Monday, October 31, 2011

Saint John Board of Trade announces recipient of 2011 “Big Heart Award”

The Saint John Board of Trade is very pleased to announce the recipient for the Outstanding Business Achievement “Big Heart Award” category. The 27th annual awards dinner and presentations will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30th at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre.

The Big Heart Award, established in 2003, recognizes those who are working to make this community a better place to live through their support of charitable or other community causes. This award is open to non-profit or charitable organizations, or to companies for their support (through time and money) of those organizations.

The independent judging panel has selected Hestia House as this year’s recipient of the Big Heart Award.

Since 1981 Hestia House has been providing a safe haven for women, and women with children, who are victims of family violence, Over those 30 years, more than 10,800 women and children have come through the doors of Hestia House seeking and finding food, shelter, safety and support, as well as the opportunity to break the cycle of abuse. A non-profit organization with a volunteer board of directors, Hestia House is funded by the Province of New Brunswick, the United Way of Greater Saint John, private and corporate donations, and various fundraising efforts throughout the year.

Hestia House is staffed 24 hours a day with nine full time employees, three relief workers, a child support worker and the executive director who provide lay counseling, referrals to community agencies and accompaniment to appointments with family court, criminal court, lawyers, income assistance and housing. All services are offered free.

A children’s program is operated on site in a special area of the house which has been designed to be inviting, fun, supportive and safe. The child support worker interacts with children and their mothers and offers referrals to community organizations which are designed to offer continuous programs to children after they leave the shelter. A 10-week children’s summer program has been particularly successful.

Abuse can take many forms: emotional, physical, sexual and financial. Making the break from an abusive partner is not easy and often the women face many barriers. Hestia House provides a non-judgmental supportive environment where women can make their own choices.

Previous recipients of the Big Heart Award were The Greater Saint John Community Foundation in 2003, the Irving companies in 2004, The United Way of Greater Saint John in 2005, the Saint John YM-YWCA in 2006, the Carpenters Training Centre in 2007, Canaport LNG in 2008, Key Industries in 2009, and the Saint John Kiwanis Club in 2010.

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community. With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organizations and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John. It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area.

Saint John Board of Trade announces recipient of 2011 “Big Heart Award”

The Saint John Board of Trade is very pleased to announce the recipient for the Outstanding Business Achievement “Big Heart Award” category. The 27th annual awards dinner and presentations will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30th at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre.

The Big Heart Award, established in 2003, recognizes those who are working to make this community a better place to live through their support of charitable or other community causes. This award is open to non-profit or charitable organizations, or to companies for their support (through time and money) of those organizations.

The independent judging panel has selected Hestia House as this year’s recipient of the Big Heart Award.

Since 1981 Hestia House has been providing a safe haven for women, and women with children, who are victims of family violence, Over those 30 years, more than 10,800 women and children have come through the doors of Hestia House seeking and finding food, shelter, safety and support, as well as the opportunity to break the cycle of abuse. A non-profit organization with a volunteer board of directors, Hestia House is funded by the Province of New Brunswick, the United Way of Greater Saint John, private and corporate donations, and various fundraising efforts throughout the year.

Hestia House is staffed 24 hours a day with nine full time employees, three relief workers, a child support worker and the executive director who provide lay counseling, referrals to community agencies and accompaniment to appointments with family court, criminal court, lawyers, income assistance and housing. All services are offered free.

A children’s program is operated on site in a special area of the house which has been designed to be inviting, fun, supportive and safe. The child support worker interacts with children and their mothers and offers referrals to community organizations which are designed to offer continuous programs to children after they leave the shelter. A 10-week children’s summer program has been particularly successful.

Abuse can take many forms: emotional, physical, sexual and financial. Making the break from an abusive partner is not easy and often the women face many barriers. Hestia House provides a non-judgmental supportive environment where women can make their own choices.

Previous recipients of the Big Heart Award were The Greater Saint John Community Foundation in 2003, the Irving companies in 2004, The United Way of Greater Saint John in 2005, the Saint John YM-YWCA in 2006, the Carpenters Training Centre in 2007, Canaport LNG in 2008, Key Industries in 2009, and the Saint John Kiwanis Club in 2010.

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community. With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organizations and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John. It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Measures being taken to make harbour bridge safer; support given to hospital foundation

The following is a news release from the Province of New Brunswick.

The new flow traffic design for the Saint John Harbour Bridge will see two lanes of traffic in each direction along with traffic-calming measures. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams made the announcement today.

"The design was a challenge in that there is a particular slope that was part of the original bridge and toll booth design,” said Williams. “The slope from east to west works with us, but the slope from west to east works against us in terms of safety. Traffic-calming measures are important, particularly when travelling west to east, to ensure public safety."

These traffic calming measures will include:
● a raised curb between the two lanes heading west to east;
● a concrete barrier; and
● speed measurement signs that show motorists their speed, similar to those present in school zones.

The tender for this work has been announced and will close on Monday, Oct. 31. The work will proceed following awarding of the contract and is expected to be complete this year.

Williams also said that $13,324 has been forwarded to the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation. The money was raised as part of the Pass it On campaign, which encouraged parking pass owners to donate any remaining balance on their transponder account to the hospital.

"St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation is truly grateful for the support of the community and the Department of Transportation in making the Pass it On campaign successful," said Laurie Flood, executive director of the foundation.

Funds raised through the campaign supported the 2011 Saint John Dragon Boat Festival and the purchase of two state-of-the-art pieces of equipment – a radiolucent spinal operating table for surgical services and an SLT laser for the opthalmology clinic at the hospital.

To view the original news release click here.

Saint John one of Smart 21

The following is an excerpt from a City of Saint John news release.

Saint John is the intelligent choice.

The city has been designated one of the world’s Smart21 high tech hot spots by the Intelligent Community Forum, an international-based organization dedicated to economic and social development in the broadband economy.Saint John’s application highlights the early world-leading work done in the city by NBTel developers and its Living Lab and the influence it had on the development of the city’s contemporary broadband culture.

“Saint John is where it all begins in terms of broadband development in our region,” said Mayor Ivan Court.

“Those technological innovations have influenced the way we do business and live in Saint John and the impact has been felt throughout our community, from the ICT companies now established in our Uptown to community groups, such as the Around the Block newspaper in Crescent Valley, using it to spread the word about local happenings.”

To view the full news release click here.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Saint John Board of Trade Announces Finalists for 27th Annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards

The Saint John Board of Trade proudly announces the finalists for Greater Saint John’s Outstanding Business Achievement Awards. The awards dinner, Saint John’s Premiere annual business event, and presentations will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre.

The five-member judging panel has selected PUNCH Productions, Saint John Ale House, and Thandi Restaurant as contenders for the Entrepreneurial Achievement award. The finalists for the Business Excellence honour include A.E. McKay Ltd., Bayview Trucks and Equipment Ltd., and Innovatia Inc. The finalists for the Emerging Enterprise award include Go-Go Gymnastics Inc., Natural Moves YOGA & Belly Dance, and The Urban Shoe Myth.

The recipient of this year’s Young Entrepreneur Award is Keith Brideau with Historica.

Now in its 27th year, the Outstanding Business Achievement Awards event recognizes businesses and business people in the community that have aided business development, entrepreneurship and increased economic progress in Greater Saint John.

The Entrepreneurial Achievement award is designed to recognize a company or individual that has started a business, considerably improved a company, or modified an existing enterprise.

The Business Excellence award focuses on established companies that have achieved highly in management quality, sales growth, community relations, marketing and leadership.

The Emerging Enterprise award recognizes new businesses just beginning to make their mark. To be eligible for this award, companies must have been in business less than five years.

The Young Entrepreneur Award recognizes young business leaders (30 years and under) just beginning to make their mark.

Previous winners of the awards, presented annually since 1985, have included: Lingley Printing Co. Ltd; Tabufile Atlantic Ltd; Pete’s Fruitique; Mother Nature’s Pita Bakery & Restaurant; Bourque Manufacturing Ltd; Eastern Technical Services Ltd; Fundy Computer Services Ltd; Moosehead Breweries Ltd; Hunter Marketing & Communications; Beattie Construction Services Ltd; Thirtysomething Enterprises Inc (The Body Shop); Gardner Electric Ltd; NBTel; Kelly Tire Services Ltd; Mitchell, McConnell, Daniels Insurance Brokers Ltd; PCL & Eastern Packaging Limited; Aquila Tours/Destination Marketing; Baxter Foods Limited; Brenan Group Ltd; DMR Consulting Group Inc; Maritime Aqua Service; New North Media; Delta Brunswick Hotel; Senior Watch Inc; Appleby’s Image Center; Discount Car & Truck Rentals; The Document Company Xerox; Impact Forensic Analysis Inc; CanSupply.com; Java Moose; Irving Oil, Refining Division; Funeral Directors’ Choice; Meridian Construction Inc; Media Planet; Eastern Collections Services Ltd; Cendant Canada Inc; Here Publishing Inc; CAA Maritimes; National Leasing, Rent-a-Chef Inc; H.E.L.P. Educational Services Ltd; Simply for Life; Cooke Aquaculture; Fundy Engineering & Consulting Ltd; ADI Limited; Brovada Technologies; Evolving Solutions; Mariner Partners; CentreBeam Inc; Canadian Cable Systems Alliance Inc; Maritime Rescue and Medical Inc; East Point Inc.; Lorneville Mechanical Contractors; Jacques Whitford Limited; Vision Coaching; The DPL Group; Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission; Opera Bistro; Dillon Consulting; Kelson & Kelson Limited; and ClinicServer.

Previous recipients of the Young Entrepreneur Award were Ji Li, Greg Hemmings, Tao Tao Liu, Marc Robichaud, Leah Anderson, Jenny Scott, James Galbraith, and Kiera Fraser.

This year’s winners will be announced at the awards dinner on November 30th. Tickets for the awards dinner may be obtained by calling the Saint John Board of Trade office at 634-8111, email ccunningham@sjboardoftrade.com or register online www.sjboardoftrade.com

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community. With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organizations and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John. It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

“Saint John Board of Trade Congratulates Irving Shipbuilding on being Awarded the National Shipbuilding Procurement Contract:

Excited About Opportunities for businesses in our Region to Benefit from economic spinoffs”
The Saint John Board of Trade congratulates Irving Shipbuilding on yesterday’s announcement by the Federal Government awarding them the $25 billion National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy contract for combat vessels. “The contract awarded will enable Irving Shipbuilding to undertake long term planning, which will provide stability and certainty to their supply chains – a very welcome piece of news for our region in today’s economy!” said John Warrington, Chairman of the Saint John Board of Trade. “The whole region will benefit financially from this contract. We are very excited about the opportunities for businesses in our region to benefit, both directly and indirectly, from the economic spinoffs of this investment.”

The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy contract is expected to see the Canadian economy grow by an estimated $1.5 billion in peak years, and potentially create 11,500 jobs in Nova Scotia and 4,500 jobs outside the province. “As one of only three shipyards across the country on the short-list of potential bidders and the only shipyard in Atlantic Canada on the short-list, we are thrilled the experience of our highly skilled workforce was recognized” said John Warrington.

Irving Shipbuilding’s Halifax Shipyard and the Atlantic region have a proven record of expertise in building naval ships. Irving Shipbuilding alone has built over two dozen government vessels, and numerous commercial and off-shore vessels. “Their ability to offer shipbuilding, fabrication, conversion and repair facilities, and a strong supply chain that stretches throughout the Atlantic Provinces makes them a logical choice for the combat vessel contract” commented Mr. Warrington.

“The Irving companies have a proven record in the Maritimes of using the local supply chain. I fully believe companies across the Atlantic Provinces will benefit from the contract awarded to the Halifax Shipyard” Mr. Warrington continued. “We’re a community on the East Coast – we want to see everyone rise together and realize that what’s good for one will be good for all. Our Chambers of Commerce work together, our Governments work together, and naturally our businesses work together.”

In 2009 and 2010, Irving Shipbuilding worked with 115 New Brunswick suppliers, more than thirty of those suppliers had contracts worth over $100,000, and eight at more than $1 million. For every $1,000 in real GDP generated from shipbuilding inside Nova Scotia by this contract, another $491 is expected be spent in other regions across Canada, $20 of which will be spent in the other Atlantic Canadian provinces. “This is a multi-billion dollar, long-term project which will strengthen many companies in our region” Mr. Warrington mentioned “We’re very excited for Irving Shipbuilding to begin work on this long term contract.”

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community. With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organizations and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John. The elected Board of Directors is representative of the diversity of the membership and their concerns.

For more information contact:
John Warrington, Chairman (506) 632-2446
Imelda Gilman, President (506) 634-4157

WorkSafeNB Announces 2012 Assessment Rates

The following is a news release from WorksafeNB.

WorkSafeNB announced [on October 5] a 15% decrease in the average assessment rate. A strong funded position and decreasing claims costs warranted an average rate reduction of $0.30, from $2.00 per $100 of payroll in 2011, to $1.70. The minimum assessment rate will also be reduced, from $0.32 per $100 of payroll to $0.28. The rates, effective January 1, 2012, continue to be the lowest in Atlantic Canada.

The rate reduction will see assessed premiums for approximately 13,700 employer operations either drop or remain stable in 2012.

“By attaining a fully-funded level of 111.5%, WorkSafeNB has assured rate stabilization for employers and the continuing security of benefits for our injured workers,” said Sharon Tucker, chair of WorkSafeNB’s board of directors.

“But, more importantly, since accident costs are key to determining assessment rates, this rate decrease signifies healthier and safer workplaces for all New Brunswickers, “ she said.

In 2010 WorkSafeNB met its targets for both duration and frequency of lost-time claims. “We want to thank workers, employers and stakeholders for helping make this happen.”

For more information visit WorkSafeNB's website: www.worksafenb.ca

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Aging Workforce Online Survey

Canada's population and workforce are rapidly retiring. This is a serious problem affecting the growth of Canadian firms and the future prosperity of businesses and communities, especially in rural and small communities. Many people aged 50-plus want to use their experience and skills to work and mentor a younger generation.

ThirdQuarter was launched in 2010 as a two-year pilot project to help employers find experienced employees who want to delay or reverse their retirement. An on-line meeting place, it makes it easier for these individuals to find jobs that match their skills. It also helps businesses and organizations narrow the field of potential employees to those who have the skills they're seeking. There is no cost to firms or ThirdQuarter workers to register.

ThirdQuarter Canadians are mature individuals aged 50 and over who want to use their career and life skills to explore new jobs, work flexible hours or volunteer in their communities. ThirdQuarter is unlike other job banks in that it doesn't use traditional approaches or resumes to find matches. The program focuses on the underlying essential skills that individuals aged 50 and over have and that businesses need. Many ThirdQuarter Canadians want a change from the work they've done all their lives. A typical resume or job bank focuses on prior employment and doesn't tell the employer the full story of an individual's skills or hidden talents. ThirdQuarter will use a series of skill tools to help bring those talents to the surface.
Volunteer and charitable organizations should register as businesses and identify either ongoing or time-specific volunteer jobs and opportunities. In registering, individuals can designate whether they are willing to consider volunteer opportunities.

This program is being tested in 14 communities in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and PEI in partnership with local, provincial and regional chambers of commerce. Most communities have populations under 250,000. The recent addition of Victoria expands the project into its largest urban centre. Saint John is currently being assessed as a potential ThirdQuarter site for 2012 and beyond. In partnership with the Saint John Board of Trade, community coordinator Valerie Roy is seeking feedback on ThirdQuarter from local employers.

Please take five minutes to view the ThirdQuarter site and respond to this 10 question survey by Monday, October 31st, 2011.

http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=3e956jx81zn2qhv973675

Province of New Brunswick Unveils New Plan for Energy Sector

The following is a news release from the Province of New Brunswick

The provincial government today released its new energy blueprint, which outlines a 10-year vision and a three-year action plan for the energy sector.

Energy Minister Craig Leonard unveiled the New Brunswick Energy Blueprint, which serves as the provincial government's response to the final report of the New Brunswick Energy Commission, released May 24.

"The blueprint is about lowering costs, creating efficiencies and making the right choices now to protect New Brunswickers today and for the next decade," said Leonard. "These action items will help keep rates for all energy sources competitive and stable while meeting our responsibilities to the environment in a balanced and incremental manner."

The blueprint outlines five key objectives that summarized the views of those who participated in the commission's public engagement process:
● low and stable energy prices;
● energy security;
● reliability of the electrical system;
● environmental responsibility; and
● effective regulation.

These objectives are intended to serve as the foundation of a new vision for the provincial energy sector.

The commission's 67 recommendations are integrated into a list of 20 action items that the provincial government intends to pursue during the next three years.

Significant items included in the action plan include:
● the amalgamation of the NB Power group of companies into a single, vertically integrated Crown utility;
● a review of the natural gas distribution model to achieve lower rates;
● subjecting all NB Power operations and rate changes to a strengthened and more transparent regulatory oversight system;
● the establishment of an office of the public energy advocate;
● an increased commitment to renewable energy sources; and
● a new focus on energy efficiency and better managing energy demand.

"NB Power is an extremely valuable asset and will remain a Crown corporation owned by the provincial government," said Leonard. "We are directing the utility to pursue an aggressive agenda that will see NB Power as a lower cost, more efficient organization that is paying down debt and building equity but, most importantly, protecting New Brunswick families and businesses by keeping rates competitive and stable for the next decade."

New Brunswickers have the lowest electricity rates in Atlantic Canada, and all customers are benefiting from a three-year rate freeze. Still, the action plan recognizes the need for competitive electricity costs for large industrial users, so the provincial government will introduce the new Large Industrial Renewable Energy Purchase Program. This will effectively match Canadian average electricity costs for qualifying large industrial customers and provide incentives for New Brunswick companies to build their own renewable generation.

NB Power is also being mandated to pursue a significant increase in renewable generation. While New Brunswick obtains 28 per cent of its in-province electricity demand from wind, biomass, hydro and other renewable sources, the provincial government will increase its commitment to renewable energy by ensuring that this amount is increased to a minimum of 40 per cent by 2020.

The result will be that, by 2020, New Brunswick will procure at least 75 per cent of its electricity from more stable-priced, clean, renewable or emission-free sources, including nuclear energy from the refurbished Point Lepreau generating station.

The action plan also dictates that New Brunswick pursue more efficient uses of energy.

"More efficient use of energy is generally less expensive than building or buying new supply to meet future energy demands," said Leonard. "Our success in reducing demand from existing sources will reduce future expenditures on new generation and help to ensure the affordability of energy for families and the competitiveness of our industry, while protecting the environment."

The New Brunswick Energy Blueprint is on the Department of Energy website.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Stonehammer Geopark Finalist for 2011 Canadian Tourism Award

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada today announced the finalists for the 2011 Canadian Tourism Awards, presented by The Toronto Star. Forty-three finalists were named in 14 award categories. Among the finalists are individuals and organizations from all ten provinces as well as Canada's North.

"We are very pleased to once again recognize the hard working and innovative organizations and individuals that continue to make Canada a world-class destination," said TIAC President and CEO David Goldstein. "We are extremely proud of this impressive collection of finalists who endeavour each and every day to create the very best visitor experiences in the world."

The Canadian Tourism Awards were established in 2003 to recognize success, leadership and innovation in Canada's tourism industry, and to honour those people, places, organizations and events that have gone above and beyond to offer superior visitor experiences to travelers in Canada.

The Canadian Tourism Awards will be presented at a gala dinner in Ottawa on November 24, 2011 at the Chateau Laurier. Showcasing the nation's best tourism products, services and experiences, the awards gala has become an annual highlight of The Tourism Congress, TIAC's annual convention.

The Stonehammer Geopark is a finalist for the Deloitte Innovator of the Year Award. The Innovator of the Year Award will be presented to the tourism business or organization that develops the most innovative new tourism product, service or process, or the most innovative new approach to an existing tourism product, service or process that positively impacts the tourism business or the tourism industry as a whole.

The judging criteria in this category are:



  • Creativity/originality/uniqueness of the innovation (20%);

  • Complements or enhances the range of tourism products (20%);

  • Positively impacts visitor/participant/spectator satisfaction (20%);

  • Exemplifies or stimulates the development of a broader growth, innovation and product development strategy (20%);

  • Promotes long-term growth in the tourism industry (20%).

For more information visit: http://www.tiac.travel/english/default.htm

APEC brochure and 2012 Outlook Conference

The Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) has released a 12 page brochure for small businesses to help them succeed in global markets: Succeeding Globally - The Importance of Global Value Chains for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in Atlantic Canada. It highlights successful global business strategies used by Atlantic Canadian firms, includes helpful case studies and provides other information that can help companies develop their international markets.

The business brochure (along with an accompanying research report which includes additional corporate profiles) can be easily downloaded from the following site in either English or French:
www.apec-econ.ca/SucceedGlobally.asp.

APEC’s Outlook 2012 conference (Let’s Get Out of Here: How we’re taking on the world) is being held in Saint John on 7 November 2011. This morning conference builds upon this theme and will feature a number of successful Atlantic companies who will share their international business strategies. For full conference details and to register online visit www.outlookconference.ca.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Saint John Board of Trade to host Dr. Warren Jestin, Chief Economist, Bank of Nova Scotia

The Saint John Board of Trade will be hosting Dr. Warren Jestin, Chief Economist with the Bank of Nova Scotia on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at noon. This event will be held at the Saint John Trade & Convention Centre.

Dr. Jestin has been with the Bank since 1979. He also has worked at the Bank of Canada and taught at several Canadian universities. Warren is on advisory boards for the University of Guelph Heritage Fund and the Sobey School of Business at St. Mary’s University. He has served on the C.D. Howe Institute’s Monetary Policy Council and has been involved with policy committees of the Canadian and Ontarion Chambers of Commerce and the Toronto Board of Trade. Warren also is on the Board of Markham-Stouffville Hospital. As Chair of Scotiabank’s Sponsorship and Donations Committee, Warren works closely with a wide variety of charitable institutions.

Event and ticket information can be found at www.sjboardoftrade.com and can be purchased by calling the Saint John Board of Trade office at (506) 634-8111 or emailing info@sjboardoftrade.com

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community. With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organizations and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John. The elected Board of Directors is representative of the diversity of the membership and their concerns.

For more information contact:
Imelda Gilman, President
Saint John Board of Trade
Tel: (506)634-4157 Fax: (506)632-2008
igilman@sjboardoftrade.com

Friday, October 7, 2011

10th Annual “Bare Necessities” Campaign

Saint John Board of Trade’s Women in Business Forum Launches 10th Annual “Bare Necessities” Campaign
Starting today, October 7th, the members of the Saint John Board of Trade’s Women in Business Forum will be collecting toiletry items for their tenth annual “Bare Necessities” campaign. The goal of the campaign, first launched in 2002, is to provide women’s shelters, food banks and other organizations packages containing the ‘little but necessary’ personal care items, just in time for the holiday season.
Going on vacation or a business trip? The next time you find yourself in a hotel room, don’t forget to bring home the complimentary items available to you from every hotel – shampoo, soaps, lotions, etc.
The campaign will run from October 7 to November 25, 2011.
“There are many business men and women who frequently travel,” says Imelda Gilman, President of the Saint John Board of Trade. “We are asking them to pack the complimentary toiletries and drop them off at a ‘Bare Necessities’ location.”
Drop off boxes are located at all CIBC and RBC Royal Bank branches throughout Greater Saint John, the Saint John Airport, and at the Saint John Board of Trade at 40 King Street.
Even if you do not travel you can still participate. Drugstores and shopping centers sell miniature size shampoos, conditioners, soaps, toothpaste too. Think Bare Necessities!
“We are really excited to be celebrating the 10th Bare Necessities Campaign this year,” Ms. Gilman commented. “The Campaign continues to grow year after year. Last year we were able to distribute over 40 boxes to more than 22 organizations in our community. We are continually impressed by how generous our members and the community are to support this campaign on an annual basis and look forward to the next 10 years!”
For a list of items needed, visit the Saint John Board of Trade website: www.sjboardoftrade.com.
The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community. With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organizations and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John. It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area.
The Saint John Board of Trade’s Women in Business Forum brings together women in business and other interested members to exchange ideas and information and share their experience. Identifies and deals with issues and challenges impacting women in business. Develops policy or activity recommendations for consideration by the Board of Directors. Works to develop activities and initiatives of benefit and interest to women in business in Greater Saint John.
For more information contact:Imelda Gilman, President634-4157

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

New website devoted to shale gas exploration, development

The following is a news release from the Province of New Brunswick.

The provincial government has launched a website devoted to shale gas exploration and development.

"We realize that many New Brunswickers have been asking for more information about the potential of natural gas development in our province, and more particularly, about the extraction of natural gas from shale," said Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup. "This website provides a great deal of information, and it will be updated as required."

Northrup said it is important to provide New Brunswickers with as much information about shale gas exploration as possible so they can make informed decisions. The shale gas industry is still at the exploration stage in New Brunswick. There has not yet been any indication whether full-scale development is possible.

The provincial government has been working on a variety of tasks related to this issue. For instance, it has taken measures to protect the environment in the event that development occurs.

In June, the provincial government announced measures that include having companies put securities bonds in place in the event of any incidents that would affect water so that immediate remediation can take place; providing full disclosure of any chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing; doing baseline testing of wells within 200 metres of any exploration activity; and creating a formula of revenue sharing from any natural gas development.

The website expands on those issues and also has a Frequently Asked Question section on water; hydraulic fracturing; environmental challenges; economic benefits; legislation; and regulations.

Other sections explain how the provincial government is proceeding and the various steps that will need to be followed before it is determined if an industry can be developed. There are links to other sites that show, through animation, how natural gas is extracted from shale formations.

"We are pleased to provide this website for New Brunswickers,” said Northrup. “This is just one piece of the puzzle; there is still a great deal that will be done to reach out to everyone interested in this industry, which has great potential for helping our province pay for crucial services such as health care and education."

To view the original news release click here.

To visit the Natural Gas from Shale webpage click here.