Mike Allison brought his business – Allison Land Surveys Limited – to Stewiacke three years ago and has taken on the role of president of the new Stewiacke and Area Community and Business Association.
“The association is something that came out of several meetings the town held with a number of local businesses,” said Allison. “One of the things that the majority of business owners said was needed was a local business group. At the time, there was no thought as to what that group might be, but there was nothing really for the businesses and community people.”
Allison said the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce has expanded and now includes businesses in the Stewiacke area, however business owners and community members, such as Joely Killen and Tammy Giffin, were interested in creating something more than just a business group.
“We got together in late 2013 and have held many meetings since then,” explained Allison, adding the association has been registered and created bylaws.
After sending out emails to the local businesses and community leaders, the association has more than a dozen members and has formed an executive.
“We want to provide a voice to the different government levels, whether it is town or provincial,” he said. “We also want to be a local forum for networking.”
The association has a number of ideas in mind to work on, however, Allison wouldn’t reveal anything specific just yet.
“We’re hoping to work with the town on some project it might have on the go, and work with community leaders or organizations – there are a lot of people that need help, and even businesses that could use help from established businesses. Hopefully that would eliminate some of the red tape.”
Allison said the association will soon have a website up and running that will make members and the area known.
“And we hope to work on some recreation projects and some networking, whether it be lunch and learns or business breakfasts,” he said.
For more information on the association, call 639-1630 or email sacba001@gmail.com.
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
