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Pay InvoiceJanuary/February 2010
Halifax Business Awards
A cut above the rest
It's easy to thrive when times are good, but being able to perform when the economic chips are down is what proves you're a cut above your competition. That's one thing all of this year's finalists for the 2010 Halifax Business Awards have in common. From coffee shops to high-tech, from retail to sports, this year's 20 finalists stand out from among all the possible contenders to be recognized for their achievements.
Gemstone Qualities
Garnet • Colour: Deep Red
Garnet signifies eternal friendship and trust.
Amethyst • Colour: Purple
Amethyst is widely known as a symbol of peace and tranquility.
Diamond • Colour: White, Clear
Diamonds are a natural, rare and truly exotic gem of the Earth. Diamonds are the most durable substance on earth. They are a symbol of courage and true love.
Emerald • Colour: Green
Emerald is believed to empower the owner with foresight into the future, good fortune, youth and rebirth.
Pearl • Colour: White
Pearls are unique in that they are the only gems of the sea from living creatures requiring no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. Pearls often signify humility, purity, harmony and good taste.
Ruby • Colour: Red
Rubies are believed to symbolize immortality, passion and love.
Peridot • Colour: Pale Green
Peridot is said to host magical powers and healing properties. This gem represents power and enthusiasm.
Sapphire • Colour: Deep Blue
Ancient priests believed sapphires helped them predict the future. The gem is associated with peace and happiness, and protection from envy.
Opal • Colour: Multi-Colour
Opal is a multi dimensional gem and is ideally suited to almost anyone's taste. Opals have long been a symbol of innocence and purity.
Yellow Topaz • Colour: Yellow
Topaz was thought to calm tempers and give its wearer strength. Yellow Topaz symbolizes hope and fidelity.
Blue Topaz • Colour: Blue
Native Americans believed that wearing turquoise resulted in happiness and security. Turquoise has long been considered a stone that guarantees health, good fortune and protection from evil.
Jade Stone • Colour: Green
Jade stone has been used for centuries as a stone of healing and for other spiritual practices. The Jade Stone represents longevity, luck, dreams, desires and confidence.
Amber • Colour: Orange-Yellow
Amber is thought to be congealed sunlight and containing the essence of life. Amber is a symbol for passion, female energy, fertility and courage.
New Business of the Year
Sponsored by Stewart McKelvey
CAFÉ AROMA LATINO INC.
NAME AND TITLE: Claudia Pinto, Owner/Manager
THIS IS THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR ORGANIZATION ON YOUR 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY?
I would like to expand into a restaurant in the next 10 years and know what the customers are looking for and be ready with new recipes. When you own a business and you are in the kitchen every day, you can wake up one day and find out you didn't stay ahead of the eight ball. There's not much room for mistakes. We need to rely on our instincts, based on the many years my family has been in the food business. To accomplish that goal, I'm working on anticipating customer trends as I delegate more responsibilities to the staff and finally to continue to be the pioneer of bringing authentic Latin America food to Halifax.
WHAT MAKES YOUR ORGANIZATION "A CUT ABOVE THE REST"?
Café Aroma Latino has filled a gap or "niche" with authentic Latin America homemade cuisine, made from scratch using local food products and import goods, fair trade coffee, green cuisine and the most important one ingredient is "CORN," which is a great option for people who have gluten allergies. We are the FIRST Latino Café with a menu from many different Latin America countries. Customer can eat at the café and shop at the same time in the specialty store.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
I feel that red diamond best represents the qualities of the owner and the organization: passion, hard, durable, lasting, perseverant, shining, rare, strength, stability and valuable.
CARSHAREHFX
NAME AND TITLE: Pam Cooley, President
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CULTURE AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Fun, stubborn optimistic, idealistic with a strong pragmatic undertone, believers in the power of community and individuals to make a difference, dedicated and innovative problems-solvers.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES TO BEING A NEW BUSINESS? HOW HAVE YOU ADAPTED TO THEM?
Time and numbers ...learning to deal with the complexities of being every role required. Also, how to operate this new, technology-based business, as well as bringing a strange new concept to Haligonians in these tough economic times. We have coped by finding the resources, such as using students; having a "virtual" office of competent, thoughtful contractors; and advice and workshops from the Chamber, Entrepreneur's Forum, ACOA and other wonderful more experienced entrepreneurs.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Emerald is believed to empower the owner with foresight into the future, good fortune, youth and rebirth. CarshareHFX saw the need and opportunity of carsharing here – both now and while getting much of the needed knowledge about carsharing over the past decade – before there was a clear way to realize the business. We've had the good fortune to find business partners with vastly different, but complementary skills and experience and find other believers in the concept to add to our ambassadors and backers in Halifax.
CEDIF MANAGEMENT LTD.
NAME AND TITLE: Shelley Wilcox, President
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR ORGANIZATION'S BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?
Our hard work and expertise has afforded us with the privilege of supporting seven community-based businesses in raising equity capital by helping over 300 Nova Scotians invest locally while accessing the Equity Tax Credit and RSP eligibility. This amounts to the redirection of $1.75M in equity capital invested to Nova Scotian initiatives that would otherwise have left the province. These efforts have also culminated in the creation of 34 new jobs in Nova Scotia. We are humbled by this accomplishment. We look forward to more hard work, more community development and watching the numbers grow!
HOW IS YOUR BUSINESS CONTRIBUTING TO MAKING HALIFAX A BETTER PLACE FOR ALL?
More is more. By CML absorbing bureaucratic barriers, more people will be able to offer more CEDIFs more often. This means more economic development; more local dollars financing more local projects; more jobs created and sustained; more citizens getting passionate, empowered and involved in what's happening – and can happen – right at home. The bottom line is more money, more development, more community. That's my kind of Halifax!
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Emerald: The provincial CEDIF program epitomizes empowerment, good fortune and the rebirth of a community, as does CML. CEDIFs allow investors to target their investments to developments in their own communities, re-routes investments that may otherwise have been made in the stock market and enables those funds to be reinvested in Nova Scotia. Communities can be reborn with a new vitality, leading-edge innovation and increased sustainability and prosperity.
THE HUB SPACE PEOPLE INNOVATION LTD
NAME AND TITLE: Joanne MacRae, President & Founder; Tracy Boyer, Secretary & Founder; Sera Thompson, Treasurer & Founder; Rob MacArthur, Founder
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CULTURE AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
A place to bump into the right people at the right time. Innovation and new entrepreneurial ideas often come from unexpected interactions. The Hub is a creative, collaborative, dynamic, professional, fun, supportive and inspirational place to work. It combines the best of a professional office, a neighborhood café and the comforts of home. People come to the hub to work and plug into an intentional community that believes in profit making and doing good.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO GO INTO BUSINESS?
The problem of place. We were irritated by the number of talented people, some of them our friends, leaving the city for opportunities elsewhere. We needed a place to go ourselves, to get out of isolated, uninspired environments and be in community with others. We wanted to meet more people who were working on their own and bring them together to share resources and their talent. We wanted to do something interesting in Halifax, learn about being in business and start to change the things we were frustrated about in the city.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Pure Beryl is colorless, but with different inclusions, can be green, blue, yellow, red and white. The Hub Halifax is like Beryl, a space and resources waiting to be coloured by people and events. When green, Beryl is Emerald, a precious gem; when golden, its called Heliodor. The Hub also has many names: meeting space, workshop, office, event venue. The Hub changes with the needs of its members and is given a polish by the hosts who manage the space.
PARKLAND LANDSCAPING
NAME AND TITLE: Michael Bastarache, co-owner
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION'S INVOLVEMENT IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
The owners of Parkland Landscaping were raised and educated in Dartmouth. Since the community has given so much, it's important to us to give back. Each year, co-owner Michael Bastarache chooses one high school student who has applied for a summer position and works with that student to help them gain industry knowledge. And, to assist in the beautification of the downtown-Dartmouth area, Parkland Landscaping has become a sponsor of Communities in Bloom. We have been awarded several plots of overgrown land to be developed into natural green gardens in 2010.
WHAT MAKES YOUR ORGANIZATION "A CUT ABOVE THE REST"?
We are innovative in a traditional industry. Fine-tuning many of the time-honoured ways of operating, while also daring to with our business, but with the community and the planet as a whole. We are committed to decreasing the impact we have on our planet and community.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
The gemstone that most represents Parkland Landscaping is the Hawk's Eye, a type of Quartz. The Hawk's Eye is characterized by its ability to enhance the integrity of communication and to help its wearer confidently recognize innovative thoughts and ideas and put them into practice.
Small Business of the Year
Sponsored by RBC
BISCUIT GENERAL STORE
NAME AND TITLE: Wendy Friedman, Owner
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR ORGANIZATION'S BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?
I believe that our biggest achievement is the community we have created. We have a close community of long standing customers, other businesses that we are friendly with, our neighbours and the current and former staff. We fondly refer to all of these friends as "Biscuits." Once you're a Biscuit, you always are. I feel proud that we have created a business based on doing things well, having good ethics and not reaching for the "quickest buck."
WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS BEEN YOUR ORGANIZATION'S SECRET TO SUCCESS?
Well, I guess that the best answer to that would come from our customers. Many of them tell me they really love the unique selection of merchandise we offer at Biscuit. I think that people enjoy our aesthetic and the sense of fun we bring to the retail environment. We have customers from Toronto and Los Angeles who wait until they come to Halifax to go shopping at Biscuit.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Pearls are simple – not the flashiest, but always appropriate. Biscuit General Store isn't the most polished or fanciest boutique, but I believe we offer something that speaks to many people and many tastes, and so in that sense, always appropriate. Pearls also stand for humility; I think that this is what keeps a business owner open to learning, feedback and never resting on their laurels. Harmony is the quality I hope we have with our customers, our staff and our neighbours. And finally – good taste. Well, people do seem to like our style!
IPECC PROJECT MANAGEMENT INC.
NAME AND TITLE: Colin Gillis, Principal
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR ORGANIZATION'S BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?
IPECC's biggest achievement to date is the expansion of our business across Atlantic Canada and the number of large public and private sector businesses who have used our services. Some of these clients include the Port of Halifax, Air Canada Jazz, Bell Aliant, CAE, RCMP, The Snore Shop, Pictou Health Authority and Halifax Regional Municipality. This speaks to our service offering and our high level of professionalism.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS BEEN YOUR ORGANIZATION'S SECRET TO SUCCESS?
IPECC's services are unique. We started five years ago specializing in Office Relocation Management. We were, and still are, the only turnkey solution east of Montreal for Office Relocation Management. There is no other company in Atlantic Canada that does what we do!
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Opal is a multi-dimensional gem and is ideally suited for almost anyone's taste. Opals have long been a symbol of innocence and purity. IPECC offers a unique service that is multi-dimensional. When we are working on a relocation or new office we cover every facet from design, renovations/ construction right through to the actual move day. At IPECC, we believe we have a unique service and always do our best to represent clients effectively and save them money on their projects. We pride ourselves on our customer service and honesty, which keeps our clients returning year after year.
LEAN MACHINE HEALTHY VENDING SERVICE INC.
NAME AND TITLE: April Glavine, Founder and CEO
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION'S INVOLVEMENT IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
In addition to promoting entrepreneurship, Lean Machine in 2008 aligned with Ryan Johnstone, a Lean Machine representative, to pool resources and launch 'Lean Machine Fundraising' – a spin-off subsidiary created to provide Nova Scotia Schools (and other schools and organizations nationwide) with a healthy alternative to 'chocolate bar fundraising'. Vita Pome, Lean Machine Fundraising's first product, is made at Terra Beata Farms Ltd. in Lunenburg from Nova Scotia apples that are dehydrated and packaged like potato chips.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS BEEN YOUR ORGANIZATION'S SECRET TO SUCCESS?
Passion. Lean Machine was a dream for a number of years before I had the resources to bring it to fruition. Once launched, passion continues to be my energy source. My two 'secret' resources underpinning my success are: 1. My mentor, Kevin Schwenker. His guidance, insight, experience and unyielding support has helped grow Lean Machine and helped me overcome many obstacles. 2. Canadian Youth Business Foundation – their mission is to support youth, age 18- 34, with pre-launch coaching and business resources, start-up financing and support to find mentors like Kevin.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Topaz: especially happiness, health, good fortune and protection from evil, like getting overweight from junk food!
NURTURED (NURTURED PRODUCTS FOR PARENTING INC.)
NAME AND TITLE: April MacKinnon, President
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR ORGANIZATION'S BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?
Nurtured began as a home-based mailorder online store in 2006. By growing a local customer base and using creative marketing strategies that recognized the strength of our ability to bring people together and form a strong "community" of like-minded customers, we quickly outgrew our home-based location. Our biggest achievement to date is the fact we have increased awareness and education about natural product alternatives from a small market of those already aware of these options to the mainstream, primarily through the successful establishment of our retail store.
WHAT MAKES YOUR ORGANIZATION "A CUT ABOVE THE REST"?
Nurtured operates the business on the following principle: We are a service business that sells product. Customer service comes first and our experience with the product means we are adept at helping families choose the right product the first time. By offering workshops including babywear ing and cloth diapering information sessions, and birth-related workshops hosted by doulas and health-care providers at our location, we are able to grow and maintain a strong and loyal customer community.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Nurtured is best represented by garnet – we work hard to gain the trust of our customers and build relationships and friendships that endure well beyond the customer-staff relationship. Our staff treats each other as family and we support and trust each other at work and in our daily lives.
TIME + SPACE MEDIA LTD.
NAME AND TITLE: Donna Alteen, President
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CORPORATE CULTURE AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
At Time + Space Media we strive for a culture of respect, openness and inclusion – where passion is celebrated and all ideas are important. We work hard to celebrate each other's successes and to ensure people aren't obstructed in any way from contributing their best work. It is a culture that recognizes that people like to be appreciated for their contribution and, when given the opportunity, will rise to the occasion.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR ORGANIZATION IN 10 YEARS?
In 10 years we hope Time + Space will be a leader in understanding, reaching and engaging consumers with their brands. Technology has and is continuing to rapidly change consumer preferences and their relationships with marketers and brands – we feel strongly that by investing in people, research and our clients' businesses, we will continue to maintain a leadership position in the industry both in Atlantic Canada and nationally.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
The Emerald best describes us as an organization. We look forward to the future in all that we do. We feel fortunate to have great clients and colleagues, to have challenging and exciting work and to live and contribute to our beautiful city as well. Our team is young, progressive, committed and we are poised to adapt to the changing business environment of today and tomorrow – Foresight, Good Fortune, Youth and Rebirth!
Business of the Year
Sponsored by BDC
BLUE OCEAN CONTACT CENTERS
NAME AND TITLE: Elizabeth Currie, Chief Operating Officer
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION'S INVOLVEMENT IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
Blue Ocean is a part of the CCL Group of companies, which has twice been named Corporate Philanthropist of the Year by the Atlantic Society of Fundraising Executives. We focus our giving locally and support organizations such as Junior Achievement in Atlantic Canada and the Metro Halifax United Way. Our staff participate in teambuilding charity events, such as the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life and the Dragonboat Festival for Sport Nova Scotia.
WHAT MAKES YOUR ORGANIZATION "A CUT ABOVE THE REST"?
Our ability to offer customized, technologically advanced and high-level, service-oriented solutions of 20-100 seats makes us a niche player in a large, worldwide industry. Our clients choose Blue Ocean primarily because of a cultural fit of service excellence between our organizations, which is supported by our ability to deliver solutions focused on complex, high-value customer transactions and interactions.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Garnet. Our business is all about trust. It is a critical element to any successful outsourcing relationship. We have a special relationship with our clients who have confidence we will provide their customers with the best service possible on their behalf. We are on the front lines with some of their highest-valued customers and we are entrusted with their care. We manage over one million customer contacts annually, but our clients are assured we will treat every single interaction as a unique opportunity to enhance that customer's relationship with them and build lifetime loyalty.
CLAYTON DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
NAME AND TITLE: Richard J. Miller, President
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CORPORATE CULTURE AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Our corporate culture is centered around the principles of sustainability, safety, innovation and respect. We go to great lengths to treat our employees, customers and the environment with caring. Our workplace feels very much like a healthy family unit where teamwork is prized, leadership and vision are encouraged, continuing education is promoted and giving back to the community is expected. Many of our employees have been with us for over 20 years and are well-respected leaders within their fields.
HOW IS YOUR BUSINESS CONTRIBUTING TO MAKING HALIFAX A BETTER PLACE FOR ALL?
We have been building safe, affordable, attractive and sustainable communities in Halifax for over 50 years. These are places people can call home – recognized also for excellence in design and execution, above average appreciation in value and environmentally friendly features. In terms of job creation, Clayton has a huge impact on the economy of Halifax and Nova Scotia, facilitating the employment of thousands of people who work as planners, engineers, surveyors, equipment operators, lawyers, home builders, tradespeople and salespeople.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
A classic jewel, the pearl is a gift of nature and represents simplicity, beauty and humility. Folklore states that simply wearing a pearl reminds an individual to be honest, pure, wise and to walk with the utmost dignity. These are important qualities to our company as we strive to be honest, fair, ethical and to conduct all our business with integrity. Pearls are timeless, classic and of high value – just like Clayton Developments!
LYDON LYNCH ARCHITECTS LIMITED
NAME AND TITLE: Eugene Pieczonka, Principal
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CORPORATE CULTURE AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Over our history, we have always believed in fostering a supportive and collaborative culture. We maintain that if we treat one another with mutual respect and equality, then we all feel a shared sense of responsibility and contribution towards each other, our work and our clients. We strive to create great architecture, so we encourage a collaborative and creative atmosphere. We challenge one another to consider all possibilities and ask the 'what if ' questions.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR ORGANIZATION IN 10 YEARS?
Our priority for the future is two-fold. First, we must continue to create great works of architecture that promote design while contributing to our communities and urban landscapes. Concurrently, and of increasing importance, is to design buildings and places that are environmentally and ecologically responsible. We are well along this path with the new Seaport Farmers Market, which will showcase how great design and environmental sustainability can work hand-in-hand in meaningful and inspiring ways.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
We consider ourselves more akin to a material that is indigenous to Nova Scotia – gritty in its texture, solid in its composition, grounded in its foundation, but capable of great beauty and elegance, whether it's left natural, carved intricately or stacked monolithically. As Architects who believe in the importance of 'place', we of course compare ourselves to one of Nova Scotia's great natural resources – granite.
NICOM IT SOLUTIONS
NAME AND TITLE: Pat d'Entremont, Principal
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CORPORATE CULTURE AT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
I think I would describe it as a desire on everyone's part to keep raising ourselves to the next level of organizational maturity. We want to improve our processes, we want to expand our markets and we want to learn new technologies as they emerge. We have a button-down, nononsense approach to things and yet we have a lot of fun. People want to belong to something that succeeds and gets better and we've created a climate that encourages that.
HOW IS YOUR BUSINESS CONTRIBUTING TO MAKING HALIFAX A BETTER PLACE FOR ALL?
We are always working to make Halifax and Nova Scotia a better place by fostering the entrepreneurial spirit and providing people with a place to work where they have a direct impact on the evolution of their company. We aren't a branch office of a come-fromaway firm with a go-to-away profit. We take an active part in how information technology is evolving in Halifax, with a view to bringing export business into the region.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
I'd have to say the pearl. "Pearls are unique in that they are the only gem of the sea from living creatures requiring no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. Pearls often signify humility, purity, harmony and good taste." Nicom is a group of down-toearth people who try very hard to find the right solution for their customers. With a minimum of fluff or fanfare, we just get down to work and make things happen. We treat each project as a custom assignment, with unique challenges for the client that we help overcome with unique solutions. A string of pearls is a thing of beauty, yet no two pearls are exactly alike. And in this same way, no two solutions are exactly alike.
OCEAN NUTRITION CANADA
NAME AND TITLE: Robert Orr, President & CEO; Megan Harris, Chief Financial Officer
WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS BEEN YOUR ORGANIZATION'S SECRET TO SUCCESS?
ONC undertakes stringent and uncompromising quality control with respect to all of its products. We provide our business customers with exceptional technical, scientific and marketing support to help them meet their consumers' demand for value added nutrition. Additionally, ONC provides regulatory assistance from experts who can help manufacturers ensure new products meet regulatory requirements. As a result of its continued commitment to excellence in customer service, Wellness Foods' readers have chosen ONC as their number one Omega-3 fish oil supplier for two years straight. ONC also just received Progress Magazines Top 101's most prestigious award – Most Balanced Organization for the Top 101 Atlantic Canadian companies for 2009.
HOW HAS YOUR BUSINESS GROWN AND DEVELOPED IN THE PAST YEAR?
ONC achieved significant revenue growth, growing 30 per cent over 2007. Over the last year ONC made a concentrated effort to grow its human resources department. Having grown the company significantly in such as short period of time it was felt we needed to ensure we were managing, growing and developing our staff the best we could, while offering benefits that were competitive in the market place. A leadership training program was rolled out to all our managers over the past year and was further rolled out to over half of ONC's employees.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Peridot is said to host magical powers and healing properties. This gem represents power and enthusiasm. Our core purpose as a company is to "create wellness though innovation" and therefore the Peridot best describes Ocean Nutrition Canada. Ocean Nutrition Canada is the world's largest manufacturer of Omega-3 EPA/DHA. Omega-3 EPA/DHA is a powerful ingredient that many researchers and medical professionals could describe as having "magical" powers and healing properties.
Business Person of the Year
Sponsored by Grant Thornton
JOE MCGUNNESS, CO-OWNER/OPERATOR, DURTY NELLY'S AUTHENTIC IRISH PUB
WHAT'S THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE YOU'VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
The best advice I have been given is to listen and learn, don't be afraid to make mistakes and above all have a clear vision of future goals. Having clear vision provides individuals with the necessary focus on a desired future state and it also highlights an individual's strengths and deficiencies necessary to reach the desired vision. Not one of us is better than the other and each of us has the ability to reach any goals we set for ourselves.
WHAT'S ONE THING ABOUT YOU MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW?
I am an avid Flight Simulator enthusiast. As a child I always wanted to be a pilot. Unfortunately, due to colour blindness, I couldn't pursue this as a career and consequently I did the next best thing, and that was to immerse myself in the world of simulated aviation.
NAME ONE EXTRAORDINARY MEASURE YOU'VE TAKEN THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER.
I'm not sure if this is an extraordinary measure, but it certainly is a consistent approach I have employed in most leadership positions I have held over the last decade. That is the use of strategic planning to guide myself and the businesses I worked in. I have regularly engaged the services of an external consultant to assist with teambuilding if required, followed by a strategic planning session with the intent of providing the organization with clarification on its short and long term goals. This approach has been very successful in that it provides detailed clarity and focus on the company's goals for all employees to strive toward. I have also used this approach to management within the Restaurant Association, which has resulted in significant positive results for all stakeholders.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Of the choices listed, I would have to respond Emerald.
MIKE HACHEY, CEO, EGG FILMS INC
WHAT LEADERSHIP STYLE DO YOU TAKE WITH YOUR TEAM?
Simplicity. I focus on results. I give everyone on my team room to do their jobs without me in the way micro-managing. I believe each individual is a vital part in the engine that drives our business. Each person plays a role in developing strong relationships with our clients. And, when you let people succeed individually, the whole company benefits. Everybody sees the difference they make, works harder, takes ownership and delivers results.
WHO IS YOUR BUSINESS ROLE MODEL?
Well, there's Dave Thomas, Donald Trump, the free-spirit Richard Branson... But I would say, my father. A true entrepreneur and inspiring man, he has supported me through my entire career and has given me great advice. His 30s were devastated by a terrible car accident that left him paralyzed in one arm and incapable of working or even getting out of bed for months. But he didn't let that stop him and never failed to provide for his family. He keeps me inspired, still dreams big at 74 and always puts 110 per cent into everything he does.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
The closest thing I'm comfortable representing myself with is the pretend substance, kryptonite. Kryptonite levels the playing field. Even Superman is just a regular guy around kryptonite. In the stories where he has to overcome kryptonite, he proves his strength even without super powers. Well, what I'm trying to do is show we're as strong here in Atlantic Canada as anyone anywhere, or maybe stronger thanks to the advantage of living here. If I'm helping make that happen here, then I'm happy. And, maybe in a weird way, I'm like kryptonite.
PETER CONLON, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NAUTEL LIMITED
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
Much of my community involvement has tended to be centered on helping our universities with a number of programs on strategy and marketing. I have also had the privilege of speaking with groups, hopefully to provide insight to the lessons I have learned over the last 30 years. This includes Face-to-Face, East Coast Connected, Deloitte and Export Development Canada. Finally, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Chamber of Commerce where my out-of-the-box thinking has been the source of several lively debates.
NAME ONE EXTRAORDINARY MEASURE YOU'VE TAKEN THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER.
A good friend once told me that, "We in North America forget we live the exception, not the rule." So, about 20 years ago, my family and I packed up our belongings and moved to a third-world country – Mexico. Having to learn and work in a second language, to make decisions in the absence of a strong support structure and to watch my family become confident in their ability to live in a strange, new environment have profoundly shaped me as a business person and, hopefully, as a person.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
I think the Jade Stone is the closest. The description of it representing luck, dreams, desires and confidence symbolizes a way of looking forward. While I appreciate that the lessons of the past are important to avoiding troubles in the future, I have never been one to dwell on the past. One creates one's own future. It is important to strike out boldly into that future, to make the very best of it. That takes dreams and courage. PS: I hope it's true that Jade confers longevity, too!
GORDON STEVENS, PRESIDENT, THE UNCOMMON GROUP
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT AS A BUSINESSPERSON?
Being able to create five diverse retail brands in five years is definitely our biggest accomplishment. Starting out in 2004, our desire was to bring new and exciting retail concepts to the Nova Scotia market. Each one of our five brands (Uncommon Grounds, Uncommon Kids, Sugah, Rum Runners and Carbonstok) is unique to Nova Scotia and each one has allowed us the opportunity to bring creativity not only to our retail environments, but also to our packaging and overall presentation.
WHAT'S THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE YOU'VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Look after your community and your community will look after you.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
I would have to say Emerald. Emerald is believed to empower the owner with foresight into the future, good fortune, youth and rebirth.
ANDRE LEVINGSTON, PRESIDENT & CEO, HALIFAX RAINMEN
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT AS A BUSINESSPERSON?
Being able to come from the worst living conditions in Detroit, trying desperately to make the right decisions to even have an opportunity to do what I enjoy. As a businessman I have the opportunity to use what I do for a living to enhance people's lives. To create opportunities for kids to dream is awesome. I didn't come to Halifax to make a million dollars; I came to make a difference.
WHAT IS ONE THING MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
That I'm a softy. I adore kids and would give everything I have to see that no kids suffer.
LIKE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR BUSINESSES, JEWELS AND GEMS POSSESS SPECIAL QUALITIES, WHICH JEWEL BEST REPRESENTS YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Diamond. You can go through the worst conditions and still sparkle. Not all people can handle adversity; I try to find good in all people. I'm not afraid to fail in business or in life and I put it all on the line when I believe in something.
Read more:
President's Message
Members in the News
New & Noted
Second Glance
Trends: Choosing the right venue
Trends: The Economics of talent
