small business week 2010

Transcription

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AMH E R ST D A I LY N EW S
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 2010
w w w. a m h e r s t d a i l y. c o m
RECOGNIZING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Small businesses drive our economy
Our economy is driven by small and mediumsized businesses which total 97.5 per cent of all
Canadian companies and employ the majority
of workers across the country.
In recognition of the contributions and
achievements of Canada’s entrepreneurs, the
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
has been organizing Small Business Week® in
the third week of October for over 30 years.
Events held during the week bring entrepreneurs together at conferences, luncheons
and trade fairs where they have the opportunity to learn, network and exchange information
and ideas with their peers.
Last year, hundreds of activities across
Canada attracted more than 10,000 businesspeople. With the support of sponsors from the
private and public sectors, BDC branches play
an active role in planning and publicizing
activities in their areas.
3
SBW 2010 THEME:
Power Up Your
Business. Invest.
Innovate. Grow.
A
s the economy recovers, the time is ripe
for entrepreneurs to gear up to seize
new opportunities.
They need to hone their competitive
edge with dynamic plans and a renewed
commitment to meeting the needs of a rapidly changing marketplace.
The theme of Small Business Week 2010
– Power Up Your Business. Invest. Innovate.
Grow. – reflects the opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs as the economy builds steam.
It’s a chance for a fresh start with bright
ideas, charged-up operations, and a reenergized team eager to break into new
markets here and abroad.
Small Business Week 2010 takes place
Oct. 17 – 23.
The 2010 Small Business Week sponsors
BDC proudly counts on the support of several sponsors to promote SBW and contribute
to the organization of local events across
Canada. 2010 SBW sponsors are:
Deloitte and Cisco;
Borden, Ladner, Gervais;
Sage Simply Accounting;
and CBC/Radio-Canada.
History
Small Business Week has become a mustattend event for Canadian entrepreneurs. Its
origins date back to 1979 when BDC branches
in British Columbia’s Lower Fraser Valley
pooled their resources to organize small business management sessions during one week
which they labelled “Small Business Week.”
BDC branches in British Columbia repeated this successful experiment the following
year, tripling the number of sessions presented
to local businesses. In 1981, Small Business
Week® was officially launched nationwide by
BDC.
In 1988, the Young Entrepreneur Awards
(YEA) were created to highlight the success of
young Canadian entrepreneurs and recognize
their innovative spirit and business acumen.
The YEA nomination campaign will be
launched during Small Business Week and will
run until Nov. 30, 2010.
More details on the YEA can be found at
www.bdc.ca/yea
Information
www.bdc.ca/sbw
Toll free: 1 888 INFO BDC (1 888 463-6232)
4/ Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Gary Estabrooks
Gary was born in Amherst and has lived most of his life here. With over 20 years in the personal
finance field, Gary managed his own branch for Avco Financial Services, and has worked in the
capacity of business manager for 2 separate auto dealerships in Amherst. Gary is currently a
mortgage broker for Dominion Lending. Gary has in the past been treasure for the Amherst Jr.
Ramblers. Currently Gary is on the board of directors for the Amherst Golf and Country club and
is very happy to be in involved with Amherst Jr. Ramblers as a director and the teams Governor.
Gary looks forward to helping you reach your mortgage and lending goals.
AMH E R ST D A I LY N EW S / S M A L L BU S I N E S S W E E K 2 0 1 0
Advice for credit challenged clients
In today’s economic climate of tighter credit requirements and increased unemployment rates taking their toll on some
Canadians, there’s no doubt that many people may not fit into the traditional banks’ financing boxes as easily as they may
have just a year ago.
Your best solution is to consult your mortgage professional to determine whether your situation can be quickly repaired
or if you face a longer road to credit recovery. Either way, there are solutions to every problem.
Mortgage professionals who are experts in the credit repair niche can help credit challenged clients improve their situations
via a number of routes. And if the situation is beyond the expertise of a mortgage professional, they can help you get in
touch with other professionals, including credit counsellors and bankruptcy trustees.
If you have some equity built up in your home and still have a manageable credit score, for instance, you can often refinance
your mortgage and use that money to pay off high-interest credit card debt. By clearing up this debt, you are freeing up
more cash flow each month.
In the current lending environment, with interest rates at an all-time low, now is an ideal time for you to refinance your
mortgage and possibly save thousands of dollars per year, enabling you to pay more money per month towards the
principal on your mortgage as opposed to the interest – which, in turn, can help build equity quicker.
Following are five steps you can use to help attain a speedy credit score boost:
1) Pay down credit cards. The number one way to increase your credit score is to pay down your credit cards so you’re
only using 30% of your limits. Revolving credit like credit cards seems to have a more significant impact on credit scores
than car loans, lines of credit, and so on.
2) Limit the use of credit cards. Racking up a large amount and then paying it off in monthly instalments can hurt your
credit score. If there is a balance at the end of the month, this affects your score – credit formulas don’t take into account
the fact that you may have paid the balance off the next month.
3) Check credit limits. If your lender is slower at reporting monthly transactions, this can have a significant impact on
how other lenders may view your file. Ensure everything’s up to date as old bills that have been paid can come back to haunt
you.
Why Use a Mortgage Professional
There are generally two ways to get a mortgage in Canada: From a bank, or from a licensed mortgage
professional.
While a bank only offers the products from their particular institution, licensed mortgage professionals send
millions of dollars in mortgage business each year to Canada’s largest banks, credit unions, and trust
companies … offering their clients more choice, and access to hundreds of mortgage products!
As a result, clients benefit from the trust, confidence, and security of knowing they are getting the best
mortgage for their needs.
Mortgage professionals work for you, and not the banks; therefore, they work in your best interest. From the
first consultation to the signing of your mortgage, their services are free. A fee is charged only for the most
challenging credit solutions, and it’s especially under those circumstances that a mortgage professional can
do for you what your bank cannot.
Whether you’re purchasing a home for the first time, taking out equity from your home for investment or
pleasure, or your current mortgage is simply up for renewal, it’s important that you are making an educated
buying decision with professional unbiased advice.
Some financial institutions don’t even report your maximum limits. As such, the credit bureau is left to only use the balance
that’s on hand. The problem is, if you consistently charge the same amount each month – say $1,000 to $1,500 – it may
appear to the credit-scoring agencies that you’re regularly maxing out your cards.
The best bet is to pay your balances down or off before your statement periods close.
4) Keep old cards. Older credit is better credit. If you stop using older credit cards, the issuers may stop updating your
accounts. As such, the cards can lose their weight in the credit formula and, therefore, may not be as valuable – even
though you have had the cards for a long time. You should use these cards periodically and then pay them off.
5) Don’t let mistakes build up. You should always dispute any mistakes or situations that may harm your score. If, for
instance, a cell phone bill is incorrect and the company will not amend it, you can dispute this by making the credit bureau
aware of the situation.
If, however, you have repeatedly missed payments on your credit cards, you may not be in a situation where refinancing
or quickly boosting your credit score will be possible. Depending on the severity of your situation – and the reasons behind
the delinquencies, including job loss, divorce, illness, and so on – your Dominion Lending Centres mortgage professional
can help you address the concerns through a variety of means and even refer you to other professionals to help get your
credit situation in check.
4611154
Mansours built on History, Tradition and Change
Don’t miss a minute of
autumn’s crisp weather.
Get out there in the season’s
best business & casual attire.
Mansour’s 86 years in the men’s clothing business is the result of two interrelated factors: 1) a
tradition of, in the words of Robert Mansour, “quality and service” dating back to 1924 and 2) adapting to
customer needs and wants by “always bringing in new stock” and by possessing a “great selection” of
many popular and premium name brands; these characteristics are the hallmarks of all successful
businesses.
Mansour’s Mens Wear has evolved greatly over the past century or so. For about a decade prior
to establishing itself at it present location in downtown Amherst (27 Church Street) circa 1924, the Mansour brothers first set up shop on LaPlanche Street during the First World War. The Great Depression
forced the closure of their LaPlanche Street Men’s clothing outlet, compelling the grandfather of Mansour’s
current proprietor (Robert Mansour) to return to his homeland (Lebanon) while his brother (Mike
Mansour) traveled throughout Cumberland and Westmorland Counties, selling men’s clothing out of the
back of his horse and buggy until the early 1940’s.
Theo Mansour started the business in 1924. Norman Mansour joined him in 1945 and together
they grew the family business until the turn of the twenty-first century, continuing to evolve along the way.
For example, Mansour’s Mens Wear used to include a sizeable boys department when it “was fashionable
for young boys to dress up on Sundays.” In terms of growing the family business, prior to Norman and
Theo, Mansour’s Mens Wear once occupied only half of the roomy, present space that it now enjoys.
So just what does Mansours have to offer for today’s man who wants to look his best? Just
about everything it would seem, including such top-notch shoe brands as Rockport, Blundstone
(waterproof, easy to slip on and off) Clarks, Sketchers, and Merrell (waterproof, gore-tex); S. Cohen suits
and sports jackets, leather jackets, Rainforest winter jackets as well as dress pants, a variety of scarves and
other accessories including Tilley hats.
Keith Cormier, a long-time employee of Robert Mansour’s with over 30 years of men’s wear
experience says that Mansours and its employees (including Gary O’Blenis), prides itself on “outstanding
customer service that goes above and beyond the means,” including on-site alterations and sizes up to
5XL. Robert Mansour adds that “if we don’t have it, we’ll do our best to order it in for you.”
When Theo Mansour was 84, he forecasted that “the store (Mansours) will still be a solid
fixture in the Amherst downtown by the year 2024.” Based on the continued commitment of Robert
Mansour and his employees to quality, service and adaptation, Mansours is likely to remain an integral part
of Amherst’s downtown merchants well beyond 2024!
Watch for Mansours new website, now under construction.
• Suits • Coats • Jackets
• Pants • Sweatshirts
• Jeans • Accessories
Regular • Oversize • Tall
Step into
Comfort & Style
with Shoes & Boots from...
OPEN Mon-Thurs 9-5 Fri 9-8 Sat 9-5
27 Church St., Amherst
902.667.8577
4611475
5
How small firms can tap into global supply chains
The potential that awaits may come as a surprise to some business people
Think your company is too small to join a big
multinational’s supply chain? Heads up: seems
they need small companies as much as you
need them.
“The reality is that larger corporations are
looking to partner with small, specialized
companies,” says Andrew Richardson, President of fast-growing Targray Technology International Inc., a single source supplier of raw
materials to the photovoltaic and solar cell
industries. “Smaller companies have the niche
products, fast turnaround times and close customer relationships that multinationals need
to stay innovative and competitive.”
Montreal-based Targray is a case in point.
Some of the world’s leading solar cell manufacturers rely exclusively on Targray to provide
the state-of-the-art products and solutions
that enable them to make cells for solar panels
at the lowest possible cost per watt.
The same goes for major electronics makers
such as Sony and JVC, which use Targray’s materials to produce CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs.
It’s a safe bet that at least half of the CDs and
DVDs in your home contain material provided
by Targray, which employs about 100 people and
has annual sales of more than US $100 million.
With the U.S. economy recovering slowly, a
growing number of smaller Canadian companies are tapping into global supply chains as a
way to expand sales, particularly in emerging
markets such as India, China and Brazil.
“We’re seeing double-digit growth in some
of these emerging economies because of economic development and a rising middle class,”
says Jérôme Nycz, Vice President, Strategy &
Enterprise Risk Management at the Business
Development Bank of Canada (BDC). “This
represents a tremendous growth opportunity
for Canadian firms.”
But before seeking out a partnership with a
multinational, here’s a quick primer on what
to expect.
Think reliability:
Multinationals need reliable suppliers that
measure up in terms of quality, price and delivery. One misstep from a supplier can have devastating ripple effects throughout the entire
supply chain. The result is that many multinationals are shifting from short-term transaction-based relationships to long-term collaborative partnerships with smaller suppliers,
according to a recent report prepared by the
Conference Board of Canada for BDC.
At the same time, multinationals are being
more selective about their suppliers. Nycz says
large companies want to know their supplier is
financially stable, complies with relevant standards and certifications and can scale up production to meet demand.
“A benefit of this rigorous vetting process is
that all partners in the supply chain become
more competitive,” he notes.
Planning is paramount:
Companies need a well thought-out plan
that assesses your capabilities and how they
contribute to building a resilient and flexible
supply chain. Treat supply chain management
as a core element of your business strategy,
adopting best practices and developing the
requisite skills in your organization.
As part of your planning, expect to share
more risk and more responsibility with your
supply chain partners, such as accepting
longer payment terms or sharing the research
and development costs.
“What large companies are saying is, ‘we
have a problem and we need it solved’,” says
Jayson Myers, President and CEO of Canadian
Manufacturers & Exporters. “It’s a reflection
that no one large company has all of the R&D,
the intellectual property or even the idea. It’s
counting on smaller suppliers to come up with
these solutions.”
Providing those solutions will also require
up-to-date information communications
technologies, says Myers, which can help companies respond quickly when a customer
makes changes to a design, delivery or price.
As well, global buyers need integrated
backend systems and automated processes
that can be monitored online by all participants in the supply chain.
“Global buyers want to be able to see up
and down the supply chain to make sure the
inventory is available and the project is on
schedule,” Nycz says.
Partner with a domestic exporter:
Too often small companies lack the
resources and the expertise required to do
business in a foreign market. Myers recommends partnering with a Canadian company
already embedded in a global supply chain.
“This also serves the needs of the multinational, which doesn’t want to be handpicking
parts of a solution from hundreds of individual
suppliers,” says Myers. “They want fewer suppliers providing full turnkey solutions.”
Put feet on the ground:
The best way to understand your market,
stay competitive and build intimate supplychain relationships is to follow your customers
to wherever they are located.
Targray’s Richardson says his company has
faced increased competition from local suppliers with warehouses near their customer. They
speak the language and understand the business culture in that market.
“If you’re going to be a successful supplier
to that marketplace you have to follow your
customers to that emerging market,” says
Richardson, whose company has 19 offices in
15 countries, including Mexico, China, India
and Europe.
Open your books:
Transparency is becoming the new norm in
global supply chains. Be prepared to provide
financial statements, a breakdown of your
costing and details on your suppliers.
Protect your interests:
All companies are vulnerable when customers fail to pay their bills. To protect your
firm, Richardson says companies should have
their receivables insured and use letters of
credit – a standard instrument for international trade transactions to ensure exporters
get paid what they’re promised.
Seek advice:
Before going global, take the time to prepare yourself by getting advice from experienced, knowledgeable sources in Canada. This
can ease the often arduous tasks of getting
started, making connections and understanding laws and regulations in other countries.
6/ Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Sharon’s Closet
QUALITY USED CLOTHING
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
We have sizes 0 to 5X
for Men & Women
Everything is hung up and sorted
by size and colour.
Hours: Mon, Tues., Wed & Sat. 9-5
Thurs. & Fri. 9-8:30
16 Church Street, Amherst
667-4588
Let Me Find A Vehicle... Thats Right For You!!
Welcome to Amherst’s Source for great Vehicle Value!
Let me show you the Jim Henwood difference:.
• Premium warranty packages (including our all new 24 month
unlimited mileage powertrain warranty),
• A 150 point bumper to bumper inspection
(provided by our dedicated service centre),
We keep our overhead costs low so you can save $$$$$
also
Taylor Jayne Auto Detailing at the Same location
• Undercoating • Vehicle Cleaning & Waxing •
• Paintless Dent Removal • We Pick Up/Deliver •
• Authorized Rust Check Dealer •
4610116
Over 35 Years Experience in the Auto Industry
[email protected]
Jim Henwood
128 Victoria St. Amherst
660-3031
7
Don’t lose track of your company’s cash
Cash-flow management is at the heart of every
business, and that’s doubly true in the rough
and tumble world of retailing. Here, the line
between liquidity and bankruptcy can be razor
thin.
Just ask Alexandre Bastide, President of
Underworld Skateboard. The young entrepreneur opened his first store in Montreal in 1995
when he was just 19, and since then has seen
many of his competitors close shop. The reasons were all too common, Bastide says.
“No business plan, buying without a budget, buying too much inventory,” says Bastide,
whose company sells skateboards, accessories
and apparel. “Heck, I wasn’t much better prepared when I started. I relied on my instinct,
not a budget, for my first few years. It worked,
but I was fortunate.”
Bastide has since opened a second store in
Vancouver and is now evangelical about managing cash flow. He says he’s had little choice at
a time of demanding suppliers, extra-cautious
bankers and intense competition from big-box
stores.
One of his key strategies is to develop excellent relationships with suppliers – a prerequisite for negotiating better payment terms during cash-crunch periods.
The observation that cash is king in business is hardly new. That’s supposed to be Business 101 stuff. Indeed, you can Google “cash
flow management” and within the 367,000
results you will find lots of sound, practical
advice on all your cash flow problems.
Then again, maybe not.
“All that information won’t do your company much good if you don’t understand how
money flows in and out of your specific business,” cautions Edmée Métivier, Executive Vice
Tips for building
your cash flow
• Develop a cash-flow planner and track cash
throughout the month
• Closely monitor financial statements
• Build good relationships with customers and
suppliers
• Collect payments faster and pursue late bills
• Focus on inventory management and product
offerings
• Use debt, not working capital, to finance fixed
assets
• Use a line of credit, or your own money, to
increase your working capital
• Refinance your fixed assets
• Cut waste and streamline operations
• Get external advice
President, Financing and Consulting, at the
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
“There are a lot of recipes out there for managing cash flow, but where too many entrepreneurs fail is in understanding how to adapt
those recipes to fit their particular business.”
As a first step, Métivier says companies
need to understand and embrace three principles of cash flow:
1. Understand how cash flows in and out of
your company, and how that fluctuates
throughout the year.
2. Establish, and continuously update, a 12month cash flow projection. Think of this forecast as an early warning system that will help
you have enough cash on hand to ride out slow
periods.
3. If you don’t understand 1 and 2, get
expert advice. Your business depends on it.
Put simply, positive cash flow means having more money flowing into your business
than flowing out. Business 101 stuff for sure,
yet not having enough cash on hand to pay
bills is still one of the most common reasons
companies fail.
“There are some basics of business that you
just can’t miss, and unfortunately too many
people do,” says Peter Brown, National Leader,
Private Company Services at Deloitte.
Brown stresses that no company is
immune from the impact of a recession or a
fluctuating Canadian dollar. But for most businesses, cash flow is generally predictable.
“It’s important to monitor the key indicators in your business – things like your bank
account balance, accounts receivable
turnover, inventory turnover and sales
growth,” he says. “Paying close attention to
these metrics on a daily basis will help predict
whether your company will have a cash issue
or not.”
There are practical ways to prepare for
cyclical cash shortages. Métivier says companies can, for example, offer customers discounts for paying invoices early. Taking out a
line of credit or term loan is another option.
But don’t knock on your banker’s door when
your company is bleeding red ink, Métivier
stresses. “Approach them when your balance
sheet looks strong.”
One common mistake companies make is
using their working capital to pay for longterm investments, such as new equipment,
facility expansions or moving into new markets. You’re better off using debt to finance
these projects, or refinancing fixed assets to
free up capital, Métivier says.
Bastide financed his Vancouver expansion
with a loan from BDC, a loan from his landlord
and a personal line of credit. He also sought
expert advice, something too many entrepreneurs are either too proud or too frugal to do.
“Entrepreneurs are very proud people, and
many believe, particularly when they start up,
that they can handle everything themselves,”
Métivier says. “Don’t be afraid of a little humility – talk to an accountant or a consultant.
Both you and your business will be stronger
for it.”
Co-op Countr y Store...
Stronger Than Ever!!
Dave Helm stands outside the Co-op Country Store in Amherst
AMHERST - Located at 17 Lawrence Street in Amherst
manager Dawn Helm of Co-op Country Store wants to
let her customers know that even though the gas bar has
closed the store is still there and stronger than ever.
“We take care of farm supplies, pet and livestock needs,
work clothing, horse and tack and animal
health products,” Helm said.
Last Spring the store also had a contest and gave away
free horse feed for a year, along with other great horse
supplies (valued at over $1,200).
“This fall we are giving away free pet food for a year to six
lucky Atlantic Canadians, also this Fall we are giving away
1,000 air miles to one lucky customer.”
Helm also said the Co-op Country Store has been a part
of Atlantic Co-op Country Stores since 1999.
“On September 2 there was a corn boil supporting local
producers. All across Canada, Co-ops were
encouraging people to “Eat local” foods.
The Co-op’s of Atlantic Canada are proud to support our
local products, produce and support our local
communities and charities. Our Co-op system has
donated over 1 million dollars to the IWK Children’s
Hospital. We are Atlantic Canadians, working for &
helping Atlantic Canadians! Amherst Country Store
supports and participates in many community events.
The manager explained that the store also has a pet
rescue program where proceeds from the sale of pet
food goes into a pet rescue fund and the amount is given
out four times a year to help local pet rescue
organizations to help them find homes for pets in need.
Helm is offering the public to bring along this ad with
them the next time they come in to the Co-op Country
Store located at 17 Lawrence Street in Amherst and their
name will be entered into a draw for a $50 gift certificate
that can be used at any Atlantic Co-op Country Store.
4616170
8
Beware of shortcuts when it comes to green marketing
It’s never been a better time to promote your company’s “green” creGreen Marketing Tips
dentials. In fact, for many industries
it’s become a prerequisite for
• Demand for green products is growing but
attracting and retaining customers,
doesn’t guarantee success.
employees and suppliers.
• Green products must be able to compete with
But beware: Consumers have
conventional products.
already become quite adept at spot• Be careful not to expose yourself to greenting questionable green marketing
washing charges.
claims and won’t hesitate to out
• Support your green claims with independent
your misdeeds through social netcertification.
working sites like Facebook and
• Not all products are appropriate for green
Twitter.
marketing—choose carefully.
“You can get the word out for
• You don’t have to be completely green, as long
virtually no money and instantaas you can show commitment.
neously through social networking,
• Green practices are good business in and of
and that puts the onus on compathemselves and enhance the company’s
nies to be more transparent and
image.
more honest,” says Jed Goldberg,
President of Earth Day Canada.
“Those that aren’t will be struggling
works with partners to offer a training, software
with damage control.”
A recent study by the Conference Board of and technical support program that is organCanada predicts that green corporate and ized and priced to fit into small business owners’
marketing strategies will be the most impor- do-it-yourself ethic. It recently partnered with
tant source of competitive advantage for com- BDC Consulting on a new “Lean and Green”
panies in the future. At the same time, the pilot program that will help companies incorporeport warns that consumers have become rate ‘lean’ thinking and environmentally sound
strategies into their operations.
sceptical of the term “green.”
“We emphasize the business case for
To avoid even the perception of greenwashing, the Conference Board study says compa- reducing carbon: that cutting emissions is not
nies should partner with credible organiza- separate, but directly related to cutting operations or, where possible, seek quality certifica- tional costs of doing business, whether you’re
tions which offer concrete, measurable per- travelling for business, delivering product,
running a facility, or choosing your suppliers,”
formance standards.
There are a growing number of companies Climate Smart President Elizabeth Sheehan
and organizations that will help small compa- says.
One of its trainees, Sunrise Soya, installed a
nies assess their environmental footprint and
boiler economizer at its tofu manufacturing
recommend ways to reduce it.
Climate Smart Businesses of Vancouver facility in Vancouver to capture and re-use
waste heat. Combined with other process
changes identified in the course of its greenhouse gas reduction program, the company
expects to save up to $22,000 annually in natural gas costs.
Adding meat to your green message
Goldberg cringes when companies make
false, confusing or meaningless claims in an
effort to attract customers with marketing fluff
rather than sincere efforts at environmental
sustainability. He recalls the aerosol product
claiming to be CFC-free, an ozone-depleting
chemical that was banned over 20 years ago.
Then came the “green” disposable plastic
lighters.
“Canada doesn’t have many legal or regulatory constraints on companies that are greenwashing, so it’s pretty much buyer beware,”
says Goldberg, whose non-profit organization
has been on the frontlines of educating consumers about greenwashing.
Michel Bergeron, Vice President, Corporate Relations at the
Business Development Bank of
Canada (BDC), says it’s not only
customers that companies should
worry about alienating. Greenwashing can also tarnish your
credibility with suppliers. For
example, an increasing number of
large retailers now require their
suppliers to measure the environmental impact of their goods as
part of a new green labelling program, akin to nutritional labels on
food.
Not living up to your environmental claims could also trigger a
backlash from employees, and
diminish your company’s ability to hire and
retain top talent. Bergeron says human
resources considerations were among the
main drivers behind BDC’s decision to ramp
up its environmental practices.
“What we’re seeing among our employees,
is that corporate social responsibility is important to them,” says Bergeron. “If your company
doesn’t measure up, they’ll often look elsewhere.”
Bergeron says the first step to a truly green
marketing strategy is to understand the environmental impact of your activities. Step two
is taking action to reduce that impact. Step
three: tell your story.
“Be sure there is substance and real action
behind your message. A reputation takes
many years to build, but it can be lost in minutes.”
We’ve got you covered in Cumberland County!
Amherst
In 1934, Charles Ernest Harrison started a sawmill in Harrison Settlement, N.S. This small business has
gradually developed into a Saw Mill, Planning Mill and Dry Kiln in Parrsboro as well as three building supply
Retail Outlets in Parrsboro, Amherst and Pugwash.
Ernest brought his three sons into the business early on and now there are several Harrisons working in all
aspects of the company. Needless to say it is a family business and as well a community minded business and
we try to do our part through donations to various organizations.
As with any business change is necessary in order to continue growing and our most recent endeavor has been
to rebuild the Pugwash location which is scheduled to be open by May 1, 2008.
The key to Harrison's longevity are their long time and dedicated employees who make it their number one
priority to give the best customer service possible. When you come to Harrisons Building Center we feel very
confident in walking you through the steps to achieving your finished project whether it's the home of your
dreams or a new backyard deck. We have qualified staff who can first design your project, quote the materials
required and then deliver them to the site. So drop in and see us soon.
HARRISON'S
Parrsboro
Pugwash
Amherst
902.667.3306
Parrsbro
902.254.3306
Pugwash
902.243.3306
4611686
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 / 9
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3915393
Product Heading
The Town of Amherst salutes our small businesses and the valuable contribution they make
to our community.
Please support your friends and neighbors who
have chosen to make Amherst their home for
work and play.
Support
Small Business Week!
Town of Amherst
5 Ratchford Street
667-3352
www.amherst.ca
10 / Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Quality, Service & So Much More
Full Service Showroom
Large
Selection
of
Purses
and
Wallets
Your Factory
Certified, Authorized
Dealer
We also offer
a wide variety
of Giftware
and Christmas
Items.
Vintage Stove & Fireplace
25 Newton Ave, Amherst
902-660-4490
www.vintagestove.ca
4610260
The Municipality of Cumberland applauds the dedication
and perseverance of Small Business to create economic
growth and employment opportunities throughout our
County. Your efforts are appreciated.
We wish you continued success and growth!
Warden, Councillors & Staff of
The MUNICIPALITY
of CUMBERLAND
3933515
You Shine – We Shine
You know the slogans
and you heard the jingles
that stay in your
head for days and
days. You smile because those crazy bald
guys are at it again.
Inglis Jewellers may have
a reputation for snappy advertisements, but it’s the
quality merchandise and
excellent customer service that keeps people
coming back for more.
“We are always trying to
find creative ways to bring
our product to the forefront,”
said Johnston, who co-owns
the business with fellow
bald boy, Paul Clark.
Since it opened in 1991
at 66 Inglis Place in Truro,
Inglis Jewellers has done
just that. In addition to
expanding its Truro location three times, its’
recently opened a new
store in downtown
Amherst and New Glasgow and is currently looking for a new site in a
downtown location near
you.
Inglis Jewellers carries a
large selection of diamonds, gold, and sterling
silver jewelry as well as a
wide variety of unique
giftware. Their selection
of quality brand name
watches and clocks is
among the largest in the
Maritimes.
“Business has been
very good and the
people of Truro, New
Glasgow, and
Amherst along
with the surrounding county’s have been
very supportive of us.”
Greg said. “We like to work
in the downtown locations
because it goes along
with the downtown
merchant reputation and
the artisan way of life.
Inglis Jewellers owner,
Greg says when a customer visits
their business they are speaking to
people who know the products well
and are able to make decisions on the
spot.
“You can walk into any Inglis Jewellers
Truro, New Glasgow or Amherst store and
speak directly to the owner, manager or
employee who will all make the same decsions,” he said. “This is different from a
large company that might have a CEO
making the decisions from
an office in another city.
We’re like the small ship,
big ship. We take charge
and navigate our own course.”
Excellent customer service
is as important to Greg and Paul.
Also important is
providing quality products.
All of Inglis Jewellers watches,
rings, bracelets and necklaces are
all sold with 100 percent
satisfaction guarantee.
Inglis
Jewellers
also promises not to
be undersold.
Paul, co-owner
of Inglis Jewellers (and a
Bald Boy) says Inglis
Jewellers is a smaller
specialized store run by the
Bald boys, which means lower
pricing than the chain stores.
“We don’t rely on the one
shot deal,” he said. “We want
our customers to come back
for birthdays and anniversaries.
We don’t have to make a huge
profit margin and most of the
customers who come here become our friends.”
Inglis Jewellers niche service
is its on-site jewellery repair.
Goldsmith, Nancy Roy takes
pride in her ability to do any jewelry repair needed. Services include chain repairs, ring sizing,
claw retipping, stone setting,
and reconditioning of any
piece. Customers also enjoy
taking advantage of our jewelry cleaning and inspection
service. Overnight, Roy
can transform any
piece of jewelry into
“like new” condition.
“People love the fact that we do on-site
repairs and engravings,” Paul said. “At
Inglis Jewellers, there’s a no shipping,
no-worry situation for the customer
who wants to take care of that
special piece of “jewellery”.In
addition to its three locations
customes can order any of the
merchandise from Inglis
Jewellers online.
Home of the Bald Boys
Truro
66 INGLIS
897-9955
New Glasgow
202 PROVOST
695-9955
Amherst
91 VICTORIA
660-9955
www.inglisjewellers.ca
NEW LOCATION
Check it out at
www.inglisjewellers.ca
or drop by any of our
Truro, New Glasgow or
Amherst locations because -
“when you
shine,
we shine, too”!
Community Strengths
Marketing Project
Calling All Future Members:
The Amherst & Area Chamber of
Commerce is pleased to announce that if you
join the Chamber before January 2011 you will
not be billed again until March 2012.
As a member you are entitled to many special dvantages
offered only to Chamber members as well as access to
educational programs. You will have a voice in the Chamber
who speaks for your concerns and seeks your valuable
contributions on issues that affect all of the business community.
Randy Smith
President
Robert Bird
Vice President
Gwen Kerr
Secretary
Edith Doyle
Treasurer
Hollis Barlett
Marsha Brenton
Peggy Carter
Roger Christie
Dave McNairn
Mike Miller
Dave Mosely
Anne Newman
Kevin Tibbo
For more information contact the Chamber office at 667-8186.
Membership in the Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce includes:
• An excellent group insurance plan
• One year free subscription to Progress magazine
• TD merchant services discount rates
• Esso direct driver billing program
• Access to Chamber and government partnerships and opportunities
• Networking, news and business support
• Member discounts on payroll services, hotel & hospitality, workshops,
seminars and more!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 /1 3
The Community Strengths Marketing Project is a Job
Creation Partnership sponsored by The Board of
Directors for the Amherst and Area Chamber of
Commerce, Nova Scotia Community College –
Cumberland Campus and the Cumberland Business
Development Corporation. This two part project has
provided an opportunity for a Membership Service
Coordinator, Kim Ripley and an Educational
Coordinator, Miranda Wolfe to gain valuable work
experience, further enhancing their employability
through the development of skills and experience in
networking,
customer
service,
information
management, report writing and presentations. The
project will be a 30 week project concluding April
2011.
The mandate for the project is to develop educational
programs and skills development opportunities for
local business owners/employees through the new
Educational Coordinator position. The Membership
Service Coordinator will compile information gathered
from existing members, identify the strengths and
weaknesses of the Chamber, promote the strengths
and work with the various partnership agencies
available, to develop viable solutions for the
weaknesses. The membership service coordinator will
solicit new members by promoting the current
strengths and existing programs, such as the 3/50
project. The Membership Service Coordinator will also
work closely with the Educational Coordinator to
showcase the newly developed programs, further
enhancing the benefits of being a member of the
Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce.
Come say hello during Small Business Week October
18th to 22nd.
Kim Ripley,
Membership Service Coordinator
Joint Creation Partnership; Community Strengths
Marketing Project.
This exciting new project is an opportunity for which I
am truly grateful and I am determined to make it a
rewarding project for the Amherst & Area Chamber of
Commerce. I have lived most of my life in Amherst,
owned a small business, worked for small companies
as well as large corporations and actively participated
in various volunteer groups within our community. I
am proud of Amherst and expect that through this
project I can support all Chamber Members and
address key issues such as strengths and weakness,
areas of improvement, and seeking opportunities. With
this project I will make every business in the area
aware of the Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce
and the opportunities to create beneficial partnerships,
to learn, to be part of a united body and opportunities
to develop and implement solutions to the challenges
we face as a border community. It is my objective to
grow the Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce in
numbers, in strength, and in sheer presence so
everyone sees Amherst as the place to live, learn,
grow and shop. I look forward to meeting and
speaking with all current and new members,
discussing solutions, suggestions, and ideas. May my
meetings continually grow!
18th to 22nd.
Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Kim Ripley
Membership Services Coordinator
Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce
[email protected]
Miranda Wolfe, Chamber Education Coordinator
Marketing Project.
My role is to promote awareness of all the educational
opportunities within the community. Also, I will bring to
the attention of employers, as well as employees, the
educational needs which create barriers for both. Part
of my mandate is to create and deliver educational
seminars for our membership that they will be able to
take back to their jobs and implement right away.
Educational Workshops that I am currently taking
applications for are:
Facebook? Twiter? YouTube? Learn how social
media can help your already thriving business. With a
simple addition of adding a FaceBook page to your
business website, it will increase the people who look
at your business world-wide.
Hiring & Acquiring Top Talent- Learn smart ways to
recruit & retain top talent in your business. Also
screening resumes, best interview tactics and how to
keep the top candidate working for you in your
business.
Creating a Successful Website- Learners will, with
the help of an instructor, be able to create their own
website promoting business.
How to Run an Efficient Business Meeting- The
name says it all.
Should you have any questions or concerns, or maybe
even an idea or two for an educational class, don’t
hesitate to get in touch with me.
18th to 22nd.
Miranda Wolfe
Education Coordinator
[email protected]
4610165
Community Strengths
Marketing Project
Calling All Future Members:
The Amherst & Area Chamber of
Commerce is pleased to announce that if you
join the Chamber before January 2011 you will
not be billed again until March 2012.
As a member you are entitled to many special dvantages
offered only to Chamber members as well as access to
educational programs. You will have a voice in the Chamber
who speaks for your concerns and seeks your valuable
contributions on issues that affect all of the business community.
Randy Smith
President
Robert Bird
Vice President
Gwen Kerr
Secretary
Edith Doyle
Treasurer
Hollis Barlett
Marsha Brenton
Peggy Carter
Roger Christie
Dave McNairn
Mike Miller
Dave Mosely
Anne Newman
Kevin Tibbo
For more information contact the Chamber office at 667-8186.
Membership in the Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce includes:
• An excellent group insurance plan
• One year free subscription to Progress magazine
• TD merchant services discount rates
• Esso direct driver billing program
• Access to Chamber and government partnerships and opportunities
• Networking, news and business support
• Member discounts on payroll services, hotel & hospitality, workshops,
seminars and more!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 /1 3
The Community Strengths Marketing Project is a Job
Creation Partnership sponsored by The Board of
Directors for the Amherst and Area Chamber of
Commerce, Nova Scotia Community College –
Cumberland Campus and the Cumberland Business
Development Corporation. This two part project has
provided an opportunity for a Membership Service
Coordinator, Kim Ripley and an Educational
Coordinator, Miranda Wolfe to gain valuable work
experience, further enhancing their employability
through the development of skills and experience in
networking,
customer
service,
information
management, report writing and presentations. The
project will be a 30 week project concluding April
2011.
The mandate for the project is to develop educational
programs and skills development opportunities for
local business owners/employees through the new
Educational Coordinator position. The Membership
Service Coordinator will compile information gathered
from existing members, identify the strengths and
weaknesses of the Chamber, promote the strengths
and work with the various partnership agencies
available, to develop viable solutions for the
weaknesses. The membership service coordinator will
solicit new members by promoting the current
strengths and existing programs, such as the 3/50
project. The Membership Service Coordinator will also
work closely with the Educational Coordinator to
showcase the newly developed programs, further
enhancing the benefits of being a member of the
Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce.
18th to 22nd.
Kim Ripley,
Membership Service Coordinator
Marketing Project.
This exciting new project is an opportunity for which I
am truly grateful and I am determined to make it a
rewarding project for the Amherst & Area Chamber of
Commerce. I have lived most of my life in Amherst,
owned a small business, worked for small companies
as well as large corporations and actively participated
in various volunteer groups within our community. I
am proud of Amherst and expect that through this
project I can support all Chamber Members and
address key issues such as strengths and weakness,
areas of improvement, and seeking opportunities. With
this project I will make every business in the area
aware of the Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce
and the opportunities to create beneficial partnerships,
to learn, to be part of a united body and opportunities
to develop and implement solutions to the challenges
we face as a border community. It is my objective to
grow the Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce in
numbers, in strength, and in sheer presence so
everyone sees Amherst as the place to live, learn,
grow and shop. I look forward to meeting and
speaking with all current and new members,
discussing solutions, suggestions, and ideas. May my
meetings continually grow!
18th to 22nd.
Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Kim Ripley
Membership Services Coordinator
[email protected]
Miranda Wolfe, Chamber Education Coordinator
Marketing Project.
My role is to promote awareness of all the educational
opportunities within the community. Also, I will bring to
the attention of employers, as well as employees, the
educational needs which create barriers for both. Part
of my mandate is to create and deliver educational
seminars for our membership that they will be able to
take back to their jobs and implement right away.
Educational Workshops that I am currently taking
applications for are:
Facebook? Twiter? YouTube? Learn how social
media can help your already thriving business. With a
simple addition of adding a FaceBook page to your
business website, it will increase the people who look
at your business world-wide.
Hiring & Acquiring Top Talent- Learn smart ways to
recruit & retain top talent in your business. Also
screening resumes, best interview tactics and how to
keep the top candidate working for you in your
business.
Creating a Successful Website- Learners will, with
the help of an instructor, be able to create their own
website promoting business.
How to Run an Efficient Business Meeting- The
name says it all.
Should you have any questions or concerns, or maybe
even an idea or two for an educational class, don’t
hesitate to get in touch with me.
18th to 22nd.
Miranda Wolfe
Education Coordinator
[email protected]
4610165
Serving
our clients
for over
30 years
31 Church St.
Amherst
902.667.9339
http://www.atyp.com/jorgensen
email: [email protected]
We have the knowledge and experience to help you make the most of your finances.
Tax Planning & Preparation
Accounting & Auditing
New Business Start-ups
Fax your business card to 902.667.7644
and receive our quarterly tax newsletter
3933416
WINDSHIELDS & ACCESSORIES
Insurance Company Authorized
*Windshield Repairs
*Sunroofs
*Remote Car Starters
*Hitches
*Real Sliders
*Nurf Bars
*Ground Effects
*Custom Cut Mirrors
*Boss Plows
Salt Spreaders & Dump Boxes
*Plexi Glass
*Aluminum Entrances
*Automatic Door Operators
(Aaadm Certified)
*Heat Treated Glass
(Wood Stoves)
*Upholstery
*Camper Top Repair &
Replacements
*Custom Glass Showers
*Thermal Plains
*Plate Glass
(Home & Commercial)
*Safety Glass, Tempered Glass
& Stained Glass
Mon. to Thu. 8 am to 5:30 pm • Fri. 8 am to 5 pm • Sat. By Appointment Only
Visa
American Express
Mastercard
Debit
3878600
FREE Mobile Service
Locally Owned &
Operated
667-9999
9 Industrial Park Drive,
Amherst, Nova Scotia
Diana Bacon,
Branch Manager
We focus on practical approaches that are key to helping
your business get bigger, more dynamic, and more
profitable. Our Small Business advisors are uniquely
equipped to help you tap into your growth potential. We
listen to your specific business and personal goals, and
work with you to develop a plan to achieve them.
Teri Porter,
Account Manager Small
Business
Join the conversation with other business owners like you,
and share your ideas at
www.getgrowingforbusiness.com/unlocking.
Our team of Small Business advisors can help you unlock
the growth potential of your business. Get us working for
you today.
Call today, and get us working for you.
Amherst Victoria Street
PO Box 278
Amherst, NS
902.667-2526
®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia.
Award-winning Super 8 Hotel continues to flourish
Standing, back, left to right: Marney Fletcher, houskeeping; Holly Oderkirk, Front Desk.
Sitting, left to right: Vicki Cormier, Executive Housekeeping: Miranda Laundry,
Housekeeping Supervisor; Ted MacLeod, Maintenance; Sheryl Ross, Housekeeping,
Janalayn Smith,General Manager.
Located at 40 Lord Drive Amherst just off TCH Exit 4, the award-winning Super 8 Hotel continues
to flourish while providing increased and improved services to its hotel guests and members of the
general public alike, “the perfect blend of traditional quality and modern convenience,” says Janalyn Smith,
the 2009 Northern Region Super 8 General Manager of the year; the Northern Region encompasses 850
Super 8 Hotels throughout Canada and the United States.
In the six plus years that Super 8 has been in Amherst, it has garnered five major hotel industry
accolades. In addition to the aforementioned GM of the Year Award earned by Amherst Super 8 GM
Janalyn Smith, the Pacrim Hospitality Management Company subsidiary Super 8 has also been awarded
three Top 8 Awards out of 2,100 Super 8s across North America (as of October 2010, there were 2,400
Super 8 Hotel locations across the continent) from 2005 through 2007 inclusive as well as the 2004-2005
Pineapple Award for Hospitality.
Among the high-quality amenities that the Amherst Super 8 staff of 15 offers its guests (50 rooms,
smoking or non smoking, wheel chair accessible) include: a free SuperStart Breakfast; free
high-speed/wireless internet in each room; junior and jacuzzi suites as well as a hairdryer, coffeemaker,
fridge and a microwave in each room; children under the age of 17 stay free when accompanied by a
parent or guardian.
Hotel guests and members of the general public alike are afforded access to not only an indoor pool,
Spa and 80 foot waterslide, but to a Meeting Facility (the Cumberland Room) as well. The Super 8 Pool
Area is open to the public, but it is a good idea to call ahead, to avoid disappointment. Pool “Punch”
Passes are available to non-hotel guests and they never expire. People under 19 need to be accompanied
by an adult. The Cumberland Room can be rented out to the public, $125 for a full day and $75 for a half
day; catering needs can be provided at a cost and a flat screen TV, VCR and DVD player are available
upon request for a charge. For more information about how Super 8 Hotel can fulfill your varied needs,
please call (902) 660-8888 today!
4611162
Owners Charley Atkinson (left) and Jim Skidmore show the 2010 Apex in
the showroom in at Central Powersport, Yamaha dealer in Springhill.
NO BACKSEAT DRIVERS HERE
The All-new Rhino 700 FI. An all new, 686cc, fuel-injected engine has more seamless throttle
response and superior cold-weather starting. 4-wheel disc brakes offer better stopping power and side
by side seating improves the ride for your passenger. With a 181 kg cargo bed, the Rhino has
everything you need for work or play and goes anywhere an ATV can.
Central Powersport
13 Junction Road
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
,
902-597-3511
Always wear an approved helmet, eye protection, protective riding gear and seat belt. Do not drink or take drugs and operate. Read your
owner’s manual. Operate safely and respect the environment. Avoid excessive speed. Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. encourages all operators
to enroll in a recognized off-road vehicle safety training course. This vehicle is intended to be operated by persons 16 years of age or older.
Check vehicle use restrictions for your riding areas before using. All information, specifications and appearance of the Yamaha Rhino 660
shown here are subject to change without notice.
SPRINGHILL - Central Powersport, Yamaha dealer located at 13 Junction
Road in Springhill has been taking care of Cumberland County residents
on and off road needs from motorcycles to ATV’s to side by side Rhino
units, snowmobiles and much more for the past five years.
In 2009 Atkinson received the Springhill and Area Chamber of Commerce’s
Business Person of the Year Award for the many years the Atkinson family
has been in business, taking care of the needs of Cumberland County
residents. Central Powersport also has generators, power saws, trimmers,
clothing and accessories along with service and repairs to all makes of
snowmobiles, ATV’s, motorcycles and power products. Drop in to Central
Powersport and check out their monthly specials which for the month of
October are tires and accessories.
Central Powersport is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday’s
from 9am to 1pm. Drop in to 13 Junction Road,
call 597-3511, see them online at www.centralpowersport.com or
email to [email protected]
4611184
17
THE INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Small firms hold the key to Canada’s future prosperity
Mobile air compressors don’t seem like a product that would be ripe for innovation. After all,
they’ve been a staple of the construction
industry for decades where they’re used to
power tools such as nail guns and jackhammers.
But there was a problem. Compressors
were so heavy and bulky that they needed to
be towed behind a truck. That’s where Vancouver Island’s VMAC came up with a better
idea. That idea revolutionized the mobile
compressor industry and created a robust
international business for VMAC.
The company developed a rotary screw
compressor technology in the late 1990s that
made air compressors lighter, more powerful
and compact enough to fit under the hood of a
truck.
“There weren’t a lot of folks pushing the
envelope of this technology,” says Jim Hogan,
President and co-founder of VMAC. “They
were either complacent or not technically
savvy enough. So we took advantage of that
opportunity.”
Today, VMAC’s full line of compressors and
systems can be found in thousands of vehicles
worldwide. And with 10 of its 70 employees
focused on R&D, the new products, improvements and efficiencies keep coming. The company, which does most of its design, engineering and manufacturing at a three-hectare
facility in Nanaimo, has won multiple awards
for its manufacturing excellence and business
savvy.
VMAC (Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors)
is among the thousands of Canadian companies that are developing new products or
improving existing technologies, processes,
designs and marketing to solve problems and
reach new customers. Now, the challenge is to
persuade thousands more – particularly
small- and medium-sized businesses – to do
the same.
“To stay competitive these days, entrepreneurs should invest in their capacity to innovate,”
says Jean-René Halde,
President and CEO of
the Business Development Bank of Canada.
“In other words, they
should invest in things
that enable them to
constantly
improve
their products and services, and how they produce them. An investment in information and communication technologies is a good place to start.”
“Innovation can also mean, for example,
improving processes to cut costs and taking
that money to buy a new piece of equipment.
Or trying a new marketing idea.”
The latter is just what VMAC has done. You
wouldn’t expect a manufacturer of air compressors to go hog-wild with Internet marketing. Yet, not only is VMAC on Twitter and Facebook, it has also developed a series of ninja spy
movies for YouTube as a way of generating
customer interest in the launch of a new technology.
Investing in equipment is a good start
A report card released earlier this year by
the Conference Board of Canada gave Canada
a D for innovation, ranking the country 14th
among 17 industrialized nations. The grade
reflects inadequate levels of R&D and invest-
ment in capital assets, such as property,
machinery and information and communications technologies.
“Companies that invest cleverly in capital
assets reap the benefits in terms of higher productivity, innovation and competitiveness,”
says Conference Board President Anne Golden.
Canada’s D rating
was also based on its
ability to turn R&D
advances into moneymaking products and
services.
“There’s a lack of
savvy in terms of the
marketplace and a
failure to commercialize new products and
services to the same extent as other countries,”
Golden says. “We need to boost our ambition,
individually and collectively.”
It’s not just Canada’s competitors in developed countries that are embracing innovation.
Halde notes that emerging markets such as
China and India are innovating at break-neck
speeds. He describes this as a “terrible threat”
for Canada.
“The world is turning up the heat on us,” he
says. “Other countries are becoming more
competitive and more productive and we’re
not noticing it yet. Companies can’t afford to
wait until their markets have disappeared.”
While there is no magic bullet to solving
Canada’s lagging innovation performance,
there are reasons for optimism. Golden says
the operating environment in Canada is
becoming more favourable for small companies. This includes improved local, provincial
“Innovation can also mean, for
example, improving processes to
cut costs and taking that money to
buy a new piece of equipment.”
and national policies on a series of fronts such
as taxation, regulation, education, infrastructure and intellectual property protection.
“Our tax policies have undergone quite a
bit of reform in the last decade and they’re creating a more positive environment for business to succeed,” she says. “Canada’s image
internationally is also good right now as a
result of our sound banking regulations and
financial success.”
While government policies help, Halde
says that the greatest source of innovation will
always be business leaders with a sustained
commitment to doing things better and a willingness to seize opportunities.
“I believe the fundamental challenge Canada faces is one of mindset,” says Halde. “Companies of all sizes must understand that their
company’s competitiveness depends on their
capacity to innovate and to adjust their investment decisions accordingly. Embrace risk-taking and aim higher. Aim for the top.”
Such was the case at VMAC, which was
founded by Hogan and Tony Menard, both
engineers who were determined to deliver reliable, high performance products that are
lightweight, compact and durable. Constantly
changing truck designs keep VMAC on its
toes, sometimes with only a few weeks’ notice
to adapt their compressor to fit into smaller
engine compartments.
“I’ve developed my own philosophy about
innovation,” says Hogan. “It may sound corny,
but you have to think you’re smart and try
things.
“If you don’t, your competitors eventually
will. The prize goes to the people with the guts
to try.”
4610334
Helping Clients on Their Wellness Journey
AMHERST - About a year ago Yvonne Sauveur decided it was time for a change.
She went to Simply For Life because she wanted to lose a few pounds and by working
with the professionals at Damaris Spa and Wellness Centre she has undergone an
amazing transformation. "When I look at those photos I can't believe how much I have
changed, I'm completely amazed," Sauveur said as she looked over before and after
photos. “I've lost weight and I feel much better about myself. I'm not afraid to look in the
mirror anymore." Sauveur's story is just one of several from clients of the spa and
wellness centre on Church Street in downtown Amherst. The centre, that opened in its
location earlier this year, strives to provide its clients with treatments to enhance their
natural beauty both inside and out. For Sauveur that included a total makeover with hair
treatment and new makeup. "I went from a Size 12 to a Size 8," she said, beaming with
pride at her accomplishment. While on her wellness journey, she received Triniti skin laser treatments that rejuvenated and tightened her
skin while also treating wrinkles. She had began using Aveda skin care products at home. She also had restylane dermal fillers and botox
treatments. Sauveur is not quite done yet, she is also working on quitting smoking. Damaris Spa offers traditional spa services including
manicures, pedicures, facials and massage therapy. It’s also worth noting that therapeutic massages are covered through most private
health insurance plans. Botox and dermal fillers are provided by our on staff physician, Dr. McCrossin. There are also numerous skin laser
treatments available to address many common skin concerns such as age spots, rosacea, wrinkles, veins and unwanted hair. Damaris
is an Aveda concept spa and retails Aveda body care, skin care, hair products and the Aveda makeup line. Private counselling services
are available through three different counsellors. Counselling is available to help clients deal with stress, parenting and marriage counselling.
This is paid for by most employee assistance programs. Preventative health services include pap smear screening clinics every Thursday
and soon it will have the flu vaccine available to anyone who requires it. Wellness workshops are starting next week. The first is called Money
& Your Health and the second is on meditation. It also has spiritual books for sale. Damaris Spa & Wellness Centre can support you to
make the changes you want in your life that will lead to a healthier you; inside and out.
902.660.3030
16 Church Street. Amherst, NS
www.damarisspa.com
www.AVEDA.com
Dr. Anthony Robichaud,
Chiropractor, B.Sc.,D.C.
Health Through Chiropractic
4611699
A chiropractor can help you find and correct spinal
problems, to help restore healthy tissue in the entire body
Amherst
Chiropractic
www.amherstchiropractic.ca
125 Victoria Street, Amherst
660-9355 (WELL)
•
•
•
•
No Referral Necessary
X-Ray Facilities on Site
Gentle Techniques
New Patients Welcome
3915406
The life of your organs depends on
the movement of your spine.
FACT: When your spine doesn’t
move properly, your inside organs
(viscera) do not function normally.
This does not mean you are in pain.
When joints in the spine do not move
normally, a cascade effect causes a
barrage of cell damage. This in turn
sends nerve messages that cause
pain and lower the body’s
ability to function.
If you have a nonmoving spinal joint,
your organs are suffering and you most likely don’t even know it,
because only 10% of
these nerve messages ever make it to
the brain where we
feel pain. The other
90% go directly to
your internal organs.
Your chiropractor
can help you find
and correct spinal
problems, to help
restore healthy tissue
in the entire body.
Some of the most common problems
that chiropractors have had great success with are: Neck and back,
headaches, leg pain, sciatica, loss of
energy, foot and knee pain, hypertension, hip and pelvic pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, shoulder
problems, arm and hand numbness,
scoliosis and osteoarthritis.
At Amherst Chiropractic,
many patients are not in
pain, although they still
have spinal problems.
They want to improve
their health, and
understand that chiropractic treatments
are a preventive
measure.
At Amherst Chiropractic, we do an
examination and
take x-rays before
offering recommendations. Anyone is welcome to
visit Amherst Chiropractic and no
referral is necessary
to see a chiropractor.
19
Experts reveal basic rules for successful online marketing
Any company with a computer and access to
the Internet can set up a website, blog or Facebook page. But that’s just the beginning. There
are a few basic rules you should consider
before taking your marketing campaign
online.
Rule No. 1—Don’t just use your website to sell people stuff. Build a relationship with your customers.
This was an easy rule to follow for Petra
Cooper, founder and President of Fifth Town
Artisan Cheese Company, a niche producer of
fine handmade cheese. Since it takes several
years to ripen cheese, Cooper decided to use
the time to launch a website where people
could learn about her plans to launch an environmentally sustainable cheese business.
The strategy paid off. When Fifth Town
eventually did open its doors near Picton,
Ontario in 2008, she had hundreds of committed followers and eager customers. Today her
business generates 50 to 60% of its retail traffic
from her website, Facebook page, Twitter feed
and YouTube videos.
“The website helped us build brand awareness from the start,” she says. “As a result, when
we started selling cheese we already had well
established relationships with lots of prospective customers.”
Rule No. 2—Offer cool, free content
To develop value-added online content,
start with a marketing strategy that reflects
your customers’ needs and challenges. Include
an inventory of your company’s internal
resources and knowledge and how they can be
shared online to help customers.
“Don’t always focus on how great your
company or your products are,” says Dmitry
Buterin, co-founder and President of Toronto
web developer Bonasource Inc. “Instead, come
up with a white paper that explains how to
tackle a business challenge, for example. By
being educational, factual and broader than
your company or product, you give potential
customers the information they need to make
an informed decision.”
Bonasource runs a blog at www.wildapricot.com that offers advice and insights for
non-profit organizations, associations and
clubs that use, or might use, the company’s
online membership software. “Not only does it
serve our existing customers, it also generates
direct leads to our product website,” Buterin
says.
Barry Ellison, National Director, Marketing,
at the Business Development Bank of Canada
(BDC), says companies can also offer free diagnostic software or other online tools that help
customers manage activities such as their hiring process or business planning. To see some
examples of online tools, visit BDC’s new
Advice Centre at www.bdc.ca.
Whatever you offer, Ellison cautions,
should be quick and easy to find, understand
and use. Since a picture is worth a thousand
words, try turning your product fact sheet and
client testimonials into short videos, or post
funny videos.
“If you’re lucky, they’ll go viral and be seen
by thousands of prospective customers,” Ellison says. “It’s all about getting your brand and
image out there and having people see it over
again and again. The goal is to keep your company top of mind with consumers.”
Rule No. 3—“Open your kimono”
Transparency is a cornerstone of Fifth
Town’s Internet marketing strategy. Its website
lists the local farmers who provide the milk as
well as details on its green business practices,
including waste management (a bio-wetland),
energy use (geo-thermal) and packaging (no
plastic).
Buterin says this “open your kimono”
approach is what’s needed to connect with
savvy and critical consumers. By sharing your
best practices and providing people with interesting and useful content—including e-newsletters, online videos and blogs—you can establish
your company as an expert in your field.
“Good salespeople do not call you at home;
do not attack you with a sales offer right away,”
Buterin says. “Instead, they find a way to connect with you, build rapport and trust.”
Rule No. 4—Know what they’re saying about you
Companies shouldn’t just broadcast to the
public. They should monitor what’s being said
about them on blogs and social networks and
engage people in conversations, both on those
sites and in the comments section of their own
website and blog.
“It’s important to know what they’re saying
about you online and be quick to respond,”
Ellison says. “It’s all about influencing the conversation and getting your side of the story out
there.”
Fifth Town’s Cooper uses a service that
tracks and measures what people are saying
about her company across the social media
landscape. When last checked, Fifth Town was
getting mentioned online every 19 hours.
Rule No. 5—Measure results
Buterin says a key part of any marketing
strategy is measuring its results. For example, you should be tracking the number of
visits to your website, where visitors navigate on the site and what your conversionto-sales rate is.
For Cooper, the results she’s seen from her
online marketing efforts have made her a
true believer. Further evidence came when
she saw how many out-of-town people
showed up at her rural dairy for a second
anniversary party.
“It was pouring rain the day of the event
and we still attracted more than 300 people,
most of whom heard about it through social
media,” she says. “It’s simply too powerful a
medium for any company to ignore these
days.”
AMHERST - Applications are now being accepted to Dalma apartments 33- unit
apartment building on Spring Street in Amherst. Owned by Marsha and David Allen,
the building is pet and children free and is open to the first 12 tenants on October 15.
Marsha, a retired teacher, and David, a retired fisherman and electrician, said opening
the building has been a dream of theirs for some time.
Two units in the complex are handicap accessible. The handicap accessible units are
both one-bedroom units with one more one bedroom unit available. Thirty of the units
in the complex are two-bedroom.
"There is also a common room for tenants to mingle and get to know each other," Marsha said.
In addition, the building features many “green” initiatives. "We wanted to do it for the
environment mostly," said Allen, while standing in the kitchen of a two-bedroom
apartment on the main floor. "Everyone likes to go green. We weighed the income and
the expenses for future tenants, and decided to do it." The biggest green aspect of the
building is the geothermal heating. "It cost about $250,000 more to install but all the
apartments are in-floor hot water heat," he said, adding it will pay for itself in seven years.
"Geothermal heating is about 65 to 70 per cent cheaper than baseboard heating." Allen
said a lot of the reason why they wanted to install the geothermal heating is for the tenants.
Two bedroom units will run at $900 per month, with the one-bedroom units renting for
$850. Heat is included in the rent with all other utilities being the tenants responsibility,
however, each unit is pre-wired for Internet, television and phone.
"Our daughter Lisa Allen will manage the building and Stephen Craig is full-time 24
hour maintenance person," Marsha said.
Anyone wishing to pick up an application to rent one of the units can contact Lisa at
661-0911.
-
4611206
David and Marsha Allen in the dining room of one of the two-bedroom apartments in the
new 33 unit apartment building located at 155 Spring Street in Amherst.
20
PERSONNEL MATTERS
Don’t rush to start hiring again without an action plan
I
s your company ready to start hiring again
now that the economy is recovering? If so,
there are a few things small firms should know
and do if they want to recruit top talent ahead
of their competitors.
For starters, if you had to lay off 10 people
during the recession, don’t assume you need
fill those same 10 positions, says Mary Karamanos, Senior Vice President of Human
Resources, Business Development Bank of
Canada .
“The number of positions isn’t what’s
important, it’s coming up with a recruitment
plan that identifies the skills, knowledge and
experience your organization needs,” says
Karamanos. “You may find out that it’s not
really 10 you need. Maybe it’s 15 working differently or eight working in areas that are
more strategic to your business.”
There are also many options that entrepreneurs have. For example, you may want to consider hiring certain employees as short-term
contractors or even evaluate the impact of
outsourcing certain functions, such as IT or
accounting. The demand for part-time positions and flexible schedules is growing among
parents of young children, people going to
school part-time and retirees looking to work
a few days each week.
“Businesses need to think outside the box
because people are working differently. It’s
driven a lot by personal need and want, but it’s
good for companies as well. It really opens up
the talent pool that’s available,” says Karamanos.
A good recruitment plan should assess the
skills, capabilities and attitudes your company
will need over both the short- and long-term,
Tips for recruiting new hires
• Develop a recruitment plan that assesses
the skills your company needs;
• Be clear on job responsibilities and experience/education required;
• Look to the United States for talent;
• Don’t hire based on your intuition;
• Be open to flexible work arrangements;
• Be innovative with compensation and
rewards;
• Understand the different expectations of
younger and older workers.
says Prof. Daniel Muzyka, Dean of the Sauder
School of Business at the University of British
Columbia. Companies also shouldn’t try to
hire everyone they need at once.
“There’s a sequence in which you need people,” says Muzyka. “Be clear in your own mind
about what sort of skills you really need first
and what can wait.”
No doubt, developing a sound recruitment
plan takes both time and resources. With both
in short supply some small business owners
fall into the trap of hiring people too quickly,
and based more on intuition than an objective
assessment of a candidate’s skills.
One small Ottawa company has adopted a
very simple mantra for avoiding that trap:
“hire slowly.” Stephen Shivkumar, President of
Building Blocks Technologies, Inc., says
recruitment is one of the most strategic things
you do in business.
“Small companies, in particular, have to
invest the time, otherwise you’ll find yourself
swimming upstream. You have to hire the
right person for the right job and provide that
person with the right training,” says Shivkumar, whose seven-year-old professional development company also works with full-time
contractors and more than a dozen course
instructors.
To increase your chances of attracting that
right person, Karamanos says recruitment ads
should clearly state the job responsibilities
and what kind of experience and education
are required.
Finding those skilled workers
Canadian companies looking for skilled
workers may want to turn their attention to
the United States, which has suffered much
higher unemployment than Canada. This
includes the under-employed – people working in positions well below their skill set.
“U.S. companies haven’t been as quick as
their Canadian counterparts to start hiring
again, and that may apply to your competitors
as well,” says Muzyka. “Monitor what your
competitors south of the border are doing or
others who are working in your industry. Their
losses could be your gains.”
Employers should also recognize that Baby
Boomers, Generation Xers and the aptly
named “Millennial Generation” each have
their own set of expectations and work ethics.
“Gen Xers, for example, tend to be more
conservative than their parents, which means
they may put more emphasis on the value of
the pay and benefits package,” says Muzyka.
“Millennials, in comparison, have more of a
sense of entitlement. They expect to move up
the corporate ladder quickly, and if they don’t,
may look elsewhere. They may also want more
flex work arrangement because lifestyle plays
a bigger role.”
And lastly, if you’re tapping your competitors for talent there’s a good chance they’re
eyeing your top performers as well. There is no
shortage of things companies can do to retain
employees: training and development, flexible
employment and innovative compensations
and rewards (e.g., extended vacations and
profit sharing).
However, such perks will mean little unless
employees feel happy and empowered in their
jobs.
“Through our training and day-to-day
operations, we make sure each employee has
an opportunity to contribute to the success of
the company,” says Shivkumar. “This means
listening to them and asking for their
thoughts on how to improve a particular
process or technology. Valuing your employees motivates them, and that’s just good business sense.”
The
Is Coming
Prepare your car now for the
winter season, by
UNDERCOATING!
Call now
to book an
appointment!
Brad Hoeg’s
Winner of the 2009
Young Entrepreneur
of the year award
NEW LOCATION
26 Albion St., Amherst
660-4000
4610232
Bargain Bennies Big on Honesty, Service, Quality and Pricing
AMHERST - You cannot last 23 years in the Amherst and Area furniture market by accident - you do it by providing customers with what they
want most.”The big reason for our success in Amherst is pricing, quality, service and honesty,” Bargain Bennies owner/operator Charlie
Rhindress said. “That’s what keeps our dedicated customers coming back.”
The foundation of Bargain Bennies success lies in family bonds. Charlie’s wife Judy helps him in the store, while his sons work both in the
store and deliver furniture and appliances to customers. “It’s a family-run business,” Rhindress said. “The two boys I have, my son Mark and
son-in-law Brian, have been with me for 20 years. Without them it wouldn’t be the business that it is. Customers always talk about the great
service they provide.”And my wife, Judy, is a big help in the store,” he added.
Bargain Bennies carry top-name appliances such as Whirlpool, Maytag, GE and Hotpoint, and their furniture is Canadian-made.” We carry
El-Ran, Deco Rest and A-Class Upholstery furniture,” Rhindress said. “Canadian furniture has always been great.
“There’s been so much container stuff the past few years but it’s not the same,” Rhindress added. “With Canadian furniture, if you need a
part, you’re in Canada and you can call our dealers in Montreal or Toronto and it’s delivered quickly.”
But it’s the bedding at Bargain Bennies that’s the biggest seller.
“We’re number one in bedding,” Rhindress said. “Our mattresses and box springs are made by Springwall Chiropractic.”
Bargain Bennies owner/operator, Charlie Rhindress, stands in the furniture showroom that has provided customers
with bargains since 1988. Bargain Bennies was named the Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce Business of
the Year in 2009.
Elwin Henwood, a representative from Springwall Chiropractic mattresses, recently recognized Bargain Bennies for having the highest
standard of sales.“Springwall is the only sleep sets that is endorsed by the Canadian and American Chiropractic association,” Rhindress said.
And they now sell Dimplex fireplaces.
“We just took on a new line of Dimplex fireplaces. They just landed on Friday,” Rhindress said. “So if you’re thinking of warmth for the winter
come up and see Bargain Bennies for a fine selection.”
Bargain Bennies might look small from the outside, but has a huge selection inside.
“We’re not the biggest store in the area but we carry a lot of product,” Rhindress said. “We have a good selection of dining room sets, in store
and you can also order from our catalogue and have it withen a week or two.”Bargain Bennies also has furniture for children. Our children’s
furniture is upstairs. We have bunk beds, single beds and chest of drawers.”
Bargain Bennies received the 2009 Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award.
“We’re very proud of the award,” Rhindress said.
Bargain Bennies hopes to continue to provide award winning service to their customers for another 23 years.
Elwin Henwood, (right) a representative from Springwall Chiropractic mattresses, recently recognized Bargain
Bennies for having the highest standard of sales. “Springwall is the only sleep set that is endorsed by the Canadian and American Chiropractic association,” Rhindress said.
NEW!
In The
Box
“It’s our dedicated customers that have made us number one,” Rhindress said. “And we will continue to provide them with the best service.”
Whirlpool
GE Built In
Washer & Dryer
Dishwasher
In The
Box
599
$
00
+ Tax
In The
Box
NO TAX
299
$
00
on all Furniure & Bedding OR
12 Months NIC OAC
Your Choice
Pub Style
5 Piece
Wooden Table Set $695
NO
TAX
5 Piece Wooden
Round Wooden
NO
NO
Table Set $399 TAX
Table Set $449 TAX
6 Piece
$
Bedroom Set
795
NO
TAX
FREE FIREPLACE
Micro Fibre & $
Leather Sectional
995
NO
TAX
With purchase of a Queen Pillow Top
No Flip Mattress & Box Spring $995
Bargain Bennies
Furniture & Appliances
FREE DELIVERY • 21 Albion St, Amherst • 667-4735
$
Leather
Reclining Sofa
895
39” Complete
$
00
Bed 349
Reclining Chairs
Starting at
NO
TAX
Mattresses
Starting
at
$
00
149
$
199
NO
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Layaway Now
for Christmas
We will not be undersold
Family Owned & Operated in business for 21 years
Open Mon-Sat, 9-5:30, Thurs & Fri 9-7
4611267
Items may
not be as
illustrated
Helping You Make Your House, Your Home!
Jamie Griggs has been supplying Amherst and area residents with their home
decorating needs since opening the Home Furniture store in March of 2008.
Located at 17 Lawrence Street Griggs deals in brands well known to many
households such as Serta, Berkline, Brentwood, Frigidaire, Dimplex and much more.
“We sell furniture, mattresses, appliances and accessories including electric fireplaces
and additional home decorating products,” Griggs said, adding that decorating
consultations are available as well.
“Home Hardware has been around for 75 years and the Home Furniture stores for 35
years. Furniture sold at the Amherst Home Furniture location is 80 per cent Canadian
manufactured,” Griggs said.
Griggs said he loves being a part of the Home Hardware family because Home
Hardware stands behind their products and is also the largest furniture retailer in
Atlantic Canada.
“Home Hardware stores are always involved within the community they serve,” Griggs
said, adding this is another reason why the Home furniture store owner is proud to
be part of the Home Hardware family.
Currently at the Home Furniture store in Amherst participants with the Fibre Arts
Festival have hooked rugs, quilts and additional fibre art pieces on display at the
furniture store..
“I want people to go Wow when entering the store and with everything on display
that’s the response I’ve been hearing,” Griggs said.
“Because our products are Canadian manufactured we are able to supply most
products within a week, not a lot of retailers can offer Canadian manufactured
products,” Griggs said.
Home Furniture at 17 Lawrence Street in Amherst is open from
Monday – Wednesday 9am – 6pm, Thursday and Friday 9am – 8pm,
Saturdays 9am – 5pm and Sunday from 12 noon to 4pm.
OR
OFF $500
OFF $1000
$50 off any purchase over $500
$100 off any purchase over $1000
Amherst location only. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
1 coupon per person per purchase. Excludes appliances.
Helping you make yourHouse,, yourHome
H
AMHERST
A house isn’t yet a home until you make it your own. Visit your local
Amherst Home Furniture to experience the unique collections of
furniture, lighting and accessories. Enjoy the friendly, knowledgeable
ser vice that is the hallmark of the Home Hardware family.
17 Lawrence Street , Amherst , NS. 902 661 0935
6
104
17 Lawrence St
urc
hS
t
n St
St
ria
o
t
Vic
Ch
Albio
PROUD TO BE A CANADIAN COMPANY!
HWY
Lapl
anch
e St
4611422
The Art of Eating Deli & Catering
After spending fifteen years abroad Simon Turner decided it was time to move back to Amherst and give back to
the community he grew up in.
Eager to serve Amherst and area residents Simon opened the Art of Eating Deli and Catering on August 21, 2010.
“I’ve always loved to cook ever since I was little,” Simon said adding that his father and sister are both chefs.
Simon spent many years in the corporate world and decided it was more of a back to the basics kind of lifestyle
he was looking for which led to the opening of the deli.
Employing three people, Tracie Mackinnon, Robyn Greeno and Liz McGregor the business owner said the deli has
been busy since it opened.
Simon has catered small gatherings to large gatherings of more than 300 people.
“I do want to stay away from weddings, I will however cater rehearsal dinners,” the caterer said.
The Art of Eating is open Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm and Saturdays from 11am – 3pm.
Stop in to the Art of Eating at 82 Church Street in Amherst and check out the homey atmosphere along with the wide
variety of deli products offered. To reach Simon you can call 660-9105 or email [email protected].
Stop in or call ahead for
made-to-order sandwiches
straight from the carving board
Sandwiches • Toasties
• Soups • Salads
• Quality Deli Meats
• Local NS & NB Cheeses
• Imported Cheeses
• Smoothies • Drinks
Catering is our Specialty
Make a special presentation at your next meeting or event. Our fresh and delicious
platters and trays always bring more to the table!
4611724
From Head to Toe Aesthetics for all your aesthetic needs
From left; employee Krystal Watts, owner Patricia Ogden LeBlanc and
employee Danielle Thompson stand in From Head to Toe Aesthetics where
they take care of all your aesthetic needs.
A Small Company With Big Ideas.
Owner Steve LeBlanc shows
one of the homes on display
AMHERST - Drop in to From Head to Toe Aesthetics where owner Patricia Ogden LeBlanc, and
employees Krystal Watts and Danielle Thompson can take care of all your aesthetic needs from
skin care to waxing to massage.
Patricia graduated from Jon Raymond Institute in 1984; was the first aesthetician in the Amherst
Area and started her own aesthetic business in 1987. Patricia is a certified Yonka skin care
technician, certified in Brazilian waxing and is a certified reflexologist.
Krystal, graduated in 2005 from Concepts School of Cosmetology joined Patricia at From Head
to Toe Aesthetics in May and brought with her the following skills; certified as a general
aesthetician and certified in Brazilian waxing. Krystal brings with her three years experience from
Kara’s Urban Day Spa in Dartmouth.
Patricia also wanted to take the opportunity to introduce Danielle to From Head to Toe Aesthetics.
Danielle graduated in 2010 from Concepts School of Cosmetology and brings with her skills as a
certified junior aesthetician, effleurage body massage and lymphatic drainage facial massage.
All products used at From Head to Toe Aesthetics are Yonka Skin Care, OPI nail care, Allpresan
foot care and Artdeco Make-up.
Services offered at From Head to Toe Aesthetics are facials, manicures, pedicures, full body
waxing, eye lash and brow tinting, make-up and massage.
Drop-ins are welcome and there is a promotion for the months of October and November on a
Hydralessence facial by Yonka Skin Care.
Call From Head to Toe Aesthetics at 660-4988 for details or appointment.
AMHERST - Since 2003 Steve LeBlanc and Tranquility Homes have been providing their clients
with a wide variety of home styles and designs. “There really is no limit as to what we can do.”
We are a small company with big ideas!
With the changing times come changes to the products and services that our clients require. Most
recently, Kent Homes launched their new “Evergreen” series of homes. They are environmentally
friendly homes designed to operate more efficient that any home that we have produced in the
past. In todays economy, home buyers are looking for long term savings on the day to day
operations of their home and we can provide them with that!
In addition, with the changes to the energy code as of January 1st, the homes are better insulated
than ever before and the benefits are clear. You can expect your home to be warmer and cost less
to heat. The Nova Scotia government has also recently launched their “Performance Plus”
program which can provide new homebuilders with a rebate of up to $11.000.
They will come and test your home and apply an energuide rating.
Rebates are calculated based on your Energuide number.
For more information contact Steve at 667-3855 or email [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]> or just visit the website www. tranquilityhomes.
From Head to Toe Aesthetics
7 Electric St, Amherst
660-4988
4611637
24
THE WORKFORCE
CFIB applauds negotiation
of lower EI premium increase
OTTAWA  After one of the most comprehensive lobbying campaigns in the history of the
Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the federation applauded the
news in September that government will
limit the 2011 EI premiums increases to
$0.05 for employees and $0.07 for employers,
saving employers and employees more than
$1 billion in 2011.
This is far lower than what was expected
to be announced by the Canada Employment Insurance Financing Board (CEIFB)
later this year and will be welcome news for
many small business owners and their
employees that were worried they would be
facing far higher EI rates in 2011.
“There is no doubt that the worry and
frustration expressed by tens of thousands of
CFIB business owners and their employees
over a maximum increase in EI payroll taxes
has been heard by government, “ said
Catherine Swift, CFIB’s president & CEO.
“While not a complete freeze, we are
pleased to see the government take a major
step on this critically important issue to help
lessen the impact on small businesses and
thereby the economy overall,” she added.
CFIB’s fierce EI lobbying efforts included
meetings with 50 MPs, 10,000 postcards
from business owners, 8,000 signatures on
petitions from employees and thousands of
visits to CFIB’s EI Facebook page, dedicated
website and YouTube video.
CFIB also welcomed the news that there
will be further limits on future EI premium
increases and a review of the overall structure of the EI premium setting system.
“Having some certainty on what rates to
expect in future years and reviewing how EI
premium rates can be better managed going
forward are also key parts of this announcement,” said Swift.
“This is important as we do not want to
simply delay future rate hikes, but ensure
that the EI system is managed appropriately
for the long-term,” concluded Swift.
“We also hope that other governments
will follow this lead to limit future tax
increases and other costs imposed on small
businesses. We are concerned that CPP premium increases, workers compensation premium increases, minimum wage increases
and other such job destroying measures are
currently being contemplated by many governments across Canada,” said Swift. “The
precarious state of our present economic
recovery demands that governments resist
such short-sighted policies.”
*As Canada’s largest association of
small- and medium-sized businesses, CFIB
is Powered by EntrepreneursTM. Established in 1971, CFIB takes direction from
more than 107,000 members in every sector nationwide, giving independent business a strong and influential voice at all
levels of government and helping to grow
the economy.*
Source: Canadian Federation of Independent
Business website
Young Entrepreneurs sought
for annual awards
Do you know some talented and successful
young entrepreneurs in central and northern Nova Scotia?
If you do, the Business Development
Bank of Canada wants to hear about them.
The Young Entrepreneur Awards (YEA)
recognize the talent and success of Canadian entrepreneurs aged 19 to 35.
Ten awards will be given to young entrepreneurs selected on the basis of outstanding business achievement, innovative spirit
and community involvement. YEA winners
will also be eligible for two special awards
presented at a gala, which will take place in
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on May 3, 2011.
More than 350 business people and representatives from BDC, its partners and various levels of government are expected to
attend the gala.
The YEA nomination period will begin on
Oct. 19 during Small Business Week 2010
and will end on Nov. 30, 2010.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Be a Canadian citizen;
- Be between 19 and 35 years of age as of
December 31, 2010;
- Be a manager and have been actively
involved in the company’s daily management for a minimum of two years as of Dec.
31, 2010;
• Hold at least 20 per cent of the company’s
capital stock.
YEA will be given according to the following geographical distribution: New-
foundland & Labrador; Prince Edward
Island; Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Quebec; Ontario; Manitoba; Saskatchewan;
Alberta & Northwest Territories; British
Columbia & Yukon.
Last year’s Nova Scotia winners were
Bang Gia Dao, Kim Hong Dao, Niem Gia Dao
of Talay Thai Restaurant Ltd. In Halifax.
Visit www.bdc.ca/yea for more information.
Prepare for Success with the Career Resource Centre:
According to Career Resource Centre (CRC) Coordinator Jude Weatherbee, local employers
have reported that prospective employees are obviously not utilizing the Centre’s services. They come
to interviews “inappropriately dressed and unprepared for the interview,” and fail to make a good first
impression in the process.
Since September of 2000, the Career Resource Centre and its staff of three full-time
employees and a career mentor, have been providing job seekers and people currently employed
elsewhere “with the tools they need to find the right job for them,” says Jude Weatherbee, who has been
with the CRC since December of 2001. Such tools include “career mentoring and direction, internet
access for employment and career research, résumé and cover letter preparation; mock interviews and
interview techniques; printing and faxing services for résumés; career preparation workshops as well
as outreach services available throughout the County.”
Jude Weatherbee stresses that “the CRC is not the old HRDC (Human Resources
Development Canada) that found job openings for potential employees. Instead, people are encouraged
to take a more proactive approach to their job search. The CRC is a “client-based environment providing
the information and technology needed to move into the future.”
In addition to providing such aforementioned tools and services, “the CRC also offers a
variety of Career Development Workshops. These workshops are designed to allow for interactivity and
flexibility”. They include “self-assessment, résumé/cover letter writing, networking, communications,
interview strategies, workplace success and goal-setting.”
The Centre also provides access to 7 local and provincial newspapers from Nova Scotia and
New Brunswick; personality testing, aptitude testing, “books, magazines, pamphlets, education
information on: literacy, GED, Nova Scotia High School Diploma for Adults, continuing education
brochures, post-secondary training, student loan applications, labour market information and business
information.”
The CRC is “funded by Employment Nova Scotia and sponsored by the Cumberland
Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA).” For more information about the CRC, email
[email protected] or visit http://amherstcrc.net/; call (902) 667-3638 or toll-free at 1-866-667-2344.
Better yet, stop by 35 Church Street, Amherst today!
4611492

small business week 2010

Transcription

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