MARCH 2021
BRIER ISLAND NOVA SCOTIA ECO-TOURISM AT ITS BEST
TRIM DESIGN INTERIORS STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD, FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS!
MAKE YOUR BRAND BLOOM STRENGTHEN YOUR BRAND THIS SPRING!
A E S THE T I C S W I T H AUNDR E A MORE THAN JUST TURNING THE CLOCK BACK ON TIME
IN THE SPOTLIGHT ALLISON MCKINNON BROADCASTER, MEDIA PERSONALITY & SELF-PROCLAIMED OPTIMIST
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spotlight on march I n this month’s issue we wanted to spotlight some of the amazing brands, places and per- sonalities of Atlantic Canada as we head into Spring. If you are looking to get back to nature for your next trip, then our feature on Brier Island is a must read as you look for a place to put on your travel bucket list for when the borders open back up. This small but amazing island of Nova Scotia is world famous as an ecotourism destination and for being the home or migration grounds for many unique species of plants and animals offering a travel experience that you will remember for a lifetime and have you wanting to come back to this small Island located in the Bay of Fundy. We go from one Island to another and follow up with Megan Callahan, a Business Analyst and motocross enthusiast turned Interior Designer as she continues to build solid relation- ships with realtors and clients alike who see their homes sold efficiently and quickly even in these times of Covid-19 thanks to the help of TrimDesign Interiors innovative services that are taking the staging sector in Newfoundland to the next level. Non-Surgical Medical Aesthetics is one of the fastest growing sectors of the health and wellness industry for more reasons than clients just wanting to turn the clocks back on aging. As the founder of Aundrea Nurse Inc, Aundrea Ritchie has always had a deep desire to help people and it is her passion for the industry that motivates this first segment of a four-part Aesthetics with Aundrea series to help educate readers on the benefits of this innovative industry and the procedures that have made such a difference in peoples’ lives above and beyond naturally fighting the aging process. Listening to Allison McKinnon one might think that she has been doing broadcasting her whole life and they would be wrong. In this month’s “in the spotlight” we chat with self-pro- claimed optimist and outspoken ally of the LGBQT+ community, Allison McKinnon, about honing her media skills and her new journey to cement herself as an essential member of an amazing team, where she can connect with people and make a difference in their lives every single day. Speaking of new opportunities and change, Spring is in the air. The days are slowly getting longer, and the sun is feeling warmer which inspires entrepreneurs to think about sunnier days ahead - both literally and figuratively. As a branding buff, it makes Brittany think about how she might infuse new energy into her brand, and that of her customer’s. In this month’s Building Brands with Brittany, she outlines some simple strategies to help set you up for a season of growth for your brand. This month’s edition of Epic Eateries & Sweeteries spotlights The Original Sam’s Pizza, famous for it’s legendary brown pizza sauce, and the owner’s entrepreneurial journey that brought him to Canada to his own restaurant. We also follow up with Coldstream Clear Distillery and put their new Strawberry Kiwi Vodka Soda through the taste test with another installment of From Grains to Glasses in our quest for candidates for this year’s Ultimate Craft Cooler project. We want to thank everyone that made this issue possible, and we look forward to sharing more stories about successful businesses and brands, while spotlighting the people behind making it all happen. Remember we are all in this together. Lee Ann Atwater, Editor
MANAGING DIRECTOR Rod Gregg EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Lee Ann Atwater COMMUNICATION, RESEARCH & ADMIN LEAD Ashley Tanner
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Janice Buckler
Megan Callahan Shannon Ferguson Anita Flowers Calli Gregg Lennie Kaplan Deborah Jaremko Mark Milke Ceiledh Monk Dan Monk Brittany Pickrem Christi Rideout Aundrea Ritchie Elizabeth Spencer
SOCIAL MEDIA LEAD Troy Gregg GRAPHIC DESIGN LEAD Aaron Jeffrey WEB DESIGN LEAD
Sean Bridge PUBLISHER AIDACA Media
P.O. Box 35007, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3M 0G3 P: 902 405 2000 E: info@spotlightbizmag.com spotlightonbusinessmagazine.com
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What’s in the Spotlight on the cover
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MAKE YOUR BRAND BLOOM STRENGTHEN YOUR BRAND THIS SPRING
BRIER ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA ECO-TOURISM AT ITS BEST 36
03 SPOTLIGHT ON MARCH 08 UPCOMING EVENTS
16 SPOTLIGHT ON INDUSTRY 18 CONTRACTORS CORNER Communication is Key in Business & Life! 24 CANADIAN & U.S. TRADE Dear America, Stop disrupting $2 trillion in cross-border energy trade 28 DESIGN OF THE TIMES Getting that sold sign on the front lawn isn’t as easy as you may think! 32 LINE 3 REPLACEMENT PROJECT Minnesota coalition stands behind Line 3 as businesses see ‘dramatic’ pickup 44 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS 46 TAKING BRANDING PERSONALLY Why Building Your Personal Brand Matters? 50 EPIC EATERIES & SWEETERIES The Original Sam’s Pizza - Stellarton, NS 56 FROM GRAINS TO GLASSES ColdstreamClear Distillery’s Strawberry Kiwi Vodka Soda 66 SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION 76 R&D IN CANADA’S OIL & GAS INDUSTRY Another record year for oil sands research spending to reduce greenhouse gases 80 SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH & WELLNESS 82 HOLISTIC HEALTH Nutrients A to Z: Boron 92 MOM TO THE RESCUE I get it, you are DONE with the PANDEMIC!
Nova Scotia may be Canada’s ocean playground but if you are looking to rediscover nature then Brier Island should be your staycation eco-tourism destination this year. Brier Island is famous for its whale watching, bird watching and coastal hiking, make it the perfect retire for those looking to be back to nature.
Spring is in the air. The days are slowly getting longer, and the sun is feeling warmer which inspires entrepreneurs to think about sunnier days ahead - both literally and figura - tively. As a branding buff, it makes Brittany think about how she might infuse new energy into her brand, and those of her customer’s. In this month’s Building Brands with Brittany, she outlines some simple strategies to help set you up for a season of growth for your brand.
AESTHETICS WITH AUNDREA MORE THAN JUST TURNING THE CLOCK BACK ON TIME
TRIM DESIGN INTERIORS STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD!
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in the spotlight ALLISON MCKINNON BROADCASTER, MEDIA PERSONALITY & SELF-PROCLAIMED OPTIMIST
Non-Surgical Medical Aesthetics is a growing sector of the health and wellness industry for more reasons than clients just wanting to turn the clocks back on aging. As the founder of Aundrea Nurse Inc, Aundrea has always had a deep desire to help people and it is her passion for the industry that motivate this first segment of a four-part series to help educate readers on the benefits of this innovative industry and the procedures that have made such a difference in peoples’ lives above and beyond naturally fighting the aging process. 84
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The last time that we spoke with Megan Callahan of Trim Design Interiors we learned how a move from Houston back home to St. John’s uncovered an amazing talent for interior design that Megan never realized she had. We follow up with this Business Analyst and motocross enthusiast turned Interior Designer as she continues to build solid relationships with realtors and clients alike who see their homes sold efficiently and quickly thanks to the help of Trim Design Interiors services.
Listening to Allison McKinnon one might think that she has been doing radio her whole life and they would be wrong. Allie, as she is known to friends and fans, will be the first to tell you that it wasn’t until she started an internship after college at a radio station that she found her true passion. We learn how this energetic and fun-lov- ing radio personality’s career has come full circle and how she is about to start a new journey to cement herself as an essential member of an amazing team, where she can connect with people and make a difference in their lives every single day.
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A IDACA MEDIA understands that small and medium size enter- prises and businesses are key to the successful growth of any economy and just as important as big business- es to the global economy as a whole. By putting a spotlight on your business, organization or community with effec- tive and interactive media and advertis- ing we will help you capture the interest of business leaders and potential clients, giving you an opportunity to promote your brand and growmarket share through mobile, online, print and social media support, helping your business connect and stay engaged with your customers.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
HOUSTON ULTIMATE WOMEN’S EXPO April 10th – 11th, 2021 George R. Brown Convention Center | Houston, TX, USA You’ve been balancing a busy life and it’s time to grab your girlfriends and enjoy free manicures, facials, exciting makeovers, high fashion runway shows, hair makeover stage, amazing spa treatments and massages. Indulge in lots of free samples, gourmet tastings and delicacies. Discover the season’s best from luxury boutiques to emerging designers. We scour the world searching for the very best products and services, and to bring hundreds of these amazing compa- nies together. We’ve gathered the very best leading companies, boutiques and brands together to bring a new level of women’s expo to Houston. Never before have there been so many great reasons to visit a Women’s Expo - The Ultimate Women’s Expo. For more information on this event go to https://www.houstonwomen- sexpo.com/
ADOBE SUMMIT April 27th – 29th, 2021 Virtual Online Expo
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – ITNG2021 April 11th – 14th, 2021 Virtual Online Expo The International Conference on Information Technology: New Gen- erations is an annual event focusing on state of the art technologies pertaining to digital information and communications. The appli- cations of advanced information technology to astronomy, biology, education, geosciences, security, and health care are among topics of relevance to ITNG. Visionary ideas, theoretical and experimen- tal results, as well as prototypes, designs, and tools that help the information readily flow to the user are of special interest. Machine Learning, Robotics, High-Perfor- mance Computing, and Innova- tive Methods of Computing are examples of related topics. For more information on this event go to https://www.itng.info/
Join us to expand your skills, engage with other Experience Makers, and be inspired to create exceptional experiences that drive business growth and customer loyalty. Develop new skills and as you learn from more than 200 sessions and training work- shops across 11 session tracks. Whatever your area of interest — from data to analytics, content to commerce, personalization to marketing automation — you’ll learn from other top brands and leaders through engaging vir- tually with Experience Makers from around the globe. For more information on this event go to https://summit. adobe.com/na/
ISA INTERNATIONAL SIGN EXPO April 7th – 9th, 2021 Virtual Online Expo ISA Sign Expo is the only place to find everything you need to be suc - cessful in the sign, graphics, print and visual communications industry - including wide format and 3D printing, digital signage, new ideas for printing on substrates, unique applications, accessories that will expand your product lines, LEDs, vehicle wrapping and so much more. We invite you to join us for this truly dynamic experience. This year’s virtual expo experience will be more than just a trade show or a conference. It will be an immersive and interactive opportunity to do business, connect and learn – fulfill - ing our industry’s need to converge in an environment that is both safe and effective. For more information on this event go to https://www.signexpo.org/
THE CANADIAN AESTHETICS EXPO March 26th – 28th, 2021 Virtual Online Expo
TREND SEATTLE March 27th – 29th, 2021 Embassy Suites, Bellevue | Bellevue, WA, USA TREND Seattle offers a select assortment of contemporary, lifestyle brands as well as classic ready-to-wear labels, jeans and cashmere scarves. Completing the season’s look are top brand shoes for men and women and beautiful accessories that will excite your discriminating cus- tomers. Northwest reps are on-site to present their coveted lines and advise you of the latest trends and seasonal colors. This is an appointment driven show. Please feel free to reach out to any reps to make an appoint- ment to see their lines. For more information on this event go to https://www.trend- seattle.com/
The moment you’ve been waiting for is here! The inaugu- ral Canadian Aesthetics Expo is an influential networking event in which members of the aesthetics field are introduced to world-re - nowned practitioners, innovation, and the most recent technologi- cal advancements in the industry. 3 Days with 15 Industry Speakers over 10 Networking Opportuni- ties and 14 Masterclasses. This international industry event is one you won’t want to miss. For more information on this event go to https://www.canadi- anaestheticsexpo.com/
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.
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by Lee Ann Atwater IN THE SPOTLIGHT L istening to Allison McKinnon one might think that she has been doing radio her whole life and they would be wrong. Before radio, Allison worked as a preschool teacher for close to ten years. Although she loved working with kids, she will be the first to tell you that it wasn’t until she started an internship after college as a ‘Rock Roadie’ that she found her true passion in broad - casting.
“ As a kid I liked talking everyone’s ear off (big surprise I know) ”
ALLISON MCKINNON – BROADCASTER, MEDIA PERSONALITY AND SELF-PROCLAIMED OPTIMIST
Spotlight on Business Magazine sat down with Allison McKinnon, or as she is known to friends and fans alike, Allie, to learn how this energet- ic and fun-loving media personality’s career has come full circle in Halifax and what is next in this Self-Proclaimed Optimist’s journey. SPOTLIGHT: Tell us a little about yourself, where you grew up, what you liked to do as a kid, what your hobbies are, what you like to do in your spare time when you are not enter- taining people. AM: I grew up in a suburb outside Ottawa, Ontario called Orleans. I pretty much had a pic- ture-perfect childhood. My parents are truly amazing people, my dad Brian, a retired Mountie, and my mom Gail, a retired Nurse. I also have two sisters, Jennifer and Laura. As a kid I liked talking everyone’s ear off (big surprise I know) and all the usual kid stuff. Riding bikes, sleepovers, swimming, as long as my friends were there, I didn’t care what we did! It’s funny because in some ways, as an adult I feel exactly the same. I am a social butterfly, extro - verted through and through. I just LOVE being around people. As long as my friends are there, I’m happy.
nity and get to know the people. My dream was to move into ‘on air broadcasting’ so I jumped at any opportunity. Producing pieces for the announcers shows, voice tracking overnights, I just had to get behind that mic! Eventually the hard work all paid off when I was invited to join The Sunrise Show on Sunny 94 in Lacombe in 2016. It was also my first experience with those early morning wake ups! Sunny 94 was a wonderful and encouraging place to work. A few years later a position became avail- able at Sunny that gave me the opportunity to move into the afternoon drive, and for the first time ever, I was the host of my own show. Talk about a dream come true! In 2018 a friend mentioned the station I worked part-time as a student in Halifax was looking for a full-time announcer for their morning show. I applied and was chosen to be the newest member of BJ & The Q Morning Crew, a position I held proudly until March of this year. As on-air talent, we know changes in the industry can come lightening fast, and its our job to roll with whatever comes our way. Like everyone, I have faced challenges and hard times during my career,
Tell us about your professional background? What got you interested in radio? AM: I graduated from the Nova Scotia Commu- nity Colleges Radio & Television Arts program back in 2014. I was also awarded the Best Major Project for a radio documentary exploring the life of my grandfather (Albro McKinnon) and his life and experiences working for CN Rail as a Morse Code Telegrapher. My first job in the industry was with rock station 106.7 The Drive and pop station BIG 105 in Red Deer Alberta in March of 2014. It was such a great way to get introduced into the business. I had the opportunity to help plan and attend station and community events and was able to immerse myself completely in this Central Alberta commu-
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involves chasing the perfect job. There are always opportunities for new adventures and new audiences across this country. Moving back to Halifax was the right move at the right time. Now it’s time to explore other options and see what the rest of Canada has to offer as I continue my journey in search of the perfect job. Who are some of the people in the industry that have inspired you during your journey? AM: When I think about people I find inspiring in the industry, a lot of time it relates to their endless drive. My Radio teacher David Bannerman always
springs to mind. He is funny, kind, talented and hard working. Most importantly he nurtures those who show a real love for the business. He has always been one of my biggest supporters. I continue to be inspired by everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Trevor Wallworth my former Program Director, along with BJ Wilson and Bobby Mac who are all seasoned pros, Tank Montana was my co-host in Lacombe and has been in the business for decades. Every person I’ve worked along side has passed on their own knowledge to the next generation of jocks, and I’m extremely grateful for that.
“Having the ability to connect with people, to truly become a part of their day, to make them laugh and to know they connect just as strongly with you as you do with them, that’s why I love this work.”
but I won’t ever stop doing it, because it’s a part of who I am. Having the ability to connect with people, to truly become a part of their day, to make them laugh and to know they connect just as strongly with you as you do with them, that’s why I love this work. You have a passion for connecting with people in the community, can you tell us about some of the work you have done? AM: I am an outspoken and proud ally of the LGBQT+ community. Each year I encouraged my workplaces to support and invest in having larger presence in Pride events. I have person- ally marched in Pride Parades, interviewed local members of the community, hosted events and fundraised proudly in every community I’ve lived in. I have worked with The Bikers Down Organiza- tion, which was established by bikers to provide
assistance to motorcycle riders who had been injured while on the road. I took part in their calendar campaign and was Miss May in the 2020 Bikers Down Motorcycle Calendar. All the money from this calendar goes to support their family through those trying times. I loved being a part of that!! When tragedy hit Nova Scotia, I was a part of the special programming at Q104 the day after the Portapique Mass Shooting. The broadcast included interviews with experts, trauma coun- sellors, members of the Police force and our community. Broadcasting the day after that attack was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. We can see that you have spent some time at stations here in Atlantic Canada (Kentville and Halifax), before heading out West to Calgary, Lacombe and Red Deer. What made you want to come back to Nova Scotia? AM: Radio is one of those industries that usually
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That is incredibly powerful. When my time is done, I wanna look back on my career and know that people’s lives were made better through the connection we made. That I helped them through a tough time, made them laugh, made them think and made them know they are not alone. True Human Connection. That is the power of media, and that is everything. Sometimes when you meet a person that is in the spotlight, they are completely different than how they come across as a personality on televi- sion, radio or any media for that matter, we can tell you that is not the case with Allie, what you see, or in this case, what you hear, is what you get. She is genuine, outspoken and a true pro- fessional on and off the air, that enjoys life and having fun living it. We are confident that there are great things in Allie’s future and it we are excited to see where her journey takes her in the pursuit of the perfect job.
“Newopportunities happen every single day, and I want to be the type of person that continues to jump at those opportunities.”
know your listeners. If you were looking to get in touch with me, the best way is through my socials (I am a millennial after all) or shoot an email to allisonjeanmckinnon@gmail.com. So now that we are all up to speed on the life of Allie, what is next in your journey both pro- fessionally and personally for 2021? AM: I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am for 2021! Life can change on a dime, that’s what this pandemic has taught us. I am an eternal optimist, and I love this industry more than any other I’ve worked in. Professionally I hope to continue to be able to do the work that I love. Whether it’s radio or televi- sion, podcasting, journalism, the sky’s the limit! What matters to me more than anything, is to love the place I work. New opportunities happen every single day, and I want to be the type of person that continues to jump at those opportu- nities.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next five years? AM: In five years, I hope I’ve cemented myself as an essential member of an amazing team. Now what kind of team is anybody’s guess. And that is where the fun comes in. Media is ever changing, ever evolving. The ways we connect, how we connect, who we connect with, it’s always shifting. I am excited to be a part of that and hope to be a part of a team that is excited to do the same. Do you have any interest in exploring other media platforms like maybe television? AM: Sure! I’m open to any and all opportunities that come my way! We only get so much time; I plan to make the most of it. I would love to join a television program. The biggest love for me in this business is its ability to connect. As members of the media, we are a part of other people’s lives. Every single day.
Now that you are on a hiatus where can your fans get more of their favorite media person- ality? Are you on social media? AM: I sure am!! You can find me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @alliefaxradio. Do you offer any other in person services such as MCing or hosting events? If so, how would someone go about contacting you about these opportunities? AM: Remember I am an extrovert; I love to MC and host events! It is one of my favourite parts of the job because you get to meet and get to
“As members of the media, we are a part of other people’s lives. Every single day. That is incredibly powerful.”
“Remember I am an extro- vert; I love to MC and host events!”
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Spotlight on Industry Headlines
NERVOUSNESS ABOUT CANADA’S HOUSING MARKET ON THE RISE Data suggests there is concern among business owners about their ability to repay the debt taken on to help cope with the pandemic and government-mandated interven- tions to control the spread of COVID-19. This follows a CFIB released report in January that said one in six small busi- nesses were contemplating permanent closure as Canada approached a full year of pandemic restrictions. A bout 70 percent of small business owners across Can- ada have taken on debt to cope with the pandemic, with collective indebtedness climbing to $135B as of February, up from the $117B reported in July of last year. According to data analyzed by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the average business now carries a debt load of nearly $170K. SMALL BUSINESS DEBT LEVELS ARE SURGING AMID PANDEMIC C anada’s housing market risks entering a speculative phase that could trigger new measures from regulators. For months, historically low mortgage rates have combined with increased demand for bigger living spaces and a lack of supply to lift prices to new highs. Recently, signs have begun to emerge of speculators driving some of the demand, along with other buyers worried they’ll miss out on the boom. This trend as policy makers concerned for the affordability of housing for young and poor families to concerns over a correc- tion in the market. However, officials are reluctant to hold back a crucial sector at a time when the economy is still struggling. A possible flipper’s tax, paid by people who sell houses quickly af - ter purchase, along with changes to mortgage qualification rules to try and bring things under control while the market naturally cools off.
MORE RESTAURANT JOBS & THE STIMULUS PACKAGE FORESHADOW THE INDUSTRY’S COMING RECOVERY R estaurants and bars gained 286,000 workers in February fol- lowing several months of losing jobs, the latest sign that the industry’s recovery is on the horizon after a resurgence of new Covid-19 cases, hurt eateries at the end of 2020 and into the new year. The National Restaurant Association recently surveyed 3,000 restaurant operators about a third of respondents were pessi- mistic saying it would take seven to twelve months for business conditions to return to normal with another 29% saying it would take at least a year. EXPORT BOOM DRIVES CANADA’S LARGEST TRADE SURPLUS SINCE 2014 Full-service restaurants have also been battered by indoor dining restrictions and fewer outdoor dining customers during the win- ter. Additionally, chains have outperformed independent eateries and grabbed market share as mom-and-pops close their doors permanently. C anada’s trade sector unexpectedly recorded its larg- est surplus in more than six years on across-the-board increases in exports. The nation ran a surplus of $1.4 billion CAD ($1.1 billion USD) in January from a revised defi - cit of $1.98 billion CAD in December, according to Statistics Canada. Economists were predicting a gap of $1.4 billion CAD. It marked the first time Canada has run a monthly trade sur - plus since May 2019 and represents the largest since 2014. Exports rose 8.1 percent in January, versus a 0.9 percent in- crease in imports. Shipments of energy products were up 5.9 percent on rising oil prices. Non-energy exports increased 8.5 percent which is positive economic news for North of the bor- der.
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between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behaviors.” Therefore, one could say, effective communications is the exchange of information to achieve a desired effect. Today communication is critical for individual and business success and the tools we have to facilitate communication that fulfill our desire for instant gratification. With the integration of Email, Text, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok and so forth, in our daily lives, we are continuously connected with our work, social life, family, and everyone for that matter. Although this technology has brought us further than ever before in terms of virtual con- nections, in my opinion, it has brought us further from effective communication.
CONTRACTOR’S COMMUNICATION IS KEY IN BUSINESS AND LIFE!
by Dan Monk
P eople have been communicating for centu- ries through varying methods starting with primitive grunts, hand signals, and pictures on cave walls evolving into thousands of languag- es around the world. Our tools have changed as well, from stone tablets, to paper and ink, to our modern-day digital devices like smart phone and tablets that give us access and the ability to com- municate globally in the palm of our hands. Inno-
vation continues to make it easier to send infor- mation from one person to another and now, virtually instantly. Our challenge has always been ensuring effective communication. Webster’s Dictionary definition of effective is: “producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect” and of communication is: “a process by which information is exchanged
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Some may argue that today’s technology offers an effective way to communicate however, I believe this is more convenient than effective. I have been in business since before cell phones, e-mail, and texting. To be honest, I believe we are losing our ability to effectively communicate with each other as we move further away face-to- face meetings where the personalized elements of communication such as gestures, facial expres- sion, and emotion are even more important than the written or verbal information itself. Even a carefully written email or extensive phone conver- sation can leave you with questions. The addition of emojis, photos, or videos helps, but we will still be unable to interpret virtual messages as if they were communicated in person.
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We offer over 13 online courses to keep you safe and your training up-to-date during these challenging times. Most recently we have grown our online training and take home training to include: ▶ Emergency First Aid ▶ Standard First Aid ▶ Fall Protection Renewal (Self Study) ▶ Transportation of Dangerous Goods ▶ H2S Awareness ▶ Confined Space Renewal (Self Study)
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There are many occasions when instant and brief communication causes more confusion and conflict. This is why I often follow up a phone call or face-to-face meeting with an e-mail detailing what was decided or requested. A quick and easy response may be misleading with something so simple as using enthusiastic punctuation!!! I have read e-mails from clients that I interpreted completely different from another person in my company. When in doubt make a call or meet with the person; this will build trust. On another note, regarding communications, I believe everyone deserves the respect of a response. If a person has taken the time to send you a message or ask a question, it is import- ant that you check your messages regularly and answer promptly. We have so many methods of communicating yet we still encounter people who do not respond. Sometimes a response, such as confirmation of receipt is all that is required, especially in business. I consider a response a professional courtesy. As you can tell from this article, I place a lot of value in effective communications, regardless of
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the method and have had more success when I take the time to think, prepare, and then com- municate. If it is a request from a client, prepar- ing instructions for projects, or scheduling crews for the week, effective communication is essen- tial for success. I hope this article causes you to think about how we communicate as you pursue your passion.
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Hiding behind a screen during conflict and the ‘ghosting’ phenomenon is far from what the web developers intended when they imagined the virtual world of effective communication. The nature of instant messaging allows us to express real time reactions and sometimes takes away thinking process where you should allow yourself time to reflect in order to respond with a clear head. Also, our attention span has decreased, and distractions have increased which has changed business marketing; we rely on a few pictures, 3 second video clips, or 140 characters or so to communicate an entire idea and encompass our brand. We must be concise, entertaining, educa- tional, and represent our brand simultaneously. In my business, we value in-person, effective communication and are keen to provide detailed and accurate information to our clients, suppliers, subtrades, and employees. This ensures a higher level of productivity and minimizes mistakes as well as establishes a meaningful relationship and facilitates trust. These same principals apply
to communicating with a friend, partner, or children; take the small amount of extra time to ensure you are communicating effectively.
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH 2021
CANADIAN & U.S. TRADE DEAR AMERICA, STOP DISRUPTING $2 TRILLION IN CROSS-BORDER ENERGY TRADE by Mark Milke & Lennie Kaplan I t should be obvious that in a world where Russian President, Vladimir Putin is widely assumed to be behind the August poison- ing of that country’s opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, that perhaps liberal democracies should stick together.
This should be especially relevant on matters related to energy. After all, oil and natural gas exports are oneway inwhich autocracies pressure nearby countries and their political class to avoid criticizing Moscow too often or too publicly. Using energy exports as a weapon is exactly what Russia has been doing for more than a decade. In 2009, Russia cut off the natural gas supply to Ukraine in mid-winter, ostensibly over a pricing dispute, but in reality, it was an attempt to control Ukraine. That example and others are why some German lawmakers, including the head of the parliamen- tary committee on foreign affairs, wants a nearly complete Russian natural gas pipeline (Nord Stream 2) that deadheads in Germany, cancelled. Unlike some German politicians who want a pipeline killed because they fear Germany will becomeoverly reliant onanautocracy that targets political opponents with a death sentence, some American politicians target pipelines from a friendly nearby liberal democracy—Canada. Thus, one of the first acts from new American President, Joe Biden was to cancel the presidential permit for Keystone XL. Meanwhile, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been trying for months to kill off Line 5, a pipeline that
has been delivering oil and natural gas liquids since 1953. That pipeline, which owner Enbridge wants to make even more safe (there have been no spills in seven decades) by rerouting and encasing in cement 100 feet under Lake Michigan, is none- theless the latest target of anti-oil and gas activ- ists and a minority of American politicians. Reality check: Americans and Canadians are better served by continuing policies which have served both countries well since at least the 1973-74 energy crisis. (That’s when OPEC cut off oil flows to the U.S. in response to pro-Is - rael policy, cut production, and sent oil prices soaring by 300% in five months, damaging the American economy.) Friendly and complimentary Canada-U.S. policy is in part why—long before the U.S. could extract oil and natural gas in volumes high enough to reach virtual energy independence— total energy flows between the two nations have been worth nearly $2 trillion since 2000: because Canadian oil helps keep the American economy humming and natural gas helps keep American homes warm. Between 2000 and 2019, much of that trade flow, over $1.6 trillion, came from the oil and natural
“CanadianoilhelpskeeptheAmerican economy humming and natural gas helps keep American homes warm.”
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MARCH 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH 2021
gas that crossed (both ways) across the Cana- da-U.S. border. There are other energy products that made their way across the border (refined petroleum and other liquids at $253 billion; electricity at $69 billion, coal at $20 billion, and nuclear fuel at nearly $19 billion), but it is mostly the trans- border trade in oil and natural gas that powered economies on both sides of the border and kept homes warm.
The Mackinac Center notes how, absent Canadian natural gas through Line 5, those 330,000 Michigan homeowners would have to spend US$25,000 ($31,700 Canadian) to convert their home heating from propane to electric. And after that, they’d pay another US $3,500 ($4,400 Canadian) in extra heating costs every single year. The value of the energy trade flow is weighted to Canada’s exports. Out of $138 billion in energy products shipped in 2019 for example, roughly four-fifths were from Canada to the United States (about $112 billion). In reverse, American exports to Canada tallied up to about one-fifth ($26 billion) of the total energy trade that year. Of note, Texas and North Dakota shipped $9.6 billion and $3.5 billion worth of oil into Canada in 2019; on natural gas, Michigan sent nearly $1.5 billion in gas north to Canada with New York ($517 million) also sending a significant amount north. Whether measured in dollar terms in trade or in homes heated in a state like Michigan, the U.S-Canada energy trade is significant. It takes place between two countries which are both liberal democracies and whose last war took place over two centuries ago. Thus, it’s not as if Canadian companies are going to shut off natural gas supplies to the USA mid-winter (see: Russia vis-à-vis Ukraine in 2009), or cut off oil shipments to Americans akin to OPEC in 1973. Friends—especially friendly liberal democra- cies—don’t let their politicians attack each other. All that does is help our non-liberal competitors. Mark Milke and Lennie Kaplan are with the Canadian Energy Centre, an Alberta government corporation funded in part by carbon taxes. They are authors of the report, Nearly $2 Trillion in Energy Trade Flows between Canada and the United States: Trends from 2000 to 2019
To use one example from Line 5, as the Mich- igan-based Mackinac Center think tank points out, the pipeline provides nearly 65 per cent of the propane needed to heat 330,000 homes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, propane used to “heat their homes during Michigan’s frigid winters.”
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MARCH 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH 2021
GETTING THAT SOLD SIGN ON THE FRONT LAWN ISN’T AS EASY AS YOU MAY THINK! DESIGN OF THE TIMES I am no realtor, but from my dealings with the best in the business, I’ve learned a few import- ant facts about listing your home. As a home stager, I work closely with realtors right from the moment the listing agreement is signed. We discuss each home as if it’s the only one on the books. We figure out how to best approach the owners when they have an overflow of items close to their hearts, or the homeowners that are not onboard the real estate train because the only reason they’re selling is due to a change in family circumstances. No matter the reason, and despite the situation, the bottom line remains the same: the house must sell and there should be a team of professionals to help you with that process. by Megan Callahan
FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERYTHING Make a statement! Real estate photos are a buyer’s and agent’s first glimpse at your home. A staged house, stellar photos, and a large, cap- tivated MLS audience can be the perfect mix to create the buzz needed for a quick sale. By show- casing your home, you set the stage for your realtor to do their thing! The hard work is done. All that’s left is quick fixes for viewings. Clearing your countertops, doing your dishes, and sprin- kling some fairy dust on your interior before each viewing. STAGING – THE SILENT SALES PITCH Without being there to walk them through it, show buyers why they should make an offer! Staging is an unbiased way to market your home. It makes it easy for buyers to see the maximum potential of a house. It helps them picture them- selves and their belongings in the space. Staging is minimal yet bold; everything looks perfect and in its place. By staging your home, you are making buyers focus on what’s for sale, instead of being preoccupied with the ‘stuff’ in the home.
house for the highest dollar value in the least amount of time on the market. This is where I come in. Home staging can be a critical part of a smooth, quick transaction. Hiring a professional to stage your vacant home or complete an occupied home, staging consult will put your house at the top of the list for potential buyers. Vacant or occupied, you have the power to control how your house is portrayed to poten- tial buyers. Please join me on a journey down the home staging road! Let’s have a look at how staging can improve your ability to sell your home efficiently and get the most out of your investment.
WELCOME HOME! Staging creates a welcoming environment for buyers. When people are looking for a house to buy, they, along with their realtors, are in the trenches. They’re going from viewing to viewing and seeing it all. Cold vacant houses where they can hear their own echo and can’t wait to get back in the warm car. Cluttered, busy houses with dishes in the sink and a dirty kitty litter box in the rec room. Staged homes are different. They can act as a breath of fresh air to buyers. There is something to be said about that feeling buyers are left with after a viewing. It can give them butterflies, creating excitement for the future, or it can give them cold shivers and make them want to forget that moment in time. If it’s great, it’s hard to let go of that. A home purchase is a dash of prac- ticality and a heap of emotion. If it works and warms your heart, the signature is on the dotted line.
In theory, selling a home sounds simple. Depend- ing on the market situation, the reality is that it can be anything but that. There are a lot of working parts that need to mesh in order to get that sold sign on the front lawn. Before I add my expertise on home staging, I have to share the most important step you can take to get your house sold: find a fantastic realtor. Do your research, look at their stats, interview, inter- view, interview! Find a realtor who listens to what you have to say, wants to keep you informed, but most importantly one who explains how import- ant it is for you to listen to them. The great ones know the real estate market inside out. They’ll research your market, your competition, and find the perfect price to sell your home in a timely manner. They are professionals. A great realtor has a great team which may include a professional photographer, a mortgage broker, a lawyer, and a home stager. This team is all working toward the same goal – to sell your
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MARCH 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH 2021
to sell your house when you take this step. So often we hear “I’m going to list my house and see how it goes.” This is a mindset for failure. If you shift that mindset to “I’m selling my house and moving!” you give yourself the confidence and the push to start packing up, decluttering, and working hard to get ahead of the game. I always tell my occupied home staging clients that they’re selling their house and moving so they need to get these things packed up anyway. This is a fan- tastic opportunity to not only prep their house for the real estate market, but also get a jump on being organized, packing up, and starting on the big move. You need a winner’s mindset to win. ‘Commitment is the foundation of great accom- plishments’ (Heidi Reeder) Remember to follow us on Instagram at trim_ designnl for daily updates on what’s new and trending and to come back next month as we share more advice and helpful hints on how to sell your house for the highest dollar value in the least amount of time on the market.
SPACE IS EVERYTHING No matter the size of your house, buyers want to see the actual/practical space available. Now, you’d assume a vacant home would do the trick, but that is not the case for many buyers. People can find it difficult to picture the layout and size of a vacant home. Rooms appear smaller when empty, so staging will work to your advantage and show buyers the actual size, optimal furniture layout and best use of space.
COMMITMENT Whether it’s an occupied home consult or a vacant home staging, you are further committing
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MARCH 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH 2021
Members include Mike Totleben, owner of The Gateway Motel in Hallock, Minn. He said the motel is now fully rented by people working on the Line 3 Replacement project after most rooms remained empty through much of 2020. “The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out most of our customers last year, making it even harder for a business like mine to make it,” Totleben said. “Line 3 construction is now really pulling us out of a rough patch at a time when our entire com- munity really needed it.” It has been a similar experience for Alex Yaggie, owner of the Red River Ag store in Plummer, Minn. “Last year we were looking at what we would need to do to survive what had been a very hard
year. Now we are looking at how much more we can do to serve our new customers,” Yaggie said. “This came at the right time for us and will help our bottom line long into the future.”
MINNESOTA COALITION STANDS BEHIND LINE 3 AS BUSINESSES SEE ‘DRAMATIC’ PICKUP LINE 3 REPLACEMENT S ome businesses in Minnesota are seeing by Deborah Jaremko
“beyond remarkable” increases in custom- ers and sales thanks to construction of the Line 3 Replacement Project. “There are more customers here every day buying gas, supplies and other things they need before and after they go to or from the construc- tion site,” says Bill Schroeder, owner of Pete’s Place West, a convenience store near Bemidji, Minnesota, on the website Minnesotans for Line 3. “Seeing things change so much for the better has helped us and energized our community. We cannot immediately replace what was lost last year but Line 3 is making a major difference and we just hope nothing happens now to stop the work.” More than 5,200 people are currently building the pipeline project, owner Enbridge says, up from about 1,000 when construction started in December. Minnesotans for Line 3 is “a statewide coalition of people who support replacing Line 3 with something that is newer, better, and more effi - cient than the current line that was built in the 1960s,” the group said in a statement to the Canadian Energy Centre. “We have more than 100,000 people from all 87 Minnesota counties including businesses, chambers of commerce, trades and labor groups, elected officials, and others who have spent years of time attending meetings, making calls, sharing stories, putting up signs, and making sure regulators know how important it is for this project to be approved and completed.”
“We cannot immediately replace what was lost last year but Line 3 is making a major difference. ”
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MARCH 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH 2021
For decades, Line 3 has helped safely move oil and petroleum products from Canada to refiner - ies in Minnesota and other markets in the US and eastern Canada. Northern Minnesota for about 540 kilometres is the final leg of the Line 3 project’s 1,600-kilo - metre route from Hardisty, Alberta to Superior, Wisconsin. The project is replacing the existing pipeline that was built in the 1960s with a new, larger and stronger pipeline that incorporates advanced technologies to improve safety and environmental protection. Overall US imports of Canadian crude oil and petroleum products continue to increase despite the surge in US oil production over the last decade, reaching a record 4.8 million barrels per day December 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minnesota has no domestic oil production – its two refineries are primarily served by Enbridge pipelines. Over 98 per cent of Minnesota private land- owners along the Line 3 replacement route have signed easements allowing the project to proceed, Enbridge says. “If Line 3 is not replaced, more oil goes on train cars that are not as safe,” says Minnesotans for Line 3. “If the project were to be stopped, thousands of workers would lose their jobs and communi- ties who need economic support would lose the new customers and spending Line 3 is bringing to Minnesota.” The project is approximately 32 per cent complete, Enbridge says. It is expected to go into service before the end of 2021.
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH 2021
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