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CREATIVE DIRECTION AND DESIGN PRODUCED BY EMERGE DESIGNS PUBLISHER Steve Boulter – Emerge Designs PRINTER KKP Kwik Kopy Printing PROJECT MANAGER Wendy Morrell ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Wendy Morrell
CONTRIBUTORS Joseph O’Donnell Krista Ross Morgan Peters Stacey Murray Janet Moser Ken McGeorge Mark Taylor
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President’s Message
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CEO’s Message
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Chamber Welcomes New Members
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Advocacy Update
PRESIDENT Joseph O’Donnell president@frederictonchamber.ca
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Krista Ross kristar@frederictonchamber.ca
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The Hive/la Ruche
POLICY & RESEARCH MANAGER Morgan Peters advocacy@frederictonchamber.ca
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING MANAGER Christine Little
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Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM 2014
EVENT MANAGER Stacey Murray events@frederictonchamber.ca
membership@frederictonchamber.ca
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Joint Economic Development Initiative
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Collaboration with your Public Health Inspector
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UNB Career Development & Employment Center
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Events Calendar
All content, copyright © 2014, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
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Health and Social Services
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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Member Benefit Program
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The Partnership for Resource Trade
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Chamber Buzz
DIRECTOR BUSINESS IMMIGRANT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM / INTERCULTURAL BUSINESS INCUBATOR Janet Moser janetm@frederictonchamber.ca
OPERATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Wendy Morrell fchamber@frederictonchamber.ca
Insight is published by Emerge Designs.
Please address all editorial and advertising inquiries to the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 275, 364 York Street, Suite 200, 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. The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce will not give, nor rent your name, mailing address, or other contact information to third parties. Printed in Canada. Printed by KKP - Kwik Kopy Printing. Fredericton Chamber of Commerce PO Box 275, 364 York Street, Suite 200, 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
285 Canada Street -3rd Floor Fredericton NB, Canada E3A 4A3 Ph: 506.999.3332 creative@emergedesigns.ca www.emergedesigns.ca
Joseph O’Donnell, President Welcome to Fredericton! Our home is a place where cultures meet to live, work and play. At the same time, we pride ourselves on our rich heritage and thrive as a bilingual community. The directors of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce are working hard to support local businesses, events and projects that help beautify our town. Advocacy With a history dating back to 1874 and as the largest chamber of commerce in New Brunswick, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce has an influential and respected voice in the community and province. This foundation places us in an ideal position to effectively advocate for our members and the business environment as a whole. Relying on the breadth and depth of experience and expertise of our extensive network of business and community leaders, we work with all three levels of government, various economic development entities and other partners to ensure that the voice of business is heard at a local, regional and national level. Throughout the summer and leading up to the province election in September, the chamber was busy hosting a series of speakers forums as well as publishing the responses to the “Questions That Count for the 2014 Election”. Now that the election results are finalized, we would like to congratulate Brian Gallant and the Liberal party for their win and we look forward to working with the provincial government to encourage a business friendly environment in Fredericton. With only one elected official in the Fredericton area, it will be imperative that the government ensure that the capital city has good representation. Immigration Mentorship Program Expanding As directors of the chamber, we realize there is enormous potential for new business, new citizens and new visitors. We are ready to work with you and are constantly exploring ideas. To this end the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce new programming to compliment and expand its Business Immigrant Mentorship Program (hereinafter “BIMP”). The Intercultural Business Centre or “The Hive,” is an entrepreneurial incubator, generally for graduates of BIMP to take their business plans INSIGHT Nov-Dec 2014
to the next level. Whereas BIMP participants meet for formal programming one day per week in addition to contact with their mentor, The Hive is an immersive environment where participants pay a fee for daily office space and business support. Inaugural Post-secondary Scholarship On August 28, 2014 the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce presented its inaugural post-secondary scholarship to Alison Patterson. The chamber’s scholarship program was established in 2013 and is administered by the Fredericton Community Foundation. Our board of directors decided to establish this scholarship fund for several reasons. First, it is a tangible recognition that education is a critical component of our economy and business conditions. Second, we see ourselves as both a business group and a community organization, so this initiative fits well into both of those mandates. Finally, it is one more benefit for our members and their employees to add to a wide variety of advantages of chamber membership. The chamber’s one-time, non-renewable scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis, with applications opening in the spring and closing on the last Friday in May each year. Business Excellence Awards The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners for the 2014 Business Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding business achievement and community involvement within the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce membership. An awards dinner held on Wednesday, October 15th at the Delta Fredericton. “The Business Excellence Awards are a tangible reminder of the great things happening in our community,” stated Chris Johnston, chair of the awards’ selection committee and the chamber’s pastpresident. “Just as the chamber is as much a community group as a business-centric organization, local businesses are the lifeblood of our city. Not only do they provide jobs and keep the economy rolling, but the organizations and their employees do so much work in community - making Fredericton a great place to live and work.” A complete list of finalists and winners is available on our website.
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Krista Ross, CEO
Leadership and Excellence The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards were held on October 15th - an opportunity for the Fredericton business community to celebrate their own. To celebrate success, innovation, leadership, community, resilience, financial feasibility, customer service, vision, the past‌.and the future! As I looked at the all of the finalists and the award winners on the stage humbly accepting their awards it made me think about the new leadership of our province. With our new premier and new government in place, the qualities that were evident in our award recipients and in their businesses must be qualities to be found in our political leaders as well. Many people suggest that government should not run like a business. They believe that because government entities are created to support the needs of the population, and businesses are created to generate a profit, they are inherently different. However, I believe that in fulfilling their two mandates, governments and businesses have some similarities. Additionally, every business that I encounter does a tremendous amount of work in our community in many aspects, not just profit generation. The path to profitability is marked with many other milestones like community
service and community growth, creating employment and training, and giving back to their industry and their community. Our government leaders could learn valuable lessons from the business leaders in this community in terms of the qualities they possess, the vision they have, and their commitment to their customers - both internal and external. Every day, businesses innovate, they look at new ways to solve old problems, they develop new products and services. They listen to their customers and try to serve them consistently to their maximum capability. In business, we need to be organized, nimble, adaptable and be dedicated to both our business and our customers. In the coming months and years, we encourage Premier Gallant, his new cabinet, and indeed all elected officials to look to the leadership of our business community. To take advantage of the knowledge, history and input from groups like the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and our members to help them be inspired leaders who truly understand and care about the needs of their customers. Solving problems in innovative ways‌ and, like business with an eye to the bottom line - making wise and prudent fiscal decisions. Our province needs jobs, our province needs growth, our province needs financial stability and when the environment is created to allow this to take place, we will all succeed together.
Presidents Message Continued Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM On September 26 – 29, six members of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in Charlottetown, PEI. It was a great opportunity for some of our staff, who normally would not have attended this event, to attend and to observe how an event of this magnitude is organized. The Fredericton Chamber is preparing plans to bid on this 400 person conference in 2017.
One of the most important activities carried on at the AGM is the voting of policy resolutions that the Canadian chamber presents to the federal government. Last year the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce presented two policy resolutions that were approved at the 2013 AGM. It is interesting to note the impact that our resolutions have had in terms of government action.
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Hello Newest to our
Chess Piece Patisserie & Café 361 Queen Street Fredericton, NB E3B 1B1 Tel: (506) 897-0983 Email: chesspiecepatisserie@gmail.com Main Contact: Patti Hollenberg
East Coast Chiropractic 520 Brookside Drive, Unit D-1 Fredericton, NB E3A 8V2 Tel: (506) 454-2004 Email: sayhello@eastcoastchiropractic.ca Website: www.eastcoastchiropractic.ca Main Contact: Dr. Marie Battaglia
Arvand Ventures dba Cinnamon Café 469 King Street Fredericton, NB E3B 1E5 Tel: (506) 454-9011 Email: info@cinnamoncafe.org Website: www.cinnamoncafe.org Main Contact: Shokook Mastafaie
The Blue Door 100 Regent Street Fredericton, NB E3B 3W4 Tel: (506) 455-2583 Email: mike@thebluedoor.ca Website: www.thebluedoor.ca Main Contact: Mike Babineau
Thi Thu / Thuy Phan 87 St. Mary’s Street Fredericton, NB E3A 2R7 Tel: (506) 478-4444 Email: ngobatri@gmail.com Main Contact: Thi Thu
Studio 103 Design Inc. / Urban Threadz 103 Church Street Fredericton, NB E3B 4C8 Tel: (506) 471-2258 Email: victoria@studio103.ca Website: www.studio103.ca Main Contact: Victoria Boer
VNB Enterprises Inc. 787 Prospect Street, Apt 302 Fredericton, NB E3B 9Y5 Tel: (506) 837-2688 Email: haile.unb@gmail.com Main Contact: Hai Le
Functional Skin Body Nutrition 927 Prospect Street Fredericton, NB E3B 2T7 Tel: (506) 262-8512 Email: karen@karennel.ca Website: www.karen.karennel.ca Main Contact: Karen Nel
Red Rover Brewing Company 26 Pleasant Avenue Fredericton, NB E3A 3W6 Tel: (506) 440-7687 Email: info@redroverbrew.com Website: www.redroverbrew.com Main Contact: Adam Clawson
Blue Spurs 30 Knowledge Park Drive, Suite 200 Fredericton, NB E3C 2R0 Tel: (506) 455-4111 Main Contact: Mike LeBlanc Email: www.bluespurs.com
Dots NB 110 Queen Street, Suite 101 Fredericton, NB E3B 1A5 Tel: (506) 206-1662 Email: cindy.miles@dotsnb.ca Website: www.dotsnb.ca Main Contact: Cindy Miles
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Members InTouch Printing Inc. 110-39 Sunny Brae Dr. Fredericton, NB E3A 5M2 Tel: (506) 471-1781 Email: jeremy@beintouch.ca Website: www.intouchprint.ca Main Contact: Jeremy Deering
Marijuana For Trauma Inc. 255 Restigouche Road, Unit 3 Oromocto, NB E2V 2H1 Tel: (506) 385-9332 Email: megan@mftgroup.ca Website: www.mftgroup.ca Main Contact: Lane McIntosh
DirecSys Inc. 835 Champlain Street, Suite 103 Dieppe, NB E1A 1P6 Tel: (506) 857-6537 Email: info@direcsys.com Website: www.direcsys.com Main Contact: Paul Richard
M & R Ventures 288 Union Street Fredericton, NB E3A 1E5 Tel: (506) 452-9333 Email: michaelcoleman110@yahoo.ca Main Contact: Michael Coleman
Stephanie Mead, RMT 212 Queen Street, Suite 305 Fredericton, NB E3B 1A8 Tel: (506) 449-2492 Email: steph.mead@hotmail.ca Website: www.stephaniemeadrmt.ca Main Contact: Stephanie Mead
Quality Engineered Solutions - QES 288 Union Street Fredericton, NB E3A 1E5 Tel: (506) 452-9333 Email: rallen@qes.ca Main Contact: Rick Allen
Nutri-Lawn 95 Prospect Street Fredericton, NB E3C 2L9 Tel: (506) 452-8471 Email: fredericton@nutrilawn.com Website: www.nutrilawn/fredericton.com Main Contact: Jim Cooper
Retreever Consulting 1409 Route 8 Nashwaak River, NB E6C 1W7 Tel: (506) 478-0221 Email: rogerbannister@xplornet.ca Main Contact: Roger Bannister
SimpTek Technologies 490 Regent Street, Unit 35 Fredericton, NB E3B 0V4 Tel: (506) 663-5637 Email: keelan.gagnon@simptekinc.ca Website: simptektechnologies.ca Main Contact: Keelan Gagnon
Magnus Training & Protection Inc. 170 Garden Grove Road Lincoln, NB E3B 7G8 Tel: (506) 292-5003 Email: derek@magnusprotection.com Website: www.magnusprotection.com Main Contact: Derek Mailing
Weight Watchers Canada Ltd. 1033 Prospect Street, #2 Fredericton, NB E3B 3B9 Tel: (506) 636-0541 Email: lporter@weightwatchers.ca Website: www.weightwatchers.ca Main Contact: Lisa Porter
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Morgan Peters
Meeting with Federal Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism, Hon. Maxime Bernier On 11 September 2014, members of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and staff met with Hon. Maxime Bernier, federal Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism at the Fredericton Inn. The conversation was wide-ranging, touching on both small business- and tourism-related issues. Specifically, on the small business side, the conversation focused on looking towards an anticipated federal surplus in the 2015 budget. While lowering income tax rates for small businesses does not appear to be on the table, Minister Bernier did indicate a general policy position of ‘lowering taxes for small business that create jobs.’ It is unclear what exactly this would mean in practice. He did also reiterate the federal government’s intentions to enhance the income splitting opportunities in the tax code. Attendees at the meeting spoke about their perspective on these tax issues as well as the depressing effects of payroll obligations on business growth and the ability to expand the workforce. With a potential provincial payroll tax looming with the New Brunswick Drug Plan, these costs to New Brunswick’s employers may be getting more cumbersome in the near future. There was also good discussion about growing the economy by supporting entrepreneurs through SEED funding and other organizations such as Futurpreneur (formerly the Canadian Youth Business Foundation). This is an area that the chamber has been actively involved with over the past several years through our partnership with Start-Up Fredericton, our Business Immigrant Mentorship Program / The Hive incubator and new student category of membership. We also stress the importance
of innovation, entrepreneurial support and creating a climate conducive to business success whenever we meet with elected officials from all three levels of government. Particularly in New Brunswick with a stagnant/declining population and growing collective debt, we have to give people a reason to stay or come back to the province. Relating to tourism, the conversation focused on funding for the Canadian Tourism Commission. The minister stated that the Commission would be returning to spending some of its advertising budget on markets in the United States. In recent years, in response to it’s budget being reduced from a high of $105 million down to $57 million, the Commission made the decision to advertise in overseas markets, where travellers to Canada tend to stay longer and spend more money, working on the assumption that we would attract a certain number of American tourists by proximity. Notably, at the 2014 Canadian Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting, delegates passed a policy resolution to recommend to the federal government that the CTC’s budget be increased in $120 million. There was also some discussion about air access in Canada and the relatively higher cost of air travel, particularly compared to the United States. Fees, the cost of fuel and airport rent (in the US, airports are generally subsidized; in Canada they pay rent) are all issues that push the cost of Canadian tickets up. This is also an issue that is on the radar of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and its advocacy work. We will continue to follow-up with the minister on issues in his purview that matter most to our members.
Dr. Reza Ektasabi is one of Fredericton’s newest residents. With his son Amin, Dr. Ektasabi immigrated to Fredericton just over a year ago with the goal of establishing a research laboratory to conduct business similar to that of his established industrial fabrication company currently being operated by his eldest son in Armenia. Amin Ektasabi is currently studying biochemistry at the University of New Brunswick and is working very closely with his father on innovative technology that will be new to not only New Brunswick, but Canada as well. Dr. Ektasbi has registered his business under the name of Frederic Mond Inc. “Frederic” for his new home of Fredericton and “Mond” after influential German engineer Ludwig Mond, whom Dr. Ektasabi has studied and admired for his entire career as a mechanical engineer. He comes to Fredericton with over 25 years experience as teacher, innovator, leader and business professional. His goal is to develop business in the Fredericton region and to recruit and employ local engineers and management teams to work with him to grow and establish his business. Dr. Ektasabi has worked in high executive-level research management, applied engineering “know how” research in industrial fabrication projects, researched team building and leadership, and is highly qualified and familiar with advanced manufacturing engineering design, production line and machineries, applied total quality management and assurance supervision (TQMAS). He has also gained vast experience in client / customer relations management (CRM), strategic and risk management in planning, improving workflow processes, accurate problem solving and performance improvement skill.
With over 10 years of experience with superior capabilities as an entrepreneurial director in leadership or coordinator between 65 university graduate projects as industry’s needs assessor to start-ups and eventual growth of student-graduated business start up and development. Additionally, he has more than 15 years of experience as CEO, managing director and senior researcher of a private research company that has developed more than 30 turnkey industrial fabrication projects for worldwide, highly-recognized international companies. Dr. Ektasabi is what we at the Hive call a “Citizen of the World” having worked, researched and studied in many countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, several western and eastern European countries as well as the Middle East and Asia. He is fluent in Farsi, English, Japanese and Russian. Dr. Ektasabi earned his Masters and Ph.D. at the University of Hiroshima in Japan. He has also done work with Stanford University and is currently hoping to develop strong relations with local universities, especially the University of New Brunswick. In short, he is a great asset to our community and a reason for optimism. The work we are doing in the Hive Incubator in Knowledge Park is the second step to our services offered to immigrant investors. It is within the best interest of the community and province to understand the wonderful opportunities that lay ahead in offering our time and support of our friends from around the globe. The cultural exchange, the widened international views, the understanding and support newcomers could offer potential exporters into their home markets and the purchase and development of new and existing businesses is for us to foster and nurture. The myth of lost jobs to newcomer’s is just that - a “myth,” as our clients are here as we quote one of our participants: “Customers of New Brunswick” bringing in money to invest, purchasing homes, cars, food and university educations to their children. They are helping to drive and steer our province and economy and we as a chamber of commerce have proven to be leaders across the nation in support of population growth couldn’t be more willing or supportive of the Hive Incubator and Business Immigrant Mentorship Programs.
“We would like to thank the Province of New Brunswick for their continuous support of our national award winning programs in mentoring and business support for newcomers.”
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CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Recently, members of the Fredericton chamber board of directors and staff attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting in Charlottetown, PEI. As always, it was a great opportunity to learn, meet new people, share best practices and represent our members at the Atlantic Caucus. Your chamber team is filled with great ideas from across the country to bring back for the benefit of our members. Networking The power of the chamber network is on full display at the national conference. Chambers of all sizes and geographical locations were represented by members and staff at the conference. Having the opportunity to share ideas, best practices, successes and failures provides a lot of value to local chamber members. As we try to best
From an advocacy perspective, it is an eye opening experience learning that chambers from every province and territory have similar issues to Fredericton. Adapting strategies that others have used successfully to the local context helps to accelerate our efforts. The same can be said for events, member benefits and all aspects of our operation. Policy Resolution Debates: With a more active Atlantic chamber (and New Brunswick advisory committee), the Atlantic Caucus was well-represented at this year’s policy debates. Our 28 voting delegates trailed only Ontario, Alberta and BC. While there remains a significant disparity between these three caucuses and all others, Atlantic Canada’s participation on the national stage continues to grow and gain influence. There is also a growing number of full-time policy staff members at Atlantic Canadian chambers, which will assist our efforts in the coming years. The complete results for the 2014 resolution debates can be found on their website: http://www.chamber.ca/advocacy/ policy-resolutions/. For more details, contact Morgan Peters at advocacy@frederictonchamber.ca or (506) 451-9742. Update on Fredericton Chamber-submitted resolutions: at the 2013 annual general meeting, two resolutions submitted by the Fredericton chamber were unanimously approved by the delegates in attendance.
meet our members’ needs, leveraging the knowledge of seasoned professionals from across the country not only provides new ways to assist members, but allows us to skip a lot of the growing pains experienced as other chambers roll out new initiatives.
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1. Controlling the Canada-US Price Gap - since this resolution has passed, the Canadian chamber has had contact with the Finance and International Trade departments, as well as the Prime Minister’s Office about the issue. The 2013 Speech from the Throne noted that Canadians should not be charged more in Canada for identical goods that sell for less in the U.S., and that the government will take further action to end geographic price discrimination against Canadians. In the 2014 federal budget the government announced that it intends to introduce legislation to address price discrimination that is not justified by higher operating costs in Canada, and to empower the Commissioner of Competition to enforce the new framework.
2. Standardized Licensing and Accreditation Requirements Across Provinces for Professions - since this resolution was passed, the Canadian chamber has met with Employment and Social Development Minister, Jason Kenney. While the federal government has made policies to reduce barriers to interprovincial trade a priority and has tried to revive talks regarding the Agreement on Internal Trade, no specific action by the government has commenced on this specific issue. We encourage all of our members to suggest potential policy resolutions for future meetings. All resolutions must meet the following criteria: 1. The resolution deals with an issue relevant to Canadian business that is within federal jurisdiction and is of national significance. 2. The issue is current, timely and requires action. 3. The resolution is complete, detailed and supported by factual information.
4. The resolution does not align one sector, industry or region of Canada against another. Professional Development Some of the highlights of the Canadian chamber AGM are the professional development opportunities. The national chamber puts an emphasis on bringing in world-class speakers, innovative chambers and other individuals that are relevant to chamber staff members and volunteers. This year, we heard from Minister Jason Kenney who spoke at length on changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This was a dominant topic at the conference overall as four new policy resolutions dealt directly with this program and several others tangentially. We also attended multiple sessions with Harrison Coerver, author of Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations. Coerver spoke about focusing on programs, events, issues and activities that matter most to our members and how to determine what these are. We also learned from other chamber professionals extensively at the conference. A personal highlight was a panel discussion titled “Effective Lobbying at All Three Levels of the Chamber Network.� It featured a local chamber representative, a provincial chamber representative and a national chamber representative. They provided advice on best practices when lobbying all three levels of government, including the differences and similarities. Summary Attendance at the national chamber conference provides your local chamber’s volunteers and staff members with invaluable experience, contacts, and ideas that are not available in any other setting. Each year we are able to build out our network, enhance our knowledge and become better advocates for you - our members.
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JEDI has had great success with its Aboriginal Internship Program (AIP). Currently, JEDI is partnering with artsnb to fund their two part-time Aboriginal Outreach Officers, Natalie Sappier and Katie Nicholas. Both of the Outreach Officers have been working at artsnb for one year now and both have become an integral part of the artsnb team. Natalie Sappier is an artist herself; she is a painter who is mostly known for her symbolic stories of the Wolastoq people. She likes to work with mixed media on paper, anything from acrylic to charcoal to pastel to pen. Natalie graduated with a Diploma of Surface Design from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design and then she went on to graduate studies there in order to understand the business side of being an artist. Graduate school really accelerated things for her as she was able to devote all of her time to her art and to her business as an artist. “I didn’t expect to make a career out of being an artist but it all made sense once I started going,” said Natalie. “When I first started painting I knew that I wanted to do that for the rest of my life. I’m able to take all of the stories and ideas that come through my mind and express them in my art. It is very uplifting.” “I like art because it constantly makes me feel like I’m traveling, like I’m in a different world every time I step into a gallery and look at new work that I have never seen before. I constantly feel like I am stepping into a different environment and it’s beautiful. Even when I create different work, it feels like I’m looking through a window into a different world. Art brings beauty to the madness of the world. It helps you understand things. It can take you everywhere.” This part-time position at artsnb has been perfect for Natalie. Not only does she get to work with the Aboriginal art community in NB and share the idea that it is possible to be a working artist, she also has time to keep her practice going and to do what she is passionate about. During this past year, while participating in JEDI’s Internship program in conjunction with artsnb, she has also had time to illustrate books, teach at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, take on private commissions, and to prepare for her first solo exhibition which just wrapped up at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre in Fredericton, NB. Natalie has grown both personally and professionally during her time at artsnb. “My writing skills have improved,” said Natalie, “as well as my networking skills, research skills and public speaking skills. This job has given me confidence, I feel confident when I go into a group setting and talk about the work I do and the artist I am. I
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have learned how to listen to others and how to bring out other people’s passion so that they want to move forward towards their goals. I have also learned how to put together a really strong grant proposal which is important in this position.” The Aboriginal Outreach Officers’ main function is to reach out to and support Aboriginal artists in New Brunswick. Natalie and Katie conduct community workshops and provide resources and support services in relation to grant programs offered by artsnb in each of the First Nation communities in NB. The community outreach is having a positive effect. The Outreach Officers have created a database of over 170 Aboriginal artists in the province of NB. The communities have been extremely welcoming and are interested to hear about the many opportunities that are available to them in the art sector of NB. Natalie and Katie have been impressed with the craftsmanship, the passion and the potential of the Aboriginal artists in NB. “The best part of the job is going into the communities,” said Natalie, “and being able to help the artists by mentoring them; seeing the artists’ growth is very rewarding. Most of the artists are surprised at the opportunities that are available to them and that there is help out there for them; that we’re here to guide them through the process of these applications and opportunities. I think they are very grateful for the help. They feel as though they are finally being heard and that is why it is important for us to continue on and keep that relationship strong. The last thing we want to do is take away any hope they may have. It’s good to let them know that what they do is important and that the world wants to see it.” Friendships have also been created as Natalie and Katie go into the communities. In fact, many of the artists have invited Natalie and Katie into their studios and homes to see what they are creating. In addition to presentations on writing successful grants and other opportunities available through organizations like Canada Council for the Arts, Heritage Canada, various residencies and competitions, etc., Natalie and Katie also provide one-on-one mentorship to the artists. They listen to the artist’s individual goals and then help them come up with a plan so that they can achieve those goals. “Because I’m an artist myself and I’ve been there,” said Natalie, “as someone who never knew that I could make a career out of what I do, I understand where they are coming from. It’s important for us to recognize them, inspire them, motivate and praise them, and give them guidance because they are capable of doing really great things in their life with their work. They will become the role models for the next generations and they are keeping First Nation stories alive.”
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COLLABORATION WITH YOUR PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR
CAN BE GOOD FOR BUSINESS The Government of Canada estimates that each year there are about 11 million cases of foodborne illness in Canada. Many foodborne illnesses can be prevented by following safe food handling and preparation techniques [1]. Through the food premises inspection program, the New Brunswick Department of Health, works to eliminate, reduce and control foodborne illness. The program aims to reduce the number of foodborne disease outbreaks, through education, regulation, and investigation of incidents in provincially regulated facilities [2]. Public health inspectors in the Health Protection Branch conduct routine food safety inspections of licensed premises and investigate health hazard and food safety complaints in provincial settings. Public health inspectors also investigate communicable diseases transmitted by the fecal-oral route and related enteric outbreak investigations. This can involve inspection of the food safety operations of food premises where there are suspected or confirmed linkages to illness. The 2009 update to the New Brunswick Public Health Act included new Food Premises Regulation. Regulation 2009-138 provides requirements for premises where food is processed, prepared, stored, handled, displayed, transported, sold and/or offered for sale. These settings include some convenience stores, restaurants, catering kitchens, take-outs, bakeries, and wholesalers. The legislation is focused on the outcome of food safety to allow regulators flexibility to evaluate compliance during inspection and food premises approvals. Each premise is assessed on an individualized case basis rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. The Food Premises Regulation defines 3 classes of food premise
licenses. The license class is based on the types of food handling activities performed in the food premise. More stringent requirements are placed on higher risk activities and handling of potentially hazardous foods. Potentially hazardous foods (PHF) are those that can support “the growth of pathogenic microorganisms or the production of toxins” [3]. Potentially hazardous foods include meat, fish and shellfish products, poultry, eggs, creamfilled pastries and pies, cut up fruit and vegetables and others. In summary, if a product is a food and it is offered for sale, a license is likely required. You can find information on food safety requirements on the Department of Health’s website at http:// www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/ocmoh/healthy_ environments.html. One of the Food Premises regulation requirements concerns food safety training. Class 4 establishments (such as restaurants, bakeries, and catering kitchens) that prepare and handle food products are required at all times to have at least one person present, as well as one manager, who holds a certificate from an approved food handling program [3]. A list of the certified food handling courses approved and accepted by the Province of New Brunswick can be found online at http://www2.gnb.ca/content/ gnb/en/departments/ocmoh/healthy_environments/content/ food_safety_trainingandcertification.html. Local Public Health Inspectors are important food safety resources to food premise owners, operators and the wider community. Managers and operators of food service establishments have a responsibility to protect their customers from becoming sick with foodborne illness from their establishment. Public Health Inspectors want to work with you to identify and eliminate potential threats to food safety which, if not corrected, could injure customers and harm your business [4]. To contact a Public Health Inspector in the Fredericton and surrounding area call (506) 453-2830. References: 1. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Causes of Food Poisoning. Accessed on January 21, 2013 at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/consumer-centre/food-safety-tips/ food-poisoning/eng/1331151916451/1331152055552. 2. New Brunswick Department of Health. Food Premises Standard Operational Procedures. Version 3.1 March 2013. 3. Food Premises Regulation 2009-138 under the New Brunswick Public Health Act. Available at: http://laws.gnb.ca/en/BROWSECHAPTER?listregulations=P22.4&letter=P#P-22.4. 4. TRAINCAN Inc. Advanced.fst Food Safety Training in Canada. 2nd Edition.
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Career Development & Employment Centre The University of New Brunswick Career Development and Employment Centre, a member of the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers, strives to foster connections between employers, students and alumni. As a centre of student career and employment expertise, our goal is to build partnerships, develop programs and offer services which link undergraduate and graduate students with experience-building and degree-related career and employment opportunities. We offer a wide range of services geared at helping employers run successful on-campus recruitment campaigns for full-time, part-time, summer, internship, and volunteer employment opportunities. Some of these services include: Online Job Postings – The Career Development and Employment Centre advertises employment opportunities for Canadian companies (and selected opportunities in the US and overseas) by posting them to our website, at no cost, to be viewed by students and alumni. Employer Information Sessions - An information session is an effective way to gain visibility in the early stages of the recruitment process and gives employers an opportunity to visit students on campus to provide them with detailed information about their company. The Career Development and Employment Centre assists in organizing these sessions by booking a location on-campus, advertising the session (website, posters, email to students), and arranging audio visual equipment and food orders.
assist local employers with current job openings by strategically matching them with top-quality graduates of the Faculty of Arts or Science. On-Campus Interviews – The Career Development and Employment Centre schedules an employer’s on-campus interviews to be held at our facility, the historic Neville Homestead on the Fredericton campus, or reserves space in another building to conduct interviews. Resume Collection – The Career Development and Employment Centre offers the service of collecting applications on behalf of the employer, and forwarding the complete package of applications to the employer the following day. Career Fairs – The Career Development and Employment Centre hosts three career fairs throughout the year. By participating in career fairs employers are able to promote their organization, brand, and career opportunities directly to UNB students and alumni.
Job Matching – Through the recently launched Job Development Program, the Career Development and Employment Centre will
To learn more about employer services at the Career Development and Employment Centre, please visit http://go.unb.ca/ studentemployment, email employment@unb.ca, or telephone (506) 453-4620.
November 6, 2014 Business After Hours hosted by Simms Home Hardware Kitchen & Bath Centre
November 19, 2014 Lunch & Learn held at Kingswood Lodge
November 13, 2014 State of the City Address held at the Fredericton Convention Centre
December 4, 2014 Business After Hours hosted by UNB Conference Services
November 18, 2014 Business Over Breakfast hosted by Precision Pilates INSIGHT Nov-Dec 2014
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THE TOUGHEST SET OF ISSUES FOR THE GOVERNMENT The election of September 22, 2014 was fought largely around the issue of fracking and resource development. It is well established that this province needs new revenue sources; the province is tilting over the economic brink and needs desperate measures applied. Professor Saillant of UdeM has done us all a great favor by being very frank in his book “Over the Cliff”. Prof. Joe Ruggeri , retired Economics Professor at UNB, outlined for the Rotary Club recently the evolution of the economic challenge that we face. While many factors are at play, the largest and most elusive is the combined impact of the Health and Social Services budgets. Even when inflation runs at 2-3 %, the cost of health and social services continues to escalate year over year at the rate of 3-4 times the inflation rate. And this rate of increase continues despite the best intentions of a succession of governments. How often have we heard the stern warning to hospitals: “balance your budgets or else”. Prof. Ruggeri and the prominent Globe and Mail writer Jeffrey Simpson make one key point: our health and social system was put in place in Canada (and NB) at a time when economic growth was constantly significant; that level of economic growth changed a decade ago and yet the health and social system continues with the same structural problems that existed 30 years ago. Until the structural issues are changed, the costs will continue to outpace inflation by a factor of 2-3 times or more. Some 50% of the provincial budget is consumed by health care services and that proportion grows every year leaving government with the challenge of improving education, correcting aging infrastructure and roads with a diminishing purse! Jeffrey Simpson points out (in his book Chronic Condition: Why Canada’s Health System Needs to be Dragged into the 21st Century) that even with the enormous investment that we make in our health and social system, we essentially have a Chevrolet system at Cadillac prices. Then he goes on to identify that the Canadian system is one of the poorest performing systems in the Western World. His book makes the point that the system needs major fundamental change, that there is sufficient money already in the system! What government needs to do with health and social services, in order to bring the system to some level of consistent quality and sustainability, involves action on five fronts: 1. Primary Care Reform: in NB there is little excuse for lack of access to a family doctor; there are more physicians per capita in
NB than most other provinces. It is a matter of organization of primary care; European countries have led the way with systems that are much more efficient than what is in place in NB; progress has been made; it needs acceleration. 2. Rural Health Plan: health services can and should be integrated using the best of technology which would bring virtual consults and expertise into every community in the province. There are, even now, some wonderful models in other parts of the country. Rural New Brunswickers need timely access to services that we take for granted in urban areas….and it is achievable. 3. Culture and Leadership: media coverage in recent years has underscored the inconsistency in the culture of our treasured institutions. Government and the health authorities must set the bar high in terms of expectations of excellence. Creating and maintaining a culture that requires excellence means that a clear vision for health care must be articulated and there must be a firm commitment to leadership and leadership development. Health is complex and within the system there are many people in leadership responsibility. Yet training and continuing education seems to lack priority. 4. Centres of Excellence must be created throughout the province. We cannot afford to have seven communities competing for high technology, full range of clinical programs and all that supports them. One excellent cardiac centre is sufficient for our population as is one excellent neurosciences centre, and so on. However it is all structured, the competition for primacy must cease for both qualitative and economic reasons. 5.A coherent approach to serving the aging population must be created. In the last couple of decades there has been much rhetoric, much wringing of hands, followed by little concrete action. Leadership, vision, courage to re-engineer, merging the Health and Social Services Department (or at least mandating collaboration would be a first step). This is a tough workplan for a government since there are so very many powerful groups who will continue to push back. But move forward we must if the system that our kids will inherit will have quality and affordability at the base. Ken McGeorge, B.S.,D.H.A.,C.H.E. KMINC October 1, 2014
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In addition to the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce’s advocacy work on behalf of business, we also assist businesses of all sizes in improving their bottom line through a number of benefit programs we offer. As an added benefit, chamber of commerce members are welcome to share in the following value-added programs: • Preferred rates through First Data Canada with wired and wireless terminals on the electronic processing of:
Visa (1.55%) MasterCard (1.60%) Interac Debit Card (0.05/transaction)
• Group Insurance Health Plan for organizations with 1 – 50 employees offering a comprehensive benefits’ package complete with pooled benefits to stabilize your rates at renewal time.
• Discounted home and auto insurance through Wilson Insurance. • Atlantic Payroll Company offers a discounted rate on all of your payroll requirements. • Online training solutions available for small and medium-sized businesses with LearnSphere. • Discounts of 30% on shipments within Canada and to worldwide destinations, 25% on imports into Canada and 75% (starting at) on freight shipments services with the UPS® Savings Program. ‘Get More’ Member Card from The UPS Store®. For information on chamber member benefits, please contact Christine Little, Membership Development and Marketing Manager – 451.9740 or via email, membership@frederictonchamber.ca
• A fuel discount ($0.035 per litre) offered to the company and its employees at all Canadian ESSO-branded service stations.
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BE THE SAME PERSON ON BOTH SIDES OF TRANSLATION. Don’t pay for errors with credibility, hire certified translators.
INSIGHT Nov-Dec 2014
.ca
Morgan Peters
The Partnership for Resource Trade is a Canadian Chamber of Commerce-led initiative that is seeking to “foster an environment favourable to the responsible development of our natural resources” and “...seeks to engage Canadians – from all walks of life and all parts of Canada – in the important national discussion about the key role that natural resources play in our success as a country.” It’s process is primarily two-fold: 1.To engage in a public advocacy campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of responsibility developing our natural resources to benefit the Canadian economy; and 2.To compile a list of individuals and organizations that support the Partnership’s stated goals. Of particular interest to New Brunswick is the goal to “define and communicate the resource value chain, transportation infrastructure and economic implications and opportunities across the country.” With several potential projects on the horizon in NB such as the Energy East pipeline, converting the Canaport LNG terminal to an export terminal, the Canaport Energy East Marine Terminal, the Sisson Brook Mine and the Forestry Plan, it will be critical that as a province and country we are able to add as much value as possible to the raw materials in order to leverage our position into a true, lasting boost to the economy. Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Perrin Beatty recently put the economic importance of Canada’s natural resources into perspective: “Canada’s natural resource endowment
is unmatched. We are the world’s largest exporter of forest products, the third largest exporter of natural gas and the fourth largest exporter of agriculture and agri-food. Our country has the world’s third largest oil reserves and is a top 10 producer of too many metals and minerals to list in this space.” At the recent Canadian chamber annual general meeting, a resolution was also passed by the delegates in attendance titled “Natural Resources are the Power of Canada.” There are several other resolutions on the books with similar messages. Of course, Canadian chamber resolutions are of a national scope, but the consequences of developing natural resources are felt in New Brunswick - whether directly or by growing the national economy. With resource development being top of mind in New Brunswick over the past several years, the Partnership for Resource Trade is an available mechanism for gathering information, particularly on the economic side of the development discussion. Each of our political parties agree that responsible development of our resources (in some combination or another) will be part of a economic development plan to end deficits and reducing debt. Regardless of what projects or industries you think we should develop in the province, we can probably all agree that the more information we have (both environmental and economic), the better off we are - at the very least it’s a conversation that will continue indefinitely and cannot be ignored. For more information, visit the Partnership for Resource Trade website: http://powerofcanada.ca/ or follow them on Twitter: @ PowerofCanada.
JEDI Article Continued At the end of the internship, Natalie knows that she will continue to have a relationship with artsnb and she will continue to support the New Brunswick arts community. She also knows that JEDI will continue to support her and look for ways to support the Aboriginal artists in NB.
I feel as though I’m able to take on whatever comes my way in the arts,” said Natalie. “This internship has helped me to get my foot in the door in the New Brunswick arts community.” To learn more about the JEDI Aboriginal Internship Program, please contact JEDI at 506-444-5650 or visit www.jedinb.ca
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Pierre Cléroux, Vice President of Research and Chief Economist at BDC updated the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and Fredericton North Rotary Club on the performance of the national, provincial and global economies, and discussed the risks and opportunities for businesses.
Taylor Printing Group Inc. hosted the first Business After Hours of the fall. Chamber members enjoyed an evening of networking while learning about Taylor Printing Group Inc.’s production processes. Thank you to Edwina’s Catering for sponsoring the delicious food!
Heather MacLean of TaylorMade Solutions presented at a Lunch & Learn entitled ‘How to Avoid Looking Stupid When Using LinkedIn.’ Those members in attendance gained a lot of knowledge about LinkedIn. Thank you Heather for the great presentation!
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Mactaquac Country Chamber of Commerce and the Oromocto Chamber of Commerce hosted the Annual Tri-Chamber Event at the Riverside Resort and Conference Centre. We had a great turnout at this event, with over 40 members in attendance who contributed to the collection of school supplies. Thank you to all the chamber members who sponsored and donated door prizes!
Richard Saillant, Director of the Canadian Institute for Research on Public Policy and Public Administration at l’Université de Moncton delivered an eye-opening presentation to Fredericton Chamber of Commerce member entitled ‘Over the Cliff? Acting Now to Avoid New Brunswick’s Bankruptcy.’
INSIGHT Nov-Dec 2014
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Bridges of Canada Inc. hosted our first Business Over Breakfast (formally called Early Bird Networking) event of the fall at their new office location at 440 York Street. They received a great turnout at their new location. Thanks for being wonderful hosts, Bridges of Canada!
Capital Region Community Tennis Centre hosted Business After Hours. Those who attended learned lots about the services they offer to children, families, individuals, people with disabilities and businesses. Thank you to Aggie’s Catering for sponsoring the delicious food.
The Business Excellence Awards were held at the Delta Fredericton. Congratulations to this year’s recipients!
Kim MacPherson, Auditor General of New Brunswick presented at the jointed Fredericton North Rotary Luncheon – Kim MacPherson - held at the Fredericton Inn
Lift Personal Fitness hosted a Business Over Breakfast event. This gym has a welcoming atmosphere; so if you’re looking for a personal trainer in a group or one-on-one setting, stop by to meet the Lift Personal Fitness team.
Credit Unions Business Excellence Award (Fewer Than 20 Employees) •Mayday Group Inc.
Mike Legere, Executive Director of New Brunswick Forest Products Association spoke at a Presentation Day to members on the association’s change in client focus, the new vision and how three key industry objectives will impact perceptions and policy.
UPS Business Excellence Award (More Than 20 Employees) •Delta Fredericton Hotel Jim Gilbert’s Wheels & Deals Not-For-Profit Organization Award •Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fredericton and Oromocto Inc. Matthews McCrea Elliott Community Leadership Award •Fredericton Public Library Wilson Insurance Ltd. Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award •Peter Goggin & Rishin Behl, Resson Aerospace Corp.
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce co-hosted ‘Learning The Ropes – Small Business Investor Tax Credit and Raising Money’ seminar with the Financial and Consumer Services Commission. At this seminar members learned about the changes to the Small Business Investor Tax Credit and changes to the rules related to raising money for your business.
Bell Aliant Business Person of the Year Award •Pat Whalen, LuminUltra Technologies Ltd. KPMG Resilience Award •Isaac’s Way Restaurant
Thank you, to the Business Excellence Awards sponsors! McQuinn Media, Signature Sound, UNB College of Extended Learning, Credit Unions, KPMG, UPS, Wilson Insurance Ltd., Matthews McCrea Elliott, Jim Gilbert’s Wheels & Deals, Bell Aliant, Constellation Brands, Valley Graphics Ltd., KKP Kwik Kopy Printing, Rob Blanchard Photography, Weddings and Events Designed by Sylvain, Air Canada, Vagrant Web & Creative and Newcap Radio.
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and LearnSphere Canada hosted a session entitled ‘Promoting Your Business: Get More Out of Social Media Tools’. This session was designed based on the survey results of previous Lunch & Learn sessions. Those members who took advantage of this session, we hope your businesses will benefit.
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By now you’ve probably heard about the NB Drug Plan which will be in effect affect APRIL 1st, 2015. You will automatically be enrolled. If you do not have your own plan you will not be able to opt out.
IT’S TIME TO EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS.
www.coreyinsurance.ca/nb-drug-plan
Call Blair or Robyn Corey 458.0102 or Ryan Boyer 452.1891 to tailor a plan suited to your needs. See what the Chamber Plan can do for you! chamberplan.ca