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NOVEMBER 2017 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017
EDITOR Lee Atwater
RESEARCH TEAM Katie Davis Ashley Saint Ashley Tanner EDITORIAL TEAM David MacDonald
DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE & GRAPHIC DESIGN Carmen Fitzpatrick
MANAGING DIRECTOR Stewart Gregg
SOCIAL MEDIA LEAD Calli Gregg
CONTENT AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Rod Gregg RESEARCH & SPECIAL PROJECT MANAGER James Oxley
CONTENT SERVICES LEAD Cameron Gregg
John Allaire Jamie Barrie
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Janice Buckler Denise Alison Jody Euloth Ceiledh Monk
ADMINISTRATOR LEAD Erica Atwater
PUBLISHER AIDACA Media
Being successful is about getting people involved, it is pride in our companies and communities that drive the economy, whether you are a small town in Nova Scotia, or an innovative company that had to travel to the Dragon’s Den to pitch your product and take your company to the next level. One thing that we continue to learn is success is a team effort, whether you are promoting visiting, living, working or doing business in a town or creating a game changing piece of equipment, you need a strong, engaged and passionate team. Yarmouth has a solid history of successes and innovation since the late-nineteenth century, it was Canada’s second largest port known for ship building and a hub for international commerce. Local entrepreneurs like John Patch, the inventor of the modern screw propeller, called it their home. It’s the homeport of Canada’s largest lobster and herring fishing grounds. The Cat, operated by Bay Ferries, offers speedy passenger and vehicle service in the Gulf of Maine from Yarmouth Harbour to Portland, Maine. And its waterfront is cur- rently proving to be the catalyst in a Renaissance in the Town of Yarmouth as Council pushes for more investment and land-use diversity in the area. Mayor Pam Mood, her Council advisor and Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Gushue, and Economic Devel- opment Officer Natalie Smith are proud of the history of the area but are focusing on the future and drawing-in entrepreneurs and start-ups and the importance of getting people involved in what it means to call Yarmouth, The Gateway to Nova Scotia, home. We visited with Andy Armstrong, the co-owner and managing partner of the Spin- drift Brewing Company again and we are not surprised of their continued success and expected growth. Andy tells us that they have doubled the brewery production from a year ago and they look to continue expanding and investing in their people and their brand with plans to get into the New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland marketing in 2018, something tells us they will do it. Expansion for Spindrift and the craft brewing industry is just what Tom Adams, Pres- ident of Jym Line Glassware wants to hear. Since 1969, they’ve been custom-dec- orating glassware and ceramics like beer and coffee mugs, but their bottles and growlers are always popular with many of the craft brewers in Atlantic Canada which is great for the Elmsdale, Nova Scotia Company. Jym Line Glassware is the ‘Can-do’
Glassware Company and look forward to meeting the demands in this growing industry. When we spoke with Laura Bradley, co-founder and co-owner of King’s Lock Craft Distillery in Johnstown, Ontario, we learned that they put as much effort into their brand logo as they do the product itself which is truly impressive for this overall green energy-based company where being local and being sustainable are really paramount in their success. If you didn’t see it, you should. It was inarguably the “A” story of the Dragon’s Den Season 12 premiere in late September. Spoiler alert, in the end, New Age Performance got what they came for and more. So take some time to read about the company and the product that had all six Dragons wanting in on a deal with Dr. Anil Makkar and company CEO and co-owner Rob Charlton. Again, we would like to thank all those involved with this issue and our readers as we look forward to telling more stories about successful businesses and the people making it happen.
AIDACA MEDIA TEAM
PO Box 350007 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3M 0G3 P: 613 699 6672 E: info@spotlightonbusinessmagazine.com spotlightonbusinessmagazine.com
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The Mi’kmaq people called it Kee- spongwitk (the land’s end). The French explorer Samuel de Champlain called
it Cap-Fourchu (the forked cape) when he first mapped its coast in 1604. The first permanent settlement there was a small French Acadian fishing village named Tebouque that recorded a population of 50 in 1750. (There is even evidence, a runic stone housed in the county museum and archives, which suggests the Vikings visited there in the 11 th century). Some historians argue that its name today comes from a request made by a small group of New England Planters granted land there in 1759. They wanted their new settlement, a permanent British flag of sorts to be planted on one of Nova Scotia’s most southerly capes during the Seven Years’ War with the French, to be named after their former home in Massachusetts: Yarmouth. By the late-nineteenth century, Yarmouth was Canada’s second largest port of registry with the second largest registered tonnage in the young nation. It was a ship building centre and a hub of international commerce that inspired...
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In every manner of speaking, it’s thirsty work. Since 1969, they’ve been cus- tom-decorating glassware and ceramics like beer and coffee mugs using screen printers before baking-in the brand or the occasion in a tunnel kiln at tempera- tures approaching 1120 degrees Fahr- enheit. “Our bottles and growlers are always popular, as well as our stemmed beer line,” explained Tom Adams, the President of Jym Line Glassware in Elmsdale, Nova Scotia. “Lately, we are seeing a lot of interest in our higher-end offerings, such as our Rasta line and our Spiegelau line of glassware. Whatever it is we’re creating for our customers, we...
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03 SPOTLIGHT ON NOVEMBER
10 NOVEMBER INDUSTRY EVENTS
14 SPOTLIGHT ON INDUSTRY
14 TOWN OF YARMOUTH On the Edge of Everywhere
31 STRATIGRO SMALL BUSINESS TIP FOR NOVEMBER Are you Trying to be All Things to All People?
32 BARE BONES BREWERY Fear no Beer
36 ABSOLUTION BREWING COMPANY Nailing it One Pint at a Time
To say I was like a kid in Santa’s shop would be pretty accurate. To say I was like a kid on Christmas Eve would be quite spot-on, too. I remember,
40 MESH MEDIA NETWORK The Dynamic Soul of Selling- Infuse Freshness into the Sales Process by being Dramatic
one year ago, taking notes and keeping an eye on my voice recorder. I remember Andy had the kind of handle on the interview questions I’d sent him the week before that I didn’t have to interject even once. But what I remember most was anticipating the tour. In an earlier email exchange, Andy promised me the complete tour experience at the Spindrift Brewery in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and I knew that meant two...
42 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS
44 KING’S LOCK CRAFT DISTILLERY Organic Spirits of the St. Lawerence S 50 FIRKINSTEIN BREWING CO. Local Boys Brewing Local Beer 54 KINSIP HOUSE OF FINE SPIRITS Real Canadian Spirit(s)
60 STEALTH DISTILLERIES
100% handcrafted BC Vodka
66 DISTRICT BREWING CO. Hoisting the Prairie Lager 70 SPINDRIFT BREWING CO. Whatever it is, it is!
76 MONASHEE SPIRITS Rising to the Top
t’s poetry. It’s all poetry. The logo; the name; the Whisky- jack Rye; the Von Schoultz Vodka; the PrescottWhite Rye; the Conestoga Gin; and the International Spirits Challenge 2017 bronze medal winning 1000 Islands Moonshine. “The logo itself really has a couple of different components,” explained Laura Bradley, co-founder and co-owner of King’s Lock Craft Distillery in Johnstown, Ontario. “One is obviously the maple leaf...
82 BRETON BREWING CO. Family Forward Brewing on the Island
88 SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION
88 JYM LINE GLASSWARE LTD. Your Brand. Your Glass
92 NEW AGE PERFORMANCE MOUTHWARE Real Science. Real Results. Real People.
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98 SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH
98 HOLISTIC HEALTH TIP FOR NOVEMBER BY JANICE BUCKLER Ways to Detoxify- Part Two “The Cleansing Fast”
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NOVEMBER 2017 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
A IDACA MEDIA understands that small and medium size enterprises and businesses are key to the successful growth of any economy and just as import- ant as big businesses to the global economy as a whole. By putting a spotlight on your business, organization or commu- nity with effective and interactive media and advertising we will help you capture the interest of business leaders and potential clients, giving you an opportunity to promote your brand and grow market share through mobile, online, print and social media support, helping your business connect and stay engaged with your customers.
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Family businesses are usually built from tradition and a deeply entrenched passion.
The Ampersand Distilling Co. is no different. It was born out of Jeremy and Jessica Schacht’s love of craft cocktails, combined with Jeremy and his father Stephen’s engineering backgrounds. Jeremy’s formal education in chemical engineering complimented his parents’ love of organic farming. The result? A craft distillery that combines education with passion to produce top-notch spirits.
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NOVEMBER 2017 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Center – Boston, MA, USA
Plant yourself at New England GROWS 2017, the biggest, most valued professional horticulture- related trade event in the North- east. GROWS 2017 is YOUR kind of show—serving multiple generations and three times as many industry segments, dedicated 100% to the region-specific needs and interests of the New England green industry. It’s a not-to- be-missed, one-of- a-kind experience that’s all about sending you homewith newproducts, tools, resources & the information you need.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT EXPOSITION & CONFERENCE
– New Orleans, LA, USA
The International WorkBoat Show is a trade-only conference and expo for commercial vessel owners, operators and builders as well as the vendors and suppliers that serve them. Held every year in New Orleans, the show attracts 15,000 members of the commercial marine industry, who come together from around the world to network, learn, spot new industry trends, and uncover innova- tive products and solutions. For more information of the event: http://www.workboatshow.com Follow on Twitter: @WorkBoatShow Follow on Facebook: @WorkBoat
November 29 th – December 1 st , 2017 Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Toronto, ON, Canada The Buildings Show is the leader in sourcing, networking and educa- tion in Canada for the design, archi- tecture, construction and real estate communities. The Show is home to Construct Canada, HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo, IIDEXCanada, PM Expo and World of Concrete Pavilion. Together, we create the largest expo- sition for the entire industry. More than 30,500 trade profes- sionals attend the Show annually to discover new innovations across the building industry and source the latest materials, products, tools and technologies from more than 1,600 Canadian, US and international exhibits. Through the Show’s com- prehensive seminar program, attend- ees can choose from 350+ seminars, keynotes, summits and roundtables led by a roster of 500+ industry experts. For more information of the event: www.pmexpo.com Follow on Twitter: @InformaPLC Follow on Facebook: @InformaPLC
For more information of the event: http://www.newenglandgrows.org/
Follow on Twitter: @newenglandgrows Follow on Facebook: @NewEnglandGROWS
LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW (LA AUTO SHOW)
December 1 st – 10th, 2017 LA Convention Center – Los Angeles, CA, USA Los Angeles Auto Show is a 10 day event being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This event show- cases product from Auto industry. It is an excellent platform for you to generate good business fortunes, unparallel exposure to automobile fraternity, cross-fertilization of ideas and the opportunity to present your
THE INTERNATIONAL WORKBOAT SHOW
NEW ENGLAND GROWS
November 29 th – December 1 st , 2017 Boston Convention and Exhibition
November 29 th – December 1 st , 2017 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017
of food fair, music, activites, PLUS a brief train ride though the city!
keting and partner management.
proposition to consumers.
Women of the Channel Leadership Summit includes the most promi- nent and rising women across the spectrum of builders, buyers and sellers. This one-of- a-kind event empowers and cultivates the next generation of female leaders; and offers female channel and IT exec- utives an opportunity to advance their skills, network with peers and be inspired by the women making a significant impact on the IT channel and industry today. Attendees benefit from interactive workshops, peer panels, motivational speakers, networking time and engaging sessions – all focused on the chal- lenges, trends and opportunities in the today’s technology sector. For more information of the event: http://www.thechannelco.com Follow on Twitter: @TheChannelCo
The LA Auto Show is one of the most highly attended international auto shows in the world and one not to be missed by those in the industry. For more information of the event: https://laautoshow.com Follow on Twitter: @LAAutoShow Follow on Facebook: @LAAutoShow
For more information of the event: https://makeawish-atl.ca/event/wish- express-presented- griffith-family- foundation-0 Follow on Twitter: @MakeAWishAP Follow on Facebook: @hopscotchfestival CSE 2017 - COMPREHENSIVE EMBEDDED SYSTEMS CONFERENCE December 5 th - 7 th , 2017 San Jose Convention Center - San Jose, CA, USA Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Silicon Valley returns to San Jose with a fresh, in-depth educa- tional program designed specifically for the needs of today’s embedded systems professionals. With more tracks, a full day of technical tutorials, and a host of top electrical engineer- ing talent on stage, you’ll get the spe- cialized training you need to create competitive embedded products. Fill your notebook with insights, get hands-on in the classroom and on the expo floor, and speak directly to the engineers anddevelopers who can help you work faster, cheaper, and smarter. For more information of the event: http://escsiliconvalley.com/ Follow on Twitter: @ESC_Conf Follow on Facebook: @ESCConf
Follow on Facebook: @TheChannelCompany
WOMEN OF THE CHANNEL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT EAST 2017 December 4 th – 5 th , 2017 New York Hilton Midtown – New York, NY, USA Today’s women who lead or aspire to inspire others must possess the language of possibility. To break new ground for their orga- nizations, ascend personally and pro- fessionally, women must understand that possibility is a new framework for thinking. This means getting com- fortable with what is less certain and choosing words that drive invention and creativity. Women of the channel today are gaining significant power across the IT industry and in the corporate world. Their roles and influence have clearly evolved into a major force. As individuals and collectively, women today can change the way people think about the future of sales, mar-
THE WISH EXPRESS - PRESENTED BY THE GRIFFITH FAMILY FOUNDATION December 5 th , 2017 VIA Train Station – Halifax, NS, Canada ALL ABOARD! Join Make-A- Wish. along with special charactes at THE family event of the holidays! Enjoy an unforget- table experience that includes lots
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For more information of the event: http://festivalofcrafts.ca/ Follow on Twitter: @signaturesca Follow on Facebook: @FestivalOfCraftsYYC
RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD NORTH AMERICA
December 5 th - 7 th , 2017 Las Vegas Convention Center - Las Vegas, NV, USA
THE NEW YORK PRODUCE SHOW AND CONFERENCE
As the World’s Largest Power Generation Event, POW- ER-GEN International is the industry leader in providing comprehensive coverage of the trends, technologies and issues facing the generation sector. More than 1,400 companies from all sectors of the industry exhibit each year to benefit from the exposure to more than 20,000 attendees. Displaying a wide variety of products and services, POWER-GEN International represents a horizontal look at the industry with key emphasis on new solutions and innovations for the future.
December 11 th - 14 th , 2017 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center – New York, NY, USA
This four-day world- class event for the industry includes networking opportunities, a one-day trade show of over 400 companies, retail “thought-leader” breakfast panel, educational micro- sessions and tours of the region’s vibrant industry, including local retailers, wholesalers, foodservice distributors, urban farms and unique eateries.
For more information of the event: http://escsiliconvalley.com/ Follow on Twitter: @PwrEngineering Follow on Facebook: @PwrEngineering
For more information of the event: https://www.nyproduceshow.com Follow on Twitter: @NYProduceShow Follow on Facebook : @NYProduceShow
FESTIVAL OF CRAFTS
Want to be featured in our events? Contact us at www.spotlightonbusinessmagazine.com
December 7 th – 10 th , 2017 BMO Centre – Calgary, AB, Canada
The Festival of Crafts is one of Canada’s biggest holiday handcrafted shopping events, showcasing the very best that the Canadian Handmade community has to offer. For four days, the BMOCentre at Stampede Park transforms into a magical marketplace featuring over 250 of Canada’s most talented artists, artisans, and designers showcasing their stunning works and interacting with shoppers, making this event a truly unique experience. With an incredible range of locally and nationally sourced quality handmade goods, including fashion, jewellery, home décor, sculptures, glassware, natural body care, and delicious gourmet treats, this event ensures everyone on your list will love the gifts you give.
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Pouring Perfect Pints
Did you know that an estimated 10 million Canadians drink beer as their alcoholic beverage of choice? Draught beer is the freshest of these beers, as it does not go through the same distribution channels as canned or bottled beer. It is produced, kegged and delivered fresh to pubs and restaurants. As a draught system technologist, BeerTech’s number one goal is to ensure that draught beer be dispensed to consumers as the brewer intended. It all starts with system balance. Whether it is a short draw system (direct draw from a fridge below the towers) or a long draw (from a cooler located somewhere
in the building and driven to the tower and faucets at the bar), it is imperative that the system be balanced. Cooler temperature, beer temperature, gas pressure and calculations on the route the beer will travel (distance, any gravity or lift the lines will travel, restriction caused by hardware such as tubing size and hardware within the towers) must be correct. The result will be a perfectly poured pint; cold, properly carbonated and with a nice head on the beer. It is critical after a proper install that the BeerTech system is maintained regularly. Temperatures should be monitored and the lines, couplers and faucets should be kept clean. As well, the cooler in which the beer is stored should be kept clean.
Serving quality draught beer requires time and technique. Select the proper glassware for the style and brand of beer you are offering. When pouring draught, the glass should never contact with the faucet. Hold the glass at a 45 degree angle until reaching ¾ full, then straighten and lower slightly to allow for the head to form. Beer, much like wine, has a nose. The glass should be served with the logo or label facing the customer and, whenever possible, on a coaster from the respective brewery. Follow the steps above and you are ready to enjoy a fresh, perfectly poured pint every time! Please enjoy responsibly! Ken Greer Owner Technician BeerTech Draught Systems Technologies
BEERTECH PROVIDES CONSULTING, DESIGN, INSTALLATION, CLEANING & MAINTENANCE SERVICES
HAPPY CLIENTS CHRISTOPHER REYNOLDS, ANDREW CONNELL AND LAURA MACDONALD - OWNERS OF STILLWELL BEER BAR
CUSTOM TAPS
KEGERATORS
BEVERAGE DISPENSE GAS
BULK CO2 SYSTEMS
(902) 431-BEER (2337) www.BeerTech.ca
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017
The Mi’kmaq people called it Keespongwitk (the land’s end). The French explorer Samuel de Champlain called it Cap-Fourchu (the forked cape) when he first mapped its coast in 1604. The first permanent settlement there was a small French Acadian fishing village named Tebouque that recorded a population of 50 in 1750. (There is even evidence, a runic stone housed in the county museum and archives, which suggests the Vikings visited there in the 11 th century). Some historians argue that its name today comes from a request made by a small group of New England Planters granted land there in 1759. They wanted their new settlement, a permanent British flag of sorts to be planted on one of Nova Scotia’s most southerly capes during the Seven Years’ War with the French, to be named after their former home in Massachusetts: Yarmouth. By the late-nineteenth century, Yarmouth was Canada’s second largest port of registry with the second largest registered tonnage in the young nation. It was a ship building centre and a hub of international commerce that inspired local entrepreneurs like John Patch, the inventor of the modern screw propeller. Yarmouth is still largely shaped by the sea. It’s the homeport of Canada’s largest lobster and herring fishing grounds; Lobster Rock Wharf and the Southwest Region together annually lands Canada’s largest herring catch. The Cat, operated by Bay Ferries, offers speedy passenger and vehicle service in the Gulf of Maine from Yarmouth Harbour to Portland, Maine. And its waterfront is currently proving to be the catalyst in a Renaissance in the Town of Yarmouth as Council pushes for more investment and land-use diversity in the area. Earlier this fall, Mayor Pam Mood, her Council advisor and Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Gushue, and Economic Development Officer Natalie Smith spoke with Spotlight on Business about drawing-in entrepreneurs and startups, the importance of getting involved, what it means to call Yarmouth home, and the event and festival culture in The Gateway to Nova Scotia.
By David MacDonald T he readers would love to hear a bit about each of you – a snapshot – and about what motivated your civic spirit. PM: I spent my childhood watching my Grandparents give to the community: my Grandfather was Mayor and my Grandmother volunteered in many ways to make the com- munity better. It was exciting to me. I also grew up with the mantra “Don’t complain – do something about it.” Now I’m humbled to be leading this amazing Town on what I call the best piece of real estate on earth. Giving back, being able to envision a better future and striving to do all it takes to get us there, it drives me every day. NS: When my family moved to Yarmouth County in 2008, we saw the bones of a great town, a great community of people that knew what needed to get done to bring the town back to not only its former self but something even better. I wanted to be a part of that, so I got involved as a volunteer in many community development initiatives. That’s really what’s lead me here working for the Town as their Economic Development Officer.
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JG: What drives me is knowing that I can make a differ- ence. Sometimes that difference is at an individual level, and sometimes it is across the community. It all matters. Nothing ever just happens. Decisions are driven by the context and opportunities that people see. Our job is to have a vision for our future and focus on achieving that future. Some things we control and some things we can influence, but very little happens in our community that we cannot affect for the better – if we try. Everybody wants opportunities whether it’s for their careers, for their families and for their own dreams. In Yarmouth, we’re big enough that just about anything is possible and small enough that everybody can be heard and make a difference. “I cannot overstate the importance of a cohesive Council to the success of a community and that’s what we have here.” How long has the current Council been formed and what is your shared agenda for the business community in Yarmouth? PM: This present Council has been in office exactly one year and the work done thus far has been to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and the greater business community to take chances. We have rewritten bylaws and regulations to ensure that setting up a business is an easy process; we have an ace EDO who is tremendous at building relation- ships and visioning for the present and future needs of businesses and who connects potential with seekers with an enthusiasm that is contagious. We have listened to the business community and continue to do everything we can to cut through the red tape. We are open for business on a level the Town hasn’t seen in a long time. JG: Within their first days, this Council agreed to set prior- ities for their mandate, and they have been together and focused on shared success. I cannot overstate the impor- tance of a cohesive Council to the success of a community and that’s what we have here. The motto of your Town Seal [Progress) and your logo [On the Edge of Everywhere] are equally inspiring. In what ways are these descriptors reflective of the business community – and community at large – in Yarmouth? JG: Our success is rooted in optimism and thoughtful deci- sion-making. Mayor Mood sets a positive tone – and she’s impatient about achieving success. Our other leaders on Council are equally passionate about our community. It is tremendously exciting.
Our community will only achieve success if it is a shared
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success between the business community and the people who live and work here. The Town of Yarmouth has made strong signals to the business community that we are open, inviting and supportive of their success. I believe those signals are being well received. In Yarmouth we have intelligent, innovative and tireless people creating opportunities and growing our economy. The best thing we can do as a town is listen, make appro- priate infrastructure investments and sometimes, get out of the way! PM: Progress is an easy one as we are seeing businesses not only setup, but grow and expand under new regulations and a belief in the future of Yarmouth. One would be hard- pressed to find businesses anywhere willing to open if they do not believe in the direction of the town. We are seeing this on a growing basis. On the Edge of Everywhere was meant to denote that we are not at the end of the Province or the world, but instead on the edge of everywhere you want to be. We are on the edge of technology with our national award-winning heritage apps, Wi-Fi and more. We are on the edge of hospitality as we have invited the world back numerous times through different sporting and other events; we are on the edge of many things and it shows as we set the bar with our facade program, our transit service and more. We don’t wait. We set the bar. NS: The whole community is working to overcome some
well-known disadvantages. We are more than three hours from an international airport and the Provincial capital, Halifax, a major city. We do have an aging popula- tion and population retention has been an issue. But in the face of these disadvantag- es, we’re even more focused on building opportunities. We’re creating opportuni- ties unique to our ocean location in fishing, seafood processing and renewable green energy. Our proximity to the Eastern United States also creates opportunities in tourism and international trade, not to mention arts and culture. What would you tell an entrepreneur with a young family who was considering making Yarmouth their new home? NS: Yarmouth is a place where young families can start and grow. There is a new state of the art primary school that will be opening in 2019, along with a newly con- structed high school completed in the last
four years. We have many opportunities for families to be involved with both organized and drop-in activities and sports for the whole family at no cost or low fees. You can see a play, visit many of our museums, be an artist, take-in a movie and dinner, or sip a coffee at one of our family-friendly, Wi-Fi free cafes. We also have beautiful trails to walk, run, bike, or walk
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the dog. We’re even in the process of creating an off-leash dog park. We have a great library, continuing education opportunities at the community college, one gigabyte fibre op availability in town, a community mall, downtown bou- tiques and shops and the list goes on and on. I love it here. PM: I would say “Welcome to what much of the world is seeking – the very best quality of life!” Then I would imme- diately set up an appointment with our EDO so they could have a chat about possibilities and steps forward. I’d also let them know how excited I am with each new entrepre- neur. We love their spirit, their courage and their tenacity. They belong in a town that is on the edge! JG : I would introduce them to some people like Mathieu Maltais, Aldric Robicheau, and Mark Davis. “The best thing we can do as a town is listen, make appropriate infrastructure investments and sometimes, get out of the way!”
These are people with great perspective on doing business in Yarmouth.
You will not find a town that has a team like ours who will help you get started. We have many of the amenities you would expect to find in larger communities, but with the
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small town sense of community.
We have a beautiful climate and more waterfront property than you can believe. Who are the biggest employers in the Town of Yarmouth right now? And I’m sure the readers would love to hear more about some of the rising stars in the entrepre- neurial community in Yarmouth. NS : Some of our largest employers come from the public sector such as the Nova Scotia Health Authority, the Tri-County School Board, and various Provincial govern- ment offices. In addition, retailers like Canadian Tire, Walmart, Superstore, and Sobeys employ a lot of people in Yarmouth. Manufacturers like Tri-Star Industries and fish processors like IMO Foods and Scotia Gardens are also big employers with many decades in business. PM: We have large Provincial employers, as do all towns, but we also have locals who employ many. Mathieu Maltais, who Jeff mentioned, is a local entrepre- neur. A few short years ago he purchased a local pharmacy and saw the opportunity for a high-end coffee shop and thus Sip was born. He has since expanded Sip, opened a clothing store, gift and flower shop and is the provider
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of food services on The Cat ferry. Mathieu believes in the potential of Yarmouth and is one of the largest private employers here. He’s still growing with more to come. There are many like him who are taking advantage of the excite- ment that comes with being here now as an entrepreneur. Part of that excitement is undoubtedly tied to the Downtown Streetscape and Downtown Façade programs in the Town of Yarmouth. Can you please tell the readers how those programs have impacted the community? PM: If there is one thing I hear repeatedly it’s “Wow,
downtown feels great!” and that’s because of the Façade and Streetscape programs. The downtown really does look amazing. It’s been a total transformation. But the best part is that in describing the downtown, folks are referring to the feel more than the look. The programs have created community in the best possible way. What was, only a year or so ago, a nearly destitute, drab, empty downtown is now a vibrant, colourful, full-of- life gathering place for families, friends, seniors and more. Coffee is now an experience. Going to the drug store has turned into an opportunity to sit with friends and chat on a bench. The programs have, in their own way, given permission for businesses to step into colour palettes, signage and other things that bid people
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to come in. The transformation is absolutely amazing and alive. On another level, the program has sent the message to potential business owners that the Town of Yarmouth cares enough to put our money into the mix. This has encouraged buyers to purchase once-vacant storefronts and transform them into beautiful pieces of art that are, again, bidding people to come, stay a while. “I’d say where we really shine is when we get to host an event that brings folks from across the country and the globe.” NS: As Jeff mentioned, the town has undertaken strategic projects over the past five years that are making Yarmouth a destination for visitation, relocation and newbusiness start-ups. The Downtown Façade program, the Streetscape project, the newly-branded wayfinding signage, the branded banners beautification initiative, our Communities in Bloom initiatives, the town promotional videos, and all of the new town branding efforts, really, have been positively received by the community and visitors.
years the program has been in place with more future appli- cations in the queue for 2018.
Businesses are seeing their tax dollars re-invested in ways that will attract people to the downtown and to their doors. Businesses who have invested in their facades have also invested in their business interiors, signage, and marketing. We are working with businesses in many business improve- ment opportunities offered through the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Yarmouth Branch of the CBDC [Community Business Development Corporations.] Our Business Retention and Expansion Program, offered by the Western Regional Enterprise Network, is also helping a
Over 61 facade applications have been approved by the Facade Society, a volunteer board of citizens, in the three
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NOVEMBER 2017 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
“I spent my childhood watching my Grandparents give to the community: my Grandfather was Mayor and my Grandmother volunteered in many ways to make the community better.”
lot of people.
business community that we are in this together, we believe in you, and we want to invest in your success. It wasn’t any one program but a series of thoughtful and strategic initia- tives that got us here. We’re focused. The Waterfront Symposium is certainly an example of your collective focus on Council. JG: It is. The Waterfront Symposium is about taking a step back and checking-in with the community about the future
Residential rentals in the downtown are at an all-time high with young professionals, couples, and retirees all wanting to live where they can take advantage of the town’s ameni- ties and enjoy town life. JG: It really does look better.We didn’t go downtown and say Fix up your building! But instead we said Let’s spruce- up Main Street together! It was all part of signalling to the
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017
of the waterfront. We have 25 years of waterfront devel- opment behind us that has changed Water Street from a heavy industrial-only area to a tourist friendly, retail, dining and heavy industrial area. This exercise is about clarifying the vision for the next 25 years, and identifying projects, policies and programs that can be implemented in support of making that vision a reality. PM: We are tremendously blessed with a rich, historic, working waterfront and we want to ensure its sustainability and tap into its potential. Making the best decisions means we need to have everything on the table. The symposium is a way to gather folks that may have different ideas, put everything together and come out with the best go-for- ward plan. Some will be residents who like to enjoy a walk on the board walk and connectivity may be forefront in their minds. Others are owners of the fishing vessels and fish plants along the waterfront that fully understand what is required to maintain the working waterfront. Others may have ideas as to how we can meld the two. It’s exciting to sit with a group of citizens who are committed to better. It’s notable that in the Programs and Initiatives section of your website that the links to your Development Rebate Program and your Heritage Properties Incentive programs are neighbours. Is that at all reflective of the Town of Yarmouth’s vision in that your past plays a vital role in your town’s future?
PM: The cultural and historic tapestry of Yarmouth is rich and runs deep. We believe in both preserving and celebrat- ing our heritage and these programs certainly encourage folks to take advantage of our history. JG: That is absolutely true. Our history is our foundation and our future is under construction! We celebrate our heritage and culture and we are without a doubt proud of the built heritage within our town. But we are also reimag- ining our future. Whatever that is we know it will be built on the foundation of our history, but embracing the changes and advances of today has been rewarding and there’s no looking back from that. What is the festival and event culture like in a revitaliz- ing Yarmouth? JG: So many of the events that take place in the Town of Yarmouth are truly regional. There are events and activities every weekend. Our community is second-to- none when it comes to volunteering and enjoying a festival. I’d say where we really shine is when we get to host an event that brings folks from across the country and the globe. Events like Nova Scotia Music Week, the World Junior A Hockey Challenge, the Canadian Mixed Curling Championships, and the Play On! National Ball Hockey
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NOVEMBER 2017 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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Championship are huge for us. Our culture here in Yarmouth is welcoming and hospitable to everyone and we want our guests to enjoy our community as much as we do. PM: We like to think no one does festivals and events like us. And full credit goes to our community of volunteers who show up by the hundreds to provide the best hospi- tality experience ever. We love visitors for a lot of reasons but we really enjoy showing off our welcoming, fun spirit. Although we are a small town, we don’t have a small-town mentality. The bigger the event, the faster we step up! Like Jeff said, our culture is one that mobilizes around events and initiatives. In 2019, the world is invited to Yarmouth to the Communities in Bloom Symposium and Awards. We
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017
are the smallest community to ever host this event and we welcome the world with open arms. There are already residents stepping forward to volunteer. NS: Along with the Arts and Culture Centre and the Waterfront Action Plan project, Council has recently launched a public engagement platform that anyone can access at www.getinvolvedyarmouth.ca . The engage- ment website will be used for town projects needing community input and ideas and it will help to inform Council and staff in decision making and prioritization. The website will enhance what we are already doing at public meetings, presentations, and consultations – and it help with the information we share on social media and our website.
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NOVEMBER 2017 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
By Jamie Barrie T here is a reason why Amazon is one of the largest retail companies out there and that is they are not afraid to expand into new and different sectors and aggressively go after market share using the companies amazing e-commerce, logistics, payments, hardware, data storage, and media platforms to capture sales and customers. Amazon is said to be considering moving into the drug space, which has many drug distributors and retail pharmacies looking to erase millions from their market value. However, pharmaceutical companies have a much different tone wel- coming Amazon in to the drug space, saying that the giant could offer increased distribution efficiencies to the sector. Amazon is expected to make a decision on entry into the drug space as soon as the end of November. As news the company had secured wholesale pharmacy licenses in 12 states to support Amazon’s existing business in medical equip- ment sector, it does open the door for opportunity and a ton of speculation by retailers like CVS, Walgreens and Rite-Aid and drug distributors; McKesson, AmerisourceBergen and Cardinal Health about the companies intentions. Many experts say that the pharmacy space is too complicated and heavily regulated, which could deter Amazon from pursuing it as they are currently looking to get out of the wine shipping business because it has proven to have too much regulation. However, other experts argue that is why Amazon could successfully enter the sector because of the experi- ence they have gained with their wine business.
One thing we do know is, if there is an opportunity, Amazon is not one to shy away from going after it, which means more than the turkey has to be nervous this Thanksgiving holiday.
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017
By Jamie Barrie J ust ask Toronto-based miner, Barrick Gold Corp. as lower gold production and a hit on sales from its Tan- zanian operations are being blamed for a reported net loss in the third quarter of $11 million USD or a penny per share, compared against net earnings of $175 million USD or 15 cents per share from a year earlier for the same period. Information coming from Barrick shows that overall gold production came in at 1.24 million ounces, down 140,000 ounces when compared to 1.38 million ounces for the mining giant in the third quarter last year. Barrick, which owns 64 per cent of Tanzania-focused Acacia Mining, is cur- rently embroiled in a tax and refining dispute with the gov- ernment of Tanzania that the company says has affected its gold sales. So it is good news for the company and investors that Barrick has been working on a deal to reach a resolution with the government of Tanzania that would include Acacia Mining paying $300 million USD and transferring 16 percent interest in its three gold mines to the government, allowing the company to get back into full production at the three Tanzania mines.
Any deal made would require approval by Acacia Mining’s board of directors before being finalized.
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NOVEMBER 2017 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
By Jamie Barrie T he sunny days of summer are not the only thing that left Canadians in August, so did the country’s economy. Statistics Canada reported the country’s economy shrank by 0.1 percent in August as declines in oil and gas and manufacturing sectors more than offset the small gains in other industries. According to Statistics Canada data the manufacturing sector posting its biggest one month decline in almost 20 years, making it more important than ever for small and medium sized businesses to continue to invest and grow as this was the first monthly contraction for the Canadian economy overall since October 2016. According to Bank of Montreal economist, Doug Porter, “The run of amazing Canadian economic data is officially over, with growth coming back to reality in a hurry.” This was not good news for the Canadian loonie as it continues to lose value against the U.S. dollar, which was hitting some highs as of late.
The news doesn’t get much better for the oil and gas sector as growth was down again, making it the third month in a row that this industry saw negative expansion.
The crown jewel of the Canadian economy is the service sector, which squeaked out a small gain of 0.1 percent, continuing the sectors 17 consecutive months of expansion.
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017
By Jamie Barrie T here is lots of action in the entrainment industry as Twenty-First Century Fox held talks to sell most of the com- panies estimated $24 billion of movie studio, TV production and international assets to Walt Disney Co. sending shares in both companies upwards. CNBC has reported the two sides were not currently talking, but had held talks in the last few weeks, reflecting a view among Fox managers that the firm could not gain the size needed to compete with Amazon, Netflix and other major media players. Disney, which under U.S. rules could not own two broadcast networks, would not purchase all of Fox, and would not seek to buy Fox’s sports programming assets in fear of violating any antitrust laws with its own ESPN network. Fox News and Fox’s local broadcasting affiliates will also not be part of any deal due to Disney’s ownership of ABC.
The deal would leave Fox a much smaller company but more focused on news and sports, not entertainment programming and movies. Most analysts say that this is a good deal for both com- panies as Disney is better at operating assets like studios and movie production and can offer more growth when these are consolidated with other assets that are owned by Disney.
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NOVEMBER 2017 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
By Jamie Barrie W ell according to a recent report by JPMorgan Chase Institute, shoppers spend 3.5 percent less in grocery stores, gas stations and other retailers in the month following the end of daylight savings time. Shoppers spending a little less may not seem like something that would make much of a difference, but to businesses it can be a huge problem in an already tightened economic market that its selling retailers struggle and in some cases close altogether.
The study compared the shopping habits in Phoenix, which does not use daylight savings time, to shopping habits in three other cities that do; Los Angeles, Denver and San Diego.
Research shows that in the cities that have daylight savings time that shoppers made fewer trips out to the stores, resulting in fewer overall purchases. Looking at results for Los Angeles, shoppers spent about 4.6 percent less on fuel, 4.8 percent less on retail shopping and 5.9 percent less in grocery stores in the 30 days following the end of daylight savings time, which is surprising giving that Black Friday happens in this time period also. According to spokesperson Craig Shearman, despite indicators that daylight savings time may be tough on retailers, the National Retail Federation is historically on board. The organization, which represents retailers across more than 45 countries, including the U.S., “strongly supports” daylight savings time.
Industry experts also agree with Shearman stating that the end of daylight savings time boosts the economy by pro- v i d ing more hours for shoppers to be out spending money, which does not seem to
follow the research data at least not in these three cities. In saying that, research data was only looked at over two months, rather than the stretches of time between the
transitions, and cannot show if the reduced spending will have any lasting impact on businesses over the year. So all eyes will be on Black Friday’s sales results to see what effects the end of daylight savings time will have on shoppers this year.
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2017
2. Focus on Product Uniqueness and Product Quality Successful entrepreneurs understand the importance of product uniqueness and product quality. The café we mentioned missed out on a unique opportunity to provide a unique, high- quality service. When they opened, the nearest café offering a similar café experience was 70 km’s away. People were genuinely excited when they opened their doors. But instead of focusing on that unique café experi- ence, they tried to be all things to all people (the goal seemed to be to make use of every square foot of the building). The quality of the coffee was good, but the quality of the food and the café experience was not very good. If you’re going to invest precious resources (time and money) in a product or service, focus on the things you do exceptionally well. If you’re selling anything that is not your best, then get rid of it. 3. Don’ t be afraid to say no! Most entrepreneurs are people pleasers. When a customer (or potential customer) asks if we can help them solve a problem, our instinct is to say yes. This is especially true during the business startup phase, but even mature busi- nesses can fall victim to the people pleaser syndrome. Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. You need to focus your finite resources on products or services that: • Play to your strengths • Have the greatest potential for growth • Provide you with above industry average profit margins Businesses fail every day because they don’t understand the importance of a strong consistent brand built around the things the business does really well. These three rules will help you get your product mix right!
By Denise Alison D o you have a strong consistent brand? Or do you have too many products or services?It’s a common problem and it can have a big impact on the long- term success of your business When it comes to product mix there are three golden rules. 1. Avoid Brand Confusion If someone asks what you sell, you better be able to answer that question in one or two sentences. And once you set that expectation for your customer, you better deliver. Here’s a real life example. A few months ago we stopped in at a café whose brand was built around high-quality specialty drinks (using a well-respected Fair Trade Coffee) and quality baked goods and sandwiches. Or so we had been told. When we walked into the place we saw a confusing array of retail goods including signed sports jerseys, jewelry, and other knick-knacks. The place was cavernous and cold. The coffee was good but the sitting area was less than appealing. The food selection was minimal and not very tasty. This week we learned that the business was closing, and it’s not surpris- ing. I guess this business was trying to diversify revenues, but they forgot to focus on their ideal customer and in the process, they created a café that no one wanted to go to.
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