The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce is once again celebrating Small Business Week with events from Oct. 20 to 23, highlighting the importance of small businesses. Events, including an awards luncheon, will bring together the business community to share achievements, network, and showcase information and supports for local entrepreneurs.
"Small businesses contribute immensely to the economy and social fabric of the communities they operate in," said chamber president Andrew Lake in a press release. "Small Business Week celebrates those businesses that excel in the delivery of their products and service."
Laurel Broten, president and chief executive officer of Nova Scotia Business Inc., will be the guest speaker at this year's awards luncheon. She is a former Bay Street lawyer, Ontario cabinet minister, public policy expert, and mother of twin boys.
She earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University, followed by a juris doctorate from the University of Western Ontario. Upon graduation, Broten was selected as a law clerk to Madam Justice Claire L'Heureux-Dubé at the Supreme Court of Canada. She has extensive experience in cluster economic development and job creation with positive impact on creative industries, food processing as well as the green energy and clean tech sectors.
The chamber is seeking nominations for five awards, including New Small Business of the Year, Small Business Achievement, Export Achievement, Small Business Innovation, and, new this year, Excellence in Community Development.
Nomination forms are available from the chamber office at 605 Prince St. (Marigold Cultural Centre); online at www.trurocolchesterchamber.com, and the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Print the form, fill it in, scan/email it using [email protected] or drop it off at the chamber office in a sealed envelope. Nominations will be accepted until Oct. 9.
The awards luncheon will be held at the Holiday Inn on Oct. 21, beginning at noon.
Tickets are $25 for chamber members, and $35 for future members. Reservations can be made by calling 902-895-6328.
FACTBOX:
Small Business Week events:
Oct. 20 - Young Entrepreneur showcase: to foster entrepreneurial spirit in youth, while connecting them to resources in the community; Marigold Cultural Centre, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 21 - Small Business Week awards luncheon, Holiday Inn, 12 p.m., featuring Laurel Broten, president and CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc.
Oct. 22 - Women in business breakfast: will provide an opportunity for women business owners to network and learn about important resources in the community to build their business. Guest speaker will be Tanya Priske of the Centre for Women in Business.
Oct. 23 - Social Media 101 and Q&A, lunch and learn with Michelle McCann of Bold and Italic Social Communications at Nook and Cranny. Cost is $8 per person, seating is limited and pre-registration is required.
