East Hants & Districts Chamber of Commerce

2011 Events

Business After Hours

Royal Bank of Canada, Elmsdale Branch

Tuesday December 13, 5:00pm to 7:00pm, 178 Hwy 214, Elmsdale

With seasonal decorations & festive food, our last BAH for the year was almost like having a second Christmas party!

Branch Manager Susan FitzGerald greeted guests & introduced bank staff. She also touched briefly on branch services, and drew for 'gold bar' door prizes; a high point with the guests.

As usual, there was lots of networking...


And of course lots of delicious food as well!

Annual Christmas Reception

Tuesday November 29th, 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Shooters Restaurant & Lounge

Everyone's favourite event of the year, celebrating another busy season with the Chamber, and catching up with friends old & new in a relaxing atmosphere.

EHCC kicked off the Christmas season in fine style with a good turnout at our annual Reception...

Venue host Shooters always provides good food for Chamber events, but outdid themselves this year with a selection of hot and cold goodies, including seafood, salads and oh yes, decadent desserts! click buffet photos to see NINE hidden enlargements...
Our neighbours in need were not forgotten either, as members and guests were more generous than ever with our annual collection for the Caring and Sharing Angel Tree Food Bank.

Fall Business Series...

In association with the Hants RDA and the Municipality of East Hants, your Chamber is sponsoring a new Business Training Series.

Wednesday November 30th, from 1-4pm - “Finance for the Non-Financial Manager”

This workshop was facilitated by Mr. Bill Gregory. Bill is a long time contractor for CBDC, and does financial training for the Self Employment program.

The session was held in the board room at the Hants RDA offices in Elmsdale (139 Park Road). Cost: $50.00.

Facilitator Bill Gregory taking guestions from the floor...

The first session was:

The New Workplace, September 28, 1:00 - 4:30, Bitar's in Elmsdale

'Our organizations realize the importance of professional development for business, and have responded to the demand expressed by local businesses by providing the training requested in a cost and time effective manner.

The cost for the afternoon sessions will be subsidized, meaning we are able to offer each session for only $50 per participant. By signing up for four sessions you will save 10%, and by signing up for all eight sessions you will save 20%.'

Sessions will usually run from 1:00pm to 4:30, Mid-afternoon coffee break included.

Scott Vernon kicks off the Business Series...

Business After Hours:

Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop, Elmsdale,, Wednesday October 26

For the second in this new series of 'Business After Hours' events, members got a peek (but just a peek), into the sweet but ultra-secret world of the confectionary industry. Owner/Operators Nancy & Greg McTiernan welcomed an eager flock of visitors to their Elmsdale location with wine and chocolate samples, along with a tour of the 'back-end' where the actual magic happens.

As if the always redolent, always delicious air in the colourful shop wasn't enough, guests were very much impressed by the amount and variety of chocolate & chocolate products of every conceivable description in the federally-inspected 'production-line' preparation area. Some sweet ingredients such as caramel and marshmallow are actually made on-site from scratch, and endless ingenuity has been shown in creating new delicacies to demolish. Besides a legion of faithful fans, established corporate customers range from shops at the Halifax International Airport to new client Irving Shipyards.

Already frequently recognized for their initiation and marketing acumen, the couple offered tidbits of the story behind the success of The Sweet Spot and teased attendees with yet more developments brewing for the Taste of Nova Scotia recommended business, including their new web site to be launched soon and a very necessary expansion planned for opening in the spring of 2011. Yes, don't worry fans, it's going to be at same convenient location!

(And speaking of fans folks, almost as much information was offered by current customers among the crowd to new visitors about the delectable selections offered year-round at the chocolatiers!)


President Rick Ramsay...	Nancy greeting guests...	Greg & Nancy's 'sweet story'...

What is it about being surrounded by CHOCOLATE that generates smiles?

And what about the product you ask? Yes, chocolate samples, chocolate displays, old fashioned candy, piece chocolates, chocolates on a stick, Sweet Spot's signature white chocolate popcorn, boxed chocolates, chocolate novelties, chocolate molded figures, and well, chocolate galore!

Business After Hours - 'Social Networking with Local Businesses'

Wednesday, September 28th, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, The MacMillan Centre, Elmsdale

The first in a new series of on-site networking events, the Chamber's visit to a restored and reopened MacMillan Building set a high standard for others to meet. A smooth and easy paced event with plenty of opportunity to socialize, be totally spoiled with food, and get an inside look at the building after an unexpected closure this year.

After a serious fire earlier in 2011, the building was restored and reopened with a full roster of tenants September 10. For our Business After Hours, Chamber members and guests enjoyed a more private tour of the full facility, also meeting tenants new to the building and kicking off the fall business season in fine style.

Watch the website for more Business After Hours and more Business Training Sessions as well.


the restored exercise studio provided a sunny reception room	food for the event included a colourful hot & cold selection	President Rick Ramsay greeting Chamber members

The building's tenants were an active part of the event, greeting attendees, conducting a tour of the facility and helping with the drawing of many prizes. A novel series of glossy photo cards intrigued arriving guests, 'focusing' on unique features all findable around the building.

Event sponsor Catering Unlimited provided fellow Chamber members with a wide choice of hot & cold appetizers both buffett style and served by their staff. Cooperative guests helped sample old favorites like scallop spoons and new 'magic' non-alcoholic shooters. Healthy nibbling choices of cold fruit, cheeses, veggies & dips were augmented by some heartier hot selections and rounded off by tower of truly decadent little desserts and chocolates.

National Shipbuilding Contract Luncheon

Co-sponsored by East Hants & Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Municipality of East Hants, and the Hants Regional Development Authority.

Video Clip - Lunch-goers were treated to a short clip showing

Irving building a ship with latest approach - in under two minutes...


September 22, 2011 - The start of Fall saw fairish weather and fair optimism with a near capacity turnout at the recent luncheon in Elmsdale. Attendees enjoyed a light meal by the helpful staff at the church while they reviewed the Info Package prepared by event sponsors. Our local business leaders then heard from a selection of government & industry representatives on the myriad factors involved with this major Canadian investment. Chamber President Rick Ramsay summed up the event and it's goals for the lunch-goers, encouraging them to 'put themselves out there'. Overall consensus seemed to be that many will be watching for the official decision in the near future.
Distinguished speakers at the event included:

Introduction by Claude O'Hara, Executive Director of Hants Regional Development Authority	Welcoming remarks byJohn Patterson, Warden of the Municipality of East Hants	JD MacCulloch, Executive Director of Economic Development, MEH spoke on branding.

Stacey Black, MEH, outlined new efforts to market East Hants online, including leading edge social media trends.	Scott Vernon, Business Development Office for Hants RDA introduced the key note speaker from Irving Shipbuilding.	Mike Roberts, Irving's VP of Corporate Development used multi-media and Q&A for an concise overview of the project.
Long-time teacher Scott also took the timely opportunity of the event to announce the Fall launch of the new Chamber co-sponsored Business Series he is instructing, beginning the last week of September. For videos and more info on the Shipbuilding Contract visit shipsstarthere.ca

Chamber Proud Sponsor of the Halifax Club

Annual Charity Golf Tournament – July 13, 2011

The East Hants & Districts Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Municipality of East Hants, was a proud sponsor of the Halifax Club Annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Links at Penn Hills golf course in Shubenacadie. This was the first time in its history that the tournament was held outside of the HRM, as well as being the largest tournament in the club’s history with a full complement of approximately 36 teams.

The Tournament presented an excellent opportunity to increase awareness of East Hants and to promote this area as a business location to this influential audience. The participants enjoyed playing the beautiful course, speaking with Chamber members and raising funds for the IWK. The Chamber and Municipality welcomed players and ensured that a prominent East Hants presence made the day memorable to our business visitors.

l to r, Rick Ramsay, Chamber President; Linda Ramsay, Director of Administration, MEH; Neville Gilfoy, Publisher Progress Magazine; Norval Mitchell, Councillor District 2 – Elmsdale

Chamber Members and Municipality Staff promoting East Hants and the Chamber of Commerce

Municipality of East Hants Staff

The East Hants & Districts Chamber partnered with The Weekly Press to host a debate for the Kings-Hants federal election candidates, on Thursday, April 21 at the Milford Rec. Hall.

Thanks to our Moderator Greg Roach of Caldwell Roach, who presented the questions submitted by the public for consideration during the open forum portion of the debate. A larger than expected crowd came out to face the candidates:

Scott Brison - Liberal
David Morse - PC
Sheila Richardson - Green Party
Mark Rogers - NDP

Once again, East Hants Chamber was pleased to sponsor the evening Reception at the third annual Tourism Symposium on March 24th, held this year at the Tidal Bore Rafting Park in Urbania. This event is sponsored by the Municipality of East Hants and is organized by the Departments of Rural & Economic Development along with Recreation & Culture. Representatives (including Chamber members), of various community groups and local tourism related businesses enjoyed another lively day of discussion, workshops and presentations from many industry organizations.

Eat (and drink) local!

Always welcome sweet stuff from members The Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop, Elmsdale.	A drop of something nice, locally grown and bottled from Sainte Famille Winery, Falmouth.	A selection of after-dinner nibbles with local cheese from That Dutchmans Farm, Economy.

Light background entertainment from performers Dana & Warren Beeler & friend, and of course, the ever-popular awarding of the door prizes, drawn for here by David Brown, Director MEH Recreation & Culture.

AGM 2011 Banquet - Wednesday, March 9

Guest Speaker Dean Robertson, Vice President, The Shaw Group Limited

Speaking on Shaw's 150th Anniversary.

Election of new Directors, year end reports and a full course banquet dinner.

Held at the Hilton Garden Inn - (new member and AGM sponsor)

Reception video clip is Shockwave Flash, please allow time to load and size your viewing window down for best image quality>

Photos from Reception & Banquet below...


Networking Reception

Before dinner networking in the Cape Breton Room.

The Garden Inn got us in the mood for the meal with hot & cold appetizers.

Thanks to contributing companies for a generous selection of door prizes this year...

Were you there?




Banquet & AGM in the Colchester/Pictou Room

Calling the meeting to order after the banquet dinner.	A gift basket for key note Speaker Dean Robertson, along with a Chamber donation in his name to the East Hants Adult Learning Association.	Most of the Chamber's 2011/2012 BoD.
The evening's speakers...

East Hants Chamber President Rick Ramsay	Guest Speaker Dean Robertson, VP TheShaw Group Ltd.	Former East Hants Chamber President Steve Pottie

Bill Denyar, President, Atlantic Chambers	Wayne Fiander, President Nova Scotia Chambers.	Lawyer Linda Wood of Burchell MacDougall.

This year's door prizes donated by:

The Weekly Press

The Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop

The SR Verge Group of Companies

Strides Health & Fitness Club

Rocaro Alpacas

Quality Inn

Prudential Plus Realty

Miller Concepts

McNeil's Shell

Jasmine's Hair & Esthetics

Halifax International Airport

Eastlink Communications

Diana-Read Miedema - Simply Financials

Blackburn English

Burchell MacDougall

& the gift basket for our Guest Speaker was also provided by Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop.

Gold Sponsors		Silver Sponsor

Thanks as well to new member the Hilton Garden Inn for donation of our function space...

Luncheon

Finance Minister Graham Steele addressed Chamber members at a lunch event Monday, February 21.

A light lunch was provided by the Chamber and more than forty participants came out to meet the Minister.

In addition to local business owners, the Municipal government was well represented by the attendance of various councillors, directors and our warden.

Video excerpt

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A great luncheon turnout for a chilly mid-winter day.	MLA John MacDonell welcomed & introduced Minister Steele.	Minister Steele presented 'Living Within Our Means'.

After the in-depth presentation, the floor was thrown open for questions from any and all.

EHDCC President Rick Ramsay took the opportunity to present Chamber concerns.	Rick also presented the Minister with a donation in his name to the local Food Bank.	Rick Ramsay at left, MLA John MacDonell at right, with Minister Steele in centre.

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