This issue explores Southern Nova Scotia's must-visit small towns and villages and some of the best places to eat, play, and stay while visiting the province this summer and beyond. Sharing the cover with the Southern Nova Scotia, are Waffle Bus Stop Inc., missbrenna, The Clairestone Inn, Gabrieau's Bistro, and Shelburne's own Loviet in the spotlight.
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As readers are finding out with our Canada’s Ocean Playground Series Nova Sco - tia offers discovery and adventure around every turn of its rugged Atlantic shoreline as natural wonders and attractions are tucked away on side roads or in scenic coves and harbours, just waiting for you to find and explore. So, whether you seek solitude or adventure the South Shore can satisfy whatever you crave on and off the water during your visit. Brenna MacNeil owner of missbrenna may not have always been sure about her path to entrepreneurship, but she always knew where she came from. As a proud Cape Bretoner who values community. With a lot of questions and a gracious amount of support, her hard work and curiosity led her back to her roots in the most unexpected way. We chat with Brenna about how she is able to support other local artists while feeding her own creativity and giving her daughter the beautiful Island life she grew up with. As a young child, Mark Gabrieau developed a passion for cooking by being in the kitchen with his mother and grandmother. As a first-generation immigrant who fell in love with rural Nova Scotia and carried his food culture with him throughout his journey to owning Gabrieau’s Bistro alongside his wife Karen, as they explore new business opportunities in and out of the kitchen, while always keeping in mind what is beneficial to the community they love. From performing arts to culinary excellence, Kim Magistro takes on every new challenge with perseverance. With the ability to create connections wherever she goes, Kim took every opportunity to expand her career paths. But when all paths led to the beautiful mountain range of the Cape Breton Highlands, Kim left the big New York city life she knew behind to create a new beginning in rural Nova Scotia as the owner of Castle Rock Country Inn. Also following their own restaurateur dream, Nicole Broussard and Alexandre Cal - estagne had an original idea with their Belgian waffle creations that are unique and made from scratch right in their very own brick and mortar or mobile kitchens with the Waffle Bus Stop. Together, they have overcome the challenges of being entrepreneurs and growing their business while working day jobs and raising a young family. Seafood is not the only export that is in high demand from Nova Scotia, as we had the opportunity to sit down with Shelburne’s very own Natalie Lynn, whom most of you may know as the frontwoman and powerhouse of alternative indie rock band, LOVIET to chat about her personal and artistic journey as she establishes herself as one of Canada’s brightest up-and-coming Canadian artists to watch on the world music stage. As always, my team and I want to thank everyone that made this issue possible, and we look forward to sharing more stories about growing industries, successful businesses, and brands, while spotlighting the people behind and in front of mak - Editor’s Spotlight
MANAGING DIRECTOR Rod Gregg EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Lee Ann Atwater ACCOUNTS & ADMIN Calli Gregg COMMUNICATION, RESEARCH & ADMIN Tristyn Gaudette EDITORIAL & PROJECT MANAGER Gabrielle Gamblin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Shannon Ferguson Deborah Jaremko Ceiledh Monk Dan Monk Ryan Myson Teresa Siqueira James Snell Elizabeth Spencer WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT Joe Uttaro GRAPHIC DESIGN Brittany Pickrem Syeda Sukaina SOCIAL MEDIA Troy Gregg Publisher AIDACA Media
ing it all happen. Lee Ann Atwater Editor
P.O. Box 35007, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3M 0G3 E: info@spotlightbizmag.com spotlightonbusinessmagazine.com
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44 What’s in the Spotlight 78
SOUTHERN NOVA SCOTIA ON THE COVER MAKING ADVENTURE A SHORE THING! Nova Scotia’s South Shore offers new discovery and adventure around every turn of its rugged Atlantic shoreline as natural wonders and attractions are tucked away on side roads or in scenic coves and harbours, just waiting for you to find and explore. So, whether you seek solitude or adventure the South Shore can satisfy what - ever you crave. It can be luxurious oceanside accommodations or back-country camping; lobster freshly plucked from the sea or spirits aged aboard a tall ship to strolling the many sandy beaches to hiking the forest trails, or maybe all the above during your visit.
GABRIEAU’S BISTRO WHERE KITCHEN AND COMMUNITY COME TOGETHER As a young child, Mark Gabrieau developed a passion for cooking by being in the kitch - en with his mother and grandmother. He is a first-generation immigrant who fell in love with rural Nova Scotia and carried his food culture with him throughout his journey to owning Ga - brieau’s Bistro. As someone who is always will - ing to learn, Chef Mark continues to advance in his career. Alongside his wife Karen, they ex - plore new business opportunities in and out of the kitchen, while always keeping in mind what is beneficial to the community they love. WAFFLE BUS STOP INC SWEET & SAVOURY AUTHENTIC BELGIAN WAFFLES
03 EDITOR’S SPOTLIGHT 04 WHAT’S IN THE SPOTLIGHT 08 HEADLINES IN THE SPOTLIGHT
10 UPCOMING EVENTS 24 CANADIAN ENERGY
Canada’s oil and gas sector maintains lead in environmental protection spending
28 CONTRACTOR’S CORNER
Community, Giving & Involvement
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32 IT’S YOUR BRAND!
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Always Trust Your Gut! 64 HERITAGE QUAY BED & BREAKFAST Pictou’s Pampered Guest Experience 70 CHOWDER HOUSE ON MAIN An Iconic Tatamagouche Dining Tradition 106 MASTERING THE DIGITAL WORK ENVIRONMENT What Experts have to say 120 PERSONAL CARE Without Petroleum Products, your routine would look a lot different 123 GUILTY CHOCOHOLIC MAMA Losing Control!
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Nicole Broussard and Alexandre Cal - estagne had an original idea with their Belgian Waffle creations that are unique and made from scratch right in their very own kitchens. Together, they have overcome the challenges of being entrepreneurs while working day jobs and raising a young family. Broussard and Calestagne continue to provide a welcoming space for their customers and staff members while expanding their business and waffle creations.
CASTLE ROCK COUNTRY INN EXPERIENCE THE WARMTH & HOSPI- TALITY OF CAPE BRETON Kim Magistro can be described as a Jack of all trades. From performing arts to culinary excel - lence, Kim takes on every new challenge with per - severance. With the ability to create connections wherever she goes, Kim took every opportunity to expand her career paths. But when all paths led to the beautiful mountain range of the Cape Bret - on Highlands, Kim left the big city life she knew behind to create a new beginning in rural Nova Scotia.
THE CORNER STORE BY MISSBRENNA COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS & CAPE BRETON PRIDE Brenna MacNeil may not have always been sure about her path to entrepreneurship, but she always knew where she came from. As a proud Cape Bretoner who values community, MacNeil asked a lot of questions and gained a lot of connections throughout her journey to owning her business. With a gracious amount of support, her hard work and curiosity led her back to her roots in the most unexpected way. Brenna is now able to support other lo - cal artists while feeding her own creativity and giving her daughter the beautiful Island life, she grew up with.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT LOVIET NOVA SCOTIA-BORN, TORONTO-BASED ALTERNATIVE INDIE ROCK POWERHOUSE ARTIST! We had the opportunity to sit down with Shelburne, Nova Scotia’s very own Natalie Lynn, whom most of you may know as the front - woman and powerhouse of alternative indie rock band, LOVIET (pro - nounce like low-vee-it) to chat about her personal and artistic journey from a local south shore artist to taking the main stage at some of the biggest venues in music, like the Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago as she establishes herself as one of Canada’s brightest up-and-coming Canadian artists to watch on the world stage in the music industry.
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HEADLINES IN THE SPOTLIGHT
FIRST SOLAR ANNOUNCES FIFTH U.S. FACTORY
SURGING FROZEN FOOD DEMAND MAY STRESS CRITICAL COLD STORAGE SUPPLY CHAINS U.S. FACTORY Virtually all American households purchase frozen food at least once a year, but without resilient cold storage supply chain infrastructure, the growth and safety of the massive $265 billion global frozen food market may be put at risk. In 2022, frozen food sales in the U.S. reached more than $72 billion, according to the American Frozen Food Institute. During the coronavirus lockdowns in 2020, frozen food sales reached more than $65 bil - lion, according to the institute. There’s a sophisticated supply chain keeping perish - ables frozen. Products have to maintain proper tem - perature throughout a complex network of refrigerat - ed trucks and cold storage facilities. Approximately 13% of all food produced globally is lost due to poor cold storage supply chains every year, according to a study from Columbia University’s Climate School.
FANATICS TO LAUNCH LIVE EVENTS BUSINESS AS IT SEEKS TO CREATE A SPORTS VERSION OF COMIC-CON U.S. FACTORY Fanatics will launch a new live events business that will look to recreate the Comic-Con experience for sports collectibles. The new venture, called Fanatics Events, will be a partnership with events and talent manage - ment giant IMG, which is part of Endeavor. Fanatics will be the majority owner. Fanatics, which had been known primarily as an e-com - merce platform, has sought to diversify its business as it moves toward an initial public offering. In June, it held a second investor day in nearly a year with major firms such as Goldman Sachs and Barclays. The company has agreed to buy PointsBet’s U.S. op - erations as it expands into sports betting. Initially, Fa - natics offered $150 million, but it later raised its bid to $225 million, surpassing an offer of $195 million made by competitor DraftKings. Fanatics Events plans to organize global events through partnerships and acquisitions. Fanatics said it will first prioritize the collectibles sector and explore opportuni - ties to expand and innovate beyond that.
NOVAVAX SHARES JUMP AFTER COVID VACCINE MAKER POSTS SURPRISE QUARTERLY PROFIT U.S. FACTORY Shares of Novavax jumped as much as 20% in premar - ket trading after the Covid vaccine maker reported a sur - prise second-quarter profit. The results come as Novavax works to strengthen its fi - nancial position, particularly after it raised doubts about its ability to stay in business earlier this year. The company is pinning its hopes on the launch of its updated Covid shot in the U.S. commercial market this fall, a global cost-cutting push announced in May, and a promising vaccine pipeline to help it stay afloat. The Maryland-based company’s stock has dropped more than 23% this year, putting its market value at around $650 million.
First Solar, the nation’s largest solar panel man - ufacturer, announced that it will build its fifth U.S. factory as the Inflation Reduction Act spurs a do - mestic manufacturing boom. The company said it will invest as much as $1.1 billion in the new factory, the location of which has yet to be decided. The new site will increase First Solar’s nameplate manufacturing capacity by 3.5 gigawatts, reaching 14 GW in the U.S. by 2026, the year it’s slated to come online. Included in the announcement, First Solar said it invested $2.8 billion over the past year to ramp up production, including a new site in Alabama and expansions to existing Ohio facilities. Still, First Solar has been unable to meet surging demand, and in April, the company said it was sold out through 2026.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
The eBay Motors Off-Road Expo September 30th - October 1st, 2023 Pomona Fairgrounds | Po- mona, CA USA The eBay Motors Off-Road Expo presented by General Tire in Po - mona has been the largest and most significant annual gathering of the off-road community for over 20 years. Hundreds of manufacturers as - semble each fall at the historic Pomona Fairgrounds to debut new products to retailers, installers, media and thousands of off-road enthusiasts. Premier retailers take the opportunity to showcase thou - sands of products and popular off- road gear, many with show-only discounted pricing. The Expo also features the Fox Factory Proving Grounds, pre - sented by Firestone in partnership with Hammerking Productions, the 4-Wheel Parts Rubicon Overland Experience, and the Turn14 Main Stage where attendees can par - ticipate in seminars and interviews with industry experts. For more information on this event go to https://www.offroadexpo. com/event/california/
Energy Storage Canada Conference 2023
WEAR Conference 2023
October 3rd – 4th, 2023
October 11th – 12th, 2023 Evergreen Brick Works | Toronto, ON Canada
InterContinental Toronto Centre | Toronto, ON Canada Returning to Toronto for the 8th annual Energy Storage Canada Conference. They look forward to building on last year’s return to in-person attendance and to con - necting with energy stakeholders from across the country. This year’s theme, Charging Net Zero, speaks to the critical role of energy storage in enabling (or charging!) Canada’s ability to reach its ambitious net zero tar - gets as part of the ongoing energy transition. Our discussions will aim to dissect the ways in which ener - gy storage can help achieve those goals and what industry stakehold - ers, regulators, and policymakers can do to best ensure its success - ful integration into Canada’s ener - gy system. For more information on this event go to https://events.canplaninc.ca/ ESC2023
In an effort to address the fash - ion industry priorities, and to drive the transformation that must take place, FTA will bring industry stakeholders together at WEAR to collaborate, and to catalyze prog - ress around Human Rights, Circu - larity & Climate Action. Once again, WEAR is bringing global brand owners, retailers, ac - ademics, manufacturers, NGO’s, innovators, and policymakers to - gether, to accelerate our collec - tive efforts toward progress and a more conscious fashion future. For more information on this event go to https://wear.fashiontakesac- tion.com/
The Canadian Aesthetics Expo 2023 September 8th - 10th, 2023 Metro Toronto Convention- Centre | Toronto, ON Canada The Canadian Aesthetics Expo will be a hybrid show (In-person and Virtual). Our speakers are going to share new ideas, latest techniques and also demonstrate the most recent evidence-based practice techniques. CAMA is a leading global resource for practitioners who practice in the field of non-surgical Aesthetic Medicine. For more information on this event go to https://canadianaestheticsex- po.com/
Carbon Capture Canada 2023 September 12th – 14th, 2023 Edmonton Convention Cen- tre | Edmonton, AB Canada Carbon Capture Canada is the only Pan-Canadian national con - vention showcasing Canada’s in - credible and almost untapped op - portunity for carbon capture and underground storage innovation, technology, and destination for global investment. Position your organization to take advantage of this dynamic market by being a part of Canada’s only dedicated Carbon Capture Utiliza - tion and Storage convention. Meet key industry players over three days of the convention, with a two-day business conference, and expanded tradeshow floor with all major players, followed by an unmissable opportunity to take a tour across actual CCUS proj - ects and explore them in person. For more information on this event go to https://www.carbonexpocan- ada.com/
Cen-Can Resource Expo 2023 September 13th – 14th, 2023 Fort William Gardens | Thun- der Bay, ON Canada The Central Canada Resource Expo is a gathering place for all those who participate in the busi - ness of resources (Mining, For - estry or Energy). The expo will be showcasing the latest in resource technologies, expand the discus - sion of sustainable development with industry leaders and provide a forum that fosters economic re - gional growth. The Expo is an opportunity to net - work with experts, ask questions, and see the latest in technology and where the industries are going tomorrow. Cen-Can Resources Expo will be showcasing the rich - ness of opportunities to the world.
WANT TO HAVE YOUR EVENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT? Send an email 4 weeks in advance to production@spotlightbizmag.com with all the details of your event.
For more information on this event go to https://virtex.cencanexpo.ca/
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Spotlight on Business: Tell us a little about yourself and your ties to Nova Scotia. LOVIET: I was born and raised in Shelburne, Nova Scotia, after graduating from high school, I moved to Halifax, and I studied re - cording and music arts at Nova Scotia Community College while getting immersed in the city’s music scene. My partner, and drum - mer, and I still spend a lot of time in Nova Scotia over the winter months, the two of us have been kind of working at this forever. We’re both from Shelburne, so I love going back to visit as often as I can as it’s still one of my favorite places to be. Spotlight on Business: What do you like to do in your spare time when you are not writing music or behind the mic, if you have any? LOVIET: It’s definitely hard not to be working on music or music-re - lated things around the clock as an independent artist but I love to create things. If not music, then the videos or graphics that go along with it or printing my own merch. I’ve recently begun designing a mini brand of clothing under Loviet that I’m also really passionate about. But for real downtime, you can probably find me lounging around, drinking a few beers, or maybe at the beach - sometimes doing both, especially in Nova Scotia. Spotlight on Business: Who inspired you to go into the music in - dustry and when did your passion for music begin? When did you discover that you might want to make a career out of music? LOVIET: When I was young my mom was a singer in a band, so I would see her performing growing up. There were always musical instruments and musicians around the house. I was really lucky in that way because it was kind of always right in front of me. I never got to meet my grandfather, but he played the fiddle and even did performances with Hank Snow. So, music has always been around me and a part of my DNA. It was very apparent to me, from the first time that I heard my mom sing and started listening to music, that I was going to pursue a career in music.
in the spotlight LOVIET Nova Scotia-born, Toronto- based Alternative Indie Rock Powerhouse Artist! by Lee Ann Atwater
W e had the opportunity to sit down with Shelburne, NS’s very own Natalie Lynn, whom most of you may know as the frontwoman and powerhouse of alternative indie rock band, LOVIET (pronounce like low-vee-it) to chat about her personal and artistic journey from a local south shore artist to taking the main stage at some of the biggest venues in music, like the Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago as she establishes herself as one of Canada’s brightest up-and-coming Canadian artists to watch the world stage in the music industry.
“There were always musical instruments and musicians around the house. I was really lucky in that way because it was kind of always right in front of me.”
Photo Credit - Addison Seal
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Moving to Toronto was always a big part of the plan for me because it is Canada’s music hub. I met my manager, who was a booking agent in Toronto at the time, while I was still in Nova Scotia, and he helped me set up a run of tour dates through Ontario in 2018. I got to see first-hand that there were a lot of markets I had yet to hit and a lot of opportunities available in Toronto. It was definitely thanks to things like Nova Scotia Music Week and NSCC that I built a solid foundation and made some small connections first before making the move. It’s been really challenging to be away from home, but I love it here and there is still so much left to explore. It feels like I’ve been doing this for a long time though I’ve still really only been releasing music for a couple of years and there are many things I’m still working towards that I hope to achieve in this city. Spotlight on Business: The music business is more than just getting behind the mic and singing. It is about making connections with others in the industry and touring.You have been very busy touring and performing on the main stage at big venue festivals like the Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago. How has this helped you as an artist? LOVIET: My whole goal right now when I’m performing on tours and at festivals is to get the experience and reach as many new audiences as possible along the way. I got to go on tour with JP Cooper last spring and performed at sold-out shows around North America at iconic venues like ‘The Roxy’ in LA which was insane. It felt very once in a lifetime for an artist at my level when I’m still just writing and recording in - dependently, but it taught me so much. It was definitely a grind, and I spent the majority of the traveling on my own and performing solo, but the audiences were so amazing so all the stress of running through airports with all your gear on your back or driving 10 hours straight, working under tight budgets, was really worth it. Playing events like Bluesfest, FEQ, and Lol - lapalooza (which is one of the largest music
Photo Credit - Steph Montani
“I learned I was most comfortable on stage performing with my guitar and writing my own music apart from covering songs.”
Spotlight on Business: So, from a young age, you wanted to become a singer-songwriter, musician, and performer. So, what made you decide to leave Shelburne for Halifax and then head to Toronto to focus on pursuing your music career? Can you tell us about your journey, how did you know it was the time to make the jump and what was it like? LOVIET: I started taking piano lessons when I was five and took to the guitar when I was about eleven, playing in bands in my teens. It took me a long time to hone my craft as a singer, unlike my mom who had been singing her whole life with her sisters or at church. I didn’t have that background and I kept it more to myself. I learned I was most comfortable on stage performing with my guitar and writing my own music apart from covering songs. I definitely came out of my shell once I started playing in the bar scene and around Halifax during college. Growing up in a smaller community gave me a kind of freedom with my music in the beginning. I got to develop my skills away from the rest of the world and take influence from the things I really truly loved and had to seek out. Also, in such a small town, there really wasn’t a lot of excitement around, so me and my friends would make our own and I kind of became more adventurous and imaginative this way. But I always knew there wasn’t really a way to establish myself from there and at the time social media didn’t exist, so I had to leave in order to find resources and exposure. I wanted to play on bigger stages and wanted to follow wherever my music could go, and still do.
Photo Credit - Steph Montani
“Playing outdoors and the energy from the crowds you can’t beat but we just go into everything with no expectations and do what we do.”
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festivals in the world and one of the longest running in the US with tens of thousands in attendance) is such a trip. It feels like we’ve taken our time and are doing everything step by step so getting to do these kinds of events feels like we are in the right place right now. The festival stages are always the funnest. Playing outdoors and the energy from the crowds you can’t beat but we just go into every - thing with no expectations and do what we do. And by we, I mean to say my manager, myself, my drummer Ryan Perry and bass player, Keith Whipple. You always just strive to do the best you can and to have a really good time with it. Show the crowds what you have to offer as an artist and hope - fully connect with them. It’s been the audience reactions and just feeling like we belong on these stag - es and can hold our own that have been the most rewarding parts. Spotlight on Business: Tells us about the first time you ever heard one of your songs on the radio. What ran through your mind? LOVIET: I can remember the first time hearing my songs on the radio and how cool it feels. Grow - ing up, I’d tune into the East Coast Countdown every Sunday and hear Wintersleep, Matt Mays + El Torpedo, and Inflight Safety; they were like my heroes growing up. That was how I discovered great music and my local scene was thro ugh ECC and the radio, so it is still very cool to me that maybe my songs are getting discovered this way by someone else and on any stations, it means so much to me to be supported this way.
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Spotlight on Business: What is the biggest lesson you have learned along the way in your professional journey? LOVIET: Be yourself. Trust yourself because a lot of times people can make you question who you are or supposed to be in this industry but get to know yourself as best as you can and that’ll help you make the best choices and the best music. I think your real fans will resonate with that the most. It always surprises me when I release something that maybe I felt was the most self-serving but that resonates the stron - gest with fans in the end. Spotlight on Business: Was there ever a moment you contemplated throwing in the tow - el? If so, what made you want to keep moving forward? LOVIET: I think it’s probably healthy and natural to have those feelings when you love something so much or it takes so much work but all that actually matters is what you do. I’ve definitely had my ups and downs, but I just keep moving forward, there isn’t really another option for me, this is what I’m gonna do. It’s what I’ve always done. I had a big moment last year with this when I was writing for my record ‘The Nighttime Is All In the Timing’. I was here in Toronto all winter by myself. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had let everyone down. I had so many different voices around me all my life, especially when I was starting out, and I think I stopped listening to my own for a bit. “I’ve definitely had my ups and downs, but I just keep moving forward, there isn’t really another option for me, this is what I’m gonna do. It’s what I’ve always done.”
I had to come to a place where I had kind of accepted what it would be like to give up or if everything, I had worked so hard for dis - appeared tomorrow, what I’d do with that. The answer was that I wouldn’t actually do anything differently and I would still wake up the next day and do this. So sometimes I think it’s healthy to kind of let go and give yourself the release of the pressure. Free up that space and you’ll end up making something really special from it if it’s truly a part of you. Spotlight on Business: What advice do you have for young females or any young artist for that matter when it comes to get - ting into the entertainment industry? LOVIET: I started recording when I was young and had my first couple of studio ex - periences when I was like 14 or 15. One of the reasons I went to school for recording was because I was so disappointed during my early experiences and I wanted to be able to protect my own music and know how to communicate in a studio setting. Looking back, I think it’s been an important life lesson for me to know how to commu - nicate whatever it is I’m trying to say, es - pecially from creative standpoints and with many people in and out of the process.
“Stay true to yourself as a person and as an artist, and despite it being a tough business, feelings are signals and they tell you what you need to know. It’s okay to be sensitive about your work.”
Photo Credit - Steph Montani
Photo Credit - Vic Smick
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Photo Credit - Addison Seal
I think it still all comes back to knowing yourself and trusting your own gut and instincts. I’m still learning how to do this, but it feels better now than it has before. It’s really hard to say no thank you when help is being offered or you’re in a vulnerable space as a new artist, but sometimes it’s better to let your process be your own and the music will speak for itself. Stay true to yourself as a person and as an artist, and despite it being a tough business, feelings are signals and they tell you what you need to know. It’s okay to be sensitive about your work. Spotlight on Business: As a music artist, do you prefer performing live or recording? Why? LOVIET: I think I’m a live artist first and that my strengths are definitely in my live show. When performing, it’s your stage and you get to make it whatever you want, while recording has always felt to me like I’m kind of walking onto somebody else’s stage. I’m learning to understand more of how to own both stages, be it producing my own music or finding like-minded collaborators and producers,
“My dream duets would be either Lana Del Rey, Courtney Love, or Sheryl Crow. I feel like all three of these women are the most iconic artists as well as performers, producers, and songwriters, all very different in their own ways from one another, but have all influenced me greatly.”
but I really want to find that connection with both. There is something so intimate about being anywhere in the world with your headphones on, listening to your favorite songs, so recorded music means a lot to me. Nothing’s been more challenging for me coming up than when people say things like, “The live show is way better than the record” or that they prefer one over the other. I’m really happy that my recent releases are bridging more of that gap, and kind of live and breathe in the same worlds now! It sometimes feels like a different version of myself gets recorded than the one on stage, but I think those
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two artists are now working together more on both platforms. Spotlight on Business: What artists and genres do you listen to? If you had the chance to do a duet with another artist, who would it be and why? LOVIET: I love all kinds of music, but I grew up on mostly rock and pop from the 70’s to 90’s to today. My dream duets would be either Lana Del Rey, Courtney Love, or Sheryl Crow. I feel like all three of these women are the most iconic artists as well as performers, producers, and songwriters, all very different in their own ways from one another, but have all influenced me greatly. Spotlight on Business: Where can music fans find out more about you and your music and upcoming shows? LOVIET: Well they can visit my website at www.loviet.com or follow me on any of my socials at @lovietmusic to learn more about me and my upcoming shows. Plus, I would like fans to know that I am coming back to the Maritimes to perform a couple of shows. On September 2nd, I will be performing in Merigomish, Nova Scotia at Giantstock and I will be in Hali - fax, opening for The Beaches on October 20 at Light House. I am looking forward to being back in the Maritimes for them and heading out on a USA tour supporting Mating Ritual this Fall so check out my website for those show dates. My next single comes out on August 18th with a 3-song sampler called “Little Heaven” following that on September 29th, 2023. I look forward to having new music out and getting out playing some live shows this Fall so check out my website for those show dates.
Photo Credit - Addison Seal
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Canadian Energy CANADA’S OIL AND GAS SECTOR MAINTAINS LEAD IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPENDING. by James Snell
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“The Canadian energy space, unfortunately, gets a bad rap in terms of its media narrative,”
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 3 Environmental protection investments tracked by Sta - tistics Canada must be used to mitigate or eliminate pollution or other environmental problems, or to restore the environment from a compromised state. This in - cludes salaries and services as well as equipment and machinery capital costs. “The Canadian energy space unfortunately gets a bad rap in terms of its media narrative,” said Jared Dziuba, an oil and gas market specialist with BMO Capital Mar - kets. “What’s missed, often,is the pace at which the industry is improving the metrics of emis - sions, water, and land use.” pdated numbers from Statistics Canada show the oil and gas sector is spening more on envi ronmental protection than any other Canadian industry. Canadian oil and gas producers spent $2.75 billion in 2020 compared to $2.11 billion for metals manufactur - ing, $1 billion for mining and quarrying, and $663 mil - lion for electrical power generation and transmission. A total of 20 industries were surveyed.
Sands Innovation Alliance. Thanks in part to new technology, Alberta’s oil and gas producers reduced total methane emissions by 44 percent between 2014 and 2021, according to the AER. The sector is now expected to exceed the target to reduce methane emissions by 45 percent by 2025. In the oil sands, spending to reduce emissions is scheduled to ramp up in the coming years.
Since 2009, oil sands emissions per barrel have dropped by about 20 per cent, according to S&P Glob - al. Fresh water use intensity across the oil and gas sec - tor has decreased by 14 percent since 2017,says a re - port by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) published in 2022. Of the water used for energy development in Alberta, 82 percent is recycled. Driving the progress is oil sands mining, which uses around 82 percent of the industry’s fresh water. In 2021, mining companies used less fresh water than in the previous five years. “They’ve got many new treatment methods that use less river water and more recycled water,” said John Brogly, director of water and tailings with Canada’s Oil
Canada’s energy sector is a global leader in the devel - opment of new environmental technologies, said Dziu - ba, noting the top five oil sands producers invested, on average, around $1.1 billion per year on research and development over the last decade. “On a per barrel basis, that’s significantly higher than competitors on a global scale,” he said. “The Canadian space is much more tightly regulated than other competing regions.” Investors are helping drive new environmental perfor - mance targets around emissions intensity, water and use, said Dziuba.
“Canada has been a leader in the first generation of CCS,”
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“The Canadian space is much more tightly regulated than other competing regions.”
Through the Pathways Alliance, Canada’s six largest oil sands producers, representing 95 percent of pro - duction, are planning to spend $24.1 billion before 2030 on one of the world’s largest carbon capture and storage (CCS) networks, which will reduce operating emissions by 22 million tonnes per year by 2030 and achieve a goal of net zero operating emissions by 2050. “Canada has been a leader in the first generation of CCS,” said James Millar, CEO of the International CCS Knowledge Centre. “We are home to five of the world’s 30 commercial CCS facilities, and we account for approximately 15 percent of current global CCS ca - pacity even though our country generates less than two percent of global CO2 emissions.”
437 PRINCE ST., TRURO, NS B2N 1E6 902.895.1651 RESERVATIONS@INNONPRINCE.COM
“They’ve got many new treatment methods that use less river water and more recycled water.”
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There are several reasons why many business - es step up to the occasion when the opportunity arises. Here is a brief list of the reasons why MONK Renovations provides support: • PRIDE IN COMMUNITY : Sometimes it simply boils down to helping local organiza - tions grow and individuals to develop their talents. Seeing others succeed and knowing that you played a small part in their success is personally satisfying. • MARKETING: Sometimes providing sup - port can be more strategic, for marketing purposes, or to bolster the reputation of the business in the community. Any type of ex - change can be seen as a mutually beneficial partnership. For example, if an existing cli - ent approaches you for support, stepping up to the occasion demonstrates that you are a business that truly cares. • GENEROSITY: I learned from a previous employer and very generous company, that often giving should be anonymous. Nobody needs to know except for you! This is the type of contribution that can be the most ful - filling for business owners. This means you are expecting nothing in return, it is pure, and given with a generous heart. I have always seen charity and community sup - port as being part of the social contract that we, as businesses and as individuals, have with each other. We should support those in need. It has been quoted, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” I was born and raised with this mindset and believe it to be true. I also be - lieve that even the smallest contribution, if given with a kind and generous heart, is as valuable as any other. We give what we can and support our fellow human beings in their time of need or to help boost them to the next level. I have been extremely fortunate growing up with a generous and supportive community, that raised me up both financially and emotionally. Through their actions, they showed me what is right and what is expected. I am eternally grateful for the support I re - ceived from my community, friends, family, church,
CONTRACTOR’S COMMUNITY, GIVING & INVOLVEMENT by Dan Monk
B usinesses,especially small ones, can usually be found at the core of the community They are often the first places approached by organizations looking for sponsorship and involvement of any kind. Support takes many shapes and siz - es; it could be for volunteers for community projects, financial contribu - tions to minor sports teams, promoting the arts in schools and the communi- ty, donations to auctions and fundraisers for those in need, and much more.
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coaches, teachers, and many others. They helped shape my appreciation and commitment to philanthro - py, regardless of how big or small. Over the years, I have had the privilege to give back to my community in various ways. This includes univer - sity bursaries, sponsorship of individuals and teams, school musicals, senior’s groups, medical research, local charities, specific people in need, and the list of opportunities goes on. In recent years, our philosophy has evolved as we have evaluated how we approach community support and wanted to focus our efforts more. This means we are involved and attentive to the select organization we select to support year-over- year. This has truly changed the impact of our contri - bution! With this level of focus, we have developed a greater sense of community and built stronger rela - tionships. This allows our business to become more than just a source of money, but a valuable partner to the organization. We are proud to see the effects of our presence and commitment help them become better connected, expand their impact, and prosper. I would like to discuss one challenge faced by most business owners. In some cases, those seeking fund - ing solicit financial support from a business and sug - gest it is simply a ‘write-off’. This phrase saddens me as it is suggesting that their support is no big deal, and the donation comes at zero cost to the small, lo - cal business. Honestly, this could not be further from the truth and this assumption comes from a place of ignorance and is offensive. When businesses choose to give generously, they give money they have earned and the only thing i they get in return is not having to pay the corporate income tax on the donation. The money is still removed from the business and there is no ‘refund’ from the government. Whether you are approaching a business or speaking to an owner who supports social causes, it is important to remember not to diminish their generosity by saying such foolish things. For anyone who has read this article, I hope it provides a little inspiration to be generous and give back to your community as a business or an individual. mpact of our contribution. With this level of focus, we have de - veloped a greater sense of community
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We’ve been told our entire lives to trust our guts so why is it that when we get into business, that advice all too eas - ily flies out the window? Perhaps it’s because we doubt ourselves as we learn to navigate the unfamiliar paths of entrepreneurship or launching a new product. Or maybe we’re seasoned business vets who’ve crossed many a chasm, but we still let other people’s advice weigh too heavily on our decisions when we’ve known the right di - rection all along. When it comes to marketing and social media, I consid - er myself somewhat of an expert. I’ve worked in Market - ing for nearly twenty years and began using Facebook when you could still only access it with a university email address (yes, an original pioneer, how vintage right?). I have about 20,000 followers across my personal social media platforms, and I understand my audience and my personal brand extremely well. I’ve won awards for mar - keting and business and regularly teach others the ropes. But despite all of this, two years ago, I wavered on all of this experience and absolutely did not listen to my gut. It all came about when I took a fun picture of myself in a Barbie box at a Barbie Expo in Montreal and posted it to my personal Instagram and Facebook accounts with the caption “I’m a Barbie Girl in a Barbie World”. My long blonde hair was front-and-center in the picture as fun memories rushed back to me, of dressing up as Barbie one Halloween back in university. You see, I’ve always loved Barbie, and this was before all the current hype going on these days, again how avant-garde of me. IT’S YOUR BRAND!
b y Shannon Ferguson Always Trust Your Gut!
“I’m a Barbie Girl in a Barbie World”
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At the time, two years ago, I had been working with a PR consultant, and less than an hour after posting she sent me a really mean email telling me to take it down. She said the Barbie brand was “white girl racist objectification of women” and “CEO toxic stuff that’s super bad for branding as a leader with a head on her shoulders”. My gut flip-turned upside down upon reading her email. What? Is my beloved Barbie being seen in this light? The same Barbie that I had just attended an Expo for, which was extremely inclusive and featured Barbies of all different backgrounds, sizes, abilities, and more? I thought my post was fun and light-hearted and my fol - lowers seemed to agree but I went against my gut and took the post down. Minutes later, I regretted it. I wished I hadn’t removed it and I went to work researching all the ways the Bar - bie brand had fought against the stigmas placed upon it in early years. I replied with an email explaining my thoughts and got an even longer reply from the consultant rebuking my position and basically telling me I was absolutely in the wrong and that had I left that post up it would come back to haunt me one day. It was a scary
On that day, I knew what I should have done (kept the post up) but I didn’t trust my gut. I let fear win. Since then, I have worked hard to find my voice and really listen to my intuition. That consultant and I parted ways a month later and I really took it as a lesson learned; to give myself and my experience (both in life and in business) more credit and to trust myself more often. I now give keynote speeches on the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship and how sometimes your inner compass really knows best. Because the entrepreneurial journey is really all about gathering as much information to add to your map as you can and continuously learning and growing. It’s about leaning on mentors, consultants, advisors, and teachers and using their knowledge to guide you and get you to the next step while being aware that sometimes, the only person who knows the terrain you’re dealing with is you. Especially if it is new terrain on a path, you’re forging for the first time. Sometimes out on the new terrain, the only thing you have is your gut and that intuition. And hopefully thick skin. I’m happy to let you know that I had my chance to finally repost my Barbie picture. I decided to celebrate the re - lease of the Barbie movie with a condensed version of this story on my social channels and what do you know? People loved it! They celebrated my courage to repost it, they celebrated Barbie’s inclusivity and messaging, they cheered me on for owning my blonde hair as a Sports Tech Founder & CEO and some even said they should make a Badass Boss Barbie for me. Make me blush or what. The moral of this story is that you know YOU and you know your business better than anyone else in the world. Yes, others may have walked a similar path, but no one has walked in the exact same shoes and steps that you have. While diverse thoughts and differences of opinions can sometimes be a catalyst for necessary change and growth, at the end of the day it’s important for any decisions you make to feel good in your heart and soul. So next time you’re faced with a challenging decision, ask around for help but remember how important it is to always trust your gut and stay true to yourself. Your business will thank you for it down the road and across the chasm.
thought for me, a girl just trying to be taken seriously in the man’s world of Sports Tech. Would men not respect me because of this fun and harmless post? I was still green back then. I was still finding my voice and trying not to suffer from mentor whiplash. Don’t get me wrong, we have had so many incredible people help us on our journey thus far but sometimes you just know in your gut if something fits or doesn’t fit.
“I decided to celebrate the release of the Barbie movie with a condensed version of this story on my social channels and what do you know? People loved it!”
“So next time you’re faced with a challenging decision, ask around for help but remember how important it is to always trust your gut and stay true to yourself.”
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Brenna MacNeil was born in Inverness, in Western Cape Breton. Apart from moving for four years to Antigonish while her mother continued her education, MacNeil grew up in Inverness. Despite not feeling like she was creative artistically, she described being a very curious child who was never afraid to ask questions. “I feel like with creativity, you have to have that childlike curiosity about life. And I feel like I still have that,” said MacNeil. At the age of eleven, she gained an interest in photography after being gifted a camera by her grandmother. Growing up on the beautiful island of Cape Breton, she took advantage of the landscape by taking scenic photos. In her twenties, she would print and glue her photos onto cards. MacNeil would then go into a shop on Central Avenue called The Bear Paw to sell the cards. The shop owner, Alice Freeman, sup - ported many local artists in Inverness. “She was very supportive of me whenever I
brought in cards or prints. So that’s where it started for me was with photography and cards and prints” explained MacNeil. On her journey to owning The Corner Store by missbrenna, MacNeil was able to use that curiosity and ability to think of engaging questions within her different career paths. She studied for a Bachelor of Public Relations at Mount Saint Vincent University and landed her first PR job in Halifax with the Sisters of Charity.
While working at Sisters of Charity, she conducted in - terviews and wrote their newsletters. She then taught English as a Second Language for two years in Korea alongside her husband, Brandon. “I was trying to think of interesting ways to engage with my students” says MacNeil, who included thought-provoking questions within her English lessons.
THE CORNER STORE BY MISSBRENNA COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS & CAPE BRETON PRIDE by Gabrielle Gamblin renna MacNeil may not have always been sure about her path to entrepreneurship, but she always knew where she came from. As a proud Cape Bretoner who values community, MacNeil asked a lot of questions and gained a lot of connections throughout her journey to owning her business. With a gracious amount of support, her hard work and curiosity led her back to her roots in the most unexpected way. Brenna is now able to support other local artists while feeding her own creativity and giving her daughter the beautiful Island life, she grew up with. B
“I feel like with creativity, you have to have that childlike curiosity about life. And I feel like I still have that.”
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