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 24^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.