicles, such

JAY FISHER OF CAPTURE IT PHOTOGRAPHY WAS HIRED BY THE HALIFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO CAPTURE ITS FIRST IN-PERSON EVENT, STATE OF THE MUNICIPALITY WITH PREMIER IAIN RANKIN, BACK IN APRIL. IT WAS HIS FIRST IN-PERSON EVENT BACK TO SHOOTING SINCE THE LIVELY TORONTO SCENE SHUTTERED.

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POSITIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

as electrical, magnetic, hydrogen and solar. And Solutions Serafin’s goal of supporting the reduction of fossil-fuel consumption aligns with Halifax’s lowcarbon emission targets. They naturally gravitated towards an East Coast expansion.

“One of our major focus points for the East Coast is to maintain clean growth and respond to climate change,” says Maser Ibrahim, Operations Manager Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Region at Solutions Serafin Inc. “Because our new business division specializes in the mass integration of electrification and transport automation, we are working to support the development of these technologies in Atlantic Canada,” says Ibrahim.

The automotive industry is going through a massive transformation. There is a shift from conventional drivelines to electric vehicles, which is putting pressure on transport fleet owners who need technical support. At the same time, fleet owners must also be prepared for the next generation of electric technology, requiring a high level of expertise.

“With the increasing demand in the region for these services, we are striving to continuously provide the best and fastest support for our customers,” says Ibrahim. The current situation in the auto industry has led to the expansion of a new Solutions Serafin branch located in Halifax, functioning as a regional hub for Atlantic Canada.

“Our objective is to be close to our customers and ensure we meet their needs,” he says. “Having a regional hub in Halifax will allow us to provide our customers with fast, efficient services, in addition to certain services like fleet monitoring, health checks and trainings are best performed in person by experts, while supporting them when they require assistance at any given moment.”

Solutions Serafin also offers complete technical solutions, including genuine spare parts and the corresponding technical support for customers from the truck, bus and off-highway applications.

“We service transmissions, axles and beyond as well as representing brands such as ZF, Dana, NTN, Meritor and many more,” says Ibrahim.

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CONTRIBUTED: SOLUTIONS SERAFIN IS SUPPORTING THE REDUCTION OF FOSSIL-FUEL CONSUMPTION, WHICH ALIGNS WITH HALIFAX’S LOW-CARBON EMISSION TARGETS AND MADE THEM NATURALLY GRAVITATE TOWARDS AN EAST COAST EXPANSION.

Because our new business division specializes in the mass integration of electrification and transport automation, we are working to support the development of these technologies in Atlantic Canada.”

— Maser Ibrahim, Operations Manager, Atlantic Canada Region, Solutions Serafin Inc.

BUSINESS VOICE

Upon moving to Halifax for the new branch, Ibrahim discovered what makes his East Coast relocation even more special. He’s continuously in awe of the new business opportunities available in the Atlantic Region, as he finds people more open to new ideas and ready to execute them. “They already come to us with a unique ‘let’s do’ attitude,” he says.

“And after the long period of lockdowns and setbacks due to the pandemic, I hope to see more networking opportunities, which would allow me to meet likeminded people to share Solutions Serafin’s expertise with,” says Ibrahim.

Global company chooses local culture A financial technology company that provides simulated trading environments to its members, Funding Talent is one of the most highly respected forex prop firms in the world with over 8,000 members in 120 countries.

This very successful and well-established company had the opportunity to move anywhere in the world but chose Halifax as its home base. “The quality of the innovation culture and Halifax’s rich

POSITIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

history have their appeals, because there’s an undercurrent of innovation that just keeps growing,” says Wade MacCallum, Vice President of Marketing, Funding Talent.

Started in December 2019 by Jessica Ghaney, a 26-year-old self-taught trader and influencer running the Instagram page Forex Tips 101, Funding Talent provides a simulated environment for traders to develop their skills.

“Because we're a global company, we're not necessarily held in one place like the Halifax market; but our Founder Jessica and her partner Anthony, the COO, are extremely loyal to the Maritimes and Halifax,” says MacCallum. “And that culture of innovation and excitement are hard to beat; I don't know of anywhere else in Canada that has that today.”

Recognized globally by many highprofile magazines including the Wall Street Journal, Ghaney has grown the company worldwide. It’s one of the fastest-growing proprietary firms that enjoys a gold standard in service and member support.

“The government and officials in power have really taken innovation on board 10

years ago and driven this to a place where Halifax now is one of the leading cities, not just in Canada but in North America, on the tech front,” he says. “Exciting organizations like Volta have really helped cultivate that culture too.”

When it comes to innovation and trying to go global, MacCallum believes some businesses are still struggling with the new technical side of doing business because individuals, boards and organizations have challenges keeping up.

“The drawback right now is the conflict between the old way of doing things and this new shift through innovations,” says MacCallum. “It's been interesting to watch how, in any period of transition, the traditional method of doing business sometimes goes against the new technical way of doing business.”

He hopes the government steps in by holding more integrated sessions to support those business with their growth and global expansions.

“The traditional way of doing business can learn a lot from being innovative and learning more about how to get your business on the internet, especially

with e-commerce,” says MacCallum.

“And Halifax could do a better job of integrating systems and making it worthwhile to both parties.”

Looking forward, Funding Talent is projecting to exceed 20,000 traders by the end of 2021. To continue providing the best solution for its members, the company needs to hire skillful talent.

“We can find talent quickly in Halifax, and world class talent at that everywhere from tech development to marketing and support,” says MacCallum.

Funding Talent is operating with only 43 employees, 28 of which are in Halifax, but is planning to add to the team by hiring up to 50 more by the end of this year. The company is taking over a large piece of real estate, building a new office right across from Alderney Landing, to allow for more sustainable growth and expansion.

“We're really, really happy to be here,” says MacCallum. “We love being a part of Halifax, and we're looking forward to being a bigger part of Halifax and Nova Scotia.” ■

CONTRIBUTED: PROJECTING TO EXCEED 20,000 TRADERS BY THE END OF 2021, FUNDING TALENT IS HIRING UP TO 50 MORE EMPLOYEES TO CONTINUE PROVIDING THE BEST SOLUTION FOR ITS MEMBERS.

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PROFILE

Comforting Companions Meeting people where they’re living – physically and mentally

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iving with a progressive illness can be isolating not only for those living with it but also for their friends and family. They try to provide support to let their loved ones know that they’re not alone, but it’s often difficult and the type of care they require is beyond their skillsets. For those who don’t live close and whose loved ones are not able to use the phone, they’re unable to stay in touch.

And for others, it’s not that they don’t want to visit. It’s that they don’t always know how to communicate with their loved ones during a visit, as their abilities change.

Having watched her brother slowly lose his abilities to Multiple Sclerosis, Yvette Gagnon started to realize a new calling.

After his illness became life altering and he entered a facility for much-needed around-the-clock care and assistance, Yvette left her 14-year career to start

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By Mina Atia

CONTRIBUTED: WHETHER LIVING AT HOME, IN A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY OR A LONG-TERM CARE SETTING, COMFORTING COMPANIONS' CLIENTS ARE PROVIDED WITH CONSISTENT COMPANION SUPPORT THAT CATERS TO THEIR DIVERSE NEEDS.

Comforting Companions. Its vision is to help families provide companionship support for their loved ones through a very isolating and emotional time, a time Yvette has herself experienced. For her, it is about meeting their loved ones where they are living, both physically and mentally.

“I started Comforting Companions to help families care for those they love,” she says. “So they would know there was support out there from people who truly understood their challenges and wanted to spend time with their loved ones. To bring joy to their days and help them in any way they needed.”

Comforting Companions Care Providers Inc. focuses on the emotional and social wellbeing of loved ones. Whether they live at home, in a retirement community or a long-term care setting, they are

BUSINESS VOICE

provided with consistent companion support that caters to their diverse needs.

“Equally our services are focused on the families who love them and hire us, and I think that is part of our success,” says Yvette. “Families want to know someone is there for them, so we stay in regular contact with every family, so they know that their needs and wants are gently mixed into our visits with their loved ones.”

The focus of comforting companions is not on physical care but more on providing emotional care depending on where they are in life. Whether a client is starting to have difficulty with daily tasks at home or is more advanced in their illness and is unable to move and speak, the companions find comforting ways to engage them. They adapt by learning as much as they can from families and friends to create a sense of wellbeing.

PROFILE

Family history of needing comfort Early on in her life, Yvette’s mother had experienced undiagnosed symptoms of MS for years. Within a few short years of her diagnosis, Yvette’s younger brother was experiencing similar symptoms, discovering he too had MS. With a very aggressive form of MS in his early 30s, he moved into a long-term care facility after only three years.

“I had no idea what this journey of MS was about to take, and it resulted in affecting me in a profound way by now doing what I know is meaningful work,” says Yvette. “I was working at the time with a very demanding job but always found time to be there for my brother and help support him in ways that mattered to him.”

“The dark reality of long-term care is that you know things will get worse as disease progresses for your loved one, but you have to force yourself to stay in the

moment and not look too far ahead but at the same time ‘plan’ ahead.”

The dark reality of long-term care is that you know things will get worse as disease progresses for your loved one, but you have to force yourself to stay in the moment and not look too far ahead but at the same time ‘plan’ ahead.”

— Yvette Gagnon, CDP, Founder, Comforting Companions Care Providers Inc.

Over the years, Yvette continued visiting her brother regularly. They shared their days listening to music and finding reasons to laugh. However, living in care was not kind to him as Yvette watched his abilities slowly deteriorate to the point where he was unable to move or even talk. “My heart ached for him, but I couldn’t let him see it,” she says.

“Instead, I chose to stay focused on what I could do to help him laugh and smile every day so he wouldn’t feel alone on his journey.”

Yvette and her brother spent precious time together focusing on what he was able to do and found ways for him to give back to others. She would think of gift ideas and would put them together for him––from him to others. As his disease progressed, she looked for other ways and other people to keep him company in between their family visits. “I realized

CONTRIBUTED: AS YVETTE'S BROTHER'S DISEASE PROGRESSED, SHE LOOKED FOR OTHER WAYS AND OTHER PEOPLE TO KEEP HIM COMPANY IN BETWEEN THEIR FAMILY VISITS–FINDING COMFORTING COMPANIONS

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PROFILE

certification as a Positive Approach to Care Trainer. The PAC training, support and education focus on a relationship approach to dementia care and help others see dementia from the other side by using hands-on skills instead of telling.

“I had lots of help along the way growing Comforting Companions and feel truly blessed that we can help other families in such a heartfelt way on their journey,” says Yvette. “I could not have done it without the wonderful team of fabulously kind, committed companions who are so caring and sensitive to their clients’ wellbeing, and I receive emails regularly from families telling me how wonderful they are.”

Comforting a loved-one’s family across the country Operating since 2013 and incorporated in September 2020, Comforting Companions boasts having the best caring and thoughtful companions who are making a difference in their client’s days. They share daily reports with families, who are offered a real sense of how time was spent with their loved ones––showing families the moments of the visit that can only come from the heart.

CONTRIBUTED: COMFORTING COMPANIONS SHARE DAILY REPORTS WITH FAMILIES, WHO ARE OFFERED A REAL SENSE OF HOW TIME WAS SPENT WITH THEIR LOVED ONES––SHOWING FAMILIES THE MOMENTS OF THE VISIT THAT CAN ONLY COME FROM THE HEART.

how important it was for his wellbeing to know he mattered, was loved and cared about by those who loved him,” she says.

“People often think that because my brother was 47 when he passed and living in long term care since the age of 33, that my story is different than theirs because most of our clients are 65 plus and often living with dementia,” says Yvette. “But families soon recognize that age has no bearing on wanting the best for those you love.”

Providing purpose-driven comfort and companionship Families and friends of loved ones living with progressive illnesses are continuously challenged. It can be a very emotionally charged and long journey for them, so building a team of support early on can help them take the time they need to care for themselves.

“Our visits can be passive or active, quiet or fun, social or one-on-one. And while the activities or experiences may 30

be different, the way we communicate is always based on where clients are, so they feel like they have purpose and meaning to their days.”

Most of Comforting Companions’ clients live with some level of dementia––some newly diagnosed and some who require 24/7 care. “Our role, however, is the same: to be a caring and kind presence,” says Yvette.

Yvette pursued a certification as a Certified Dementia Practitioner received in December 2019 from International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. The certification helped her better understand dementia, learn and teach how to communicate effectively with clients experiencing changes to their brain functions. “I believe that many dementia-care skills and training can be used widely and not necessarily just for those living with it,” she says.

Prior to that, Yvette also received

BUSINESS VOICE

“I felt Yvette’s caring touch in our first telephone conversation, and my family and I agreed that we would set the service up and see how mom responded,” says Shelley Dix, who had enlisted Yvette as a comforting companion. “While our intent was providing the companionship for our mother, what we experienced was that we all benefited from the services.”

After moving her mother to a nursing home to improve her safety and quality of life, Shelley found the transition very difficult while living in Ontario during the pandemic. Isolation, restrictions and limited support became real for her and extremely difficult for her mother living with Alzheimer’s. After asking the nursing home’s social worker asking about other options, Shelley was referred to Yvette and Comforting Companions.

“What I found particularly helpful was the written reports Yvette provided after each visit,” says Shelley. “They were detailed and helped us understand how our mother was doing, and it was obvious

PROFILE

to all of us that she had better days when Yvette visited. Even in mom’s final days of life, Yvette was there for us providing comfort to mom plus support and guidance to our family.”

“Our family was united in that Comforting Companions was the best decision we made in our pursuit for mom’s care plan, and our only regret was not having found them earlier.”

Following her mother’s death, Shelley and her family wanted to show their appreciation to Yvette and how much they valued the work she and her companions continue to do. “We thought the best way for us to demonstrate this is to leverage the power of a Chamber membership,” says Shelley.

“It was a small gesture of our family’s appreciation to provide her with an annual membership to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, as I know the value of its membership and hope it helps connect families in need with Yvette and her team.”

Our family was united in that Comforting Companions was the best decision we made in our pursuit for mom’s care plan, and our only regret was not having found them earlier.”

— Shelley Dix, whose mother was a Comforting Companions' client

Comforting Companions Care Providers Inc. continues offering their caring companionship services even during the pandemic. It’s also planning to expand by offering communities and businesses information sessions to understand dementia, because it affects everyone––more than 402,000 seniors (65 years and older) are living with dementia in Canada.

“Having a greater understanding of what may be happening, and how to best support someone having a difficult time, is our responsibility as a caring member of society,” says Yvette. “We all want the same things for our loved ones no matter their illness or age: to feel joy, connection, love and laughter. Because in the end, that’s really all the matters.”■

CONTRIBUTED: COMFORTING COMPANIONS IS PLANNING TO EXPAND BY OFFERING COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES INFORMATION SESSIONS TO UNDERSTAND DEMENTIA, BECAUSE IT AFFECTS EVERYONE.

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BUSINESS VOICE

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TRENDS

The great resignation is coming: Are you ready?

Workers across the globe have spoken

Organizations will have to choose between in-office, fully remote and the hybrid model. And as we choose, so too will the people in our charge." their job if they were forced back to the office and their commute was longer than 15 minutes. Some experts predict more than 53 per cent turnover before the end of 2023. In April 2021, more than four million people quit their jobs in the U.S.––a 20 year high. It has begun.

MATT SYMES, CEO, SYMPLICITY DESIGNS Covid-19 has pushed us 10 years into the future. The crisis forced us to stay apart and then highlighted just how much work could be done remotely. Before March 2020, video conferencing existed; the most valuable companies in the world relied on code and media as their main revenue drivers; e-commerce was steadily gaining in popularity, as digital natives entered the marketplace with more and more purchasing power.

And yet, it was the pandemic that forced us to rely on those means. Sixteen months of operating this way has driven adoption and ingrained new habits.

The world has changed, and perhaps no change will be as disruptive as the way we work.

In early 2020, not a single CEO was worried about the impact of remote work. In 2021, 51 per cent of surveyed CEOs in the annual Predictive Index benchmarking report said working well remotely was their top priority. And with good reason.

Most studies in North America suggest that how we work has been forever altered. For business owners, the next 24 months will be more difficult to navigate than the previous 16 months. 66 per cent of Canadians said they want a hybrid option; 82 per cent said they would quit

Organizations will have to choose between in-office, fully remote and the hybrid model. And as we choose, so too will the people in our charge.

There are three reasons, two of which you have little to no control over (but you can influence). And one that you need to get right.

1. Last year was hard on everyone and, as a result, many desire a fresh start. That includes their job.

2. Opportunity is everywhere, literally.

Remote work opportunities have skyrocketed and the war for talent is spreading across the globe. That means local markets will need to work harder to retain local talent. High performers will have the most choice.

3. Your next normal. Are you fully in the office, remote or a hybrid model?

Whatever you choose, it will be a change for most of your people and you will need to be intentional about it. There is no right answer, however, the mistake many owners will make is underestimating the move to the hybrid model and its particular influence on productivity.

With every challenge, comes opportunity. It’s your responsibility to understand the needs of your organization, your people, your single points of failure and your organizational risks.

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With your senior leadership team, choose your next normal. You're going to choose a fully on-site, fully remote or the hybrid model. Your decision is going to appeal to some and not to others. *Note of caution: The hybrid model does not mean wing it. And it is the most difficult model to get right.

Map out your organization, identify the key roles and the key people. The organizational view will help you understand all your risks.

Next, connect one-on-one with everyone in your organization. Get to know them a little more personally. How are they doing? What are their plans?

Most times a meaningful conversation, without distraction, will give you a solid understanding of where they stand and how your post-pandemic organization aligns with their thoughts.

One business leader said bluntly that he knows mass migration is about to happen. His goal, after he connects with his people, is to be in a position to win the re-trade.

There is no right answer, but there is a wrong answer: confusion. What will you be on the other side?

Matt Symes is a serial entrepreneur, portfolio manager and recovering academic. As a co-founder of Symplicity Designs, he has helped 400+ organizations through growth and crisis management.

When it comes to Symplicity’s own human resources, Matt and the leadership team have worked hard to create a culture that supports its employees in every facet of life.

For more information on the company’s new Sympli Works training course, The Boss’s Guide to HR, visit Sympli.Works.

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TRENDS

Purpose-driven retirement

Needing a financial strategy

CHRIS KEEFE, FINANCIAL ADVISOR, EDWARD JONES Today’s retirees, and those of tomorrow, have had a sense of purpose their entire lives –– and they don’t intend to give it up just because they’ll no longer be working full time.

According to the Four Pillars of the New Retirement study (2020, Edward Jones/ Age Wave), 51 per cent of recent retirees said retirement is the time for "a new chapter in life," compared with just 25 per cent who said it was a time for "rest and relaxation."

The same study found that 97 per cent of retirees said it was important to keep learning and growing at every age. However, to find their purpose –– contributing to the community, growing intellectually, gaining new experiences and so on –– retirees will need to be financially prepared.

How can you prepare for a purposeful retirement? Start by asking yourself the next questions.

Will I need to prioritize some of my goals?

As a retiree, you may hope to do any number of things. You might want to take up a hobby, learn a new skill or 34

To find their purpose –– contributing to the community, growing intellectually, gaining new experiences and so on –– retirees will need to be financially prepared."

volunteer in your local community. Like almost everyone else, you won’t have unlimited financial resources during your retirement years. And you may need to prioritize these goals, worthy as they may all be to your sense of purpose.

Can I still afford to retire at the age I planned?

When you first calculated your ideal retirement age, you might have been counting on your investment portfolio having returned a certain percentage.

Or you might have had different goals in mind than you do now. Or you might have had a somewhat different family situation.

Changes in any or all of these factors could affect the age at which you choose to retire. But if you conclude that you may need to postpone retirement for a couple of years, your decision could offer some advantages. They include the ability to contribute more to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) or similar employer-sponsored plan. In any case, it’s a good idea to review your retirement plans periodically, perhaps at least once a year.

BUSINESS VOICE

How can I incorporate philanthropy into my financial strategy?

Giving back to your community may be a key element of your purposedriven retirement. Yet, with so many educational, civic and cultural groups in existence –– including many in your own area –– you probably can’t give as much as you’d like to all of them, without affecting your own lifestyle today and the legacy you’d like to leave for your family.

So, you may want to take two distinct steps. First, consider establishing a budget for how much you will give to charitable groups each year. And second, think about including philanthropy in your estate plans, because there are many vehicles and techniques available.

You should consult with your legal, tax and financial professionals when drawing up your estate-planning strategies.

It can be extremely rewarding to live your retirement purposefully, but you’ll find it a lot easier to do when you make the right financial moves.

WORKING FOR YOU

Congratulations to Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs and Chamber Members Atlantic Business magazine announces 2021 Top 50 CEO Award winners

Congratulations to our members on being named to the top 50 CEO list. Your leadership keeps the Atlantic Canadian economy strong while simultaneously growing your companies, advancing your industries and giving back to your communities. During an unprecedented year full of uncertainty and change, you’ve adapted and consistently strived to fulfill the needs of your consumers and stakeholders.

With all your hard work and dedication, you are an inspiration to many future young leaders in your growing community. Keep up with the good work!

From, Your Chamber Team

2021 Top 50 CEOs: Dov Bercovici

Jennifer Angel

Scott Balfour

Phillip Curley

Laurel Broten

Elizabeth Murphy

Michael Leonard

Dallas Mercer

Saeed El-Darahali

Anne-Marie Gammon

Gord Gamble

Michael Stack

Lori Kennedy

Cynthia Carroll

Bernard Lord

Scott Williams

Lydia Bugden

Geoffrey Hamilton

President and CEO, Discovery Centre

President & CEO Nova Scotia Business Inc

President and CEO SimplyCast

Co-owner Louisbourg Seafoods Ltd.

CEO & Managing Partner Stewart McKelvey

President and CEO, Develop Nova Scotia

President and CEO Emera Inc.

CEO Nova Scotia SPCA

President & CEO CPA Atlantic School of Business Executive Director Autism Nova Scotia

President & CEO Atlantic Central

President and CEO Iron Dog Mechanical

CEO Medavie

CEO HotSpot

President & CEO Dallas Mercer Consulting

CEO Archway Insurance

CEO Rocket Ink

CEO Commissionaires Nova Scotia

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WORKING FOR YOU

Looking forward Building a post-pandemic economy

There’s growing consensus among our leaders that portions of what was once normal may no longer be desirable. The pandemic has brought to light deep inequities and weaknesses."

GREG WARBURTON, POLICY ANALYST, INTERN, HALIFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The past fifteen months have been unthinkable. Each of us, our businesses and our communities have faced significant challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which felt insurmountable at times.

Yet, there are reasons to be optimistic.

Case counts across the country continue to decline, and second doses in arms continue to ramp up. Here in Nova Scotia, our small businesses have reopened, people are back at restaurants, and friends and families are once again getting together. Things are looking just a little more normal.

This raises an important question: Do we want to go back to normal? There’s growing consensus among our leaders that portions of what was once normal may no longer be desirable.

The pandemic has brought to light deep inequities and weaknesses.

They exist within our economies and communities, requiring action at every level of government and in the private sector alike to overcome. These realities have not gone unnoticed by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.

As the Chamber’s policy intern, I have 36

had the opportunity to begin work on a COVID-19 recovery document, titled “Looking Forward: Building a PostPandemic Economy.” Its purpose is not to paint a road map back to our prepandemic lives, but to acknowledge the challenges and opportunities before us and what can be done to make Halifax a better city where businesses can thrive and for everyone to call home. It’s meant to be a tool the Chamber can turn to for policy ideas and suggestions.

Three pillars guide the recovery document: Investing in communities, broadly This pillar focuses on issues that have not been traditionally seen as relevant to small businesses but are becoming increasingly clear as limiting their potential for success.

A standout under this pillar is affordable housing. Haligonians continue to spend more each month to put a roof over their head, which means less money to spend in their communities. Beyond that, investing in affordable housing means direct and indirect support for job creation, along with an overall boost to GDP. Investing in businesses, specifically This pillar focuses on policy decisions that can work to support the business community. One policy option explored here included the benefits associated with localizing procurement. This procurement strategy has been adopted by businesses and governments alike in other jurisdictions, and it has shown success in supporting regional economic BUSINESS VOICE

development. Benefits associated with adopting localized procurement policies include keeping a greater share of generated revenues in the community, along with nearly all jobs created employing locals.

Investing in people, personally In many ways, marginalized individuals have endured the brunt of the hardship experienced during the pandemic.

Although not the only group, those living with disabilities have faced significant challenges. A focus of this pillar was researching best practises for enhancing accessibility that have proven successful in other jurisdictions.

I also researched methods by which the business community can improve accessibility. This can be accomplished not only by showing the existing limitations––preventing those living with disabilities from working in or shopping in a store––but by connecting business owners with resources to ensure their business is accessible to everyone.

The topics outlined above are meant to offer a glimpse into the work being done behind the scenes by the Chamber’s policy team. They’re by no means an exhaustive list. We’re always happy to work with the business community on important policy topics such as these ones.

As we look towards putting the pandemic behind us, let’s not forget about the lessons it has taught us. Instead of going back to normal, let’s keep pushing forward.

WORKING FOR YOU

Building youth careers and community spaces

Fathom Studio touts provincial hiring programs

Going to work with an employer that believes in you can be life-changing for both the company and the younger hire." — Ardena Paul, recent

graduate from Nova Scotia Community College

CONTRIBUTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR AND ADVANCED EDUCATION An interdisciplinary design firm in Dartmouth knows exactly how to make their business adaptive and cutting edge: by hiring fresh graduates with a fresh skills and fresh perspectives.

“The grads we’ve hired bring new approaches to design and production,” says Devin Segal, Director of Landscape Architecture at Fathom Studio. “They are bringing crucial skills in the latest software, and an energy and enthusiasm that can’t be matched. Their understanding of new research helps our company stay competitive in Nova Scotia.”

Ardena Paul, an Architectural Technician graduate from Nova Scotia Community College, and Sujana Devabhaktuni, a University of Manitoba graduate, joined Fathom Studios full time, where they now innovate the way in which buildings, streets and landscapes are turned into inviting communities.

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“At Fathom we get to explore every stage of the project and work as a collaborative team to create innovative designs for community spaces,” says Devabhaktuni.

“As recent graduates, we learn a lot working in a team. My design and technical skills improved substantially in the past two years.”

More employers like Fathom are seeing the benefits that recent graduates bring to organizations as they adapt to working in a pandemic. And hiring them is easier than you might think.

Fathom Studio tapped into the Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) program to hire Paul and Devabhaktuni right out of school.

The GTO program offers 25% of a grad’s first year salary – 35% if the grad is diverse – and 12.5% of their second-year salary to small businesses, start-ups and non-profits who create permanent fulltime jobs for recent grads in Nova Scotia.

there is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully and build a career right out of school, they are more likely to invest and secure their future in Nova Scotia, and businesses like us benefit from that.”

Paul agrees.

“Going to work with an employer that believes in you can be life-changing for both the company and the younger hire,” says Paul. “It has been for me.”

To date, more than 700 organizations like Fathom Studio have hired more than 1,400 recent graduates across Nova Scotia using GTO funding. Complete applications are typically approved within three to five days.

When you are ready to hire someone new, consider hiring a recent grad. GTO could save you money if you do. Learn more at www.novascotia.ca/GTO

“GTO allows us to employ recent graduates with less experience,” says Segal. “If young people see that J U LY 2 0 2 1

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THANK YOU

Our members continue to lead the way. They share insights, knowledge and expertise to support businesses. We continue hosting webinars with field experts to keep you informed and provide an outlet where your questions could be answered. Thank you to the following orgnizations for actively participating and reaching out to keep the business community up to date and prepared.

HALIFAXCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS

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