Saint John Board of Trade announces recipient of 2011 “Big Heart Award”

The Saint John Board of Trade is very pleased to announce the recipient for the Outstanding Business Achievement “Big Heart Award” category. The 27th annual awards dinner and presentations will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30th 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 Hestia House as this year’s recipient of the Big Heart Award.

Since 1981 Hestia House has been providing a safe haven for women, and women with children, who are victims of family violence, Over those 30 years, more than 10,800 women and children have come through the doors of Hestia House seeking and finding food, shelter, safety and support, as well as the opportunity to break the cycle of abuse. A non-profit organization with a volunteer board of directors, Hestia House is funded by the Province of New Brunswick, the United Way of Greater Saint John, private and corporate donations, and various fundraising efforts throughout the year.

Hestia House is staffed 24 hours a day with nine full time employees, three relief workers, a child support worker and the executive director who provide lay counseling, referrals to community agencies and accompaniment to appointments with family court, criminal court, lawyers, income assistance and housing. All services are offered free.

A children’s program is operated on site in a special area of the house which has been designed to be inviting, fun, supportive and safe. The child support worker interacts with children and their mothers and offers referrals to community organizations which are designed to offer continuous programs to children after they leave the shelter. A 10-week children’s summer program has been particularly successful.

Abuse can take many forms: emotional, physical, sexual and financial. Making the break from an abusive partner is not easy and often the women face many barriers. Hestia House provides a non-judgmental supportive environment where women can make their own choices.
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, the Carpenters Training Centre in 2007, Canaport LNG in 2008, Key Industries in 2009, and the Saint John Kiwanis Club in 2010.

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization 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.

For more information contact:
Imelda Gilman, President
Saint John Board of Trade
Tel: (506)634-4157 Fax: (506)632-2008
igilman@sjboardoftrade.com

Saint John Board of Trade Announces Finalists for 27th Annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards

The Saint John Board of Trade proudly announces the finalists for Greater Saint John’s Outstanding Business Achievement Awards. The awards dinner, Saint John’s Premiere annual business event, and presentations will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre.

The five-member judging panel has selected PUNCH Productions, Saint John Ale House, and Thandi Restaurant as contenders for the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award. The finalists for the Business Excellence honour include A.E. McKay Ltd., Bayview Trucks and Equipment Ltd., and Innovatia Inc. The finalists for the Emerging Enterprise Award include Go-Go Gymnastics Inc., Natural Moves YOGA & Belly Dance, and The Urban Shoe Myth.

The recipient of this year’s Young Entrepreneur Award is Keith Brideau with Historica.

Now in its 27th 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; East Point Inc.; Lorneville Mechanical Contractors; Jacques Whitford Limited; Vision Coaching; The DPL Group; Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission; Opera Bistro; Dillon Consulting; Kelson & Kelson Limited; and ClinicServer.

Previous recipients of the Young Entrepreneur Award were Ji Li, Greg Hemmings, Tao Tao Liu, Marc Robichaud, Leah Anderson, Jenny Scott, James Galbraith, and Kiera Fraser.

This year’s winners will be announced at the awards dinner on November 30th. Tickets for the awards dinner may be obtained by calling the Saint John Board of Trade office at 634-8111, email ccunningham@sjboardoftrade.com or register online www.sjboardoftrade.com

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization 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.

For more information contact:
Imelda Gilman
President
634-4157

aint John Board of Trade Congratulates Irving Shipbuilding on being awarded the National Shipbuilding Procurement Contract

The Saint John Board of Trade congratulates Irving Shipbuilding on yesterday’s announcement by the Federal Government awarding them the $25 billion National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy contract for combat vessels. “The contract awarded will enable Irving Shipbuilding to undertake long term planning, which will provide stability and certainty to their supply chains – a very welcome piece of news for our region in today’s economy!” said John Warrington, Chairman of the Saint John Board of Trade. “The whole region will benefit financially from this contract. We are very excited about the opportunities for businesses in our region to benefit, both directly and indirectly, from the economic spinoffs of this investment.”

The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy contract is expected to see the Canadian economy grow by an estimated $1.5 billion in peak years, and potentially create 11,500 jobs in Nova Scotia and 4,500 jobs outside the province. “As one of only three shipyards across the country on the short-list of potential bidders and the only shipyard in Atlantic Canada on the short-list, we are thrilled the experience of our highly skilled workforce was recognized” said John Warrington.

Irving Shipbuilding’s Halifax Shipyard and the Atlantic region have a proven record of expertise in building naval ships. Irving Shipbuilding alone has built over two dozen government vessels, and numerous commercial and off-shore vessels. “Their ability to offer shipbuilding, fabrication, conversion and repair facilities, and a strong supply chain that stretches throughout the Atlantic Provinces makes them a logical choice for the combat vessel contract” commented Mr. Warrington.

“The Irving companies have a proven record in the Maritimes of using the local supply chain. I fully believe companies across the Atlantic Provinces will benefit from the contract awarded to the Halifax Shipyard” Mr. Warrington continued. “We’re a community on the East Coast – we want to see everyone rise together and realize that what’s good for one will be good for all. Our Chambers of Commerce work together, our Governments work together, and naturally our businesses work together.”

In 2009 and 2010, Irving Shipbuilding worked with 115 New Brunswick suppliers, more than thirty of those suppliers had contracts worth over $100,000, and eight at more than $1 million. For every $1,000 in real GDP generated from shipbuilding inside Nova Scotia by this contract, another $491 is expected be spent in other regions across Canada, $20 of which will be spent in the other Atlantic Canadian provinces. “This is a multi-billion dollar, long-term project which will strengthen many companies in our region” Mr. Warrington mentioned “We’re very excited for Irving Shipbuilding to begin work on this long term contract.”

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization 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. The elected Board of Directors is representative of the diversity of the membership and their concerns.

For more information contact:
John Warrington, Chairman Imelda Gilman, President
(506) 632-2446 (506) 634-4157

Saint John Board of Trade to host Dr. Warren Jestin, Chief Economist, Bank of Nova Scotia

The Saint John Board of Trade will be hosting Dr. Warren Jestin, Chief Economist with the Bank of Nova Scotia on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at noon. This event will be held at the Saint John Trade & Convention Centre.

Dr. Jestin has been with the Bank since 1979. He also has worked at the Bank of Canada and taught at several Canadian universities. Warren is on advisory boards for the University of Guelph Heritage Fund and the Sobey School of Business at St. Mary’s University. He has served on the C.D. Howe Institute’s Monetary Policy Council and has been involved with policy committees of the Canadian and Ontarion Chambers of Commerce and the Toronto Board of Trade. Warren also is on the Board of Markham-Stouffville Hospital. As Chair of Scotiabank’s Sponsorship and Donations Committee, Warren works closely with a wide variety of charitable institutions.

Event and ticket information can be found at www.sjboardoftrade.com and can be purchased by calling the Saint John Board of Trade office at (506) 634-8111 or emailing info@sjboardoftrade.com

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization 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. The elected Board of Directors is representative of the diversity of the membership and their concerns.

For more information contact:
Imelda Gilman, President
Saint John Board of Trade
Tel: (506)634-4157 Fax: (506)632-2008
igilman@sjboardoftrade.com

Saint John Board of Trade to host Mark J. Carney, Governor of the Bank of Canada

The Saint John Board of Trade will be hosting Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of Canada in his first address in New Brunswick on Tuesday, September 20 at noon. This event will be held at the Saint John Trade & Convention Centre and is expected to sell out.

“We are really excited to have the Governor speak to our members and our region about the economic outlook” stated Imelda Gilman, Saint John Board of Trade President. “With the current state of unrest in the global economy, we are really interested to hear what Mr. Carney has to say and particularly how it relates to Canada, the Atlantic region and New Brunswick.”

Mr. Carney assumed the role of Governor of the Bank of Canada on February 1, 2008 for a seven year term. Mr. Carney received a bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard University in 1988. He received a master's degree in economics in 1993, and a doctorate in economics in 1995, both from Oxford University.

Event and ticket information can be found at www.sjboardoftrade.com and can be purchased by calling the Saint John Board of Trade office at (506) 634-8111 or emailing info@sjboardoftrade.com

To view the pdf version click here.

Saint John Board of Trade pleased that the Provincial Government is listening to Small Business

The Saint John Board of Trade is pleased with Provincial Government’s decision to postpone the next scheduled increase in the minimum wage until April 2012. The increases in the minimum wage over the past two years have negatively impacted small businesses, especially those in the hospitality industry. “We are pleased that the Government has listened to small business and is giving us the opportunity to consult on this issue and raise the concerns of our small business members who have been negatively impacted by the large increases in their operating costs over a very short period of time” stated Ms. Imelda Gilman, President of the Saint John Board of Trade. “We are encouraged that the government is also taking the next step in exploring tip differentials.”

“The 19 percent increase in the minimum wage over the past two years is well above the inflation rate and it makes it very difficult for a small business to adjust” Ms. Gilman continued.

In 2010 the Saint John Board of Trade convened a Task Force to examine the potential impact of the scheduled minimum wage increases on our members. The Task Force comprised of members in hospitality, law, small and medium sized business and an academic, examined the issue and some of the literature on minimum wage increases and their effectiveness on reducing poverty.

“The members of our Task Force agree that it is not by reducing hours and job opportunities that our economy will grow, but rather by making it easier for employers to hire and expand” Ms. Gilman mentioned. “We are concerned the increase in minimum wage is too aggressive and will actually have a negative impact on small business and the people it is designed to help through potentially reduced employment, fewer job opportunities for young, inexperienced and low-skilled workers, reduced customer service, higher prices, and lower revenues.”

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization 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. The elected Board of Directors is representative of the diversity of the membership and their concerns.

Saint John Board of Trade supports Irving Shipbuilding’s bid for National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy contract

The following is a news release from the Saint John Board of Trade, June 22, 2011.

SAINT JOHN, NB: The Saint John Board of Trade supports Irving Shipbuilding’s bid for one of the two National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy contracts, which would see the Canadian economy grow by an estimated $1.5 billion in peak years, and potentially create 11,500 jobs in Nova Scotia and 4,500 jobs outside the province. As one of only five shipyards across the country on the short-list of potential bidders and the only shipyard in Atlantic Canada on the short-list, the Saint John Board of Trade supports the bid that will see a long-term contract given to the Halifax Shipyard. The long-term contracts being offered by the Government of Canada will enable the successful shipyards to undertake long term strategic planning and provide certainty and stability to the companies included in their supply chains.

Irving Shipbuilding, the Halifax shipyard, and the region have a proven record of expertise in building naval ships. Irving Shipbuilding alone has built over two dozen government vessels, and numerous commercial and off-shore vessels. “Their ability to offer shipbuilding, fabrication, conversion and repair facilities, and a strong supply chain that stretches throughout the Atlantic Provinces makes them a strong contender for one of the two available large vessel contracts” commented John Warrington, Chairman of the Saint John Board of Trade.

“The Irving companies have a proven record in the Maritimes of using the local supply chain. I fully believe companies across the Atlantic Provinces will benefit from a contract awarded to the Halifax Shipyard” Mr. Warrington continued. “We’re a community on the East Coast – we want to see everyone rise together and realize that what’s good for one will be good for all. Our Chambers of Commerce work together, our Governments work together, and naturally our businesses work together.”

In 2009 and 2010, Irving Shipbuilding worked with 115 New Brunswick suppliers, more than thirty of those suppliers had contracts worth over $100,000, and eight at more than $1 million. For every $1,000 in real GDP generated from shipbuilding inside Nova Scotia by this contract, another $491 is expected be spent in other regions across Canada, $20 of which will be spent in the other Atlantic Canadian provinces. “This is a multi-billion dollar, long-term project which will strengthen many companies in our region” Mr. Warrington mentioned.