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April 2010
Spring has come and everything's new; this is true at the Chamber too! New tech, new staff, new markets and more; new research, new books and new business galore. Renewed commitments to Haitian relief proves to be a strong Chamber belief. Film, misic and wine - this ain't no ruse ; it's all in April's Members in the News
Apple Courier Ltd. recently received delivery of new Intermec handheld scanning devices, which utilize signature capture and therefore eliminate the use of paper waybills. Apple also sends invoices via email, further reducing the need for paper. “It’s our way of going green for the environment,” says Apple’s Roger LeBlanc. “We offer online order entry along with total tracking through our web site. You can actually watch the order move through our system from pickup to delivery time and who has signed for the delivery – all without using any paper.” Learn more at www.applecourier.ca.
Hosted-Exchange Ltd. recently welcomed Wade McCallum to their team as Vice President, Sales and Corporate Development. McCallum brings to Hosted-Exchange more than 17 years of operational and business development experience in the IT sector. “Wade’s senior management experience in operations and sales will lead the “go to market” strategy for both the domestic and International markets,” says Ciaran Coates, Hosted-Exchange President & CEO. “He has a comprehensive background in computer science and possesses a solid understanding of Information Technology as it relates to business strategies. Throughout his career Wade has focused on applying technology to deliver real efficiencies to complex business problems and will be a real asset to our organization."
Three of Scotian Windfields Inc.’s sites have been selected as part of Nova Scotia Power’s December 2008 request for proposals designed to encourage small, community-based renewable energy projects to become part of the province’s energy supply. “Nova Scotia Power is committed to incorporating more renewable energy into our generation mix,” says Rob Bennett, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power. “We are proud to be able to work with small community-based projects to bring more green energy to Nova Scotia and create new economic development opportunities in the province at an important time for our economy.”
Paul McGuinness recently accepted a position with Grand and Toy as Regional Sales Director – Atlantic Region. McGuinness was previously with xwave Bell Aliant. "I am excited to be working with a company like Grand and Toy, a leading office solutions provider in Canada,” he says. G&T’s association with OfficeMax provides me with the challenge and opportunity of working with a global player in the office solutions industry. Interiors, technology and imaging solutions, professional services, web design and hosting, and an extensive technology portal allow me to leverage my sales and technology background.” Learn more at www.grandandtoy.com.
Ascenta Health Ltd.has launched its omega-3 fish oil supplement line NutraSea in the United Kingdom. This Janaury, Ascenta hosted an invitation-only gala luncheon for the UK media at the ‘best restaurant in the world’, The Fat Duck, owned by Chef of the Decade Heston Blumenthal. Blumenthal served his famous 15-course menu, which included Ascenta's NutraSea product in one of the dessert items. "Our NutraSea products combine highest quality, potency, and clinical evidence to support its benefits. We are known as the company that makes fish oil taste good. This is not your grandmother's cod liver oil," explains Ascenta's President Marc St-Onge.
A plant that was once considered a weed is now showing promise as an alternative source of oil for fish and animal feeds, and even jet fuel, says Genome Atlantic. Camelina (False Flax), known for its hardy growing nature and high oil content, is the subject of a unique research project linking researchers across Canada, and as far away as Germany. The project received has $2.8 million from ACOA’s Atlantic Innovation Fund. “It’s a project with enormous potential,” says Steve Armstrong, president and CEO of Genome Atlantic. “If we unlock the genetic clues to this plant, the benefits to Canada could be astronomical.” Learn more at www.genomeatlantic.ca.
Gordon Whittaker of Telefilm Canada recently attended the prestigious Sundance Film Festival with Newfoundland writer-director Adriana Maggs, her co-producers and cast for the premiere of her first feature film, Grown Up Movie Star. Her film was one of 14 chosen to compete in the high profile World Dramatic Competition. The film screened to sold out audiences and leading lady Tatiana Maslany received the Special Jury Prize for Breakout Performance. “This is a huge accomplishment considering less than 200 films are selected out of 9,800 submissions,” says Whittaker. “This is one of many recent projects the Halifax based office has collaborated with and is a shining example of Atlantic Canadian talent competing with the world.”
During the recent Vancouver Olympics, visitors from around the world had the opportunity to sample a glass of Nova Scotia wine at the Atlantic Canada House. "We are proud to have had the world try our wines during the Olympics. Our participation at Atlantic Canada House shows the quality of our wine is at a world standard,” says Janice Ruddock, managing director of the Winery Association of Nova Scotia. Bruce Ewert, owner and winemaker of L’Acadie Vineyards, adds, “This was a good opportunity for our young and growing wine region to showcase the quality wines being made here. It will be new to many people that we have a wine region here…it’s going to layer into all the other positive images they have of Nova Scotia.”
Author and speaker Steve Foran has launched of his first book, Myth Number 2. Available exclusively as an e-book, Myth Number 2 is a free download from Steve's website, www.giveraising.com. "Myth Number 2 serves as an everyday guide to how you can make a difference in the world through your ordinary actions," says Foran, who speaks throughout North America about gratitude. "I hope that readers will find the book an enjoyable and inspirational read and that many will take up the challenge it offers. Don't expect any rocket science, instead a fresh look at some old ideas and some good ole common sense."
Two orchestras, three masterpieces, and more than a hundred musicians came together recently as Symphony Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra joined forces. “In one of our highlights this season, our professional musicians were seated alongside exuberant, energetic and enthusiastic youngsters who are so eager to learn and give their best,” says Symphony Nova Scotia Music Director Bernhard Gueller, who conducted the performance. “This collaboration makes for a brilliant concert, raising the rafters of the Cohn!" Visit www.symphonynovascotia.ca for more information.
Kerr Global Communications has been named the Exclusive National Value Added Reseller for Geotab Fleet Tracking Solutions. This accreditation makes Kerr Global Communications the only GPS consultancy in the Geotab reseller network. “Geotab recognized time and time again that we had the right resources and experience to take on the national fleet contracts for their technology,” says Mike Herenberg, Vice President of Kerr Global’s sister company, Frontier Technologies. “With Kerr Global taking on the large scale projects across Canada, it will really allow both companies to ensure the customer is getting a top notch product.”
Snow Recruit, named after the two principals, Bruce Snow and Carole Léveillé-Snow, has launched in Atlantic Canada. “What makes us different is quite simple,” says Bruce. “It’s all about the fit. I have worked in this business for a long time in Atlantic Canada and I know this place is too small to not to make sure that both sides are thrilled with the process and the outcome.” Carole adds, “Having traveled extensively throughout Atlantic Canada during my career I have a good appreciation for the unique challenges faced by organizations in various parts of this region.” For more information about Snow Recruit, please visit www.snowrecruit.com.
Heritage Gas announced recently that natural gas will flow to customers in areas of Fairview, Clayton Park, Bayers Lake and Bedford beginning in September 2010. “We want to thank businesses, homeowners and various levels of government for their leadership in making natural gas a success for large areas within the Halifax Regional Municipality,” says Ray Ritcey, President of Heritage Gas. “We look forward to serving all of the planned future growth areas with a modern, clean, and affordable energy choice for today and the years ahead.” Learn more at www.heritagegas.com.
Fundy Computer Services (FCS) has become a member of the Partner Council of Level Platforms, a leading provider of managed services software for IT solution providers serving small and midsized end customers. “We are honored to have an organization with the depth of experience and demonstrated success of FCS participating on the Partner Council,” says Dan Wensley, Vice President Partner Development at Level Platforms. “FCS has already been actively working informally with our partner and product teams, and we welcome the opportunity to formalize this relationship for our mutual benefit and more importantly, for the benefit of our thousands of Partners that will benefit from the work of the Partner Council.” Learn more at www.fcs.ca.
HELP FOR HAITI
Here is what some Chamber members have been doing to help provide aid to Haiti.
Hoops for Haiti donated $31,000 to Unicef in support of their ongoing relief efforts in Haiti at a recent Halifax Rainmen home game. Lee Bragg, CEO of EastLink, challenged Halifax Rainmen team owner Andre Levingston to a shoot-off. The challenge was $500 per shot, with Bragg and Levingston each shooting 20 free throws. “The Rainmen are privileged to be in a position to help raise funds and awareness for on-going relief efforts in Haiti,” says Levingston, who sunk 14 shots, costing Bragg $7,000. Bragg sunk 17, costing Levingston $8,500, while Norsat Eblaghi of Alumitech Distribution Centre, who took Bragg’s last shot, announced that he was matching the donations, bringing the total to $31,000.
Boulanger and Baking Arts students at the Akerley Campus of Nova Scotia Community College recently held a “Dough for Haiti” bake sale to raise funds for the Canadian Red Cross’s Haiti relief efforts. Using flour donated by Dover Industries Ltd., the students made 700 loaves of bread, every loaf of which was sold within 22 minutes. This, combined with an offer from Chef Instructor Larry Bergeron and three students to shave their heads if $1000 in donations was received, raised a total of $3,144.83. “I have the best students in the world! I am so proud of their willingness to use their talents and skills to raise money to help the people of Haiti in their time of need,” says Bergeron.
In response the tragedy in Haiti, Medical Mart Atlantic teamed up with charity foundation ONEXONE, a foundation committed to supporting, preserving and improving the lives of children around the world, to make a special shipment of much needed medical supplies to Haiti. Medical Mart Atlantic's staff assembled 8 pallets of medical supplies and with the help of Midland transport, trucked the goods to Toronto's Pearson International Airport to be shipped via Air Canada.
