Winter 2024
Innovating for the
future
As we reflect on the challenges of the past year, it’s clear that inflationary pressures and rising interest rates have had a profound impact on our economy. Each trip to the grocery store or a gas station is a stark reminder of the challenges being encountered. As we and our clients face these headwinds, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Advocate family — your unwavering dedication to delighting our clients, producing great products, and assisting each other has been foundational to Advocate’s success. You often make the impossible possible. We live in an age of continuous improvement and despite past success, we must strive to do better. Our products and
services play a pivotal role in the daily lives of our clients and the communities we serve. We must channel our collective determination towards efficiency, innovation, and continued client success, questioning the ways of the past and innovating for the future. How can we create, produce, and deliver more efficiently as we continue to delight our clients and readers? That’s a work in progress, we do not have all the answers. Please share your ideas with your manager as we strive to be a better organization for all who rely on us. An organization that will continue for years to come as a valued communication partner. Thank you. I owe a debt of gratitude to our clients, suppliers, and you, our Advocate family, for you continued dedication to our collective success. Sean Murray, President and CEO
Evergreen Festival
Human capital update Consult + Virtual Health, Mental Health and EFAP Services By Cathy Brown-MacLean, VP of Human Capital What can I use Consult + for? Virtual Health • Talk to health professionals. • Get prescriptions or refills. • Referrals for lab work when medically indicated. • Examples of what Consult+ can evaluate or treat: sore throat, sinusitis, rhinitis, pink eye, UTI, allergies, cols flu, nasal congestion, minor skin infections, and inflammation.
Maine Home+Design at Architecture’s Beaux Arts Ball Photos: Dave Dostie
Mental Health Services (MHS) • MHS can help diagnose and treat short-term mental health issues. • Conditions include: 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.
On behalf of TD Halifax Jazz Festival, the Advocate marketing and design teams created social and advertising campaigns to promote the Stage Series as a part of the Evergreen Festival. The Evergreen Festival is an outdoor festival in downtown Halifax N.S., its Stage Series was programmed by the TD Halifax Jazz Festival and ran on weekends starting November 24 through to December 17. Over 5,000 people bundled up and headed down to The BG see the array of local talent performing during the stage series!
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Short-term mental health support to manage stress. • Life and family events. • Legal and financial advice. • Navigating resources or support.
Consult+ virtual health care serv ices
All about Con
sult+
Virtual Health, MHS, and EFAP are all in one spot. Learn more at canadalife.com/insurance/group-benefits/consult-virtualhealthcare.html
Maine Home+Design sponsored the Portland Society for Architecture’s Beaux Arts Ball that was held at the Portland Museum of Art. The event was well attended by the design community and the night was filled with great food, music, and art.
Cyber tips By Jeff Merrick
Holidays February 19 N.S. Heritage Day 2024: Honouree William Hall.
February 19
Get better sleep Computer and phone screens project blue light that our brains interpret as daytime, which is why experts recommend not using them at least 30 minutes to an hour before sleep. Most laptops and smartphones have a “night shift” setting that automatically converts your screen’s color to warmer ones during specified hours so that less harsh blue light enters your eyes. Travel safely Many establishments like airports have charging stations for vapes, e-readers, laptops, tablets, and phones. But criminals can load malware onto these ports to “juice-jack” — accessing and stealing data from charging devices. Use a trusted location or carry a charged portable power bank with you to charge your devices on the go rather than using public plugs. Avoid storing your credit card information on websites Many websites offer to store your card details for future transactions. While this offers convenient, it’s also risky. If there’s a security breach, hackers could steal and use your card information. Instead, key in your card details each time or opt for a more secure payment method like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Family Day N.B.
February 19 Islander Day, P.E.I.
February 19 Presidents Day, U.S.
March 29 Good Friday
Dates of Note February Black History Month
February 10 Lunar New Year
February 14 Valentine’s Day
February 19 – 23 Maine Winter School Break
March 4 – 8 March Break, N.B.
March 8 International Women’s Day
March 10 – April 9 Ramadan
March 11 – 15 March Break, N.S.
March 17 St Patrick’s Day
March 25 – 29 March Break, P.E.I.
Team-building lunch at Dieppe
April 1 – 5 March Break, N.L.
March 31 Easter Sunday
April 1 April Fool’s Day
April 1 – 5 Easter Break, N.L.
April 19 – 21 Saltscapes Spring Expo
Our Dieppe, N.B., location is always happy to showcase to visitors what they do to and sometimes they even include lunch. On this day our Dieppe team was joined by Sean Murray, Jill Murray, Cathy Brown-McLean, Melanie Langille, Doug Harrison, and Mike LeBlanc. The equipment photos are a new Konica digital printer and an Xante envelope printer in Dieppe.
DIVERSITY ATLANTIC Award
DIVERSITY ATLANTIC Award
The Diversity Atlantic Awards, presented by TD and Advocate took place this fall, with seven made-right-here winners from throughout Atlantic Canada. Our four provinces are full of innovative companies looking to amplify diversity and inclusion
through their work and we are happy to celebrate those accomplishments. Watch for more details on the winners and their stories in all Advocate Media publications, including the next issue of Saltscapes and at diversityatlanticawards.com.
2023 Winners INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY CATEGORY Door2Door Pickup Couriers Saint John, N.B.
Door2Door Pickup Couriers
Following its establishment, Door2Door Pickup Couriers has established itself as a pioneering force in the logistics industry. As a result of staying true to its core values and promoting inclusivity, the company has become a social enterprise. For that reason, it is championing sustainability, diversity and excellence in everything they do. NON-CONSUMPTIVE RETAIL CATEGORY Mokami Status of Women Council (AKA Thrifty Fashions) Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L.
Mokami Status of Women Council
MSWC is an organization that not only advocates, educates and provides free programs and services, but also supports and empowers women and gender diverse individuals. With this purpose in mind, they operate three main programs: The MSWC Women’s Centre, MSWC’s Supportive Living Program and Thrifty Fashions. PLAEX Building Systems Inc. Dieppe, N.B.
PLAEX Building Systems Inc.
PLAEX Building Systems Inc believes that diverse perspectives are crucial in driving innovation and developing sustainable solutions. As a result of their innovative products and inclusive practices, they demonstrate daily how diversity and sustainability go hand in hand.
Canadian Black Women in Excellence Society Halifax, N.S.
Canadian Black Women in Excellence Society
Canadian Black Women in Excellence is a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering and supporting Black women entrepreneurs. Their mission is to foster economic growth, facilitate equitable opportunities, and simultaneously amplify the voices of Black women in business within Canada all while continuously providing resources and mentorship. CONSUMPTIVE RETAIL CATEGORY
Teapothecary
Lou Pécou Pizzeria Halifax, N.S.
Lou Pecou is committed to fostering a workplace that promotes both, diversity and inclusivity, as well as equal opportunities for all. This results in a team reflecting its diverse community. The positive work culture enhances creativity and innovation by incorporating different perspectives, ideas and experiences into their unique menu. Teapothecary* New Glasgow, N.S. As a queer-owned business, the Teapothecary is highly inclusive. Above all, the team prioritizes BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ community members during its recruitment process. For the purpose of creating a comfortable, welcoming workspace for everyone, they encourage expression and identity in a manner that fosters belonging. Mary’s African Cuisine Halifax, N.S. Surely Mary’s has hired people from India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and Ukraine, plus many Canadians and Africans. Regardless of not having a particular diversity program, she sees her restaurant space as inclusive to people of all backgrounds, religions and identities. She continues to hold a positive attitude despite having faced exclusion challenges in her past.
*The Advocate team recently learned a fire gutted the former church that was Wanda White’s home and place of business. Wanda, her family, and pets all escaped, but a lifetime of cherished possessions were lost. On behalf of Advocate and our Diversity Awards partners, we share our sadness for this tremendous loss. Wanda’s friends have set up a Go Fund Me campaign. gofund.me/e1071c26
Report from the sales deck By Tom Badger Continuing our GOCS strategy and journey, the team gathered in Moncton, N.B., to review our go-to-market sales strategy. We explored the changing dynamics of our competitive landscape, overcomingobjections, navigating and understanding the four personas of buyers, and how to make our best approach for what unique buyers value most, overcoming objections while identifying resonant opportunities. We also reviewed key target enterprise growth opportunities, aiming to produce unique presentation pieces to deliver to these businesses to secure opportunities for detailed GOCS conversations, including Leader Vision Atlantic for 2024. We overviewed the enhanced branding strategy, with operations providing an update on challenges in our manufacturing process, future opportunities, and progress thus far. Finally, we had an idea session to identify unique Advocate opportunities for clients and new prospecting opportunities. Operations updated the team on work to improve efficiency, accuracy, and quality.
MEET A TEAM MEMBER
Grade 9s at work
Patricia Gallant Position: Pre-press/Digital Operator Start date: November 2022 Hobbies: Aquarium keeping has become a passion for me, I love aquascapes and black water biotopes. I’ve currently downgraded to six fish tanks ranging from 5 gallons to 125 gallons. I raise and breed shrimp to support the hobby. Recent reads: Cinderella ate my daughter. A book on the pink price tag. Guilty pleasures: The Golden Girls. Favourite Quotes: “Don’t judge someone because they sin differently than you do.” Favourite food: Medium rare steak and mushrooms. Would like to meet: An experienced sock knitter.
Our “2023 Grade 9 Bring a Student to Work” day was a hit with students touring Pictou, N.S., and Eastern Sign Print. From left to right: Destiny Silver (daughter of Cody Silver, Pictou), Reese Butler (brother of former employee Dawson Butler, Pictou), Alexis Langille (daughter of Melanie Langille, Pictou)
Eastern Sign holiday social
Dieppe celebrates the holidays in style!
Environmental Poll: What are you doing at home and at work to help the environment? Share your tips and changes you’ve made. Email: jillmurray@advocateprinting.com
Our Halifax gang gets social over the holidays!
St. Stephen gets in the holiday spirit
Pictou Plant holiday social
Yes! It takes a village. Be a part of our next issue: Submission Date: March 15 Next issue: April Contact info: Jill Murray, Director of Marketing & Communications Phone: 902-455-2870 ext. 1818 902-499-9697 Email: jillmurray@advocateprinting.com
Advocate holiday party