Friday, December 5, 2008

Saint John Board of Trade Extremely Pleased with Province's Investment in the Community College, Saint John Campus

The Saint John Board of Trade is pleased with the Provincial Government’s commitment of funds totalling $45 million for the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) facilities in Saint John. "The long awaited expansion of NBCC Saint John campus will ensure that businesses in the region and the Province will have access to the highly skilled workforce they require" said Imelda Gilman, President of the Saint John Board of Trade.

"In these tough economic times, it is encouraging to see the Provincial Government taking steps to not only stimulate the economy through construction, but also ensure the long-term advancement of our citizens and businesses through critical infrastructure that will aid New Brunswick in its long-term goal of self-sufficiency" added Ms. Gilman.

The Saint John Board of Trade is dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community. With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organization and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John. It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Outstanding Business Achievement Awards Recipients Announced

The Saint John Board of Trade has announced the recipients of its 2008 Outstanding Business Achievement Awards. At its 24th awards dinner, Vision Coaching was honoured with the award for Emerging Enterprise, and Lorneville Mechanical Contractors accepted the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award. In the Business Excellence category, the award went to Jacques Whitford.

In the Emerging Enterprise category, Vision Coaching took top honours. The idea of setting up a business focused solely on business/leadership coaching came to Dave Veale when the management consulting company he already owned received repeated requests for coaching services. What intrigued him was the high calibre of people asking for these services.

Determining that this was a good business opportunity, he and partner Marilyn Singh established Vision Coaching and invested in the best coaching certification program possible, both eventually earning a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching,

When Vision Coaching began operations in 2005, the company had one coach, one service (One-to-One Coaching) and one client willing to pay for the service. Today, Vision Coaching has a network of seven certified coaches across the country offering four core services, and has worked with clients all over the world from Saint John to New Mexico to Australia. The three full time employees in Saint John are ultimately responsible for the strategic direction, marketing and delivery of the bulk of the services.

The company is currently involved in several innovative projects including marketing Coach Gateway, an online tool that facilitates the coaching process, developed with a local technology firm, Evolving Solutions. A desire to use video to introduce coaching to the market turned into a documentary of Dave coaching local film maker Greg Hemmings over a two year period, and was recently shown in Montreal at the 'Executive Summit' to a group of Executive Coaches from around the world. In 2007, the company began offering coaching skills training, one of the fundamental components that lead to an organization creating a coaching culture.

Vision Coaching has used innovative techniques to tap into an uncontested market space in the business/leadership coaching area. Fully embracing the notion that they have the ability to be leaders in this exciting new field has supported Vision Coaching in seeing business opportunities in the global market.

After having spent many summers working for their father and uncle who had founded Lorneville Mechanical Contractors in 1977, Styve and Martin Dumouchel were quite knowledgeable about the mechanical service work side of the business. But when they took over the company in 1999, they recognized that they would need to expand outside of their core business in order to grow.

To access the larger construction market, they approached large general contractors and proposed that Lorneville Mechanical take ownership of small sections of large jobs. The contractor was offered a set profit on the sub-contracted portion, with a guarantee of quality work and timely delivery. This strategy enabled Lorneville Mechanical to enter a market that would otherwise be out of reach and to build a solid reputation for the company. In 2001 they obtained further industry reach when they were joined by a third partner, Carl Tremblay, who brought expertise in hydro and gas turbines.

The fabrication shop, built in 2001, enables the company to construct their own components for industrial contracts, ensuring quality workmanship and timely delivery through vertical integration. With 20,000 square feet of indoor workspace, the company faces few limitations in fabrication component sizing. As well, about 90% of their construction customers return to the company for maintenance work on their equipment. Lorneville Mechanical is one of the first companies in Canada to assemble large-capacity LNG tanks.

With 18 full time and 150-300 seasonal employees, a key factor in Lorneville Mechanical’s success is that the owners are hands-on and on site, unusual in a company of this size. This gives their customers the best of both worlds, the resources of a large general contractor with the personalized service of a small company. By being on site, the owners are able to offer timely on-site solutions for any issues that arise during a construction project.

Jacques Whitford is internationally recognized as a leader in engineering, sustainability, environmental and earth sciences solutions, with 45 offices across North America and internationally. The company was originally founded in Halifax in 1972, with the Saint John office established in 1975. Saint John is home to the corporate executive office of the company and is the headquarters for its New Brunswick operations. About 190 of their 1,800 employees worldwide are employed in New Brunswick, 67 of them in Saint John.

Over the past four years, all key business processes have been reengineered and modified to maximize efficiency and scalability. Colleague performance is managed by an electronic balanced scorecard process which measures key indicators in the areas of safety, retention, client and

colleague satisfaction, quality, operational efficiency and financial performance against specific targets. The company’s commitment to offer workplace benefits that set the standard for employees and their families has resulted in Jacques Whitford being recognized repeatedly as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and Top 10 Family Friendly Employers.

Over the past two years, Jacques Whitford has invested in joint ventures, partnerships and affiliations to provide additional expertise, open new markets and provide additional capacity in order to position the company for growth in the energy sector. As evidence of its excellence in the energy field, the firm has been involved in environmental planning and permitting for the largest LNG project in the world, the only two new refineries proposed in Canada over the past 20 years, and the major pipelines in Atlantic and Western Canada and the North. In 2007, Jacques Whitford became the first major environmental consulting firm in North America to become carbon neutral

At the beginning of 2008, the company instituted a new business plan aimed at diversifying operations and client base in Atlantic Canada to provide direct business opportunities and growth for their Atlantic Canada operations.

This year’s recipient of the "Young Entrepreneur" award is Jenny Scott, owner of Ambiance Day

Spa. This award recognizes young business leaders (30 years and under) just beginning to make their mark.

The Board of Trade presented this evening for the sixth year "The Big Heart" Award. The recipient of this award is Canaport LNG.

Also this evening, Board of Trade Chair, Dr. Michael Barry presented Bob Manning with the Chair’s Award. This marks the fifteenth year in which a deserving individual or organization has been selected by the Board’s Chairperson for their achievements within, and contributions to, the community.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Saint John Board of Trade Announces Recipient of 2008 Big Heart Award

The Saint John Board of Trade is very pleased to announce the recipient for the Outstanding Business Achievement Awards “Big Heart Award” category. The awards dinner and presentations will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26th at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre.

The Big Heart Award, established in 2003, recognizes those who are working to make this community a better place to live through their support of charitable or other community causes. This award is open to non-profit or charitable organizations, or to companies for their support (through time and money) of those organizations.

The independent judging panel has selected Canaport LNG as this year’s recipient of the Big Heart Award.

Canaport LNG, a partnership of Irving Oil and Repsol, is building a state-of-the-art liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving and regassification terminal in Saint John. This will be the first such plant in Canada and, when completed, will supply natural gas to Canadian and American markets. Although in operation in Saint John for only two years, Canaport LNG has already shown its deep commitment to the ongoing betterment of the Greater Saint John community through support for numerous local initiatives.

In addition to substantial donations to complete the Lily Lake Pavilion and fund a new digital mammography unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Canaport LNG also takes a hands-on approach to its philanthropy, encouraging staff involvement in organizations such as Junior Achievement, Children’s Wish Foundation and the First Steps Program. Clean-up projects at Marsh Creek, Red Head Road, Saint John Boys & Girls Club, Ocean Drive and Celebration Street Park Restoration Projects are just a few examples of the company’s commitment to improving the environment. The donation of Smart Boards to several schools in District 8, and a partnership with the Saint John Sea Dogs to promote Math through Hockey, illustrate the company’s continuing support for education. Canaport LNG’s sponsorship of Symphony New Brunswick and Saint John Theatre Company, and the introduction of Spanish-language festivals in Saint John, encourage cultural activities in the community.

A fitting candidate for the Big Heart Award, Canaport LNG has already become an integral part of the Saint John community and plans to continue its efforts to make a difference on projects that are important to the people of Saint John in the areas of healthcare, education and the environment.

Previous recipients of the Big Heart Award were The Greater Saint John Community Foundation in 2003, the Irving companies in 2004, The United Way of Greater Saint John in 2005, the Saint John YM-YWCA in 2006, and the Carpenters Training Centre in 2007.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Saint John Board of Trade launches 2008 Bare Necessities Campaign

Starting today, November 4, the members of the Saint John Board of Trade’s Women in Business Forum will be collecting toiletry items for their seventh annual “Bare Necessities” campaign. The goal of the campaign is to provide women’s shelters, food banks and other organizations packages containing the ‘little but necessary’ personal care items, just in time for the holiday season. 

Going on vacation or a business trip? The next time you find yourself in a hotel room, don’t forget to bring home the complimentary items available to you from every hotel – shampoo, soaps, lotions, etc.  

The campaign will run from November 4 to November 28. 

“There are many business men and women who frequently travel,” says Imelda Gilman, President of the Saint John Board of Trade. “We are asking them to pack the complimentary toiletries and drop them off at a ‘Bare Necessities’ location.” 

Drop off boxes are located at all CIBC and Royal Bank branches throughout Greater Saint John, and at the Saint John Board of Trade at 40 King Street.  

Even if you do not travel you can still participate.  Drugstores and shopping centers sell miniature size shampoos, conditioners, soaps, toothpaste too. Think Bare Necessities! 

For a list of items needed, click here.

The Saint John Board of Trade is dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community.  With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organizations and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John.  It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area. 

The Saint John Board of Trade’s Women in Business Forum brings together women in business and other interested members to exchange ideas and information and share their experience. Identifies and deals with issues and challenges impacting women in business. Develops policy or activity recommendations for consideration by the Board of Directors. Works to develop activities and initiatives of benefit and interest to women in business in Greater Saint John.

Saint John Board of Trade Announces Recipient of 2008 Chair's Award

October 29, 2008: Dr. Michael Barry, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade is pleased to announce his choice for the 2008 “Chair’s Award” to be presented at the 24th annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards dinner on Wednesday, November 26th at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre.

 

The Chair’s Award was established in 1993 to recognize a company, or individual, who has demonstrated a particular excellence or achievement in a certain aspect of their business, having made either an immediate impact on or a substantial long-term contribution to the economic progress of our community.

 

“For his countless hours contributing to the development and leadership of the Saint John Board of Trade and his championing economic development initiatives such as Reaching Atlantica and the Benefits Blueprint, it is my pleasure to announce that the recipient of the 2008 Saint John Board of Trade’s Chair’s Award is Bob Manning” said Dr. Barry. “I congratulate Bob for all the time and effort he has devoted to the economic enhancement of Saint John.”

 

Since returning to Saint John a few short years ago, Bob Manning has volunteered with numerous community organizations in Saint John. Mr. Manning, currently the Chair of Enterprise Saint John, has been involved with the Saint John Board of Trade as a Past Chair 2006-2007 of the Board of Directors, Past Chair of the Government Affairs Committee and a Co-Chair of the First Reaching Atlantica Conference in 2006 held in Saint John. Mr. Manning is also a member of the Board for Saint John Energy, a member of the Board at Rothesay Netherwood School and a Director of the Regional Hospital Foundation. Most recently, Mr. Manning has Chaired the Benefits Blueprint initiative which is a broad-based community initiative designed to optimize economic growth and social benefits resulting from New Brunswick’s major capital projects.

 

The 24th annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards dinner will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, November 26th at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre. Tickets are available by contacting the Board of Trade office at 40 King Street, Saint John or by calling (506) 634-8111.

 

Past recipients of the Chair’s Award include: Mr. Philip Oland in 1993; Saint John Pro Sports Inc. in 1994; Mr. Malcolm Somerville in 1995; the Imperial Theatre Inc. in 1996; Mr. Patrick Darrah in 1997; Cruise Saint John’s “Meet & Greet” Committee and the Irving Companies in 1999; New Brunswick Community College-Saint John and the University of New Brunswick Saint John in 2000; Mr. Lino Celeste in 2001; The Greater Saint John Roundtable on Primary Healthcare in 2002; Mr. Stephen MacMackin in 2003; and Dr. Mary Eileen Travis in 2004. The five regional mayors were honoured as group in 2005 for their leadership in the region’s True Growth Strategy including Mayor Grace Losier, Mayor Ron Maloney, Mayor Bill Bishop, Mayor Jim Huttges and Mayor Norm McFarlane. The Atlantica Centre for Energy was the recipient in 2006 and the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI) was the recipient in 2007.  

 

Thursday, October 30, 2008

24th Annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards Finalists

The Saint John Board of Trade proudly announces the finalists for Greater Saint John’s Outstanding Business Achievement Awards. The awards dinner and presentations will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre.

The five-member judging panel has selected Bay Ferries/NB Museum, Cyber-Freight Systems Maritimes Inc., and Lorneville Mechanical Contractors as contenders for the Entrepreneurial Achievement award. The finalists for the Business Excellence honour include Jacques Whitford Limited and Loch Lomond Villa. The finalists for the Emerging Enterprise award include Strong and Free Emblem Inc. and Vision Coaching.

The recipient of this year’s Young Entrepreneur Award is Jenny Scott with Ambiance Day Spa.

Now in its 24th year, the Outstanding Business Achievement Awards event recognizes businesses and business people in the community that have aided business development, entrepreneurship and increased economic progress in Greater Saint John.

The Entrepreneurial Achievement award is designed to recognize a company or individual that has started a business, considerably improved a company, or modified an existing enterprise.

The Business Excellence award focuses on established companies that have achieved highly in management quality, sales growth, community relations, marketing and leadership.

The Emerging Enterprise award recognizes new businesses just beginning to make their mark. To be eligible for this award, companies must have been in business less than five years.

The Young Entrepreneur Award recognizes young business leaders (30 years and under) just beginning to make their mark.

Previous winners of the awards, presented annually since 1985, have included: Lingley Printing Co. Ltd; Tabufile Atlantic Ltd; Pete’s Fruitique; Mother Nature’s Pita Bakery & Restaurant; Bourque Manufacturing Ltd; Eastern Technical Services Ltd; Fundy Computer Services Ltd; Moosehead Breweries Ltd; Hunter Marketing & Communications; Beattie Construction Services Ltd; Thirtysomething Enterprises Inc (The Body Shop); Gardner Electric Ltd; NBTel; Kelly Tire Services Ltd; Mitchell, McConnell, Daniels Insurance Brokers Ltd; PCL & Eastern Packaging Limited; Aquila Tours/Destination Marketing; Baxter Foods Limited; Brenan Group Ltd; DMR Consulting Group Inc; Maritime Aqua Service; New North Media; Delta Brunswick Hotel; Senior Watch Inc; Appleby’s Image Center; Discount Car & Truck Rentals; The Document Company Xerox; Impact Forensic Analysis Inc; CanSupply.com; Java Moose; Irving Oil, Refining Division; Funeral Directors’ Choice; Meridian Construction Inc; Media Planet; Eastern Collections Services Ltd; Cendant Canada Inc; Here Publishing Inc; CAA Maritimes; National Leasing, Rent-a-Chef Inc; H.E.L.P. Educational Services Ltd; Simply for Life; Cooke Aquaculture; Fundy Engineering & Consulting Ltd; ADI Limited; Brovada Technologies; Evolving Solutions; Mariner Partners; CentreBeam Inc; Canadian Cable Systems Alliance Inc; Maritime Rescue and Medical Inc; and East Point Inc.

Previous recipients of the Young Entrepreneur Award were Ji Li, Greg Hemmings, Tao Tao Liu, Marc Robichaud, and Leah Anderson.

This year’s winners will be announced at the awards dinner on November 26th. Tickets for the awards dinner may be obtained from the Saint John Board of Trade.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Saint John Board of Trade Awarded Accreditation with Distinction at Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

Canadian Chambers Awarded Accreditation at Annual Chamber Meeting

Quebec City –  At the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual general Meeting held recently in Quebec City, 12 community chambers from across the country received their accreditation.

"We are proud to recognize these chambers as examples of effective, well-managed and stable organizations making a difference in communities across the country – keeping "the voice of business" loud and strong" said Perrin Beatty, Canadian Chamber President and CEO.

To achieve accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in critical areas, including areas of governance, operations, membership programming, policy and advocacy and strategic planning.

Accreditation is aimed at continuous operational improvement and standards of local chambers of commerce and an elevation of their profile across the country as effective and well-managed organizations.

"Accreditation is the acknowledgment that member chambers have been successfully evaluated against rigorous national standards of policy, service and performance," said Roslyn Castleden, President of the Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada.

Developed by a team of chamber executives, in conjunction with provincial and territorial chambers and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the accreditation program is operated by an arms-length organization called the Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada (CACC). The CACC is composed of representatives from across the country. The Council meets twice per year to review applications for accreditation.

Accreditation is a means of reinforcing and clarifying to the community at large what activities are pivotal to a chamber’s functions and determines the chamber’s unique value proposition vis-à-vis other organizations in the marketplace.

Chambers of commerce and boards of trade that are successful in achieving the requirements for accreditation are recognized each year at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting.

The chambers of commerce and boards of trade that received accreditation at this year’s AGM in Quebec are:

Alberta Chambers of Commerce

The Brampton Board of Trade

Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce

Eastern Kings Chamber of Commerce

Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce

Saint John Board of Trade

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

Whitby Chamber of Commerce

La Chambre de commerce de Lévis

La Chambre de commerce de St-Georges

La Chambre de commerce et d'industries de Trois-Rivières

La Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Mirabel

La Chambre de commerce et d'industrie Les Maskoutains

For more information on accreditation, visit the Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada Web site.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Saint John Board of Trade extremely pleased with announcement on the completion of Twinning Highway 1

The Saint John Board of Trade is extremely pleased with yesterday’s joint announcement by the New Brunswick Provincial Government and the Canadian Federal Government committing to the completion of twinning Route 1 from Saint John to the border at St. Stephen by 2014.

"This news is fantastic; it couldn’t be better timed with the forecasted increase in Energy projects in Saint John, and the positive impact it will have on the Atlantic Gateway Project through the creation of an uninterrupted two lane highway from Halifax to the border at St. Stephen. This project also complements the proposed East/West Highway and Utilities Corridor in Maine slated for completion by 2014 which will enhance and strengthen the Atlantic Gateway Project" said Dr. Michael Barry, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade. "But even more importantly, the twinning of this section of highway will improve the safety of truck traffic, tourist traffic and the residents in the communities along the present highway. We congratulate both the Federal and Provincial Governments for their commitment to the region’s development and safety."

The twinning of Route 1 highway between Saint John and the border at St. Stephen has been a top priority for the Saint John Board of Trade for several years and we have continuously lobbied for its completion. The Saint John Board of Trade congratulates both the Federal and Provincial Governments for working together to improve the safety and efficiency of New Brunswick’s Highways.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Saint John Board of Trade Excited to see Magnitude of Investment in the Waterfront

The Saint John Board of Trade supports the Saint John Port Authority in its endeavours to develop and diversify our working Port. The development of Long Wharf is significant to the continuing rejuvenation of the Saint John Waterfront and the economic development of the City of Saint John.  The MOU presented by the Saint John Port Authority and Irving Oil is great news for our working port.  An improved revenue stream from Long Wharf, not to mention the improvements proposed for the property, and the financial support required for the formation of a continuous strip of operational Port property at the southern tip of the peninsula will have a lasting positive impact.

The building of a new Irving Oil Headquarters on the site would add aesthetic value to the location as well as the financial benefit to the Port Authority through the equal value land transfer (the Port is actually gaining accessible waterfront) and the Uptown merchants in keeping the Irving Oil Limited employees in the Uptown area. The fact that the cruise ships will still be able to utilize the port side of Long Wharf only adds to the benefit of a redeveloped working port. The construction jobs associated with this new building and the addition to the City’s skyline will signify to other companies that Saint John is capable of housing the headquarters of a multinational company. 

“We are excited to see investment of this magnitude in the waterfront.  We know this building will set a powerful benchmark for other projects of this kind through its leading-edge architectural and environmental elements.  These, combined with the planned enhancement of Harbour Passage and Fort La Tour, make this development a clear win for the entire community” said Dr. Michael Barry, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade.

“We are proud to be one of several groups that encouraged Irving Oil to look at the uptown for its new building location, Irving Oil, the Saint John Port Authority, and all other stakeholders should be commended for their efforts to make this project a reality”  continued Dr. Barry.  “It is great to see Irving Oil reaffirm its commitment to Saint John as its home base.” 

“The structure we saw enveiled today is nothing short of inspirational.  It is more than just a leasehold improvement to the Long Wharf site, it is something workers can be proud to construct and Saint Johners will be proud to incorporate into its skyline” said Dr. Michael Barry.

This is the first step of many required for this to happen" cautioned Dr. Barry.  "We think that the fact that this first step is being brought to the public for consultation is great and represents what the people of Saint John have been looking for - more public consultation in the development of their city."  The Saint John Board of Trade looks forward to the feedback from its members and the community in the upcoming weeks and months.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Saint John Board of Trade is Extremely Pleased with Decision on Locating Anglophone Medical Education Program in Saint John

The Saint John Board of Trade is pleased with the long awaited decision that was announced today regarding the location of the Anglophone Medical Education Program at UNBSJ. The Board of Trade commends Premier Shawn Graham, Minister Ed Doherty, Minister Michael Murphy, Pat Darrah, Chair of the Anglophone Medical Education Program, Saint John area MLAs, Dr. Harold Cook from Dalhousie University, and Dr. John MacLaughlin from the University of New Brunswick for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that UNBSJ has a building to house the Anglophone Medical Education Program and a start date of September 2010. 

“This is a great announcement that enables the Universities and the community to move ahead with the next stage of implementation. The choice of using the Saint John College building is a good one considering its proximity to the hospital and Ganong Hall, the sciences building. This, combined with the funding announcement of $622,000 from the Department of Post-Secondary Training and Labour, ensures the creation of the Anglophone Medical Program at UNBSJ” quoted Dr. Michael Barry, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade. “We look forward to next Tuesday’s signing of the Agreement with Dalhousie University representatives as a historical signing for our community and the Province as we move towards self-sufficiency”.

The Saint John Board of Trade is dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community.  With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organization and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John.  It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Long Awaited Health Plan Falls Short

The Provincial Health Plan announced on April 1st has already received feedback from various groups in the community. Today, the Saint John Board of Trade added its voice to the changes outlined in the Plan. “We are pleased with some of the changes, in particular the savings and efficiencies that will flow from the consolidation of non-clinical services, and the increased role of nurse practitioners.  However, much of this long awaited Health Plan falls short on specifics and actions” said Nathalie Godbout, Chairperson of the Saint John Board of Trade. “The Health Plan talks a lot about projects and initiatives but does not provide any timelines, benchmarks, or steps to show how these projects and initiatives will be developed.”

“We are concerned that the new Health Plan makes no mention of the Anglophone Medical Training Program, or the expansion and retrofit of the Saint John Regional Hospital. Both these projects are very time-sensitive. It is also difficult to ascertain how local hospitals will be represented under the new Health regime” Godbout added. “We are left with more questions than answers. This provincial government simply must put an end to the uncertainty that is attached to this Health Plan, and deliver on the funding for the medical school and the expansion of our regional hospital.  This will allow our community to keep in step with the government’s agenda for self-sufficiency.”

The Board of Trade is seeking a response on the following initiatives:
• That the Health Plan be unrolled rapidly so that uncertainty surrounding ongoing operations can be alleviated;
• That a CEO/upper management position be developed an filled for the immediate and continued management of the Saint John Regional Hospital to pursue major initiatives;
• Continued preservation and enhancement of tertiary care programs, with no loss of existing or planned services;
• Rapid development and implementation of the trauma system;
• Rapid decision and support for a high level medical education program within the next 30 days;
• Delivery of details and information concerning the New Brunswick Research and Innovation Council;
• Information on how the Department of Health will work with post-secondary institutions for the training of in-demand health professionals;
• Advice on how local senior management of our hospitals be structured.

“Healthcare is an integral part of our community; we cannot underestimate the repercussions these changes will have. Already we have heard of medical practitioners moving away because their future in their community and their jobs is uncertain. Our members need to know how this new system will work effectively for greater Saint John before we are prepared to support it”. 

The Saint John Board of Trade is dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community.  With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organization and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John.  It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area.

For more information contact:

Nathalie Godbout, Chair, Saint John Board of Trade
Ph: 633-3505

Imelda Gilman, President, Saint John Board of Trade
Ph: 634-4157

Monday, March 17, 2008

The Saint John Board of Trade is Excited to Welcome BP to our Community

The Saint John Board of Trade welcomes the announcement that Irving Oil Limited will work together with BP on the next phase of engineering, design, and feasibility for the proposed Eider Rock refinery in Saint John.

“This is exciting news as it is a crucial next step in the further development of the proposed 2nd refinery” said Nathalie Godbout, Chair, of the Saint John Board of Trade.  “We would like to extend a warm welcome to BP, their employees and families to our community.”

This next phase will support the further development of the New Brunswick energy hub and the refining industry on the east coast, as well as our province’s goal of self-sufficiency.

“BP is an international company with a renowned reputation for environmental performance and for working with the communities where it operates.  We are excited to have a company of this calibre being a part of our community, and we congratulate Irving Oil on their efforts to bring them to Saint John” continued Ms. Godbout.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Change to Health Care System Unsettling says Saint John Board of Trade

The Saint John Board of Trade has reservations regarding some of the transformational changes announced earlier this week by the Minister of Health, The Honourable Michael Murphy.  “We are pleased that the consolidation of selected non-clinical services under a new public sector company.  That will most certainly build efficiencies into the health system and reduce infrastructure costs” said Nathalie Godbout, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade.  “We do, however, have some concerns surrounding the announced changes to the way health care will be administered in New Brunswick.”

“This move from eight to two Regional Health Authorities within several months is an unsettling measure that is going to be challenging and problematic” Godbout stated.  “As a business community, we need more detail regarding how this governance structure will meet the present and future needs of the Saint John community and its medical professionals” said Godbout.

“With no local Board or CEO, we are concerned that these changes will mean a loss of local autonomy for this region’s hospitals” continued Godbout.  “Meanwhile, doctors and medical staff who require rapid responses to unique situations will face challenges if reporting to a centralized body in another part of the province, with no clear explanation as to how this will improve efficiency and cost.  Whatever the details are surrounding this plan, one must take into consideration the very basic need for local autonomy in the day-to-day management of hospitals.”

The Board of Trade is also seeking clarity on other related issues, such as:
• The impact this could have on recruitment and retention of doctors and other health professionals;
• Potential impact on the new Anglophone medical school;
• How the implementation of the new trauma system may be impacted;
• The impact on community foundations and fundraising efforts should be clarified, as fundraising efforts are ongoing.  Several large events are held each year in support of the Regional Hospital and St. Joseph’s.  What will happen to these funds:  will they stay in the community or will they be divided among various hospitals in the region?  Community fundraising, through the support of the Foundation, the Board and administration, has helped make our regional hospital a leader in innovation and patient care;
• What will be the requirements for, and application process of the Health Council members?
• Do the savings the government is proposing ($20 million in 5 years on a $2.2 billion budget=1%) warrant such a drastic move?

Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation is an integral part of our community and our largest employer.  The answers to these questions are crucial with the anticipated growth that is projected for our community.  “Our members need to know that this new system will work effectively for greater Saint John before we are prepared to support it.”

Thursday, March 6, 2008

North of Union project an excellent opportunity, should lead to creation of urban plan-says Saint John Board of Trade

The Saint John Board of Trade sees the development of the North side of Union Street as a tremendous opportunity for positive growth in our community.  The Board is encouraged by the ongoing community consultation process and looks forward to the report on the outcome.  It is important that this development reflect the needs of the City and that a timely decision is made.

“This development, if done correctly, could be the platform to spur future growth and investment.” said Nathalie Godbout, Chairperson of the Board of Trade.  “However, the recent debate has highlighted an inescapable factor regarding business development in Saint John:  the need for an updated urban plan. This community has the opportunity to design a comprehensive urban plan that will reflect our anticipated future needs, designate specific areas of the city for targeted growth, and promote further development for the entire city.  This plan would then be the roadmap for future development and identify opportunities to potential developers.” 

“Also important in this process is the need to monitor the cost of such development to the City, and to ensure that sufficient funds are available.” Ms. Godbout continued “Any plans for major development should also include a plan to protect residents and business owners from tax increases.  We are confident that City officials will keep this fiscal responsibility top of mind in their plans.”

Friday, February 1, 2008

Saint John Board of Trade pleased with Premier Graham's announcement that Community Colleges will run independently & UNBSJ will remain as a university

SAINT JOHN, NB: The Saint John Board of Trade is very pleased with Premier Graham's announcement last evening at the State of the Province dinner, that UNBSJ will remain as a university and will become a "Centre of Excellence" for applied courses in the province. The Board is also pleased to see that the Community Colleges will run independently and be removed from government.

"This is a tremendous announcement from Premier Graham and Minister Doherty," said Nathalie Godbout, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade. "We are very encouraged with this renewed commitment to existing programs at UNBSJ, as well as to focused growth in applied learning in response to emerging economic opportunities."

The Board of Trade is also pleased that government will see the creation of a new Commission, designed to review the relationship between the UNB campuses in Fredericton and Saint John, and would propose to play a key role in providing feedback and guidance to this Commission. In particular, the Board remains concerned that there be a timely response to Post-Secondary Education reform on matters of both governance and funding for UNBSJ.

The Board of Trade looks forward to the report that will be forthcoming from the Premier?s Working Group, comprised of university presidents and community college principals, to include more comprehensive recommendations on cooperation between universities and community colleges, new approaches to apprenticeship training, and reducing student debt.

"As I mentioned back in October 2007, education is our future. These new announcements suggest that we are moving in the right direction to ensure the business community is prepared for the anticipated economic growth in our region. We need an accessible, innovative, quality post-secondary framework to reinforce and retain workforce development right here in our city," said Godbout.

The Board of Trade is also encouraged by the other initiatives and benchmarks mentioned in the Premier?s speech. "Our region is significantly impacted by the crisis unfolding in the forestry sector. We are encouraged that the provincial government is consulting with the foremost experts on this issue in order to respond appropriately," said Godbout.