ELEVATE Cape Breton - Spring 2018

NEW OWNER, NEW FEEL P5 Feel at home at L’Auberge Acadienne Inn

MAY 2018 / VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2

GIVING BACK P18 Nova Scotia Power hosts St. Paddy’s Day Bash

UPDATES FROM THE CBREN P30 Serving the needs of the business community

A PUBLICATION FROM THE CAPE BRETON PARTNERSHIP

LEADING THE WAY DAVID C. DINGWALL SETS HIS SIGHTS ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN CAPE BRETON P14

CRUISE SHIPS

Port Talk TOURISM OPERATOR INTERVIEWS

& LOCAL BUSINESSES

HIGHLAND VILLAGE IONA

RODNEY CHAISSON

20580409 CBDC

CAPE BRETON T-SHIRT COMPANY & REIKER

BY THE SHOE TREE BRUCE MELONEY

Yes, for my businesses at the Port, 80% of revenue comes from cruise ship passengers.

The remaining 20% comes from other tourists.

This is up 75% from 2012.

29% of visitation comes from cruise. Celtic Colours and cruise have extended our season to the end of October.

For my businesses at the Port, 80% of revenue comes from cruise ship passengers. This is up 80% over the past 5 years.

GOVENOR’S PUB & EATERY 233 ESPLANADE STREET, SYDNEY ALLISON Yes 100%! We see a big spike during cruise ship days. Overall in one season, approximately We double the amount of staff we have working on cruise days and usually bring in live music.

SPRING 2018 ELEVATE

MAY 2018 / VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2

ON THE COVER

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05 New owner, new feel

Feel more like a local than a tourist at the L’Auberge Acadienne Inn

LEADING THE WAY

18 Giving back to our community

David C. Dingwall sets his sights on growth and development in Cape Breton PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE WADDEN

Cape Breton Partnership Board of Directors Executive Alex Paul, Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office of Nova Scotia – Chair Paula Condon, Nova Scotia Power Inc. – Vice Chair Rob Wadden, Grant Thornton – Treasurer Sandra Killam, Seaside Communications – Secretary Bill Kachafanas, Breton Technologies – Past Chair

Directors Amanda Mombourquette, Strait Area Chamber of Commerce Andrew Alkenbrack, Cabot Links Blaire Martell, Lobsters’ R Us Seafood Dan MacDonald, CBCL Ltd. Gordon MacInnis, Cape Breton University James Wooder, JBW Consulting Inc. Jennifer MacLeod, MacLeod Lorway Marc Dubé, Port Hawkesbury Paper LP Osborne Burke, Victoria Co-op Fisheries Scott MacNeil, Breton Electric Sean Coyle, Casino Nova Scotia Sean Reid, Mulgrave Machine Works Steve Parsons, Eskasoni Corporate Division

Nova Scotia Power hosts the 13th annual St. Paddy’s Day Bash for local organizations

22 Partnership Profiles Meet the Island's new Chief Administrative Officers

Cape Breton Partnership Contact

PLUS 4

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REGIONAL BUZZ

12 NEW MEMBERS 26 STRAIT AREA CHAMBER UPDATE 28 PARTNERSHIP UPDATE 30 CAPE BRETON REGIONAL ENTERPRISE NETWORK On cover: David C. Dingwall, President and Vice Chancellor, Cape Breton University

Elevate is published by The SaltWire Network on behalf of the Cape Breton Partnership

SYDNEY OFFICE 285 Alexandra Street Sydney, Nova Scotia B1S 2E8 Telephone: 902-562-0122 or 902-562-7182

Publisher: Sarah Dennis President and CEO: Mark Lever Advertising Sales: Scott MacQuarrie Director, Sales & Marketing – Cape Breton Post 902-371-0417 scott.macquarrie@cbpost.com

PORT HAWKESBURY OFFICE 609 Church Street Suite 101 Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia B9A 2X4 Telephone: 902-625-0958 Elevate Magazine Lead – Nicole Simmons For more information about the Cape Breton Partnership visit www.capebretonpartnership.com.

For any questions about Elevate Magazine contact Nicole Simmons by phone at 902-562-0122 or by email at communications@capebretonpartnership.com.

Editor: Denise Surette, dsurette@herald.ca Photography: Steve Wadden Photography Layout & Design: Peter Ross Contributing Writers: Nicole Simmons, Cape Breton Partnership, Strait Area Chamber of Commerce

Disclaimer Elevate magazine makes no warranties of any kind, written or implied, regarding the contents of this magazine and expressly disclaims any warranty regarding the accuracy or reliability of information contained herein. The views contained in this magazine are those of the writers and advertisers; they do not necessarily reflect the views of Elevate magazine and its publisher The SaltWire Network.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40065080 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to the Cape Breton Partnership.

Copyright 2018 by SaltWire Network Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without expressed written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

2717 Joseph Howe Drive Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2T2 Tel: 902-426-2811 SaltWire.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Sea of change New leaders, new perspectives

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CARLA ARSENAULT Chief Operating Officer, Cape Breton Partnership

CHANGES IN EXECUTIVELEVEL POSITIONS ARE A CORNERSTONE FOR UNCOVERING LATENT TALENT AND YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS THAT WILL PROVIDE THE REGION WITH REFRESHING PERSPECTIVES TO OPERATIONS AND CHALLENGES."

round this time each year, businesses all over Cape Breton Island prepare for the upcoming tourism season. Businesses, large and small, begin the process of opening their doors to the world, as tourists will soon embrace our island in droves. At the core of Cape Breton’s tourism is the need for businesses and their capable leaders, in both private and public sectors, to support Cape Breton’s furthered success and growth.

Over the last several months, Cape Breton has welcomed home leaders with diverse expertise in a myriad of industries that will prove their demonstrated support for the vitality and growth of our island. Their predecessors’ valued contributions set a foundation which new leaders can continue preparing for increased economic activities.

With newly generated economic traffic comes a host of challenges, including the search for qualified talent to accommodate increased volumes of business. In response to demographic challenges, our island requires collaboration between the local business community and our different levels of government to work diligently to retain and attract new talent and enhance the lifestyle expectations of our residents.

Changes in executive-level positions are a cornerstone for uncovering latent talent and young entrepreneurs that will provide the region with refreshing perspectives to opportunities and challenges. Initiatives, such as the Cape Breton Partnership’s Business-Youth Symposium, demonstrate the dedication shown by those business leaders who are willing to provide resources to reach high school students and promote

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their businesses at home on the island.

Inside this edition of Elevate, you will read about some of Cape Breton’s newest executive leaders, including the new President and Vice Chancellor at Cape Breton University, the Honourable David C. Dingwall.

President Dingwall’s leadership will take Cape Breton University to new heights and further the university’s dedication to islandwide economic development, First Nations cultural teachings with the Unama’ki College and accelerated efforts in clean technology innovations.

Like President Dingwall, many businessminded organizations around the island have taken a leap to introduce new skilled leadership. Passing the torch to a new set of leaders will influence the tides across Cape Breton creating a sea of change, fostering new developments that will coordinate and mobilize individuals, businesses, government agencies, educational and cultural institutions, economic development organizations and non-government bodies in every sector.

In the bustle of the spring season, I urge you to keep in mind all of those great leaders that help our island prosper. From privately owned businesses, like L’Auberge Acadienne Inn, to each and every one of our municipal counties, and finally, to the only post-secondary degree-granting institution on our island, Cape Breton University, new leadership can be found bringing something refreshing to each industry they touch.

I encourage you to read on about these executive agents for change. Let’s grow Cape Breton Island, together.

MAY 2018

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REGIONAL BUZZ FEATURE

New owner, new feel Feel more like a local than a tourist at the L’Auberge Acadienne Inn

By NICOLE SIMMONS

E

ach spring, businesses on Cape Breton Island diligently stock their store fronts, wash their linens and mow their lawns to prepare for the upcoming tourism season.

In the community of Arichat on Isle Madame, visitors find a deeply rooted history of Acadian culture surrounded by enriching natural landscapes. Located along the Fleur-de-Lis Trail, Isle Madame is known for its friendly people, scenic oceanfront and historic landmarks. One of these such landmarks is the picturesque L’Auberge Acadienne Inn, where this year’s visitors will be delighted to find new owner, Shauna Austin.

“Isle Madame is truly magnificent,” says Austin. “It’s a small island surrounded by water that makes for an amazing experience for cyclists, motorcycle enthusiasts, runners or really anyone who enjoys peace and quiet in the outdoors.”

After recently relocating back to Cape Breton Island with her family, Austin made the exciting announcement on February 14, that she was the new owner and operator of the inn in Arichat.

“It always made me sad to drive by this amazing building and see it not being used to its full potential,” Austin says about the inn. “It’s so beautiful and it’s so important that we can make it somewhere people want to visit because it’s really the only lodging place in the area.”

This isn’t Austin’s first entrepreneurial endeavour. Her first successful business was a home-based cake shop called City Girl Cakes. Starting 10 years ago from her renovated commercial kitchen located in the downstairs space of her home, Austin began the cake business as a small part-time hobby, eventually growing it to a full-time position.

“I met a lot of great people, got to make a lot of great cakes, won a couple of awards and was in an international magazine,” says Austin. “It was a really great experience all around. It also enabled me to work from home, which was important to me because my kids were young. It made life a whole lot easier.”

The City Girl Cakes dream was to incorporate the personalities and emotions of her clients into her work, making cakes much more than just edible art. Built on the business philosophy to always make

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Shauna Austin, new owner of the L'Auberge Acadianne Inn.

people smile, laugh and even jump up and down with excitement when her cake was presented, Austin focused on the collaboration of personalization, centre-stage entertainment and making memories — and that’s just how she plans to run the L’Auberge Acadienne Inn. As it was with Austin’s first business, the inn will be a place where visitors far and wide make memories and feel a personalized sense of community — making every guest feel less like a tourist and more like a local of the beautiful Acadian island.

“I want people to be able to visit Isle Madame and have a very comfortable, very welcoming place to stay. A place where they don’t feel like tourists, they feel like part of this community,” says Austin. “It is entirely possible to walk around and talk to anyone, whether you speak French or you speak English, they will accommodate you.”

After living in Halifax and Dartmouth, Austin was excited for the opportunity to move back home to Cape Breton.

“Seeing my kids here now, in this small town and just loving it, confirms it was absolutely the right decision for me.”

One of the most important things to Austin is having the opportunity to be home where she grew up so she could be close to her family.

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“It was nice to live in the city and do my thing, but it’s really great at this point in my life to be home where my family is.”

Austin said that after announcing her ownership in February, she was able to recruit nearly a dozen family members to assist in painting the inn.

“It’s that sense of community that I never really did find in the city — but it’s certainly here.”

The 19th century hotel, motel and inn offers tranquil gathering spaces, accommodations, a restaurant, lounge and views from one of the most spectacular locations on the island of Isle Madame.

Having recently taken over ownership of the inn, Austin is giving it a completely fresh look that reflects her own personal style. The inn will see some improvements and changes in terms of décor and interior design, as well as a strong use of social media for marketing including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Austin will work closely with local tourism groups in Richmond County to assist her with customer reach and acquisition.

Although Austin has a lot of work ahead of her, she says Arichat has never felt like a town — it feels like a community that is one big extended family.

“It’s important for me because it’s home.”

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Regional Buzz Canadian Expedia ranks Cape Breton as a top tourist destination

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Cape Breton 18th century meals turned modern Nova Scotia Cookery: Then and Now cookbook brings locals back to their roots with recipes including rice pudding with mace, chicken pot pie and maple-glazed popcorn. Meals featured in the cookbook date back as far as 1768, with special modern-day twists from local experts that follow the trend of what people eat today. The book incorporates dishes from culinary experts that rejuvenate historical meals and includes recipes from chefs at Governor’s Pub & Eatery in Sydney and Kiju’s Restaurant in Membertou. Photos for the cookbook were shot in historic sites, including the Cossit House in Sydney, featuring the original hand written recipes. The cookbook can be purchased at Kiju’s Restaurant, Governor’s Pub and the Old Sydney Society. Contributing chefs include Aimee McDougall, Sous Chef at Governors Pub & Eatery; Ardon Mofford, Executive Chef at Governors Pub & Eatery; Wayne Odo, Pastry Chef at Governors Pub & Eatery; Mike Eldershaw, Chef at Kiju’s Restaurant and the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre; and Shaun Zwarun, Executive Chef at Kiju’s Restaurant and the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.

Expedia conducted a survey of 1,000 Canadian travel bloggers, asking which city worldwide they would recommend travellers visit in 2018. As a result of the survey, Expedia presented their blog roundup, Canadians Choose the Top 18 Cities to Visit in 2018. Featured first on the list was Cape Breton Island. The article described Cape Breton as the perfect place to propose and used colourful descriptors to paint a picture of scenic beauty.

The article also included travel tips and destinations for Cape Breton including North River Kayak Tours, The Bite House, and the 2018 Cape Breton Island Bicycle Tour. Other locations appearing on Expedia’s mustsee list include Cavendish, P.E.I.; Lahaina, Hawaii; Qualicum Beach, B.C.; Tokyo, Japan; Negril, Jamaica; Deadwood, South Dakota; Gulf Shores, Alabama; and Porto, Portugal.

Cape Bretoner reaching new heights Glace Bay native, David Mortimer, entered an online modelling contest in 2012 that landed him on an American Eagle advertising billboard in New York’s Time Square. That was when he realized he could do just about anything with his life. Since the billboard release, he has

Proudly Serving Cape Breton since 1985

www.sampsonmcphee.com

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902-539-2425 BUSINESS NEWS

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modelled, worked in film, starred in an international commercial and been an extra for several TV programs. Recently home from Toronto to visit family, Mortimer says he owes his success and ability to follow his dreams to his parents, John and Brenda.

While in Cape Breton, Mortimer was working with his cousin on a short film to be placed in film festivals. He is also looking to attend The Canadian Model and Talent Convention, where he will audition for a chance to meet with international agents.

Sydney’s Marine Recycling Corporation to dispose of navy ship Public Services and Procurement Canada awarded Sydney’s Marine Recycling Corporation a $5.7 million contract to dispose of the Royal Canadian Navy destroyer, the HMCS Athabaskan. It is the third former Navy ship that they have dismantled and disposed of, at its Cape Breton location. Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria, announced that the dismantling project sustained nearly 30 jobs in the region.

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

New business spotlight: Fog Tree Forest Natural Products

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Sydney visual artist takes exhibit to Michigan Cape Breton artist, Onni Nordman, presented his exhibit Sauna: Divine Comedy, in Hancock, Michigan this past January. The exhibit is a series of paintings that tell a story with a cast of figures based on the 14th century Italian narrative poem, Dante’s Commedia — the narrative is based in a sauna. Nordman is the only child of Finnish immigrants, Aulis and Toini, who came to Cape Breton in 1951.

Jessica Fogarty says it was the time she spent at her grandparent’s house in Mabou that sparked her interest in plant sciences. Following her heart, Fogarty studied Plant Science Technology, with a specialization in Organic Agriculture at Dalhousie University and soon returned home to Cape Breton Island with a business: Fog Tree Forest Natural Products. She says the immediate idea came from wanting a natural product that would cure and heal her eczema. During her research, she became fascinated with skin cell restoration properties in plantain and built her business on that fascination. Fogarty says the name, a play on words from her last name, doubles as a reminder of the mist that settled in the valley forest below her grandparent’s property in Mabou every morning. Fogarty currently sells her products at the Cape Breton Farmers’ Market and Mabou Farmers’ Market but hopes to expand into her own property where she can cultivate a food forest, focusing on indigenous and naturalized plants and create a venue for tourists and community activities.

The Gift Shop A Social Enterprise of:

Hundreds of unique gift ideas made in and related to Cape Breton and the Maritimes!

154 Bentinck Street Sydney NS, B1P 1G6 902-567-9666 / Toll Free 1-855-734-7705 Open Mon-Sat 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Shop with us online 24/7 at www.bestofcbgiftshop.ca Like us on TheBestOfCapeBreton 7622032

BUSINESS NEWS

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Alliance at the Craft East Buyers Expo in Halifax, in February. The Craft Alliance, a pan-Atlantic trade association, considers the award a high-level achievement of recognition in the craft industry. The centre, located in downtown Sydney, features the membership of more than 300 individuals and organizations.

Cruise season calling for another record year

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Quebec sisters settle into Whycocomagh as new caretakers In-migration is taking a new form in Whycocomagh. Terron Dodd says that with a majority of the aging population seeking in-home assistance, young Canadians have the opportunity to relocate to rural areas in homes they would otherwise not be able to afford, join the community and one day have their own families, repopulating the area and fighting the battle against out-migration. After his Kijiji.ca ad for a live-in caretaker went viral, Dodd, who is confined to a wheelchair from multiple sclerosis, has settled into life with two new caretakers from Quebec. The housemates, sisters Sabrina and Heidi Riker, quickly adapted to the Cape Breton lifestyle, where they came in search of living a rural, artistic lifestyle they always dreamed about — complete with raising hens and growing their own food — but they otherwise couldn’t afford. Today, the trio currently has four hens and a rooster named Georgie — they have also constructed a greenhouse for planting vegetables. With their help, Dodd returned to a crafters’ market in Halifax this month, where he sells his handcrafted wooden spoons and bowls.

Data mining for tourism After a long history of coal mining, Cape Breton is seeing a new trendy type of mining — data mining. Since the large increase in tourism numbers during the summer season of 2017, Destination Cape Breton started conducting data mining research to collect information

on tourists visiting the Island. The data will include demographic data such as age and household incomes, experiences they seek, what they did when they were on the Island and more.

The information gathered will assist Destination Cape Breton to shape future marketing strategies, promote activities

Chartered Professional Accountants

and grow events to attract future tourism to the area.

Pan-Atlantic association honours Cape Breton crafters The Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design’s gallery shop was awarded the Outstanding Retailer award by the Craft

15 Dorchester Street, Sydney, NS 902-539-3900

MGM & Associates is Cape Breton’s largest independent accounting firm providing a full range of services to clients in Eastern Nova Scotia, including the following: LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

• • • •

Accounting Auditing Corporate tax Personal tax

This year’s Port of Sydney cruise ship schedule was released with yet another record-high number of anticipated visits. Last year’s record breaking season reported 82 cruise stops with an economic impact of more than $40 million.

The 2018 cruise season is predicted to have more ships again this year with 90 ships and translates to more than 200,000 passengers and crew members.

The continuous increase in tourism could result in more jobs for locals and future business growth in the region.

Glace Bay man receives national employee recognition Wesley O’Leary of Glace Bay has worked at Walmart in Sydney River since March, 2017. O’Leary, who has a rare form of cerebral palsy, recently assisted a woman who also has a disability, to complete her shopping at the store. The woman took her gratitude to social media where thousands of international comments responded to his kindness. After receiving international attention from social media users, O’Leary was named the Atlantic Canada winner of the Shining Stars program and was flown to Toronto to accept the award.

Toll Free 1-855-539-3900 www.mgm.ca

• Business plans • Bookkeeping • Financial Counseling

SHEILA GILLIS, CPA, FCA | SONNY MACDOUGALL, CPA, CA | DARREN CHIASSON, CPA, CA

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PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

New centre in Louisbourg will allow you to watch scientists at work

Victoria County landmark Castle Moffett is taken over by a new king and queen set to continue B&B operation

Sea life enthusiasts and prospective ocean scientists will be able to watch real scientists work at the new Oceans of Opportunity Centre on the Louisbourg waterfront. The centre, a joint project of the Eastern Nova Scotia Marine Stewardship Society and Louisbourg Seafoods, will include multiple renovated buildings hosting a main office, science laboratory, marine museum and a boat-building shop. The centre’s laboratory, where marine scientists will work on projects studying sea life, will have an open door policy for students and residents interested in scientific exploration. Additionally, museum displays will include large marine skeletons, shipwrecks and even a virtual underwater reality system based on actual footage from Cape Breton coastlines.

One of the main projects of the centre will be exploring solutions for developing fishing gear that will lower the risk of right whales becoming entangled in nets. The centre will be completed in June, 2018.

After nearly eight years on the real estate market, Castle Moffett in Bucklaw, was sold to new owners in March. Located near the scenic Cabot Trail, this prestigious 10,000 square-foot estate features 14 bathrooms, 11 bedrooms and 14 fireplaces on 200 acres of rolling hills, overlooking the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake. The romantic castle was built in 1992 by Desmond Moffett as an anniversary gift to his wife Linda.

The property is complete with a babbling brook, fountained gardens and accommodations including luxurious rooms with ensuite whirlpools, canopy beds, fireplaces and balconies overlooking the lake. The new owners, Sydney Mines natives and brother and sister duo, Ken Gracie and Debbie Gracie-Smith, will continue to operate the castle as a bed and breakfast for visitors. They say renovations could include a ballroom for wedding services and balls, an in-ground pool and a landscaping and maintenance garage.

Louisbourg Seafoods’ Mira Bay Mobile Seafood Truck is on the Move!

Monday - Inverness Tuesday - St. Peter’s Wednesday - Baddeck Thursday Cheticamp Saturday - Sydney River From 10am-3:30pm For all your fresh, local seafood needs.

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PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Cape Breton-made film wins Rogers Best Canadian Film Award Werewolf, a film depicting the struggle of a homeless Cape Breton couple suffering with methadone addiction, is the winner of the $100,000 Rogers Best Canadian Film Award. The award and prize money were presented to director, Ashley McKenzie, at the Toronto Film Critics Association gala in January, 2018.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Cape Breton Screaming Eagles hosts jamboree Each year the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles hosts the Tim Hortons Timbits Jamboree for novice league hockey players at Centre 200 in Sydney. The jamboree includes team invitations to watch the Screaming Eagles in action with free tickets to a weekend game, playing in the tournament and meeting the Screaming Eagles players for autographs.

Cape Breton boy’s snowboarding clothing garners international attention Thirteen-year-old Aidan Hanson launched his snowboard apparel line earlier this year from his home in Albert Bridge. The vision for the apparel line, Kreamsicle, began through doodles Hanson made in school, but has since evolved into an international clothing line. The line includes items such as iPhone cases, T-shirts, hooded sweaters and hats and is primarily sold on Hanson’s online retail store.

The line garnered international attention after it received a major boost from Finnish professional snowboarder, Mikko Rehnberg, who appeared wearing the line in public, online in videos and even during an international competition where Rehnberg placed second. Hanson hopes to take his successes from social media and online sales, to retail skateboard and snowboard shops in the near future.

Donkin Mine anniversary Cape Breton, known for coal mining, celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Donkin Mine opening in February, 2018. Many mining families still live in the area with up to four generations of coal miners and are proud to keep the coal mining tradition alive on the Island. The mine is currently targeting production of 1.2 to 1.8 million tonnes for the 2018 calendar year.

Monster madness in Inverness Inverness locals, James Ryan and Colin Ogden, put out a call in late February for participants to take part in their six-part, locallymade, creative monster film.

The duo hope to attract fellow film buffs and anyone interested in getting involved in the film industry. The film, which will be a composite of six independent ten-minute-long shorts, will act as a community project for students and residents with roles available in directing, editing, acting and more.

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Quincy Street Market expands into interior design Inverness' Quincy Street Market, known for the salt in their hair and sand on their feet, has announced the exciting new expansion of their services into home design with the Quincy Design Studio. With their completion of a diploma in Interior Design, the Quincy team has branched out into space planning, lighting plans, textiles, colour combinations, interior finishes and furniture styling, as well as the necessary graphic design, communications and advertising to promote their new line of work and much more. Now located on the second floor of the Quincy Street Market, the Quincy Design Studio provides design services, supports, spaces and client-based programs, all with a touch of that unique flavour and style Quincy customers can’t get enough of.

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PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Vince Ryan Memorial Hockey Tournament nets funding Geoff MacLellan, MLA for Glace Bay and Derek Mombourquette, MLA for Sydney-Whitney Pier, announced that the Province of Nova Scotia has provided a contribution of $30,000 to the 29th annual Vince Ryan Memorial Hockey Tournament through the Major Events Hosting Program. The funding provides support to keep the tournament in local rinks in the area. The tournament had 113 teams registered for the March 2018 event and provides a positive economic impact for the community and local businesses and offers scholarships for high school students.

Working to Well – a Worker’s Compensation Board initiative When a worker is injured on the job, a team effort is required to ensure a safe and timely return to work. Working to Well, a shared initiative of Atlantic Canada’s workers’ compensation organizations, offers practical tools that employers, workers and health care providers can use to support successful returns to work in an effort to combat the human and financial toll of workplace injuries. At the core of the initiative are four Atlantic Canadians who were injured on the job and made successful returns to work. Denise Cann, a registered nurse at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, said her employer had a vital role in supporting her safe and timely return to work after she suffered a serious shoulder strain. Working to Well includes information for employers on reporting injuries, developing transitional and modified work plans, arranging access to health care and much more.

Cape Breton Business and Philanthropy Hall of Fame to induct four Caleb’s Courage, United Way Gala, Sydney Ribfest, Doctor’s Who Care Campaign and the Together We Care palliative care golf tournament. The selected recipient will be announced at the gala event on June 7, along with the four individuals in the hall of fame.

The money raised for scholarships and bursaries, in honour of the inductees, is awarded to students continuing their program of studies in the Shannon School of Business at Cape Breton University.

The gala will be held at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre with a reception at 6 p.m. and a dinner to follow.

Tickets go on sale on May 1 and can be purchased online or directly through the chamber office located at 275 Charlotte St., Sydney.

The Cape Breton Post will be publishing a special feature on May 29.

If you wish to show your support for this event and to the inductees by placing a congratulatory ad, please contact: Marion Humphrey 902-563-3873 • Marion.humphrey@cbpost.com or Scott MacQuarrie 902-563-3869 • scott.macquarrie@cbpost.com BUSINESS NEWS

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The 2018 inductees into the Cape Breton Business and Philanthropy Hall of Fame have been announced.

The three members being inducted under the business category are Tom MacDonald, founder and chair of Tom MacDonald Trucking Ltd.; the late John Yurchesyn, co-founder of Joneljim Construction Ltd.; and Susan Gallop, founder and owner of the Cape Breton School of the Arts.

Marty Chernin, a Sydney real estate developer, will enter the philanthropy hall of fame.

The chamber will also recognize a committee, organization or event that demonstrates excellence in the fundraising field for worthy causes in the community.

The philanthropy organization, committee or event nominations are

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NEW MEMBERS SYDNEY AND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JANICE'S ESTHETICS 150 Royal Avenue Sydney, Nova Scotia 902-539-8136 POWER PAIN THERAPY Providing permanent on-site pain removal using a powerful bio-electrical device that helps the body to heal. Originally developed for the Russian space program, Scenar is a world-first in electro-therapeutic real time biofeedback.

335 George Street Sydney, Nova Scotia 902-217-6824 ISLAND EYECARE LTD. Originally serving Sydney residents in 1975 on Charlotte Street, Island Eyecare moved to their current location on Welton Street in 1990. In 2015, Dr. Shaun MacInnis took over the practice to promote modern eyecare in Sydney. He and the eyecare staff are here to care for all of your vision needs.

NEWCAP RADIO Newcap Radio is one of Canada's leading radio broadcasters with 101 broadcast licenses (72 radio stations and 29 repeating signals) across Canada. Newcap Radio reaches millions of listeners each week through a variety of formats and is a recognized industry leader in radio programming, sales and networking.

500 Kings Road Suite 300 Sydney, Nova Scotia 902-270-1019 CENTURY 21 ISLAND GATEWAY REALTY INC. Island Gateway Realty offers realty services for all of Cape Breton Island. Whether it be North Sydney, Glace Bay, Sydney Mines, Sydney or even along the Cabot Trail.

Wherever your future dream home may be, allow Island Gateway Realty to advise you on your realty needs.

270 Commercial Street North Sydney, Nova Scotia 902-794-0555

117 Welton Street Sydney, Nova Scotia 902-539-0800

STRAIT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MACDONALD PEST CONTROL LTD. Local pest management service provider for all residential and commercial pest control needs. MacDonald Pest Control is 100 per cent Cape Breton owned and operated, has experienced and licensed technicians and is fully insured.

HARV FINANCIAL SERVICES Harv Financial Services is dedicated to helping their clients in the Grande Grave area achieve results for their financial needs.

Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia 902-322-7378

246 Highway 247 Grande Grave, Nova Scotia 416-574-6115

JEANTIE'S MINI MART Arichat’s local corner store and Kenny's Pizza outlet.

2341 Highway 206 Arichat, Nova Scotia 902-226-2186 GIANT TIGER Port Hawkesbury’s major retail and grocery store.

47 Paint Street, Suite 31 Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia 902-625-1432 MEL-MAC YARD SERVICES Serving all of Dundee’s yard and moving needs.

1735 Black River Road Dundee, Nova Scotia 902-345-2377

If you are interested in learning more about the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce or the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact their respective offices: SYDNEY AND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Kathleen Yurchesyn, Chief Executive Officer 275 Charlotte Street Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C6 902-564-6453 info@sydneyareachamber.ca www.sydneyareachamber.ca STRAIT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Amanda Mombourquette, Executive Director 609 Church Street, Suite 101 Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia B9A 2X4 902-625-1588 info@straitareachamber.ca www.straitareachamber.ca

cCarron

Harbourside Commercial Park

Port Mersey Commercial Park

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LEADING THE WAY DAVID C. DINGWALL SETS HIS SIGHTS ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN CAPE BRETON STORY NICOLE SIMMONS

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

E

ach September, students all over Cape Breton Island ready themselves for the upcoming semester. For some, it is their first year at university filled with unknown expectations, while for others it’s one step closer to championing their field and building on their professional successes.

In all of its forms, education is about discovery, creativity and making things happen, both personally and professionally.

It’s where students of all ages and backgrounds learn who they are, where their talents lie and the limitless creative possibilities that their ideas can unleash.

One of Canada’s youngest and most ambitious universities, Cape Breton University, isn’t just a place for discovery and quality education, it has a unique commitment to community, economic development, international studies, Indigenous learning and research into clean energy, technology, environment and cultural innovations. It’s that dedication and commitment to the

community that has set the stage for new leadership with the recent appointment of President and Vice Chancellor, the Honourable David C. Dingwall.

“Students are the first and foremost priority of Cape Breton University,” says Dingwall.

Drawing on a background that integrates such notable occupations as lawyer, corporate CEO and director, distinguished public speaker, lecturer and author, Dingwall brings a unique in-depth perspective of professional growth to the university.

Using his framework, titled 11 Disciplines for Success, Dingwall has mentored more than 100 students in terms of setting goals to become a driver for excellence. He has held teaching roles at universities across Canada, was involved with the Canada-China Institute for Business & Development and the Ryerson University Academic Leadership Program and acted as counsel for the Ryerson University President and several Deans.

“As it relates to students, I think we as an COVER STORY

institution want to sustain and enhance our brand and our reputation, so we need to ‘wow’ students,” says Dingwall. “Domestic students that come from Cape Breton, Halifax, the Atlantic provinces or across Canada — we need to do that extremely well. Likewise, we have to do it for our international students who come from Vietnam, Korea, China, India and a host of other countries and we can’t settle on the success of the past. We have to be vigilant in reaching out to students before they arrive, while they’re on the way and when they get here to make certain that their student experience is the very best that can be offered in Canada.”

The university connects the Island through the pursuit of academic enhancement by making quality world-class education available to Cape Breton residents, here at home. In the past many Cape Bretoners, as students, had to leave home in their pursuit of education and finding the opportunities to

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WE HAVE TO BE VIGILANT IN REACHING OUT TO STUDENTS BEFORE THEY ARRIVE, WHILE THEY’RE ON THE WAY AND WHEN THEY GET HERE TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT THEIR STUDENT EXPERIENCE IS THE VERY BEST THAT CAN BE OFFERED IN CANADA."

DAVID C. DINGWALL, PRESIDENT AND VICE CHANCELLOR, CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY

bring their ideas to urban marketplaces.

“Let us go forward and make the case that high school students from Richmond, Inverness, Victoria and Cape Breton Counties will be hard pressed for a reason to go anywhere else but Cape Breton University,” says Dingwall.

Dingwall also recognizes the role of a faculty within the institution as one that is critical to its success.

“Faculty, instructors and staff are really the heart of the university,” says Dingwall. “They have to be operating at maximum speed and at maximum quality in order to give the students quality experiences, both from an academic and a student-life perspective.”

With policies aligning with ongoing CBU activities focused on growth and serving Cape Breton, Dingwall officially took the position as CBU’s seventh President and Vice Chancellor on April 6, 2018.

As Dingwall was welcomed to CBU, Robert Sampson, Chair of the CBU Board of Governors said: “I, along with my fellow Board colleagues, have full confidence that President Dingwall will lead our university in a manner that is true to the values of Cape Breton University, building on the strengths of CBU and doing so through collaboration,

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

partnerships and innovation.”

Elected to the House of Commons as Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – East Richmond on four occasions, Dingwall held federal ministerial titles for the Cabinet of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, including Minister of Health, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister responsible for Canada Post, Minister responsible for the Royal Canadian Mint, Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. As Canada’s Health Minister, Dingwall introduced and passed the Tobacco Control Act, which, at the time, was the toughest tobacco control legislation in the world. Subsequently, Dingwall was recognized in outstanding honour by the World Health Organization, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Lung Association.

His considerable experience in government politics, as well as corporate governance, positioned Dingwall as the ideal candidate for leading the university. In addition to his outstanding service as a public official, Dingwall has engaged in business activities internationally and throughout Canada. He is currently co-director of the Canada-China

Institute for Business & Development; the chairperson of Orenda Software Solutions Inc.; and sits on the board of directors for the Canadian Bar Association, the Advocates Society, ADR Chambers Inc. and the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.

He holds degrees in commerce and law from Dalhousie University and has studied corporate governance at Harvard Law School.

“From an early age, I’ve always been interested in public policy,” says Dingwall.

“My sister had a considerable influence on me in terms of ensuring I would acquire a good education; which I did. I am a former student of Cape Breton University, then went on to Dalhousie and did other things. My interest in higher education has been with me for many, many years.”

Adding to its existing roots in the municipalities of CBRM, Richmond, Victoria and Inverness, CBU is committed to honouring and embracing the knowledge, wisdom and traditions of the Mi’kmaw culture.

“Cape Breton University has been working with Mi’kmaw communities here in Cape Breton, the five Unama’ki communities, for well over 40 years,” says Dingwall. “We have a long-standing relationship and for most

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LET US GO FORWARD AND MAKE THE CASE THAT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM RICHMOND, INVERNESS, VICTORIA AND CAPE BRETON COUNTIES WILL BE HARD PRESSED FOR A REASON TO GO ANYWHERE ELSE BUT CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY."

DAVID C. DINGWALL, PRESIDENT AND VICE CHANCELLOR, CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

institutions that would be a long period of time, but the Mi’kmaq have been here for a much, much more considerable amount of time, so that’s only a very small chunk.”

CBU’s Unama’ki College caters to all Indigenous communities, including the Unama’ki (Cape Breton) communities of Potlotek, Membertou, Eskasoni, Wagmatcook and We’koqma’q. The college offers courses and linguistic research projects in Mi’kmaq language teachings at the Kji-keptin Alexander Denny L’nui’sultimkeweyo’kuom (Mi’kmaq Language Lab), courses in Learning from Knowledge Keepers of Mi’kma’ki, scholarships, elders in residence, in-community course offerings and more.

“There are numerous opportunities that we can take advantage of, together, to ensure that students and colleagues of Indigenous communities are treated with respect and fairness and have access to economic activities, locally as well as around the world.”

Located only minutes from the Mi’kmaw community of Membertou and a short distance to the other four communities on the Island, Unama’ki College is committed to supporting outreach, economic and community development in all of the Mi'kmaw

communities in Cape Breton.

“Mr. Dingwall's passion for Cape Breton has made him a great leader for many years,” says Chief Terrance Paul of Membertou First Nation. “In his new role, he will continue to build a stronger future for Cape Breton University and the Island as a whole."

CBU, along with Dingwall’s support, has a positive relationship with all Indigenous communities, established naturally through their aligning goals and devotion to environmental mitigation and remediation through the Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment.

“The university is very much committed to environmental sustainability, as are Mi’kmaw people and I think we walk together on that particular focus,” says Dingwall.

Cape Breton has embraced not only its mainstay cultures, but cultures from numerous different countries around the world. Building on the current international student recruitment strategy already in place, Dingwall intends to use his international connections to help broaden the network and course offerings and expand the cultural perspectives for the university by embarking on a partnership with China.

“I’ve travelled to China extensively, I think I’m probably the only President in the country that’s actually done a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese on issues that they believe are important, whether it be health care or in the field of housing,” says Dingwall. “As a former member of the Canada-China Business Council, I understand the nuances that the China of today is very different from the China of 10 years ago.”

Attracting international students is just one focus for the university and for economic development initiatives around the Island. Although Dingwall says generating economic activity is a collective responsibility of all sectors on the Island, CBU has a duty to support local economic efforts.

This includes the advocacy of immigration and the promotion of volunteerism and community-led programming.

“The volunteerism on Cape Breton Island is staggering in terms of the amount of hours people contribute to making the quality of life that we have here on the Island one of the most outstanding in the world.”

To further its commitment to each of the communities on Cape Breton Island, Dingwall plans to expand the university’s resources into each community, establishing a team to

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FEBRUARY 2018

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PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

analyze and report what the community would like to see from the university.

“There needs to be an obligation on our part. We have to reach out to those communities from a programming point of view and from a partnership point of view,” says Dingwall. “We need to remove ourselves from the office structure here on Grand Lake Road and we have to get into those communities and see where we can be helpful.”

Dingwall says with the support, advice

and direction of the community, the university will see changes in programming to reflect what Cape Bretoners want.

This renewed focus on community engagement will assist communities across Cape Breton to grow the local economy, find innovative ways to address challenges and take advantage of new opportunities.

“A new mindset, a new approach, in terms of economic development — we’re prepared to work in partnership with the local

communities to drive that agenda, which means listening, it means contributing, it means advocacy, it means programs. So we’re going to be working pretty closely in the years ahead.”

The partnership between CBU and Dingwall will be influential for Cape Breton’s future. Together, with Dingwall’s expertise in national and international markets and CBU’s ambitious potential for growth and future accomplishment, the pair is sure to make waves in academic education, international attraction and the economic contributions to all of Cape Breton Island.

“As President, I wish to partner with a variety of different groups to sustain that and to enhance economic activity wherever we can,” says Dingwall. “Whether that’s with the private sector, municipal units, governments at every level, non-profit organizations and a host of other stakeholders, I believe the university is an important cornerstone in terms of our economic development.”

Cape Breton University is exactly what it says — Cape Breton Island’s university.

Servicing each county on the Island, CBU is of outstanding importance to all of Cape Breton with deep roots in all four counties and each of the five Mi'kmaw communities of Unama’ki. It connects the island through the enhancement of professional growth by the means of academic discovery – similarly to how the Bras d’Or Lake touch each of the counties on the island.

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Giving back to our community Nova Scotia Power hosts 13th annual St. Paddy’s Day Bash for local organizations CONTRIBUTED

T

his March Nova Scotia Power hosted the 13th annual St. Paddy’s Day Bash, raising $23,000 for Cape Breton’s Atlantic Burn Camp for children and the Almost Home Women’s Shelter in Sydney. This community fundraiser has raised $208,000 for both charities since its inception.

Over the years, proceeds from the St. Paddy’s Day Bash have funded the Cape Breton Atlantic Burn Camp, enabling more than 30 children and youth to enjoy a fun week of activities.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support we receive from the St. Paddy’s Day Bash each year,” says Nicki Davis, Director of the Atlantic Burn Camp.

“Our organization benefits significantly from these donations and we appreciate the time and effort by the performers, Nova Scotia Power volunteers and those who come out to make this wonderful event a success year after year.”

Donations have also gone towards new beds, a fridge, a stove and unexpected repairs at the Almost Home Women’s Shelter — and helped cover the costs of dental work, glasses, haircuts, Christmas gifts, transit fares and groceries.

This year’s event featured music and entertainment by Rock It and Donnie

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

From left to right - Jamie MacDonald, NS Power Senior Director, Power Production; Martin MacPhee, IBEW Local 1928; Nicki Davis, Atlantic Burn Camp; Raylene Theriault, Almost Home Women’s Shelter and Mark Sidebottom, NS Power Chief Operating Officer.

Campbell as well as other talented performers. amazing organizations — it’s pure joy.”

Planned and delivered by current and former The event is hosted each year by Nova Nova Scotia Power employees, the event is a Scotia Power Inc., a wholly-owned fun way to support and give back to the local subsidiary of Emera Inc., which delivers community, for everyone who attends. diversified energy and services. Nova “I look forward to this event each year,” Scotia Power provides 95 per cent of the says Yvon LeFort, Senior Engineer with generation, transmission and distribution Nova Scotia Power. “The St. Paddy’s Day of electrical power to 507,000 customers Bash has been going on for 13 years and across the province. The company is focused each time I get the same enjoyment out of on new technologies to enhance customer spending time with my colleagues, while service and reliability, reduce emissions and we give back to the community and these add renewable energy.

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PARTNERSHIP PROFILE

Meet the new CEO of the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce A bright light for Cape Breton’s future

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Kathleen Yurchesyn, new CEO for the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce.

By NICOLE SIMMONS

T

he opportunity to fuel change is a natural motivator for Kathleen Yurchesyn. Born and raised on Cape Breton Island, Yurchesyn is a passionate advocate for Cape Breton’s future.

After graduating from the Bachelor of Public Relations program at Mount Saint Vincent University, Yurchesyn began her career in St. John’s, before moving back to Nova Scotia.

At just 25 years old, Yurchesyn took on an influential role at Cape Breton University as Marketing Manager. In that position, she proved to be an effective and compassionate leader, whose tireless efforts helped promote Cape Breton Island as a destination to study, live, work and play. Skilled in strategy development, digital marketing and project management, Yurchesyn has proven herself as a self-directed and accomplished executor of projects from a broad scope of disciplines, who values collaboration as a motivator for success. These are exactly the qualities that Yurchesyn intends to bring to her new role as Chief Executive Officer at the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Since moving back home to Cape Breton in 2015, I have developed an ever-growing passion for Cape Breton Island and its future,” says Yurchesyn. “I believe that our communities are at a pivotal point right now,

with both our vibrant young entrepreneurs and established business leaders seeking engagement and connectivity.”

As CEO of the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce, Yurchesyn vows to take the greatest pride in building positive relationships and Cape Breton’s profile, with private and public sector leaders, to forge a new path for the Sydney area and for all of Cape Breton Island.

“I see the CEO position with the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce as an opportunity to fuel change,” says Yurchesyn.

“I am very excited to work with and to support the Board of Directors to build a strong sense of community, spark rich discussion and implement the strategies needed to strengthen and grow the Chamber and our local economy.”

In her free time, Yurchesyn volunteers in the community sitting on the Board of Directors for the Transition House Foundation, as well as with the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association. She is an advocate for young talent living in Cape Breton and has been described as a bright light for the future of the Island. Yurchesyn thinks Cape Breton’s biggest opportunity is harnessing the work ethic and talents of our people to enrich the business community.

“I am confident that through collaboration with the board and feedback from our membership, we can chart a new strategy to move forward and support the needs of our membership and the businesses we serve.”

To Yurchesyn, Cape Breton is a place to stand out, build meaningful connections, be a champion for community success and ultimately make an impact. She believes the more we are all dedicated to making real change, investing in our island and taking risks to move forward, the brighter Cape Breton’s future will be.

Ian Parker, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Sydney and Area Chamber of PARTNERSHIP PROFILES

I BELIEVE THAT OUR COMMUNITIES ARE AT A PIVOTAL POINT RIGHT NOW, WITH BOTH OUR VIBRANT YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS AND ESTABLISHED BUSINESS LEADERS SEEKING ENGAGEMENT AND CONNECTIVITY." KATHLEEN YURCHESYN, CEO, SYDNEY AND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Commerce, says the board was excited to welcome Yurchesyn as the Chamber’s new CEO. “Kathleen brings with her an energy and enthusiasm that we feel will be the perfect fit for our organization,” says Parker. “Her background and attitude will allow her to be a strong voice for local business and she is eager to apply a fresh perspective and build relationships to promote the Chamber’s growth.”

Over the next several months, Yurchesyn looks forward to building a new strategy and taking the Chamber in a new direction.

She plans to begin by meeting with current members, board members and councillors to hear their ideas, concerns and overall vision for the Chamber. Yurchesyn hopes to reposition the Chamber within the communities it serves but feels strongly that she must first begin to understand their current investors’ hopes and goals.

“I am looking forward to implementing more innovative ways to engage our current members and grow our Chamber into the future,” says Yurchesyn.

MAY 2018

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Closing the circle Keith MacDonald returns home to Inverness County as new CAO

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Keith MacDonald, new CAO for the Municipality of the County of Inverness.

By NICOLE SIMMONS

K

eith MacDonald has been admirably described as a champion for economic development, not only in Cape Breton, but all of Atlantic Canada.

Born in Boston and raised in Mabou, MacDonald has always shown a natural talent for strategic leadership with a keen sense for business development — qualities which he intends to bring to his new role as Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality of the County of Inverness.

With a childhood filled with distinguished accomplishments, including President of Student Council at Mabou Consolidated School and his participation in the Junior Achievement company program, MacDonald began his career as a valuable leader early in his life. MacDonald says it was this experience with Junior Achievement that lead him to apply to the University College of Cape Breton (now Cape Breton University), where he completed both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts and Community Studies over a five-year span.

Upon graduating, MacDonald became the Executive Director of the Mabou and District Development Association where he would blossom a career in grassroots economic development efforts.

Inarguably, MacDonald’s greatest successes to date is a result of his work over the last decade as the Cape Breton Partnership’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Keith successfully managed the Partnership’s broad scope of projects in an environment that possesses unique opportunities and complexities. The work that he led at the Partnership has contributed to the Island’s foundation for long-term

sustainability,” says Alex Paul, Chair of the Cape Breton Partnership Board of Directors.

“The Partnership has achieved many milestones during Keith’s tenure and the business community has become stronger and adopted a more collaborative approach due to his unwavering commitment and belief in the people of Cape Breton.”

This insurmountable belief in the people of Cape Breton has led to the employment of more than 100 youth and young professionals.

Through the Partnership, MacDonald has been an influential driver for change which chartered many paths to meaningful employment opportunities for young talent through work terms, co-operative education and various contract positions.

“I am certainly very proud of the Partnership’s record in attracting young talent to the organization, giving them their first opportunity to start off their careers here on the Island,” says MacDonald. “There are numerous individuals that are now working with other organizations across Cape Breton that had their first employment opportunity with the Partnership.”

MacDonald’s dedication for providing young professionals employment opportunities has resulted in the retention of promising talent for the Island.

It is the supporting foundation of that attraction and retention strategy that has ultimately brought MacDonald back to Inverness County, where he hopes to make equal strides to enrich the business community as the new CAO. “The role of CAO has provided me an opportunity to return to where I grew up and be closer to a number of my friends and family,” says MacDonald. “Inverness County has significant opportunities and it is going to be an exciting number of years for me here.”

MacDonald says his goals for Inverness County are to work with council and staff to modernize operations, develop policies that will help spur new growth and implement initiatives that will help attract new investment to the area.

“I look forward to connecting with many businesses across the county in order to work more collaboratively to make the area even stronger,” says MacDonald. “My motivation is that every day I’m getting up and working hard on behalf of the taxpayers of Inverness County, in turn the team PARTNERSHIP PROFILES

INVERNESS COUNTY HAS SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITIES AND IT IS GOING TO BE AN EXCITING NUMBER OF YEARS FOR ME HERE." KEITH MACDONALD, CAO, MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF INVERNESS

at the Municipality will provide service excellence and financial oversight to support sustainable growth in the region.”

As MacDonald moves forward in his role with each new day, the Municipal Council says they are pleased he is addressing issues, reorganizing the management structure and supporting new policies and procedures for the County.

“Keith MacDonald was hired as CAO of the Municipality of the County of Inverness mainly because of his education and work experience. His familiarity with the Municipal Government Act, Inverness County and with the province as a whole are assets that didn’t go unnoticed,” says Warden Betty Ann MacQuarrie, Municipal Councillor for District 5. “I am certain that Keith will have the best interests of our Municipality foremost in every advisory role and administrative decision. Council is very proud to be able to welcome him back home to Inverness County as our Chief Administrative Officer.”

With his uncontested ability to provide meaningful employment opportunities to youth and recent graduates and his experience with governmental affairs, MacDonald hopes to promote regional growth through the attraction of young talent and business development in Inverness County.

“I want to work with Council to leave a lasting impression with youth that they do not have to leave the Island to pursue their education and careers, but with a dream and vision for their own futures, young professionals can gain good jobs and careers right here at home,” says MacDonald.

With his proven leadership abilities and resounding record in youth retention, Inverness County will most certainly see growth in the years to come.

MAY 2018

23

PARTNERSHIP PROFILE

Commitment and faith in her community Marie Walsh, CAO of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality

By NICOLE SIMMONS

M

arie Walsh has always been a success story in-waiting. Growing up in Ashby in a family with nine children, Walsh learned at a young age that she had to stand out and stand up for what she believes in.

It is that naturally developed instinct and dedication to stay the course and fight for her convictions, paired with a passion for making a positive contribution to her community, that in 2017 materialized into the role of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM).

“I care about the community that I live in. I think a CAO and all executive leaders in Cape Breton should have a vested interest in the community. They should care what happens here and I think I have that,” says Walsh. “I fight for what I think is best for the Municipality and what the community thinks is best and I always have that in mind when I’m conducting business.”

Walsh’s instinct to never give up shines brightly through her past. Before commencing her role as CAO, Walsh served as acting CAO twice — once before former CAO, Michael Merritt, was hired in 2014 and again after he left the role in March 2017 — but Walsh persevered and has never wavered in her belief that the Council’s decision making was in the best interest of the Municipality, demonstrating her resounding commitment and faith in the Municipality and its residents.

Walsh’s background in accounting and business administration led her to be hired in 2007 to serve the CBRM as Director of Finance and quickly moved through the ranks, gaining the title of Chief Financial Officer for the Municipality in 2014 before being appointed CAO. Since her appointment, Walsh has been working with her team in an effort to create

a more stable and sustainable economic environment for the Municipality and has high hopes for her efforts in commercializing the Port of Sydney.

“We’ve been working hard on commercializing the port and the Mayor has been a big piece of pushing that forward, so I’m very positive about that,” says Walsh.

Among her priorities, such as the continuation of standardizing operations, is her dedication to increasing economic prosperity in the CBRM. A driver for the community, Walsh says her main commitment is creating open and transparent relationships with the public, the Municipal Council and other businesses across the Island for mutual respect and understanding that the end goal for each group is the same — Cape Breton’s success.

“We’re going to be building relationships with organizations like Destination Cape Breton, the Cape Breton Partnership, the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce, the Port Authority, Cape Breton University and the business community,” says Walsh.

“The goal in the next couple of years is to really make Cape Breton more appealing to investors and developers.”

Big ticket projects, such as the development of the Port of Sydney container terminal, a new public library and the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Marconi campus moving to the downtown area, are only the beginning of many more economically impactful projects Walsh hopes to see turn up in the CBRM over the next few years.

“We’re heading in the right path, we’ve done a lot of good things,” says Walsh.

“We’ve made a lot of moves around the port and developing downtown Sydney, so I think there’s a lot of positive things happening in the community and I think they’re only going to get better.”

One of Walsh’s primary focuses remains on reducing tax rates through economic development projects and generating further investment.

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PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Marie Walsh, CAO, Cape Breton Regional Municipality

“CBRM has one of the highest tax rates in Nova Scotia for commercial and residential, so it certainly is a challenge to try and get people to come here,” says Walsh. “It’s just making CBRM more sustainable and more desirable for people to invest and to come and live in Cape Breton.”

Since Walsh started in 2007, the Municipality has significantly reduced their debt and began achieving large economic accomplishments including the establishment of the second cruise ship berth.

Along with her municipal duties, Walsh sits on the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) Board of Directors for Nova Scotia, is on the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities (UNSM) Board of Directors and is the past President and a current Director of the Association of Municipal Administrators, Nova Scotia (AMA). She acts on several provincial committees, the latest one being the Conversation on Municipal Modernization, where the committee looks for innovations in developing partnerships and new ways for municipalities to collaborate and assist other municipalities in the pursuit of provinciallevel growth. She also sits on the committee to phase out and eliminate the Capped Assessment Program which seriously impacts Nova Scotia property tax payers in several ways including the distortion of property market value and stifled economic development making new home purchases less desirable.

“I sit on a lot of committees and if I wasn’t I would be doing a lot of volunteer work, because I think that’s important to try to make a difference in your community.”

Although much of her time is utilized supporting different committees in the area, the position of CAO allows her to give back to the community in a very rewarding way.

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PARTNERSHIP PROFILE

New CAO and visionary for Victoria County Leanne MacEachen tackling challenges for business in rural Cape Breton PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Leanne MacEachen, new CAO for the Municipality of the County of Victoria.

By NICOLE SIMMONS

W

ith natural beauty only magnified by the changing ice formations, snow covered trees and frozen ocean shorelines, there are endless vibrant and fulfilling adventure opportunities and activities visitors can experience in the Municipality of the County of Victoria in the winter. However, without accommodations, it’s hard for visitors to stay and explore all of the beauty Victoria County has to offer through the off-season months.

This is something Leanne MacEachen vows to change in new her role as Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality of Victoria County.

With a background primarily in the private sector, MacEachen has always shown a natural trait in being a visionary leader and promoter of change.

Born and raised in Port Hood, MacEachen’s background includes a longstanding financial career in senior management with Grant Thornton LLP, where, after 15 years, she relocated to their Alberta office. But, as drivers for change often do, MacEachen took the opportunity to return to Cape Breton in 2014 to make a positive impact on her home.

MacEachen, a Chartered Professional Accountant, has been with Victoria County since then, originally hired as the Director of Finance.

“I think that I have gained some great experience over the last four years with Victoria County,” says MacEachen. “I recognize rural Cape Breton, the challenges that can be here and the challenges that go along with living in a rural area.”

MacEachen was the top candidate out of

59 applicants for the position of Victoria County CAO. “Municipal Council is pleased Leanne accepted the CAO position with us,” says Bruce Morrison, Warden for the Municipality of the County of Victoria. “She understands the challenges we face as a rural municipality and offers a fresh new perspective to the county.”

Morrison says her extensive experience in financial and human resource management in private sector leadership roles, both in the province and from across Canada, makes MacEachen an asset to the county, with forward thinking and proactive leadership.

As CAO, MacEachen is prepared to face the obstacles that come with administrating a rural area. Victoria County, located in the Northern most point of Cape Breton, encompasses the famous Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Due to its geographical location and seasonal weather forecasts, one of the main challenges facing the area is the seasonal-based tourism business structure.

Great leaders can identify issues and develop creative solutions to overcome them.

MacEachen’s vision for the Municipality includes the change of policy to reward businesses to stay open all four seasons, so to overcome seasonal-based business.

“My main focus is going to be trying to bring four-season work to the County, in turn providing people with good full-time jobs,” says MacEachen. “Alongside my role in providing administrative support and supervising staff, I will also be focusing on raising more awareness for business growth opportunities to propel economic development.”

MacEachen’s task is not easy. Victoria is the county that is most affected by seasonal tax adjustments. A business that is closed for at least four months in the taxation year is considered a “seasonal tourist business” and receives a reduced tax rate, incentivizing PARTNERSHIP PROFILES

businesses to close for the colder months.

MacEachen says this hinders business growth and tourism attraction to the area.

“We’re rewarding businesses for shutting down,” says MacEachen. “Ideally, what we want to try to do is get businesses to stay open all year. The way we do that is rewarding the businesses that stay open, rather than the businesses that shut down.”

This tax change would be influential in promoting business growth and boosting experiential tourism for the island. However, to make the change, it will require a shift in the mindset of residents realizing the community lifestyle will benefit. The change will also require continued collaboration and understanding from the Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs.

“There is a push right now for trying to recognize that Victoria County can be a destination in the winter and during the shoulder seasons as well,” says MacEachen.

“We know we have beauty in the summer, it’s recognizing that beauty in the winter as well and all the activities that can be done.”

For visitors to travel to the area, there will need to be businesses that are willing to stay open and have the appropriate facilities that have the capacity and ability to be available.

“Some businesses that are only open in the summer aren’t housed in winterized buildings,” says MacEachen. “It’s not just saying we’re going to be open, we have to be ready to be. So there’s a few challenges along the way, but we hope that we can get there.”

MacEachen says the County may need to follow a model similar to a façade program that will assist businesses to prepare their facilities for visitors during the winter season, so to stay open and better attract tourists to the area.

Regardless of the issue facing the county, MacEachen confidently provides a refreshing strategic vision that demonstrates her unyielding commitment to the residents of Victoria County.

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PARTNERSHIP PROFILE

Getting to know Richmond County’s new CAO Sharing a lifetime of knowledge

By NICOLE SIMMONS

F

or Kent MacIntyre, life has been filled with diverse experiences and opportunities from a broad scope of industries. Those life experiences have provided him with the opportunity that ultimately led him back to his home on Cape Breton Island, as the new Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality of the County of Richmond.

Raised in Sydney, MacIntyre began his early career working with the Cape Breton Development Corporation (DEVCO) where he gained invaluable knowledge on development strategies and initiatives used to advance the Island’s economy.

“I gained a lot through my years at the Cape Breton Development Corporation,” says MacIntyre. “They invested a lot into their employees and did a lot of management training. I’m very fortunate that over the last 20 years I’ve been exposed to good education, great bosses — and had an opportunity to learn and gather all kinds of community-based knowledge as well — both working on volunteer boards of directors and committees.”

Since his position with DEVCO, MacIntyre held positions including two chief executive officer titles, as well as president, entrepreneur, owner and as an instructor for the Executive and Professional Development Program at Saint Mary’s University, before rejoining the management ranks with the Saint John Development Corporation, where he spent the last nine years.

However, MacIntyre never really felt at home.

“You move away to get those experiences and you’re exposed to wonderful things and gather a lot of knowledge but, still, your heart is back on the Island,” says MacIntyre.

“I was at a time in my life that I wanted to have an opportunity to return back to Cape Breton, so when this opportunity became available with the Municipality I was certainly eager to apply myself.”

MacIntyre says it’s this chance to help

WE HAVE A LOT OF GREAT ATTRIBUTES IN RICHMOND COUNTY, WE NOW WANT TO START EXPOSING THAT TO A BIGGER MARKET." KENT MACINTYRE, CAO, MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF RICHMOND

people return back home to the Island that drives his work with the Municipality.

“As Islanders, we really have quite the commitment to see the Island move forward,” says MacIntyre. “I’ve been very fortunate to gather extensive knowledge and experiences throughout my career and now I’m pleased to arrive back here and put as much of that in motion as possible.”

MacIntyre prides himself on being both a team player and a team builder, traits that will be assets for him in his new role. He also intends to approach his new role with a focus on economic development.

“For the last 10-plus years of my career, there has been a major focus on economic and business development. I am very much tuned into that, as there are many aspects to that, everything from tourism to seeking and driving forward with partners, to generate new revenue.”

MacIntyre says his strategic plan for Richmond County, following budget discussions, will concentrate on asset management, business growth and providing quality infrastructure for residents, with a primary focus on tourism, community development and revenue generation. To accomplish this plan, MacIntyre says the Municipality will be working diligently and extensively with the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network, the Cape Breton Partnership, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Business Inc., to provide strategic direction and economic development resources to assist with moving the region toward their goals.

PARTNERSHIP PROFILES

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Kent MacIntyre, new CAO for the Municipality of the County of Richmond.

One of the starting points for Richmond County is with the businesses already residing in the area, says MacIntyre.

“First and foremost, we have to make sure that the businesses that are currently here continue to be supported. It’s a matter of sitting down with them, whether it’s in a forum setting or one-on-one, to understand what they need from the Municipality to help them move forward, continue to operate and grow and to see if we can find partner opportunities for them if required.”

Another step in the prosperity and sustainability model for Richmond County will be in assisting startups in the area to grow and develop their businesses and ideas.

“Startups are critical for growth in any region. As long as we can create the amenities and the living conditions and lifestyle — that’s crucial for attracting new business to the region,” says MacIntyre. “We have a lot of great attributes in Richmond County, we now want to start exposing that to a bigger market and identify potential startups and let people know this is a region where they can live and work.”

Richmond County, located on the Cape Breton side of the Strait of Canso, is centrally located between Sydney and Antigonish.

Cape Breton University and Saint Francis Xavier University are each within an hourand-a-half of Richmond County. The Nova Scotia Community College Strait Campus is located nearly 30 minutes outside the County — an ideal location for business growth and development.

Although engulfed in his new found responsibilities, MacIntyre says his passion lies with getting more involved with the community.

“I’m a firm believer that if you live in a community, you live in it — in the true sense of the word.”

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STRAIT AREA CHAMBER UPDATE

A milestone in training and education Improving your skills and unleashing your greatness

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The Unleashing Your Greatness event team showing off their enthusiasm for learning at the celebration of the 500th graduate from their Workplace Education Cluster Programs in March. From left to right: Amanda Mombourquette, Executive Director, Strait Area Chamber of Commerce; Buhle Dlamini, Keynote Speaker; Steve Googoo, Waycobah Band Councillor; Susan Fox, Membership and Events Coordinator, Strait Area Chamber of Commerce; Chris Lewis, Chris Lewis Business Solutions and Workplace Education Instructor.

CONTRIBUTED BY Strait Area Chamber of Commerce

T

he Strait Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a significant milestone in March, celebrating the graduation of their 500th Workplace Education Training participant.

Access to skilled labour has been one of the key challenges that businesses in the region have faced over the last decade. With this in mind and in the face of increasing demands for productivity and skills improvement in workplaces of all types, the Strait Area Chamber provides 15 courses

or more each year, on a variety of businessrelated topics. This training, which is part of the Workplace Education Cluster Programs funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education, enables business owners to access critical training opportunities for themselves and their employees.

Across the province, these programs have been instrumental in ensuring our workforce and businesses remain competitive. In the Strait area, quality program material, knowledgeable instructors and the relevancy and responsiveness of the topics covered have made the courses extremely sought after.

Business owners in the region have attributed the value of enabling their STRAIT AREA CHAMBER UPDATE

employees to participate (resulting in improved skills that transfer directly to the workplace) to the program. Since September 2013, the Strait Area Chamber has hosted a total of 83 courses covering a range of essential workplace skills including social media, Microsoft Office Suite, Sage, leadership in the workplace, website design, marketing, human resources, business growth and profitability and more.

More than 500 members of the work force representing some 230 businesses in the Strait area have participated in these courses, resulting in an immediate and positive impact on businesses.

Mike Diggdon, Owner and Manager of Highland Beverages located outside of St. Peter’s, praises the impact of the courses on his business.

“The knowledge I have obtained from taking Microsoft Excel will save me a huge amount of time and money,” says Diggdon.

“It will allow me to maintain and track important information that is crucial to my business.”

Denise Halloran, Executive Director at the Guysborough County Home Support Agency, has also seen the benefits of the courses in her organization.

“The Microsoft Excel course has made me much more efficient in creating spreadsheets, which helps me produce more accurate data regarding client care and support,” says Halloran.

From retail to manufacturing to health care, the Strait Area Chamber’s Workplace Education programs are having a very tangible and positive impact on employers and employees across this region.

The 500th celebration at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre on March 23 featured the training participant’s perspective from Steve Googoo of Waycobah, followed by a dynamic motivational speech on Unleashing Your Greatness from international speaker, Buhle Dlamini. The event gathered nearly 150 Chamber alumni and members to celebrate the day together.

The next round of classes will start in September, 2018. Contact the Strait Area Chamber today to get in on the action!

Call 902-625-1588 or email membership@straitareachamber.ca.

MAY 2018

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STRAIT AREA CHAMBER UPDATE

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PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

Update from the Cape Breton Partnership Bringing businesses and communities together was very excited about its role in facilitating this conversation and maintaining the momentum generated at this event, through the Export Growth Service Pilot Program.”

PHOTO COREY KATZ

The Right Honourable Jean Chretien gave the keynote speech at the Think Export N.O.W. Conference in March.

CONTRIBUTED BY Cape Breton Partnership

T

he Cape Breton Partnership unites businesses and communities across Cape Breton to drive the economy forward. The Partnership is a proud product of the private sector and an agent of positive change for Cape Breton and the people that live and work here.

Recent Activities: THINK EXPORT N.O.W CONFERENCE On March 20, 2018, the Cape Breton Partnership hosted the Think Export N.O.W. Conference at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. This full-day conference included a luncheon with former Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, where attendees had the opportunity to ask

questions following his keynote address.

The conference was organized by the Cape Breton Partnership in collaboration with the Export Development Team (ACOA, NSBI, BDC, NSCC, Louisbourg Seafoods Ltd. and the CBRM), with the purpose of bringing together government partners and successful exporters to address barriers to exporting products and services to national and international markets.

The conference was held to officially launch the Export Growth Service in Cape Breton.

The conference agenda included various presentations, a roundtable discussion, networking activities and interactive panels.

“This event offered business owners and employees a unique opportunity to hear directly from industry experts and partners and gain valuable insight on the business of exporting,” says Carla Arsenault, Chief Operating Officer for the Cape Breton Partnership. “The Cape Breton Partnership

PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

BUSINESS-YOUTH SYMPOSIUM On April 18, 2018, the Cape Breton Partnership, in collaboration with the Business Education Council, presented its second Business-Youth Symposium at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre to engage businesses and youth in meaningful dialogue on skills, education and training essentials in the workplace and the potential opportunities for youth in seeking and securing careers in Nova Scotia.

The purpose of this event was to better understand employer needs and youth interests, as well as generating informative discussions between youth entering the workforce and employers looking to grow their businesses. The discussions boosted an increased support for youth in the career planning process and provided firsthand insight into business opportunities in the region. In addition to developing skills for current opportunities, this event demonstrated to youth that they can contribute to the future workforce in fields and positions that do not even exist yet.

The symposium consisted of business-youth networking and icebreaker games, roundtable discussions, a business panel discussion and a youth panel discussion. The panelists came from different backgrounds — diverse in age, culture, race and gender — and had a broad range of experiences and knowledge in specific industries and trends in Nova Scotia’s labour market and economy.

IMMIGRATION SESSIONS The Cape Breton Partnership has held various employer-focused sessions across Cape Breton Island on immigration and employment. In-depth presentations were delivered by the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP), the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership and the Cape Breton Connector Program. These were held in the communities of Cheticamp, Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Inverness, Baddeck, Ingonish and Arichat, attracting more than 130 attendees.

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SAFETY LUNCH-AND-LEARN ON MENTAL HEALTH The Cape Breton Partnership and St. John Ambulance hosted a lunch-and-learn at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre on March 8, 2018, to explore topics associated with mental illness, such as reducing stigma, increasing awareness and discussing options for someone in a mental health crisis. This session also provided information on mental health first-aid, a training program delivered by St. John Ambulance.

SAFETY LUNCH-AND-LEARN ON SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS The Cape Breton Partnership and the Worker’s Compensation Board of Nova Scotia hosted a lunch-and-learn at the Holiday Inn Sydney Waterfront on March 22, 2018, to highlight the impact, prevention and action taken to deal with injuries caused by slips, trips and falls. The primary contributors to these injuries are ice and snow, water and liquid, getting in and out of a vehicle and going up and down stairs.

PHOTO COREY KATZ

The Mayor of CBRM, Cecil Clarke and the Right Honourable Jean Chretien, shared a table at the Think Export N.O.W. Conference in March.

CONNECTOR SPEED NETWORKING On March 20, 2018, the Connector Program welcomed Cape Breton University alumni back to campus to share their

valuable career experiences in a fast-paced networking session where senior CBU students gained a clear idea of the career options available after graduation.

The Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CBREN) is a collaborative effort between the Province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Municipal Affairs and the Municipalities of Inverness, Richmond, and Victoria Counties.

The CBREN activities are delivered by the Cape Breton Partnership with oversite from a private sector Board of Directors.

VICTORIA COUNTY

CBREN AREAS OF FOCUS

REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

INVERNESS COUNTY

CHAMPION BUSINESS GROWTH RICHMOND COUNTY

LEVERAGE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE LAND & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK For more information about the CBREN and it’s activities, visit the Cape Breton Partnership website at capebretonpartnership.com/cbren.

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PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

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UPDATE FROM THE CAPE BRETON REGIONAL ENTERPRISE NETWORK

Supporting development and opportunities C CINNIS INNIS

TOWER

The Cape Breton Partnership, through the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network, hereby announce naming ofthrough the Skye Glen Digital Internet Tower as MacInnis Tower.

The Cape Bretonthe Partnership, the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network, hereby announce the naming of the Skye Glen Digital Internet Tower as MacInnis Tower.

Dated: December 14, 2017 Dated: December 14, 2017

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

MacInnis Tower, installed by Seaside Wireless Communications, was named through the Name the Tower competition.

CONTRIBUTED BY Cape Breton Partnership

T

he Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CBREN) is a partnership between the Province of Nova Scotia and the Municipalities of Victoria, Richmond, and Inverness Counties. The Network is governed by a private sector Board of Directors and is administered by the Cape Breton Partnership. The Network’s primary goals are to lead regional economic strategies and to support the development and attraction of new businesses and the retention and expansion of existing businesses.

MacInnis Tower installation improves internet coverage The newly installed MacInnis Tower in Skye Glen, Inverness County, has recently had a customized sign installed at the site of the tower.

MacInnis Tower, named through the Name the Tower competition, received provincial funding to improve high-speed internet access for area residents and businesses. The province of Nova Scotia has announced a total of $1.44 million in internet funding in 2017, through the Municipal and Community Rural High-Speed Internet Funding Program.

The tower was installed by Seaside Wireless Communications and will increase bandwidth from 1.5 Mbps to 10 Mbps in the Skye Glen region of Inverness County, improving the coverage to Centreville, Nevada Valley, Brook Village, East Skye Glen, Skye Glen and Stewartdale.

An estimated 400 residents have already benefited from the upgrade, as will nine farms and a community hall in the area.

Representatives from more than 40 businesses in Victoria and Richmond Counties gathered for business round table sessions.

Business roundtable sessions Two business roundtable sessions were held in March, 2018, bringing together representatives from more than 40 businesses and organizations in Victoria and Richmond Counties.

The Victoria County session was facilitated by CBREN Economic Development Officer, Patrick Austin, resulting in a thorough analysis of the business climate in the St. Ann’s Bay area. The Richmond County sessions were facilitated by CBREN Economic Development Officer, Jeff Stanley, which included an in-depth discussion on Richmond County’s future tourism efforts and promotion, as well as groundwork for a County-wide forum on tourism in Richmond.

CAPE BRETON REGIONAL ENTERPRISE NETWORK

Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia presentations In collaboration with Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia and the Eastern Strait Regional Enterprise Network, the CBREN facilitated a full morning of presentation activities for students of Dalbrae Academy in Inverness County. Activities included interactive discussions on employability and education, real-world budgeting and personal finance planning, as well as Game of Lifestyle game play and trivia.

Nova Scotia Regional Enterprise Networks The CBREN, in partnership with the Eastern Strait REN, South Shore REN, Valley REN and Western REN and the Truro & Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity, is pleased to announce the launch of their collaborative website at nsrens.ca.

This website allows users to learn more on upcoming events and news from Nova Scotia’s Regional Enterprise Networks, as well as locate the appropriate REN for their area.

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