The Truro establishment was recognized as Best Western Rewards Champion at the chain's international annual North American Convention held recently in Orlando, Fla. The award was presented in front of more than 2,000 industry peers.

The award is given to member properties that demonstrate extraordinary support of Best Western's free rewards program, Best Western Rewards. Recipient hotels must also meet design and customer care standards, as well as other membership requirements, to qualify.

The Best Western Plus Glengarry in Truro is one of only 14 hotels out of more than 2,400 properties in Canada and the Unite States to have received this honour.

November 18

The Heartbroken

This Sunday Night (Nov. 20)

Marigold Cultural Centre

This Sunday, at 7:30pm, a new band “The Heartbroken” will play at the Marigold and opening for them is “Carleton Stone”.

We have so much confidence that you, members of the Chamber, will love this show that we are willing to reserve you a ticket. No money up front. And after the show, if you don’t think it’s worth the $15 ticket price, you don’t have to pay. But we think you will, and then we think you’ll get a cd. We’re that sure you’re going to love these bands.

Let me tell you about “The Heartbroken” and “Carleton Stone”.

Two weeks ago I went Nova Scotia Music Week and I saw a lot of music. One musician that really stood out for me was “Carleton Stone”. I noticed him at first because everyone was talking about going to see his show. He was supposed to have a great voice and lots of energy. Let me tell you, Carleton Stone’s show was MAGNETIC! His voice is so clear and his melodies are really fun and catchy. It was hard not to dance! He’s not country, but you can hum his songs right away. And he has SO MUCH energy on the stage. Not to go on, but did I mention how cute he is?! You could fit a loonie in his dimples.

Donald, Executive Director here at the Marigold, has the coolest job ever.  Every year he goes to music conferences all over Canada and the US, listening to new and well established musical acts and connecting and reconnecting with musicians and agents. And he’s been doing it for over 15 years. Donald knows his music and we are lucky to have him.

Two of the musicians that Donald has followed for a long time are Damhnait Doyle and Stuart Cameron, both from the East coast. Working with Peter Fusco and Blake Manning, they’ve formed a new band “The Heartbroken”. Since making their Canadian Country Music Awards debut last year, they have criss-crossed the country playing for enthusiastic audiences. Following up their single “Seventeen” which received great support from Country Radio and CMT, they have just gone to radio with the infectious tune, “The Truth”. This year, “The Heartbroken” were nominated for Best Group at the CCMA’s and they’re Eastern Canada’s hottest new band. 

Everyone has a story of when they saw a certain band before they made it big, this is your chance to make that story. This is a small venue, it will be an intimate show, and “The Heartbroken” and “Carleton Stone” are bands that are soon going to outgrow our little theatre.

Call the Marigold and take us up on our offer today, you won’t be disappointed.

For More Information:

Contact: Melanie Grant or Donald Ferguson

Phone: 902 893-2718

e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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November 9

CANADIAN RED CROSS HONOURS NOVA SCOTIA HUMANITARIANS

HALIFAX - Two well-known business and community leaders from Truro and a student from Oxford will be honoured Thursday evening in Halifax by the Canadian Red Cross as the 2011 recipients of its Humanitarian and Young Humanitarian awards for Nova Scotia.

Rose Wilson, David K. Wilson, and Paige Black will receive their awards at a fund-raising dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. at the World Trade and Convention Centre. Proceeds support Red Cross disaster services throughout Nova Scotia.

Rose Wilson, along with her late husband Peter, are known for their involvement in the fuel delivery business and they shared a long history of giving back through foundations, scholarships, school, music, recreational and community groups as well as numerous charitable organizations.

David Wilson, who is co-chair of Wilson Fuel and chair of Kerr Controls, Ski Wentworth and Crabbe Mountain, is also a member of the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame and was named 2009 Atlantic Canada Entrepreneur of the Year.

He's a life-long supporter of sports teams, the Scouting movement and many community organizations as far back as the 1950s.

Black is an 18-year-old student at Oxford Regional Education Centre. She has used her athletic, musical and leadership skills to foster interest among youth in global humanitarian issues through organizations including the Red Cross, Oxfam, Unicef and orphanages in Haiti and Kenya. She plans on pursuing an education degree at Dalhousie University.

Additional details on the event, all three recipients, and the option of offering a congratulatory message, are online at redcross.ca/humanitarian.

November 8

Pearl and Daisy Natural Soap   Company announce has finalist in I-# Technology start up.

Pearl & Daisy Natural Soap Company has been selected as a finalist in a provincial competition aimed at finding and supporting high potential, early stage knowledge-based companies. Innovacorp today announced its list of Nova Scotia companies moving on to round two of the I-3 Technology Start-Up Competition.

Company owner Rebecca Taylor is excited about the opportunity this competition may offer, with a prize of $100,000 in cash and business development services to the first place winner in each region, and an additional $100,000 seed money to the overall winner. "We've been developing an effective insect repellent that is safe for all ages and pleasant to use. Innovacorp's professional expertise will enable us to move forward with product manufacturing and distribution, should we be selected as a winner."

Currently manufacturing a range of 100% natural soap and bath products sold in more than 85 locations across Canada and the USA, the company is exploring new technologies in the natural personal care market, with a focus on plant sciences. With many people looking for alternatives to DEET, Taylor seeks to resolve problems usually found with natural bug sprays, which are greasy and limited in their effectiveness. Her research has led her to consultations with mosquito experts in Winnipeg and Florida, and to a unique formula that is as effective as DEET, but non-toxic, and easy to apply.

The Londonderry-based company recently opened a manufacturing space at CoRDA's industrial mall in Debert, and was awarded the Truro & District Chamber of Commerce's 2011 Export Achievement Award sponsored by Nova Scotia Business Inc. The company has experienced significant growth since it was founded two years ago.

In total, the competition attracted 142 formal submissions from across Nova Scotia, far exceeding Innovacorp’s goal of 100 submissions. Five finalists were selected in each of the five regions.

“I’m very inspired by the vibrancy of Nova Scotia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Throughout the province, I’ve had the privilege of meeting capable entrepreneurs in every sector,” said Clifford M. Gross, president and CEO of Innovacorp. “We are grateful for the participation of all the I-3 competition entrants, and we extend our congratulations to the finalists in each region.”

Entrepreneurs selected to move on to round two are required to submit a full business plan to be reviewed by the six-person judging committee in each zone. Each zone winner will receive $100,000 in cash and in-kind business building services, with the second-place zone winners getting $40,000 in cash and services. Award packages will include business building services in the form of marketing, accounting, sales, and legal expertise from the I-3 competition partners.

At the end of the competition, one provincial winner will be selected from among the five first-place zone winners, and awarded a $100,000 seed investment from Innovacorp. That announcement will be made at an awards event in February.

http://innovacorp.ca/2011-2012-I-3-StartUp

August 23

Tri County Ford and Local Community Raises Thousands for North Shore Recreation Centre

Innovative test-drive event yields much-needed money for local recreation centre

Tatamagouche, NS, August 19, 2011 – Tri County Ford, North Shore Recreation Centre and members of the community raised $3000 in support of the local recreation centre at a recent test-drive event, as part of Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited’s Drive One 4 UR Community program. For each of the over 150 Tatamagouche residents who test-drove a Ford vehicle on Saturday, August 6^th, Tri County Ford and Ford of Canada donated $20, with funds going toward supporting the North Shore Recreation Centre’s programs.

Since the program’s inception in 2010, Drive One 4 UR School and Drive One 4 UR Community have offered more than 25,000 test-drives at more than 160 events to generate over $460,000 in donations for high schools and organizations in Canada. The money raised during the Drive One 4 UR School and Community programs has helped ensure that extracurricular and community activities like sports and music programs continue in local communities.

“We are thrilled that so many people from the local community turned out to support the North Shore Recreation Centre. Participants had the chance to take a fun, casual drive in one of our vehicles, while lending our community a much-needed helping hand,” said Eric MacKeen, General Manager.

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August18

Londonderry soap company heading to Canadian Country Music Awards

Pearl & Daisy Natural Soap Company is on its way to the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards.  The Londonderry, NS company has been invited to sponsor the official gift lounge, backstage at the 2011 CCMA Awards in Hamilton, Ontario on September 11 and 12.

Rebecca Taylor and Amanda Langille are ready to don their cowboy hats as they prepare to meet Canada's top country stars and international performers. The pair will be personally presenting them with gift boxes containing the all-natural soap and bath products that are handcrafted in Nova Scotia.

Pearl & Daisy Natural Soap Company was contacted in July and asked to be part of the official gift lounge of the CCMA Awards.  “It's an honour to be chosen,” says company owner Rebecca Taylor. "What a great opportunity to share Nova Scotia's soap company with celebrities and media across the country!"  Other sponsors in the official gift lounge will include Canadian companies that make gourmet chocolate, tea, and jewelry.

Now the big decision lies in which of the company's eight collections to bring; they have to narrow it down to just three.  The company has set up a poll on its Facebook page for people to vote for their favourite Pearl & Daisy collection. Everyone who participates will be entered in a draw to win one of three chosen Pearl & Daisy gift boxes, complete with celebrity autographs by Canada's top country stars.

Canadian superstars George Canyon, Terri Clark, Doc Walker and Emerson Drive will take the stage, along with internationally acclaimed Ronnie Dunn, during the nationally televised event airing September 12 from the Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario.  The CCMA Awards are the culmination of Canadian Country Music Week.

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May 11th, 2011

THE CHILDREN'S PLACE TO OPEN IN TRURO MALL

Strathallen Property Management Inc. has officially announced that "The Children's Place" will be opening a new approx. 4,000 square foot
store in late summer/early fall of this year in the Truro Mall. The Children's Place new store will be located beside Zellers and construction is already well underway.

The Children's Place is a leading specialty retailer of children's merchandise, ages newborn to 14 years, and will be a welcome addition to
the shopping centre. We have worked diligently with this tenant, and other tenants such as SportChek, to not only lease space in the shopping
centre but also fill the needs of the community for an expanded selection of products and services such as sporting goods and children's clothing.

Units are available in the shopping centre for fashion, pharmacy, and other retail/service uses and a pad is available for a restaurant use.

Truro Mall is a 250,000 square foot enclosed regional shopping centre owned and managed by Strathallen Property Management Inc. (902.402.6956)

May 10, 2011

Nova Scotia Wineries Harvesting 2010 Gold

The warm summer of 2010 has helped Jost Vineyards in Malagash, NS and Gaspereau Vineyards, just outside Wolfville, NS win Gold at the Tasters Guild International Wine Competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“Without a doubt 2010 was one of the best grape growing years in Nova Scotia that I have seen,” said Hans Christian Jost, owner of Jost Vineyards in Malagash.

The 2010 Valley Roads L’Acadie Gris made by Jost Vineyards was one of the big winners at the competition being one of only a few wines winning a Double Gold.  Joe Borrello, President of the Tasters Guild Wine and Food Appreciation Society, in Grand Rapids Michigan pointed out “that to win a Double Gold a wine is judged twice by two independent panels of 3 judges each and all 6 judges must independently give it enough points to win a Gold Medal.”

Mike Mainguy, assistant winemaker at Gaspereau Vineyards, was equally delighted to see his Gaspereau 2010 Rosé win a Gold Medal at the competition.  Ontario native and Niagara College Graduate, Mainguy said, “I felt very fortunate coming to Nova Scotia last summer to make wine in such a great growing year.”

The Valley Roads 2010 L’Acadie Gris will be released to the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation next week to be available for sale in early June.  The Gaspereau 2010 Rosé will be available for sale in the Gaspereau Winery store by mid-June.

Hans Christian Jost said, “2011 should be an exciting year for the Nova Scotia wine industry with the stellar 2010 Vintage coming onto the market from all Nova Scotia producers; as well three new wineries opening this summer.”  Jost added, “With 14 wineries open to the public throughout the province, Nova Scotia is certainly getting to be a wine destination in Eastern Canada for wine and food lovers.”

For more information, please contact:

Hans Christian Jost, Malagash, NS at 902-257-2636 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (please leave your phone number)

Mike Mainguy, Gaspereau, NS at 902-542-1455 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

-          The 24^th Annual Tasters Guild International Wine Competition 2011 evaluated nearly 2500 wines from 11 countries on April 27-30, 2011

-          Jost Vineyards was first licensed as a winery in 1983 and Gaspereau Vineyards in 2003

-          There are now over 400 acres of vineyards in Nova Scotia

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Superior Customer Satisfaction and Sales Earns Tri County Ford Sales in Tatamagouche National Award from Ford of Canada

Tatamagouche, NS, April 11^th, 2011 – Tri County Ford is among an elite group of Ford and Lincoln dealerships to be recognized as part of the 2010 President’s Award Diamond Club by Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited.  The President’s Award Diamond Club, Ford of Canada’s highest dealership honour, is presented annually to those dealerships who demonstrate outstanding achievement in sales and customer satisfaction.

For 2010, Ford of Canada is recognizing Ford and Lincoln dealers across the country for providing a superior customer experience in sales, service and overall dealership experience.

“Earning The President’s Award signifies our entire staff’s dedication to delivering superior customer satisfaction day in and day out,” says Tri County General Manager, Eric MacKeen. “I couldn’t be more proud to receive this recognition, especially since it comes from the people we value most – our customers. They’re the reason we are able to accept this award.”

Ford of Canada introduced The President’s Award in 2000. Dealers become eligible through excellence in dealership operations and exceptional customer feedback through survey responses related to their sales and service satisfaction and overall dealership experience.

“For the first time in more than 50 years, Ford of Canada was the best-selling manufacturer in the industry in 2010 – we acknowledge that our dealers and the superior quality of service they deliver to our customers were instrumental in achieving this recognition.  Canadian consumers know they can find world-class quality, leading technology, safe, fuel efficient vehicles and exceptional customer service and satisfaction at their local Ford dealership,” says Al McCormick, Canadian vice president of Ford Customer Service Division.  “The President’s Award is a testament of our gratitude to those dealers who are committed and excel in delivering the highest quality of service.”

Nova Scotia's soap company wins Best New Product award

The Atlantic Craft Trade Show (ACTS) presented the award for Best New Product to Pearl & Daisy Natural Soap Company at their annual gala this weekend in Halifax. Selected from more than 150 exhibitors from across Atlantic Canada, the Nova Scotia soap company impressed the adjudicators with the quality of the products and the nostalgic packaging.  Company owner Rebecca Taylor handcrafts 100% natural soap and spa products in eight collections that are themed on the east coast. She also produces the packaging, creating graphic designs that are based on vintage wallpaper and linoleum flooring found in old Nova Scotia farmhouses.

Since the soap company was formed in 2009, it has grown rapidly.  Starting with two dozen retailers on the east coast, Pearl & Daisy Natural Soap Company products will now be available in more than 65 boutiques, galleries, and spas across Canada, New England and Florida. Taylor credits the ACTS wholesale show with much of that success. The trade show is produced by the Craft Alliance, with funding from the four Atlantic provinces.  Provincial funding lowers the cost for artisans to participate in the show and promote their handcrafted gift-ware to Canadian and American buyers.

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NEW Designation

Congratulations to Jonathan Crawford and Rebecca MacKenzie for their recent accomplishment in passing the Uniform Evaluation (UFE) for chartered accountancy.  Jonathan and Rebecca are both accountants in assurance and business advisory services in the Truro office of Grant Thornton.  Jonathan graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University and Rebecca graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Francis Xavier University.

Grant Thornton LLP is a leading Canadian accounting and advisory firm providing audit, tax and advisory services to private and public organizations. Together with the Quebec firm Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP, they have more than 4,000 people in offices across Canada.  Grant Thornton is a Canadian member of Grant Thornton International, whose member and correspondent firms operate in over 100 countries worldwide.

The Nova Scotia practice of Grant Thornton LLP, with eleven locations from Sydney to Yarmouth, is the largest public accounting firm in the province.  Their Truro office, with over 15 client service staff, provides a full range of audit, tax and business advisory services throughout Central and Northern Nova Scotia.

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Below is an article in its entirety, about local businessman Ed Mac Donald  Thank you Harry Sullivan for allowing us to re- publish the article

Local auto recycler makes cover of national magazine

Harry Sullivan

MacDonald surprised by the attention he has received

Topics :

Media Matters , Automotive Recyclers Association of Atlantic Canada , Recyclers Association , Thornhill , Ottawa , Canada