ELEVATE Cape Breton - Winter 2018

A FAMILY BOATBUILDING LEGACY P5 The largest fishing boat ever built on Isle Madame

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1

CELEBRATE THE SEASON P18 Cape Breton is open for business this winter

UPDATES FROM THE CBREN P26 Serving the needs of the business community

A PUBLICATION FROM THE CAPE BRETON PARTNERSHIP

CULTURE AND CREATIVITY SYDNEY’S PROTOCASE SETS THE BAR FOR CORPORATE CULTURE AND INNOVATION P14

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Excellence in Business Awards P20

HARNESSING THE SUN Made in Cape Breton: Advanced Glazings Ltd. P22

LHC Building

Prime Office & Commercial Space Available Can Be Designed to Suit

295 Charlotte St 7,000 square ft

500 George Street 4,000 square ft.

20580409 CBDC

Royal Bank Building 1,789 square ft

Harbour Royale Development Ltd. M. Chernin – President 500 George Street, Sydney, Nova Scotia

Phone: 902.539.4146 mchernin@ns.aliantzinc.ca WINTER 2018 ELEVATE

FEBRUARY 2018 / VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1

ON THE COVER

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18 Celebrate the season

CULTURE AND CREATIVITY Sydney’s Protocase sets the bar for corporate culture and innovation PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE WADDEN

On cover: Terence Moy of Protocase in Sydney stands for a portrait.

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

Cape Breton is open for business this winter

20 Celebrating excellence Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Excellence in Business Awards

22 Harnessing the sun Made in Cape Breton: Advanced Glazings Ltd.

24 Buying commercial real estate

How to assess your company’s needs Cape Breton Partnership Contact

PLUS 4

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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REGIONAL BUZZ

12 NEW MEMBERS 25 STRAIT AREA CHAMBER UPDATE 26 CAPE BRETON REGIONAL ENTERPRISE NETWORK 28 PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

Terence Moy of Protocase moves a rack of components to the powder coating department.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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’S MESSAGE

More innovation, more Protocases Thinking outside the box

KEITH MACDONALD President & CEO, Cape Breton Partnership

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his year has opened across Cape Breton with an emerging sense of progress felt by many on several important fronts. Now, that’s not to suggest the Island has transitioned economically and it is now time to take a deep breath and relax. On the contrary, like so many other regions across the country, Cape Breton continues to be confronted by varied and complex challenges. Despite this, women and men from all walks of life throughout the Island are drawing encouragement from a growing sense of progress and effectively applying their know-how, resolve and energy in tackling the challenges towards growth and charting a new course.

There is no better example of this energy than the young entrepreneurs and community advocates that were recently presented with Vital Cape Breton Excellence Awards.

Many of these Vital Award-winning leaders have a propensity to think outside the box, to employ new ideas and break with tradition. In other words, the progress we are experiencing on multiple fronts, seems bound to the common thread of innovation.

Throughout the developed world one of the important lessons of the past two decades has been the pivotal role of innovation in broadly based economic development processes.

Mistakenly, innovation is thought to be exclusively about high-technology products and business. While clearly important, business is just one area where innovation matters a great deal. Virtually all facets of socio-economic development are impacted by the capacity to innovate. The extent to which a community has innovative capacity will determine, in large part, how specific challenges to the local context are addressed.

This current edition of Elevate sets out to illustrate the extent to which Cape Breton is growing innovative capacity and employing exciting new approaches in economic development. One obvious example of a particularly innovative Cape Breton enterprise is Protocase.

The company emerged from an otherwise rudimentary discussion of a manufacturing industry challenge. The natural inclination of the company founders was to think big and push the envelope. Thus, Protocase was born.

Obviously there was a great deal of hard work associated with moving a bold innovative concept to a viable business, but the work paid off and now the company employs more than 100 staff members and deals with other leadingedge businesses from around the globe.

For a host of justifiable reasons, innovation has become somewhat of a Canadian preoccupation in the context of challenges to our national prosperity in an increasingly competitive global economy. There has been significant research and studies undertaken of late, to

better understand innovation and consider means to effectively grow the country’s innovative capacity. Several new initiatives have been launched in this regard, including Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation.

Canada’s Innovation Superclusters Initiative is another approach worth mentioning. It is based on accelerating growth in the country’s leading innovation sectors. Closer to home, in 2016 Nova Scotia launched A Field Guide for Nova Scotia’s Innovation Ecosystem which is a tactical outline for building innovation capacity.

As well, Halifax is touting the city’s emerging innovation district as a driving force for growth.

Specific to business, Cape Breton is advancing its own innovation agenda with noteworthy progress. Among the more obvious examples of the important work being done are the I-3 Competition, the Spark Innovation Challenge and Louisbourg Seafood’s Sea++ initiative. All have galvanized the interest of creative thinkers, created important new forums for the germination and nurturing of breakthrough ideas and provided resources necessary to the commercialization of exciting new products and services.

The Partnership continues to work with stakeholders on new efforts to advance creative ideas toward the path of innovationbased businesses, because Cape Breton needs more Protocases – business models that produce more viable innovation-based companies. Let’s spur a greater level of innovative thinking and idea generation throughout the Island today so we can ensure a stronger economy for tomorrow.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

FEBRUARY 2018

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REGIONAL BUZZ FEATURE

A family boatbuilding legacy The story of the largest fishing boat ever built on Isle Madame Shawn and Adolphe Boudreau built a 50-ft. by 30-ft. fishing vessel in Shawn’s backyard in 2017.

PHOTO HERALD ARCHIVE

PHOTO HERALD ARCHIVE

CONTRIBUTED BY the Cape Breton Partnership

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n Sept. 19, 2017, the largest modern fishing boat ever manufactured on Isle Madame hit the water — and it was built in a backyard. The dynamic father and son team of Shawn and Adolphe Boudreau completed the strictly regulated construction of the 50-ft. by 30-ft. fishing vessel, named All Segments, in the backyard of Shawn’s home.

Shawn Boudreau never intended to be a boatbuilder. In 2015, he experienced a fire aboard the Cape Islander, which he used to fish with his LFA 34 lobster license. The boat was partially damaged and couldn’t be used to fish anymore. Unfortunately for Boudreau, boatyards in the province have wait-times lasting up to three years. For most fishermen this would be devastating news, but he decided to take matters into his own hands, literally.

Boudreau has always loved building and fishing, so it seemed like a natural step to try his hand at boatbuilding. He was often found constructing model boats with his father, or fishing with his Uncle Kenny from the shores of the Island their family has lived on for five generations. Boudreau spent his 20s and 30s as a long-haul trucker and then a construction worker. His father, 71-year-old Adolphe, worked in construction. But neither were boatbuilders.

So when they began their construction,

starting with a Grizzly fibre-glass hull from Wedgeport Boats Ltd. floated in from Yarmouth, they were a little unsure if they could pull it off.

Once the hull was placed in Boudreau’s backyard, the father and son team constructed a 50-by-100-ft. tent to surround and protect it. The boat took on a staked wheelhouse design, which provides larger accommodations, including bigger spaces in the bunk and kitchen areas. The construction had to follow precise design plans approved by the Canadian Coast Guard. With help from extended family members and friends, they worked away at reinforcing the hull and completing the internal elements, which they could do while it sat on land.

Putting All Segments in the water proved to be a more difficult task than the initial backyard construction. Boudreau modified a trailer to accommodate the boat, while his uncle geared up to tow All Segments to shore and back it into the water. Crews from Nova Scotia Power removed low-hanging guide wires and raised the main service line across the road so the boat could pass underneath.

Peter Covin Contracting Ltd., of West Arichat, levelled the driveway and roads to avoid large dips that might damage the boat or the roadway. BellAliant was also onsite, as well as the Isle Madame Fire Department and Emergency Health Services, to oversee the transport to the boat launch.

After two hours, All Segments successfully made it into the water. Rigorous testing was conducted by the Canadian Coast Guard BUSINESS NEWS

Shawn and Adolphe Boudreau tried their hands at boatbuilding in 2017 and were so successful, a South Shore fisherman offered to buy the boat within weeks.

for stability, scaling and security for coastal weather. Although the boat was constructed for Boudreau and his crew, word gets around quickly in an industry with three-year waitlists. Shortly after the tests were completed, a Nova Scotian fisherman contacted Boudreau with an offer of sale that he couldn’t refuse.

“We were all kind of sad to see her go after spending so much time working on her,” says Boudreau. “But it was a good feeling too.” On the evening of Oct. 10, 2017, All Segments departed for Digby, to new owners.

“I’m really proud of the work we all did and the teamwork of everyone who pitched in to make it happen,” says Boudreau. “Even though I would have liked to keep her, I think we’re all happy that she’ll be staying to fish in Nova Scotia and do what she was built for.”

A modern fishing vessel the size of All Segments can easily cost more than $1 million in Nova Scotia. Aside from their complex systems in diesel, hydraulic, electrical and satellite communications, these large-scale boats are required to sustain icy climates and the repeated impact of North Atlantic waves.

Only two weeks after saying good-bye to All Segments, Boudreau had another hull in his backyard — this time with some experience under his belt. His new project will follow in the footsteps of All Segments, with some added customized features.

“Now that we know more than we did starting off with All Segments, I think our next project will go much more smoothly.

We definitely see a good future ahead.”

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Regional Buzz Cape Breton native honoured with Burpee Medal

PHOTO S POIRIER

North Sydney jewelry featured at Golden Globes in Hollywood North Sydney resident, Lisa Lee, designs a luxury collection of healing gemstone jewelry that was featured at the DPA Pre-Golden Globes Gifting Suite for the Golden Globes 2018 in Hollywood. Lee's team of local reiki healers handcrafts a luxury collection of healing gemstones that incorporates an 11-Step reiki healing and cleansing process. Reiki is a Japanese form of alternative medicine that uses energy and is used for stress reduction and relaxation. The collection caters to both adults and children and includes gemstone puffy hearts, gem source essences, palm gemstones and sterling silver charms. Lee’s goal is to create a successful company, hire reiki healers from around Cape Breton and to support the local community with jobs. The exposure at the gifting suite will allow Lee to gift items to celebrities and represent Cape Breton internationally in Beverley Hills.

The founder and Managing Director of One Ocean Expeditions, Andrew Prossin, has been bestowed with the Burpee Award by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society for his efforts in supporting geographical research and promoting Canada across the world.

Prossin, formerly of Westmount, operates One Oceans Expeditions, a company that makes commercial and research expeditions to the polar regions in the Arctic and Atlantic oceans.

The company played a vital role in the Parks Canada-led Victoria Strait Expedition that found and solved the mysterious disappearance of the shipwrecked vessel, HMS Erebus, of explorer Sir John Franklin (1845). The company also takes tourists on Arctic and Antarctic cruises and is now partnered with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society to develop an educational program that will take students on Arctic voyages. They became the Society’s exclusive marine travel partner and assists with excursions for world-renowned educators, researchers, naturalists, marine biologists, artists, historians and photographers.

Following receipt of the award, Prossin announced that the expedition cruise company will be making the Port of Sydney its home base.

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BUSINESS NEWS

FEBRUARY 2018

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New swing bridge in St. Peter's The opening of the new St. Peter's swing bridge marks the end of a $16 million federal infrastructure investment project through Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and Parks Canada. The ribbon cutting ceremony involved residents, neighbouring community members, Potlotek First Nations representatives and included a number of speakers and a traditional smudging ceremony. Mi’kmaq interpretation panels are currently in production to be part of the cultural history portion of the project.

CBU expands commitment to renewable energy Cape Breton University announced their partnership with Montreal-based, Tugliq Energy Co., to further their commitment to energy conservation.

The partnership is part of Nova Scotia’s Pilot for Solar Electricity for Community Building Program and CBU’s research. CBU already has a neutral carbon footprint, using three wind turbines in nearby Gardiner Mines.

The turbines produce more clean energy than it needs, so the rest of the energy is sold back to Nova Scotia Power.

NSCC’s Nautical Institute receives simulation upgrades Marine navigation, engineering and industry students will now have access to more sophisticated training equipment.

The NSCC’s Strait Campus announced an $850,000 funding contribution made to the Nautical Institute through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency,

for upgrades to the existing marine navigation simulator and for a new marine voltage simulator. The new digital upgrades to the software will allow the simulator to imitate ice, wind, rain and wave conditions using a presubscribed scenario from the instructor. The upgrades to the simulator will close skill-gaps between education and industry, better preparing students for work environments and contributing to a safer, more efficient workforce.

Cape Breton tourism numbers maintain their pace Fortunately for Cape Breton the election of Donald Trump has made national and international tourism numbers hit an all-time high and they continue to soar into the fall season, after the post-election bump. The “Trump Bump” began when Americans were encouraged to relocate to Cape Breton in the event Donald Trump successfully secured Presidency in the 2016 U.S. election. Tourism has since hit record-breaking numbers across the Island, having doubled and tripled previous years and held steady for the fall months.

Victor Harriss honoured at CBU The friends and family of the late Victor Harriss celebrated his life at Cape Breton University on Philanthropy Day in November.

The Cape Breton businessman, owner and operator of Meadows Sand and Gravel Ltd. and Harriss and Harriss Ltd., passed in 2009.

Upon his passing, Harriss donated a $5 million contribution to both the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, as well as the Cape Breton University.

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Cape Breton spearheads beer industry in 2017 After a successful year of brewing, two Cape Breton breweries came away with well-deserved Atlantic Beer Awards. The awards were open to breweries from the four Atlantic provinces and each beer is blind taste-tested by a panel of Beer Judge Certified (BJCP) judges and beer industry experts. Out of 321 submissions, Sydney’s Breton Brewing won the overall Beer of the Year award for their Stirling Hefereizen, while Nyanza’s Big Spruce Brewing won Brewery of the Year. These accomplishments are sure to generate more attention and continued successful brewing in Cape Breton’s future.

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Gainey Foundation, contacted NSCC and paid for her travel and accommodation expenses.

Farmer’s Daughter Market eyes expansion

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

A healthier grocery alternative for seniors The government of Nova Scotia provided a $9,400 contribution to three community groups that are teaming up to deliver groceries, meals and nutritional advice to seniors. The Ecology Action Centre, New Dawn Meals on Wheels and the Pan-Cape Breton Food Hub launched an eight-week project called the Friendly Food Box. The program is designed to assist seniors who are unable to retrieve groceries themselves due to mobility difficulties, hearing or visual issues, recovering from operations or those suffering from permanent and temporary ailments.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park seen like never before Ontario and Quebec are known for their colourful displays of changing fall leaves every autumn, but with new technology Cape Breton Highlands National Park is captured in a light that impresses even local Cape Bretoners. Gary Brinton of Brinton Photography, a Halifax-based design photography company, used new drone technology demonstrating the spectacular display of colours, declaring Cape Breton the champion of fall this

year. With the support of Parks Canada, the drone captured footage which was produced and shared in a video by Brinton, suitably set to Celtic music, and travels through the 950-squarekilometre park across its valleys, canyons, lakes, waterfalls, ocean cliffs, coastal lines, beaches and gorgeous forestry.

Neil’s Harbour hits the big screen in Los Angeles Emily Fricker’s documentary, Neil’s Harbour: A Day Down Home, began as a school project in screen arts at the Nova

Scotia Community College. The film features the village of Neil’s Harbour in the winter season, rather than the summer when most people see it. The film, made on borrowed equipment and no budget, features footage of the village and its local shops preparing for fishing season and doing daily activities. The film first aired at the Atlantic International Film Festival, then went to the Los Angeles International Underground Film Forum. Originally Fricker did not intend to attend the film premiere in L.A., however a Montreal-based charity, The

Family-run Farmer’s Daughter Market in Whycocomagh, offered up land for labour in a bid to attract employees and now has interest in expanding. The original ad offered two acres of land for workers willing to relocate to the region and work for the general store and bakery.

The ad received nearly 400,000 applications including areas as far away as Colombia, Italy and Ireland. Since the international attention, market co-owner, Heather Coulombe says they are thinking of using their new employees to start a brewery or apple cidery as well as building eco-accommodations around Bras d’Or Lake.

Encore Jewellery turns instrument strings into beautiful things Imagine being able to wear a momento from strings played by your favourite musician or a loved one. It’s this passion for music that inspires Encore Jewellery in St. Peter's to rescue broken musical strings from the landfill so they can have their final encore. The unique jewellery is crafted into customized bracelets, earrings, wrist bands and pendants, made from retired and broken instrument strings. Known for their durability, musical instrument strings retain a natural beauty even after they have been broken and unable to be used to make music. Along with special strings you provide or ones they have in shop, Encore incorporates your choice of sterling silver wire and findings, natural pearls, Swarovski crystals, beads or charms.

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BUSINESS NEWS

FEBRUARY 2018

Marconi honoured in Glace Bay Guglielmo Marconi’s wireless station south of Glace Bay was honoured as a historic site in Cape Breton. The station was the site of early wireless communication and played a critical role in the development of wireless technology. Marconi, an Italian physicist, invented and patented a successful wireless telegraph in 1896, establishing a permanent wireless station on the Island in 1902. Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso and Nicole Neatby, representative for the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, unveiled the plaque honouring Marconi at the Glace Bay Heritage Museum in November 2017.

New Cape Breton arts centre A 130-year-old former Sydney convent has received funding from both provincial and federal governments. A $3.2 million dollar contribution was announced by the province of Nova Scotia in April, 2017, to revitalize and redevelop Holy Angels Convent into the new Cape Breton Centre for

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Arts, Culture and Innovation. Following the provincial announcement, the federal government announced a $5 million contribution through the Department of Canadian Heritage. The $12 million project is being driven by the New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation, who will also contribute $1 million to the centre. Upgrades will include 25 art studios, a multiuse gallery space, new elevators, lighting, sound-proof studios and rehearsal space.

Cape Breton gardeningguru hopes to share tips with local community Caroline Cameron says her mother always kept a plentiful vegetable garden and invested in flower beds. Now beneficiary and steward of her mother’s collection, Cameron hopes to share her knowledge with others who want to reap the benefits of gardening.

After her education at Dalhousie University in plant and soil relations and the benefits of reducing conventional chemicals in agriculture, she then worked in plant disease at the University of Guelph. She also worked as a biology lab teacher at St. Francis Xavier University.

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Sydney Montana’s hires more than 100 employees A new Montana’s BBQ and Bar restaurant opened its doors in January 2018, on the corner of Reeves and Welton streets in Sydney. The eatery, described as a good homestyle meat and potatoes menu, features 5,150-square-ft. of dining space with a 176 person capacity and an additional patio space that accommodates up to 40 people in the warmer months. Montana’s in Sydney hired more than 100 staff members, for both part-time and full-time positions, following a four-day job fair held at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. Restaurant management looked to hire a diverse staff of cultures, ages and backgrounds.

Now back in Cape Breton, Cameron decided to be an advocate to her community by establishing Nature/Nurture Gardening & Hiking, a business offering gardening services as well as guided

BUSINESS NEWS

tours around Cape Breton.

Cameron says gardening provides positive outcomes in health, exercise, artistic expression, personal economic security, community development and food security.

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Flavor Downtown offers up healthy food service Flavor Downtown in Sydney offers a new healthy eating service that takes the preparation out of healthy eating for you with Meals to Go Go, a service that offers pre-portioned, pre-cooked take-home meals for clients.

The concept is focused on fast and convenient healthy food options for people who either want to eat healthy but are unsure where to start, or people who want to avoid the daily task of meal preparation. The athletic and special dietary consumer markets praise the concept as meals can be prepared to fit specific macronutrient requirements (protein, carbohydrate and fat consumption ratios) and feature keto, vegan and glutenfree selections. Professional athletes and local bodybuilders are especially grateful of the service, some saying they save almost 18 hours per week. Since launching the service in November 2017, the restaurant has already hired two new staff to accommodate the high-volume demand and anticipates more job openings to become available.

Iona’s Highland Village celebrates book release John Gibson’s Gaelic Cape Breton Step Dancing was celebrated this December at the Highland Village in Iona. The Highland Village (Baile nan Gàidheal) is a living-history museum and folklife centre that tells the story of Gaelic settlement in Nova Scotia through 11 historic buildings.

The book traces Gaelic Cape Breton step dancing roots from Scotland to North America and discusses its popularity in Nova Scotia. The celebration included

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Virtual gaming comes to Sydney A new Sydney gaming business allows users to dive into the virtual world with new 3D technology. Soulvaria Virtual Reality and Gaming Entertainment allows users to explore the wonders of the ocean without using a wetsuit or fight in a deadly zombie apocalypse without a scratch. The studio uses black lights and HTC Vive headsets that caution users when they are approaching a wall. Currently, the virtual reality gaming system allows up to six users to play at one time.

Gaelic singing, step dancing to bagpipes and fiddle music and a srubag (afternoon tea).

First all Nova Scotian beer hits shelves For the first time ever, Nova Scotia has its own craft beer solely made from ingredients found in this province. Big Spruce Brewing Company made waves in the beer industry when it announced its uniquely Nova Scotian beer, One Hundred, named for the percentage of ingredients produced locally around the province.

Finding and securing an organic yeast source that was considered native to Nova Scotia was the most challenging part of the process as most yeasts used in beers are typically made in a lab, however, after a two-year-long hunt

for Nova Scotian wild yeast, Big Spruce Brewing finally found a source. One Hundred can now be found at NSLC stores in Sydney, Halifax, Bridgewater and New Minas.

Canada’s top female curlers to play in Sydney Sydney curling fans made it very clear that they wanted the 2019 Scotties Tournament of Hearts Championships in Cape Breton. The tournament hosts Canada’s top female curlers and is a product of Curling Canada.

During the bidding process to select the venue, Curling Canada representatives stated that Sydney residents provided an overwhelming response and generated more than 900 deposits for full-event packages.

The tournament was last held in Nova Scotia in 1992.

Sherwin-Williams comes to Sydney This past fall Sydney welcomed paint mogul Sherwin-Williams to town. Although this store might be new to the Sydney area, Sherwin-Williams has a long history starting with the launch of Henry Sherwin’s small paint business in 1866. In 1887, a 15-year-old Canadian, Walter Cottingham began his interest with the paint industry while working at a hardware and paint store in Montreal. For only $25, Cottingham purchased a formula for Gold Paint and established the first Canadian Sherwin-Williams production facilities, which has only grown with time.

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NEW MEMBERS SYDNEY AND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

STRAIT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

HARDY’S SEAFOOD DELIGHT Hardy’s Seafood Delight is a new business located in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The business operates as a takeout restaurant featuring a variety of fresh Maritime seafood with a Cape Breton flair.

FLEUR DE LIS SIGNS On site design and manufacturing of signs and logos.

Kevin Hardy 2011 George Street Sydney, Nova Scotia 902-270-3474 Visit Hardy’s Seafood Delight on Facebook BLUEWAVE ENERGY SERVICES Bluewave Energy is Canada’s trusted name in home heating comfort, delivering quality products and expert services right to your front door.

337 Welton Street Sydney, Nova Scotia www.bluewaveenergy.ca

Alex Pate 1750 Highway 247 L'Ardoise, Nova Scotia 902-587-2937 COMMUNITY SECTOR COUNCIL OF NOVA SCOTIA The Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia provides a variety of custom learning opportunities including interactive sessions on board governance, strategic planning, community engagement and more.

Phillip Girvan 211 Horseshoe Lake Drive Halifax, Nova Scotia 902-492 4585

MEZZA LEBANESE KITCHEN For more than 25 years, Mezza restaurants have provided a fast, healthy, and affordable Lebanese experience for its customers.

The Mezza Lebanese Restaurant Group accommodates dine-in, takeout, delivery, late-night, corporate and party catering in a fast-casual environment.

MARTY MACDOUGALL VIDEO PRODUCTION Film and video production.

Sam Elgebeily 266 Prince Street Sydney, Nova Scotia 902-270-5999 www.mezzalebanesekitchen.com

CACL ANTIGONISH A non-profit organization dedicated to providing residential and vocational programs for adults with intellectual disabilities from the Town of Antigonish and the County of Antigonish, in their pursuit of quality living and work experiences.

THE FORRESTER CENTRE Cape Breton’s newest arts, performance and events centre specializing in high-end performances and events on a small and intimate scale. Also a home to artists who use this beautiful space to create, instruct and rehearse their craft.

Shannon Forrester 42 Coxheath Road Sydney, Nova Scotia 902-371-2201 Visit The Forrester Centre on Facebook GO SMART MEDIA As a Google partner, Go Smart's Media's mission is to help local small businesses in Cape Breton and Mainland Nova Scotia get found online for their products or services through creative digital marketing methods and SEO strategies.

Tom Mills 269 Charlotte Street Sydney, Nova Scotia 1-888-736-2382 www.gosmartmedia.com

Marty MacDougall 9778 Grenville Street St. Peter's, Nova Scotia 902-631-8070

Jeff Teasdale 83 St. Ninian Street Antigonish, Nova Scotia 902-862-5024 BROOK VILLAGE GROCERY Grocery Store located in Brook Village offering a wide variety of household needs and gift ideas.

Karen Allen 3482 Highway 252 Brook Village, Nova Scotia 902-945-2757 PEBBLE AND FERN Market Garden that grows organic and heirloom vegetables by hand for the Isle Madame Public Market and for the farm stand here at the gardens.

Xennie Wright 11 Cypers Lane Little Anse, Nova Scotia 902-623-9677

NEW MEMBERS

PEPCO Pepco delivers a lot more than just fuel oil — they are there for their customers, meeting their energy needs and other requirements with our wide range of services, from oil deliveries to the supply of practical products, maritime services, equipment sales and maintenance or energy consumption analysis.

Donald MacDonald 25 Paint Street Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia 1-855-554-0554 COASTAL CLEANERS Offering a variety of cleaning options to homeowners, business owners and rental properties. Regular, occasional or seasonal, preparing rental properties between renters, opening seasonal homes and more!

Amy MacDonald and Diana MacKinnon 2994 Highway 395 East Lake Ainslie, Nova Scotia 902-258-7762 JOYCE’S MOTEL & COTTAGES Joyce’s Motel & Cottages is conveniently located just outside the village of St. Peter’s, overlooking the scenic Bras d'Or Lake. Whether lounging in the swimming pool, enjoying local sightseeing or paddling the Bras d'Or, there are numerous fun activities for the whole family.

Elizabeth Lanteigne St. Peter's, Nova Scotia 902-535-2404 ALANA PAON Cape Breton Richmond MLA 4 Macaskill Drive St. Peter's, Nova Scotia 902-535-3500 HIGHWHEELER CAFÉ Whether you're looking for a sweet treat, a cool drink or a hefty sandwich, Highwheeler Café guarantees freshness and quality. A deli, bakery and cafe located in the heart of Baddeck, featuring quality baked goods and meals that will suit every budget and every taste.

Kathy MacLeod 484 Chebucto Street Baddeck, Nova Scotia 902-295-3006 CAPE BRETON PRIVATELAND PARTNERSHIP Professional, independent support and advice for woodlot owners.

Shelly MacInnis 15 Paint Street Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia 902-623-1132

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STRAIT RAZOR BARBER SHOP A Barber Shop specializing in straight razor services.

BRETON EXPRESSION Provides writing and editing services to businesses and non-profit professionals.

Angela Timmons 229 Granville Street Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia 902-302-1799

Jackie Beaton Port Hood, Nova Scotia 902-302-3070 jackie@bretonexpression.ca

CITU - FM Not-for-profit community radio station contributing to the promotion and preservation of the Acadian culture/French language and other cultures in the area.

CITU plays more local artists than all other radio stations combined.

SARA RANKIN CREATIVE COMPANY An East Coast creative company that is happily designing for clients all over Atlantic Canada and beyond — offering web and all graphic design services.

The current client list includes Celtic Air Services, Red Shoe Pub, P.E.I. Lobster Festival, N.S. Seafood Alliance and Heather Rankin Music.

3435 Route 206 Petit-de-Grat, Nova Scotia 902-226-0981 FJC BOOKKEEPING SOLUTIONS Provides business solutions for bookkeeping management, development, marketing and growth, as well as accounting software set up for full cycle books, GST/HST returns, payroll management and year end prep for your accountant, IT websites and setups.

Frederick Cormier 6 Summit Drive Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia 902-625-1097

Sara Rankin Mabou, Nova Scotia 902-210-3218 GLAD TIDINGS CHRISTMAS SHOPPE Retail and specialty shop with everything for your gift giving and holiday decorating needs.

Dillon Carter 9969 Grenville Street St. Peter's, Nova Scotia 902-785-4028

Syndey MeMorial Chapel & Cape Breton CreMatoriuM

KID2KID CONSIGNMENT Kids Consignment Shop Shanna Burke 23 Fisherman’s Road St. Peter's, Nova Scotia 902-631-2746

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

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CULTURE AND CREATIVITY Sydney’s Protocase sets the bar for corporate culture and innovation STORY NICOLE SIMMONS PHOTOS STEVE WADDEN

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nnovation in the manufacturing sector comes from having talent. Corporate culture comes from having heart.

The key to having a lucrative business is about being more than just a business.

Employee retention rates are a meaningful statistic when it comes to being successful.

When employees are happy and comfortable in their work environment they produce their best work.

At Protocase Inc., corporate culture isn’t just a concept worth looking at — it is a defining property of business.

“Innovation and technology-based businesses are hugely people-driven,” says Doug Milburn, Protocase Inc. co-founder and

Vice President of sales and marketing.

“If you can collect good people, then you have a prime competitive advantage.”

Averaging 30 per cent annual revenue growth over the past few years, Protocase operates with a workforce exceeding 140 people. They own three buildings and service more than 12,000 engineers, designers and scientists across the world, including many working for NASA, Apple, Boeing, Microsoft, MIT and Google.

The success of Protocase first emerged from the vision of friends Doug Milburn and Steve Lilley, two Cape Breton mechanical engineers working in research and development and product development, respectively.

The two friends were chatting with another engineer who was lamenting how challenging it was to get a small production order for COVER STORY

a custom-built enclosure he needed. It wasn’t uncommon for a metal shop to turn away an engineer who needed only a few custom enclosures — or the engineer’s order would be pushed way back in the queue to accommodate larger jobs. Even then, the custom order would still need to go to a local paint shop and another location to be silkscreened.

The manufacturing process proved to be time consuming, inconvenient and expensive. The only alternative they had was to buy an off-the-shelf enclosure and customize it to fit their own needs, a manual process that took time and often resulted in an enclosure that didn’t look very professional — until Protocase was born.

“Within our community of friends and colleagues who were engineers and entrepreneurs, there was a lot of positive support

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THINGS JUST WORK SO MUCH BETTER IF YOU EXPAND BASED ON WHAT PEOPLE WANT, RATHER THAN YOU DECIDING WHAT THEY WANT. IT JUST WORKS EASIER."

DOUG MILBURN, PROTOCASE INC. CO-FOUNDER AND VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING.

Ed MacKinnon operates a press brake at Protocase in Sydney.

Alicia Carey works on a custom electronic enclosure at Protocase in Sydney.

for our idea,” says Steve Lilley, Protocase Inc. co-founder and President. “We had all kinds of conversations with engineer friends who were saying, ‘Oh my God, if you could do that, it would change my world.’”

And it did.

Cape Breton’s manufacturing mogul, Protocase Inc., hit the global marketplace hard. A one-stop shop for custom sheet metal and CNC machined electronic enclosures, mounting hardware and other components, Protocase starts by understanding a customer’s needs. When developing design plans, the customer has the choice to work with their team of highly-skilled sheet metal engineer designers, use their own preferred CAD software or utilize the proprietary Protocase Designer 3D software. Once the design is complete, their manufacturing

team quickly processes the order through their ultra-lean manufacturing processes with the help of sophisticated technology, all within only two or three days. Customers never have a minimum order requirement, so they can manufacture one product or they can manufacture 100.

Initially, not everyone believed in the business concept of Protocase. The naysayers were those who didn’t understand the vision for innovative technologies and how they can be applied.

“At first, we didn’t even fully understand exactly why the business model would work, thinking in our own small scale. However, we went out and had someone test the market out for us. This person went out and scanned the market for potential customers and came back with a resounding ‘yes,’ that this is a business that would really work.”

When Protocase was first established in 2001, the process included laser cutting sheet metal for custom cut-outs, bending the metal into an enclosure, inserting fasteners, studs and standoffs and powdercoat painting. Since then, Protocase has grown to add silkscreening, digital printing, engraving, CNC machining and more.

Milburn attributes much of the company’s growth to their ability to listen to the market and continually introduce new capabilities that work to benefit engineers, scientists, COVER STORY

entrepreneurs, businesses and innovators.

“We’re entrepreneurial by nature and when somebody says that they want something, it’s just natural to look at it and see if you can go there,” says Milburn. “Things just work so much better if you expand based on what people want, rather than you deciding what they want. It just works easier.”

Protocase’s simplified manufacturing process, which focuses on efficiencies and productivity, allows them to expand for additional offerings more easily than other large manufacturing companies.

One such way Protocase has shifted to accommodate the market is the addition of its 45 Drives division. 45 Drives makes mass data servers for niche industries that require large amounts of digital storage space. With a highly qualified team of engineers and customer service employees, 45 Drives works exclusively with their mass storage server product called Storinators. Accommodating between 15 and 60 hard drives, Storinators offer huge storage capabilities while still being exceptionally fast — all at the lowest cost on the market.

“Taking community input on architecture along with marketplace input on what they'd like, we put it all together,” said Milburn.

“It’s been a good ride, and the growth has been really awesome since then. You’re always a little surprised when something

Edward McNeil of Protocase preps components ahead of powder coating, December 2017.

comes out really successful, but I’m not surprised, because that formula of treating your customers with great respect and integrity, and giving them what they’re asking for, is a great formula for business and growth."

And growing is just what they’ve been doing.

At the end of 2017, Protocase made history when it was one of three Nova Scotian businesses to be named a top-10 finalist for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Grant Thornton LLP Private Business Growth Award — the first time any Cape Breton business was recognized in the prestigious competition. The award identifies some of Canada’s best businesses that have made achievements in strategic, sustainable and holistic growth with a lasting impact on Canada’s economy. The finalists were chosen based on demonstrated achievements in five categories: innovation, market development, people and culture, strategic leadership and improvement in financial matters — positioning Protocase as the ideal recipient.

Although Protocase did not receive the award, the company is proud of the national recognition.

“We love our local recognition that we get through various accolades and awards, such as recently being chosen as a Best Place to Work in CBRM,” says Lilley. “But this was a first for us, in that we were being recognized on a national level. It pitted us up against the best of the best in the country, so to come out in the top-10 was very special.”

The overwhelming growth and success of Protocase isn’t only the result of their business concept, however. Protocase claims their triumph in the market has resulted directly from their young and local talent. With two-thirds of its staff aged 40 and under, Protocase says that hiring young people in the early stages of their careers has given them a unique advantage in training and productivity.

“Here in Nova Scotia, in the Maritimes, we produce all kinds of young talented people and traditionally the economy hasn’t absorbed them and they’ve out migrated,” says Milburn. “Protocase offers great careers and can hire that young talent if they’ve got the aptitude and attitude. You take a chance when they’re young, because who knows, they might not even like the field that they’re going into, but we’ve found that it more than pays for us to hire young people.”

Protocase promotes a particular culture inside the business in terms of attracting the right talent. All prospective employees undergo personality screening as well as aptitude tests, which are assessed by a psychologist based out of Florida. The tests ensure candidates will be an appropriate fit within their respective team. The basis for this testing means the difference between hiring someone with great aptitude and attitude, versus hiring for experience.

“The person with experience is better for the training period, or whatever the learning curve is,” explains Milburn. “Once the learning curve has passed, the person with COVER STORY

the better aptitude and attitude is going to outperform. Once you build a culture on that, your whole company is stronger.”

Basing the company around employee fit allows Protocase to shift employees such as Terrence Moy (as pictured on cover) into different roles around the company where they can experience various positions and find where they can really flourish and thrive.

“We’re all individuals,” says Milburn. “As individuals, we each have strengths and weaknesses and if you can put people in a place that plays to their strength, which generally also plays to their interests and ensures they are happy and performing well, then everybody is winning.”

Although Milburn and Lilley admit that recruiting and attracting people to work on the island is a little more difficult initially, keeping them is extremely easy once they’ve experienced all the island has to offer. “I don’t think there’s any more challenges here than there are anywhere else, from an entrepreneurial standpoint,” says Lilley. “What you get here in Cape Breton is a lifestyle and a culture that extends beyond the work hours and the work day that is unrivalled and unmatched anywhere else. That’s the big difference.”

One common misconception is that it is difficult to do export-oriented business on the Island. Logistically it took early-stage discussions with the courier companies to come to a level of service that Protocase required, but since developing these relationships Protocase stands as one of FedEx’s biggest customers in

FEBRUARY 2018

WHAT YOU GET HERE IN CAPE BRETON IS A LIFESTYLE AND A CULTURE THAT EXTENDS BEYOND THE WORK HOURS AND THE WORK DAY THAT IS UNRIVALLED AND UNMATCHED ANYWHERE ELSE. THAT’S THE BIG DIFFERENCE."

STEVE LILLEY, PROTOCASE INC. CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT.

Nova Scotia — making shipments twice daily from production facilities five days a week, ensuring Protocase customers will have their product as quickly as possible.

“We have community and we have loyalty to people,” says Milburn. “As long as you create a culture that treats people like humans and creates a community, then you’re in-step where you are and it all works.”

The presence of Protocase has disrupted both the manufacturing industry as well as the data storage industry for 45 Drives, at large. With their customers and employees at the heart of their business, Protocase is a world-class example of innovation in human relations.

“We’ve learned how to develop a culture here that's a fun place to be and a good place to be.”

Protocase co-founders Doug Milburn, left, and Steve Lilley.

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Celebrate the season

Cape Breton is open for business this winter PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

CONTRIBUTED BY Cape Breton Partnership

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hether you like spending time outdoors in the winter, or if you’d rather be curled up by the fire, Cape Breton has a long list of amazing activities, delightful dining experiences and spectacular views.

From skiing the hills at Ski Ben Eoin, to leisurely snowshoeing through Highland trails or dining at a cozy café, Cape Breton offers activities that the entire family will enjoy this winter.

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER WITH THE DOWNSTREET COFFEE COMPANY Tucked away in beautiful Inverness, the Downstreet Coffee Company is a charming reminder of Cape Breton’s past and a tip of the hat to our prosperous future. To paying homage to the days of Scottish settlers in search of land, Downstreet showcases décor from the early days of the establishment of Inverness.

Perfectly prepared specialty hot drinks, home-style soups, delicious desserts and lusciously soft in-house baked breads, all have the taste of care baked into every bite.

Downstreet is the perfect place to stop this winter to warm your hands on a fresh cup of coffee and indulge in all things cozy and snug — right in the heart of historic downtown Inverness.

just open for the animals. This family-oriented and education-minded park flourishes all year-round, offering winter activities for the entire family.

With enough snowfall, Two Rivers staff members groom the park’s trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing while ice-covered ponds are prepared for skating — there’s even tobogganing for the kids.

TWO RIVERS WILDLIFE PARK: WHERE WINTER IMAGINATIONS RUN WILD While some of Cape Breton businesses close their doors when winter hits the island — or at least huddle inside with reduced hours — Two Rivers Wildlife Park staff get their hats and mitts on to joyfully embrace the elements.

Winter maintenance for the park and year-round care for more than 50 species of animals and birds involves a lot of outdoor tasks. Many of the animals prefer the colder climate — white tail deer, caribou, lynx, coyotes, artic foxes, snowshoe hares and many other cooler-temperature animals call the Two Rivers acreage home. But the park isn’t

SCOTTISH HISTORY MEETS CAPE BRETON WINTER AT THE INVERARY RESORT For more than 70 years, the Inverary has welcomed guests from across the world to their properties on the exquisite shoreline of the Bras d’Or Lakes. Opened this winter season for your pleasure, the Inverary is situated at the start and end of the famous Cabot Trail — perfect for a chilly trip around the Island.

The home was built in the late 1800s on an impressive 11-acre estate. After the First World War, the estate was sold to the Fownes family where the Inverary Inn was established in remembrance of their Scottish heritage.

Since then the Inverary was handed to the

WINTER TOURISM

TWO RIVERS WILDLIFE PARK

MacAulay family, who has run the Inverary with the same love and passion on which it was founded. After three generations and several additional buildings, the Inn has grown into the resort experience they offer today.

Rich with culture, the Inverary is the perfect place to stay while you explore Cape Breton’s wondrous natural beauty this winter.

LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT AT THE CLOVE HITCH BAR & BISTRO For the first time, The Clove Hitch Bar & Bistro in beautiful oceanfront Port Hood is now open all year. With fresh local flavours on the menu, you can catch a live band while you dine on one of the many delicious dishes, or buy a ticket to a venue event, where entertainers, locals and visitors share warming food, conversations and enjoy the music.

Adjacent to the Celtic Shores Trail, The Clove Hitch offers a once-per-month special five-course menu, the Chef ’s Table event, with each of their four chefs taking centre stage as creator. Regular Facebook updates show event details and upcoming dates.

Try a slice of Chef Jay’s tiramisu, served with a warming specialty coffee. Or try one of the full-service bar options when you

want something a little stronger. With the Clove Hitch’s full menu, bar, daily specials and casual atmosphere, you will be sure find something to keep warm and toasty this winter season.

KELTIC QUAY COTTAGES BRING A SPECIAL WINTER EXPERIENCE Yet another beautiful Cape Breton winter is here, and at Keltic Quay Bayfront Lodge & Cape Breton Cottages, getting warm by a rustic fireplace, snowmobiling through the trails or snowshoeing around the lodge are just a few of the wonders you can explore.

Nestled on the beautiful waterfront in the village of Whycocomagh, Keltic Quay features picturesque landscapes in an untouched area abundant in breathtaking natural scenery and spectacular vistas.

The famous Cape Breton Highlands Snowmobile trail system will take you on a winter adventure that will last for miles.

Keltic Quay is truly a destination for all seasons with 12 cottage suites and a main lodge perfect for warming up with some hot chocolate next to the fireplace or taking off those snow covered boots for an evening to relax and unwind watching a beautiful

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Cape Breton sunset over the northeast shore of the Bras d’Or Lakes.

The lodge’s comfortable seating and grand floor-to-ceiling wood burning fireplace sets the perfect atmosphere of any occasion.

Simply grab a seat at the bar to enjoy your favourite beverage or join a game of darts, pool or shuffle board — it’s not unusual for staff to cheer you on.

Missing your furry friend while you’re on vacation? Keltic Quay understands the bond and responsibility you have to your furry loved ones and offer a pet friendly venue for those of you looking to accommodate the whole family this winter.

COZY UP AT THE DANCING GOAT Located in Margaree, The Dancing Goat is another one of Cape Breton’s rural treasures that will be open to serve you this winter season. While driving the beautiful Cabot Trail this winter, stop by this magical café and bakery that specializes in hot breakfasts and tasteful lunches.

Praised for its down-home service that caters to customers and baked goods that could impress food critics around the world, people come from all over just to experience one of the Island’s foremost food gems.

The Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Excellence in Business award-winners gather to celebrate.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Celebrating excellence Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Excellence in Business Awards CONTRIBUTED BY Cape Breton Partnership

E

very year business leaders from across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality are recognized for their collective accomplishments during the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Business Awards.

CBRM is home to numerous business leaders with diverse backgrounds and expertise who are committed to serving the broader community and better shaping the Island’s economy for tomorrow.

The awards were held on Oct. 17, 2017, during Small Business Week. The event honours local business leaders — from local entrepreneurs and small businesses to largescale corporations — for their outstanding quality of work, innovation efforts and professionalism within CBRM. Small Business Week is a national celebration that hosts events across Canada.

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and local Chambers collaborate on organizing Small Business Week events. This week-long celebration includes

conferences, workshops, luncheons, trade fairs and awards with the goal of providing entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn, network, share ideas and socialize in a business-led environment. Every year, thousands of activities attract more than 10,000 business-minded professionals from across the country to come together and celebrate Canadian entrepreneurial success.

This year the Sydney and Area Chamber had more than 50 finalists in the business awards, in categories such as export achievement, social enterprise, arts and entertainment and professional services. The award categories demonstrated the incredible talent and prosperous businesses within the CBRM, acknowledging the contributions they have made to the Cape Breton economy.

“We are very proud to be able to be a part of the business and industry environment in Cape Breton,” says Adrian White, former Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce. “The quality of this year’s nominations and award-winners proves to the world that Cape Breton is a progressive and innovative place to do business.”

Among the awards given out are cornerstone awards such as the Best Immigrant Entrepreneur award, presented to Fiddler’s EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARDS

Lake Bed & Breakfast and MacHoll IT Services. This award recognizes an outstanding new Canadian who has started a successful business in the CBRM. An additional cornerstone award handed out that evening was the Best Social Enterprise award, presented to Best of Cape Breton Gift Shop, for their work in promoting Cape Breton and the Maritimes through creative gifts and products made by residents at the Breton Ability Centre. The shop offers meaningful employment opportunities to people with varying abilities and seeks to further extend their positive reach with community events.

In addition to cornerstone awards, the Chamber offers a number of high profile awards, including the Jack Yazer Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. This was given to Tyrone Levingston, honoured for his entrepreneurial perseverance leading to the establishment of the Cape Breton Highlanders national basketball team and his outstanding contributions to the community.

“These awards display the wide variety of diverse businesses that Cape Breton embraces,” says White. “Cape Breton Regional Municipality businesses know no boundaries and proudly demonstrate our acceptance and encouragement of all people and businesses.”

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EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARDS 2017 WINNERS

CONTRIBUTED

CONTRIBUTED

Bernadette MacNeil, was presented with the CBRM Ambassador of the Year award by Membertou's Richard Paul.

Scott MacQuarrie of the Cape Breton Post presented Al Pace with the Irving Schwartz Business Person of the Year award.

SYDNEY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD Presented by: Ian Parker, LaFosse MacLeod WINNER: Sydney Credit Union

CBRM AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR Presented by: Richard Paul, COO, Membertou Development Corporation WINNER: Bernadette MacNeil

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD – BEST PLACE TO WORK IN CBRM Presented by: Paula Condon, Nova Scotia Power WINNER: Protocase

BEST SOCIAL ENTERPRISE BUSINESS AWARD Presented by: Erika Shea, New Dawn Enterprises, Social Enterprise Network Nova Scotia WINNER: Best of Cape Breton Gift Shop

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD Presented by: Barrie Riome, Director MBA Program, Cape Breton University, Shannon School of Business WINNER: AMC – Animal Medical Centre

BEST IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR AWARD Presented by: Gordon Card, Boston Pizza WINNER: Fiddler’s LakeBed & Breakfast / MacHoll IT Services FINANCIAL SERVICES AWARD Presented by: Loran Tweedie, Seaside Communications WINNER: TD Canada Trust

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AWARD Presented by: Doug Arsenault, TD Bank WINNER: CBCL Engineering RISING STAR AWARD Presented by: Jim Addicott, CBDC WINNER: Escape Outdoors

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD – FAVOURITE NEW PLACE TO DINE IN CBRM Presented by: Jeff Guiler, Air Canada WINNER: Mian's Restaurant JACK YAZER YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD Presented by: Dianne Beauchesne, BDC WINNER: Tyrone Levingston ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT AWARD Presented by: Wesley Colford, Highland Arts Theatre WINNER: Lumiere Festival

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD – FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP IN CBRM Presented by: Mike MacKinnon, J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport WINNER: Get Nauti IRVING SCHWARTZ BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD Presented by: Scott MacQuarrie, Cape Breton Post WINNER: Al Pace COMMUNITY SECTOR AWARD Presented by: Chloe Donatelli, Common Good Solutions WINNER: Undercurrents Youth Centre PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD – FAVOURITE TOURIST ATTRACTION IN CBRM Presented by: Bill MacNeil, 89.7 Coast WINNER: Fortress of Louisbourg

Celebrating 25 Years in Business EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARDS

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ELEVATE

Darrell Oakley, staff member at Advanced Glazings in Sydney, inspects the company’s unique honeycomb material before installing it in a window.

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Harnessing the sun Made in Cape Breton: Advanced Glazings Ltd. CONTRIBUTED BY Cape Breton Partnership

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vision to anticipate — that’s how the idea for Advanced Glazings Ltd. started.

When the company was founded in 1995, there was no real market for “daylighting,” but when Dr. Doug Milburn perfected his product, the industry shifted positively in their direction. With the daily operations being overseen by his wife, Michelle Milburn, Advanced Glazings has come a long way from their early research and development days.

Advanced Glazings Ltd. develops, manufactures and markets sustainable and commercially viable technologies related to diffusing sunlight. “We had to develop a differentiated project to create and market, while also figuring out how to sell our products in an industry that is traditionally adverse to innovation,” says Michelle Milburn, Chief Operating Officer of Advanced Glazings Ltd. Simply put, Advanced Glazings Ltd. designs and produces specialized products that can be applied to glass windows and

ceilings. The window coverings are sheer, technologically advanced products designed to harness the sun and make commercial spaces more environmentally and economically efficient. Advanced Glazings Ltd. creates product solutions for daylight so their clients can still enjoy natural sun, without harsh effects such as intense brightness, glare, heat, and uncontrolled light patterns.

The team at the Sydney-based company work one-on-one with construction companies and architects to create beautiful, functional and most importantly, comfortable spaces.

“Some of our past projects are very wellknown structures,” says Milburn. “Some of the notable buildings that that we have worked on include the Smithsonian Institute, the Los Angeles Kings’ practice facility, Tennessee Valley Power Authority, condominiums in the Chelsea neighbourhood of New York City, Kuwait Business College, University of Alaska and the Wilder Building in Montreal.”

Advanced Glazings Ltd. has positioned itself well in the international marketplace with widely recognized clients and with MADE IN CAPE BRETON

large-scale projects in their portfolio. With 22 years of experience, the company’s leadership in innovation led to the creation of Solera™, a line of glass products that provide the world’s best quality natural light, along with the highest thermal insulation.

In total, the company estimates that they have installed 1,500 base-projects globally. Right now, Advanced Glazings Ltd. is exporting Solera™ products throughout North America, Europe and to Kuwait.

Even with all of those projects under their belt, Milburn believes that there is plenty of opportunity to establish themselves in new countries as the company continues to grow.

“The most significant opportunity we have right now is the influence of new energy code requirements. All glass facades or buildings will become next to impossible to construct without the use of energy efficient building materials like Solera™,” she says.

So, why do you have to cover the glass in these structures? While the esthetic may be pleasing, the sun cannot serve as the main source of light for a building of massive proportions. Natural sun exposure poses a problem when it comes to light distribution

FEBRUARY 2018

and heat, as well as health issues.

“We work with the architects and building owners to determine the best possible solution to incorporate natural daylight, coupled with insulation value for the space being built,” says Milburn.

The results speak for themselves. Their products aren’t just installed to reduce the amount of glare on a computer screen — there are direct benefits associated with being able to include natural light into the design of a building.

“Scientific data has proved that children do better in school, patients heal faster and productivity increases in facilities that utilize natural sunlight as opposed to traditional and sometimes harsh fluorescent overhead lighting,” she says.

Their production has 25 full-time local employees. Additionally there are five architectural product consultants that work in other locations across North America.

“The skills and experience we require of our staff varies, but it is all equally as important. We have many who have backgrounds working with building materials, science, and engineering. We also have a talented team of sales professionals, project managers and an administration team that manages internal and external communications,” says Milburn.

Cape Breton has become a versatile place to conduct business. Advanced Glazings Ltd. is proof that there is no limit to what can be developed, manufactured and shipped from Cape Breton’s shores to anywhere in the world. Their portfolio is a prime example of how a vision and the right people can come together to put Cape Breton-made technology in high-demand.

Milburn doesn’t take for granted the fact that she gets to live and work in Cape Breton, something she considers a dream come true for her family.

“We get the best of both worlds — the unique opportunity to create a business with products that are sold around the world and the ability to live and work with others who share our passion for lifestyle and community.”

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PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Cody Foster, staff member at Advanced Glazings in Sydney, applies a sealant to the border of an assembled window.

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Michelle Milburn, Chief Operating Officer of Advanced Glazings.

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Buying commercial real estate How to assess your company’s needs CONTRIBUTED BY Business Development Bank of Canada

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f you’re considering buying commercial real estate, you’ve probably already thought about some of your needs and how a new property might meet them. However, a real estate purchase is a complex undertaking and there may be essential needs you haven’t considered.

“It is very important to evaluate your company’s future needs and the benefits that can be derived from relocating your business,” says Dianne Beauchesne, Senior Account Manager at BDC in Sydney.

Just as important, is considering the transition to the new location and how to minimize disruptions to your business, so that your day-to-day operations can continue smoothly with minimal impact, she says.

With this in mind, Beauchesne has identified the following elements that can help you choose commercial real estate more effectively.

LOCATION It’s essential to find a location that will allow you to efficiently service your clients.

For both retailers and professionals, this would mean an easily accessible and highly visible location, where both existing and new clients can find you. In the case of manufacturers, they must focus on accessibility to major routes and access points such as airports and ports.

SPACE How much space do you envision needing as your business grows? This is one question that outlines the importance of developing your strategic vision into a plan, which will be used as a guide to map out your business’s future needs. Beauchesne encourages entrepreneurs to take a careful look at how they are using their current location and its layout. She says you might be surprised by how much space you could save with a more efficient layout design and find that there is no need to relocate at all.

CONFIGURATION Another overlooked consideration is the building’s shape and current configuration.

Will you be able create a beautiful showroom, if needed? Can you set up your assembly line? Will your sales team be able to interact easily with your production people?

Beauchesne says it’s important to keep other physical factors in mind, including ceiling clearance for operating equipment and inventory racking systems.

“It all goes back to the question, ‘will this building meet my future needs and will there be a smooth transition with minimal disruptions to my business?’ ” POWER, WATER AND SEWAGE Utilities are another important consideration. Your business may need better or upgraded services, such as electricity, water and sewage, than is currently available at a new location. For example, water and sewage are important considerations for food processors, while manufacturers may have specific electricity requirements.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

PARKING Parking can be a surprisingly hot-button issue, especially in multiple unit locations.

Make sure you have enough parking spaces for clients, visitors and employees. Think about your strategic vision and growth plans, about whether you are expecting to attract a higher volume of customer traffic or if you will be increasing the numbers of employees.

This is the time to think about parking spaces, proper access for transport trucks, location and the number of loading docks.

FINANCING While your banker might not pre-approve a loan, he or she should be able to provide you with an estimate of how much financing you could get — knowing this will save you time during your location search.

Your banker can also give you an opinion on how much you could borrow for related expenses, such as renovations, moving costs, new machinery and equipment. They are also a good source of referrals to other professionals, including experienced commercial realtors.

“Be strategic when thinking about your real estate needs for now, and your business’s future needs. Play a proactive role, surround yourself with a professional and experienced team of advisors and take the time necessary to make an informed decision, thus avoiding costly mistakes,” says Beauchesne.

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STRAIT AREA CHAMBER UPDATE:

Strait Area Chamber closes 2017 Celebrating business success and focusing on advocacy CONTRIBUTED BY Strait Area Chamber of Commerce

I

n November 2017, businesses in the Strait Area came together to celebrate business success in one of the region’s largest networking events of the year. Held at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, the Strait Area Chamber’s Fall Awards Dinner was held during Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Top honours of the evening went to Les MacIntyre and Sue Phelan of SuperPort Marine Services as they accepted the Excellence in Business Award. MacIntyre and Phelan are innovators — they built Superport Marine Services from a small operation to one that now employs more than 100 people. Their projects take them across the continent, from the furthest eastern point of Newfoundland to the fjords of British Columbia and north of the Arctic Circle. The company is well known for their commitment to quality workmanship, employee engagement and commitment to their community.

The Rising Star New Business Award was granted to B & E General Store in St. Peter’s.

Port Hawkesbury’s Learn North Inc. received the Export Achievement Award. Francis Covin of DSM Nutritional Products took home the Safety Champion Award and the Outstanding Customer Service Award went to Margie Beaton from the Gaelic College.

Other accomplishments were recognized during the evening, including businesses honoured for being in operation for 25 years or more. These Club-25 honorees included the Farmer’s Daughter, Ross Screenprint and Glad Tidings Christmas Shoppe.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

SuperPort Marine Services staff members (L-R) Raymond Boudreau, Susan Phalen, Kathryn MacIntyre, Richie Mann, Chamber President and award presenter, Grace MacIntyre, Les MacIntyre and Paul Ryan.

Daniel Ross was the recipient of a special new award from the Chamber, the Strait Area Ambassador Award. Ross, a long-time Strait Area Chamber member and supporter, was recognized for his work bringing motorcyclists from across the globe to experience the Cabot Trail. His work was recently profiled in a video to recognize 100 years of Harley Davidson in Canada.

With 2017 drawing to a close on such a high note, the Chamber has continued a steady flow of advocacy for business with a focus on taxation changes proposed by the federal government for private corporations. The feedback from Chamber members was clear — any tax system overhaul must ensure that the pursuit of fairness does not result in small businesses being penalized. Approximately 22,000 responses were received by the federal government during the 11-week consultation period, with more than 2,000 responses coming from the

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As public pressure mounted to address potential unintended consequences of the proposed changes, adjustments announced by the federal government over the fall season were favourable. The reduction of the small business tax rate was welcome news — fulfillment of an electoral promise that will allow businesses to free up more capital to reinvest and create jobs. Proposed reductions to the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption were scrapped, which stands to improve family business succession processes compared to what was originally being proposed.

Although these are positive signs indicating that government is heeding the collective voice of business and that #AdvocacyWorks, the Strait Area Chamber will continue to push for a broader discussion on tax competitiveness — ensuring Canada has a system that is both fair and attractive to foreign and domestic investors.

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ELEVATE

News from the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network

Cape Breton Partnership and UNSM complete second mission with Vietnamese Association CONTRIBUTED BY the Cape Breton Partnership

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Hack-a-thon at Richmond Education Centre and Academy CONTRIBUTED BY the Cape Breton Partnership

The Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network hosted an allday hack-a-thon at the Richmond Education Centre and Academy in Louisdale on December 16, 2017. Twelve junior high and high school students from across Richmond County participated in the event, facilitated by the Island Sandbox and Brilliant Labs.

Each participant received a free Arduino Starter Kit, which included all tools and materials needed for 15 exciting tech-projects. Kim Desveaux, representative for Brilliant Labs, provided a tutorial to participants on the kits. Participants were guided through several tasks, including building a circuit board, watching a soldering demonstration, soldering, attaching LEDs and downloading and manipulating programming code to communicate with the circuit boards. Several outcomes were achieved, including sequencing of LED lights, making them

blink at intervals and turning the circuit boards into mini musical-keyboards.

The event provided the area’s youth with an opportunity to demonstrate intelligence, enthusiasm and the amazing talent they are capable of when engaged in the technology sector.

The CBREN wishes to thank both the Island Sandbox and Brilliant Labs for partnering on this event, and Richmond Education Centre and Academy for providing the venue for the day.

Representatives from the Cape Breton Partnership recently returned from a second mission to Vietnam as part of the Partnerships for Municipal Innovation: Local Economic Development (PMI-LED) project. The Cape Breton Partnership and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities (UNSM) have entered into a four-year partnership with the Association of Cities of Vietnam (ACVN) to develop capacity within their organization, foster prosperity, attract investment and create business opportunities.

The first mission, which took place in June, included representatives from the Cape Breton Partnership, the Municipality of Victoria County and the Town of Port Hawkesbury. The second mission, which included representatives from the Partnership, took place in November 2017, in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Delegates attended Vietnam’s 2017 Urban Day and Forum and participated in the ACVN Strategic Planning Workshop.

“This trip was a technical mission where the Partnership worked directly with the ACVN on their strategic planning process and their training centre needs, as well as developing plans for the next three years of the project,” said Carla Arsenault, Chief Operating Officer of the Cape Breton Partnership, who attended both missions to Vietnam.

“The Partnership and the UNSM look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with the ACVN over the coming months and will begin to plan the trip for the Vietnamese delegation’s upcoming visit to Cape Breton in June of 2018.”

CAPE BRETON REGIONAL ENTERPRISE NETWORK

Drawing on the Partnership’s experience developing the Prosperity Framework Strategy, delegates from the Partnership have been able to offer best practices and models of success to assist the ACVN in the development of their strategic plan and strengthening their organization’s services to members.

The next mission to Vietnam is scheduled for March 2018, where the UNSM will focus on assisting the ACVN with policy development for their members.

Co-ordinated by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and funded by Global Affairs Canada, PMI-LED partners work with local governments and their associations in Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bolivia and Nicaragua. All direct program costs, including travel, accommodations and meals for delegates, are covered by Global Affairs Canada. Participating municipalities and organizations, both in Canada and abroad, provide some in-kind contributions including knowledge sharing and staff time.

Over the next three years, Cape Breton Partnership and UNSM officials will help the Association of Cities of Vietnam strengthen its capacity to plan a community-led economic vision, to offer effective economic development projects and services to their communities, and to adopt policies and practices that promote inclusive and sustainable economic development. Specifically, they will be focused on institutional strengthening, training development, strategic planning, capacity building and policy development.

For more information about the program visit www.fcm.ca/international.

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

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

VICTORIA COUNTY

CBREN AREAS OF FOCUS

REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

INVERNESS COUNTY

CHAMPION BUSINESS GROWTH LAND & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK For more information about the CBREN and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, visit the Cape Breton Partnership website at capebretonpartnership.com/cbren.

7585180

RICHMOND COUNTY

LEVERAGE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

WINTER 2018 ELEVATE

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PARTNERSHIP UPDATE:

Recent activities

PHOTOS NEIL GASCOYNE

PHOTOS COREY KATZ

Impact Awards

Partners for Progress Conference

The Cape Breton Partnership was pleased to announce the winners of the fourth annual Economic Impact Awards at the annual Investor Summit, held at the Keltic Lodge at the Highlands in Ingonish on October 5, 2017.

The Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network was pleased to host the first Partners for Progress Conference for all Nova Scotia Regional Enterprise Network (REN) employees, board members and associated provincial and municipal partners, held on September 7 and 8, 2017, at the Inverary Inn in Baddeck.

The Partnership released an open call for nominations of local business leaders who have made substantial influences or contributions to Cape Breton, while advancing our region’s business climate. Award winners were chosen based on their significant contribution to the Cape Breton economy through innovation, entrepreneurship and new investments.

This year’s Impact Award winners included: Parks Canada, as pictured above, recognized for the successful year celebrating Canada’s 150th and welcoming thousands of visitors to National

Parks and Historic Sites across the Island; Raymond Deveau, for the millions of dollars he has invested in building the fishing industry and marina in Chétcamp leading to the creation of hundreds of jobs in the community; Stuart MacLeod, for his passion for maintaining healthy communities by taking a leadership role in attracting doctors to the region; and Superport Marine Services Ltd., as pictured above, for their longstanding commitment to ocean sector excellence and for being one of the Strait area’s largest employers.

The first annual Nova Scotia REN conference was held in September, 2017. Organized by the Cape Breton Partnership through its Cape Breton REN initiatives, more than 140 delegates travelled from across the province to collaborate, learn and identify best practices.

The Partners for Progress Conference brought together private and public sector partners involved in the REN model to identify key areas for improved strategic economic development. The conference further strengthened provincial

PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

connections that will create future opportunities to link business with government programs and services, as well as provided a platform to build on regional strength and assets to attract and retain businesses in Nova Scotia.

FEBRUARY 2018

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PHOTOS NEIL GASCOYNE

PHOTOS COREY KATZ

Annual Investor Summit

Vital Cape Breton Excellence Awards

On October 5, 2107, the Cape Breton Partnership hosted the annual Investor Summit, presented by the Business Development Bank of Canada and Bear Head LNG, at the Keltic Lodge at the Highlands in Ingonish Beach.

The NextGen Leadership Society, in collaboration with the Cape Breton Partnership, hosted the fourth annual Vital Cape Breton Excellence Awards on December 8, 2017, at Centre 200.

The Partnership’s Investor Summit brings together nearly 200 business, community and government leaders from across Nova Scotia. The Investor Summit is a unique event where delegates from a diverse range of industry sectors are invited to network, collaborate and discuss issues facing the local economy.

This year’s agenda included business updates from Big Spruce Brewing, Kameron Collieries and Bear Head LNG, as well as presentations on immigration opportunities in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton’s expanding culture sector.

Speakers included Pierre Cléroux, Vice President of Research and Chief Economist for BDC, with an economic update for the region as well.

Tareq Hadhad, founder of Peace

by Chocolate, recounted his story from Syria to Antigonish, touching on his passions of peace and entrepreneurship.

The Vital Awards celebrate individuals between the ages of 16 to 40 who have made a significant impact in their community or workplace. The awards also honour employers who recognize the importance of giving youth and young professionals meaningful work experience.

The high caliber of award winners continues to grow every year as we learn how people are making positive things happen in Cape Breton.

Every award winner has made incredible strides to build a stronger community.

PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

The NextGen Leadership Society and the Partnership were pleased to celebrate their collective accomplishments through entrepreneurship, volunteerism, cultural leadership, career excellence or by creating meaningful employment, proving there is vibrancy among our region’s best and brightest youth and young professionals.

Please visit www.cbnextgen. com/2017-vital-awards.html for a complete list of award winners.

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PARTNERSHIP UPDATE:

Student and business career fair The Career Awareness Fair took place at two locations on the island — NSCC Marconi Campus in Sydney and the NSCC Strait Area Campus in Port Hawkesbury on October 19, 2017.

More than 1,000 youth from 19 schools and 30 employers attended this event to engage businesses and Nova Scotia youth in meaningful dialogue on skills, education and training essential for youth pursuing

career opportunities in Nova Scotia. The goal of the event was to bring youth and employers under the same roof to engage with each other and assist in developing ideas for future employment.

Export session On November 15, 2017, the CETA Seminar and Business Forum was presented by the Cape Breton Partnership and Nova Scotia Business Inc., in collaboration with ACOA, Global Affairs Canada, Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, Cape Breton University and Export Development Canada.

The forum’s agenda brought together exporters and key business leaders who provided practical advice designed to help Nova Scotia businesses capitalize on opportunities arising from the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). A portion of the agenda also allowed attendees the opportunity to meet one-on-one with experts from Global Affairs Canada, EDC and Learnsphere, who presented on their programs that offer specific insights on the supports available to help businesses expand their global presence and to best influence global export opportunities within the EU.

Three export development leaders were recognized with Export Awards at the CETA Seminar and Business Forum.

The Export Awards recognize companies that currently export their goods and services, encourage current exporters to increase their exporting activities, emphasize the need to reach new markets by being innovative and competitive and highlight the importance of exports to growth and an increased standard of living. Winners included Marcato Digital for Exporter of the Year, Helen Graham for the Export Champion Award and Larchwood Enterprises Inc. for the Lifetime Exporter Award.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Atlantic Cannabis Forum

Atlantic immigration

The first ever Atlantic Cannabis Forum was held at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre on November 1 and 2, 2017.

Atlantic Immigration – Impacts & Opportunities was an employer session held at the Holiday Inn, Sydney Waterfront on November 30, 2017.

More than 100 people participated in the two-day Atlantic Cannabis Forum put on by the Cape Breton Partnership in November to discuss the upcoming challenges that the legalization of cannabis will bring to the Atlantic provinces. The forum covered discussions on a wide array of topics including social

policy, uses, gaps in production and market demand, economic opportunities, where it should be sold, acceptable places for using cannabis and more, with participants from public and private sectors. The forum was considered a success with new discussions arising and new potential business opportunities moving forward.

The Cape Breton Partnership recruited 70 business leaders representing more than 23 employers from businesses located across the Island to attend this immigration focused information session. The session’s priority was to discuss Cape Breton’s changing demographics, aging population, declining workforce and how

PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

immigration can help employers realize their potential for growth hindered by labour marketing gaps. The event proved a great opportunity for employers to interact one on one with subject matter experts and get them started in recruitment processes for new staff through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.

Linking industry and community together.

To mark the completion of the Maritime Link, Emera NL, together with our partners: IBEW Local 1928, Cahill, Northern Canada Constructors Limited, Cape Breton Building Trades Council, and Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association are making a charitable donation of $40,000 to four local organizations that support communities in Cape Breton.

The donation will be shared equally by Feed Nova Scotia, the Adopt a Family Program, Loaves and Fishes, and Cape Breton Transition House.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our way of saying thank you to the communities that helped us achieve this significant milestone.

Representatives from Emera NL, IBEW Local 1928, Cahill, NCCL, CBBTC, and NSCLRA present a donation of $10,000 to Feed Nova Scotia.

Representatives from Emera NL, IBEW Local 1928, Cahill, NCCL, CBBTC, and NSCLRA present a donation of $10,000 to Adopt a Family.

Representatives from Emera NL, IBEW Local 1928, Cahill, NCCL, CBBTC, and NSCLRA present a donation of $10,000 to Loaves and Fishes.

Representatives from Emera NL, IBEW Local 1928, Cahill, NCCL, CBBTC, and NSCLRA present a donation of $10,000 to Cape Breton Transition House.

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