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Maritime Wealth Management - Financial Planning and Wealth Management Services 902-429-2696 www.maritimewealth.com - Complimentary “second opinion” for Chamber members


Chamber News

APCC goes to Ottawa

The Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce recently organized an Ottawa trip to present policy priorities to Atlantic Canada’s members of parliament. APCC chair David Hooley, president & CEO Bill Denyar, director Anthony Knight representing the New Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, and director Laurie Jennings representing the Nova Scotia Chamber of Commerce, met with MPs from the Conservatives, Liberals and New Democrats. During the meetings, APCC discussed its policy positions in four priority areas: 1) the Atlantic Gateway, 2) the economy, 3) energy, and 4) skilled labor shortages. In the current economic downturn, the APCC said all four priority areas are relevant and important. “During our meetings with each of the parties, our delegation recommended that investment in the Atlantic Gateway be fast-tracked to stimulate growth,” says Denyar. “We were pleased to learn that just one week later the four Atlantic premiers, after a joint meeting in Summerside, P.E.I., made a call for speedier infrastructure spending, including money for the Gateway.” APCC’s delegation also pointed out to MPs that Atlantic Canada is a storehouse of energy including conventional and renewable green energy. One of the problems discussed was capacity and connectivity constraints on the region’s electric power grid. “We believe this is another infrastructure investment opportunity that could be used to stimulate the economy,” says Denyar. “At their meeting, the Atlantic premiers agreed with our position that electricity transmission line upgrades are a priority.” While in Ottawa, APCC delegates also attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce board meeting and supported CCC in its call for stimulus packages to kick-start growth in the economy. Representing over 16,000 businesses, the Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce is an alliance of more than 100 local chambers of commerce and boards of trade across Atlantic Canada. [Source: APCC press release]


West Hants and Area News


Excel in Safe Driving

Christmas is not the only time of year we need to remember to use extra caution and common sense when behind the wheel; but repeating the message can truly give the gift of life to someone, says David Beaton, owner of Excel Driver Training. Santa gave Beaton what he wished for with the fully-equipped classroom in Windsor he always wanted. “Scheduling classes takes a life on of its own when you’re at the mercy of booking meeting spaces,” says Beaton, who established his driving school exclusive to Hants County four years ago. “Now I am truly in the driver’s seat because I can schedule classes on a regular, ongoing basis and when I need to.” This means students can also pick class dates in order to fit their schedule, which better enhances their learning experience, says Beaton. Students undertaking a full program to obtain their driver’s licence must do 25 hours of classroom theory in addition to 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Classroom training includes the use of vision impairment goggles which simulate the effects of driving under the influence. These include reduced alertness, slowed reaction time, confusion, visual distortion, alteration of depth and distance perception, reduction of peripheral vision, poor judgement and decision making, double vision, and lack of muscular coordination under low light conditions. Students will be able to experience the negative affects alcohol has on their ability to perform the simplest of tasks. A class schedule for new drivers in the new year is already set. Want some extra confidence driving in HRM city traffic? Excel also offers other customized training for drivers who want to brush up on traffic, defensive or winter driving throughout Hants County and HRM. Gift certificates are available for that perfect last minute Christmas gift!. 83 Water Street, Windsor www.exceldrivertraining.ca 792-2545

Wanted: Employers!

Are you aware of the many advantages to hiring an Older Worker? Are you having trouble finding and retaining employees? Would you like to be promoted as an employer who supports the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) There is a wide variety of skills, abilities and experience that the TIOW participants have identified as assets that could benefit many local companies. For 10 weeks, starting on January 12th, 2009, companies could receive a financial allowance to assist in the costs of the employee's wages up to a maximum of $250.00 per week when hiring a TIOW participant. Here is your opportunity to let us know if this would work for your company. We are looking for people to come and speak to our group or to take advantage our program offerings. Please contact Juanita Hiscock at 792-8067 or email jhtrainingservices@gmail.com

Who is hiring?

Windsor and area

Kentville and area

School Board cuts

The superintendent of Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley regional school board says major staff cuts will be needed if the province doesn't come up with more money next year. Norm Dray is urging municipalities to lobby the province for more funding so the board can maintain its current level of operations. He says the board needs a 4.5 per cent increase, but he's also preparing for no increase, which would mean up to 60 jobs being cut. The board has the equivalent of one-thousand full-time teaching positions and 800 other employees. [Source; AVR]


Regional and National Headlines

Federal gas tax refund

Nova Scotia municipalities will have access to $223 million more in infrastructure funding through an extension agreement involving the gas tax collected from Nova Scotians by the federal government. The deal signed today by the federal and provincial government amends an earlier agreement that provided the province $145.2 million in infrastructure money from 2005-2010. It now to extends the refund four more years to 2014. Mr. Muir said the agreement is a major investment to help build strong, healthy communities throughout Nova Scotia. "The extension of the federal gas tax agreement will help ensure better infrastructure for today and in the future," said Mr. Muir. "This sustainable investment will help Nova Scotia communities prepare for future development and prosperity." "This is a huge victory for municipal, provincial and federal co-operation in Nova Scotia," said Lloyd Hines, president of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. [Source: press release]

Atlantic Premiers Meet

Atlantic premiers met in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, for their Council of Atlantic Premiers meeting. The Atlantic premiers discussed on:

• Atlantic Gateway: Each province has identified its unique initiatives, and the premiers encouraged the federal government to begin funding projects.
   

• Resource industries: The Atlantic premiers agreed to work collaboratively to support R&D, remove trade barriers, and expand trade into emerging markets.
   

• Promoting Atlantic Canada: In 2009, the council will lead business mission focused on expanding trade, business opportunities, and partnerships between the four Atlantic provinces and Alberta.
   

• Energy corridor: The creation of a green energy transmission corridor through each of the Atlantic provinces would provide the eastern anchor to Canada's energy profile.
   

• Environment: The Council of Atlantic Premiers remains committed to mitigating and adapting to climate change.
   

• Affordable housing: The premiers affirm that they are united to engage the federal government in re-establishing a partnership to provide affordable social housing in Canada.
   

• Atlantic co-operation: Atlantic premiers remain committed to working together in strategic areas in order to achieve efficiencies and enhance services for Atlantic Canadians.

Progress Survey

If you take care of your people, you take care of your business. It’s that simple.
Progress Magazine’s The Best Places to Work Survey is currently in the registration process. This is your company’s opportunity to shine by letting your employees put you on top! For more information and to register go to www.BestPlacesToWorkAtlantic.com or call Best Companies Group toll-free at 877-455-2159. Registration deadline is January 30th. Progress is also in the final stages of researching 2009’s Fastest Growing Companies. If your company has experienced revenue growth of at least 25% over the last 3 years and has minimum revenue of $500,000 in your current year, you could be on this prestigious list. This highly anticipated ranking showcases companies that have figured out the balance of speed and performance. This is your opportunity to be seen in the company of other driven entrepreneurs who know that if you aren’t moving forward, you are out of business. If you are interested in participating, you can download a copy of the survey at www.progressmedia.ca/fg2009

Top 50 CEO Awards

In less than five minutes, you can give a successful, forward-thinking and community-minded executive the recognition that she/he deserves. All you have to do is submit a nomination for Atlantic Business Magazine’s 2009 Top 50 CEO awards! Eligible nominees must lead a company or organization whose head office is in Atlantic Canada, or who is in charge of a provincial/regional head office that has significant decision-making and organizational autonomy. Nominees will be judged on their: managerial abilities; reactions to challenging situations; innovative leadership; corporate/organizational growth over a three-year period; commitment to industry and community development; and, voluntary activity. Our 2008 award winners collectively generate $38.5 billion in annual revenue, employ more than 95,000 people, volunteer with hundreds of industry and community organizations and donated $56 million annually to charity. If you know someone worthy of being named to the 2009 list of Top 50 CEOs, submit your nominations online.  Nominations close December 31, 2008.

Airport fee escalates

The Halifax International Airport Authority is increasing its airport improvement fee to $15 effective March 1, up from the current $10. The change will take place for tickets sold on or after Feb. 1 for Halifax passengers whose flight departs on or after March 1. The revenues go toward a variety of projects determined in consultation with the airlines that serve the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The airport improvement fees collected in 2007 totalled $13.6 million. The authority's current capital program includes building a 2,300-space parking facility, improvements to roads and services, airfield restoration, and a terminal building upgrade. In 2007, the Halifax airport processed a record 3.5 million passengers.
Chuckles

On New Year's Eve, the professor was in no shape to drive, so he sensibly left his van in the car park and walked home. As he was wobbling along, he was stopped by a policeman. 'What are you doing out here at four o'clock in the morning?' asked the police officer.
'I'm on my way to a lecture,' answered the professor.
'And who on earth, in their right mind, is going to give a lecture at this time on New Year's Eve?' enquired the constable sarcastically.
'My wife,' slurred the professor grimly.

Business calendar of Events

Clear the schedule for two weeks - December 25th is Christmas!!

We’re taking a long winter’s nap. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas, with a shot of peace, two parts prosperity and mixed with lots of good health in 2009. Cheers!


E-News info:
Our next issue of WHCC E-News will be published on January 16th Please submit your business news, event or announcement by January 12th. Every two weeks, E-News is distributed to - and read by – over 300 local business contacts throughout the Windsor-West Hants area. If your business has news or events you would like to share with our readers, please call our Newsletter Editor, Heather Desveaux on 790-4009 or email info@whcc.ca