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.