Black to Business – Issue 47 – Summer 2010

The Periodical of the Black Business Initiative

Judge Glenda Hatchett Summit Keynote Also in this Issue • Summit Summaries • Trailblazing Chefs Summer 2010 u Number 47

“A dynamic and vibrant Black presence within the Nova Scotia Business Community.”

Black to Business

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Message from the Board of Directors

Message from the Board

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Message from the Chief Executive Officer

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COVER STORY SUMMIT SUMMARIES, Luncheon Keynotes

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Mama D’s Cheesecakes and Catering

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New BBI Staff Emma Otuki

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Glitterati Communications Duane Jones

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Aberdeen Tours Jonathan Duru

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TRAILBLAZERS Chef Trailblazers

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YOUTH ON THE MOVE Marissa Walter

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Black Business Summit 2010 SUMMIT SUMMARIES

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People & Business on the Move

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Wyse Photography Russell Wyse

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CULTURE BEAT Chelsea Nisbett

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OUT & ABOUT WITH THE BBI

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NEW FEATURE

The Law and Your Business

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Business & Community Events

BC

Regional Reports Business Development

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Central

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Northern

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Southern

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Training Report

Cassandra Dorrington, Chair, Black Business Initiative Paul Adams

In this Issue

Ask The BBI

Summer 2010

Now, while most organizations may be able to duplicate the four basic ingredients, our most important ingredient has been and continues to be a leader who has unbridled passion and energy. Much thanks to Rustum Southwell, BBI CEO, for his dedication and commitment to the organization since its inception.

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s many of you know the Black Business Initiative (BBI) has been in operation since 1996. While aware of BBI in general terms, not until I began my term in 2001, did I become intimately familiar with the BBI the organization and its recipe for success. What I learned was really quite eye-opening.

The BBI concept, while not new, drew its success from its mixture of key ingredients:

Ingredient Number One: A skilled and committed team of staff and board members.

Ingredient Number Two: A Strategic Plan inclusive of a Communication Plan Ingredient Number Three: Documented policies and practices Ingredient Number Four: Ongoing feedback, evaluation and revision as required Black to Business is the official periodical of The Black Business Initiative and is published quarterly spring, summer, fall, and winter. Its goal is to support the BBI as it fosters a dynamic and vibrant Black presence within the Nova Scotia Business Community.

Mailed under Canada Post Publications Mail Sales Agreement no. 0040026687

For Advertising Information, Rates, Submitting Story Ideas, Notices or Community Events, or for More Information, call: 902-426-2224

As many of you may know, this is my last official duty as the BBI Board Chair. Nine years have flown by. During my tenure with BBI, I have met and worked with a team of incredible people. Every time I thought we had the ultimate team, things changed and I continue to be amazed at the depth of talent in our community.

I am so proud to have been part of an organization that has spawned such projects as the Community Garden and Constructing the Future to name but two. As my time draws to a close, I stand tall, having been part of an organization that has been integral to the development and growth of a number of aspiring Black entrepreneurs.

To my fellow board members, and BBI staff, it has been my pleasure working with you, and I look forward to my future role as an ongoing friend and tireless advocate of BBI.

Cassandra Dorrington, Chair

The Black Business Initiative Centennial Building Suite 1201,1660 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1V7 Phone: 902-426-2224 Fax: 902-426-8699 Toll Free: 1-888-664-9333 E-Mail: bbi@bbi.ns.ca Web Site: www.bbi.ca Published by: the Black Business Initiative Editor in Chief: Rustum Southwell Design & Layout: Design North Production by: Mirabliss Media Productions Cover Photographs: Contributed and Paul Adams

Black to Business

Summer 2010

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Message From the Chief Executive Officer

Peter Marsman

S. I. Rustum Southwell

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his being a biennial summit year meant that May and June were extremely busy.

We cannot help but to commend the efforts of our staff team and the volunteer Board of Directors for their hard work. After we had our formal Annual General Meeting earlier on June 4, it was on to the activities of the Business Summit itself.

A few things had changed from previous years. The Business Is Jammin’ (BIJ) Charity took over the golf tournament, and the opening reception was moved to Thursday morning. But the main program, put together by Shakara Russell and the program committee, is still getting rave reviews.

The theme this year was “The Race to Business Success.” From the opening plenary session with Mike Duck and Sean O’Regan and the “Create Your Own Economy” panel, the tone was set for the next two days. By the time Judge Glenda Hatchett had raised the emotional bar to such a height only the Vendor Fair, sponsored by Michelin, and the ever popular boat cruise could relax everyone enough to get their feet back to earth and on solid ground. Day two on Friday was no different. The two local panels, the second keynote speech with writer Omar Tyree, and, of course, our own Bizshow with guest host Charla Williams was a good build up

to the finale at the Gala that evening.

A full report is in this issue.

During a break at the Business Summit, I spoke briefly with the incoming BBI Chair Greg Browning.

He reiterated what he had said at the traditional Bizshow closing of the summit. “Our impact was especially significant this year at the opening ceremony, where Her Honour, the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, Mayann Francis, Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development, African Nova Scotian Affairs, and Tourism, and Funmi Joseph, Manager, Community Economic Development at Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, were the platform dignitaries bringing greetings, and they are all from the African Canadian community.

Fourteen years ago, none of these representatives were Black.”

The passion and pride in Greg’s voice is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. And yet, it is no different from the sentiments of Hector Jacques, the first Black Business Initiative Chair, who places his role with the BBI in the top 10 of his many lifetime achievements; or Gordon Tynes who, as the second Chair, wishes to be remembered for the role he played in the early stages of the initiative, and other Board Chairs and Board members who have played a significant role in our development and wish that it be noted in our history. We now count nine past Board members as honourary lifetime Board members after serving nine uninterrupted years on the BBI Board. If you are counting, that is a combined 81 years of service.

Impressive!

No entity is more important than our Board team and in particular our past Chairperson of the past four years, Cassandra Dorrington. As she ends her term, the current direction of the organization will be a legacy to her hard work, leadership and talent. Both she and former Vice Chair Joseph Parris, also at the end of his term, will

be remembered for their doggedness and persistence in establishing and implementing BBI’s composite business model. They are now the newest members of the lifetime club.

Success is not final. If we acted as if it this were the case and rested on our achievements, we would be unable to challenge ourselves to continue to thrive for excellence. As a result of the BBI’s insistence on excellence in quality operations, this year’s summit was one of the best organized events we have ever delivered.

Tracey Thomas and her sister Vivian Dixon, of Dynamic Results Event Management, teamed up with the new BBI Executive Assistant Emma Otuki and the entire BBI team to deliver a top notch summit. We carry that philosophy over to our organization and our staff and clients.

This is evident in the two companies recognized for excellence this year.

Simmons Paving, a North Preston paving company, won the Hector Jacques Award of Business Excellence and Juice Eh!, a quick service health food restaurant owned by Donna Gaskin and Jeanne Jones, won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Success is not final.

If we acted as if it this were the case and rested on our achievements, we would be unable to challenge ourselves to continue to thrive for excellence.

Failure is not fatal: We do not profess to be without fault but our effort is to run the strategic race in the business community and continue to show leadership so we can create continued on page 8 >

Black to Business

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SUMMIT SUMMARIES Staff Reports Photography: Paul Adams

LUNCHEONS From the moment “The Judge” walked on stage she showed us why she is a leader in the United States justice system. This small but mighty woman proved that she is a giant in the youth justice sector. Through her fiery mannerism, compelling voice, and no-nonsense stance Judge Glenda Hatchett weaved through her life and years of experience with stories that captured our hearts and even had the audience giving back a few “Amen’s.”

Hatchett took us through her early childhood upbringing and the lessons her mother and father instilled in her. As in most Black communities, the church played a vital role in the upbringing of children and the Judge still lives by wisdom given to her by a church elder; before obtaining her law degree, before becoming the highest ranking African American woman with Delta Airlines in the legal and public relations departments, before being appointed Georgia’s first African American chief presiding judge of the largest juvenile court system, before starring in her own award-winning nationally syndicated television series, she was told, “Baby … Run On!”

contributed

She spoke to the audience about how she sums up her path in life as a definition of: PURPOSE & PASSION. She spoke about the struggle she went through deciding to make the move from corporate life to the public sector and bluntly added, “I can’t lie, I was doing VERY well, life was good, the paycheque was GOOD!” But during her first week on the job, nine days to be exact, her first case – an eight-year-old child dropped off by a drug-addicted mother and still awaiting her return months later – confirmed for her, her purpose and passion and that she indeed made the right choice. That first case also led to an uncommon gesture in the courtroom, one that Hatchett carried to her television show – coming down off the bench and hugging the youth that appear in her court.

With her years of experience overseeing youth court cases the Judge shared with the audience some vital parenting advice and the need to get away from wanting to be your child’s best friend. The Judge said that what children want and need today is structure, rules, parameters, a parent. She added that in life they will have enough friends and we, as parents and those who work in youth services, need to understand this and in the end be the parent: “Say what you mean and mean what you say!”

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Summer 2010

The audience was moved to tears by the end of her presentation. Most of the questions from the audience were comments on their gratefulness for someone of the Judge’s stature delivering the message of how important it is to give back to our youth and be mentors to them.

Greg Browning, Judge Glenda Hatchett, Cassandra Dorrington, Conference Chair

From Judge Glenda Hatchett we learned what is most important is that we nurture and develop our youth.

Assist them in finding their passion and that will lead to them finding their purpose and guarantee we will reach them before it’s too late.

The audience may have been asking themselves how an award-winning, national bestselling author of Urban Fiction books came up with a mathematical formula for business success, but in the true spirit of an entrepreneur, Omar Tyree shared with us how the two are intertwined.

Tyree said after an injury prevented him from furthering his football career during his first year at Howard University, he “stumbled” upon other means to get notoriety. He observed that he excelled in his writing assignments in class, which led to his stories being submitted to the school newspaper, which then led to recognition and admiration from classmates and girls, and the thought occurred to him that he could make a successful name for Omar Tyree.

What he also came to notice was a lack in fictional literature featuring Black culture genres that he grew up in: hip-hop, disco, urban, etc. Over 21 years, 19 books, multiple literary awards, film deals, and a book deal with the No. 1 business publisher in the world, Omar told the audience he learned how to take his love and make an empire of it.

Omar Tyree, keynote luncheon speaker

Taking us through his “4 Indisputable Components of Business Success,” Omar discussed how they work not only in business but also in life itself. Set out in four factors – love, art, support, and business – the audience came to realize you don’t have to be a genius at math to understand and implement the equation: L/A*S=B. Tyree spoke about the four factors of his equation and the five elements that underlie each main one. He talked about “L” representing love, and finding out what you love to do and making that your business venture. The next factor “A” relates to art, and how part of being a successful entrepreneur is taking what you love to do and becoming highly skilled at it, making it your art. Clients and customers will seek you out and come back, if you are the best at what you do.

Then Omar explained the third factor, “S”, represents support and how it is important to find personal and professional support for your business. Part of this includes developing marketing tools to grow that customer base – i.e. packages (offers that feature buy one, get one free), discounts, appearances, etc. All of this leads to support for your business.

The fourth and final factor, “B”, stands for Business. If you apply the other three factors it will equal big business and, as Omar excitedly stated, “going to the bank!”

Finally, he stressed the fact that he applies this to his life as well and uses this concept to motivate youth.

He lives with the mantra that all he has is his name – Omar Tyree. He owes it to himself and others to make sure he uses that name with the best of intentions and make it successful and “Keep people’s mind focused on: Omar Tyree, Omar Tyree, Omar Tyree…” more Summit Summaries on page 15 >

Black to Business

Summer 2010

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Mama D’s

Cheesecakes and Catering

Charlene Davis

Paul Adams

more and and thought, “I think I can sell these.”

Mama D’s Cheesecakes and Catering is named in memory of Hinch’s mother, Dorothy. Hinch says she was a great baker, and an inspiration: “She did a mean chowder, mean mean, mean peanut butter cookies.”

Hinch’s love for creating in the kitchen grew from “watching her [mother] bake and cook away.”

Virginia Hinch, Mama D’s

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irginia Hinch spends many evenings a week in her kitchen. She prays and asks God for guidance.

She puts Mary J. Blige on the stereo. “There’s just something about her, she calms me,” Hinch says with a laugh, and then she creates some of the most delectable cheesecakes the North End has to offer.

About three years ago, one of Hinch’s friends called her up and asked her to order a cheesecake for the friend’s birthday. Hinch did, but shocked at how expensive it was, she decided to start experimenting with recipes herself. As she worked on perfecting the cheesecakes, she realized she loved it, wanted to do

Hinch recently expanded her business to include catering events. She has a staff of around six for those events, and will make just about whatever the client requests rather than sticking to a set menu.

with her plans to open what she’s considering calling The Cheesecake Café. She wants to bring a trendy jazz café to the North End, where people in her community won’t have to go far from home to get the upscale vibe she feels the area is missing. She hopes to create an atmosphere where people can enjoy a glass of wine, some good music, and, of course, cheesecake, as well as other items. Hinch says her major hurdles to realizing this dream are not having a strong business plan and finding the funding to start the café, but she has confidence that with God’s help she’ll get over those obstacles.

Hinch says she “used to be cheesecake crazy,” but with all the testing she’s required to do with new recipes, she’s had to cut back some – and do a lot of power walking. But her love of creation hasn’t wavered. She takes making cheesecakes seriously; she’ll forego using an electric mixer to use a handheld one, making sure she gets the perfect consistency.

She says, “It’s decadent, it’s just so smooth and creamy, I fell in love with” cheesecake. She wants to pass that love onto her customers. She wants people to come back and say, “This is awesome, this is good!” She wants her business to grow.

Since Hinch has taken on this challenge, she says the feedback has been extremely positive for both the cheesecakes and catering, and that the community has been very supportive. She says, “I can’t thank [the community] enough.” As well as individual support, Alteregos Café & Catering purchases cheesecake for their café, and before she worked at her current job, her previous employers at Scotia Pharmachoice also supported her business efforts.

Hinch has a fulltime day job she enjoys outside of Mama D’s, but she’d like the time to fulfill her business dreams. Mama D’s is a ‘word of mouth’ business at the moment, but Hinch hopes that will soon change

Virginia Hinch

877-2946

virginahinch@hotmail.com

Black to Business BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

REPORT

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New BBI Staff

CEDIF: Invest in Nova Scotia The Fund held its 7th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, June 3, in Halifax. David Eisnor joined the board as the treasurer following the resignation of Idy Fashoranti. Idy has been the treasurer since creation of the fund and has served extremely well. Though resigned from the treasurer’s position, Idy has agreed to continue to prepare all the Fund’s financial information.

Constructing The Future Phase II of the CTF program started on March 29th with 25 participants who were successful in the application, interview and assessment process. The location for the delivery of the program is the Leeds Street Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College. Given our very positive and successful relationship with Joel Marsman last year, we retained him as our Program Coordinator.

To date, the participants have completed the personal development phase, numerous safety certification trainings by the NS Safety Association, and hands-on carpentry and electrical training by the Community College.

Participants have also had a successful one-week job placement.

We are very pleased with the progress of the participants so far. We feel interviewing the applicants helped to improve the quality of the intake, and also that the class room facility on the college campus creates a positive environment for the participants.

This 40-week program is run in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Workforce Development and the Community College. It aims to increase the participation of working-age trades people in the mainstream economy of Nova Scotia.

ADEPA We have had a steady influx of work and continue to develop solid partnerships to leverage these opportunities. Interested contractors should contact Gordon Tynes at 468-0606 to discuss partnership opportunities.

As always, please feel free to call me at 426-6985 if you have any questions or plan to invest.

REGIONAL REPORT

Central Njabulo Nkala

Gordon Doe

Just like its portfolio size, the Fund’s impact continues to grow. To date, the Fund has made 10 investments in six different companies to the tune of $774,400. The Fund is focusing on nontraditional businesses to diversify its portfolio, so call me at 426-6985 if you have a business opportunity and would require some investment capital. We are pleased to note that some of our investments are beginning to generate the kind of long-term returns that shareholders expect.

Summer 2010

Emma Otuki

Executive Assistant Emma Otuki was born in Kampala, Uganda and relocated to Fredericton, NB at the age of 12. She moved to NS in 2000 and completed high school. She graduated from Saint Mary’s University in 2007 with a double major in International Development Studies and Political Science.

Previous to working at the BBI, she worked at a consulting company as a Trade Development Manager where she was instrumental in the planning of two trade missions, one incoming and another outgoing from India. In that position she also assisted Nova Scotian companies in expanding and targeting international markets.

Emma volunteers with several organizations. She’s the Accommodations Lead for the 2011 Canada Games to be held in Halifax in February 2011.

She also volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Canadian Crossroads International, and Mission to Seafarers.

Emma looks forward to working at the BBI to assist the African NS community achieve their business goals locally or internationally.

The race to be the most profitable and most successful in your chosen line of business is on and things are heating up. Proof? The BBI’s Black Business Summit. The event was a great success, bringing together a mixture of vibrant, entertaining and motivating speakers and participants from the USA and Canada.

For me, it was also an opportunity to meet more of BBI’s clients and partners from the Central region.

On the subject of successful events Trade Team Nova Scotia also held a successful export trade rally in Truro during spring. Various import and export businesses from the Colchester region participated along with key players from the province, providing a wealth of networking opportunities for businesses.

However, I would have liked to have seen more Black-owned businesses from the region participate. Therefore I take this opportunity to encourage business owners to be pro-active in seeking and participating in such future events as they provide unique opportunities to meet potential customers, suppliers and partners.

On a different note, I would like to announce that this will be my last regional report as the Central region’s RBDM. Effective immediately, I will be taking over the Northern region and Shakara Russell will be the RBDM for Central. Shakara is quite knowledgeable and well able, and is looking forward to hearing from clients and partners in this region. She can be reached at (902) 426-6692 or via email Russell.shakara@ bbi.ns.ca .

Finally, I have enjoyed working with my clients in this region and wish you all a wonderful summer and success in your race.

For any inquiries, additional information, suggestions and comments please contact me at (902) 426-4281 or by e-mail at: Nkala.Njabulo@bbi.ns.ca

Black to Business

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Glitterati Communications Peter Marsman

a degree in Communication Design, got married here and decided to pursue a career in Canada. But striking out on his own wasn’t the first thing on his mind.

“I never had any intention of being an entrepreneur,” he says. “I wanted Duane Jones, Glitterati Communications to work for a big-time agency in a big city, live uane Jones may spethe life you see on TV — the ‘Mad cialize in graphic deMen’ kind of thing.”

D

sign, but he knows the power of words too. So when it came time to name his communications firm, he wanted something that would stand out.

‘Glitterati’ certainly does just that.

“The Glitterati are the leaders of society, fashionable folks, celebrities, et cetera,” Jones says. “It’s the combination of the words glitter and literati — well-educated, literate people. My intention is to help my clients appear to be the Glitterati of their respective fields.”

The Bermuda-born Jones grew up wanting to be a comic-book illustrator. “I just wanted to do what I was getting good grades in, and that was art,” he says.

A teacher pointed him toward graphic design. He studied for two years at Bermuda College, where an instructor suggested he check out the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. He came to Halifax, earned

But when a job opportunity in Toronto didn’t pan out, he came back to Halifax and joined a group starting a nightlife magazine called NXET. “That was really the first time I’d seen entrepreneurship,” he says.

“I got to see what it took to build something from an idea to an actual company that had employees and made money.”

Chad Lucas

design are his main strengths, he also works with words. He’s a regular contributor to UGSMag, a publication devoted to the independent hip-hop scene.

“I get a lot of my inspiration from that music,” he says.

Jones has done design for groups as diverse as the BBI, Event Specialists, Vespa Halifax and Ujamaa — an initiative of the Greater Halifax Partnership.

Like many entrepreneurs, Jones balances his solo work with a full-time job and a growing family. It’s a challenge, he says, but it’s worth it.

“It gives me a certain fulfillment,” he says. “With Glitterati I know I’m in control of every element and I’m taking it in whatever direction I want.”

Jones is also keen on mentoring other young Black designers. A Toronto art director once told him that there weren’t a lot of Black men working in graphic design, and he shouldn’t be surprised if he struggled to find a job for that reason.

NXET eventually folded, though it planted the seed of entrepreneurship for Jones. When he couldn’t find another job right away, he decided to start Glitterati in 2006.

“I wasn’t offended by it; I actually appreciated his candidness,” Jones says. “But I want to reach out to other young designers and artists.

I had some people help me out and others ignore me, but I think it’s important to have good role models.”

The company is mostly a oneman operation, though Jones occasionally teams with partners for projects such as web design. While art direction and graphic

Duane Jones 220 3043 www.beglitterati.com

Black to Business

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Message from the CEO

continued from page 2

the economy we wish to sustain. The recent period of economic depression, market fear, uncertainty and negativity has been most difficult. As the business climate is laden with doubt and low confidence, every sinew of business acuity is needed to get through this period. However, as always, throughout modern economic history, the only way out is to go forward, and that path will be led by the best entrepreneurs, scientists, innovators, inventors, and business leaders.

To those who have served in the past and others who are currently serving, thanks for helping in this honourable mission. To people, like Roselyne Orengo, who have gone on to other opportunities we say thank you and so long, and welcome others, like Emma Otuki, with new hope and energy.

It is the courage to continue that counts. If twenty years ago marketplace productivity was the ultimate goal, today’s business success depends largely on how fast businesses react to new situations and the ability of the

For information on business opportunities with Encana’s Deep Panuke natural gas development in Nova Scotia’s offshore, visit the Deep Panuke pages on the Encana website at www.encana.com/deeppanuke/business

www.encana.com

entrepreneur or manager to quickly align resources and overcome challenges, such as competitors, social responsibility and environmental constraints, in the shortest time possible.

The future belongs to businesses able to quickly identify best opportunities while embracing innovation in advance of the competition. Business leaders need a fast strategic transformation in order to survive. The importance of making the correct decisions in a timely fashion is reflected in the 2010 Black Business Summit theme: “Race to Business Success”.

The BBI prides itself on being part of the solution. We will stay in the race because we cannot stop now.

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

– Winston Churchill

S.I. Rustum Southwell, CEO

For information on employment opportunities at Deep Panuke, visit the Careers section on Encana’s website at www.encana.com or the Career Beacon website at www.careerbeacon.com

Summer 2010

REGIONAL REPORT Northern

Cheyanne

Gorman-

Tolliver

There have been an increased number of inquiries from new and existing clients in the Northern Region and it is especially pleasing to see a resurgence of new Black entrepreneurs in the area.

Congratulations to new client Corey Katz and the start of his business, Corey Katz Photography, in New Waterford. Corey will provide full photographic services to clients all over Cape Breton; for more information on this young entrepreneur check out his feature in the BIJ 10th Anniversary Special Issue Magazine out now view his passion first hand at www. coreykatzphotography.com Also congratulations on the development of the African Mandela Spirit Garden in Glace Bay. Partnering with the Glace Bay UNIA, community members and youth have now moved to Phase II of their community garden. Sponsored through BIJ and The Rolling Phones, the youth-run garden will expose young people to concepts around healthy eating, food production, volunteerism, and entrepreneurship. The grand opening of the garden is August 13th 2010. For details please contact the BIJ Youth Coordinator Lindsay MacDonald at 902-842-5389.

This will be my last regional report as I transition into the role of Acting Director of Client Development with the BBI. I would like to thank everyone in the Northern Region for their support, guidance, and cooperation over the last couple of years. All new requests and clients will be handled by Njabulo Nkala. He can be reached at 426-4281.

If you have any questions regarding BBI/BIJ services please contact me at 426-8685, toll free at 1-888-664-9333 or by email at gorman-tolliver. cheyanne@bbi.ns.ca

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Aberdeen Tours

Sunjay Mathuria

from file

lost family member. At the end of the day, to drop them off to their point of destination, it’s very emotional.”

Many of Duru’s clients visit Nova Scotia in search of some Cabot Trail, one of the many tours available from Aberdeen Tours sort of ancestral connection, and lucky for them, Aberdeen ffering guided exBus Tours is the place to start lookcursions through ing.

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the vibrant cultural tapestries of Nova Scotia, an Aberdeen bus tour is certainly something you’ll want to consider for your next holiday. And Jonathan Duru, the owner of Aberdeen Bus Tours, promises the trip will be so much more than sightseeing.

What sets Aberdeen apart from other tourist companies is the personal touch. It is currently a oneman show – Duru himself takes his clients through the hidden gems of Nova Scotia.

“We keep to a smaller group. A lot of the time we have a group of two or three,” says Duru, who has been in the tourist industry for 15 years.

During these seven- or eight-hour day trips, Duru really gets to know his clients, making goodbyes especially difficult.

“You have the same group for the whole day and it’s almost like a

Duru’s tours are truly one of a kind -- no other tourist company in Nova Scotia offers similar services.

Running a business on his own is tough sometimes, but Duru hopes to expand in the coming years, with more vehicles and other people working with him. He notes that the first few years of starting a business are always difficult, but says with “time, perseverance, and a lot of praying, you will be fine.”

Business aside, Duru is doing what he loves most – meeting new people, making memories, and sharing his province, Nova Scotia.

And his clients love it, too.

Duru, whose mother is Jewish, started Aberdeen Bus Tours so he could showcase the diversity of Nova Scotia. His services include Black historic tours, a Jewish heritage tour, as well as Mi’kmaq and Acadian tours.

“I do a lot of cultural tours. The diversity of Nova Scotia is quite extensive. You don’t have this in other parts of Canada. It’s unique for Nova Scotia,” he says. “I just want to show Nova Scotia and let other people know that there are other cultures here too, not just Scottish or English.”

“If not for the positive feedback, I would not be in the business.

At the end of the day, you feel like you’re doing something as a human being. Knowing that I’m doing something that makes someone happy gives me satisfaction.”

Just recently, Duru received a call from a woman in the United States of Acadian descent who is hoping to plan a trip to Nova Scotia, the place her ancestors are from.

“The fact that someone all the way from Louisiana can call me and ask ‘Can you please take me to so and so place because that’s where my ancestors are from originally’ makes me very happy to take them, so they can relate what happened to their ancestors.”

Jonathan Duru

209-3355 / 850-3377 info@aberdeentours.ca www.aberdeenbustours.ca

Black to Business

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Question

L

Is there much Green in the green economy?

Featured Expert: Njabulo Nkala,

Regional Business Development Manager

Greening of the economy refers to the process of reconfiguring businesses and infrastructure to deliver better returns on natural, human and economic capital investments, while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions, extracting and using fewer natural resources, creating less waste and reducing social disparities. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) is an initiative of the United Nations that is spearheading this global drive. The UNEP defines the green economy as an economic model that focuses investments and spending towards a range of sectors, such as clean technologies, renewable energies, water services, green transportation, waste management, green buildings, and sustainable agriculture and forests.

In line with this initiative, world governments are creating legislation and programs that promote greening of their economies and long term energy sustainability. Heavy capital investment in sustainability initiatives is being made worldwide, with $162 billion invested in green energies in 2009. The U.S., for example, aims to have wind energy supply 20 percent of all its energy requirements by 2030. In Canada, both federal and provincial governments have legislation in place, such as the Nova Scotia Environmental Goals & Sustainable Prosperity Act, as well as programs and initiatives to encourage companies to go green. Industry Canada estimates that the green or renewable energy sector will create over 13,000 new jobs by

2012, generating more than $10 billion in revenues, which is only a fraction of the cross-sector benefits of the green economy.

Green programs and initiatives aimed at small to medium scale enterprises or businesses (SME’s) include incentives, consultation services, networking and certification. Nova Scotia has invested over $42.5 million in the ecoNova Scotia for Clean Air and Climate Change initiative that’s meant to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants. Grants of up to $17 million have been made available for projects that show direct pollution reductions. The federal government has put in place a number of programs that offer resources and expertise to companies that are looking to go green.

These include the ecoENERGY Retrofit program and the Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation that assists businesses that are looking to green their facilities or implement green ideas. Other jurisdictions in Canada have similar programs in place that are also aimed at SMEs. The push by governments, businesses and individuals to become green is creating potential for making profits.

For SMEs the benefit from the green economy is two-fold. The first benefit comes from the ability to identify opportunities where going green can either improve operations or give access to resources and incentive programs.

This may range from savings that will come from improved efficiencies in the supply chain through use of more environmentally friendly technologies, such as energy-efficient warehouses and use of biodiesel in transportation to identifying programs that offer government incentives to go green. Long-run sav-

ings from going green greatly exceed the cost of going green today, hence profits for the company in the long run. For example, businesses that deal in perishable goods could save over 35 percent of inventory costs with better storage technologies that reduce spoilage.

The other benefit will come from being a direct participant of the green economy.

These may range from strategically positioning to be part of a construction boom that results from economic shift, to the creation of energy-efficient technologies, improved water supply strategies, and better waste management solutions. In the construction industry, there is a push towards making energy efficient buildings. A general contractor may be able to benefit in the long run by moving towards using efficient technologies today. Another company may consider, for example, replacing less environmentally friendly asphalt for paving with water-based coal equivalents that are friendlier to the environment and more durable. A manufacturer can benefit from investing in research and development to come up with energy-efficient building materials, such as windows that lower heat loss and other energy serving tools, or seeking out cheaper cleaner energy sources. In the transportation sector, investing in vehicles that use environmentally friendly fuels, such as biodiesel or flexi-fuel, will have longterm benefits of reduced operational costs. In waste management, companies like Halifax-based Bin Doctor are leading the charge by creating innovative waste management solutions for businesses and homes.

While these are just a few examples, the green economy is definitely opening limitless number of profit-making opportunities for SMEs. This will definitely grow as more is invested in sustainability strategies. SMEs should explore all the opportunities in order to gain.

The answer to the question “Is there much green in the green economy” is yes, there is lots of green waiting for innovative businesses to explore.

Black to Business

More than fishcakes and chowder, these east coast chefs tantalize taste buds with freshpicked ingredients, African inspired recipes and new twists on classic maritime dishes.

Gregory Adolphe-Nazaire

Peter Marsman

Chefs

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Michelle Gorman

C

hef Michelle Gorman says the theme at The Wooden Monkey restaurant is “local.”

“I have about 40 different suppliers and farmers that I deal with – all local,” says Gorman. “[The] artwork on the wall is [by] a local artist, Brooks Kind. [And] our bar is made of wood from [trees that fell during] Hurricane Juan.”

The Whitney Pier-native graduated from the Nova Scotia Community College’s culinary program in 2007.

Since coming to The Wooden Monkey in downtown Halifax as a line cook in 2009 she’s worked her way up to a Head Chef position, not long after earning her Red Seal Certification earlier this year.

“I can honestly say we’re probably one of the [few] restaurants with a conscience,” says Gorman of The Wooden Monkey, which offers several vegan and gluten-free options on its menu. “The Sysco truck doesn’t show up here, so we know where our food is coming from. We know our farmers … we see how our chickens are

Senator Donald Oliver

fed, where they’re kept, how they’re grown, where they sleep…”

“There’s no spraying, no pesticides, none of that stuff,” she adds. “We want you to leave happy and full, but we also want you to feel good and be healthy.”

Gorman says working at The Wooden Monkey has changed her approach to cooking overall.

“Before I started working here, like anybody else I’d go to Sobeys and Superstore and purchase my stuff.

Now I get my vegetables from the local Vegetorium. And I also purchase my meat and my fish at the market on Saturday mornings.”

Apart from working to keep her customers healthy, Gorman says her attitude towards food extends home to her family.

“We gotta take care of our children, right? They’re gonna be here a long time. So if I can instill these guidelines in [my daughter], maybe it’ll make her life a little bit longer.”

“

Y

ou must choose fresh food; you must not overcook it; you must garnish it attractively; you must balance the meal; you must serve an appropriate wine.” (From Men Can Cook Too, 1981) Since publishing his first cookbook Men Can Cook Too nearly three decades ago, Senator Donald Oliver says he still lives – and cooks – by those early “culinary commandments.”

“Cooking is easy, if you just follow a few simple things,” says Senator Oliver, who has his own Queens County farm full of fresh berries, herbs and vegetables. “I‘ve got beet greens and spinach and asparagus… all of those things are fresh. And when you walk out to the garden

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and pick them, lightly steam them, put a little salt and pepper on them and serve them, people think they’ve died and gone to heaven.

And these principles… the best chefs in the world will tell you these principles are the key to fine cooking.”

Senator Oliver’s next literary project is called Black Folks Chicken.

It’s inspired by his travels on the African continent and honours “the tremendous contribution that Africa has made to modern contemporary cuisines,” with a focus on traditional ways of preparing chicken. And while Senator Oliver has traveled extensively and studied the culinary arts privately in Italy and also at Le Cordon Bleu in London, he says cooking has always been more of a pastime than a career option for him.

“I used to practice law, and now I’m in the Senate [of Canada] and I’m a deputy speaker,” says Senator Oliver. “And so there’s all kinds of responsibilities in all the jobs that I’ve had. And so when I drive down the farm and I open the gates and I get in the kitchen, I just feel a sigh of relief... I just feel relaxed and free, and I want to let my imagination run to do things that are creative, different, and fun, and have all kinds of different tastes.”

Senator Oliver has hosted dinners at his farm to raise money for charity. He also enjoys preparing and sharing food with friends.

“Cooking is not a job for me,” he says. “Cooking is fun and eating is fun. And cooking and eating should be something that you do with friends – it’s a question of sharing. And I love cooking and sharing good food with good friends, so it’s a social thing for me.”

Peter Marsman

Shauntay Grant

Colin Stone

C

olin Stone sits comfortably in a restaurant booth set against calming blue waves, busy boardwalk dining, and a gentle stream of folks out for an afternoon stroll.

“I don’t think I could work in an office,” says Stone, Executive Chef at Hart & Thistle on the Halifax waterfront. “There’s not enough going on.”

Born and raised in Dartmouth, Stone studied his craft at the Dartmouth Regional Vocational School (now the Nova Scotia Community College Akerley Campus), graduating in 1985. He’s worked in restaurants in Nova Scotia and British Columbia, and is now both executive chef and part owner of two restaurants in Halifax’s Historic Properties – Hart & Thistle (a gastropub & brewery) and O’Carroll’s Restaurant & Irish Pub (which is presently undergoing renovations).

“I make the menu; we make sure the staff understands what goes on; we train; we take apprentices in from

school… the job is a tough job, you have to keep on top of [things].”

Especially in this part of town, where boardwalk dinning and stunning harbour views are an enticing draw for locals and tourists alike looking to sample maritime cuisine.

“Because of where you are, you are handcuffed,” says Stone. “You cannot not have chowder. You cannot not have fish and chips. You make those things the best you can make them because you know that the majority of tourists are gonna have those things.“ Even still, Stone says there’s lots of room for improvisation. “For instance, bacon-wrapped scallops is a pretty basic dish. But because I worked with [the local Italian restaurant] Da Maurizio for so long, I wrap my scallops in prosciutto.”

Stone says reworking an old favorite with thin-sliced Italian ham is what keeps his job exciting. continued on page 13 >

Black to Business Trailblazers - Chefs

13 continued from page 12

“You learn as you go, and you draw from each culture, each experience…” says Stone. “Nothing here is new; there’s no new food. All the food has been around for eons. It’s what you do with that food. And that’s what I love about this job – you’re constantly reinventing yourself and finding new flavors and combinations of things.” contributed

He says his interest in cooking stemmed from being a picky eater as a child. His mother had to prepare different meals for him, but she got to a point where she told him he had to cook for himself.

“I do believe at the age of 12, then after that I was cooking for my whole family,” he remembers.

Nelson Francis by: Tiffany Grant

E

xecutive Chef Nelson Francis prepares delectable meals for highend clientele at the exclusive Halifax Club.

During the Queen’s visit to Halifax, he prepared a lobster dinner for the Prince of Malta. Her Honour Mayann Francis, Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, and various Haligonians have also tasted Chef Francis’ cuisine.

Francis received his culinary training at Nova Scotia Community College, Burridge Campus in Yarmouth. He also studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. He started out as a sous chef at The Halifax Club and was later offered the position of executive chef, a position he has held for 15 years. He previously worked at the Mountain Gap Inn in Smith’s Cove and organized the restaurants for the opening of the Upper Clements Parks.

He also worked at the Prince George Hotel as a line cook for one year before being promoted to banquet chef.

The food offered at The Halifax Club ranges from French to Mediterranean.

For Francis the food must be of high quality, so he uses nothing but AAA Black Angus beef. The food also has to be fresh.

“If it is not fresh, I don’t use it,” he says.

“Always make sure your sauces are not over seasoned, make sure your proteins are not over cooked. It’s all about timing, especially with fish. Everything has to be timed,” he says.

Once a month, Francis shares his expertise with members of the club and their guests by offering a handson-cooking class.

“I go around and explain the different types of food they are using: where it originated from, what it should be used for, how long it should be cooked, the different flavours that you would get out of it at the different temperatures or the different processes [of] cooking it,” he says.

In addition to all this, when he gets a chance, Francis helps the Beechville Baptist Church with their luncheons or dinners and also takes part in the Chefs for UNICEF fundraiser.

Summer 2010

REGIONAL REPORT Southern Greg Nazaire

I would like to highlight Tony Whynder of Global Paving. He is undertaking a vast marketing campaign in an effort to expand his business beyond the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Last spring in Yarmouth, I had the opportunity to meet several representatives from community based organizations along with some prominent members of the African Nova Scotian community in preparation for the new community garden. Following the success of the North-End Community Garden in Halifax, several organizations, notably the Parents’ Place Centre and the Black Employment Resource Centre started the same model in the Southern region targeting mainly youth in the south end area in Yarmouth. This project aims at empowering and educating youth through a series of healthy recreational activities that are essential parts of gardening.

The partnership with Business is Jammin looks promising given the involvement of Chuck Smith, a BBI Board member, who has been the lead. We are also fortunate to have strong support from Bruce Johnson; co-owner of the Yarmouth based City Drug Store.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Wayne Williams from North Preston for his new initiative, the Preston Area Beginners Skating and Hockey Program. This program will focus on children aged 3 to 4 years.

If you have any suggestions or want to book an appointment, please call me at (902) 426-1625.

Black to Business

contributed

YOUTH ON THE MOVE Marissa Walter In 2007, she represented Nova Scotia at the Legion Canadian Youth Athletic Championship, a national track and field meet, where she won silver medals in both the 100 and 200 metres.

With that success she had plenty of scholarship options when it came time to choose a university, and she decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at Queen’s.

M

arissa Walter figured out early in life that she was fast. On the soccer field, no one could keep up with her.

“My biggest strength (in soccer) was my speed, so people kept telling me I should run track,” says Marissa, now heading into her second year at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

She gave track and field a try in elementary school and loved it. By her Grade 10 year at Central Kings Rural High School, she was working with a personal coach, Charles Scarrow, and made track her main athletic focus.

And she had plenty of success. In her NSSAF (Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation) meets, she medalled almost every year from Grade 6 onward in her sprint specialties, the 100 and 200 metres.

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“I was considering schools in the States, but because I wanted to focus on academics, I didn’t want to be in a position where my athletic performance determined whether I

could stay in school,” she says. “I thought Queen’s would be a good fit for me, because I could focus on my academics and still do track.”

Marissa is majoring in psychology with plans to continue on in her studies, either to grad school or medical school. “I want to work with people and deal with the mind,” she says.

While academics are her main focus, she’s a key member of the Queen’s track team as well. She got off to a strong start in her first season, setting personal bests in the 60, 300 and 400 metres.

An old leg injury flared up in

Chad Lucas

“Track is a hard sport to excel in, because everything’s all on you, working hard to get better,” she says. “But when you push yourself every day and it all comes together in a race ... that feeling is the best feeling in the world.”

the second half of her season, the same injury that kept her out of the 2009 Canada Summer Games. It limited her to running relays at her first Canadian university track and field championships, though Marissa said it was still a great experience.

“I was the only rookie on the (relay) team,” she says. “I was either the lead or the anchor in all the races, so there was a lot of expectation on me. In some ways it was more pressure than I felt in my individual races.”

But pressure’s not always a bad thing, Marissa says — in fact, it’s one of the things she likes about the sport.

“Track is a hard sport to excel in, because everything’s all on you, working hard to get better,” she says. “But when you push yourself every day and it all comes together in a race ... that feeling is the best feeling in the world.”

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SUMMIT SUMMARIES

Staff Reports Photography: Paul Adams

Thursday, June 24, 2010 Day one of the 2010 Black Business Summit began with a new business opening format.

Conference Chair Cassandra Dorrington led in the dignitaries: Her Honour Mayann Francis, Provincial Cabinet Minister Percy Paris, Funmi Joseph, Manager, Community Development with ACOA and Reverend Elias Mutale of the African United Baptist Association. After the opening prayer, the guests delivered messages to the delegates with Her Honour declaring the 2010 conference open.

The opening plenary was facilitated by Cassandra Dorrington, Conference Chair, outgoing BBI Board Chair and President of Vale & Associates. The session saw panellists responding to some basic business questions such as; how they got started; how to grow an idea into a business; keys to success and much more.

Michael Wyse, Rev. Elias Mutale, Minister Percy Paris, Her Honour Mayann Francis, Cassandra Dorrington and Funmi Joseph

The Panellists included:

Michael Duck and Sean O’Regan

Michael Duck founded his company 25 years ago. He started the business with a lot of help from individuals who were willing to listen to his ideas. The idea for the business started from his concern for a consistent quality cup of coffee which led him to look for a solution. Over the years the business has grown remarkably. Duck sees research and development as key in growing and sustaining the business in a competitive environment. A.C. Dispensing targets to spend 30 percent of revenues in R&D. When it comes to hiring, Duck believes smart leaders will always hire people smarter than themselves. At the same time, not just the smartest are hired, but the right people with the right DNA for the company. Duck says that ideas don’t always work, but the key is to always innovate, to develop products that save people time and money, while keeping them excited about your products.

contributed

Sean O’Regan and Michael Duck

Sean O’Regan believes that the key to success is building the right team and keeping it intact. The aim should be to better efficiency – faster service and better quality – with each member of the team, from the first point of contact to the top, knowing they own responsibility to better the business. Service is the foundation of their business model, O’Regan believes the business is grown through making the buying experience the best possible and not letting a customer go away, along with expanding product options. He believes that employees should be given latitude to try out ideas and, as a result, the company should be prepared to take measured risks, allowing employees to make mistakes.

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Summer 2010

Boat Cruise Although the weather was cold and windy with a light fog and drizzle, the atmosphere on the summit boat cruise was vibrant and alive. Guests were treated to a wonderful assortment of finger foods and entertainment consisted of host Charla Williams, who had all the “dirt” on the “crew on deck,” and DJ MO’ BOUNCE who spun old-school tracks, some funk and even a little top 40.

Charla Williams with a Guest

Keynote speaker Omar Tyree and panellist Hezekiah Griggs also joined the close to 60 summit delegates on the cruise and seemed to enjoy themselves.

Cassandra Dorrington (Chair of the Board) took the microphone and acknowledged fellow boat cruise patrons and thanked all for attending.

Despite the weather, those who attended seemed to have a wonderful time and once again proved that the boat cruise is a great way to relax while benefiting from some excellent entertainment, food and networking opportunities.

Vivian Dixon and Gordon Tynes enjoying the Boat Cruise

Workshops The workshop began with facilitator Joe Parris introducing the panellists. He asked each of the four panellists to respond to a series of questions, including discussing what they understood by “creating your economy,” how they got started in business, what they believe is the secret to success and staying competitive, and their take on how to go about getting funding as a small business. The panellists included:

Joseph Parris

Sirena Moore and Hezekiah Griggs

Hezekiah Griggs is a 21-year-old multi-millionaire media mogul who founded HG3 Media in 2003, which has since grown to 20 different corporate operations and 45 collective media properties. Mr. Griggs believes that creating your economy means creating something greater, more vibrant than yourself that goes beyond you to benefit others. This also means identifying and understanding what innovation means not to you but to the consumer. Griggs also narrated how he got into entrepreneurship by selling videos at the age of seven, to retire at 11 years old. He believes there is no secret to success other than hard work and discipline, realizing what skills you already have. People should be prepared when their moment comes and opportunities will always present themselves. In order to stay competitive, businesses ought to always analyse the market space, see what the competition is doing and be proactive rather than reactive while keeping abreast of technology.

Sirena Moore is the President and CEO of Elohim Cleaning Contractors Inc. Ms Moore believes that creating your economy means creating your own opportunities in any circumstance. She started her business with nothing but an idea, which has grown to a multi-million dollar business. For this reason, Ms Moore says people should stop giving excuses for themselves. The key to success is surrounding oneself with smarter people. She also believes that small business owners should only purchase what they can afford, so as not to get into unnecessary debt.

Moore encouraged parents to get their children involved in business at an early age, at the same time making sure they do what they enjoy.

Omar Tyree is an international creative visionary and literary icon. Tyree defined creating your economy as creating what people need, want or lack. He believes the secret to success is not being afraid to ask. Ask for money, help, etc. He says people ought to be comfortable asking, otherwise their business will remain just a hobby. He also says that people should learn to hustle and bustle in order to succeed. Omar Tyree started off at an early age and believes people should utilize the energy in young people, making entrepreneurship more fun and interesting.

Omar Tyree

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Summer 2010

Ephren Taylor is a Wall Street Journal best selling author and CEO of two publicly traded companies. Taylor believes the top strategy for success is surrounding yourself with people smarter than you. He says good leaders know how to gather resources effectively, and that coming up with an idea doesn’t make you the best person to implement it, as someone else may be more suitable. Taylor started making video games at an early age because he couldn’t afford one. Key to his success was having a stable family background, avoiding negative people, and not viewing being young or minority as a disadvantage. Taylor believes that 90 percent of new businesses do not need to borrow funds and should not. The key is to have a sanity check – prove you can sell and attract customers, proof of the concept that someone is willing to pay for the product before going into business. It is also important to have people, such as mentors, who will assist you in running your business. Cheat – find people who have done it successfully before.

Ephren Taylor

Friday 25 June 2010

The workshop began with Paul Walter, Managing Partner, Waterbury Newton, the session’s facilitator, providing a brief bio for each of the session’s speakers.

Ross Simmonds, Candace Thomas and Steve Foran explored how organizations can succeed and not merely survive in industries that Black-owned businesses do not traditionally participate in. They provided insights as to how organizations can identify and access these non-traditional industries. The difficulty or ease of entering these non-traditional industries was also explored.

Ross Simmonds

Ross Simmonds, Digital Account Coordinator, Colour, implored entrepreneurs to “zig when everyone zags.” In his presentation, he dared business owners to be and think differently as he engaged us with his story of how he became the “new kid on the block” in the social media and digital marketing world. His passion for what he does was evident as he delivered a message focused on how important it is for businesses to entertain, engage and educate clients who interact with their company and brand.

Candace Thomas, Partner, Corporate Group, Stewart McKelvey, described the various legal structures that businesses can operate within, based on their risk tolerance, and provided situations where each structure was the most conducive for doing business. She challenged business owners to not only seek to grow their businesses but to organically help other entrepreneurs through mentorship. She suggested that business owners use programs like Business is Jammin’ and Junior Achievement to share their business skills and knowledge. She affirmed the necessity for an organization to establish best practices as a precursor for growth.

Candace Thomas

Steve Foran, Give Raising - Experience the Power of Gratitude, explored the power of giving as he discussed how “giving” can play an integral part in business success. Through his discussion he illustrated to the audience how “giving,” or “serving” clients and customers, could significantly change the framework and culture of an organization. He reiterated the importance of how “giving” back builds loyalty with clients and customers.

Paul Walter summarized panelist comments and key points, which included: • Be not afraid to try new things in business • Continue to seek opportunities • Do your research and be prepared • Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each legal entity • Do not be afraid to seek help • Always work to build relationships. Networking is vital to business success

Steve Foran with a youth delegate

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Facilitated as a fireside chat, panellists spoke broadly about how they compete in the business “race.” The facilitator, Gordon Doe, began the workshop by briefly introducing the speakers and then opening the floor to them to provide more detailed information on themselves and their organizations. They shared their experiences and situations that have shaped their businesses through organizational change and by creating a culture of innovation.

Gordon Doe introducing the panelists

Cassandra Dorrington, Jamie Bailie and Chris Keevill

Jamie Baillie, President & CEO of Credit Union Atlantic

Cassandra Dorrington, President of Vale & Associates, specializes in providing human resource management services to small and medium-sized companies. She has worked for more than 20 years in the communications and consulting industries and specializes in HR strategy, advisory services, employment equity/ diversity, and training and development. Dorrington discussed the merits of using change as a mantra for growth as her company explores business opportunities in the Caribbean. She champions the use of technology for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses internationally and sees it as a vital part of Vale & Associates’ continued success. Dorrington also touched on how organizations can find and retain skilled people. With business opportunities presenting themselves in various forms, she stressed the importance of finding “the right fit” for your organization in terms of resources.

Jamie Baillie, President and CEO of Credit Union Atlantic, focused his discussion on how the Credit Union has positioned its brand to appeal to a variety of banking consumers. He attributed low staff turn-over, which leads to long-term relationship management for their clients, as the key to his company’s success. The Credit Union has revamped its product delivery, and under Baillie’s leadership, experienced higher profits and dividends for consecutive years. Baillie opened up to the audience about how he engages his team to embrace change and challenges them to question the norm. Through his diverse experience, Baillie illustrated how important a culture of innovation is for the continued growth and development of Halifax and to a greater extent the province.

Chris Keevill, President and CEO of Colour, is no stranger to change. Before joining Colour, Keevill was President at Aliant Broadband, President of the e-marketing company FloNetwork in Toronto, and President of New North Media, a Bell Canada company. In his presentation, Keevill spoke candidly about what it takes to compete in a competitive industry, while undertaking major changes in your business model. He embraces it. He discussed how his company has transitioned from traditional media to the digital world, positioning it as a revitalization of a business model, with new ideas and invigorated focus. Like other panellists, Keevill presented the audience with his insights from his varied experiences that have contributed to his success.

Vendor and Networking Fair Minority Vendor and Networking Fair, ribbon cutting ceremony

Michelin representatives

The Minority Vendor and Networking Fair sponsored by Michelin, included a book signing by keynote speakers Judge Glenda Hatchett and Omar Tyree. In Judge Hatchett’s case, delegates were treated to an advance copy of her book Dare To Take Charge: How To Live Your Life On Purpose to be released in September 2010.

The fair began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the new partnership between the BBI, the Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) and Michelin. Over a hundred people visited the exhibition. There were a total of 13 exhibitors representing a wide range of business interests and activities, such as: •

Maritime Centre for African Dance

•

NovAfrican Designs & Artifacts

•

Transcontinental Printing

•

Simply Financials

•

Encana Corporation

•

Dalhousie Univ - Black Student Advising Centre

•

Nova Scotia Business Inc.

•

Canada Business - Nova Scotia

•

BioMedica Diagnostics Inc.

•

Indigenous Blacks & Mi’kmaq Initiative

•

Sankofa Marketing and Sales

•

Michelin

•

Arbonne

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Summer 2010

AGM Gala Dinner and Dance The event unfolded under a sportscast format where the emcee, Charla Williams, acted as an anchor, with warmth and a good dose of humour.

Passing of the Torch, Cassandra Dorrington and Greg Browning

The idea and concept behind organizing the Gala as a sport event broadcast was to express the very competitive nature of the business world. It showed how, throughout the years, the Black Business Initiative has managed to stay sustainable and to effectively deliver services that are essential to the Black business community.

At the opening, Caleb Southwell arrived with an olympic torch in a track suit and passed it on to his father, BBI CEO, Rustum Southwell who went to a touch screen to light the mock Olympic Cauldron. The gesture had two meanings: the first was the passing of the chairmanship from Cassandra Dorrington to Greg Browning, the current chair of the board finance committee and treasurer, and the second represented the official kick-start of the program.

According to tradition, Cassandra Dorrington was treated to a toast and video roast as the outgoing Chairperson. A generous reminiscence of Cassandra’s term was featured with a comedic flavour. The segment illustrated how Cassandra, despite being very busy, was able to devote considerable time and effort to the role.

Joe Parris, BBI board vice chair was also honoured as a lifetime board member.

Jocelyn Dorrington, Cassandra Dorrington and Cynthia Dorrington

Hector Jacques Award of Business Excellence At every Black Business Summit, the Black Business Initiative Board of Directors grants the Hector Jacques Award to a company or individual within the Nova Scotia Black community that has demonstrated business excellence.

Peter Marsman

Hector Jacques with the Hector Jacques award winners Simmons Paving and Cassandra Dorrington

This year, the Black Business Initiative was proud to present the award to Simmons Paving. Founded in 1974 by Wilfred and Gloria Simmons, the family-owned business has evolved to become one of the leading paving companies in Halifax. Carlo Simmons, vice president, who is carrying on the same tradition of excellence along with his siblings, accepted the award. The business is located at 17 Wilfred Joseph Drive in North Preston.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award This award is given annually to a Black-owned business or to an entrepreneur owning a small business. This year the honour went to Juice Eh, a retail juice and smoothie bar located at Scotia Square.

In 2003, after a great deal of research and countless concepts, Donna Gaskin and Jeannie Jones hit upon the perfect trendy idea: a juice bar that offers a vast menu of exceptional quality and flavor. The goal was to offer the public healthy alternatives to fast food.

Donna Gaskin & Jeannie Jones of Juice Eh!

After a sumptuous dinner and an outstanding performance by Charla Williams with her BBI Network Broadcast of the 2010 Olympics Race to Business Success, the audience enjoyed music by DJ MO Bounce.

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Heroes in Our Midst As part of this years’ summit the Black Business Initiative recognized community organizations by honouring them with the Heroes in our Midst award. This award is given to a community organization for their continued partnership with BBI and their example of leadership and vision to positively impact on African Nova Scotian community economic development. We congratulate the Africville Genealogical Society, African Nova Scotian Music Association, Black Loyalist Heritage Society, North End Community Centre and Constructing the Future. We applaud their continued work within the Community.

Rustum Southwell and Irvine Carvery

Biz Show In true BBI Summit fashion, it closed with the Biz Show. Absent was the comedy stylings and old-skool dancing of Robert Upshaw but Charla Williams and Vivian Dixon did an excellent job recapping the events of the past three days, sharing secrets of the missing scallops (you had to be there) and getting the youth to participate in a talent competition.

Youth Report Vivian Dixon and Charla Williams at the Biz Show

Business is Jammin’ sponsored 10 African Nova Scotian youth from across the province to attend this year’s Black Business Summit. Among these 10, were five regional and five local delegates.

The youth attended an orientation session on Wednesday evening to get an idea of what would be taking place over the course of the summit. This was followed by a pizza party.

The group took part in the opening ceremonies on Thursday morning and attended The Race to Business Success- the opening plenary session -where they heard from speakers on how to remain profitable while experiencing consistent growth, and how to successfully transition into new and emerging markets.

BIJ Summer Youth Coordinators

They took part in the workshops on both Thursday and Friday, where they asked a number of questions that engaged the guest speakers. The workshops provided an opportunity for discussion on starting a business and key elements to consider when managing a business, in addition to important tips on how to create your own economy or market.

They also learned some invaluable tips and advice on both business and life from the two keynote luncheon speakers.

The Minority Vendor & Networking Fair was also a scheduled activity for the youth. They interacted with entrepreneurs and representatives from various organizations to gain some invaluable knowledge and information on various industries.

Youth Delegates

Their summit experience included a trip to the mall and a bowling night. To conclude the conference, they attended the wrap-up Biz Show with the comedic antics of host Charla Williams, and followed that with the AGM gala dinner and dance, where they let loose and enjoyed some great music and dancing.

Wayn & son Khalifa Hamilton

Tarek Hagamad, Global Maritimes

Gerardine Browning and Greg Browning

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Smuer 2010

People & Businesses on the Move

Congratulations to Leroy Loppie. He was named CTV Atlantic’s Maritimer of the Week on June18th for his work with young people in the community garden on Brunswick Street.

The cast of DRUM has had a busy winter/spring. It added a trip to Dollywood in Tennessee following its successful performance at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The performance at Dollywood, as part of a “Festival of Nations”, was so successful that DRUM has been invited back for 2011. Congratulations to the cast, also, for being nominated for a Juno Award.

Saundra Vernon, of Lunenburg, was one of the four East Coast finalists in CBC Radio’s “Canada Writes” contest.

Four writers from eastern Canada were pitted against four from western Canada in this competition.

Congratulations to Henry Annan on winning the Councours d’art oratoire, a French speaking contest, held at Mount Saint Vincent. As a gold medallist, he won a $2000 entrance scholarship to Universite Ste. Anne and a trip to the Canadian Parents for French Concours in Ottawa.

Sharon Robart Johnson has written a book, “Africa’s Children”, chronicling life among the African Nova Scotian community in the Yarmouth area.

The Vale Quilters organized a show of their handiwork, “African Nova Scotian Quilts”, at the Highland Square Shopping Centre in New Glasgow, which ran from February 19-21. The exhibit showed styles of heritage

quilting from various communities around N.S. Isaiah Reddick, a 12-year old student at Dartmouth’s Caledonia Jr. High School, has been collecting school supplies and textbooks for a Gambian school. His efforts have resulted in his being nominated for a national Youth in Motion Top 20 Under 20 award.

A Uniacke Square townhouse is the home to one of Metro Halifax’s newest recording studios. Centre Line Studio is designed to offer youth between the ages of 13 and 18 an opportunity to foster their creativity.

Lindell Smith is the recording engineer at the studio and funding has been provided by the North Branch Library and the Community Justice Society.

Players on the Halifax Rainmen pledged half their January salaries to the relief effort in Haiti. This is just one of many community-minded initiatives organized by the team.

Michael Beals has released a new CD, “Spiritual Stories”, a combination of jazz, blues, and gospel.

“I & I” by George Elliott Clarke was one of the finalists in this year’s Atlantic Book Awards. It was nominated in the Dartmouth Book Awards (fiction) category. Clarke was also one of the guest speakers during the Halifax Club’s Literary Lunch series. In June, the opera, ‘Trudeau: Long March, Shining Path,’ with the libretto by Clarke, was debuted in Halifax.

The work of Elizabeth Cromwell, and other members of the Shelburne County Black Loyalists Society, was profiled in the cover story of the February 26 ‘Coast’.

Congratulations to Clotilda Yakimchuk, Josephine Mutlow, and Josephine Etowa on being awarded the Centennial Award from the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia. Further congratulations to Yakimchuk on being awarded an honourary doctor of laws degree from Cape Breton University.

Philip Nkrumah, from Cape Breton University, was named defensive player of the year by the CIS at this year’s Final 8 in Ottawa.

Rhiny Ngot, a member of the Saint Francis Xavier basketball team, who is one of the Lost Boys of the Sudan has been able to reunite with members of his family after 20 years of separation.

Jack Andrew, a Grade Nine student at Lockview Jr. High in Waverley claimed first prize in the Regional Educator’s Spelling Bee sponsored by the Black Educator’s Association. His twin brother Michael Andrew placed third. In the middle, in second place, was eight year old Tomi Akinkunmi, a Grade Three student at Dartmouth’s Brookside Elementary.

The BBI congratulates board member Eleanor Beaton on the birth of her son Tobias Roy Beaton and staff member Greg Nazaire on the birth of his daughter Maria Jacqueline Nazaire.

Black to Business

The Watershed Area Development Enterprise Ltd. held a job fair in mid-April for members of the African Nova Scotian community in the Preston area that attracted 29 employers including Michelin Tires, the Department of National Defence, and the Halifax Regional Police.

“Maritime Mosaic: Let it Shine”, a concert featuring poetry by Irvine Carvery, percussion by D’Arcy Gray, and the musicians of the Blue Engine String Quartet, was performed at Pier 21 in late February.

The film ‘Remember Africville’ has been added to the collection of online films on the National Film Board website (www.workforall.nfb. ca).

On February 11, Shauntay Grant released her first CD at The Music Room in Halifax. The launch was entitled ‘wordrhythm: an evening of words & music’ and featured Marinda and Solari, Verena Rizg, and Marko Simmonds.

Shauntay Grant has once again teamed up with Susan Tooke to produce a children’s book. Their second book together is entitled “The City Speaks in Drums”.

22

A benefit concert, called ‘Songs of Hope and Freedom’ for Amistad Youth Programs and Haiti, was held at All Saints Cathedral in Halifax in late February. The concert was hosted

by Charla Williams and featured Shauntay Grant, Afro-Musica, The Nova Scotia Mass Choir, The Sanctified Boys, Dr. Henry Bishop, Chelsea Nisbett, and Dave Stone.

The Education Committee of the Laymen’s Council of the AUBA hosted a Benefit Gospel Concert to support the Laymen’s Education Committee Student Bursaries and Recognition of Local Men’s Brotherhood at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Upper Hammonds Plains on April 24. The special guest performers were Gary Beals and Marcell Symonds.

Africville Remembered was one of a number of short films screened at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia during a film festival to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racism.

Senators Donald Oliver and John Buchanan, the Hon. Gerald Regan, and the late Charles Keating and Hon. John Savage were honoured with the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia’s “Freedom Award” at the BCC”s annual dinner in April.

The Commander of Joint Task Force Atlantic and Maritime Forces Atlantic, Rear-Admiral P.A. Maddison hosted a special ceremony in Truro commemorating the valour of Private Jeremiah ‘Jerry’ Jones at the Battle of Vimy Ridge during the First World War.

The Council on African Canadian Education (CACE) has welcomed new members: to its board. They are Tracey Jones-Grant, who has also been elected as the CACE Chairperson, Sheila Lucas Cole, Rose Stevenson-Davidson, Leslie Oliver, Marilyn Brennan, and Rev. Tracey Grosse.

In late May, a tombstone honouring Ben Jackson, a Nova Scotian who served on the Union side during the American Civil War was unveiled in Lockhartville.

In April, a panel, “Is Justice Ever Too Late?” was held at the Weldon Law Building to discuss the case of Viola Desmond and Premier Darryl Dexter request for a pardon.

Summer 2010

Participants included Viola Desmond’s sister, Wanda Robson, plus Burnley (Rocky) Jones, and Sharon Oliver.

Congratulations to the BBI’s Rustum Southwell on being honoured with the Black Business and Professional Association’s Men of Distinction Award. It was presented in Toronto in April.

Shawna Hoyte, a lawyer with Dalhousie Legal Aid Service in Halifax, has received the inaugural Honourable Lorne Clarke, Q.C. Access to Justice Award from the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS).

Sheldon States, Avon View High School, Sylvia Parris, Department of Education, Student Services Division, and Clarence Reddick, Strait Regional School Board, were among 23 educators and four partners given awards for enhancing equity in Nova Scotia’s education system during the province’s 75th annual Education Week (April 14-28).

“Rise Again”, a song written and produced by Marko Simmonds was featured in a video produced

by Nova Scotia For Haiti Project”.

The Black Loyalist Heritage Society hosted its 3rd Annual Mother’s Cheesecake Festival on Sunday, May 9 at the Birchtown Community Centre. On June 20th, the society held a Fathers Day Roast Turkey and on June 27 there was a dedication of the Saint Paul’s Church stained glass window followed by the unveiling of the Bunce Island Exhibit. continued on page 25 >

Black to Business

23

Wyse Photography/ Ryse Productions

Summer 2010

Chad Lucas

Peter Marsman

“I’ve had to be really creative,” he says. “I do a lot of non-traditional forms of advertising. But once people see my work and get to talk to me, there’s an element of trust there.

Once there’s trust, they’re more likely to come into the studio.”

Wyse manages to balance the photo studio with video work, and plans to keep pursuing both. He directed a documentary in 2005 called Brother to Brother that aired on CBC, and he’s working on ideas for a potential series. He also loves making documentaries with students.

“We’ve put together music videos, done films on teen pregnancy and gang violence,” Wyse says. “Kids teach you something new every day, and their perspective is always fun.”

Russell Wyse , Wyse Photography / Ryse Productions

R

ussell Wyse is prepared for just about any type of challenge to walk through the door of his photo studio. When you specialize in photos that include the family pets, sometimes anything goes.

“I’ve done hedgehogs, iguanas, snakes,” Wyse says. “I’ve done 11 animals together in the same photo.

I did two cats that hated each other — that was probably the toughest.

But it’s always a challenge.”

He’s quick to add that the challenge is part of the fun.

“In any kind of photography, the hardest things to shoot are always animals and kids,” he says. “I decided to take them both and embrace them. I’m always up for a challenge.”

Pet photography is a relatively new field for Wyse, who got his start in videography and launched his own company, Ryse Productions, in 1996.

He still does regular video work, producing documentaries and running camps and workshops for students.

But about six years ago he decided

to branch out into photography, and in the process he came up with his own specialty.

“I just knew there was a market out there (for pet photography),” he says. “I had pets that I’d lost and I’d never gotten good photos of them. So I started including the family pet in the family portrait.”

Wyse ran a mobile studio for a while, lugging his gear around in his car and setting up at various pet stores around metro. He eventually developed a regular space at Petworks on Portland Street in Dartmouth.

Wyse also does more traditional photography, from modelling shoots to head shots to family portraits. But he’s carved out a successful niche for himself with pet photography — and all the challenges that go with it.

“I never guarantee I can get the perfect shot, but I always try,” he says.

“Mostly it involves me embarrassing myself. I’ll cluck like a chicken, or bark like a dog. Whatever it takes to get the shot.”

In January, he moved into a larger studio above the Dartmouth Veterinary Clinic at 61 Tacoma Drive, where he employs two other photographers and a marketing person.

Marketing is key, Wyse says. He estimates he spends about 80 percent of his time getting his name out there and letting people know what he does. One of his key strategies is setting up tables at flea markets and farmers’ markets, so people can see examples of his work and meet him in person.

Russell Wyse

434-0116 www.ryse.ca

Black to Business

Summer 2010

24

Catching up with…

Chelsea Nisbett

Shauntay Grant

Jordan Mattie

things that I’m singing about,” says Nisbett. “So even though I’m not saying blatantly, ‘Praise the lord’, ‘Hallelujah’, ‘Church raise your hands’ … I’m singing about the way I live my life, and my faith is coming through that. So the words aren’t typical gospel, but I still consider it gospel because my faith is in there.”

“Even an angry breakup song is still affected by my faith,” adds Nisbett.

“One example is Mr. Unintentional.”

Chelsea Nisbett

C

helsea Nisbett has made a mark on the east coast music scene fusing acoustic rock, jazz, soul and R&B with her Christian values and universal message of hope. But the 23-year-old singer/songwriter is not your typical gospel artist.

“I guess people consider me gospel because I sing in a lot of churches,” says Nisbett. “And I guess, because I’m singing from a Christian perspective, they put me in the gospel category. But I’ve also heard people who don’t go to church who listen to it and are like, ‘This doesn’t sound like church music!’”

Nisbett certainly doesn’t restrict her performances to church venues.

Just off the heels of a Montreal tour promoting her new album Anchored Roots, Nisbett cradles a latte in a downtown Halifax coffee shop, reflecting on her approach to gospel music, and anticipating a string of performances in Toronto.

“They’re all different types of events,” says Nisbett. “Friday night is at a church – I think it’s a gospel event. And then Saturday I’m singing at a bookstore. And then Sunday night I’m singing at a club.”

“Same songs!” she adds with a laugh. “I’ve sung my songs at churches and I’ve sung my songs in clubs and it works both ways. I just feel like there are a lot of people who wouldn’t go to church to hear a message of hope, so I’m gonna go to them.“

“You left me by the highway, left me there to die But my God He is greater, He stood by my side And with my bleeding heart I forgive …” (from Mr. Unintentional)

“It’s not [a song] I would sing in a church service,” says Nisbett. “But at the same time, within the context of that song I’m singing about how I’m gonna choose to forgive you, even though you’ve hurt me. And those lines come from the fact that I have faith that’s centered on God’s forgiveness.”

Nisbett says all of her songs carry a message of hope. She is enthusiastic about using music as a tool to spread God’s love and to let people know that “there’s hope no matter what they’re going through.”

Nisbett’s debut EP, New Beginnings, won her several awards including a 2007 African Nova Scotia Music Award and a 2008 East Coast Music Award for Gospel Recording of the Year. With her follow up album – Anchored Roots, released in April 2010 – Nisbett continues to explore a range of musical genres. While some songs on the new album could easily be categorized as rock, folk, or even hip hop, Nisbett says she is a gospel artist at heart.

“I think God is a part of everyday life,” adds Nisbett. “And so I write about everyday life, and He’ll be in the midst of it.”

“I’m a gospel artist because my faith is coming out through all of the

Chelsea’s sophomore CD “Anchored Roots” (chelseanisbett.com)

Black to Business

Summer 2010

25 People & Business on the Move continued from page 22

For the first time since she assumed office, Her Honour Mayann Francis, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, was able to host her annual Garden Party at Government House on June 16. Later in June, she hosted Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh during their visit to Nova Scotia.

The 10th Annual General Meeting of the Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association (CANSA) was held in Amherst on Monday, June 28.

“Taste of Africa”, featuring African food and entertainment, a fashion show, and spoken word was held on June 26 to raise funds for computers for students and teachers at Impere Secondary School in Sierra Leone.

Wanda Thomas Bernard, Carl James, David Este, Akua Benjamin, Bethan Lloyd, and Tana Turner have collaborated on a new book, “Race and Well-being”, a study on the impact of racism and other stressors on the lives of African Canadians.

IN MEMORIAM The BBI wishes to extend its sympathy to the family and friends of the late Willena Jones. Mrs. Jones was one of the six Leading Ladies honoured this year during a number of events during African Heritage Month.

It also extends its sympathy to the family and friends of Eddy Bowden of New Glasgow who was a community leader and longstanding youth worker.

Black to Business TRAINING REPORT

26

Summer 2010

SUMMIT SUMMARIES / Golf Report CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Shakara Russell The 2010 2nd Annual You Jammin’ BIJ Golf Tournament was held at Granite Springs Golf Club.

This charitable tournament was part of the 7th BBI Business Summit in support of the BIJ youth program.

The tournament had 80 golfers participate in a shotgun style that teed-off at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday June 22. For the second year in the row it was an atypical non-rain tournament, except for the morning chill and slight winds.

It’s been another great quarter in the training department at BBI. We’ve continued to build partnerships and execute training programs that are helping entrepreneurs start, build and grow their businesses.

Over this quarter, we’ve partnered with the African Nova Scotian Employment Partnership Centre and Grant Thornton LLP to train clients in Sydney, Cape Breton in Simply Accounting. The Simply Accounting program helps entrepreneurs build and run an effective business and it allows businesses to manage their finances quickly and easily. We’ve had great feedback from both our partner organization and our clients on the execution of this software and expect to run more of these in the future. We’ve also continued to run a Simply Accounting Program here in Halifax.

We continue to build strong partnerships inside and outside of metro Halifax. These partnerships allow us to continue to provide relevant and valuable training for our clients. If you require specific training, please don’t hesitate to email us at training@bbi.ns.ca. We’d be happy to help build a customized program based on your needs.

For information on our courses outside of Metro, please contact me at: (902) 426- 6692; toll free: 1 (888) 664- 9333 or speak to your area RBDM.

Champions: Milton Williams, Pam Williams, Ernie Morris & Stu Lenehen

Best Dressed Team

Best Dressed Golfer: Michael Duck

Putting Contest Winner: George Ash with teammates

A silent auction was also part of the event. The BIJ chair Joe Parris welcomed the golfers and the tournament chair, Robert Browning, presented the golf awards and announced the auction winners.

Deserving winners received awards. The best team award went to Pam Williams, Milton Williams, Stu Lenehen, and Ernie Morris. The most honest team to Team RBC. Female longest drive was won

by Margo Hampden and male longest drive was won by Stu Lenehan. The most mature golfer was won by Cyril Brown. The youngest golfer was Ross Simmonds. Best-dressed golfer went to Mike Duck and best-dressed team to Stayner’s Wharf Team. The putting contest was won by George Ash, closest to the line by Wayne Hodgson, and finally, but not least, closest to the pin by Peter Johnson.

The BBI thanks Bronze sponsors RBC, Bell Aliant, Innovacorp, EnCana, Boyne Clarke, Enterprise, and Advocate. Hole sponsors included Enterprise, BioMedica Diagnostics, AMA Communications, Union of Taxation Local 80004 (Sydney), Union of Taxation Employees, Clearwater Foods, Incentive Impressions Group, Nova Trophy, and City Drug Store.

Greg Browning (R) presents RBC donation to Joseph Parris, BIJ Chair (L)

Black to Business

Summer 2010

27

Dr. Cheryl Shavers Luncheon May 4th, 2010

Rustum Southwell, Cheryl Shavers and Irvine Carvery.

Lou Gannon. Jr. & Cheryl Shavers.

Claudia Whynder and Archy Beals

Cheryl Shavers and Deborah Emmerson of CEED.

Black Business Summit June 24th, 2010

Rustum introducing the Workshop Panellists, Paul Walter, Ross Simmonds, Candace Thomas & Steve Foran

Lynne and Dr. Kirumira at the AGM Gala Dinner and Dance

Minister Percy Paris and Her Honour Mayann Francis

Black to Business

Summer 2010

28

BBI 2010 AGM June 4th, 2010

Participants at the BBI 2010 AGM

Shirley Robinson Levering, Edward Matwawana, Lenore Zann, Truro MLA

Constructing the Future

Constructing the Future participants hard at work

Leona Desmond- CTF Participant, Construction Stakeholder Meeting.

Paul Pettipas, Constuction Stakeholder Meeting.

Dr. Andrews Oppong with a CTF Participant

Black to Business

Summer 2010

29

The Law and Your Business

contributed

Candace L. Thomas, Partner, Corporate Group, Stewart McKelvey, Barristers, Solicitors & Trademark Agents

Black to Business introduces a new regular feature in this issue. Each installment will deal with the legalities of your business. If you have questions you would like answered, please contact the BBI.

I

got the idea for this column after participating as a workshop presenter at the 7th Black Business Summit. After one telephone call to Rustum, ‘The Law and Your Business’ column was realized.

This first column provides a brief description of the three business structures most commonly used in Canada. Other types of business vehicles exist and may be discussed in future columns.

A sole proprietorship is a business that is owned and carried on by one individual, most often from one location. There is no legal distinction between the business and the proprietor. If the business is conducted in Nova Scotia under a name different from the proprietor’s, that name must be registered at the Registry of Joint Stock Companies.

If the business involves activities in a regulated field, the proprietor must be licensed or registered under the applicable legislation. A sole proprietor may have other employees, but carries out most business activities herself. All profits are

included in the proprietor’s income and are taxed at normal personal tax rates. A sole proprietor is personally responsible for all of the debts and obligations of the business she operates. It is possible to convert a business operated as a sole proprietorship to a partnership or body corporate. Such conversions can be completed on a tax-deferred basis by following the rules set out in the Income Tax Act (Canada).

A partnership is a relationship between persons carrying on a business in common with a view to making a profit. A partnership may carry on business in multiple jurisdictions, but must comply with registration requirements of each jurisdiction. A partnership can be formed by an oral or written contract, or by the conduct of the persons involved in the business. A written agreement formalizing the partners’ understanding should deal with matters such as the amount of time each is expected to devote to the business, how they will share the losses and profits of the business, how partners may leave or join, and how the partnership can be terminated. If there no written agreement, the Partnership Act (Nova Scotia) provides that a partnership will be terminated upon the death, insolvency or bankruptcy of any partner.

A partnership does not have a legal identity separate from its partners, so every partner is liable for all of the debts and obligations of the partnership. The income and losses of a partnership are calculated at the partnership level and then allocated to the partners for personal income tax purposes.

An entrepreneur in Nova Scotia may choose to operate her business through a provincial or federal body corporate by following the process under the Companies Act (Nova Scotia) or the Canada Business Corporations Act (Canada).

Both require prescribed documents

to be completed and filed, and the payment of government fees.

Depending upon the nature of the business, additional licenses and registrations may be required. Like partnerships, a company can register to conduct business in multiple jurisdictions. A company is owned by its shareholders and managed by its board of directors who appoint officers (i.e. president) to run the day-today operations. Companies range in size from small non-offering companies with a single shareholder, director and officer to large publicly traded companies with independent boards of directors. A company has continued existence until steps are taken to terminate its existence.

Unlike a partnership or sole proprietorship, a body corporate is a separate legal entity and therefore owns and operates the business.

Consequently, shareholders are not personally liable for a company’s financial (or other) obligations. Of course, this advantage of limited liability can be diminished if shareholders are required to provide personal guarantees as part of a company’s financing arrangements.

Certain statutory duties placed on directors can also affect the benefit of limited liability. The income and losses of a company are calculated and taxed within the company. Any after-tax income paid by a company to its shareholders by way of a dividend (and employment income if the shareholder is an employee) is taxed in the hands of the shareholders. Shareholders cannot utilize corporate losses against their income for taxation purposes, but there are certain other tax advantages to incorporating, such as income splitting and capital gains deductions.

Disclaimer The information presented above is for informative purposes only. All information provided is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice and does not address the circumstances of any particular person.

August 22

32nd Annual Clam Harbour Sandcastle & Sculpture Competition Clam Harbour Beach Off Rte 7, Lake Charlotte www.clamharboursandcastle.ca

August 20-22

Adams Family Reunion Contact: perryadams@ns.sympatioc.ca or msearlecc@gmail.com www.adamsfamilyreunion2010.ning.com

September 2 - 12

Atlantic Fringe Festival Halifax, NS www.atlanticfringe.ca

September 4 - 5

Halifax Harbour Sea Music Festival 2010 Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax, NS For info: 424-7490

September 10

Halifax Chamber Golf Challenge Glen Arbour Golf Course For info: 468-7111 www.halifaxchamber.com/content/golf_tournament info

September 16 - 25

Atlantic Film Festival Halifax, NS www.atlanticfilm.com

September 16 - October 17 Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival www.nsfallwinefestival.ca

October 5 – 7

NS Dept. of Energy Core Conference The Cunard Centre, Halifax, NS For info: 902.496.3183, 902.229.7939

October 21

2010 Business to Business Expo World Trade & Convention Ctr, Halifax / 10am-5pm For info: 468-7111 or 481-1234 / Kristen@halifaxchamber.com www.halifaxchamber.com/content/B2B_Expo

October 17 to 23

Small Business Week 2010ÂŽ Theme: Power Up Your Business. Invest. Innovate. Grow For info: 1 877 BDC-BANX (232-2269) www.bdc.ca/en/ about/events/small_business_week/Pages/default.aspx

November 4-7

14th Annual Nova Scotia Music Week Yarmouth, NS For info: Dwayne Ellis, (902) 423-6271, (902) 423-6271 ext. x 110 Toll Free: 1-888-343-6426 dwayne@musicnovascotia.ca www.musicnovascotia.ca

November 4

Halifax Chamber of Commerce Annual Fall Dinner World Trade & Convention Centre, Halifax info@halifaxchamber.com

November 18

Women of Excellence Award Dinner 2010 World Trade & Convention Centre, Halifax Reception: 6:00 pm / Dinner / Awards: 7:00 pm Tickets: $150 per ticket; $1,500 per table For Info: 902-483-6418/902-483-6418 tanya.ozard@ns.sympatico.ca www.halifaxcornwallisprogress.ns.ca

CORRECTION In Issue 45 of Black to Business magazine, in the Sunworld Tanning story, we mistakenly referred to owner Adele Crawley's husband Tony Johnson as her cousin. We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused.

If undeliverable return to: The Black Business Initiative Centennial Building Suite 1201,1660 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1V7

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