ELEVATE Cape Breton - Summer 2018

GOLF LINKS WITH HISTORY P6 A modern reflection at 12 Mine Road Golf Chalet

AUGUST 2018

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE P20 New president and CEO brings experience

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS P22 Work It brings inclusion to Cape Breton Island

A PUBLICATION FROM THE CAPE BRETON PARTNERSHIP

CAPITALIZING

ON THEIR OWN

POTENTIAL

ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN OF CAPE BRETON ARE FOLLOWING THEIR PASSIONS AND BOOSTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY

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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.

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

SUMMER 2018 ELEVATE

AUGUST 2018 / VOLUME 3 ISSUE 3

Illustrator & designer Alison Uhma works on one of her creations.

To see her illustration for our cover story, turn to page 16.

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

ON THE COVER

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6 Golf links with history

CAPITALIZING ON THEIR OWN POTENTIAL Entrepreneurial women of Cape Breton are following their passions and boosting the local economy COVER PHOTO BY STEVE RANKIN

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 Jennifer Martin, Membertou First Nation

Industry mirrored in a modern reflection at 12 Mine Road Golf Chalet

20 A fresh perspective on women in business

New President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership brings experience and understanding

22 Breaking down barriers for job seekers Work It brings inclusion to Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Partnership Contact

PLUS 4

PRESIDENT & CEO'S MESSAGE

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REGIONAL BUZZ

14 NEW MEMBERS 15 WOMEN IN BUSINESS 24 SYDNEY AND AREA CHAMBER UPDATE 26 PARTNERSHIP UPDATE 28 CAPE BRETON REGIONAL ENTERPRISE NETWORK UPDATE 30 SPECIAL FEATURE: ENCOURAGING GRADS TO STAY On the cover: Jennifer Drummond, Owner, The Salty Stork.

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 more information about Elevate Magazine contact Nicole Simmons by phone at 902-562-0122 or by email at elevate@capebretonpartnership.com.

Editor: Denise Surette, dsurette@herald.ca Layout & Design: Peter Ross Contributing Writers: Nicole Simmons, Cape Breton Partnership, Sydney & Area Chamber of Commerce, 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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PRESIDENT & CEO’S MESSAGE

Leading ladies of Cape Breton Innovative women in entrepreneurship CARLA ARSENAULT President & CEO, Cape Breton Partnership

C

ape Breton has a long history of innovative female entrepreneurs — from traditional artists of the past, such as Cheticamp’s Elizabeth LeFort, or Mabel Bell, often known as the business mind behind Alexander Graham Bell, to leading-edge female entrepreneurs of today, such as Annette Verschuren and Corrine McIsaac.

In the last issue of Elevate, the focus was on the “Sea of Change” in Cape Breton.

This change was seen in the wave of new leadership positions in Cape Breton. In less than one year, four municipalities hired new Chief Administrative Officers, Cape Breton University has a new President and the Sydney & Area Chamber of Commerce and Cape Breton Partnership have new leaders.

Interestingly, combined with some existing positions, this means that now two of five municipal CAO’s in Cape Breton are women, both Chambers of Commerce and the Cape Breton Partnership are led by women and the Town of Port Hawkesbury has Cape Breton’s first female mayor. This is a tremendous change and while in many respects it is far too long in the making, it is indicative of an accelerated rate of evolution happening in our community.

Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles across Cape Breton and nowhere are we seeing this more than in our small businesses. Cape Breton has always had a

history of women in small, home-based businesses, like childcare day homes, direct marketing sales and other means of supplementing household incomes. Until recently, many of these small-scale, side businesses rarely became the sole household income.

According to Industry Canada, 47 per cent of small- and medium-sized enterprises in Canada are now entirely or partly owned by women. While there is still much work to be done, this represents a positive shift in the growth of women-led businesses.

In addition to new businesses, new organizations such as CB Voices are being established across Cape Breton. CB Voices is a group of women that come together to discuss contemporary Cape Breton issues and use its influence to encourage other young women to step up and become part of the solution.

As Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization, the Cape Breton Partnership understands the critical role that entrepreneurship plays in growing our economy. The Cape Breton Partnership’s new program through the Status of Women, Addressing Barriers to Successful Entrepreneurship for Women in Cape Breton, will work with private, public, academic and non-profit sector partners to identify and develop plans to address economic, social and institutional barriers to entrepreneurship supports faced by women.

This project will serve as a foundational piece that will be used to leverage a number of other projects and programs dedicated to aspiring innovative women leaders and entrepreneurs in Cape Breton.

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ ON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SOME OF CAPE BRETON’S MANY VIBRANT FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS AND THE INTERESTING WAYS THAT THEY ARE BLAZING NEW TRAILS AS NEW BUSINESS STARTUPS AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.”

PRESIDENT & CEO’S MESSAGE

So why are female entrepreneurs so integral to our community? According to research, success rates for women-led businesses are higher than that of men and the proportion of women-owned businesses that plan to expand their business is generally higher than those of men. According to Industry Canada, approximately 51 per cent of Aboriginal-owned SMEs belong partly or wholly to women.

The focus of this issue of Elevate is on Cape Breton female entrepreneurs who are finding innovative ways to create unique businesses that are fueled by passion and creativity. The task of choosing stories for this edition was a challenge — there were so many incredibly talented, passionate women that we wanted to highlight.

This issue’s cover story features an illustration by Alison Uhma, owner of AU Illustration & Design. Uhma’s design depicts how women entrepreneurs in Cape Breton are creating opportunities for themselves and others by building businesses. Her illustration uses propelling cogs that make Cape Breton a place that works for those that live here and those that want to live here. Uhma herself represents creativity, adaptability and passion — traits that are shared with so many Cape Breton women entrepreneurs that will be shared with you in this edition.

You will learn about Nadine Bernard, a First Nations entrepreneur who is using her skills to teach other women in her community; doula Jennifer Drummond of The Salty Stork, who chose Cape Breton as her home and recognized a void in prenatal service offerings; Lisa Samson-Boudreau, a longtime entrepreneur whose latest venture, La Goélette à Pépé Café, showcases the impact and history of the past and the local Acadian culture; and Highland Bow & Arrow’s Jay Rawding, who found a niche market nestled in the beautiful coastline of Skir Dhu. I encourage you to read on to learn more about some of Cape Breton’s many vibrant female entrepreneurs and the interesting ways that they are blazing new trails as new business startups and new opportunities for future generations.

AUGUST 2018

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Home to more entrepreneurs per capita than any other municipality in the province.

Follow your dream.

Come home to Victoria County Check out www.victoriacounty.com for more information.

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SUMMER 2018 ELEVATE

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ELEVATE

REGIONAL BUZZ FEATURE

Golf links with history Industry mirrored in a modern reflection at 12 Mine Road Golf Chalet PHOTO STEVE RANKIN

By NICOLE SIMMONS istorical Inverness: a picture of pristine coastal beaches, vibrant community centres and a booming coal industry. In many ways, coal was (and remains) a significant contributor to the socioeconomic development of several Nova Scotian communities since commercial mining began in Cape Breton in 1720. Today in Inverness, a new and exciting industry has risen — golf.

From the coal dust emerged Cabot Links,

Inverness’ historical past to its present golf culture, where visitors can stay in this unique accommodation and embrace the history and scenery.

Residing on the top of a hill overlooking Cabot Links, the chalet features breathtaking sightlines from the full width of the first hole at Cabot Links to the publicly acclaimed Inverness Beach.

“We purchased the chalet in September 2016 and began renovations a month later,” says Gerard Ferguson, chalet co-owner with his wife, Joan. “We redesigned the entire property with the main focus on the golfer —

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a true links golf resort. Famous for the picturesque location and superior golf experience, Cabot Links was constructed on top of the former underground mining operations that border the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.

In traditional Scottish links fashion, the Cabot Links location features spectacular landscapes and incomparable shorelines, designed so golfers can walk beside the ocean with a brisk breeze on their faces and sandy golf turf beneath their feet.

Just as the new and exciting Cabot Links experience connects the community to the sea, 12 Mine Road Golf Chalet connects

BUSINESS NEWS

AUGUST 2018

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WE REDESIGNED THE ENTIRE PROPERTY WITH THE MAIN FOCUS ON THE GOLFER — BUT AT THE SAME TIME ALSO PROVIDING A REFERENCE TO THE TOWN’S COAL MINING HISTORY.“

GERARD FERGUSON, CO-OWNER, 12 MINE ROAD GOLF CHALET

but at the same time also providing a reference to the town’s coal mining history.”

Industry mirrored in a modern reflection at the newly established 12 Mine Road Golf Chalet, where beneath the very floor boards, hundreds of feet underground, miners walked and worked centuries ago.

“I believe it was mine No. 1 and the entry to go underground was right at the top of the road,” says Gerard.

A strong representation of the linkage between past and present resonates in the interior of the chalet, designed by Joan.

“I was attempting to marry the history of the mine, which was a vibrant part of the community in the 1900s, to the golfing industry of today,” says Joan.

Black doors contrasted with white walls clad in tasteful artwork of black horses, the chalet reflects the genealogical history of many families still living in the area, including Gerard’s family, whose own grandfather worked with the pit ponies under the very ground that the chalet sits atop. His first cousin once owned the property that the chalet now sits on.

Golf-related artwork along with bedrooms identified as bunkers are a few of the touches visitors will find at the chalet.

“I didn’t want to distract from the view,” says Joan. “We used a combination of greys and blacks to remind us of the past and whites to represent the golf economy.”

With chic finishings including dimming lights, live-edge tables, blackout curtains, propane fireplaces, outdoor cooler stands, handwritten notes and locally crafted furniture, 12 Mine Road Golf Chalet is a perfect example of personalized relaxation.

“Our goal is to provide a customized experience,” says Gerard. “Someone will say they’re coming up in August and it’s someone’s birthday or a celebration, we’ll try to provide them with what they need to make the celebration memorable. Being from the local area, we can also help them understand what’s around when they arrive.”

Recently recognized as a five-star accommodation by Canada Select, the chalet can be rented by level or in its entirety. The chalet features a total of five bedrooms and three bathrooms and operates during the

PHOTO STEVE RANKIN

PHOTO STEVE RANKIN

golf season from May to October each year.

“This year was our first full season in business,” says Gerard. “We spent 2017 completing renovations, developing our website and learning various ways to market our business. Destination Cape Breton has been a tremendous resource as well as the folks from Tourism Nova Scotia.”

A true family oriented business, the Fergusons’ children assist with the chalet’s social media marketing, Facebook page and online promotion. But the heart of the business remains with the community.

“Inverness is a small community and we value that. A great deal of our success has come from local support and personnel such as the Municipality of the County of Inverness, local tradespeople, other businesses in the area and it has all been tremendous. At the end of the day, our main BUSINESS NEWS

priority is our interaction with Cabot and the community.”

As the chalet’s reputation grows, the Fergusons plan to consider packaging destination offerings with other businesses such as Sailing CBI, Celtic Air Services and Keltic Cruisers to provide a full-service experience.

“Everyone on the island is connected. You can really see the Cape Breton network coming together and growing.”

12 Mine Road Golf Chalet exemplifies the growing economic opportunities that will continue to capture all of the incomparable visitor experiences Cape Breton Island has to offer. As golfers play the course and return to 12 Mine Road Golf Chalet to relax, they are presented with the resounding memory of what once was and the lasting impact the mining community has had on the region’s culture, economy and present way of life.

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ELEVATE

Regional Buzz International doctor settles at Victoria County Memorial Hospital

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Celtic Air Services offers exclusive luxury tours Upon hiring international consultant Kimberly Ibarra, Celtic Air Services has announced the first ever Highlands Keltic Classic golf tournament will take place this September. The tournament will only be open to 20 pairs.

The players, coming from locations around the world, will be staying at Keltic Lodge at the Highlands and will travel around the island by helicopter. The tournament will be one of the first offerings from Celtic Air under the direction of Ibarra. The exclusive event, which features an opening night reception and evening gala, will have international golfers compete for the inaugural Highland Keltic Cup.

Cape Breton Miners’ Museum to recreate underground mining experience with new simulator Imagine yourself as a coal miner, travelling down a mine slope into an underground mine while your colleagues work around you covered in soot. The Cape Breton Miners’ Museum in Glace Bay has received more than $1.5 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Heritage Canada for infrastructure upgrades that will include the construction of a briefing room, lamp house and a simulator of a rake car,

so visitors can experience coal like never before. The museum, famous for a guided tour in a retired underground coal mine, will feature a new simulator that will put visitors in a vehicle with 15 moving seats and 360-degree media staging, depicting virtual footage of coal cars, miners and possibly even an evacuation, recreating a miner’s true experience underground.

Tasty Treat lands new owner, new name, same delicious offerings Coxheath’s iconic Tasty Treat on Keltic Drive was renamed Frosty’s Treats this past spring.

New owner, Sydney Mines

native Fred Squarey, promised that the establishment will continue to offer the same burger and cool treat selections served by the usual staff, despite the name change. The establishment underwent a variety of renovations, including the replacement of the roof, repainting of the building and the construction of an outdoor patio. No food items have been removed from the menu, but menu items are being added on an ongoing basis. The Tasty Treat location on Grand Lake Road remains under the same management and still operates under the Tasty Treat name.

BUSINESS NEWS

Baddeck’s newest doctor, Dr. Jamie Tribo, settled into her role this past spring with Victoria County Memorial Hospital. Tribo, who completed her degree in Arkansas, is the first doctor to settle into Nova Scotia through the province’s new immigration stream, which was put in place to remove immigration barriers and attract more international doctors and specialists. The new immigration stream aids the recruitment and relocation of qualified internationally trained doctors and specialists who have received an approved job request from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or the IWK Health Centre, creating a faster and easier process. Tribo is the first of at least 12 international physicians and specialists that NSHA hopes to recruit to the province through this new immigration stream in 2018 and 2019.

Cape Breton couple nominated for same Atlantic Book Award Two Cape Breton writers, Oisin Curran and Sarah Fader, were each nominated for the Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award for the books All is Beauty Now and Blood Fable — and they’re married. But the Margaree-based couple says the competition was only good-hearted and brought them closer together with their two children. Both books won awards at the 2018 Atlantic Book Awards event in May. Fader took home the Margaret and John Savage First Book Award, while Curran received the prestigious Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award. The Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award, first presented in 1991, is the highest honour presented by the Atlantic Book Awards Society and came with a prize of $25,000. The gala event recognized a total of 13 winning authors and featured book readings, a reception and celebrations.

AUGUST 2018

Sydney’s newest collectible store on the water Sydney River store Atomic Records and Collectibles, which offers vinyl records, memorabilia, collectibles and turntables, has expanded to its new seasonal location at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion this summer. The store is housed in a small independent building near Sydney’s iconic big fiddle where store owner, Tom MacKenzie, says the store has been catching the waves of visiting cruise ship passengers. The store hired an additional staff person to assist with the new location and is currently looking at another round of hiring for the peak of the cruise season in September and October this year.

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Heather Rankin headlines at Celtfest Acclaimed Cape Breton musician, Heather Rankin, headlined at the Almonte Celtfest 2018 in Ontario on July 8. The Celtfest weekend in Gemmill Park in Almonte presented a select group of artisan performers and vendors with Celtic, Gaelic and folk ties.

Rankin, after 25 years performing with her siblings in the multiplatinum musical group The Rankin Family, released her first solo album, A Fine Line, in 2016.

Following her solo debut, Rankin was nominated for the 2017 Juno Award for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year and the 2017 East Coast Music Awards for Folk Recording of the Year and Fan’s Choice of the Year.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Cape Breton hip-hop on the rise

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Cape Breton Arts Centre opens The Cape Breton Centre for Arts, Culture and Innovation, led by New Dawn Enterprises, opened its doors this summer at the former Holy Angels Convent in Sydney’s historic north end. Renovations of the convent began in 2017, resulting in the collection of artifacts such as shoes, photographs, post cards and a student registry from 1906. The $12-million project features nearly 25 artist studios and a multi-use gallery space.

People often associate Cape Breton’s music culture with Celtic music icons like The Rankin Family or Rita MacNeil, but hip-hop is making a musical boom on the island with artists like Mitchell Bailey, recently nominated for Hip-Hop Album of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards and Todd Googoo aka SHiFT FROM THA 902, as a showcasing artist for the award show. From humble beginnings in We’koqma’q and Glace Bay, to radio hits, performances across Canada and opening and playing alongside acclaimed artists like Classifed, RiFF RAFF, Neon Dreams and Madchild, both artists have big plans for their musical careers. Both young performers have recently released albums, including Googoo’s single and recently produced music video, Hometown, representing his pride for his heritage, family and culture. The video was shot entirely around the First Nations community of Eskasoni, plentiful with Cape Breton references and iconic scenery.

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BUSINESS NEWS

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Recycle, reuse, repurpose: Rummage & Rescue transforms trash to art In June, artists from around Cape Breton who turned waste products into art concluded their Rummage & Rescue exhibit at the Old Sydney Society. Among artists who took part in the exhibit were Otis Thomas, Onni Nordman, Merrideth MacDonald, Jen Cooper and Bernard Siller.

The exhibit also featured pieces dated from the 1940s, from artist Sadie Englehutt Aiken, who transformed old flower sacks into embroidered pillow cases and runners.

Cape Breton resident to receive Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Award

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Culture forged by steel: A historical marker for Whitney Pier Cape Breton photographer Steve Wadden concluded the presentation of his photo documentary exhibit, Forged, on July 6, at the Cape Breton University Art Gallery. The exhibit, which featured a series of largescale photos depicting the former primarily steel-working neighbourhood of Whitney Pier, records the 10 years following the closure of the Sydney Steel Plant in 2001. The exhibit was praised for its depiction of the industry collapse, environmental remediation, the socio-economic impact of a post-steel culture and the adaptation of a community. Wadden, one of the photographers for this magazine, is an award-winning photojournalist with work appearing in VICE magazine, MacLean’s magazine, Reader’s Digest and The Globe and Mail. The Cape Breton exhibit followed shortly behind Wadden’s display of Forged at the Scotia Bank Contact Photography Festival in Toronto.

Into retirement, Fitzgerald continues to provide support for patients and medical staff as a teacher and stand-in surgeon.

Cape Breton entrepreneur team launches Bid Tasker app Cape Breton entrepreneurial team, Donald Hanson, Darren Hanson and Todd Chant, launched their mobile application,

Bid Tasker, this summer. The app is a mobile platform intended to foster a linkage between homeowners looking to make home improvements and people who perform labour jobs. The idea came from Darren Hanson who was working in Western Canada and needed work done at his home in Cape Breton but had trouble finding a handyman and tradesperson without an online or mobile tool. Bid Tasker, newly

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Dr. William N. Fitzgerald will be honoured with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s James H. Graham Award of Merit this October, during the Royal College’s convocation ceremony for new specialists in Halifax. The honourary award of merit is given to a person whose outstanding achievements reflect the objectives of the Royal College. Before his retirement and relocation to Cape Breton Island, Fitzgerald worked at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in Newfoundland and Labrador, where he expanded his surgical scope to include selective thoracic surgery to treat lung cancer and pulmonary patients, mastoid surgery to treat severe mastoiditis in children and spinal and disc surgery. His expansion into specialty surgeries allowed patients the option to stay in the province to receive the consultation and surgeries they required.

BUSINESS NEWS

launched in Atlantic Canada and soon nationwide, allows users to post jobs such as roofing, landscaping or siding repair and request a price or quote. After a connection is made, workers will receive ratings from homeowners based on the quality and price of work, assisting homeowners to make better informed decisions with the person they have working on their property.

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Cold Furnace Studios relocates to Sydney, bringing a Force with them Originally based in New Brunswick, Cold Furnace Studios relocated to Sydney in May, where they will launch the company’s first video game, Atrocity: Field of Hands, in 2019. Created by military veterans, Atrocity: Field of Hands throws gamers into an immersive story on the battlefield inspired by real life events. Cold Furnace CEO, Mark Wheeler, served as an airborne gunman for the Canadian Forces on tours to Afghanistan and Balkans within his 25 years of service and is currently employed as a combat arms warrant officer. Wheeler is the driving force behind Cold Furnace’s approach to hiring military advisors and providing job opportunities with Veterans Affairs Canada through the Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance program. The combat, deployment and training of many veterans make these members valuable assets bringing realtime expertise to game development in artificial intelligence, realistic gun range accuracy, weapon malfunctions, bullet ricochets and human reaction in first-person, active-shooter video game combat.

Nova Scotia chosen to host the 2020 Indigenous Games The province of Nova Scotia's Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, along with the support of the Mi’kmaq Sport Council of Nova Scotia, has committed $3.5 million to bring the North American Indigenous Games to Halifax in 2020. The bid was chosen over competing bids from cities including Ottawa, Ontario and Victoria.

The 2020 Indigenous Games will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in Nova Scotia and will include more than 5,000 First Nations participants from 756 nations in 15 different sporting events, throughout the eight-day tournament. Hosting the games will allow First Nations communities, including those in Unama’ki, to showcase Mi’kmaw culture and heritage and will bring together communities across the province to celebrate Indigenous sport teams for years to come.

PHOTO HERALD ARCHIVE

Two new schools, two major renovations and two schools purchased in Cape Breton Nova Scotia’s Department of Education recently announced a $300 million multiple-school capital plan, which includes the construction of 13 new schools across the province over the next five years. The first ever multiyear capital plan for the education system in Nova Scotia will allow growth in Cape Breton’s

school infrastructure to include the construction of two new schools — an elementary school to be built in Glace Bay and a new Northside middle school — as well as major renovations to the Breton Education Centre in New Waterford and Ferrisview Elementary in North Sydney. The plan also includes the purchase of two public-private partnership (P3) schools, Harbourside Elementary and Sherwood Park Education Centre.

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HOWIE DOIRON REGIONAL DIRECTOR

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ELEVATE

Cape Breton University secures five-year international relationship with Japan

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Dundee Resort reports a busy summer tourism season Alongside the announcement last summer that the Dundee Resort and its 18-hole golf course was sold to new owner Sonny Grewal, was the new owner’s commitment to an aesthetic overhaul. After a year of extensive renovations costing more than $650,000, Dundee Resort and Golf Course opened this summer to accommodate island visitors for the 2018 tourism season. Renovations included new carpeting, a newly paved driveway, lobby decor, interior and exterior painting, roofing upgrades and new guest room furniture and smart TVs. The resort features petfriendly options, a 60-room lodge with options including fire places and Jacuzzi tubs, vacation cabins, two restaurants, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court, sauna and golf club.

Less than one month after the installation of new President and Vice Chancellor David C. Dingwall, Cape Breton University announced signing a memorandum of understanding with Kokugakuin University.

The Toyko-based institution sent 30 Japanese students to CBU earlier this month for language training with the International Centre for English Academic Preparation.

The five-year agreement consists of faculty and student exchange, international training opportunities, research collaborations, joint conferences and any opportunities of mutual interest that arise.

Richmond County medical marijuana facility opening in 2019 Headland Cultivation Co. has confirmed the construction and establishment of a cannabis production facility in the Municipality of the County of Richmond, in the Lennox Passage Light Industrial Park. Following lengthy licensing processes over the 2018 year, the facility is expected to handle hundreds of thousands of marijuana plants on 30 acres of property which faces the bridge to Isle Madame. Richmond County will work closely with Headland Cultivation to construct supporting municipal infrastructure such as water treatment.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Storyteller delivers Cape Breton tales to schools For nearly 30 years, Ron Caplan travelled Cape Breton Island after moving from his home in the United States to gather stories and share the island’s diverse culture. In 2017, Caplan received a grant to publish Great Cape Breton Storytelling as a gift to Cape Breton students in celebration of the Canada 150th anniversary. The book comes as an online e-book, allowing students and teachers to download and access 81 stories on all devices including mobile phones. The Mi’kmaw First Nation family of schools in Nova Scotia was the first schoolboard to embrace the cultural and ethnic tales, allowing their 2,900 students free access for in-class learning and at-home reading.

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Gerard Shaw named Screaming Eagles president and CEO A team with a community and a community with a team. In May, an announcement was made that Glace Bay native turned Albert Bridge resident, Gerard Shaw, would be the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles’ new president. As the hockey team’s fifth president and CEO, Shaw promised increased activity and consultation with the team’s board of directors, coach, general manager, business manager and, most importantly, the fans. Shaw brings to the table an extensive background in hockey, serving on the Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association Board of Directors, formerly holding the position of Atlantic Scout for the Screaming Eagles and Nova Scotia Scout for the Moncton Wildcats, coaching for U15 and U16 teams, running local skills camps and his previous involvement with the Hockey Nova Scotia high-performance program for eight years. His son, Logan Shaw, split the 2017-18 season playing for NHL teams Anaheim Ducks and the Montreal Canadiens.

Although their new president has been already working diligently to build a new Screaming Eagles empire, Eagle fans will have to sit tight to see the results behind Shaw’s management until the upcoming 2018-19 hockey season.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Social media influencers promote Cape Breton hiking trails Destination Cape Breton has been using a new approach to tourism this summer with their Pilot Influencer Project. The influencer strategy for 2018, which uses Cape Breton-based social media pages with large followings, focuses primarily on the hiking-enthusiast. The influencers produce organic content on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and include high-profile accounts in areas such as photography, hiking, outdoor events and other areas of community interest. This summers’ social influencers include Adam Hill, Kris Tynski, Tom Wilson, Hike the Highlands Festival and Live Life in Tents.

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PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

2018 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Membertou

We’koqma’q designer expands culture-inspired clothing line to international markets

In May of this year, Chief Terry Paul of Membertou opened up the 2018 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre, clad in a traditional ceremonial headdress and regalia.

The tournament consisted of elite-level male and female Indigenous players from across Canada, including Northwest Territories, Alberta and British Columbia. The tournament marked the first time the championships had ever been hosted in a Mi’kmaq community and showcased abilities from roughly 600 male and female bantam and midget-aged athletes. The gathering of so many Indigenous families in the community sparked other events, which included a workshop at the Membertou Heritage Park and a spring season powwow.

While attending the Cape Breton Partnership and Export Growth Advisory’s Think Export N.O.W. Conference in Membertou in March of this year, Loretta Gould felt inspired to reach new markets in the U.S. and Asia. Gould, whose designs are inspired by First Nations culture, currently sells a clothing line featuring her art on a range of products including tank tops, dresses and leggings. Primarily using Facebook and word-of-mouth marketing, Gould has already sold her designs to customers across Europe. Now looking to expand her marketing reach, Gould’s goal is to establish a We’koqma’q manufacturing facility for her products and create employment opportunities for her community.

Louisbourg Seafoods’ Mira Bay Seafood Truck has a new location!

1897 Kings Road, Howie Centre | Thursday - Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm

For all your fresh, local seafood needs.

BUSINESS NEWS

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ELEVATE

New members SYDNEY AND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

STRAIT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUNLIFE FINANCIAL The Sun Life Financial Centre is located at 245 George Street in Sydney, on the corner of George and Dorchester Street in the Quality Cameras building.

TURN UP THE FREQUENCY Offering health and wellness services including sound massages, energy balances, therapeutic touch and specialized kinesiology.

Chris Anderson 245 George Street Sydney, N.S. 902-217-7634

270 Walkerville Road Walkerville, N.S. 902-623-1271

CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT The Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development is committed to advancing and supporting entrepreneurs across Nova Scotia.

CEED delivers innovative programs and services that empower individuals and communities to achieve their full potential.

7071 Bayers Road, Suite 225 Halifax, N.S. 902-579-4865 ANCHORED IDEAS LTD. Anchored Ideas Ltd. assists businesses to grow by providing remarkable marketing strategies that get results.

180 Townsend Street Sydney, N.S. 902-537-2050 TRISKELE MEDIA Triskele Media is a family owned enterprise web development company and small press operating from Cape Breton, one of the most beautiful islands on Earth and a Gàidhealtachd of the Scottish Gaelic language.

4515 Highway 105 South Haven, N.S. 902-295-3403 EASY FINANCIAL 153 Reserve Street Glace Bay, N.S. 902-842-9039

STANTEC CONSULTING LTD. Designers, engineers, scientists and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

207 - 201 Churchill Drive, Membertou, N.S. 902-564-1855 INVERARY RESORT A family owned 11-acre resort situated in the village of Baddeck on the beautiful Bras d'Or Lake.

368 Shore Road Baddeck, N.S. 902-295-3500 STRAIT AREA SAFETY SERVICES LTD. A certified registered occupational health and safety professional for all of your workplace safety needs.

727 Grandique Road Arichat, N.S. 902-631-6105 SAMPSON-MCPHEE Cape Breton's largest law firm provides services of the highest calibre in every area of law, a goal to which the members of the firm are committed to at every level.

66 Wentworth Street, Suite 200 Sydney, N.S. 902-539-2425

DILLIAN’S AT WENTWORTH 697 George Street Sydney, N.S. 902-270-3355

NEW MEMBERS

MGM TRUSTEE Helping people living on Cape Breton Island with debt relief, financial counselling, bankruptcy issues and more.

15 Dorchester Street, Suite 500 Sydney, N.S. 902-567-6203 CANAL TIRE (OK TIRE LTD.) Locally owned and operated, OK Tire carries quality tires and parts. They also provide quality automotive service and repair.

44 Toulouse Street St. Peter's, N.S. 902-535-3258 STRAIT RICHMOND HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION The foundation that holds the mission statement: “Working together to improve the health of individuals and community through the provision of integrated health care services and the promotion of health.”

138 Hospital Road Evanston, N.S. 902-625-7234

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, N.S. 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, N.S. B9A 2X4 902-625-1588 info@straitareachamber.ca www.straitareachamber.ca

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Set no boundaries President & CEO of Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation Deborah Gillis provides leadership, inspiration

IF I COULD TELL A FUTURE WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR ONE THING IT WOULD BE TO HAVE CONFIDENCE – YOU HAVE A LOT TO CONTRIBUTE, A LOT TO OFFER, SO I REALLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO SET NO BOUNDARIES.”

DEBORAH GILLIS President & CEO, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation

G

ender equality, diversity and inclusion are keystones of a vibrant community and thriving economy. The opportunity to build a society that flourishes through contributions by all its members — without barriers or biases — is furthered by women in leadership, like Deborah Gillis.

Recently honoured by Mount Saint Vincent University with an honorary doctorate in May 2018, Gillis has dedicated her career to promoting equity, anti-racism and LGBTQ2S rights.

“I think one of the defining aspects of my career is that I started in the public sector,” says Gillis. “My first job out of university was fostering the negotiation process for the Meech Lake Accord. As a young person, fresh out of university, working on an issue that was so critical to the future of the country was an important opportunity to make a difference.”

Born in Toronto, Gillis moved to Cape Breton Island when she was seven years old.

“I grew up in Glencoe Station, which is just

outside of Port Hood,” says Gillis. “I have lots of family still there — my mom and dad, two of my sisters and their families, lots of aunts and uncles all within the area. I still come home every summer and deeply value my time in Cape Breton with all of them.”

While completing her graduate studies in political science at York University, Gillis returned to Nova Scotia to serve as a legislative intern, an experience that inspired her to serve in government and stand as a candidate herself.

Her time in public service helped Gillis understand the unique issues facing young women and see how having strong female role models can to inspire and empower girls and young women to reach further and higher.

These realizations led Gillis to her position at Catalyst, a non-profit organization headquartered in New York with a mandate to lead the advancement and acceleration of women in business around the world. In 2016, Gillis was named one of Canadian Business Magazine’s Top Ten Most Influential Canadians. “When you are able to talk about issues that are on the minds of people, that they are interested in, that they want to learn about and that are important to them, that’s really where the ability to influence social change comes from,” says Gillis about her recognition.

Gillis was appointed to the CanadaUnited States Council for the Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders in 2017. “It was a great honour to be appointed to the council by President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau. And while I was technically appointed as one of the US representatives of the council, because I was based in New York at the time, I certainly felt a strong sense of duty to serve Canada

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

in this way and to promote opportunities for women in leadership.”

Gillis says being part of the council with a prominent presence of remarkable women was a special experience, especially sitting alongside Annette Vershuren, a fellow Cape Breton woman serving in the group.

After a 12-year tenure, which included the expansion of Catalyst into the Asia-Pacific region and being named Global President and CEO, Gillis announced in 2018 that she would be returning to Canada as the CEO for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation.

“I’m like many other Canadians whose circle of family and friends have dealt with and struggled with mental health issues, and so having a platform to raise awareness about the issue was a compelling opportunity for me to continue to make a difference with my career.”

As a passionate and distinguished leader, Gillis has a unique blend of unparalleled vision, strategic leadership, an entrepreneurial attitude and all-encompassing drive for the success of women—traits that have led her to become a Cape Breton-raised role model for women around the world.

“Women entrepreneurs are a driving force for the economy, certainly for Cape Breton.

I’ve grown up surrounded by wonderful women entrepreneurs and I’ve known many over the course of my life. The skills that women bring to any endeavour that they tackle really set them up for success,” says Gillis.

“If I could tell a future woman entrepreneur one thing it would be to have confidence – you have a lot to contribute, a lot to offer, so I really encourage you to set no boundaries.”

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COVER STORY

CAPITALIZING ON THEIR OWN POTENTIAL ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN OF CAPE BRETON ARE FOLLOWING THEIR PASSIONS AND BOOSTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY

STORY NICOLE SIMMONS ILLUSTRATION ALISON UHMA

S

ome of the most innovative entrepreneurs who continuously change the world’s dynamic have come from hardship or simple garage workshops. However, the key to those entrepreneur’s ability to overcome adversity is an unequivocal passion or talent, which leads to the development of an extraordinary business — and that’s no exception for the women entrepreneurs living in Cape Breton.

Currently, only seven countries in the world can make the claim that women and men have equality in small and medium business ownership.

Women entrepreneurs have always played an essential role in spurring economic development and accelerating the socioeconomic health of the community. All across the world, economic analysts agree that the world must further the advancement of women to spur growth, employment, healthier children and families, more community investment and advocacy, inclusion for all groups, the reduction of poverty and so much more.

Cape Breton women are an invaluable resource to any community, broadened by their diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Yielding unique understanding and acumen that caters to different clientele or niche markets often unrealized by their male counterparts. Read on about these Cape Breton women who have discovered new and innovative businesses that will solidify their position in the global economy.

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PROFILES

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

NADINE BERNARD Age: 40 Location: Sydney Family: Engaged with three children and one granddaughter Years on Island: More than 20 years Favourite pastime: Reading (just finished reading the book Indian Horse)

NADINE BERNARD Four years ago, tragedy struck a We’koqma’q First Nation family when Nadine Bernard lost her husband and became a single mother. Due to her unforeseen family dynamic and income change, Bernard and her family were forced to be strategic when it came to food preparation and budgeting — from that resilience, Slow Cooked Dreams was born.

Bernard quickly realized that her family’s need for strict meal budgeting was an issue faced by families in differing circumstances across the world.

“My business was really an accident,” says Bernard. “It was a resiliency model that turned into an empowerment tool and then evolved into a business where I get to train people and deliver it all over Nova Scotia.”

Bernard received a scholarship for the Indigenous Women in Leadership program at the Coady Institute at St. F.X. to assist Indigenous women develop, create and implement a business idea or project that would have a lasting impact on the community.

“My instructor told me to think small and start in my community but I couldn’t; I can’t just stick to my community because there are so many people that could benefit from this.”

From that point, Slow Cooked Dreams transformed into a life-planning workshop done over five weeks with two-hour-long sessions using a slow cooker for food preparation. The manual is 47 pages of holistic health guidance accompanied by the program, which follows a Mi’kmaq medicine wheel for teaching purposes. The medicine wheel is broken into the four quadrants of physical benefits, emotional benefits, mental benefits and spiritual/community. Each of these pieces relates to healthy eating, reliable food security and becoming a healthy person overall. The program assists participants in setting short-term and long-term goals to reduce stress and anxiety.

“By becoming a small business owner you have a little bit more control and creativity as to filling in the gaps in the system. There are women entrepreneurs all around the island, and they are doing such creative work.”

Since the inception of Slow Cooked Dreams, Bernard has completed 14 contracts, assisted 500 people and trained 56 facilitators across Nova Scotia. She recently hired her first employee, another Cape Breton woman, to assist with her expanding business.

“It feels really good that I’m contributing to the economy here and to be able to employ somebody and help build my business,” says Bernard. “It feels really good to have such positive support and response to my business and that being a First Nations person and a woman doesn’t hinder that.”

JENNIFER DRUMMOND Born in Peterborough, Ont., Jennifer Drummond visited Cape Breton Island in 1993 — a trip that would change her life forever when she met a man named Michel and made the decision to relocate to the island.

After 20 years living on the island and the birth of her two children, Drummond realized Cape Breton has a prominent gap in prenatal service offerings for pregnant women and new moms.

“The seed that grew into my business was planted five years ago when a good friend asked me to be her doula, or support person, at the birth of her first child,” says Drummond.

“It was a transformative experience for me and I realized how completely satisfying and fulfilling being a doula could be for me.”

Previously, prenatal classes were offered by Nova Scotia’s Public Health Services. Due to a lack of intake in some parts of the province the funding was redirected to other programs, replacing the informational classes with an online platform in 2014.

Not long after her experience supporting her friend’s first birth, Drummond connected with another woman who lamented about her challenges finding prenatal education.

“I began talking to pregnant women and new moms and realized that there was a need for prenatal support services — from COVER STORY

PHOTO STEVE RANKIN

JENNIFER DRUMMOND THE SALTY STORK Age: 44 Location: St. Joseph du Moine, but serves all of Cape Breton Family: Husband and two children Years in Cape Breton: 25 Favourite pastime: Podcasts during long drives across the island

childbirth education, fitness and nutrition and labour and postpartum support,” says Drummond.

Drummond then began a lengthy and thorough training process attending workshops, taking courses and conducting research. Over a two-year period she worked so her techniques and skill sets would be up-to-date and applicable to all women seeking assistance with their pregnancies, labour and deliveries, postpartum health and infant care. From that passion and innovative approach to the parental responsibilities of soon-to-be and new mothers blossomed Drummond’s business, The Salty Stork.

“My desire was to work with other women in Cape Breton and being an entrepreneur answered that call for pregnancy support.

There are gaps that exist in the system here in Cape Breton and I feel very passionate about helping fill those.”

Although the demand for prenatal support exists, the success of Drummond’s business still relies on word-of-mouth and grassroots networking.

“Most of my business is generated by past clients talking about their experience with me, as a doula in particular.”

“In Cape Breton, everyone is connected — a neighbour, friend, relative — there is always

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PROFILES

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

JAY RAWDING HIGHLAND BOW & ARROW Age: 31 Location: North Shore, Cabot Trail Family: Single Years in Cape Breton: Four Favourite pastime: Photography

some connection, even for me, a person who came here by choice and made a family. I created a wonderful support system here.”

Having that support system of friends and family has been a key contributing factor to The Salty Stork’s success. Drummond’s husband, Michel, also owns and operates a staple business for the community, La Bella Mona Lisa art gallery, which has become a landmark for many tourists throughout the last 29 years.

JAY RAWDING Every woman can appreciate the superhero-like talents of fictional and historical warrior women and their cinematic portrayals in modern films and on television, but according to Jay Rawding there is nothing stopping women from being their heroes in real life. At Highland Bow & Arrow, participants are encouraged to become their own versions of Brave, Katniss Everdeen and Wonder Woman.

Raised in an East Preston home, thoroughly connected to nature by her family’s outfitting business in Labrador and her father’s experience as a hunting guide, Rawding moved to Cape Breton nearly four years ago in pursuit of a more rural lifestyle.

“I started archery as a way to approach

hunting and continue the lifestyle I was raised enjoying,” says Rawding. “My mother’s business sense and my father’s relationship with nature is what inspired me to make the move.”

Since moving to the island, Rawding has lived in tiny cabins with limited network and connectivity, no reception or running water — and at one time only powered by solar energy.

“The cabins were the perfect place to relax, practice on proper targets and hone in on my intuitive shooting skills,” says Rawding.

“Many of my friends became interested in my hobby over the years, but when paired with the scenery of Cape Breton Island and the kind of experience that an off-grid cabin provides, it seemed to mean so much more.”

Rawding’s business taps into the newly sought after tourism concept for early trend adopters who are looking to get away from the buzz of the city and relax in the peace of the outdoors, far away from the noise of the wired world. Rawding quickly realized the business opportunity when she had strangers visiting her cabin to learn how to shoot an arrow.

“I realized how badly people wanted to escape modern life as a way to balance themselves. I also realized that so many other outdoor experiences required expensive resources like a boat or stand-up paddle board,” says Rawding. “I started wildlife photography because people wanted to see what I was capturing and then they wanted to experience it, so Highland Bow & Arrow was born.”

Being a woman entrepreneur on Cape Breton Island is a special experience, says Rawding.

“I have dozens of amazing women at arm’s reach who I consider some of the most intelligent, courageous, talented and hardworking people I have ever known or been lucky enough to meet,” says Rawding. “When I opened my business, I felt their welcoming attitudes and I still do. To be a part of that energy and productivity is just about all I have ever wanted in my entire life.”

Located in an otherwise empty quarry near Wreck Cove, Highland Bow & Arrow enjoyed its pilot season from June to December last year. Open and accessible, the Highland Bow & Arrow archery range can accommodate individuals as well as groups of most sizes and occasions. There is a safe area for bystanders wishing to watch while people of all ages try their luck with a bow and practice their skills in the sport.

Since opening last summer, Rawding has welcomed more than 500 archers on the shooting line and has hosted birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, school groups, retreats and other off-site events, including a “Zombie Shoot” weekend. The range has hosted guests from all over the world, including participants from COVER STORY

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

LISA SAMSON-BOUDREAU LA GOÉLETTE À PÉPÉ CAFÉ Age: 52 Location: Isle Madame Family: Married with three young adult children Years in Cape Breton: 52 years (ancestors have lived in Cape Breton since the early 1700s) Favourite pastime: New people, local history and genealogy

the U.S., Switzerland, the U.K. and Germany.

In addition to providing a fun sporting experience and ensuring the safety of all visitors, Rawding has also set out to bring awareness to traditional archery techniques, honouring the Mi’kmaq cultural hunting styles of Unama’ki (Cape Breton).

“I try to bring awareness to traditional archery, meaning there are no gadgets, sights or assistance, in a place where historically, the Mi’kmaq hunted for food using the same skill set,” says Rawding. “The connection still resonates. Near my area, there was a 4,500-year-old arrowhead found.”

As a woman entrepreneur in historical Cape Breton, Rawding has found an economic niche in a rural area and the only foreseeable drawback for this business is the bowstrings.

Women and men from all over the world can unwind and unleash their inner archery combative talents like many powerful figures across history under the guidance of Rawding at Highland Bow & Arrow.

LISA SAMSON-BOUDREAU The story of La Goélette à Pépé Café begins on the small southern island of Isle Madame during an era of wooden ship and canvas sails with sea merchants sailing from

AUGUST 2018

port to port in search of goods. Isle Madame was booming with foreign consulates setting up office to watch over their interests in the coastal trade and fishing industries.

In 1939, Captain Jean-Baptiste Girroir sailed the vessel, the J.W. Bridgeman, for the last time. Although his career on the sea had ended, he retained posession of many of his items such as sailing charts, his ledger and parts of the vessel’s rigging — these are the artifacts that sparked Lisa Samson Boudreau to open her establishment, La Goélette à Pépé Café, French for “My Grandfather’s Schooner.”

“The café counter is an exact replica of my grandfather’s actual schooner,” says Boudreau.

With family history rich in Acadian culture, Boudreau and her husband, Brian, are both entrepreneurs in the area.

“We bought the family business from Brian’s parents,” says Boudreau. “It was called JC Boudreau’s Service Station, named after Brian’s father. It was a traditional service station and gas bar with an automotive repair section.”

After selling the business in 1993 to pursue their entrepreneurial efforts, the Boudreau’s bought the property back from a mechanic in 2016.

“Because it was a garage, it houses three bays plus the café. The bays are all connected, but can be independently operated with each having their own washroom and storage area.”

Since developing the property, there is one bay that is rented as a pottery studio and the other is available an as artist’s residence studio. The third bay was transformed into a seating area for café customers, supporting the expansion of its food service offerings, including takeout, breakfast sandwiches, Thai and Mediterranean-inspired dinner wraps and vegetarian-based offerings.

“It’s a little bit of everything,’’ says Boudreau. “It’s a place where local artists can leave their artwork for sale and we get to help grow the local creative economy.”

The uniqueness of the café lies within its theme and décor — Acadian genealogy tracing back to the 1700s.

“We have history panels outside on the deck that talk about the history of the Acadian people and how we supported each other in those years to be able to thrive and succeed — and in some cases, to survive.”

The café also features several large-scale photos that depict families in the area. Each family is categorized into Les Sobriquets, meaning nicknames given to Acadian families to keep track of each other through generations. Les Sobriquets were often chosen to describe individuals or families by the region they inhabited such as a unique physical characteristic, personality, style, behaviour or mannerisms or occupation. Underneath the photo section is a small description displayed and a QR code for visitors to scan and download the family’s genealogy, through

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PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

ALISON UHMA AU ILLUSTRATION & DESIGN Location: Sydney Family: Married and proud parent of two teenage children Years in Cape Breton: Moved home to Cape Breton eight years ago Favourite pastime: Canoeing all over Cape Breton

the paternal line way back to France where the individuals were born, who they married, the date of the marriage and the date they perished.

The café attracts visitors from all over the world, including residents of Boston, Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, where many Acadian families had moved during the decline of the nautical industry.

“They come with their loads of genealogical papers to see where they belong and where they came from — because it’s been 100 years or more since their relatives moved,” says Boudreau. “It’s kind of a neat feeling— a feeling of coming home for them; it can be an emotional time.”

With a deep-rooted, intangible cultural heritage on Isle Madame, visitors are welcome to stop by La Goélette à Pépé Café for an expresso, to retrace their cultural ancestry or to have a cup of tea and chat with Joseph (Carl) Boudreau, Brian’s father, and the original owner of the property.

ALISON UHMA Creativity, adaptability, passion: these are the characteristics of a successful independent small business owner like Alison Uhma.

At the age of 10, Uhma left her home in Neil’s Harbour to relocate across North COVER STORY

America and begin training to become a professional tennis player. During her tennis career, Uhma moved to different locations in Canada and the U.S., which meant she lacked access to regular education and personal belongings, like toys. Subsequently, Uhma made paper dolls to play with, which is when her love of craft first began to flourish. When she wasn’t on the tennis court, she spent her time drawing, writing and collecting newspaper clippings and comic strips.

“I ended up in Calgary when I was 17 and stayed there until I moved back to Cape Breton when I was 28,” says Uhma. “While I was in Calgary, I made cards and crafts and sold them at craft fairs. Making art was always a part of my life, but it always had to take a backseat to other things.”

Upon her return to Cape Breton, Uhma attended Cape Breton University full-time and focused on her illustrations.

“My dream was (and is) to make beautiful and fun things that are inspired as much by Cape Breton as by the artists that influence me the most,” says Uhma. “I want to make those beautiful and fun things to share with people everywhere.”

With the support of her family and husband, Uhma began her business AU Illustration & Design in 2017, where she works with clients to create original artwork.

“Being a woman entrepreneur in Cape Breton is filled with meaning,” says Uhma.

“For me, it means continuing a narrative of strength and resilience that began with women before me.”

Uhma attributes her success and ease of business to organizations on the island that foster and support creativity and women, such as the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design, New Dawn, Cape Breton Voices and the Cape Breton Partnership.

“The Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design offers, among many other things, financing to attend trade shows and a beautiful gallery space to sell work. As a not-for-profit with a mandate to serve craft producers and promote their work; they do what no one else does in Cape Breton.”

She also utilizes affordable studio space for both her art practice and commercial work at the New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation.

“These are all individual organizations that provide support and opportunities to women. Challenges occur when there are inadequate support systems. The more folks and organizations that exist to support entrepreneurs and artists, the more opportunities and greater success we’ll see.”

Uhma created the original artwork on page 16 for this edition of Elevate magazine.

You can see more of her work at www.alisonuhma.com.

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ELEVATE

A fresh perspective on women in business New President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership brings experience and understanding PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

By NICOLE SIMMONS

P

ioneers are born in all industries using already developed and existing tools in innovative ways — building on the visions of leaders from the past and charting new unexplored possibilities. Changes in organizational guidance allow businesses invaluable insight into differing perspectives to uncover new areas of growth, goal alignment, strategic partnership and collaborative opportunities.

To this end, new leaders often offer refreshing and welcomed new pieces to the panorama of business. Collaboration and building partnerships are key characteristics in many of those leaders — traits that come naturally to the Cape Breton Partnership’s new President and CEO Carla Arsenault.

These values were strengthened through Arsenault’s background in international sales.

After leaving her home community of Evanston in Richmond County as a young woman, Arsenault earned a Bachelor of Public Relations with a certificate in marketing from Mount Saint Vincent University. From her co-operative education experience with the Department of National Defence in Ottawa, Arsenault took a communications position

with Western Economic Diversification Canada in Edmonton. After a few years, Arsenault found an opportunity to return to Cape Breton and pursue a position with Electronic Data Systems (EDS), later bought

by Hewlett Packard (HP), in Sydney.

“I don’t think I had any intention of staying long-term when I moved back to the island,” says Arsenault. “But then I started getting involved and working closely with other young professionals on the island who were interested in making Cape Breton better and growing the community and I realized how much I loved it and knew there was no place I’d rather be.”

Looking for a change outside of communications, in 2004 Arsenault shifted roles at EDS when a solution architect position became available internally. In that role, Arsenault began supporting global sales pursuits all over the world. During her time at EDS/HP, Arsenault began full-time studies at Royal Roads University in Victoria, first to complete a graduate certificate in public relations management in 2005 and then completing a Master of Business Administration in Executive Management, specializing in management consulting in 2008.

“I spent a number of years working on global private sector projects, so I have a tremendous respect for the private sector.”

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

After nearly 15 years at EDS/HP, Arsenault accepted the position at the Cape Breton Partnership of COO in May 2017.

Over the last year, Arsenault worked to ensure the organization’s objectives aligned with the strategic vision set forward by the board of directors.

“The Partnership is made up of private sector investors,” says Arsenault. “It is important that we recognize and understand the private sector’s business needs so that we can be relevant and fulfill those needs.”

As a woman with a strong and lengthy background supporting private sector organizations achieve their desired outcomes for their investments, Arsenault brought a collection of knowledge and professional resources with her.

“As a female, I think I bring a unique perspective in collaboration and building partnerships,” says Arsenault. “In order for our organization to be successful, we need to work with as many organizations as possible and collaborate on as many solid opportunities as we can. I think one of my strengths is being able to bring that collaboration to fruition.”

During her time leading staff as the COO, Arsenault lead the implementation of several key projects and managed the core activities for the Cape Breton Partnership and Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CBREN).

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OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, I WANT CAPE BRETON TO TRULY BECOME ONE CAPE BRETON/ UNAMA’KI. THAT MEANS PRIVATE SECTOR, PUBLIC SECTOR, OUR FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES, CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY, NSCC AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS — WE ALL NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO MOVE FORWARD AND ENSURE THIS GOAL IS ACHIEVED.”

CARLA ARSENAULT, PRESIDENT AND CEO, CAPE BRETON PARTNERSHIP

forward to working with them to help Cape Breton grow and prosper.”

Through the tireless work the Partnership does for each and every sector on the island, in various industries and for all areas in development, Arsenault was the prime person to lead the way.

“It is evident that much of the growth in successful new businesses in Cape Breton is the result of a dynamic community of female entrepreneurs across a variety of sectors,” says Alex Paul, Cape Breton Partnership board chair. “This is further demonstrated by women ascending to leadership roles in the local Chambers of Commerce as well as Carla Arsenault being the successful candidate for the position of president and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. This should serve to inspire others, as well as create a supportive environment to mentor the next generation of business owners.”

The Cape Breton Partnership has welcomed Arsenault as a shining light for the guidance into the future of Cape Breton Island.

“The appointment of Carla Arsenault to the position of president and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership again illustrates the strength of female entrepreneurs on our Island,” says Paula Condon, Vice Chair for the Cape Breton Partnership. “Carla possesses the leadership, business acumen and common sense that will enable her and her team to raise the bar of economic

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development in Cape Breton. As an executive board member, I have full confidence in the success of the Partnership and our island under Carla’s guidance.”

The strengthening of women’s supports under Arsenault’s leadership was epitomized in the recent announcement of the Partnership’s securement of the Status of Women project, Addressing Barriers to Successful Entrepreneurship for Women in Cape Breton.

“Cape Breton is a small island and I think that being a small island means there’s a tremendous opportunity to come together to be a unified voice,” says Arsenault. “We’ve come a long way. We have so many organizations coming together now and collaborating with each other for the first time in many years. We have new leadership in a number of roles and organizations across the island. We’re working together with our First Nations partners more than ever before. We are focusing on projects and programs around immigration, youth and innovation. Over the next five years, I want Cape Breton to truly become one Cape Breton/Unama’ki. That means private sector, public sector, our First Nations communities, Cape Breton University, NSCC and other educational institutions — we all need to work together to move forward and ensure this goal is achieved.”

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The Cape Breton Partnership operates a number of entities and initiatives, including the Prosperity Framework — a strategy built to promote economic development opportunities in a number of sectors, including culture, seafood and aquaculture, oceans, digital and entrepreneurship, to name a few.

She is also responsible for overseeing the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership, the Cape Breton Connector program, Elevate magazine, and a number of other projects focused on immigration, export, training, women in entrepreneurship and the new Innovation District project, Creative Island.

Upon the departure of Keith MacDonald, the president and CEO of the Partnership for the last 12 years, Arsenault was a paramount candidate to fill the role.

“Having fulfilled the role of COO, I have an in-depth understanding of the organization and I bring a knowledge of global private sector leadership to the organization,” says Arsenault. “I am thrilled to be working for the Partnership and it’s island-wide mandate for growth and prosperity in Cape Breton.”

Her recent appointment fulfilling an executive role has made Arsenault an admirable female role model and influential voice for many women on and off the island.

“Cape Breton has a strong history of female leaders, and that is continuing with our new local female entrepreneurs. It is our local small and medium sized businesses that are the backbone of our economy, and I look

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PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

From left, Sabrina Sanson of Westmount, Dana Farrell of Sydney, Megan Holloway, community employment counsellor for the centre, and Catlin Cox, outside the Sydney Kinsmen Resource Centre, where the Horizon Achievement Centre is housed.

Breaking down barriers for job seekers Work It brings inclusion to Cape Breton Island

By NICOLE SIMMONS

T

he YMCA of Cape Breton recognizes the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities experience inclusion in all aspects of the community. With the outstanding success of the 2017 Work It reverse job fair, understanding that people with disabilities are willing and able to make valuable and significant contributions to the Cape Breton economy has never been more apparent.

“One of the existing needs we know we have, as an island and as a province, is the need to strengthen our ability to connect with people who have disabilities,” says Robyn Lee Seale, previous employer engagement specialist at the YMCA and the newly contracted Cape Breton Connector Program Coordinator with the Cape Breton Partnership. “One in five people in Nova Scotia identify as having a disability. That’s the highest in the country out of all of the provinces.”

To combat inclusive hiring myths, the YMCA of Cape Breton partnered with the Horizon Achievement Centre, a vocational centre for people with intellectual barriers, along with five non-profits and government agencies and 23 employers, to facilitate the first reverse job fair in Nova Scotia. The fair, called Work It, was intended to create a linkage between people with intellectual, physical and mental health barriers to prospective employers by having employers visit the booths of the candidate. The fair included speaking presentations from Lynn Bruyere from Ready, Willing and Able to discuss supports for employers looking to hire inclusively, as well as Paul Koziel from the Department of Natural Resources who offered a first-hand perspective on the department’s experiences and benefits of hiring employees with intellectual disabilities.

“Specifically, what we were trying to do was bring together people with disabilities — physical, mental health barriers, intellectual disabilities and highlight them and their PARTNERSHIP PROFILE

strengths,” says Seale. “Businesses came out to meet them, to support them, to learn about inclusive hiring and about the supports and programs for inclusive hiring.”

The event fostered an understanding between employers, job seekers and service providers in diverse industries to expand their perspectives about what kind of jobs people with disabilities can do and stimulated further business engagement with individuals with disabilities. More than 30 job seekers participated, as well as employers from retail, hospitality, government, economic development, marketing, arts, culture, entertainment and service sectors.

“They really saw how skilled these individuals are and how available they are as an underutilized human resource in our community,” says Seale.

An addition to the event was the enthusiastic attendance of Glen Gillis of JAG Cleaners. A previous client of the YMCA of Cape Breton, the organization assisted Gillis to apply for skills development training and then for self-employment development,

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resulting in the establishment of his business, JAG Cleaners, which is now expanding throughout the province. Gillis attended the event with the hopes to fill two local roles through connections made at Work It. Currently, he has been working with the YMCA to connect him to other Nova Scotia Works Centres to fill his rural staffing difficulties across the province, increasing the ability for Gillis to find candidates in regions with limited staffing resources while also ensuring a diverse workforce.

Employers who hire inclusively are eligible to apply for a number of provincial and

federal cost-shared programs to assist them in hiring and mentoring persons with disabilities to encourage and begin their unique paths toward having greater economic and financial independence through the means of employment.

The second annual Work It reverse job fair will take place on Oct. 23, at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion.

The Cape Breton Work It reverse job fair was the first of its kind in Nova Scotia. The resonating success of this innovative approach to inclusive hiring is reflected in the increased interest for similar events around the province

where this platform will be used as a model.

“Inclusiveness is among the core values of the YMCA,” says Andre Gallant, CEO of the YMCA Cape Breton. “We strive to share that value with our entire community, such that all people are seen through a lens of great potential. Our Work It event helped demonstrate exactly that.”

By facilitating employers connecting to job seekers, service providers and those who already hire inclusively, Cape Breton’s business culture is strengthened and diversified, bringing all-inclusive perspectives to the region’s workforce.

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SYDNEY AND AREA CHAMBER UPDATE

Honoured for their commitment

PHOTO WARREN GORDON PHOTOGRAPHY

Four local leaders inducted into the Cape Breton Business and Philanthropy Hall of Fame

The Front Row (L-R): Tom MacDonald, JoAnn Yurchesyn, Susan Gallop, Martin Chernin The Back Row (L-R): Joe Donovan, Charlie Cuff, Kevin Armstrong, Sara Salter-Burke and James Kehoe.

CONTRIBUTED BY Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce

O

n June 7, the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Cape Breton University, had the honour to induct four outstanding Cape Breton leaders into the Cape Breton Business and Philanthropy Hall of Fame.

Each year, this gala provides the opportunity to come together and celebrate the great business success and giving within our communities and to honour the incredible hard work and contributions that each of the inductees have given to our island.

The late John Yurchesyn, co-founder of Joneljim Construction, Tom MacDonald, founder and Chairman of Tom MacDonald Trucking Ltd. and Susan Gallop, founder and owner of the Cape Breton School of the Arts, were recognized for their contributions to the business community. Martin Chernin was honoured for his philanthropic contributions of his time, support and talents

to the Cape Breton community.

These individuals are perfect examples of what success can look like when you invest in your community, believe in its people and think big. Their stories remind us that we do not need to leave from Cape Breton to find success, but in fact everything we need is already right here. Each of them have believed in a greater vision for our island and as role models they are leaving a legacy and forging a path for our future business leaders here in Cape Breton.

John Yurchesyn, who passed away in 2003 at 77, was a man of tremendous personal integrity, vision and one of the most outstanding leaders in his field of building and concrete construction on Cape Breton Island. In 1970, he was the pioneering founder of Joneljim Concrete Construction Company, which today has become one of Cape Breton’s largest and most successful construction firms, employing more than 100 people on the island. Yurchesyn had an intense love of life-long learning and lived by the belief that everything is possible in this world if you simply set your mind to it.

SYDNEY AND AREA CHAMBER UPDATE

More than 40 years ago, MacDonald and his father began with a one-truck operation, which has grown to be a substantial trucking firm with more than 55 employees today. MacDonald believes that his dedicated employees are the backbone of the company, having staff who have given more than three decades to the business. Many have said that MacDonald has never been afraid of hard work and getting his hands dirty. He believes that if you do a good job, are dependable and you are good to people, that it will all come back to you.

Susan Gallop has owned and operated the Cape Breton School of the Arts for the past 49 years and has touched the lives of thousands of students during her career, creating a business that her students consider a second home. She has been an inspiration to many, a true leader in the arts and culture sector on Cape Breton Island, but most of all she has been a major role model and influencer to every student that walked through her dance studio. Gallop believes that if you are passionate about something, pursue that passion. It doesn’t matter what other people say or think.

Martin Chernin is the epitome of this award, where the impact of both his time and financial support has played a vital role in the economic health of the island, while being a strong leader and role model for young business people. Chernin’s community service is extensive both locally and beyond, serving on local boards and for national organizations.

Proceeds from the Chamber gala are awarded as scholarships and bursaries in honour of the inductees, to students continuing their program of studies in the Shannon School of Business at Cape Breton University. Each year, it is a great privilege of the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate our business leaders. As an organization that supports, advocates and promotes private business on Cape Breton Island, we exist because of the incredible contributions of each of our inductees and their peers.

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PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

Update from the Cape Breton Partnership Bringing businesses and communities together CONTRIBUTED BY Cape Breton Partnership

THE WINNERS OF THE 2018 SAFETY FIRST IN CAPE BRETON AWARDS ARE:

A

s Cape Breton’s private sectorled economic development organization, the 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: SAFETY FIRST SYMPOSIUM On May 15, the Cape Breton Partnership, in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education and the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, hosted the sixth annual Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium at Cape Breton University in Sydney. The Safety Symposium is an event dedicated to promoting safe workplace practices by creating awareness with stories and examples of hazards and success involving workplace safety. This oneday event featured keynote speakers, networking opportunities, a trade show and interactive breakout sessions, allowing participants to gain a more well-rounded understanding of the training and safety planning needs of our local workforce and what is required to make Cape Breton the safest place to work and do business.

The safety symposium also served as the forum to announce the winners of the 2018 Safety First in Cape Breton Awards. This is the consecutive year that the Partnership has hosted the awards to honour the winners for their outstanding work and dedication to safety in the workplace.

PHOTO COREY KATZ

YOUNG ADVOCATE AWARD: Grace Chen, technology co-op student, Nova Scotia Power

PHOTO COREY KATZ

INNOVATION EXPERT AWARD: Roland Michaelis, Victoria Co-operative Fisheries Ltd.

PHOTO COREY KATZ

PHOTO COREY KATZ

SMALL BUSINESS TRAILBLAZER AWARD: Celtic Air Services Ltd.

ENGAGEMENT ALLY AWARD: Don Martell, Strait Area Safety Services

PHOTO COREY KATZ

SAFETY CULTURE CHAMPION AWARD: Seaside Wireless Communications

PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

AUGUST 2018

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DINGWALL – EARLY DAYS AT CBU On May 28, the Cape Breton Partnership, in collaboration with Cape Breton University (CBU), hosted the event “Dingwall — Early Days at CBU.” This event was hosted at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, with event proceeds going to the NextGen Cape Breton Leadership Society, an initiative that engages young professionals in dialogue and inspires them to become more active within their communities.

The event featured two networking sessions, a three-course lunch and a speech from David C. Dingwall, the new president and vice chancellor of CBU. During his speech, Dingwall spoke about his first few months at CBU and focused his attention on the success CBU has brought for the island and the potential that Cape Breton

Island has to offer.

Dingwall spoke about new strategies that he has planned for CBU to optimize this potential over the next few years. One of his new strategies will put more focus on community engagement from all four counties and all five First Nations communities on Cape Breton Island. He also wants to build stronger relationships with community organizations across the island.

The packed room of more than 220 people was left inspired after Dingwall’s speech, which was followed by a question and answer period.

Representatives from different businesses across the island are eager to see what else Dingwall has in store for CBU.

INNOVATION CÈILIDH On June 21, the provincial government held an Innovation Cèilidh to celebrate innovation in Nova Scotia at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck. At the event, four new initiatives were highlighted, including the rural innovation hubs project led by NSCC, the Halifax Innovation District led by the Halifax Partnership, the Cape Breton Innovation District led by the Cape Breton Partnership and a provincial innovation backbone organization called ONSIDE (Our Nova Scotia Innovation Driven Economy) led by Dalhousie University.

With support from the Nova Scotia government and in partnership with CBU, the Cape Breton Partnership is leading the development of the Cape Breton Innovation District, “Creative Island,”

which is an effort to advance the innovation system in Cape Breton by creating a culture and environment that values and supports creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Creative Island emphasizes celebrating Cape Breton’s rich creative heritage as well as developing and supporting programs, services and infrastructure to support and grow the innovative capacity of Cape Bretoners and Cape Breton companies.

The Innovation Cèilidh celebrated these emerging innovation districts and showcased a number of Nova Scotians who are embracing innovation-driven entrepreneurship through a number of presentations, kitchen table talks and a wrap-up from the Honourable Geoff MacLellan, Minister of the Nova Scotia Department of Business.

The Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CBREN) would like to welcome Membertou First Nations, Eskasoni First Nations, and Waycobah First Nations in joining the 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 oversight from a private sector Board of Directors.

CBREN AREAS OF FOCUS REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

LEVERAGE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

CHAMPION BUSINESS GROWTH

LAND & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

For more information about the CBREN and it’s activities, visit the Cape Breton Partnership website at capebretonpartnership.co capebretonpartnership.com/cbren.

CapeBretonPartnership.com | info@capebretonpartnership.com PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

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UPDATE FROM THE CAPE BRETON REGIONAL ENTERPRISE NETWORK

Connecting and engaging here and abroad

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Participants included (from left to right): Jeremy Martell, CBREN Communications Coordinator for the Cape Breton Partnership; Carla Arsenault, President and CEO, Cape Breton Partnership; Betty MacDonald, Executive Director, NSFM; Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Son, Vice General Secretary, ACVN; Mr. Tran Xuan Quang, Chairman Pleiku City's People Committee, ACVN Vice Chairman; Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton, Town of Port Hawkesbury; Mr. Ngo Trung Hai, General Secretary, ACVN; Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, PMI LED National Coordinator; Ms. Nguyen Lan Phuong, Vice Chief Officer responsible for administration, planning, policy and communication; Ms. Hoang Thi Hanh Ly, Interpreter; Jeff Stanley, CBREN Economic Development Officer, Cape Breton Partnership.

CONTRIBUTED BY Cape Breton Partnership

T

he Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CBREN) is a partnership of the Province of Nova Scotia, the Municipalities of Victoria, Richmond and Inverness counties and the First Nations communities of Membertou, Eskasoni and We’koqma’q. 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.

CAPE BRETON PARTNERSHIP HOSTS VIETNAMESE DELEGATES In June, the Cape Breton Partnership hosted a visit with a group of representatives from the Association of the Cities of Vietnam (ACVN) for a technical mission as part of the Partnerships for Municipal Innovation: Local Economic Development (PMI-LED) project.

The Cape Breton Partnership, through the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CBREN) and the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, entered into a four-year partnership with the ACVN in 2017, to develop capacity within their organization, foster prosperity,

attract investment and create business opportunities. The first three missions took place in 2017 and 2018 and saw representatives from participating organizations in Nova Scotia take part in strategic planning workshops and other working meetings in Vietnam.

Building on the momentum from the previous missions in Vietnam, this mission in Cape Breton allowed delegates to attend capacity-building workshops and presentations hosted by various Cape Breton organizations and subject matter experts. The eight-day tour gave participants a well-rounded look at Cape Breton’s unique industries, as well as its diversity from one county to the next. Some of

CBREN UPDATE

the planned activities included meeting with officials from Cape Breton University, networking with municipal councillors, personalized tours from local businesses and a visit to the Membertou Heritage Park.

Over the course of the project, the Cape Breton Partnership and Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities have helped the ACVN strengthen its capacity to plan a community-led economic vision to offer more effective economic development projects and services to their communities and to adopt policies and practices that promote inclusive and sustainable economic development.

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PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Carla Arsenault, president and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership, addresses the attendees of the Victoria County Business Dinner.

VICTORIA COUNTY BUSINESS DINNER More than 60 representatives from local businesses and organizations attended the Victoria County Business Dinner, hosted by the CBREN at the Keltic Lodge at the Highlands in Ingonish.

The dinner included networking opportunities, updates and remarks from Victoria County Warden Bruce Morrison, Economic Development Officer

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Mike MacSween, Celtic Colours International Festival executive director, answers questions at the Victoria County business dinner.

Patrick Austin and President and CEO for the Cape Breton Partnership and CBREN Carla Arsenault. Keynote speaker, Celtic Colours International Festival Executive Director, Mike MacSween, provided an update on the festival’s banner year in 2017 and a forward look at what to expect for 2018.

MacSween’s update addressed the role that both the festival and Victoria County play in Cape Breton’s tourism and economy.

The presentation included a reminder that Cape Breton business doesn’t need to be tied to the traditional tourism season months and that opportunities are emerging to extend business’s operations.

Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from local business owner Jay Rawding of Highland Bow & Arrow on her journey in setting up a new business in the community of Skir Dhu along the Cabot Trail.

Rawding’s passion for archery — and sharing that knowledge with customers of all ages and backgrounds — has led to mutually beneficial collaborations with the local business community.

The Victoria County Business Dinner was presented by the Cape Breton Partnership, the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network, the Municipality of the County of Victoria and the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce.

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CBREN UPDATE

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Encouraging grads to stay Graduate To Opportunity program provides new opportunities

BY CAROL DOBSON

I

t’s long been said that Nova Scotia’s largest export has been the brainpower of its youth. As a measure to stem this outmigration, the provincial government’s Graduate To Opportunity initiative offers a salary incentive to businesses in Nova Scotia who hire recent university and college grads for full-time jobs in their chosen fields.

In Sydney, the Highland Arts Theatre Company has taken advantage of GTO to hire a recent graduate as its technical director. Kayla Cormier graduated from Cape Breton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double minor in English and Anthropology and she’s using her background in theatre in a hands-on fashion.

“My title, technical director, is kind of a catch all,” she says. “I’ve worked on costume design, scenic design, as an assistant designer, basically, if there’s anything that needs to be done in the theatre, I get to do it. It’s fulfilling

to be involved in something that’s creative.

We also have summer students working with us this year and their job is to catalogue all of our costumes, our props, and our set pieces, so part of my job right now is to supervise them.”

The Highland Arts Theatre Company is a relatively new player on the Sydney cultural scene. It operates out of a decommissioned United Church, and offers a wide variety of artistic programming, from plays to comedy acts to concerts. The executive director, Wesley Colford is happy to be a participant in the GTO initiative.

“I first heard about it from a fantastic meeting I had with the YMCA employment centre,” he says. “We were exploring various options to help expand and grow our operation. We had worked with Kayla on a volunteer basis before and it’s wonderful to have her on board as a member of our staff.”

Employers can receive 25 per cent of the graduate’s first year salary, (35 per cent the graduate is a member of a diversity group), and 12.5 per cent of the second year salary.

“Before Kayla came on board on March 5,

Jeehan has had a great impact on the company by improving efficiency and helping us to access new, international markets.

BLUELIGHT ANALYTICS INC. Diversity and youthful perspectives can energize a workplace. The Graduate to Opportunity Program provides salary contributions of up to 35% to Nova Scotia employers who hire recent grads for new jobs. To breathe new life into your workforce, visit NOVASCOTIA.CA/GTO

Jeehan Javed, Sales Manager, BlueLight Analytics Inc.

SPECIAL FEATURE

we had one full-time staff person besides myself,” Colford says. “Our facility has programming 140 nights of the year, we’re constantly in production mode, and having extra hands on deck, especially with the skills she has, is absolutely wonderful.”

“We have had more than 600 grads stay in Nova Scotia with the help of the program since program launched in 2015,” Margaret Schwartz, a Youth Program Outreach Coordinator at Department of Labour and Advanced Education, said.

If an employer is interested in keeping young Nova Scotians at home and giving them meaningful employment, registering and applying online is easy. Employers will find out in five days if they have been approved. In order to be eligible for the program, the applicant must be a small business of fewer than 100 employees, a start-up, a non-profit, a charity, or social enterprise.

“It’s exciting to be able to create a full-time position in the arts anywhere in Canada, but on Cape Breton Island, it is extra special,” Colford says.

AUGUST 2018 SePtember 2015

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