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CREATIVE DIRECTION AND DESIGN PRODUCED BY EMERGE DESIGNS DIRECTOR OF POLICY & RESEARCH Jennifer English jennifere@frederictonchamber.ca
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PROJECT MANAGER Wendy Morrell ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Wendy Morrell
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President’s Message
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CEO’s Message
6
Chamber Welcomes New Members
9
Budget 2012-13: The Highlights
10
Staycation
12
Delta - Renovations
13
Events & Awards
14
Explore New Brunswick
15
Chamber Welcomes Bolivian Delegation
All content, copyright © 2012, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
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Member Pro�ile
This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part without written consent from the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content in this publication, however, the publisher nor the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce will be held responsible for omissions or errors.
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Chamber Buzz
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Speaking of the Economy
Please address all editorial and advertising inquiries to the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 275, 270 Rookwood Avenue, Fredericton, NB, E3B 4Y9, Canada. The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is not held responsible for the loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited material (including but not limited to manuscripts, artwork, photographs and advertisements). Unsolicited material must be included with self-addressed, overnight-delivery return envelope, postage prepaid.
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Member for Meals
PRESIDENT Andrew Steeves president@frederictonchamber.ca CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Krista Ross kristar@frederictonchamber.ca BIMP COORDINATOR Janet Moser janetm@frederictonchamber.ca
CONTRIBUTORS Andrew Steeves Krista Ross Laurie Guthrie Renata Woodward Jennifer English Jennifer Phillips Holly Kirkpatrick Kevin Brown Eric Hicks Larry Broad
Insight is published by Emerge Designs.
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce PO Box 275, 270 Rookwood Avenue Fredericton, NB E3B 4Y9 Tel: (506) 458-8006 Fax: (506) 451-1119 fchamber@frederictonchamber.ca www.frederictonchamber.ca Twitter - @fton_chamber Facebook – facebook.com/frederictonchamber
68 Kent Street Fredericton, NB Canada E3A 4Y1 Ph: 506.999.3332 Fax: 506.206.5300 creative@emergedesigns.ca
emergedesigns.ca
Andrew Steeves, President t has been said that "there is no boredom without boring people". I agree with that statement, never more so than when I hear people claim that Fredericton lacks excitement and that New Brunswick is a boring place.
With a good map you can explore our back roads without the risk of getting seriously lost. Day trips to McAdam plus Harvey; Stanley plus Boiestown; Princess Park, Minto, Chipman, Cambridge-Narrows and Gagetown are all well worth the time.
Is music boring? Does it lack excitement? Not to me. I love all kinds of music and Fredericton's Playhouse, clubs and other venues offer an eclectic mix of sounds: electric and acoustic, secular and religious, solo and ensemble.
I am an avid curler and often play two to three games a week through the winter. In this region we are fortunate to have six clubs within a short drive of the City (Harvey, Stanley, Fredericton Junction, Oromocto and two in Fredericton). Each of the clubs has a programme for junior and novice curlers as well as a number of fun Bonspiels. For $40-50 a piece a team can play two games, enjoy a meal or two, meet great people and, perhaps, win a prize.
The community hosts hundreds of concerts each year. All of these events are in addition to the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival - an event which has international renown and is definitely not boring. The major problem for me is finding the free time to attend the performances that interest me. For years I have been tempted by various continuing education courses offered in this City. Providers include UNB's College of Extended Learning and the City's Edventures as well as specialised instruction from other private and public institutions such as the College of Craft and Design. To date I have not had time to commit to a course, but if I did my personal candidates would be weaving, local history, astronomy and languages. My family and I love to take drives in the country. What better way to spend a sunny day? A couple of years ago we drove to Saint John and back taking every single ferry on the lower St John River, its lakes and tributaries (6 - including Kennebecasis Island). It was a great trip.
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In the warmer months we can have similar experiences as lawn bowlers, rowers, golfers, tennis players and softball stars. Living in Fredericton we are familar with our signature attractions. The Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the Sports Hall of Fame and the York-Sunbury Museum are all within a block of each other. Within another block are the Garrison buildings, the College of Craft and Design, the School Days Museum and City Hall. All this within three blocks downtown! On Saturday we can add the Boyce Farmers Market to the tour. Further afield there is the Marysville Historic District, King's Landing and Mactaquac Provincial Park all within a short commute of downtown - each one worth a half or full day of touring. These are all great choices but oftentimes I spent my summer leisure time reading a book, visiting book, CD and record stores (used and new) or puttering in the yard. Exciting? Perhaps not, but not boring!
Krista Ross, CEO he Chamber has had a very busy spring working with you and for you on many issues and activities! We've hosted the annual Distinguished Citizen banquet honouring 3 incredible people: Dr. Stephen Hart, Mr. Fred Beairsto and Mrs. Karon Croll. The 6th Business Immigrant Mentorship Program Cohort has begun. We've hosted a Business After Hours with the Fredericton Community Foundation at Trites Orthodontics on Prospect Street. And we held a Post Federal Budget presentation with MP Keith Ashfield. As we go to press, we’re preparing for the annual Tri-City Mixer, as well as a luncheon with the President and CEO of the National Bank on the business landscape as he sees it. We also have Business After Hours on May 10th at Terra Consultants and to end our Chamber year, our Annual Meeting and President's reception on May 30th. Our committees are busy on a variety of topics and activities and have paid close attention to the recent Provincial and Federal Budgets to learn more about how they will impact businesses. With the municipal election coming up shortly, our Municipal government affairs committee is planning activities in that area as well. And on top of that, we have a new benefit that has recently been added for our members as well - you can now participate in the City of Fredericton's Green Shops program with no registration fee (regularly $100). And to kick off the summer…. the Annual Summer Biz Bash which will be held this year at Brewbakers on June 7th… lots of activity on the Chamber calendar!! We hope these activities and efforts are the types of things that you want your Chamber working on for you! In May, we will be sending out our Annual Membership Survey. This will be your opportunity to tell us what you want your Chamber focusing on, and what is important to your business. We would greatly appreciate your participation. Your responses help to shape our activities and advocacy for the coming year.
This issue of Insight Magazine is the ‘staycation’ edition! We all know that Fredericton is a beautiful city with so much to offer and so many interesting activities to participate in as well as attractions to visit. Sometimes we get so busy planning our vacations to other destinations, we don’t take the time to enjoy what we have right here in Fredericton. So, with that theme in mind…. I began thinking about my own summer plans and decided I need to learn more about what is happening here and I thought you might too!! And I thought… who better to ask about this than David Seabrook, Tourism Manager for the City of Fredericton. David provided me with a great list entitled; Top Ten Things That Should Keep You in Town This Summer! 1) Go gallery hopping. Get inspired by the creatives! Start at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery...you don't have to go to Toronto, London or NYC to visit a world class art gallery. We've got one of Canada's top galleries right here. After that check out Ingrid Mueller's, Gallery 78, Gallerie Connexion, The Charlotte Street Art Centre, and The NBCCD Gallery just to name a few. Then pick up some locally-created gifts in Garrison Fine Craft Shops in Barracks Square of the Garrison or at one of our local gift shops. 2) Be creative at edVentures Fredericton. Now that you're inspired, take a fun, informal edVentures learning vacation with one our of top artists or learn Chi Gong or how to meditate. There are 130 hands-on one-day, two-day, and week-long workshops in this national award-winning program. You'll come away with something cool you've made yourself.
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New Members
Hello Newest to our
Padgett Business Services 214 Whittaker Road Beaverdam, NB E3B 7Z8 Tel: (506) 454-6612 Email: brian@padgettfredericton.com Website: www.padgetfredericton.com Category: Accounting Services Contact: Brian LeBlanc
Treecologic 140 Wilsey Road Fredericton, NB E3B 5J1 Tel: (506) 440-5325 Email: information@treecologic.ca Website: www.treecologic.ca Category: Landscaping / Supplies / Services Contact: Andrew Hayes Products & Services: Treecologic offers tree care services by qualified Arborists in the greater Fredericton Region. Our services include: tree and shrub pruning, tree consultation, tree removal, large shade tree pruning, stump grinding, selective lot clearing, building lot preparation and plant health care.
506 440 5325 www.treecologic.ca Fredericton, N.B.
Leachman’s Plumbing & Heating Ltd. 127 Riverside Drive Fredericton, NB E3A 3X9 Tel: (506) 458-9420 Fax: (506) 459-0967 Email: mark@leachmans.ca Website: www.leachmans.ca Category: Plumbing / Septic Services Building / Home / Renovations Contact: Mark MacLean Opal III Respite Services Inc. 60 Melissa Street Fredericton, NB E3A 6V9 Tel: (506) 457-9520 Email: director@opalfamilyservices.ca Category: Community Agencies / Not-for-Profit Contact: Wayne MacDonald Products & Services: There are more than 20,000 children and adults in New Brunswick with intellectual disabilities. Since 1983 OPAL III, a non-profit organization, has provided respite care for special needs families in the Fredericton area. Contact us: 457-9520 or opal@opalfamilyservices.ca On the web www.opalfamilyservices.ca
Tree Consultation Tree and Shrub Pruning Tree Removal Large Shade Tree Pruning Stump Grinding Selective Lot Clearing Andrew Hayes ISA Certified Arborist ISA Certified Tree Worker
Fully Insured
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Killam Properties Inc. 181 Parkside Drive Fredericton, NB E3B 5L7 Tel: (506) 459-5959 Fax: (506) 455-5959 Email: amurphy@killamproperties.com Website: www.killamproperties.com Category: Real Estate Contact: Angie Murphy
Pure Green Lawn Care & Property Maintenance 60 Wesbett Street Fredericton, NB E3B 7H4 Tel: (506) 260-4436 Email: puregreen@live.ca Category: Landscaping / Supplies / Services Contact: Rick Ellis Exact Engineering International (EEI) 422-15385 101A Avenue Surrey, BC V3R 0B4 Email: monicacheng60@yahoo.ca Website: www.precisionengineer.ca Category: Engineering Consultant Contact: Monica Cheng
Wildwood Tree Service 2020 Woodstock Road Fredericton, NB E3C 1L3 Tel: (506) 292-8899 Email: Dylan@wildwoodtreeservices.com Website: www.wildwoodtreeservices.com Category: Environment Services Contact: Dylan Stuart
Gignoo Transition House PO Box 3385, Station A Fredericton, NB E3A 5H2 Tel: (506) 458-1236 Email: gignoo@nbnet.nb.ca Category: Not-for-profit Contact: Heather Murchland
New Members
Members Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital Auxiliary Inc. PO Box 415, Station A Fredericton, NB E3B 4Z9 Tel: (506) 452-5618 Email: Sheila.bartlett@horizonnb.ca Category: Community Agency / Not-ForProfit Contact: Sheila Bartlett
The Station / La Gare 380 York Street Fredericton, NB E3B 3P7 Tel: (506) 452-6524 Fax: (506) 452-6441 Email: cindy.pope@anbl.com Category: Event Management / Services Contact: Cindy Pope
TEC (The Executive Committee) 305 University Avenue Fredericton, NB E3B 4H9 Tel: (506) 449-3410 Email: mmallory@tec-canada.com Category: Business Consultants Contact: Michael Mallory
Canadian Association of Petroleum Products Tel: (506) 478-4518 Email: communication@capp.ca Website: www.capp.ca Contact: Angie Leonard
Sunny Days Children’s Center 510 Brookside Drive, Suite F Fredericton, NB E3A 8V2 Tel: (506) 472-3297 Email: contact@sunnydayschildrenscenter.ca Website: www.sunnydayschildrenscenter.ca Category: Child Care Contact: Jenny Gaines-Rattray Trites Orthodontics 899 Prospect Street Fredericton, NB E3B 2T7 Tel: (506) 462-7670 Email: tritesortho@tritesortho.com Website: www.tritesortho.com Category: Dental / Dentures / Orthodontics Contact: Donna and Dr. Brian Trites Early Childhood Care & Education New Brunswick 334 Queen Street, Suite 204A Fredericton, NB E3B 1B2 Tel: (506) 454-1170 Email: angela.scott@nb.aibn.com Category: Education / Training Contact: Angela Scott
Future Inns Hotel & Conference Centre / Maverick’s Steak House & Grill 40 Lady Ada Boulevard Moncton, NB E1G 0E3 Tel: (506) 869-9633 Toll Free: (800) 565-0700 Fax: (506) 852-9692 Email: Moncton@futureinns.com Website: www.futureinns.com Category: Lodging Restaurants / Catering / Food / Beverage Contacts: Lorraine LeClair, Sandra Gavin, Ryan Kay Bullying Canada Inc. 471 Smythe Street PO Box 27009 Fredericton, NB E3B 9M1 Tel: (877) 352-4497 ext. 203 Toll Free: (877) 352-4497 ext. 203 Fax: (866) 780-3592 Email: rob.frenette@bullyingcanada.ca Website: www.bullyingcanada.ca Category: Not-for-Profit Health / Wellness Contact: Rob Frenette
Hatch Mott Macdonald Ltd. 231 Regent Street, Suite 302 Fredericton, NB E3B 3W8 Tel: (506) 450-4170 Fax: (506) 450-4175 Email: peter.macpherson@hatchmott.com Contact: Peter MacPherson Wildwood Tree Service 2020 Woodstock Road Fredericton, NB E3C 1L3 Tel: (506) 292-8899 Email: Dylan@wildwoodtreeservices.com Website: www.wildwoodtreeservices.com Category: Environment Services Contact: Dylan Stuart
NATECH Environmental Services Inc. 249+2 Route 636 Hanwell, NB E3E 2C2 Tel: (506) 455-1085 Fax: (506) 455-1088 Email: admin@natechenv.com Website: www.natechenv.com Category: Environment Services Contact: Jochen Schroer
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Pg 5 Continued
3) Get excited at Tree-Go! A trip to Mactaquac Provincial Park and the ropes and ziplines course at Tree-Go is a challenging and fun way to get out and enjoy nature. Blasting through the treetops and zipping over water will get your blood flowing for sure. Afterwards, a trip to the beach is a great way to cool off. 4) Step into History at Kings Landing Historical Settlement - Despite being "stuck" in the 19th century, this award-winning attraction always has something new and fresh going on. There's a festive themed event pretty much every weekend. If you haven't been in a while, you may have forgotten just how well done it is. And don't miss a meal at the Kings Head Inn. 5) Play A-Round of Top-Notch golf - Whether its the expansive award-winning courses at Kingswood Park or elegant fairways at Mactaquac, or a trip to one of the other friendly, picturesque local courses, Fredericton's got enough golf to satisfy any true golfer's needs. 6) Touch Heritage- Inspect the 1883 Ceremonial Guard (representing the birth of Canada's army), take a free Heritage Walking Tour, explore the Fredericton Region Museum (learn about our role in the war of 1812), or catch a concert, Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre, or a classic film outdoors Sunday nights. with visits to the Historic Garrison District, our downtown National Historic Site. It's the heart of the St. John River Heritage Corridor. 7) Learn with Your Hands - Take the kids to Science East. This gem of an attraction has lots of cool, hands-on fun for the young at heart. Nowhere better to go with youngsters if it happens to rain. 8) Explore Town - Get on 88km of magnificent trails. Rent a bicycle built for two, or one, or grab a pair of in-line skates at the Lighthouse on the Green's rental hut. Or get on the water and kayak the undeveloped islands upriver from town with tours from the Small Craft Aquatic Centre.
273 Queen Street Fredericton, NB E3B 1A9 506.459.6668
Locally owned & operated Employment Agency. Services to employers and job seekers include: ([HFXWLYH 3HUPDQHQW 3ODFHPHQW 5HFUXLWPHQW 3URFHVV 2XWVRXUFLQJ 6NLOO 3URÀOLQJ $VVHVVPHQWV )OH[LEOH 6WDIÀQJ 6ROXWLRQV 3D\UROO 6HUYLFHV &RQVXOWLQJ -RE 6HDUFK 5HVXPH :ULWLQJ 5HIHUHQFH 9HULÀFDWLRQ %RDUGURRP 5HQWDO 9LUWXDO 2IÀFH 6HUYLFHV
9) Government House - Heritage and old world elegance come together in Canada's most publicly-accessible Lt. Governor's residence. Ask a guide to show you the secret panel that shows the paint job before this great building was restored. 10) Get Festive. Take in one of Atlantic Canada's best festivals. The NB Highland Games and the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival are clearly best-in-class for the entire East Coast, but you'll also have a great time at the growing Maritime CountryFest, the Notable Acts Theatre Festival (homegrown playwrights!) and the Cultural Expressions Festival. Throw in Bard in the Barracks shows in awesome O'dell Park's never-been-cut old growth forest and you've got a summer of live entertainment. Why would you even think about leaving town this summer? When would you find the time after exploring Fredericton, Canada's gentle gem.
Est. 1993
www.findingtherightfit.ca
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#3ULRULW\&DUHHUV
Advocacy
Provincial Budget Lockup
Chamber CEO Krista Ross and I were pleased to once again have the opportunity this year to participate in the Department of Finance’s budget lockup, wherein stakeholders from across the province meet to review the Government of New Brunswick’s budget before it’s presented in the Legislature. While we’re awaiting departmental estimates to know how the budget will affect our members, there are a few key investments that caught our eye: • • • • • •
$10 million for Invest NB to foster economic growth $5 million in primary health care investments $2.5 million for immigrant funding $2 million to foster innovation $1.2 million toward 231 new seats at the New Brunswick Community College $1 million for the coordination and strategic development of downtowns and business parks
These investments align with the priorities our Provincial Affairs Committee identified in the fall and presented to Minister of Finance Blaine Higgs in December, so we’re pleased to see them captured in the provincial budget. We’ll be closely following developments related to each of these investments, so watch for ongoing updates on how these commitments can benefit you and your business.
What Does the Federal Budget Mean for Us?
Provincial editorials have dismissed the federal budget as containing no good news for New Brunswick, but at the Chamber we’re a bit more optimistic. For the second year in the row, Regional Minister for New Brunswick MP Keith Ashfield delivered remarks on the federal budget to a group of Fredericton Chamber members at the Fredericton Convention Centre on March 30th. Like the provincial budget, we need to see further detail before we can say how the budget will impact our business owners, but there are a few announcements we’re keeping on our radar: • • •
$50 million investment over two years to the Youth Employment Strategy to assist more young people to gain tangible skills and experience. $205 million to extend the temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business by one year Movement toward an immigration system that is more responsive to local business needs
There are some aspects of the federal budget that concern us, however. Changes to the SR&ED program that will remove capital from the expenditure base will disadvantage companies who relied on the program to help offset the costs of expensive, but necessary equipment. Time will tell how many of our members will be adversely affected by this new focus. Similarly, at this point there are too few details about the plan to refocus the National Research Council (NRC)’s work toward more business-driven, applied research for us to say how this will impact Fredericton’s business community. We’ll keep you apprised as more details emerge.
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Staycation
Discover all there is to enjoy in Fredericton this summer. Whether you are a history buff, culture fanatic, an outdoor enthusiast or looking for family fun, look no further than right here in Fredericton. With seven nights of free entertainment, world-class art galleries, centre, a learning vacation program, iscover aallscience there is to enjoy in Fredericton this over 85kms of trails, combined with the spectacular views summer. Whether you are a history buff, culture of the river, Fredericton is quickly becoming a vacation hot fanatic, an outdoor enthusiast or looking for family fun, spot.
look no further than right here in Fredericton.
With seven nights ofNational free Historic Site, the Historic Garrison Our downtown District, is home to manyart free activities. Officers’ Square entertainment, world-class will be rockin’ every Tuesday galleries, a science centre, a and Thursday night at 7:30pm withvacation the outdoor summerover concert series. learning program, 85kms of trails, combined with the Headliners for this summer include Andy Brown, Downspectacular views of the river, town Blues Band, and Ross Neilson. The series kicks off Fredericton is quickly becoming a June 5 and will end September 6 to the pop stylings of The vacation spot. Arkahot Teks. Our downtown National Historic Site, the Historic Garrison District, is home to many free activities. Officers’ Square will be rockin’ every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7:30pm with the outdoor summer concert series. Headliners for this summer include Andy Brown, Downtown Blues Band, and Ross Neilson. The series kicks off June 5 and will end September 6 to the pop stylings of The Arka Teks. Wednesdays are all about music! Every Wednesday at 12pm is the Guard House concert series. This series starts July 4 with a performance by Tyler Lombard and runs until the end of August. Wednesday evenings at 7pm join the crowd at the Main Street Amphitheatre for the free concert series presented
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by Business Fredericton North. The George Street Blues Band, Southern Drive and Country Strong are just some of the performers that will fill the Northside with great music all summer long. Every Friday and Sunday in July and August offers you another chance to enjoy local talent with the Lighthouse on The Green Concert Series. Located on the deck of the Lighthouse on The Green, you can enjoy the scenic St. John River while listening to local performers like Ryan LeBlanc, Frank Taylor and Samantha Robichaud. Sunday night is the ever-popular Under the Stars Classic Film Series, celebrating 10 years this summer! This year’s line-up includes timeless classics like Casablanca and action adventures like Raiders of the Lost Ark. The series gets underway on July 8 at dusk. This series is presented by the partnership of Fredericton Tourism, the NB Film Co-op and Downtown Fredericton. edVentures Fredericton is back celebrating its 5th year! This year the program has over 130 workshops in craft and culture. Check out the website: www.edVentures.ca for more information. If you register by May 31, you will receive a 15% discount! There are plenty of daily activities to enjoy throughout the summer. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place each day at 11am and 4pm, with additional ceremonies on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, just before the outdoor
concert series. Don’t miss this re-enactment celebrating the birth of the Canadian army in 1883, you may even be asked to inspect the guard!
Don’t forge t Fredericton about the amazing fe sti each and e very year! vals that take place in your calen Some date dar include s to mark o : n The Calithumpians perform free outdoor summer theatre in Maritime C ountryfest: Officers’ Square Monday to Friday at 12:15pm and on the weekends June 7 – 9 Cultural Ex pressions F at 2pm. estival: Jun 12th Annua e 22 & 23 l River Jam : July 13 Notable Ac Free guided walking tours of the historic downtown are offered ts Summer Theatre Fe 31st Annua three times daily starting from City Hall. Tours feature three stival: July l NB Highla 25 – Augus n d Games F different routes: at 10am explore the River Route; 2:30pm takes t5 FredRock – estival: July August 10 2 7 – – 2 you through The Capital City Circuit and at 5pm, discover the 9 1 1 NB Summe r Music Fe Historic Garrison District by taking the Garrison Gait. stival: Aug New Bruns ust 13 – 25 wick Fine C rafts Festiv September al: August 2 If galleries and works of art are more to your liking you may 31 – F re d ericton Exh want to take in one of the Downtown Culture Crawls. Culture ibition: Sep tember 2 – Harvest Ja Crawls give you an opportunity to visit galleries and studios in 8 zz and Blue s F e s tival: Septe a relaxed atmosphere where all are welcome. Many galleries mber 11 – 1 6 open their doors free of charge and offer yummy appetizers and drinks. A number of recreational activities will keep you active this summer. Guided bike tours depart from River Trails Rentals & Tours (beside the Lighthouse on The Green), twice daily from Wednesday to Sunday at 10am and 2:30pm. If you prefer another form of recreation, in-line skates are also available for rent. Be a tourist in your own City. Fredericton has many amazing attractions to visit: Kings Landing Historical Settlement, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, Science East, Hartt Island / The Bucket Club, Kingswood Entertainment Centre, the Lighthouse on The Green, the Fredericton Region Museum, NB Sports Hall of Fame, Christ Church Cathedral, TreeGo and the list goes on. Many attractions have special events throughout the summer; check their specific websites for more information.
Free guided walking tours of the historic downtown are available. Be sure to “follow us” on Twitter @FredTourism or “like us” on Facebook: Fredericton Tourism – Town Square Social Hub for up-to-date information on festivals and events. For more information visit www.tourismfredericton.ca, or call 506-460-2041.
11 Insight May - June 2012
HOTEL RENOVATIONS
COMING IN 2012!
The Delta Fredericton to unveil a new hotel experience!
G
uests visiting the Delta Fredericton Hotel in 2012 will be truly excited to learn that the Hotel will be unveiling a new hotel experience. With an exquisite $14 million dollars of upcoming and exciting renovations, additions and plans for future improvements; nearly every aspect of the hotel will be updated in some way; from the public spaces to the individual guest rooms and restaurants. Fresh, authentic, modern, adaptive and relaxed...all describe the new Delta Fredericton experience. From new guest rooms designed to anticipate your needs and sense your next move to a truly re-designed lobby offering a welcoming warmth and state of the art meeting space sure to inspire every guest; it’s safe to say that “you’ve never stayed with us (like this) before.” With a busy and exciting timeline, the Hotel began in March with
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the Fredericton community as of January 12, 2012.
“
I can say this
renovations to its meeting space and ballrooms, including the Sports Hall of Fame. With Phase 1 of the renovations process completed, the Hotel is now moving onto its guest rooms including guest room corridors, the Signature Club Lounge and the Royal Suite. Finally, the Hotel will complete its renovations with the lobby and reception space, Bruno’s Restaurant and the pool and fitness areas. In addition, the Hotel will be adding an I-tech media permanent boardroom. With all the renovations taking place, the Hotel assures guests that business is continuing as usual. On top of renovations, the Delta Fredericton Hotel is also celebrating its 20th anniversary in
undertaking has left no details
behind. I love that we are
giving back to
our community and our guests by offering them a fresh and
”
thoughtful
accommodation.
Sara Holyoke, General Manager “I have had the pleasure of working on this project for the past four years and it’s exciting to see it coming to fruition. I am extremely proud of this hotel and our team at the Delta Fredericton. For the past five (5) years as General Manager at the Delta Fredericton, I am excited to finally present this renovation to our hotel guests, employees and the community. I can say this undertaking has left no details behind. I love that we are giving back to our community and our guests by offering them a fresh and thoughtful accommodation. All furniture going into the newly renovated guest rooms are being manufactured by Shorewood Furniture LTD right here in New Brunswick! Another wonderful reason we are so excited and proud to produce this.” For more information on Delta Fredericton, visit www.deltafredericton.com
DC Awards
Mr. Fred Beairsto
Mrs. Karon Croll
Dr. Stephen Hart
A very special thank you to our Sponsors Leader
Supporter
May 10
Business After Hours Terra Consultants @ 380 Alison Blvd
May 11
Green Shops presents “An Hour with Ecoholic” Adria Vasil @ The Station
Friend
May 30
Chamber Annual General Meeting & President’s Reception @ The Station
June 7
Summer Biz Bash hosted by Ross Ventures @ Brewbakers
May 15
Speed Networking with Verus Consulting @ The Wu Conference Centre
13 Insight May - June 2012
Nature Trust
2
012 marks the 25th anniversary of The Nature Trust of New Brunswick (NTNB), a provincial non-profit organization that preserves and manages 33 nature preserves across more than 5,000 acres of New Brunswick’s diverse habitats. The Trust is celebrating 2012 as a year of partnership and collaboration and a year that focuses on youth engagement, and ultimately cultivating a new generation of New Brunswickers dedicated to land and nature conservation. NTNB is continuing to reconnect and engage New Brunswickers and the province’s many visitors, with our precious natural landscapes through a number of innovative projects that will all be launched this year. The New Brunswick Youth in Nature campaign (NBYNC) is the first by-youth, for-youth project in the history of the Trust. The campaign, designed and implemented by students of UNB’s Renaissance College will use art, music and skill-building exercises over the coming months to give young people first-hand experience of some of the province’s wild spaces. A student at Renaissance College, Joe Crawford observes, “If youth aren’t involved in these places and don’t have an appreciation for them, there’s really a strong chance that when we come into a position to protect these spaces, we might not take that initiative if we don’t feel a connection to them.” The campaigns' skill development component has team-building and leadership exercises and workshops with a local herpetologist from April to August. For the music piece, artists are invited to hop in a canoe, climb some trees, or get knee-deep in the mud and show off your musical masterpiece in the natural theatre.
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Media contact: Renata Woodward, Donald Dennison, Nature Trust of New Brunswick, (506) 457-2398 or 261-1260, naturetrust@ntnb.org
The Nature Trust is also partnering with the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD) and the University of New Brunswick to produce and present Encounters with Unfettered Nature. The project will showcase an exhibition of works created by students of NBCCD and the UNB BAA program, all inspired by an experience by the students at one or more of the Trust’s nature preserves. "The project will bring two communities together, allowing them to learn from each other," stated Wayne Burley, NTNB's Board Member and leader of the project. "Through this project, young artists will have the opportunity to understand Nature in a new way, and naturalists also understanding Nature in a new way: through the eyes of the artists. The hidden landscape will be explored and the young artists will be challenged to pursue visual research, using art not simply as decoration, but as a tool to discover the less obvious and to connect with other disciplines," he added. Watch for details of the final exhibit in December! In April, NTNB will launch Deep MapTM Eco, a mobile application that has been lauded as an innovative and unconventional bridging of technology and conservation of land and nature. The ‘app’ allows friends of the Trust to explore all 33 nature preserves through the ease and light footprint of their Smartphone, gain enhanced facts about flora and fauna, access location-based information such as trails, directions, and also how to become involved with Nature Trust through volunteer, stewardship or donor opportunities. The Nature Trust will be offering an extensive list of opportunities in 2012 and you are citizens and visitors to New Brunswick are invited to participate at no cost. The Nature Trust of New Brunswick anticipates that 2012 will be an important launching point for continuing vital land conservation projects for the next 25 years and beyond! To enjoy one of our free events or learn how you can participate in NTNB’s milestone celebration, visit www.naturetrust.nb.org
Bolivian Delegation
rom February 27 until March 5th, the City of Fredericton, along with your Chamber, welcomed a delegation from Tiquipaya, Bolivia, as part of an international economic development program funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Over the years, Fredericton has participated in a number of missions working with international communities. These missions are fully funded through FCM, and Fredericton’s contribution to the Bolivian partnership is by way of lending staff to assist communities from developing nations to enhance their local economy. Fredericton staff benefit through a cultural experience, which stretches individual capacity to develop solutions for challenges and economic hardships.
On February 28th, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce was very pleased to participate in a day of workshops dedicated to Entrepreneurship and Collaboration, in conjunction with our partners: Enterprise Fredericton, Business Fredericton North, Downtown Fredericton, Fredericton International Airport, and Knowledge Park. The goal of the day was to demonstrate the benefit and importance of having a community vision, a plan/road map, and collaboration with community stakeholders to cultivate economic growth and prosperity. The presentations were well received.
The Fredericton team includes Dave Seabrook,Tourism Manager (team leader); Laurie Guthrie, City Economic Development Officer; Juan Estepa, Heritage & Cultural Affairs Manager (who is fluent in Spanish); and Councillor Eric Megarity.
The duration of the Fredericton/Tiquipaya partnership will extend to 2015, and a technical team from Bolivia will return this summer to commence work on land use and tourism planning and the creation of business development workshops. Where necessary, the members of the Fredericton team will travel to Bolivia to conduct workshops on local economic development, fully funded by FCM.
Tiquipaya is a suburb community on the periphery of Cochabamba, Bolivia with a population of 38,000 people, and geography encompassing 117.688.1 hectares reaching to 5000 metres above sea level. Their primary industry is agriculture with main commodities being potatoes and flowers. Tiquipayans are truly committed to the environment, or as they call it the ‘Pachamama’ or mother earth. They are keenly interested in tourism development – specifically they would like to develop an eco-tourism park in their mountain region, and assist their local people with starting small enterprises complimenting the overall development.
[Pictured: Francisco Obando-FCM Rep; Maria Arcelus-Interpreter; Nelsón Rodríguez-Environment Technical Staff; Andrés Melgarejo-Chief Administrative Officer; Krista Ross-CEO Fredericton Chamber of Commerce; Saúl Cruz-Mayor of Tiquipaya; Trina MacDonald-GM of Business Fredericton North; Judith Gonzales-Councillor of Tiquipaya; Laurie Guthrie-City of Fredericton Economic Development Officer; Isaac Álvarez -FAMBOL Bolivia (equivalent of FCM); Antonio Ustariz-Technical Coordinator, AMDECO (regional economic development agency in Bolivia)] 15 Insight
May - June 2012
Pro�iles
Since 1981, Valley Ridge has been providing New Brunswick with high quality home furnishings and accessories. In fact, the tag line to the logo is, “The Maritimes Furniture Showplace.” St. John Ambulance has roots dating back to 1099AD and has operated in New Brunswick since 1896. The organization has evolved over the years but the organization has not forgotten its charitable purpose. The mission of St. John Ambulance is to enable Canadians to improve their health, safety and quality of life by providing training and community service. First aid training, delivered in the workplace and to the public, enables individuals to save lives at work, home and play. The courses are always kept up to date based on the latest international research. For example, first aid courses include instruction on the latest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques and an automated external defibrillator (AED) in addition to the more traditional first aid treatments. St. John Ambulance also has first aid kits and defibrillators for sale, providing individuals and workplaces with the tools needed in emergency situations. You often see St. John Ambulance volunteers providing first aid service at community events or you may have seen a St. John Ambulance therapy dog and their handler in a nursing home. St. John Ambulance programs help make our community healthy and safe. You can find out more about St. John Ambulance, register for training, purchase supplies or become a volunteer by calling 1-800-563-9998 or you may visit the website at www.sja.ca/nb
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May - June 2012
Relationships have been built over the years with some of the world’s top manufacturers. Canada’s best manufacturers proudly showcase their products with us, as do others from Norway, Sweden, England, U.S.A., Germany, Brazil and Italy. This allows us to offer our customers a unique shopping experience. Unique items, at affordable prices, placed in the home with the assistance of our sales and design staff and of course a professional delivery team.
In 2007, the original store was gutted to make way for an impressive new 16,000 sq. ft. facility just outside Fredericton city limits, in Islandview. The new Valley Ridge provides a shopping experience second to none in the Maritimes. If, by chance, you the reader have not been in, please do stop by. You will not be disappointed! A proud supporter of the Fredericton Chamber, Valley Ridge is a recipient of the Small Business Award. Family owned and operated, Eric, Kathy & Scott Hicks are actively involved in the community as it is our desire to give back to a region that has supported us through “thick and thin.” I3672 Route 102 Island View (Fredericton) NB E3E 1G2 Tel: 506-452-0100
Hours: Mon-Wed 9am-5:30pm Thur-Fri 9am-8pm Saturday 9am-5pm www.valleyridge.nb.ca
February 15th
uden, Chair of Breakfast with Robert Yo the Canadian Chamber Hosted at the Crowne rt Plaza Fredericton, Robe r be am spoke to 48 ch members about the need for skilled labour employees and the economy between Canada and the United States.
Past Events
the Board for
March 20th
Strategies for Su stainability – Trai ning for the Non-P sector rofit
February 27th
Socially Speaking
Hosted at the Fred ericton Conventio n Centre, this workshop gave to ols to help non-pr ofits thrive on a lo term basis. This ng was the first Non -Profit specific education event we have done an d with a full room 18 we will certain of ly do more.
Hosted at the Station on York Str eet, this workshop was about how to make Social Media work for you and your company, we had 43 in attendance. A big Thank you to Ginger Design for a wonderful morning.
March 1st
Art The Charlotte Street arch M r Centre hosted ou with s, business after hour sa 95 in attendance it wa ecial great success. A sp ther ea eF hit W thank you to t Ar e th at and everyone Centre.
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is sad to say goodbye to a 5 year employee Jennifer Phillips our Event Manager. She will be leaving the chamber on May 4, 2012 and moving on to a position as Meetings & Events Manager with the Fredericton Convention Centre. We will certainly miss Jenn – she’s been an talented member of the Chamber team with tremendous skills and she is a fantastic event Manager. Our loss is certainly the Convention Centres gain!
March 30th
2012 Federal Budg Explained
et
ce, the With 36 in attendan ention Fredericton Conv t ea gr a Centre was ent. ev is location for th d, el Hon. Keith Ashfi ies & Oceans Minister of Fisher B, N r fo r te is in M embers Regional teway, spoke to m Ga ic nt la At e th r fo & Minister u. dget means to yo about what the bu
April 5th
Fredericton Com munity Foundation was the host for the April busi ness after hours, the netw orking event was hosted at the wonderful Trites Orthodontics lo cation on Prospe Street. Thank yo ct u to Pam Clark fr om the Frederic Community Foun to n dation and to Bria n and Donna at for being such w Trites onderful hosts. We had over 60 attendance, wha in t a way to kick of f the Easter long weekend.
17 Insight May - June 2012
Labour Market
conomics and the economy in general can seem like an esoteric subject for business people swamped by their email inbox. However, we all work within the economic environment. Regardless of whether you provide and buy goods and/or services locally or globally, the state of the economy affects your success. Knowing what is happening around you, your suppliers and your customers can help you make effective decisions. No business operates in a vacuum. You compete for good employees with other businesses in the region. Your sales are affected by what is happening in the industries that your customers work in. Your competition is also affected by these things. Over time, these seemingly minor improvements can add up to result in greater personal and business success. This series of articles has been developed specifically for the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and you, its members and stakeholders. The series will explore practical aspects of economics with a specific look at how the Fredericton region is performing. Key economic subjects for business owners and managers include:
• Employment statistics
- How is the Fredericton region performing? - Where do the figures come from and what do they mean? - What impact does the state of employment have on my business and what can I do about it?
•
What makes up the economy of the Fredericton region?
- What are the largest industries in the region? - Which ones are growing and shrinking? - What is the average wage for different industries and how do I compare?
•
•
- What are the top three contributors to competitiveness? - How competitive are our industries and businesses? - How do we compare to leaders and managers in other provinces and regions?
•
How big is the challenge to achieving a stable, enviable economy?
- What barriers must we overcome as businesses in order to grow? - What are some of the greatest threats to my business growth? - What are managers and leaders doing in other areas to gain an edge?
How has the economy performed?
- How prosperous are we compared to other cities and regions? - What advantages are there for doing business or living in Fredericton? - What should we, as business leaders work on to be more competitive?
What business factors influence the economy the most?
•
What do the buzzwords, Innovation and Productivity ready mean?
- What is innovation really? - I’m not a high tech manufacturer so why should I care about being innovative? - Why is productivity improvement the best approach to being competitive and growing my bottom line, regardless of what business I’m in?
These are all topics that you may have seen discussed in the National media; however, they are often presented in a way that implies you must be a large company for them to apply to you. The fact is that they apply to service business and manufacturers. They are important for single, self employed entrepreneurs, middle managers and CEO’s. For profit, non-profit and public agencies are all affected by the economy. As they say, knowledge is power and we all want to have more power over our destiny. By the end of the series, you will be well aware of the economic environment around your business and how to take advantage of it.
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May - June 2012
Kevin Brown is an entrepreneur, professional engineer, and MBA who has been working in the economic development field for eight years. He provides counsel and insight to businesses and government service organization on how to improve prosperity in New Brunswick.
Around Town
Garth Duguay of 1 on 1 Computers referred: New member: Leachman’s Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Kelly Richard of Kelly A Richard Bookkeeping Services referred: New Member: Pure Green Lawn Care & Property Maintenance Andrew Bedford of Ginger Designs referred: New Member: Bullying Canada Inc. Derek Sullivan of Auto City referred: New Member: Wildwood Tree Services
Exact Engineering International (EEI) ~~~ Create Our Environment~~~ - Network of competent professionals in planning, design, and construction projects - Member of the Professional Engineering Association in Canada (APEG) - Services including feasibility studies, design services, consulting services and any supports in civil engineering, hydraulic engineering, soil and water conservation, slope maintenance engineering, environmental engineering - Creating beautiful, comfortable and sustainable environments Email: monicacheng60@yahoo.ca Website: precisionengineer.ca Contact: Monica Cheng
19 Insight May - June 2012
CANADA’S
PLAN
FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Call Blair or Robyn Corey 458.0102 or Vernon Boyer 452.1891 to tailor a plan suited to your needs. See what the Chamber Plan can do for you! www.chambergroup.ca