January 30, 2009

Chamber News

West Hants and Area News


Locations set for BoF turbines

A team heading up a $59-million effort to generate electricity from Bay of Fundy tides announced where three turbines will be located. The turbines will be submerged in water near Black Rock, west of Parrsboro, said Scott Travers, president and chief operating officer of of Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company of Hantsport. The company, which is hoping to test an underwater turbine, also announced it has found a replacement technology after Minas Basin dumped its original proposal to use an underwater electric kite. Minas Basin will team up with Marine Current Turbines (MCT) of Bristol, England, to launch the prototype in 2010 which will cost between $15 million and $18 million. “This is an exciting partnership -- leading technology combined with our company's outstanding track record in green energy," said Travers. "Renewable power has been a part of our business since 1936, and we look forward to making Nova Scotia's energy future even greener." "These companies still have a lot of work to do before anything can go in the water, including environmental approvals," said N.S.’s Energy Minister Barnet. "They face a lot of challenges -- new technology, tough environmental expectations, and an unbelievably powerful ocean resource. But from what I've seen, they've got what it takes." The site is in the Minas Passage area of the Bay of Fundy near Black Rock, 10 kilometres west of Parrsboro. It includes:

-- water depths up to 45 metres at low tide
-- a sediment-free bedrock sea floor
-- straight flowing currents
-- water speeds up to 10 metres per second on ebb and flow

Research identifies the Bay of Fundy as potentially the best site for tidal power generation in North America, with a world-class resource in close proximity to an existing grid and potential consumers. Nova Scotia's 2009 Energy Strategy sets a new target of at least 25 per cent renewable electricity supply by 2020. In-stream tidal energy has the potential to help meet that target. [Sources: APCC, gov.ns.ca]


Hants Journal boosting ad sales

The West Hants Chamber of Commerce extends a welcome to Tanya Moore, Transcontinental’s ad representative from Kentville helping out in the Hants Journal office. Tanya will be working with the paper’s current ‘adster’ Lori Munroe to help deliver even greater advertising packages to suit your business needs. Telephone (902) 798-8371 ext 2103 Cell (902) 680-5742.


Network at the Hill

Every Wednesday this winter season, you can join other business professionals at Ski Martock for Network @ the Hill. This program has been developed to give business people from all over the province a chance to network with others while having fun on the slopes. Ten local business owners kicked off the first one on January 7th. “We had a good first start and we expect 20 people next week if the weather co-operates,” said organizer Dave Chandler. Starting at 1 pm, meet in the lodge to register for your lesson, then on to the hill with a free ski or snowboard, At 2 pm attend your lesson to improve your skills and finish off with our social hour back in the lodge. Whether you attend once, or every Wednesday, everyone is invited to join the fun. Your $20.00 fee will cover a lesson with one of Ski Martock’s certified instructors, a lift pass for the afternoon and social hour back in the lodge. If you are already a season’s pass holder, pay just $10.00 for your lesson. If you need equipment rentals are a further $10 (so $30 gets you everything). Throughout the season we will be offering demo days to try out the latest equipment, or for advanced skiers and snowboarders we will have gate racing days, whatever your skill level, we will have something for you. Directions are at the website www.networkatthehill.com. To receive updates by email contact Dave Chandler at dave@networkatthehill.com or call Dave at (902) 403 9302.

Host sought for Creative Nova Scotia 2009

After holding successful Creative Nova Scotia Awards Galas and Conferences in Eastern Nova Scotia, Cape Breton and the HRM, the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council in partnership with the Department of Tourism Culture and Heritage would like provide the opportunity for a community in Western Nova Scotia to host the 4th Annual edition of the Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala and Conference in fall 2009. This annual conference celebrates, promotes and attracts excellence in the arts in Nova Scotia. The 2008 edition of Creative Nova Scotia, held in Halifax, occupied approximately 75-100 hotel rooms and drew 247 participants including arts organizations, artists, performers, writers and educators from across Nova Scotia. The deadline for submissions is February 27, 2009. You are encouraged to contact other groups from your community both for the purpose of demonstrating community capacity as well as to avoid duplicate submissions from one locality. For the RFP document or more information, Please contact Andrew Sare, Coordinator, Research and Partnership, Dept. Tourism, Culture & Heritage. Bus: (902) 424-2812 E-mail: sareal@gov.ns.ca 


Who is hiring?

Windsor and area

Kentville and area


Always a show at the MIPAC

The Mermaid Imperial Performing Arts Centre in Windsor is pleased to present ART AND PAUL – A SHOW THEY NEVER GAVE on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 8pm. Actor/musicians Colin Appleton and Marty Burt pay tribute to musical icons Simon and Garfunkel, and the bond of friendship that kept them together. The show features 20 of the duo’s greatest hits such as “The Sound of Silence”, “Mrs. Robinson”, and “The Boxer”. Audiences can also expect to hear some of Paul Simon’s hit solo numbers such as “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”, “Late In the Evening”, and “Slip Slidin’ Away”. The show has packed houses and thrilled audiences around Nova Scotia with complex harmonies, cross-generational favourite songs and an ample helping of wry humour. It is produced by 50 and the Bells, a Halifax-based entertainment company, and performed as a part of the theatre’s The Winter Becomes Spring entertainment series. The series is a pilot project benefiting West Hants area seeking to enliven the downtown core, encourage spin off customers to other local businesses, provide exceptional local entertainment options that are accessible and affordable, and give people from outside the area another reason to visit Windsor. Proceeds from the series will be directed to the completion of renovations at the Mermaid Imperial Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are $19/$15 students and seniors (service charges will apply), and are available at Moe’s Place Music Sales, 129 Gerrish St, Windsor (798 - 5565).


Regional and National Snippets

Valley High on the Hog

Atlantic Beef Products, the region’s only federally-inspected beef plant has gotten a green-light and some much needed funding that was promised by New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Both provinces pledged $2 million in funding in 2007 to ensure the Plant’s profitability but held back on their promise until an interprovincial advisory committee reviewed the operation.
Three of Atlantic Canada’s four agriculture ministers met in Charlottetown to sign a memorandum of understanding pledging to harmonize regulations in a number of areas including food safety, environmental stewardship and best-management practices. Newfoundland’s minister, Kathy Dunerdale, was unable to make the meeting but is expected to sign on. In commenting on the interprovincial co-operative initiative, Nova Scotia’s new Agriculture Minister Mark Parent admitted that the closure of P.E.I.’s only federally-inspected hog plant last March has helped improve the long-term prospects of the Larsen Packer’s plant in Berwick. “We are grateful to have the Island hog’s coming in,” said Parent. While $500 million has been earmarked from the federal budget or the agriculture sector, there it offers helps the pork industry in Nova Scotia. “We need money to help save the industry until producers can move toward niche production and develop new markets.” [Source: The Chronicle Herald]
 

NS Student jobs application now online

An efficient, secure and user-friendly process for employers wishing to participate in the Student Career Skills Development Program (SCSDP) and the Cooperative Employment Program (CEP) offered through Nova Scotia Economic Development is now available by completing the secure online application at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/sep/ 

The SCSDP partners with non-profit organizations that have career-related jobs for post-secondary students. The CEP provides required work experience for eligible post-secondary co-operative students in not for profit, municipal and government-funded organizations. These programs have been successfully providing wage reimbursement to employers who hire post-secondary students in their field of study for more than ten years. The Rural Broadband for Nova Scotia Initiative is helping to make this innovation possible in all communities across the province and through Community Access Program (C@P) sites.

The upcoming program deadline for the Student Career Skills Development Program is January 30, 2009. With the assistance of employers, programs offer meaningful opportunities for students to enhance their skills in their field of study and contribute to our economy by growing and retaining talent within the province.


Electronic Waste Recycling Expands

On February 1, 2009, the Atlantic Canada Electronic Stewardship (ACES) Program will expand to include additional regulated electronic products that will be banned from Nova Scotia’s landfills. The Environmental Handling Fees (EHFs) for the expanded list of electronics products are now established and have been approved by Nova Scotia Environment. These fees will be charged on all new products effective on February 1, 2009 and are formulated to reflect the true cost of collection, transportation and responsible recycling. All residents and businesses in Nova Scotia can recycle their unwanted electronics free of charge through an ACES Drop-off Centre. In Windsor, the ACES Recycling Depot is located on 67 Albert St. 798-5636 Hours – Mon-Wed & Fri 8:30-5 & Sat 8:30-2 pm.

Cell phone recycling will be managed separately by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA). For your nearest location visit www.RecycleMyCell.ca or call 1-888-797-1740. The fees are as follows:

Personal/Portable Audio/Video Systems - $ 0.40
Vehicle Audio/Video Systems (Aftermarket) - $ 2.75 (vcr/dvd players, clock radios, satellite and digital cable equipment, speakers, amplifiers and receivers.
Home Audio/Video Systems - $ 3.50
Home Theatre in a Box (HTB) Systems- $ 6.00
Non-Cellular Telephones - $ 0.85 (cordless or wire telephones, answering machines)


www: One billion surfed

A British company is reporting that the Internet now has reached a landmark one billion users worldwide and growing higher as wireless devices allowing more users to surf. “A key driver has been its ability to break down cultural barriers and cross over country borders” said Jamie Gavin, senior marketing and communications analyst at U.K.-based digital tracking company, com-Score. The London company found the Asia-Pacific region accounted for the highest share of global internet users at 41 percent followed by Europe at 28 percent and North America at 18 percent. Google, Microsoft and Yahoo Internet sites were among the top-three visited sites. [Source: CP]

Business calendar of events:

Jan 29 – Feb 4th – Continuing Care Assistant Information Sessions
Different days available, 2 hour sessions sponsored by Shannex for those looking to work in a field where you can make a real difference. Parkland on the Lakes, Harris Hall, 82 Baker Drive, Dartmouth. For more information, contact 1-877-564-6749.

January 29th – Feb 1st: Halifax RV Show
Recession getting you down? Pack it all in and go on the road.
Exhibition Park. Admission $8/adults $7/senior & student. Accompanied kids under 10 get in free.  www.masterpromotions.ca/halifaxrv

February 3rd - On the Path to Economic Recovery?
Atlantic Province’s Economic Council’s Post Federal Budget Luncheon.
Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, Halifax. Commonwealth Room A, 12 noon - 1:20 pm
Member Price $40, Non-Member Price $55

Wednesday, Feb 4th – Management Development for Women
Make your career move with this info session brought to you by MSVU and SMU.
World Trade and Convention Centre, 8th Floor Noon – 1 pm. www.msvu.ca/mdw

Wed Feb 4, 5 7th – Home-based travel business seminar
Free day-long info seminars on how you can run your own business planning travel from home.
Three locations – Hilton Garden inn (Feb 4 – 7pm), Ramada Plaza Dartmouth (Feb 5- 7pm) and Future Inn Bayer’s Lake (Feb 7 – 2 pm). To register call Lisa 1-800-635—7475 or email lgeddes@tpi.ca

Chuckles:

David Letterman’s Tribute to George Bush
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=wbhzyoNwQYk

E-News info:

Our next issue of WHCC E-News will be published on Feb 13th. Please submit your business news, event or announcement by Feb 9th. 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