Member Referral Program WinnerWayne Banfield, Freedom 55 Financial

Our congradulations to Wayne Banfield of Freedom 55 Financial (sec-ond from right), who is the lucky winner of our Member Referral Pro-gram grand prize package, which consisted of over $5000 worth of advertising credits from all the local radio stations, a $360 JVC Home Theatre System from Schwartz Furniture, and a $100 printing credit from City Printers. Our thanks to all participants in the program. We brought 20 new members on board through this program. Also in this

Volume 14, November 2008 |

In this issue:Shop at Home - 3

EBA Award Winners - 5Opening Doors to New

Markets - 10Women in Business Breakfast Series - 15

Upcoming Events - 16Hall of Fame Winners - 17

Come to Life - 18

picture (from left) are Maria MacDonald, chair of Membership Committee, Sheila O’Neil-McKinnon, Membership Develo-poment Coordinator, and Mike Mac-Sween (far right), Executive Director.

Owen Fitzgerald, President

Joyce MacDougall, Executive Vice President

Raymond Tynsky, Vice President

Aubrey Rogers, Vice President

Sean Burke, Vice President

Diane Humphrey, Treasurer

Irene Carroll, Secretary

Bruce Meloney, Past President

Mike MacSween,Executive Director

Anne Marie Singler,Executive Secretary

Sheila McKinnon-O’Neil,Membership Development

Coordinator

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The Accomplice was caught, right under our nose!

Our congradulations to Heather Farr and Donna Lewis of ING In-surance, who successfully aprehended “The Accomplice” in “The Giant 101.9” Fugitive contest - none other than our own Sheila O’Neil-Mckinnon. Her role in this crime with the fugitive (UPS Store’s Bill Brown) was unknown to all that she worked with, much to their chagrin, as they would have loved to have cashed her in for the $5000 dollar prize!

She is pictured below (second from left), along with (from left to right) Scott Boyd, Tasha Lee, and Rob MacNamarra, all of the “Big Breakfast”.

Want to Advertise in Chamber Link?

A terrific opportunity to market to the business

community.

Contact the Chamber at 564-6453 for more details,

or check out our rates at www.sydneyareachamber.

ca

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This Holiday Season, “Shop at Home and Support Our Own”

With the Holiday season fast approaching, many of our annual ritu-als are taking shape, such as plans for shopping trips off island to Halifax, Moncton, Bangor, etc. It has become all too common for many of us to do the bulk of our Christmas shopping off island dur-ing these trips. Add to this the litany of shopping options available online these days, and you have a serious challenge to our local retailers.

We have a robust and growing retail sector in the CBRM, and it is convenient that we have so many stores, whether they are within our downtown cores, or at the regions malls, plazas, or stand-alone stores. Our local retailers, whether independent retailers or fran-chisees, are a part of this community, and contribute to our local economy through employment, rent, taxes, etc. Many local retail-ers are also strong supporters of local charities, and depend greatly upon the success of their businesses in order to give.

Of course, online commerce is also very common these days, and has in some ways made our lives easier – you can now shop from the comfort of your home without having to set foot outside your door. However, while this may be convenient, we must consider the ramifications to local business. As well, we have the luxury of being able to view and touch many of the products we are seeking to purchase, and we can discuss our purchases with staff, who are normally more than helpful. None of this is available online.

Shopping locally also makes sense these days due to the cost of traveling, which includes gas, meals, accommodations, etc.

The Chamber is asking everyone to “Shop at Home and Support Our Own.” Whether it is new clothes, a TV, furniture, a camera or a car, shop at home. While we remain optimistic about the develop-ment of our local economy, the global economic slowdown is affect-ing many of our local businesses in decreased sales, and we need to support them as it is for our own good as well as theirs.

Save yourself time and money - do your Christmas shopping at home this holiday season, and support your own.

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2008 Excellence in Business Awards

The 19th Annual Excellence in Business Awards of the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce were held on October 21, 2008 at Membertou Trade & Convention Centre. A committee of Chamber mem-bers handled the nomination and review process with Vice-Chair Angus MacNeil being the MC for the actual event.

Guest Speaker for the evening was John Lynn, CEO of Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation who drew a parallel between the success of small businesses and the economic health of a region.

An audience of 230 were present to view the awards

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– 13 in all. They included six Excellence in Business Awards for Information Technology, Manufac-turing, Not-for-Profit, Retail, Service, and Tourism. A Rising Star Award was also presented to a firm new to the scene but showing great potential. A number of other special awards were presented – an Export Achievement Award sponsored by NSBI, an Eco Award given by ACAP, a Family Friendly Award presented by Family Service of Eastern Nova Scotia and HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Liv-ing) Award sponsored by the C.B. Regional Health Authority. Highlights of the evening were the an-nouncement of the Community Development Award winner and the Entrepreneur of the Year.

The list of award winners from the event is as follows:

Information Technology - Techlink Entertainment

Accepting the award are Sean Coyle and Rob MacKenzie

Presenting the award is Dianne Beauchene of the Business Develop-ment Bank of Canada (BDC)

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Manufacturing - Laurentien Energy

Accepting the award are Jim Wooder and Brian Shebib

Presenting the award is Keith MacDonald of the Cape Breton Partnership

Not-for-Profit -Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation

Accepting the award is Marlene Usher

Presenting the Award is Grahame Coleman of Eastlink

Retail -Saf-Way Auto Parts

Accepting the award are Cary and Wayne MacDonald

Presenting the award is Bill Vokey of TD Canada Trust

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Service -Harbourview Montessori

Accepting the award is Kerry Lynk

Presenting the award is Catherine Ann Fuller of Nova Scotia Economic Development

Tourism & Hospitality -Sydney Ports Corporation

Accepting the award are Terry Pit-man, Bernadette MacNeil, and Don-ald Rowe

Presenting the award is Gina Ryan from Casino Nova Scotia

Rising Star -103.5 The Eagle

Accepting the award are Jay Bedford and Ian Smith

Presenting the award is Irene Carroll, Chair of the Excellence in Business Com-mittee, from the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club

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Export Achievement -Copol International Ltd.

Accepting the award are David Sawler and staff

Presenting the award is Mike McMur-ray of Nova Scotia Business Inc.

Eco -Icon Communications & Research

Accepting the award are Cavelle Fraser and Linda MacLean

Presenting the award is David Ervin of ACAP Cape Breton

Healthy Eating Active Living -Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board

Accepting the award is Debbie Madore

Presenting the Award is Dr. Robert Baillie of the Cape Breton District Health Authority

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Family Friendly Business - YMCA of Cape Breton

Accepting the award is Andre Gallant

Presenting the award is Cathy Farrow of Fam-ily Service of Eastern Nova Scotia

Community Development -Atlantic CAT

Accepting the Award are Angus MacNeil and Jim Johnson

Presenting the Award is Dave Newbury, EBA committee member, and with 101.9 The Giant

Entrepreneur of the Year -Marjorie Fougere, Finishing Touch Centre

Accepting the award is Marjorie’s daughter, Janelle Osborne

Presenting the award is Owen Fitzgerald, President of the Sydney and Area Cham-ber of Commerce, with Unimaki Economic Benefits

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Chamber Outreach

On Wednesday, October 15th, the Chamber of Commerce was invited to make a presentation to the North Sydney Rotary Club on the activities of the organization. Owen Fitzgerald is pictured at right being introducted by a member of the North Sydney Rotary Club. He provided an overview of the benefits and services to the business commu-nity,

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Opening Doors to New Markets

Interview with Troy Sawler: Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) Trade De-velopment ExecutiveBy Lindsay Stockall

Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) is Nova Scotia’s business development agency fo-cused on expanding business activity across the province. Whether it’s trade develop-ment, business financing, advisory services or venture capital, the agency works directly with compa-nies to assist them in reaching their growth potential.

ADM Solutions is one of these companies.

The Cape Breton-based business process outsourcer is exploring new markets and taking advantage of new opportunities after tapping into the programs and services offered by NSBI’s trade develop-ment team.

Earlier this month, I sat down with Troy Sawler, ADM Solutions’ trade development executive at NSBI, to discuss how companies can become involved with trade and exporting, and what the trade devel-opment team offers to companies across the province. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------LS: What can you tell me about the programs and services NSBI’s trade development team has avail-able to Nova Scotia companies looking to export?TS: We offer a variety of programs and services that can be customized to each client’s needs. We take companies on trade missions and help them find business opportunities by travelling to new markets. Each company is given an itinerary that includes in-market matchmaking, business meet-ings and networking opportunities.

Our Export Prospector Program is the same concept as a trade mission, but tailored to a company’s schedule, their market interests and their product or service. The agenda is up to the com-pany - from the destination to the dates of travel. Companies will travel on their own, but have the support of a trade development executive.

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We also offer “Doing Business In...” information seminars as an introduction to trade missions. These seminars help companies understand a particular market with information on the environment and business opportunities. It helps companies decide if a trade mission is right for them.

We administer three other programs that are funded by the Department of Economic Development: Go-Ahead Program, Service Export Program and Exportability. The Go-Ahead Program helps export-ers seal the deal on sales outside the Maritimes and assists with the costs of follow-up visits to mar-kets.

The Service Export Program (SEP) provides funding to help service exporters who are in the later stages of the sales cycle. It helps companies arrange face-to-face meetings that have a lot of poten-tial for significant sales.

The ExportAbility Program (EAP) teaches Nova Scotia’s small and medium-sized businesses about the international trade industry and how to be competitive in the global marketplace.

And finally, trade development executives offer counseling and advising to companies starting out as exporters and also those with a lot of experience in the industry. Our programs can help companies at all stages of exporting.

LS: What is the value of NSBI’s programs and services for companies?TS: The value of each program and service depends on the client’s expectations. The market exper-tise of the trade development executives is helpful to companies looking for more information and we provide great networking opportunities. Our programs and services are also valuable to companies because of the funding opportunities we offer.

LS: Can any company apply for these programs and services? TS: Companies that are registered in Nova Scotia with an interest in trade and export are eligible to apply for our programs and services.

LS: Where can I find information on these programs and services?TS: A great place to find information on trade and export is on our website: www.nsbi.ca. You will find what you need to know about trade missions and exporting, and contact numbers for the trade devel-opment team.

LS: When did NSBI start offering these programs and services?TS: We started the Go-Ahead Program, ExportAbility and the Service Export Program about two years ago and the Export Prospector Program was developed five years ago. But trade missions have been around since the beginning of NSBI in 2001. They have been adapted to stay current with

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market trends and client’s needs.

LS: What are the current exporting challenges?TS: Exporting challenges vary depending on the amount of follow-up that needs to happen. In gener-al, there are financial commitment risks associated with exporting; however, the financial commitment is usually returned in sales. Companies must also be aware of cultural sensitivities and learn how to adjust their messages to fit a variety of cultures.

LS: What are the benefits of exporting? TS: Exporting brings new growth opportunities to companies and their communities, it increases revenues, helps companies became international competitors and diversifies their markets - these are only a few of the direct benefits of exporting.

LS: So what exactly is the role of trade development executives?TS: Through our work with Trade Team Nova Scotia and through our own programs and services, we collaborate with companies of all sizes to determine the best program or service for them. We advise and counsel companies based on our experience with different markets. We plan our trade missions and arrange our programs around the interests of our clients and current market trends.

LS: Do I need to be an experienced exporter to work with NSBI?TS: Not at all. NSBI’s trade development team works with every type of company, from start up to an experienced exporter. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re in, we’ll help you with exporting and trading.

LS: Will companies see immediate results from participating on a trade mission?TS: In most cases, yes - companies will see immediate results from a trade mission. The types of results may vary. Going back to your previous question, every company has different goals in mind when it comes to trade missions. Every company, for the most part, will experience results. Whether it be connections made with in-market companies and trade missions participants, a better understand-ing of the market, or greater insight into their products or sales.

For more detailed information about NSBI’s programs and services check out the website: www.nsbi.ca.

Lindsay Stockall is studying at Mount Saint Vincent University in the public relations program. She is currently completing a co-operative education term with Nova Scotia Business Inc.

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ADM Solutions - Discover the Difference and Digitize It

ADM Solutions is a unique business processing outsourcing company providing rapid, cost-effective and 100 per cent accurate speech recognition solutions for audio and video clients. Some of its services, include au-dio/video transcription, webcast/podcast transcription, closed captioning, live event transcription, hand writing conversion, imaging and data entry services

Beyond its first-class products, the team at ADM Solutions offers a decade of combined knowledge with a smooth operating system and an above average level of efficiency and productivity – something clients often can’t achieve on their own. The team is constantly learning and improving its technology to increase client sat-isfaction and develop long-lasting, win/win relationships.

In 2005, ADM Solutions wanted to build on its business model and applied for the Service Export Program with NSBI. That same year, ADM used the program to cement a relationship with IBM, which resulted in a research and development (R&D) project– the first project of its kind for IBM. In November 2007, ADM took part in an-other trade mission with Trade Team Atlantic – this time in Boston. Since then, the company applied and was

approved to participate in export sales training through the ExportAbility Program (EAP). Begin-ning in September 2009, the company will par-ticipate in the year-long program with 80 other companies throughout Atlantic Canada.

“I am excited about the future, digitally our world is quickly evolving and every day provides a new opportunity. I con-sider NSBI an enabling partner interested in ADM’s opportunities, growth and prosper-ity.” – Allen McCormick, President, ADM Solu-tions

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Jamie was appointed President & CEO of Credit Union Atlantic in June 2005. In his time as CEO, CUA has emerged as an industry leader, completing a successful equity offering and introducing a number of innovative new products. Before joining Credit Union Atlantic, Jamie worked in various leadership roles in Nova Scotia business and government, including three years as Chief of Staff for Premier John Hamm and as a Partner with Robertson Surrette, a well known executive search firm located in Halifax. Jamie’s leadership in both the public and private sectors has been repeatedly rec-ognized by being named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs for 2006, 2007 and 2008. Jamie holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University as well as a Chartered Accountant (CA) designation. He is an honours graduate from the Canadian Securities Institute, and has com-pleted the High Potential Leadership program at Harvard Business School. In addition to his work, Jamie is an active community volunteer. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of Neptune Theatre, Halifax International Airport Authority, Equifax Canada and the Public Service Pension Investment Board (PSPIB), and is co-Chair of the provincial United Way Campaign for 2008-2009. He is a member of the Board of Governors of Dalhousie University and of the Junior Achievement Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame. Jamie is Past President of the Halifax Curling Club, and Prescott Group, a sheltered workshop for mentally handicapped adults. Currently in need of treatment for his Blackberry addiction, Jamie is one of the few people who can claim The West Wing and The Simpsons as his two favourite TV shows. Jamie resides in Halifax with his wife Sandra and their two children. Credit Union Atlantic is a customer owned financial institution providing banking services and finan-cial solutions to individuals and businesses in HRM and is the largest credit union in the Province. For more information on Credit Union Atlantic, please call us at 492-6500, drop into one of our seven branch locations, or visit us online at www.cua.com <http://www.cua.com/> .

Upcoming Chamber Events:

Luncheon with Jamie BaillieCEO of Credit Union Atlantic,Wednesday, November 26th

12 noonDelta Sydney

Tickets: $30 for members, $40 for non-membersContact the Chamber at 564-6453 or

asingler@sydneyareachamber to purchase tickets for

this event

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Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party

The Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Christmas party on Friday, December 12th as part of an event co-sponsored by the Cape Breton Partnership, Sydney Downtown Development Association, Nova Scotia Business Inc., the Business Development Bank of Canada, and Nova Scotia Economic Development. It will be held in the offices of the vari-ous co-sponsors located at 275 Charlotte St. in Sydney from 3 - 5 pm. We decided to join with these other groups within our building in hosting a joint party as there are many other parties during the bustling holiday season, and we’d rather not compete with each other.

This event will be catered, with a cash bar on hand, and our entire space will be wide open, so there is lots of room for mixing and fun.

We hope you will all join us!

Date: Friday, December 12Time: 3pm - 5pm

2008 Inductees

Congratulations to the 2008 Inductees into the Cape Breton Busi-ness Hall of Fame. They are, from left to right, Sid Meloney (ac-

cepting also on behalf of his mother, the late Jean Meloney), Rankin MacSween, Doris MacDonald, Hugh Tweedie, and Martin Chernin. They were inducted at a wonderful gala dinner held on Tuesday, September 21st at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.

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On Friday, November 7th, the Chamber of Com-merce and Cape Breton Partnership hosted a Nova Scotia Come to Life Celebration of Excel-lence Gala Dinner at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. It was an amazing event, with a crowd of over 300 in attendance. Come-dian Ron James had the audience in stitches, and Bruce Gouthro played long into the night, with the crowd singing along with him. He also led the Come to Life Charter signing ceremony, with Membertou Chief Terry Paul as first in line behind him. These are but a few of the pictures from the night.

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