Inside Advocate - Spring 2023 by Metro Guide Publishing

Change is one of those words that can make most of us squirm. We’re creatures of habit and comfortable doing things the way we’ve always done them. If we’ve learned anything in the last few years, it’s that the status quo isn’t an option. But to do things differently, we need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Earlier this winter, Advocate decided to make some big changes to our media operations, suspending publication of some titles. These were swift and tactical decisions based on months of review and strategy to ensure the success of other titles and projects. Unfortunately, decisions like these bring wide sweeping changes for our production and editorial teams, freelancers, readers, and ultimately our coworkers who bring the publications to life.

While these are changes that no one wants to see, we also believe that there will be new opportunities for our media group and broader corporate family with a mindful approach to sustainable innovation and growth.

I see this way forward with a more collaborative approach. It’s not just change for change’s sake. We’re leaning in to powerful change that addresses our company’s culture and important issues

Change for the better

and policies that will drive our success and help be who we want to be.

In February, when we were in the immediate days of discomfort with the changes to media —saying farewell to At Home on the North Shore and Port of Halifax and pushing pause on East Coast Living, Our Children, and Maine magazines while we chart our way forward — we embarked on another journey to stimulate more change.

Advocate has made a commitment to a greater understanding about what it means to be authentic in our conversations and actions, to be a more diverse, inclusive, equitable, and welcoming Atlantic Canadian company.

We’ve begun the journey with diversity, inclusion and equity training. Close to 50 staff members representing different departments have completed their training. This was a first step, but we have a long way to go understand our own corporate history, blind spots, and biases and to actively listen to all voices. We need to educate ourselves and everyone in our networks and spheres of influence why diversity matters and how this awareness and acceptance can make a difference in not only our work but within our family life and our communities.

Whether you are someone who dreads change or someone who thrives in a changing environment we need to equip ourselves with skills, knowledge, passion, and energy to make change for the better.

Crystal Murray, President

Spring 2023

KNOW YOUR BENEFITS: Consult + Virtual Health,

Mental Health and EFAP Services

By Cathy Brown-MacLean, VP of Human Capital

Bridgewater reporter earns Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee award

By Kevin McBain

Long-time LighthouseNow reporter Keith Corcoran is among the recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee awards that South Shore-St. Margaret’s MP Rick Perkins recently presented.

WHAT CAN I USE CONSULT + FOR?

Virtual Health

• Talk to health professionals.

• Get prescriptions or refills.

• Get referrals for lab work when medically indicated.

• Examples of what Consult+ can evaluate or treat include: sore throat, sinusitis, rhinitis, pink eye, UTI, allergies, colds, flu, nasal congestion, minor skin infections, and inflammation.

Mental Health Services (MHS)

MHS can help diagnose and treat short-term mental health issues.

• Conditions include, but aren’t limited to, insomnia, anxiety disorders, depression, grief, bereavement, adjustment disorders, secondary distress from health conditions or other mental health conditions even if not in scope (such as OCD or substance use), anger management (unless in a situation of active abuse), and coaching for stress and burnout.

• MHS uses a multidisciplinary team that includes nurses, doctors, psychotherapists, psychologists, mental health specialists, and case managers.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP can you help you with things like:

• Short-term mental health support to manage stress,

• Life and family events,

• Legal and financial advice,

• Navigating resources or support.

Virtual Health, MHS, and EFAP all in one spot: log-in to the ADP app or website, and find more information in the “Resources” section.

Members of Parliament presented the commemorative pins, bearing the platinum jubilee emblem, to award to people in their ridings who’ve made positive contributions to communities. Perkins issued pins, certificates and medallions commemorating Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne. Dozens of people on the South Shore — volunteers, businesspeople, politicians, and community leaders — received the recognition.

Corcoran’s award marks his service as a newspaper journalist. “I’m humbled and honoured,” says Corcoran, a reporter now in his 24th year in the profession. “I’m just happy doing the work, which I hope contributes positively to the communities I try to cover.”

Kentville-born Corcoran has been covering community news for his entire career, mostly in Bridgewater. During that period he’s received 14 nominations and won eight Newspapers Atlantic/Atlantic Community Newspapers Awards.

He’s also won one gold and two silver Atlantic Journalism Awards, the Nova Scotia Office of the Fire Marshal media award for outstanding contribution to fire safety, and the Bronze Quill from News Media Canada for distinguished service to the news media industry.

Between 2002 and 2003, Corcoran was a journalist representative on the Nova Scotia government’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act Review committee and currently volunteers on the Nova Scotia Judiciary Media Liaison committee.

Advocate’s new Flyer Services ecommerce site is now live, offering users a host of planning, distribution, delivery, and inventory options. It’s easier than ever for clients to get quotes and plan their campaigns. Check it out at flyerservices.ca

Photo: Kevin McBain

Steve Goodwin retires, again

By Heather Knight

After 50 years as a journalist, Pictou Advocate reporter Steve Goodwin is retiring.

Again.

Goodwin was a key part of the Advocate team for over 20 years, showing dedication both to his craft and his community.

“I often tell people I didn’t choose to live in Pictou County, Pictou County chose me. It has become home,” he says.

His loyalty and dedication were epitomized in May 2021 when he came out a two-month retirement to help the newspaper with a staffing shortage. “They needed my services and I wasn’t going to hesitate,” he says, adding with a laugh: “I certainly didn’t realize it would be nearly two years.”

It took a little time to rev up again, but he soon snapped back into the familiar routine.

“A profession is what you’re put on this earth to do,” he says, quoting artist Vincent Van Gogh. “And you do it with a passion and intensity that goes beyond calling.”

While I’ve only had the pleasure of working alongside the seasoned vet for a few short months, I’ve learned more than I could imagine.

Though I’ll never have the memory nor the wealth of knowledge he possesses, everything he’s taught me will remain. Here’s hoping his retirement sticks this time.

Advocate builds bridges

By Trevor J. Adams

Many members of the Advocate team recently gathered for diversity, equity, and inclusion training. Consultant Tinaye Manyimo led the team through discussions of topics like reflecting on personal biases, common workplace aggressions, and accountability for fighting injustice.

For many, it was their first training on these topics.

“I quickly realized that there is so much to learn,” says Crystal Murray, Advocate Media editor-in-chief.

“There are going to be uncomfortable moments with these conversations but without the discomfort there cannot be change … Our group was very engaged and I loved when my colleagues really put themselves out there to ask questions, share their experiences, where they know they have made mistakes and were honest about their perceptions.”

She believes that the training isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s key to Advocate’s future.

“Despite the time and investment it may take, it is critical that we don’t stand idly by and wait for the change to happen,” she says, adding that ideas that management is already implementing some of the suggestions that came up during the sessions.

“Some of the ideas like communication in the workplace are the easier ones to address. Creating a diverse workplace is one that takes more time but it is a priority for recruitment and we hope that as our communities become more diverse this will be reflected in our offices.”

Melanie Langille and the human-capital team organized the training with the intention that it be the beginning of workers’ journeys.

“With the most important part of any journey being that first step, I see the training as just that: a first step in a journey that will transform our levels of awareness, understanding, and communication as we work to build and foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace which values diversity and encourages respect for dignity, beliefs, and ideas,” she says.

Murray agrees.

“While it wasn’t possible to have all of our Advocate staff present at the training, we have encouraged everyone who did have this incredible opportunity to share what they have learned,” she says. “Advocate will be working towards new practices and policies and as these evolve, we will be developing and sharing with our organization and ensuring that everyone who engages with Advocate respects these values.”

Photos: Heather Knight

Advocate celebrates diversity with new awards

By Jill George

Advocate is working to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, which values diversity and encourages respect for dignity, beliefs, and ideas. To take this important journey beyond Advocate to the communities we serve, we’re partnering with TD Bank Group to present the Diversity Atlantic Awards.

These entrepreneurship awards will fete businesses that showcase local talent, initiatives, and a commitment to providing work environments where everyone feels safe to be themselves.

Organizers plan to present nine awards in three categories.

• Consumptive retail products: food/drink producers, processors and growers, or related industry.

• Non-consumptive retail products and services: fashion, personal style, craft, décor, construction materials, and travel offerings.

• Information and technology: technology for home and business, security systems, games, educational software.

• In each category, organizers plan to award a micro business (a maximum of five workers), a small business (up to 25 workers), and a medium-sized business (up to 50 workers).

The awards are open to Atlantic Canadian residents, age 18 and older, except employees of TD and Advocate and members of their immediate families. To be eligible, businesses must operate in Atlantic Canada, produce their product here. Products must be publicly available. Judges will consider quality, uniqueness, and authenticity, plus diversity and inclusion practices. Judges will also evaluate how the product represents Canada’s East Coast and use of local materials.

If you know a business that merits recognition, direct them to diversityatlanticawards.ca. Submissions are open until June 30 at 11:59 p.m. Organizers will announce the winners on Oct. 15, 2023. Prizes will differ depending on category and business size. Learn more at diversityatlanticawards.ca

Advocate magazines snag award nominations

By Trevor J. Adams

This is us

Hospice Greater Saint John’s annual gala is a key fundraiser for the New Brunswick organization, recently drawing some 485 guests, including many local community and business leaders. Advocate is a proud supporter and Tom Badger represented the company at the event, speaking about how the company supports the community with its products and services. He also hosted a fundraising game. From left: Tom and Kelly Badger, donor Delbert Friars, and hospice nurse Christina Godreau.

The Atlantic Journalism Awards are returning after a two-year pandemic pause and once again, the Advocate Media team is well represented.

Saltscapes has two finalists in the Best Cover (Magazines) category and the Crystal Murray feature “She writes it our way” is a finalist in the Arts & Entertainment (Any Media) category.

Unravel Halifax, which ceased publication in November, also earned two nods, with judges picking the Ameeta Vohra feature “Confronting hockey’s dark side” in the Best Article (Magazines) and Sports (Any Media) categories.

Organizers will name the winner during the April 20 awards show at the University of King’s College in Halifax, St. Thomas University in Fredericton, and College of the North Atlantic in St. John’s, N.L.

Mark your calendar

Canadian Holidays U.S. Holidays

May 22

Victoria Day

July 1

Canada Day (recognized on July 3)

May 29

Memorial Day

June 19

Juneteenth

July 4

Independence Day

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

The latest research shows that while we’ve come far, women still experience discrimination in many workplaces, not being fairly considered for promotions and new opportunities. The advocacy group Lean In, which aims to helps women achieve their ambitions and help companies build inclusive workplaces, says about 60 per cent of women “regularly experience microaggressions” at work and about 20 per cent they’re often “the only woman in the room.” On International Women’s Day, Advocate reaffirmed its commitment to push for equity, and used its social media channels to celebrate our women working throughout the company.

Photos: Submitted

Showcasing our work

By William Wilson

The Advocate team produces a huge range of products for a wide variety of products. In each issue, we’re going to spotlight one of them, and share the story behind it.

We were asked to work with the client’s designer to create displays for 99 NSLC locations, plus the Blue Lobster Public House in Stellarton. (In the pictures, you’ll see the Public House plus a tiki bar display above the coolers that we did for them last year. They liked it so much that they made it part of their permanent décor.)

Our team brainstormed and planned a package we could produce at Eastern Sign. We made hand-cut prototypes for their review and approval, then finetuned them with their designer for the final build.

The clients needed a powerful “monument” display that would require 360-degree merchandise access in NSLC retail locations of any size. They also needed to showcase new glasses that they were bringing to market with a new mixer pack promotion.

We created glass display units that would work independently and hold up to 36 glasses. The units shipped flat and included easy assembly instructions. They also trusted us with distributing the glassware with the displays.

Mark your calendar EVENTS

April 20

Mainstay, MHD at the Portland Art Gallery

April 21–23

Saltscapes East Coast Expo at the Halifax Exhibition Centre

April 22

Earth Day

April 24

Administrative Professionals Day

May 1

Fall Saltscapes East Coast Expo Tickets go on sale and vendor registration opens

May 9–15

Mental Health Week

June

National Indigenous History Month

Pride season begins, with events around the region throughout the summer

June 21

National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 30

Submissions close for the Diversity Atlantic Awards, presented by TD and Advocate

July 11–16

Halifax Jazz Festival

Client: Nova Scotia Spirit Co.

Project: Blue Lobster Mixer Pack with Glass Display.

Rep: Aimee Kelly Job # 109695

Saltscapes Expo returns

By Jill George

The Advocate crew takes over Halifax Exhibition Centre on April 17 to begin its transformation for the annual spring edition of Saltscapes East Coast Expo. The team will host hundreds of businesses on the weekend of April 21 to 23, while thousands of consumers explore the offerings from local crafters and artisans, plus many food and beverage providers. With destination inspiration aplenty,it’s the perfect time to plan your summer travels, plus view cooking, gardening, and DIY demonstrations while listening to East Coast music and trying delicious samples! Subscriptions for Saltscapes magazine and merchandise will be available at our shop. Many of our Advocate crew will be working throughout the show. Tickets are available at the door or at tickets.saltscapes.com

A musical collaboration

By Trevor J. Adams

Advocate has long been a supporter of the Halifax Jazz Festival, and now the organizations have a new partnership. Recently, Advocate became the marketing, communications, and design provider for JazzFest, with the events team in the Halifax office growing to meet the demand.

Work began in February.

“As a registered charity, Halifax Jazz Festival has widened its horizons beyond the successful summer festival to become involved, throughout the year, in a diverse range of musical and educational activities,” says Jill George, Advocate’s marketing and digital strategy manager.

“JazzFest’s mandate runs from the promotion and presentation of concerts and club shows to planning educational workshops.”

The summer festival returns July 11 to 16. Look for more info in our next edition.

New teammates and long-time

Advocate employees

We invited a few of Advocate’s recent and long-time hires to tell us a bit about themselves. If you’re new to the team and would like to introduce yourself, email jillmurray@advocateprinting.com and we’ll save a spot for you in a future issue.

Ramie Haines, Flyer Services

Position: Administrative Coordinator (Flyer Services, Kentville)

Length of employment with Advocate: 25 years

Hobby: roller skating, crocheting, cooking/baking, playing board games

Someone you would like to meet: my grandfather

Recent great read or movie: System Divine

Favorite saying/quote: we don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents

Favorite food: homemade pizza

Anthony Moran, Dieppe

Position: Graphic Designer / Pre-Press Operator (Dieppe)

Length of employment with Advocate: Nine months

Hobby: Collecting classic-rock vinyl

Someone I would like to meet: Bryan Cranston

Favourite recent movie: No Country for Old Men

Favourite saying/quote: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

Favourite food: Steak (Well Done)

Mylene Hebert , Dieppe

Position: Customer Service Representative

Length of employment with Advocate: Since July 2018

Hobby: Cooking and outdoor activities; ATVing, camping, hiking, skating, fishing.

Someone you would like to meet: Snoop Dog and/or Sandra Bullock

Recent great read or movie: Awake

Favorite saying/quote: “Get her done!”

Favorite food: Sushi

Mike Brannen, Halifax

Position: Event Marketing Specialist

Length of employment with Advocate: One month

Hobby: Dodgeball

Someone I would like to meet: Bill Maher

Favourite recent movie: Spaceballs — I don’t care that it’s from the ‘80s.

Favourite saying/quote: “Son, if you really want something in this life, you have to work for it. Now quiet! They’re about to announce the lottery numbers” —

Homer Simpson

Favourite food: Pizza

Recent hires

PICTOU

Kimmie Waye Inserter

Jeremy Boucher Jogger

Conner Nokes Jogger

Jan MacDonald Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Josh Larade Jogger

Noah Munroe Product Assistant

John Auld 3rd Pressperson

Josh Sarson Product Assistant

Brandon Reddick Product Assistant

HALIFAX

Shawn Haskins Estimator

Mike Brannen Events Marketing Specialist

New positions

PICTOU

Mick Fleming Production Planner/ Scheduler

Allen Whidden Warehouse & Distribution Manager

This is us

Joanne Mires, receptionist at St. Croix Printing in St. Stephen, N.B. pores over the archives looking for just the right tidbit of local lore for her “Looking Back” column in the Saint Croix Courier. The column highlights events and news from editions dating back 30, 60, 90, and 120 years. The paper was founded in 1865, giving Joanne plenty of history to draw from. She may have to feature herself in the 30-year section in the near future, having taken over the column in about 1994. It’s unclear just how long the column has run. Joanne took it over from someone, who took it over from someone, who took it over from someone, and so on. The archive books are big and heavy, so she has a stand on wheels she uses just for combing through the old editions.

PROFILES HIRES AND CAREER MOVES

Photo: Robert Fisher

Stay cyber safe Help protect your accounts, and Advocate, from hackers

By Jeff Merrick

How can you tell if your password has been compromised?

If a website you use a username/password with has suffered a cyber attack, it’s possible that hackers have “pwned” your credentials, meaning they’ve gained access to your login email and password. They can then use this information to access other accounts and target you with phishing emails and other scams. Don’t use the same usernames and passwords for different websites. If you’ve been incautious in the past, check the website HaveIBeenPwned.com to test your work and personal email accounts to see if those accounts have been involved in breaches. If so, change your password for that website immediately and also for any other sites that use the same username-password combo.

To protect your online accounts and avoid falling for a scam, periodically review and be aware of sites that may expose your information.

Be cautious using public Wi-Fi

Do you frequently use the free Wi-Fi in places like shopping centres or airports? Be cautious about what you do on public Wi-Fi and use a VPN to encrypt your information as it leaves your device. Also look for semi-public networks with passwords that are provided by staff or on printed receipts, like at restaurants or coffee shops. Up-to-date security software like anti-virus software is also essential to safeguard you from any malware you might contract from public Wi-Fi. Ensure your devices have the latest updates.

Be cautious with your credentials

Convenience is nice, but can come at a price. Many sites let you sign up for their services through social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. This gives them access to a lot of information. When possible, sign up with your email address and a unique password or passphrase. It may take longer, but it’s more secure.

Companywide phone system change planned this spring

By Heather Knight

Advocate plans to launch a major upgrade to the company’s phone system this spring, making it easier for people to work away from their desks.

Currently the landlines operate on an older system, for which tech support is no longer available. “It’s been unsupported the last couple years,” says vice-president, digital innovation Jeff Merrick. The change to a voice over internet protocol system (VOIP) won’t happen overnight, and won’t impact everyone the same way. The new system will allow workers to answer calls without a desk phone, through an app. Recording audio and video will also be available, with permission from involved parties. Phone numbers won’t change. A recent survey gauging need for desk phones found most workers will likely opt to go without. The company will provide headsets and training for those workers as the new system rolls out. About 100 desk phones will remain.

The paging system will remain intact, and common landlines will be available for plant workers.