Business Voice Magazine (February 2023)

Board of Directors — Officers

Faten Alshazly, WeUsThem, Chair

Chris Cowper-Smith, Spring Loaded, Vice-Chair

Mark Sidebottom, Nova Scotia Power, Past-Chair

Roger Boutilier, Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS

Ann Divine, Ashanti Leadership

Caroline Wolfe Stewart, Nova Scotia College of Nursing

Directors

Andrew de Freitas, TMSI Ltd

Christopher Googoo, Ulnooweg Captain (N) A.S. Williams CD, Maritime Forces Atlantic

Hon. Joanne Bernard, Easter Seals Nova Scotia

David Rideout, MetroWorks

Martha Casey

Paul Way, TD Private Wealth

Kimberly Stephens, Acadian Seaplants

Donna Harding, Engel & Völkers

Heath Moore , Grant Thornton

Katherine Risley, KBRS & Meridia Recruitment Solutions

Ifeanyi Emesih, My East Coast Experience Media Group Inc.

Nancy Foran, ESG Partners

Wade Keller, Labatt Brewing

Chamber Staff

Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO

Becky Davison, Vice President, Marketing

Kent Roberts , Vice President, Policy

Sandra White, Director of Finance and Administration

Emma Menchefski, Communications Manager

Emily Bednarz, Communications Coordinator

Volume 32 • Issue 2

Business Voice is published 8 times a year for members of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and Metro Halifax’s business community. Views expressed in Business Voice are those of the contributors and individual members, and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are a policy of, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. Please address editorial enquiries and changes to information to:

Halifax Chamber of Commerce 100-32 Akerley Boulevard Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1N1 Tel: 902-468-7111 Fax: 902-468-7333

info@halifaxchamber.com www.halifaxchamber.com

Cover Image Credit: Alvero Wiggins

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Receive up to 85% off a select list of products and an aggressive discount off catalogue list price.

As a member of the Chamber, you gain access to many benefit programs that can save you and your company money. You can recover the cost of your membership many times over just by taking advantage of these money and time saving benefits from our Affinity Partners. Benefits and discounts from our Affinity Partners can be accessed by you and your entire team! Learn more at: halifaxchamber.com/affinity

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Strengthening community

Celebrating and honouring African Heritage Month in Halifax

PATRICK

February is African Heritage Month — a month to celebrate, recognize, and honour Black communities in Nova Scotia, along with their struggles, achievements, impact, and contributions to the province. With over 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities, some of whom have roots dating back 400 years, it is important that all Nova Scotians learn the history and participate in the month.

The Black Cultural Centre’s website talks about the theme, stating, “Seas of struggle – African Peoples from Shore to Shore outlines the struggles people of African Decent faced from the shores of Africa to the shores of Nova Scotia.” You can also view their events calendar online at ahm.bccnsweb.com.

Businesses play a role in strengthening our community. This month, we encourage you to take a moment to amplify Black voices — buy from a Blackowned business, engage with content creators, and prioritize supplier diversity. In this issue of Business Voice, you’ll read about the Black Canadians National Summit that took place in Halifax last summer. Thank you to the Michaëlle Jean Foundation for helping us with the story. You’ll also meet Bireti Jewellery, an entrepreneur honing her artistic abilities while honouring her heritage.

As we look ahead to the rest of 2023, I am feeling optimistic. Our downtowns are alive, new businesses are popping up

every day, and live events are bringing energy back to the city. The Chamber’s membership is growing thanks to the support of a vibrant, diverse, and strong business community.

We continue to foster strong relationships with all levels of government and advocate on your behalf. As I mentioned, I feel optimistic about the coming year. I wanted to ask our two leaders; Municipal and Provincial how they felt about 2023 and the future. I received great replies from Mayor Mike Savage and Premier Tim Houston.

Mayor Mike Savage had this to say to Business Voice:

“Shortly after becoming Mayor a decade ago, I had a meeting with the Chamber when its stated goal was for Halifax to be among the top three fastest growing Canadian cities by 2018. We exceeded that timeline and have been one of the fastest growing cities, if not the fastest, for a number of years. Challenges come with that type of growth as do many opportunities, and our growth will continue. We can all work together to ensure it is both inclusive and sustainable. We will be bigger, but we can

also be better.”

And from a provincial standpoint, Premier Tim Houston offered his thoughts on the upcoming year:

“Our government is determined to foster a strong, prosperous economy for Nova Scotia. Right now, we’re focused on growing strategic sectors, increasing productivity and planting the seeds for the economic future we want to have. We can achieve this by working together with our partners and the business community to strengthen innovation and competitiveness, create higher paying jobs and keep communities at the centre of our work. Programs like the Innovation Rebate Program and the More Opportunity for Skilled Trades (MOST) Program are great examples of progress we’ve made to date, but we are just getting started. We’re committed to building an economy that works for all of us.”

Thank you to both our leaders, and happy reading!

Connect with me anytime at:

president@halifaxchamber.com

@prezhfxchamber

SULLIVAN PRESIDENT & CEO HALIFAX CHAMBER

IN JULY 2022, THE MICHAËLLE JEAN FOUNDATION HOSTED THE NATIONAL BLACK CANADIANS SUMMIT IN HALIFAX (JBPHOTOS PHOTO). TURN TO PAGE 16 TO READ OUR COVER STORY ON THE EVENT.

Our future leaders

FATEN ALSHAZLY PRINCIPAL & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER WEUSTHEM

InMay 2022, I had my first Chair’s Breakfast. The Chair’s Breakfast is an opportunity for me to meet with a small group of members (or future members) to hear about their experiences, challenges, and questions on important topics in the community.

For this first breakfast, I wanted to hear from young would-be entrepreneurs in our local post-secondary institutions, and I wanted the focus to be on young women pursuing STEM programs. We hosted young women from Dalhousie University, St. Mary’s University, and Nova Scotia Community College (my thanks to the Presidents who made this happen: Dr. Saini, Dr. Summerby-Murray and Mr. Bureaux) with the hopes to continue including other institutions and their learners in the future.

Hosted at WeUsThem’s offices in downtown Halifax with the Chamber team, I wanted to hear from the group about the things they were hoping to see in our economy and community as they charted their way post academia. The discussions are presented below — read on to learn how our bright minds of the future are planning what’s next.

Did they hope to become independent entrepreneurs or work with an established company? The students expressed interest in both paths. “Combine both! I would like to be an entrepreneur with a job,” said one student. “I would love the chance to combine science and nature to make natural products for use in architecture.” Other students expressed interest in research, commercial projects, renewable energy, and rural communities.

Additionally, they were asked about the challenges they’re currently facing and anticipate facing. The challenge they unanimously identified was funding. “How can we approach investors?” one

student asked. “Most students only learn about venture capitalists and angel investors for the first time during their programs. There’s not enough awareness and access to information about funding sources.” Another student commented on the movement toward sustainability. “There’s a shift happening,” she said. “Most people prefer environmentally friendly options, but only if they can afford it. How can we get people to care about the planet over profits?”

Another question top of mind to me was, did the students feel that a gender imbalance still exists in STEM? While the students acknowledged that research in health and life sciences is being conducted mostly by women, fields related to engineering and business management are still dominated by men. “There are very few female students and faculty members in my department,” one student said. “I’m often the only female in the room.”

The roundtable produced fantastic ideas for ways the community can better advocate for women in STEM. It’s important to get loud (on social media and in schools and workplaces) and set the example. “I learn better from someone who looks like me and has had similar experiences,” one student said. “Not everyone likes to speak up, but if you can, you should!”

Finally, one amazing highlight: all the students said they plan to stay in

Nova Scotia upon graduating.

So, how can the business community support them? It’s important that thought leaders become mentors that can help students make connections and manage the transition from research to business. We also need to take every opportunity to put inspiring women on stage and in classrooms. “We need more mentors and role models for young people,” one student said. “If they can see it, they can be it.”

The insights shared by these young women were helpful in considering how we chart our economies for the future. In a day and age where we continue to have a talent crunch and not enough women in STEM, we know that we need to do everything to keep talent here on our shores. Engaging with these young professionals showcases how well prepared they are and what their plans are for their's and our futures.

As much as they are our future, we are theirs too. I call on you to reach out to these bright minds to support them now, so we can see them leading our organizations in the future.

Share your thoughts with me at:

weusthem.com

@fatenalshazly

@fatenalshazly

Chair's Breakfast with women in STEM sheds light on future economies, communities

CHAMBER EVENTS

For a full list of Chamber events, visit: halifaxchamber.com/events

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7

BUSINESS SUPPORT SERIES: EXPLORING INTERSECTIONALITY

WITH PILOT X TECHNOLOGIES

10:00AM - 11:00AM Online via Zoom

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9

LUNCHEON: OUR PORT CITY

WITH THE PORT OF HALIFAX PRESENTED BY STEWART MCKELVEY

11:30AM - 1:30PM

Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel - Halifax Ballroom

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

FREE TRAINING: GENDER, EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

9:00PM - 4:00PM

Halifax Chamber of Commerce

Free for members! Sessions also open on March 3 and March 10.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24

SURGE CONFERENCE

11:00AM - 4:30PM | Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Our inaugural SURGE (Supporting Under Represented Groups Everyday) half-day conference offers content specific to building and maintaining your Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion policy and strategy. Connect with experts and other businesses to start your journey together!

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: EASTER SEALS NOVA SCOTIA

4:30PM - 6:30PM 22 Fielding Ave, Dartmouth Free for members and future members.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

POWER LUNCH: HOW INFLATION IMPACTS YOUR BUSINESS INSURANCE

WITH BAULD INSURANCE

12:00PM - 1:30PM

Halifax Chamber of Commerce

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

ANNUAL STATE OF THE MUNICIPALITY

WITH MAYOR MIKE SAVAGE

11:00AM - 1:30PM

Halifax Convention Centre

THANK YOU TO OUR JANUARY EVENT

SPONSORS:

NEW & NOTED

We welcome our new Chamber members

Are you a new Chamber member?

Get listed in New & Noted! Contact Mandi Bowser, Administrative Specialist at mandi@halifaxchamber.com or call (902) 468-7111 to submit.

ARTSY FARTSY

Get your paint on with Artsy Fartsy!

Book us for your custom paint event for up to 100 guests anywhere in mainland Nova Scotia, or find us hosting an event at your favorite local venue throughout the province. We also offer drawing and painting lessons for both youth and adults.

Rhonda Frank Porters Lake, Nova Scotia (902) 222-5227

rhondafrank@artsyfartsy.ca

ArtsyFartsy.ca

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT - Art

AUREA TECHNOLOGIES

Aurea Technologies develops and manufactures portable renewable energy systems. Aurea’s mission is to provide clean energy independence. The Shine Turbine, a portable wind turbine for charging handheld electronics, is the first of a series of renewable power products created by the company that will provide freedom from the electrical grid.

Dartmouth, NS

1-844-684-8936

shineturbine.com

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTSustainability

BEJEWELED BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

To make great financial decisions, you need quality and timely information along with expert advice. We provide accurate, cost-effective, and personalized bookkeeping services for small and mid-sized businesses. We are

dedicated to simplifying your books and keeping them healthy so you can focus on growing your business.

Bridget Ajayi

Halifax, NS (902) 329-3006

info@bejeweledbookkeeping.com bejeweledbookkeeping.com

FINANCE & INSURANCEBookkeeping

BILLYARD INSURANCE GROUP

Aaron MacDonald Bedford, NS (902) 707-0077

aaron.macdonald@thebig.ca thebig.ca/bedford

FINANCE & INSURANCE - Financial/ Insurance Services

COAST TO COAST ABATEMENTS

Coast To Coast Abatements provides Nova Scotians with safe mold removal and structural drying. IICRC certified with state of the art technology, Coast to Coast will efficiently and effectively remove any dangerous mold that has invaded your home. Call for your free inspection today!

Wade Woods

Halifax, NS (902) 580-1800

wwoods@coasttocoastns.com coasttocoastns.com

INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURINGRestoration Services

DAMSEL FINANCIAL COACHING

Danielle Abbott, Founder and Coach at Damsel Financial Coaching, helps individuals, couples, and small business owners eliminate money stress and anxiety, spend with confidence, and build self trust. Get organized with your money, get clarity about what you want, and take action toward your goals.

Danielle Abbott

Dartmouth, NS

(587) 830-3659

danielle@damseloutofdebt.com

damseloutofdebt.com

EDUCATION & PROF. DEVELOPMENT - Coaching

DIVERT NS

Divert NS is a not-for-profit corporation working with Nova Scotians to improve our province’s environment and economy through recycling and waste diversion. We administer recycling programs for beverage containers and used tires; manage a network of province-wide Enviro-Depots; and work with industry, academia, and government to champion recycling.

Jeff MacCallum

Truro, NS

(902) 895-7732

jmaccallum@divertns.ca divertns.ca

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTRecycling/Composting

DIVORCE SOLUTION

Divorce Solution has a high success rate of all cases being settled regardless of lifestyle, socioeconomic or cultural status. The mediation process allows the parties to negotiate their own settlement, giving them control of the entire divorce process. Mediation is more flexible, less expensive, and quicker than going to court.

David Penney

Dartmouth, NS (902) 510-0460

info@divorcesolution.ca divorcesolution.ca

HEALTH CARE - Stress Management

DR. MARK SUTHERLAND DENTISTRY INCORPORATED

Dr. Mark Sutherland Dentistry is a General Dentistry Office that performs most aspects of General Dentistry. We love to concentrate on restorative dentistry, occlusion (bite) problems, and worn or cracked teeth.

Mark Sutherland

Halifax, NS (902) 425-6263

drmark@dmsdentistry.com dmsdentistry.com

HEALTH CARE - Dental

ECO KARMA

Dan d'Entremont

Halifax, NS (902) 497-1414

dan.dentremont@gmail.com

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT - Art

FINBAR'S PORTLAND HILLS

Daniel Huphman

Dartmouth, NS (902) 277-1909

Dan.huphman@outlook.com finbars.ca/portlandhills

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE - Restaurant

FLEUR DE LEAF CANNABIS CORPORATION

Fleur de Leaf Cannabis Corporation is a federally licensed cannabis microprocessor based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Fleur de Leaf's flagship brand ''Rope & Sail'' currently sells within all three Atlantic Provinces through the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission, Cannabis New Brunswick, and PEI Cannabis.

Matthew Webber

Halifax, NS (902) 702-0934

matt@matthewwebber.ca fleurdeleaf.net

SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAILCannabis

FOUNDERS EAST CAPITAL PARTNERS

Adrian Snow

Halifax, NS

(902) 789-9544

adrian@founderseast.com founderseast.com

FINANCE & INSURANCEInvestment Management

FUSION GROUP INC.

The Fusion Group Inc. is a recruitment firm that supports small-to-medium

sized businesses with their hiring needs. We offer a full service recruitment model, and one of our core values is “recruitment done right” through our client and candidate experience. We also offer career strategy services to mid-level professionals.

Jen Warrington

Bedford, NS (902) 329-3888

jen@thefusiongroup.ca thefusiongroup.ca

HR, EMPLOYMENT & STAFFINGRecruitment Services

IMPACT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND COACHING

Your employee retention and engagement worries are not a management problem or human resources problem; they’re a leadership problem. We’re here to help you face your leadership challenges head on. We’re leadership practitioners, built on years of leadership experience from some of the most intense and challenging environments.

Phil Jewell

Halifax, NS (902) 476-6517

phil@impactleadershipteam.com

impactleadershipteam.com

BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICESManagement Consulting

KRYS DEVELOPMENT INC

Krys was established three years ago by Khaled Mohamed and is involved in the construction business — mainly project management, the building of new construction single family homes, and property management. Our main aim is to build quality homes and provide high quality service in managing commercial properties.

Khaled Mohamed

Halifax, NS

(902) 414-7593

Krysdev.ca@gmail.com

BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICESProject Management

LOS TOROS TAVERN INC.

Amal El Nabbout

Halifax, NS

(902) 488-1900

orso.pub.grill@gmail.com

lostoros.ca

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE - Restaurant

MARITIME CONSERVATORY OF PERFORMING ARTS

The Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, a Canadian registered Charitable Organization, is a community hub where people learn music and dance and enjoy the benefits of music therapy.

Simon Robinson

Halifax, NS

(902) 423-6995

director@maritimeconservatory.com maritimeconservatory.com

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT - Art

MARITIME ROBOTICS

Maritime Robotics is a startup tech company established in 2018 that specializes in robotic software solutions for retail, food services, and events. We work closely with local academic institutions and industry experts in software engineering, source components nationally and globally, and assemble locally in the Dalhousie ACM lab.

Huijing He

Halifax, NS

(902) 402-8633

info@maritimerobotics.ca

maritimerobotics.ca

COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGYComputer Software

MILLER THOMSON LLP

Miller Thomson is built to provide the most comprehensive Canadian business and legal help. The scale of your project is never an issue. We help businesses of every size, entrepreneurs, individuals, not-for-profit organizations, financial institutions, and governments. We represent 550 lawyers, rooted in 11 communities across Canada.

Hugh Wright

Halifax, NS

(416) 595-8500

hwright@millerthomson.com

millerthomson.com

BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES - Law

MODERN PURAIR HALIFAX

Modern PURAIR is your full-service indoor air quality company. We offer furnace and air duct cleaning, indoor air quality testing, coil cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, heat pump cleaning, air purification equipment including HEPA filters and UVC/UVV germicidal technology, and filter maintenance programs for your home or business.

Conrad Smith

Halifax, NS

1-800-996-3878

conrad.smith@modernpurair.com modernpurair.com/halifax

INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURINGMaintenance Services

MR. DOZER

Artur Shabliienko

Halifax, NS

(902) 401-5805

office@mrdozer.com mrdozer.com

REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTIONContractor/Construction

MW WELLNESS COLLECTIVE

MW Wellness Collective is a team of counselling therapists and interns helping people renew wellness and feel fulfilled. Our mission is to help members of our communities thrive and reconnect with the things that are truly important. We aim to make wellness attainable for everyone.

Melyssa Wood

Dartmouth, NS

(902) 482-8020

melyssa@mwwellness.ca mwwellness.ca

HEALTH CARE - Health and Wellness

NOVALINK MARKETING INC.

NovaLink Marketing is a sales and direct marketing company. With years of combined door-to-door, call center, and B2B sales and marketing experience, our experts can help your business reach and expand its revenue goals. We work with major telecommunications, merchant processing, and energy partners in Canada.

Tyler Martin

Halifax, NS

(902) 444-0153

tylermartin@novalinkmarketing.com

novalinkmarketing.com

ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIAMarketing

PARACHUTE EXECUTIVE COACHING

Parachute Executive Coaching offers customized leadership development support to leaders committed to their own growth — leaders who know that the key to business success is employees thriving. We have expertise in all facets of values-based leadership including DEI, company culture, employee engagement, distributed workforce, and organizational wellness.

Karen Wright

Halifax, NS

(416) 910-9683

kwright@

parachuteexecutivecoaching.com

parachuteexecutivecoaching.com

EDUCATION & PROF. DEVELOPMENT - Prof. Development

RY'AH'S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Ry’ah’s Property Maintenance is a small business based in HRM offering property maintenance and landscaping services. Ry’ah’s Property Maintenance aims for success with all our customers by providing exceptional service with every encounter.

Ryan Simmonds

Dartmouth, NS (902) 989-4882

ryahsproperty@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTIONProperty Management

SAMUEL GLOBAL FINANCE AND COMPLIANCE HUB

Samuel Kiragu

Halifax, NS

(902) 225-1832

samuel.kiragu@gfchub.com gfchub.com

FINANCE & INSURANCE - Financial Services

SKYSHOT IMMIGRATION INC.

Bikram Singh

Halifax, NS

(902) 266-3051

contact@skyshotimmigration.ca

skyshotimmigration.ca

BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICESImmigration

SMALL TOWN MARKETING SOLUTIONS

At Small Town Marketing Solutions, Catharine helps small business owners maintain a consistent online presence through the use of web design and social media. Offering both “done for you” services and one-on-one coaching services, she can alleviate your marketing work load whichever way works best for you and your business.

Catharine McMaster

Halifax, NS

(902) 403-3903

catharine@ smalltownmarketingsolutions.com

smalltownmarketingsolutions,com

ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIAInternet Marketing

SPLIT PINE CONSTRUCTION

Scott Sheffer

East River, NS (902) 880-4348

scott@splitpine.ca splitpineconstruction.ca

REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTIONAppraisals

STALWART METALS INT INC

Mohit Sangal

Halifax, NS (902) 989-3272

mohit@metalscanada.ca

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT - Scrap Metal Recycling

STARBERRY DRINK CO. LTD

Keisha Turner Kjipuktuk, NS (647) 882-6440

taste@starberrydrink.co

starberrydrink.co

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE - Beverage Sales

STRONGEST FAMILIES INSTITUTE

Anne Marie Shannon

Lower Sackville, NS

1-866-470-7111

amshannon@strongestfamilies.com strongestfamilies.com

NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPSCharitable Organizations

SYLVAN LEARNING - HALIFAX

Sylvan Learning of Halifax is the result of its founders believing that we all learn in our own individualized ways; even structured learning should be imparted in personalized manner. Sylvan is known for its K-12 academic programs. All key programs are technologically aided and customized for learners.

Sangeeta Khurana

Halifax, NS (902) 422-7323

sangysak@gmail.com

SylvanLearning.com/HalifaxNS

EDUCATION & PROF.

DEVELOPMENT - Coaching

TALKATOO

Talkatoo is veterinary-focused dictation software that works on both Windows

and Mac and helps cut documentation time in half. The built-in veterinary dictionary recognizes everyday vetmed terms and works in all practice management systems, in any browser, on any email platform, and beyond.

Graham McGuire

Halifax, NS (902) 414-5590

graham@talkatoo.com talkatoo.com

BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICESAssistive Technology and Resources

VITAMIN DEE ENTERTAINMENT

Dena Williams

Halifax, NS (902) 329-4132

dena@vitamindeeentertainment.com vitamindeeentertainment.com

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT - Entertainment

WANDERLUST EXCURSIONS

Wanderlust Excursions brings dreams to life via detailed unique, personalized vacation tours. We specialize in

everything from organized group guided packages, to personal vacation or event holiday arrangements, to private group guided tours (NYC and Europe), to magnificent cruise experiences.

Kathy Blois

Gore, NS (902) 798-6354

kathy@wanderlustexcursions.ca wanderlustexcursions.ca

TRAVEL & TOURISM - Travel Services

ZOOMERS PHYSIOTHERAPY

We believe everyone deserves to live to their full potential. Our mission is to ensure that adults achieve this by minimizing their discomfort and maximizing their strength, balance and mobility. Our in-home and in-clinic health and fitness services are focused to meet the needs of adults aged 50+.

Laura Lundquist

Halifax, NS (902) 453-1525

laura@zoomershealth.ca zoomershealth.ca

HEALTH CARE - Physiotherapy

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

How our members are growing Halifax

BOYNECLARKE NEW CEO & MANAGING PARTNER

BOYNECLARKE LLP is proud to name Lauren Randall as our new CEO & Managing Partner as of January 1, 2023. Randall is our first female to hold this role, and says “I think it is good to have a woman in a [leadership] position who sees what [women] see, knows what they go through, and can help change things so that leadership overall isn’t so dominated by male colleagues any longer.” We would also like to thank James MacNeil for 12 years of exemplary leadership! MacNeil says he is most proud of “the continued, natural growth of our firm. We’ve helped people to grow their careers, and in turn revenue has grown and we operate a very successful business.”

OUR GUEST IS PODCAST SELECTED BY AIR CANADA

My East Coast Experience Media Group is honoured to announce its partnership with Air Canada. Our podcast, Our Guest Is, has officially been selected as part of Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment offerings in all domestic and international flights. Our Guest Is features conversations with immigrants from across Atlantic Canada talking about their journey to Canada’s east coast and their experiences in building a new home here. Our first season, with 10 episodes, will be available on all Air Canada flights starting in March 2023. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 51 airports in Canada, 51 in the United States and 88 internationally.

AIR CANADA’S NEW HALIFAX –NEW YORK NON-STOP SERVICE TAKES FLIGHT

The city that never sleeps and Atlantic Canada are closer than ever with the recent launch of a new Air Canada service between Halifax Stanfield and New York. The new non-stop service, which began daily flights on January 8, 2023, transports travellers from gate to gate in under two hours. Air Canada’s new service is operated by Jazz Aviation LP on a 78-seat Air Canada Express regional aircraft between Halifax Stanfield and Newark Liberty International Airport. The non-stop service is timed to connect conveniently to and from regional centres in Atlantic Canada and, in the U.S., with a variety of destinations through United Airlines’ network.

CMHA NS HOSTS MENTAL HEALTH ACCOMMODATIONS WORKSHOP

Join CMHA NS on March 21 to learn how offering mental health accommodations to employees boosts your bottom line. Tracy Hiltz, Provincial Lead of the Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division’s At Work program, will co-facilitate “An Introduction to Accommodations” with CMHA NS Education and Training Coordinator, Lindsay Miller. This one-hour virtual workshop is being offered through CMHA NS Division’s Thrive program.

The workshop is aimed at helping employers understand what accommodations are, the benefits and cost of providing accommodations and outlines how to create a safe environment for those who do require accommodations to feel comfortable requesting them. Register at novascotia.cmha.ca.

growing demand for such tests. The test is now available in the U.S., Canada, EU, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

EASTER SEALS OPENS OFFICE IN YARMOUTH

In 2023 Easter Seals Nova Scotia’s inclusive sports program Take PART is expanding to Yarmouth! For the first time in Easter Seals’ 91-year history in the province, we opened a staffed office outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality in downtown Yarmouth. We are excited to bring more accessible programming to Nova Scotians living with disabilities across the province. Starting in January 2023 we will be offering our Learn to Sledge and Learn to Wheel programs for children & youth with physical and/ or cognitive disabilities and the Learn to Boccia program for adults and seniors of all abilities. For more information contact Carrie Layne at yarmouth@easterseals.ns.ca or call 902-815-5376.

NEW TEST FOR HEMOPHILIA B

Precision BioLogic, a leading developer of hemostasis diagnostic products, is pleased to announce FDA 510(k) clearance and the launch of its new CRYOcheck™ Chromogenic Factor IX assay in the U.S. The latest in Precision BioLogic’s family of hemophilia-related diagnostic products, CRYOcheck Chromogenic Factor IX is intended for use by clinical labs to identify factor IX (FIX) deficiency in human plasma and aid in the management of hemophilia B. It is the only FDA-cleared chromogenic FIX assay on the market and answers a

TIME + SPACE ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW CHANGES TO THE SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM AS THE COMPANY EXPANDS

Donna Alteen, CEO of Time + Space is pleased to announce the appointment of Shawn Lowe to President as the company continues to grow its national client base. In his new role, Mr. Lowe, who has been a key member of the senior leadership team for the past seven years as VP of Growth & Partnerships, will lead operations. In addition, Mr. Lowe will join Ms. Alteen as a shareholder as he executes the strategic plan and builds the next generation of leaders at Time + Space. As Time + Space’s CEO, Ms. Alteen will focus on the organization’s strategy while transitioning from daily operations to focus on other professional pursuits.

ACADIA BROADCASTING INTRODUCES THE DIGITAL MARKETING SERVICE, ROUNDTABLE

Acadia Broadcasting Corporation has launched RoundTable, a digital sales and marketing service for present and future clients. Acadia, which has decades of experience in radio broadcasting operations, has assembled a team of professionals that have a strong background in digital marketing, graphic design, and web development. Chris Pearson, the president of Acadia Broadcasting, says RoundTable will expand the company’s marketing capabilities and further allow it to act as a Marketing Advisor on all aspects of traditional media and the growing digital landscape. Learn more at roundtablecreative.ca.

MENTOR OF THE YEAR 2022

Debbie Adams, Founder of PeopleCan Training and Development has been named the Mentor of the Year - Youth Ventures - CBDC Newfoundland and Labrador. Debbie has been giving back to her community by mentoring first generation youth entrepreneurs. This work is very rewarding.

JOSH CREIGHTON TAKES ON NEW ROLE AT THE CHAMBER

After a year of contributing to our team as the Community Engagement Specialist, Josh Creighton has stepped in as our new Corporate Partnership Specialist. Josh is excited to continue building relationships with supporters of the Chamber, in addition to connecting with and onboarding new members from diverse, local communities. Connect with Josh at josh@halifaxchamber.com.

Submit to Members in the News!

Every month, members can share updates with the Halifax Chamber community — for free. Visit halifaxchamber.com to submit today.

After the summit

InJuly 2022, Halifax welcomed the National Black Canadians Summit, and the success of the event cannot be overstated. Hosted bt the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, the summit drew over 1,000 attendees from all over Canada and, according to a report issued by Discover Halifax, contributed $1.1 million to the local economy.

Halifax was initially planned to be the third and final host city for the summit, but COVID-19 moved Halifax to the forefront of the discussion for the summit’s second year. “The 2022 summit was two years in the making,” says Symonds. “Immediately after the 2019 summit, there were groups of African Nova Scotians saying it had to be in Halifax.”

Halifax served as the ideal venue to showcase Black history, knowledge, voices, and community to a national audience. “The history of Black Canada started in Nova Scotia, and so it was important for folks to descend upon Halifax to hear about the African Nova Scotian communities and about Black Nova Scotia and its relation to Black Canada,” says Symonds. “We wanted to be able to share that knowledge, because a lot of Canada does not even realize the rich history here and what it means to be African Nova Scotian — to be a part of the 52 historic Black communities.”

Alfred Burgesson, Founder and CEO of Tribe Network, agrees. “It's really important for people coming from other parts of Canada to learn about African Nova Scotian heritage and peoples,” he says. “Nova Scotia has a rich Black culture, and having the summit here created an opportunity for the rest of Canada to learn about, celebrate, and be a part of that culture.”

Burgesson, who presented at the summit, was also struck by the impact of the audience. “This was my first time attending the National Black Canadians Summit,” he says. “It was an incredible gathering. I heard people say that they had never seen so many Black people in one space before, and I think that's beautiful. We were able to convene — to

be in a space where we could share, learn, and heal.”

Discussion and presentation topics ranged from justice, to healthcare, to activism, to business, to science, to poetry. “One of the highlights was when we had youth speakers performing poems,” says Symonds. “And certainly, the Halifax Declaration was a major highlight.” The Declaration outlined numerous calls to action and was presented by local activist and poet El Jones.

Youth engagement

From the outset, summit organizers focused on relevant topics and youth engagement. “We tried to structure sessions and discussions around things currently affecting the Black community,” says Symonds. “Our goal was to ensure that Black Canadian voices were heard, and that youth voice was amplified and at the forefront of the conversation.”

The summit took a “nothing about us without us” approach to engaging

youth. “We see decisions made for and about youth but often without youth either being consulted or even being in the room,” says Symonds. “So, we made sure that we had young folks as speakers. We were intentional in ensuring that voices of young people were heard when everyone — especially the decision-makers and government folks — was in the room.”

Engaging youth is a vital part of moving the conversation forward, says Symonds. “The program design of the summit is centred around the major systemic issues affecting Black communities across Canada, and some of those issues involve education and human rights,” he says. Programming options included an activism session geared toward youth.

Templeton Sawyer attended the summit as a youth delegate — to participate in the conference and to record episodes for his podcast Tweet the Leader in You. “I had the opportunity to listen to different Black leaders as they shared

Last year, Halifax hosted the National Black Canadians Summit. What comes next? By Emily Bednarz

ABOVE: DR. LYNN JONES READS THE HALIFAX DECLARATION AND THE ACTIONS NEEDED TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF BLACK CANADIANS AND PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT (ALVERO WIGGINS PHOTO).

their passion for why this movement is important and why action is important,” says Sawyer. “It's so great that we got the opportunity to see a lot of individuals come together and share their different cultural perspectives.”

Sawyer enjoyed being able to interview other young attendees — one interview with Imarion Hounsell stuck with him. “Young people don't always have the opportunity to attend conferences like this, and I'm happy that the conference gave free tickets to young people to attend,” says Sawyer. “Imarion was one of those attendees. He’s a young individual aspiring to move forward in school. He also wants to be a podcaster — to hear and be a part of different stories — so it was an amazing opportunity to connect with him.”

Being able to tell the story of the summit through the podcast connects to the summit’s ultimate focus: storytelling. “Storytelling is one of the main

tools used when it comes to justice and advocacy,” says Symonds. “It's a way to raise awareness, raise our voices, and amplify our causes and concerns. It's an important factor for Black Nova Scotians because it is one of the effective ways of starting a movement, raising awareness, and shifting the narrative."

Setting

an example in STEM

Halifax is a hub for tech startups. How can the business community encourage Black, Indigenous, and racialized entrepreneurs to enter the industry?

This question was at the centre of the panel Burgesson participated in, titled “Blacks in Science and Tech.” Burgesson was joined by three Black women in STEM industries.

While Burgesson is an immigrant originally from Ghana, his co-panelists were born and raised in Nova Scotia. Burgesson noted that the audience also represented a mix of born-and-raised

Black Nova Scotians, people from other parts of Canada, and immigrants. “It allowed the audience members who were immigrants or from other parts of Canada to understand how thick the barrier has been for Blacks and exploring STEM in our region,” he says. “The three women that were on this panel shared openly how difficult their experiences have been, but also how important community has been through it all."

Setting an example is vital when it comes to encouraging more Black Nova Scotians to enter STEM industries. “They may be exploring those opportunities, but they just don't see enough of them,” says Burgesson. “There may not be stories of people from their communities who've been able to go into STEM. The panel was really cool because these three women were talking to the next generation of African Nova Scotians who could follow in their footsteps.”

It’s not just about entering STEM

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: GROUP OF ATTENDEES AT THE SUMMIT (JBPHOTOS PHOTO). TEMPLETON SAWYER (RIGHT) AND HIS TEAM INTERVIEWED SUMMIT SPEAKERS, ATTENDEES, AND ORGANIZERS FOR HIS PODCAST TWEET THE LEADER IN YOU (TEMPLETON SAWYER PHOTO). THE NOVA SCOTIA MASS CHOIR PERFORMS AT THE SUMMIT (JBPHOTOS

PHOTO). DAMINI AWOYIGA PERFORMS HER WORK AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY (ALVERO WIGGINS PHOTO). ALEEMAH AND HER MOTHER MELISSA AT YOUTH-LED EVENT: A NIGHT OF BLACK CULTURE AND CREATIVITY (ALVERO WIGGINS PHOTO). EL JONES READS THE HALIFAX DECLARATION (ALVERO WIGGINS PHOTO).

industries — it’s about being leaders in these industries. “Most of the panelists were working as employees for other companies,” says Burgesson. “Someone in the audience brought up the importance of Blacks not just being professionals or employees, but instead seeing ourselves as inventors and creators.”

When Black people lead companies and organizations, it also encourages greater generational wealth. “The topic led to a discussion about the importance of generational wealth and creating opportunities where Blacks in STEM can create wealth that can transform their communities and the generations that come after them. African Nova Scotians are forging new pathways in STEM and are now giving back.”

Creating opportunities and providing support

When it comes to encouraging engagement in STEM, it starts with

accessibility, says Symonds. “One step is to make mentorship accessible,” he says. “Right now, folks have to seek out and see who is open to offering and advertising mentorship opportunities.”

Symonds encourages business leaders to advertise mentorship and job-shadowing opportunities, as well as funding opportunities. “The second is making funding opportunities accessible and even designating funding opportunities specific to Black or African Nova Scotian, racialized, or Indigenous peoples,” says Symonds.

Symonds adds that it’s important we create space for young people to develop interest in STEM and business. “The business sector could organize summer learning and leadership camps,” he says, noting the Black Business Initiative's success in this area. “We're working with the younger generation to foster future business leaders. We want to generate interest and provide as many opportunities as

possible for young folks and children to spark creativity and development in the sector.”

It’s also about creating more opportunities at the university level, says Burgesson. “There aren’t a lot of dedicated pathways and scholarships for Blacks to enter Computer Science,” he explains. “That is starting to change, and there are new ones popping up now — Tribe Network is currently working with St. Mary's University for this purpose.”

Even if there are funding opportunities available, Black students in STEM need “wrap around support,” says Burgesson. “One of the key things that came out of our panel is that it was oftentimes lonely. When you're just one of three in a program, you can feel very isolated, and when it's time to go get a job or find an internship, you're not as well connected as some of the other students in the program.”

Burgesson advocates for a more

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: TEMPLETON SAWYER (LEFT) INTERVIEWS KARDEISHA PROVO AND TREVOR SILVER FOR HIS PODCAST (TEMPLETON SAWYER PHOTO). SEVERAL MUSICAL PERFORMANCES WERE HOSTED THROUGHOUT THE SUMMIT (JBPHOTOS PHOTO). A MARKETPLACE WITH LOCAL VENDORS AND ARTISTS (JBPHOTOS PHOTO). DRAYTON

MULINDABIGWI JABO, CEO AND FOUNDER OF 20TODAY20TOMORROW (ALVERO WIGGINS PHOTO). IONA STODDARD, HALIFAX CITY COUNCILLOR (ALVERO WIGGINS PHOTO). MARCUS CARVERY, THIRD GENERATION DESCENDENT OF AFRICVILLE AND GUIDE AT THE AFRICVILLE MUSEUM (ALVERO WIGGINS PHOTO).

Are you a business owner or change-maker in Halifax?

Here are a few ways you can support local Black, Indigenous, and racialized entrepreneurs:

1. If you can provide mentoring or job-shadowing opportunities to people from these communities, advertise it!

2. Know about funding opportunities designated for these groups? Share widely!

3. Create designated summer employment or educational opportunities for youth.

4. Host a free educational or networking event — or attend one with the Halifax Chamber!

5. Consider sharing your storefront space with a business owned by Black, Indigenous, or racialized entrepreneurs.

6. Host a community listening session to get feedback on your product or service and build relationships.

7. Share your business success story online — or in Business Voice! Include free tips, advice, examples, or templates.

8. Host a designated design or innovation challenge. Be sure to include a cash prize or compensation!

9. Connect with these organizations to learn more and dive deeper:

• Tribe Network | tribenetwork.ca

• National Black Canadians Summit | blackcanadiansummit.ca

• Black Business Initiative | bbi.ca

• Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) | camsc.ca

• Black Cultural Society of Nova Scotia | bccns.com

• Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre | mymnfc.com

holistic approach. “We need more pathways into STEM programs at the postsecondary institutions, but it can't just be scholarship money,” he says. “It needs to come with wrap around supports like mentoring, internship placements, or job placements. It's also about ensuring that they have the right support system around them. Is there a Black student group that they can participate in? Are there Black mentors who've gone through the programs that they can be connected to and get support from?”

How the business community can do better

Symonds provides concrete ways the business community can supporting Black, Indigenous, and racialized entrepreneurs. “One thing that comes to mind right away is that space — having a storefront, having a physical location — is often key to success,” he says. “There are so many businesses in the community that are just starting or have been around for a while but don't have the capital to

lease or buy a physical space. It would be great if the local business community was able to support these businesses by sharing their space.”

Providing accessible educational and networking opportunities is also key.

“It would be great for the business community to create more free or equitable opportunities for entrepreneurs to access knowledge," says Symonds. “There are many great Black businesses, many great Black entrepreneurs, but information can be monopolized.” Symonds adds that it would be beneficial to have more free, online resources providing entrepreneurs with templates and examples for things like business proposals.

Burgesson adds that breaking down barriers is ultimately good for business. “A lot of organizations want to be more inclusive, but I'm not sure that they understand that it's actually good for their business,” he says. “Having different points of view — of your organization, product, or service — can transform your business, give you new ideas, and make your business more profitable.”

For businesses that want a more diverse staff, it’s important to consistently connect with local communities. “Engage with diverse communities before it's time to hire,” he says. “One thing that I would love to see more companies do more is host community listening sessions. Listening to people and what their challenges are with the product or service you offer not only improves your business — it helps build trust in the communities you engage with.”

Reflecting on his time at the summit, Sawyer is struck by a sense of optimism. “One of my key takeaways is that there's hope for us to change systems and policies,” he says. “There's hope that we can come together to collaborate with different experts — younger and older — and bring real change into clear perspective.” ■

Shoring up new grads

Ashored Inc. finds talent and success through Graduate to Opportunity program

Astart-up in Bedford, a Vietnamese graduate, and a simple government program are helping to revolutionize Atlantic Canada’s fishing industry.

The company is Ashored Inc. — an ocean-tech firm five minutes up the road from the Bedford Basin. Ashored is developing solutions to environmental problems that have plagued the fishing industry for generations. A large part of their success has been the people they’ve hired — an intentionally diverse collection of expertise and perspectives that’s included recent graduates, like Cong Hai Nam Tu (Nam).

With the Graduate to Opportunity program, Ashored has been saving money as it strengthens its workforce.

About Ashored

Ross Arsenault, COO of Ashored, explains the company’s mission: “We focus on bringing sustainability-enabling technologies to address the ever-growing number of environmental and regulatory challenges facing the commercial fishing industry.”

One challenge in the commercial fishing industry is whale entrapments. Current fishing practices involve tethering traps from the ocean floor to buoys on surface, and these tethers lead to marine animal entanglements. According to Ashored, 140,000 protected marine animals die entangled in fishing gear annually, and 83% of the North Atlantic Right Whale population show scars from fishing gear entanglements.

Another primary industry challenge Ashored tackles is lost, discarded, and abandoned fishing gear. According to Ashored, such gear results in 640,000 tonnes of ocean waste per year, making it the single largest contributing source to ocean pollution. Fishers also bear the costs (in time, money, and opportunity) of replacing lost gear.

To meet these challenges, Ashored began developing “rope on-command” technology in 2017. With input from fishers, Ashored created the Modular

Ocean Based Instrument (MOBI), which keeps trap lines contained on the ocean floor until fishers return to the area to collect the gear. MOBIs trigger lines to release to the ocean surface when the vessel (equipped with MOBI Commander technology) arrives back in the area.

Ashored was incorporated in 2018, and the impact of their new technology is making waves. “Ashored’s rope-oncommand system has transformed from a crude, time-based underwater rope and buoy release to an acoustically-activated release system controlled by Ashored’s gear management software,” says Arsenault. “We have also grown from a team of three to a team of 16.”

The GTO opportunity

Last year, Ashored sought to add to their growing team by creating a new, permanent role — the perfect opportunity to tap into the GTO program.

Arsenault explains that they were searching for someone who could blend into their multi-disciplinary team as well as independently tackle challenges in software development. “Nam checked these boxes perfectly and did so with a very positive and receptive attitude during the interview process,” says Arsenault.

By Emily Bednarz

Nam was not only well-suited to the role; as a new grad, he was the ideal candidate for the GTO program. “Nam was quickly approved as a recent graduate,” says Arsenault. “The application process was incredibly seamless, and the response times were always fast.”

The GTO program is available to small businesses, non-profits, start-ups, and social enterprises. The program reimburses 25% of the first-year salary and 12.5% in the second year for a new, permanent, full-time job paying at least $35,000. The incentive jumps to 35% if you hire an international graduate or someone who identifies as a member of a designated equity-deserving group. Applications are easy to complete and typically turnaround in less than a week.

More than 1000 employers in virtually every sector — from ocean tech, to law, to craft breweries — have hired close to 2,300 recent graduates with GTO so far. Employers who use the program love it (satisfaction rates in surveys top 90%), and the program creates meaningful impact by encouraging employers to hire grads for the long term.

Working with a new grad

It’s difficult to overstate the positive impact Nam has made at Ashored,

thanks to the GTO program. “Within Nam’s first few days, he showed a clear dedication to delivering a great product experience through both his work ethic and frequent thoughtful questions,” says Arsenault.

At Ashored, Nam has taken the lead in developing an intuitive suite of software and hardware that tracks the location, inventory, connection, and ownership of a user’s fishing gear. “Nam is directly responsible for many of the major functionality and experience improvements to our ATLAS Application this year,” says Arsenault. “He has implemented features that have been in our pipeline since the company launched, growing the overall functionality of the app and introducing quick solutions to challenges that new customers identify.”

Nam recognizes the impact of his work on the application. “It is important that the app has a good user experience so we can sell our product,” he says. “I think I have been a great asset to Ashored, because I didn’t require a lot of training. With my attention to detail, the application is now in a better state, and we have received positive feedback from users.”

Arsenault notes that Nam has been essential to achieving project goals on

strict timelines. “As a company with a heavy R&D focus up to this point, grant funding has been instrumental,” says Arsenault. “Nam helped us achieve functionality milestones that allowed us to begin commercially selling our products — milestones that will be necessary for the ropeless fishing industry to work at larger scale and in regulated waters.”

Embracing new perspectives

One benefit of hiring a new grad is the diverse and fresh perspectives it can add to a team, especially in an industry with deep roots. “Maritime industries are a part of Nova Scotian heritage, and so there are some insights and practices that are taken for granted,” says Arsenault. “Having people from different backgrounds on your team provides entirely different, but equally valid perspectives. When Nam joined the team, he had more to learn about commercial fishing than some employees who were raised in the Maritimes, but he also didn’t have any preconceived notions or discomfort in asking questions when he wasn’t certain. Nam can view many of the problems we address with a clean slate and a fresh perspective.”

Arsenault is quick to credit the GTO program for introducing Nam

to Ashored. “I’m thankful to the GTO program for allowing us to bring Nam aboard the team earlier this year,” he says. “We also just welcomed another recent graduate to the team through the program. Overall, GTO required minimal paperwork and provided industry-agnostic funding to allow us to add two incredible full-time team members. We have nothing but positive things to say!”

The Ashored team has found resounding success through the GTO program, and so has Nam himself. “I have a great mentor, and I have learned a lot since I joined the company,” he says. “This is really valuable experience for my career — I have become more knowledgeable, and my skills have changed drastically compared to eight months ago. Everyone at Ashored is becoming an important part of my life. I feel lucky and grateful to be a part of this company.”

Learn more about Ashored Inc. at: ashored.ca

Get started with the Graduate to Opportunity program at: novascotia.ca/programs/ graduate-to-opportunity

Down to a fine art

I'thandi Munro brings art and entrepreneurship into harmony

While pursuing her undergraduate degree in 2009, I'thandi Munro developed her creative and artistic abilities — and discovered her calling for entrepreneurship.

Munro is a mixed Afro-Euro L’nu woman whose entrepreneurial journey began with her handcrafted jewellery and jewellery repair company called Bireti. Munro wanted to support herself by funding her education, and after quickly realizing the demand for local handcrafted designs and repairs, she ran with the idea, developing her side hustle into a legitimate business here in Halifax.

A little over a decade later, there has been no shortage of tough times in the economy. Not to mention, being a parent and a full-time student provided its own unique challenges. Despite the hectic schedule, Munro completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts from NSCAD University in 2020 with a double major in Photography and Jewellery Design & Metalsmithing.

Through thick and thin of it all, Munro has been able to navigate challenges like the pandemic seamlessly. Like most entrepreneurs during these times, she had to carefully assess the situation (with a glass-half-full mindset) and figure out how to maximize her returns. Unfortunately, this also meant that she had to spend less time on other ventures that had been fueling her creative outlets.

Munro has a lifelong passion for photography and dance that she has traditionally pulled from for creative expression, thought, and release. The pandemic put a temporary pause to both endeavours, as photographers were in low demand and people were not gathering for dance performances.

That being said, Munro used her extra time and energy to put into Bireti, and the repair side of her company took off. Repairs are something that are traditionally neglected in the jewellery industry, but it’s where Bireti found one of its niches. One of Munro’s main goals with Bireti is to help people maintain the value of keepsake heirloom items. Her repair services allow loved ones to hold on to such items — and the treasured

By Josh Creighton

memories they represent — for as long as they can.

After a few years of nurturing and refining Bireti, Munro has been able to build her platform and land some of her hand-crafted gems into various local retailers. Most recently, she’s had her products on display at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. According to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s website, the design of Munro’s pieces (pictured above) represents her perspective as a racialized person living in a postcolonial environment — representations of line and lineage infuse her fine art, craft, and dance. The shape and movement of her work is designed to evoke reaction and conversation.

As talks of a recession on the horizon continue to grow, Munro’s hope is that people stop buying from larger jewellery chain stores and see the long-term value and quality of handcrafted, locally sourced jewellery. Despite the ambiguity the future holds, Munro has plans to create larger distribution channels for her products and utilize her platform as a local artist. Ultimately, Munro seeks to leverage her other artistic abilities — the initial wells of creativity that enabled her to bring Bireti to life.

See more of Munro’s designs on Instagram at: @bireti.jewellery

For Us. By Us. With Us.

Fostering economic growth and prosperity for African Nova Scotians

IRVINE CARVERY AND DOLLY WILLIAMS CO-CHAIRS

AFRICAN NOVA SCOTIAN ROAD TO ECONOMIC PROSPERITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

February has long been recognized as African Heritage Month, a time to honour and celebrate the contributions and legacies of peoples of African descent. Today, African Nova Scotians are building on our rich legacy of community economic development work and are charting a new road to economic prosperity.

Our municipality is home to many historic African Nova Scotian (ANS) communities — Beechville, Lake Loon/ Cherry Brook, East Preston, Hammonds Plains, Lucasville, and North Preston — which were established in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These are some of the oldest and largest indigenous Black communities in Canada.

African Nova Scotian communities, of which there are more than 50, represent a vital part of our province’s history and future — yet we remain unjustly impacted by socioeconomic inequality. We’re working to change that and create a prosperous future for generations to come.

Launched in 2021, the Road to Economic Prosperity Plan (REPP) is a five-year economic strategy developed and owned by ANS communities to address systemic and historic barriers and improve economic and quality of life outcomes for African Nova Scotians.

The first plan of its kind, the Road to Economic Prosperity was built and is being implemented for us, by us, and with us. We’re focused on three strategic priorities:

• Building unity and capacity among African Nova Scotian communities;

• Establishing land ownership, developing infrastructure, and attracting investment; and

• Increasing opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship.

The Road to Economic Prosperity Advisory Council oversees the initiative and is supported by working groups and Elder and Youth councils that are guiding and advancing the plan’s 30 actions. We’re also working closely with ANS organizations and other partners, including Halifax Partnership, the Halifax Regional Municipality, RBC, and the Province of Nova Scotia.

Working with HRM and private developers, we’ve made great strides in addressing issues related to land ownership and zoning in communities. A shining example, and model for working with ANS communities, is in Beechville where they have collaborated with HRM to develop and implement a Community Benefit Action Plan. Notably, they have successfully worked with developers and HRM to expand the community’s boundaries back to its historic size, and to rename the Lakeside Industrial Park to Beechville Industrial Park. Looking ahead, we’re hopeful that community benefit agreements will be enacted in the municipality to ensure private and public developments enhance the lives of African Nova Scotians.

In the area of education, employment, and entrepreneurship, we’re helping our youth build their network and connect to career opportunities through

the African Nova Scotian Connector Program. We’re also working with partners to help community members build financial literacy and wealth management skills.

Another important initiative is the development of the first-ever African Nova Scotian Prosperity and Well-being Index which will allow us to track and report on progress and challenges in ANS communities and inform policies and programs impacting African Nova Scotians.

Collaboration between ANS communities and with private, public, and post-secondary partners has been and will continue to be key to our success. The private sector has a major role to play in supporting African Nova Scotian economic development and prosperity. Businesses of all sizes can step up to train, hire, and develop ANS talent. They can work to create inclusive cultures and workplaces. They can mentor and connect our youth and entrepreneurs to opportunities. They can be customers of ANS businesses and good neighbours and partners in developing and enhancing our communities.

We invite you to walk the road to prosperity with us and help African Nova Scotians thrive.

To learn more about the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Action Plan, visit: anseconomicprosperity.com

Diversity by the numbers

Inclusion isn’t just good policy — it’s good for business

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEA&I) are a set of values widely adopted across many organizations throughout the entire business community. DEA&I proponents highlight that a more diverse workforce will produce a greater diversity of ideas and a more inclusive working environment. For many businesses, the altruistic nature of these values is enough to adopt and practice DEA&I in their workplace; for other businesses, it may come down to numbers.

Measuring the success of a business involves analyzing data, monitoring processes, and evaluating workforce performance. As DEA&I programs are mainly targeted towards the workforce, evaluating the following key workforce metrics will help you monitor the effectiveness of your DEA&I investment.

1. Productivity

Productivity is a key metric for any business. Measuring productivity helps determine how you are spending your time and resources. Gains to productivity will significantly improve your chances of long-term success in a competitive environment. Increased awareness of DEA&I helps organizations become more productive by bringing together different talents, strengths, understandings, and skills.

2. Turnover

Turnover, when viewed through a diversity lens, is a critical metric for any business to track. A business should apply a diversity lens to employee turnover to understand if you have an issue with one demographic group, which could be a symptom of an exclusionary workplace.

3.

Morale

Morale is important, especially for leaders, as it trickles down throughout the entire organization. High morale will increase efficiencies, time management, creativity, and key employee retention. It will also reduce negative sick days and poor performance.

On average, businesses with more diverse workforces:

• Have 19% higher revenues with 2.3 times higher cash flow per employee.

• Are two times more likely to meet or exceed financial targets.

• Have higher employee retention.

• Access to a bigger talent pool.

Plus, their employees are:

• 9.8 times more likely to look forward to work.

• 6.3 times more likely to take pride in

their job.

• 6 times more likely to be innovative and agile.

• Part of teams that made better decisions than individuals 87% of the time.

• Three times as likely to be high performing.

While we may expect to experience fewer conflicts within teams we are similar to, it can also prevents us from growing outside our comfort zones. This limits how we develop and improve ourselves, and our organizations from reaching their full potential.

For more details on these statistics, see The lasting benefits of DEI in the Workplace published by GLOBIS Insights, Diversity wins: How inclusion matters published by McKinsey & Company, and The diversity and Inclusion Revolution: Eight powerful truths published by Deloitte Insights.

Also, be sure to check out our online DEA&I toolkit for resources to support you on your journey to becoming a more diverse, equitable, accessible and inclusive employer (and employee!).

halifaxchamber.com/deai-toolkit

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please reach out to me at: nicholas@halifaxchamber.com

NICK CUNNINGHAM POLICY ANALYST HALIFAX CHAMBER

How can Nova Scotia Works support your business?

Employer Engagement Specialists can connect you to the talent you need

Nowmore than ever, businesses across the province are facing challenges in recruiting and retaining talent. Nova Scotia Works can help! Our purpose is to support and empower Nova Scotians — to foster resiliency in individuals, businesses, and communities to build a stronger province.

Since 2016, we have had a team of Employer Engagement Specialists (EESs) located throughout the province. EESs are dedicated to helping employers find, hire, develop, and keep the talent they need for success. This service primarily serves small to medium enterprises and focuses on workforce solutions, building HR capacity, and understanding regional employer needs. Day to day, they assist employers by supporting

their recruitment and retention strategies. They also provide referrals to government as well as industry sector and community-based services and programs. They act as regional connectors for employers, participating in local employer networks, activities, and on regional committees.

We hope that with the help of these supports (and many others), we can:

• Foster increased productivity and expansion of local businesses.

• Impart stronger workplace learning cultures and engaged, inclusive workplaces.

• Ensure underrepresented and diverse employees are well-represented in the workforce.

• Increase the quantity and quality of strategic partnerships between businesses, sector and industry associations, and government.

Best of all? These services are available to all Nova Scotian businesses at no charge!

There are more than 2,700 employers across the province currently accessing the services of Nova Scotia Works through an Employer Engagement Specialist. We have seven EESs spread across the HRM, able to serve you in both official languages of English and French.

If you are interested in finding out more or ready to get started, visit: novascotiaworks.ca

Chamber Chair honoured by national award

Faten Alshazly inducted into Top 100 Most Powerful Women Hall of Fame

Faten Alshazly is helping to put the Halifax Chamber of Commerce on the map. Chair of the Halifax Chamber Board of Directors, Faten is an entrepreneur, mentor, and Co-Founder of WeUsThem — a full-service advertising agency based in Halifax. Faten is also the Chief Executive Officer of HealthEMe, a new startup launched in 2022, and serves on the board of Efficiency One.

In November 2022, Faten was recognized by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. Since it was her fourth time on the list, she was also inducted into the Hall of Fame.

In April of 2021, the Halifax Chamber was honoured to welcome Faten as Chair of the Board of Directors. “Faten has been a trailblazer for the Chamber,” says Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO of the Halifax

Chamber. “She is the first immigrant woman to serve as Chair, and she has stepped up to be the face of the organization.”

The WXN annually recognizes the leadership and accomplishments of 100 outstanding Canadian women across various industries for their role in advocating for workforce diversity and inclusion, influencing change, and empowering tomorrow's leaders. Faten has been named Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business and recognized for her community work and leadership roles with Women Get On Board, a member-based company committed to advancing gender diversity in the boardroom.

Faten was inducted into the WXN Hall of Fame alongside Clare Beckton, Desirée Bombenon, Beth Wilson, and Martha Billes. Some previous inductees include Dr. Makaziwe Mandela,

Susan Aglukark, Mandy Rennehan, and Heather Reisman.

Faten’s recognition in the WXN Hall of Fame comes as no surprise to Sullivan. “Faten has made incredible strides when it comes to diversity and inclusion, not only at WeUsThem but in the broader Halifax community,” he says. “Faten and her team work to elevate underrepresented voices — a practice she consistently applies every time we sit down with our Board of Directors. We are truly proud of her demonstrated leadership and couldn’t be happier that her hard work is being recognized on a national stage.”

For more details, please visit: weusthem.com wxnetwork.com

Beyond the resume

Why the "year of the employee" demands innovation in hiring

Most organizations are feeling it: the labour market is running out of steam — and fast. Employees have never been harder to find and retain. While we know that churn is tough on an organization, this year we are seeing something else: an opportunity.

When an employee resigns, it is often a sign that they were not happy with the work they were doing and were disengaged with your organization. When we have folks in positions that do not align with their core behavioural patterns, we are doing them and our organization a disservice.

This year has been coined “the year of the employee” and it’s clear why. Job listings are plentiful, wages are on the up, and unemployment has dropped. North America is hovering just below the mark for what is considered full employment — an economic situation in which all available labour resources are being used in the most efficient way possible. The Canadian market boasts an unemployment rate of 4.6%, while the American market comes in 1% lower at 3.6%.

So, how can you ensure your opportunities are positioned to attract top talent you can retain?

Consider your current hiring process. You write out a job description with

the intention of highlighting the job your company needs done. Candidates apply, and you review resumes hoping to find a fit.

Resumes have served as the backbone in hiring for decades. A resume sought out by employers is one with high grades, a university degree, and a plethora of prior work experience. Candidates are taught to construct their resumes in a quick and coherent manner, which leaves important information about themselves on the chopping block.

Moreover, we know that resumes inherently contribute bias in an employer’s assessment. Candidates that could not afford to pay the tuition fees of a prestigious school or did not have the family connections to gain work experience right out of college are disadvantaged in the application process. In their search for the perfect resume, employers are losing opportunities to find the right fit for a position.

Here's the kicker: once an individual is selected to move forward in the hiring process, the candidate is not the only one being interviewed. In this market, candidates are usually looking to understand your culture, the role, and compensation in the interview, but they are also actively searching for red flags. The interview is

a first impression for both parties, and from the moment a job is posted online to the moment a contract is signed, details matter.

All this being said, hiring managers need to get clear on role fit from the beginning. Understanding the job to be done, the way the position will fit into the larger team, and having a plan for succession are all critical for success. Traditional methods often don’t get us there, and many organizations are looking to technology to bridge the gap.

A recent article from the Harvard Business Review argues that resumes are old news and technology is the future of hiring. If hiring managers widen their focus from work experience and bring in a focus on the behavioural and cognitive traits of applicants, the hiring pool widens, professional effectiveness increases, and diversity flourishes.

What drives the candidate? What do they need at work? How do they learn? This holistic understanding of the whole person is the future of hiring — and whether we like it or not, we're along for the ride.

Learn more at: predictivesuccess.com

ALYSSA SHAVER

CLIENT SUCCESS MARKETING LEAD

PREDICTIVE SUCCESS CORPORATION

Mental health safety for construction workers

solutions that you as the employer can provide and be sure to have some external supports on hand as well. Some examples include the Employee and Family Assistance Program, extended health benefits for psychologists, a flexible work schedule, and lists of community and suicide prevention resources.

Mitigate job stress

MJ MACDONALD CEO CONSTRUCTION

NOVA SCOTIA

Mentalhealth is rightly a hot topic these days, but it is of a particular concern in the construction industry. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate for male construction workers is over four times higher than the national suicide average.

In Nova Scotia, 142 people died by suicide in 2021, and 107 were men. This figure is the highest on record since data was collected on this metric in 2008. While we don’t yet have an industry breakdown in Nova Scotia, it is likely safe to assume some were construction workers.

This presents a significant opportunity for business leaders in the HRM. There are 18,000 construction workers in the Halifax area and as a leader, you have a platform to help support better mental wellness and to shape their mental health both on and off the job.

Start talking

The first piece of advice is to start talking to your team members. Ask them how they are doing. Listen. Offer

There are many deadlines to meet in the construction industry and it can be a high-stress environment. To offset this, foster a culture of support and have programs in place that can make work fun, such as contests or friendly competition. Set realistic expectations and adapt your leadership style to meet individual employee needs.

Also, make sure to recognize and provide positive feedback. Take the time to ensure your team understands the bigger picture — the work they are doing matters. A simple thank you for a job well done means a lot.

Lead by example

My mother was very ill and passed away in April, during the COVID-19 pandemic. I shared this news at work, and it felt good not to try and cover up and pretend everything was fine. I was very grateful for the support and empathy I received from my teammates; it made a tough time much easier and it helped my team know what was going on with me.

We have an opportunity to open up about our own mental health. As leaders, everything we do is being noted by your workforce. If they see you okay with talking about mental health, they are much more likely to do the same.

Be sure to take care of your own mental health too. Be a role model for rest, setting realistic deadlines, and good self-care. We all need to stay emotionally heathy to be a successful leader.

Ensure a safe working environment

Mental health is tied to safety on the job. If you sustain an injury at work, it affects every aspect of your life and can also impact your mental health. As leaders, we must ensure a safe work environment and that all workers are following safety protocols. We know from our legislation that safety at work is the employers’ responsibility. Establish and support a Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee. Review work areas, identify hazards, and work collaboratively to mitigate them. Collect and review safety data. Use it to formulate plans for prevention and implement these. We recommend that psychological safety and workplace culture be a component of a good safety program.

Get trained

At Construction Safety Nova Scotia, we heard from our members that they want more help supporting the mental health of their workforce. In our most recent member survey, 40% of respondents said they were “very interested” in attending a Mental Health First Aid training course. We listened and are now offering this course in our Dartmouth training facility. You can sign up at constructionsafetyns.ca/course-registration.

I took this course, and I am now certified in Mental Health First Aid. As a leader, I am much more prepared to deal with a mental health crisis, should one arise at my organization. I strongly encourage you to consider attending — you might just save a life.

Construction Safety Nova Scotia is a non-profit that offers training, safety and mental health resources, and Certificate of Recognition (COR®) certification to the construction sector across the province.

Don’t be afraid to share your own story and lead by example

SAFETY

Nova Scotia's real estate market

An update from the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®

Lately, we have been hearing in the news that housing prices are coming down to pre-pandemic levels. While this may be true in larger markets across the country, it is a slightly different story here in Nova Scotia.

What’s happening in Nova Scotia

The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (NSAR) totaled 12,491 units to the end of December 2022, decreasing by 21.6% from the same period in 2021.

The median price for a residential property in Nova Scotia was $331,500 in December 2022, up by 0.5% compared to December 2021. The median price for a residential property year to the end of December was $365,600 up 15.8% over the same period in 2021.

In the Halifax-Dartmouth area, REALTORS® reported that asking prices continued to rise in the second half of 2022, bidding wars declined and sales were subject to more conditions such as inspections and financing. Sale prices

were closer to the asking price.

Not the norm

NSAR CEO, Roger Boutilier, says, “The last two years have been an anomaly in real estate in Nova Scotia and across the country. Sales prices have shattered records and the number of homes on the market have plummeted. However, Nova Scotia was undervalued for a long time. Also, Nova Scotia is no longer Canada’s or North America’s best kept secret — the word is out.

In 2019, pre-pandemic, the average price of a home in Nova Scotia was $256,103. We saw this rise to $291,224 in 2020 and $359,225 in 2021.

Nova Scotia is one of only two provinces expected to see an increase in home sales in 2023. Sales are projected

to increase by 1.7% and average home prices are projected to increase by a modest 2.3%. Housing affordability challenges and rising borrowing costs will impact housing demand going forward but not dampen it all together.

“Nova Scotia remains one of the most affordable places in Canada, matched with a coastal lifestyle and international transportation links,” says Boutilier. “Our Association will continue working with partners to ensure that every Nova Scotian has a place to call home.”

For more information on finding a REALTOR® to help you navigate the Nova Scotia housing market, visit: NSREALTORS.ns.ca

ROGER BOUTILIER CEO NOVA SCOTIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

When support matters most

TD Insurance on supporting customers and communities affected by Hurricane Fiona

Formore than 18 years, TD Insurance has been a proud partner of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, offering Home and Auto insurance for members. Supporting customers in their time of need is a top priority for TD Insurance. When Hurricane Fiona made landfall in Atlantic Canada as a post-tropical storm on September 24th, TD Insurance was immediately present to support customers and help communities recover.

For TD Insurance customers in many parts of the region, there was support on the ground before the storm hit. The TD Insurance Catastrophe Claims Advisor Teams travelled to Halifax in advance of the hurricane landfall and were able to start reviewing claims as early as Sunday after the storm passed through certain areas. After Fiona made landfall, TDI's Claims teams proactively reached out to policy holders that may have been affected, using text messages and/or emails, to notify them about opening claims, either digitally or via our call center.

For TD Insurance customers in Sydney who wanted to connect in person to review their claims, they were greeted by members of the TD Insurance Mobile Response Unit, set up in the parking lot of the Sydney branch for ten days to answer questions and provide support. Afterwards, the Response Unit travelled to Dartmouth to set up at the Gale Terrace branch.

"Our top priority is to be there for our customers when it matters most," told Craig Richardson, Vice President of Claims for TD Insurance, to TD Stories. "In this instance, our teams were ready on day-one to help our customers with on the ground support, via our phone channels and through our digital capabilities at a truly devastating time."

Immediately following Hurricane Fiona, TD committed $200,000 to support the Canadian Red Cross in its

humanitarian efforts as well as an additional $50,000 to support community organizations focused on food security in the most affected areas of the Maritimes, including Feed Nova Scotia, and Ray of Hope Kitchen, both located in the Nova Scotia.

TD Insurance customers that were affected throughout Atlantic Canada were able to start and manage their claims online, through the TD Insurance Mobile App, or by speaking with a claims advisor at 1-888-773-7022.

Severe weather and safety alerts

Severe weather events, like Hurricane Fiona, can result in significant

damage to some of your most valuable assets, including your property and vehicles. The TD Insurance Mobile App can notify you of severe weather events with localized, timely alerts and prevention advice. You can also track multiple locations. The app is available through the Apple App Store or Google Play, and a helpful app tutorial is available on the TD Insurance website.

TD Insurance offers preferred rates on Home and Auto Insurance for members of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. You can learn more by visiting the TD Insurance website, or by calling 1-844-257-2361.