Digby & Area Board of Trade

10/11/2024

This evening of October 10, 2024, the Digby & Area Board of Trade hosted a Municipality of Digby Council candidates forum at the Legion in Digby. The candidates in attendance were Joan Ross, Angela Thurber (District #1), Matthew Ross, Charlotte Sabean (Charles Batstone sending his regrets) (District #2), Linda Gregory, Jenna MacAlpine (District #3), Angela Nichols, Peter Scherer (District #4) and Tammy Fitsgerald, George Manzer (District 5). A total of 42 people, including the candidates, attended the event. The forum followed a structured format similar to the previous forum, with four key questions presented to the candidates as follows:

1/ What motivates you to become a Councillor for the Municipality of Digby?
2/ What are the top three priorities or key issues you would focus on if elected as a Councillor for the Municipality of Digby?
3/ Thinking in terms of the Municipality as a business , what experience do you have that would contribute to operating it?
4/ What new ideas would you bring to the table in respect to helping grow the Municipality while keeping the small town feel?

Each candidate was given a two-minute limit to respond to each question. The forum concluded with closing statements from all the candidates. It provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to meet the candidates in person and hear their perspectives, while also offering insight into various new initiatives and challenges within the municipality.

10/09/2024

This evening of October 8, 2024, the Digby & Area Board of Trade hosted a Town Council candidates forum at the Legion in Digby. The candidates in attendance were Heather Burlingham, Jacqueline Dugas, Randy Harris, William McCormick, Paul Saulnier, Troy VanTassell, and Shane Weir, with Rick Foote sending his regrets. A total of 62 people, including the candidates, attended the event. The forum followed a structured format, with four key questions presented to the candidates as follows:

1/ What motivates you to become a Councillor for the Town of Digby?

2/ What are the top three priorities or key issues you would focus on if elected as a Councillor for the Town of Digby?

3/ Thinking in terms of the Town as a business , what experience do you have that would contribute to operating it?

4/ What new ideas would you bring to the table in respect to helping grow the Town while keeping the small town feel?

Each candidate was given a two-minute limit to respond to each question. The forum concluded with closing statements from all the candidates. It provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to meet the candidates in person and hear their perspectives, while also offering insight into various new initiatives within the town.

This format will be repeated on Thursday evening at the same time and location, featuring the candidates for Councillors in the Municipality of Digby.

10/01/2024

Have you heard about the new FREE Virtual Workshop called "Successful Business Basics", offered by CBDC? All online, so you can gain new knowledge to help you run your business all from the comfort of your home or office. Check out the details below ↓
📈 Set Your Business Up for Success with Our FREE 4-Part Workshop Series! 📈

Join us this October for a free virtual comprehensive workshop series “Successful Business Basics”, led by Krista Harding from South Shore Opportunities, designed to equip you with the essential tools and knowledge for running a successful business.
Each week covers a key topic, from budgeting and cash flow to financial statements and bookkeeping, with hands-on activities to help you put theory into practice.

Workshop Details:

✔️ WEEK 1 – October 9th, 2024:
Does your personality and life fit owning a business?
Learn about entrepreneurial traits, legal business structures, and how to create a budget to support your business. This interactive session will help you determine if entrepreneurship is right for you!

✔️ WEEK 2 – October 16th, 2024:
Cash Flow Mastery
Understanding the flow of money in and out of your business is crucial. This week focuses on cash flow planning and strategies to improve cash flow management.

✔️ WEEK 3 – October 23rd, 2024:
Financial Statements & Tax Considerations
Learn why financial statements aren’t just for big businesses! This session will break down the essentials of financial statements and discuss important tax considerations like HST, business expenses, and payroll.

✔️ WEEK 4 – October 30th, 2024:
Bookkeeping Basics
Is manual bookkeeping enough for your business, or should you invest in software? This hands-on workshop explores different bookkeeping options and helps you decide what’s best for your operation.

💡 Don’t miss this chance to enhance your business skills and set yourself up for long-term success!

👉 Register now to reserve your virtual spot for one or all four FREE workshops: https://www.cbdc.ca/en/cbdc-virtual-training-series-0

10/01/2024

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Digby & Area Board of Trade invites you to the Candidates' forum at the Digby Legion on Tuesday, October 8th.
Meet & Greet at 5:30 | Forum 6 pm - 9 pm.

This is a great opportunity to hear what each candidate for the Town of Digby has to say about the issues and concerns affecting our Town. Light refreshments will be provided.

Should you have a question or require accommodation, please contact Kevin Ellis at 902-247-4246 or email: [email protected]

08/27/2024

Incorporated in 1898, we are proud to be recognized by the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce as one of the three officially registered organizations serving Southwest Nova Scotia, alongside the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce and the Chambre de commerce de Clare

As we work to rebuild our brand to better serve our members and enhance the prosperity of the business community in Digby and the surrounding area, we ask for your patience and support. Please sign up through our contact form to receive updates on news and the official launch date of our new website.
↓
https://www.digbyandareaboardoftrade.ca/

We look forward to serving you better in the near future!

05/09/2024

Dear Members of the Business Community,

We would like to bring to your attention that the domain name "www.digbytrade.ca" and its associated email address "[email protected]" are no longer operational, nor accessible to the DABT. Please be advised that any correspondence purportedly originating from [email protected] since the end of 2023 has not been initiated by the DABT.

We kindly request that you remove this email address from your directory or listings. For any future correspondence with the DABT, we encourage you to utilize the email address "[email protected]" for all your communication needs.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
The Executive, DABT

12/13/2023

The AGM meeting and social scheduled for tomorrow, December 14, 2023, start time of 5:30pm has been canceled due to a council member testing positive for Covid-19. Consequently, we have made the decision to postpone the AGM to the new year, specifically to January.

We understand the disappointment this may cause, but the positive news is that the AGM has been rescheduled to take place on [insert date]. We sincerely hope you'll be able to join us then. We'll continue to keep you updated in case of any further changes, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Wishing you the very best for the holiday season and extending warm festive greetings to you and your loved ones. Thank you for your understanding and patience. We'll provide more details shortly.

12/02/2023

Some great news regarding the Fundy Rose!

Federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez says the ferry that operates between Digby, N.S., and Saint John, N.B., will not be moved to another route next year.

11/29/2023

Reminder: The DABT invites you, your colleagues and interested community members to attend an information session called “What could Offshore Wind mean for Nova Scotia” scheduled at the Digby Public Library tonight (November 29th) from 6-7:30 pm.

Net Zero Atlantic is a not for profit working to support the energy transition through research and knowledge sharing.

The presentation prepared is introductory and intended to help citizens understand the resource, emission reduction opportunity, Offshore Wind technology and emerging regulations.

This event is also an opportunity for discussions about potential impacts of Offshore Wind development and to build awareness of opportunities for citizens to contribute to decisions about the resource.

11/23/2023

Notice! ANNUAL General meeting & Social,

Kindly note that the DABT has scheduled a second attempt for our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, December 14. The meeting will take place at the old train station building in downtown Digby, now known as the Digby Heritage Centre, 7 Birch St. The gathering will commence at 5:30 PM, followed by the formal meeting starting promptly at 6:00 PM. Refreshments and snacks will be available during the social after the AGM.
Picture

In our ongoing commitment to transparency and inclusivity, we extend an invitation to all interested members to actively participate in the AGM, contributing to the preservation and growth of our organization serving the Digby and area for over 120 years. If you possess a strong dedication to shaping the future of our business community and aspire to be nominated for a position on the Council during the AGM, we kindly ask that you notify the DABT of your interest at your earliest convenience, prior to the meeting.

We strongly encourage all members to mark their calendars for December 14, 2023, and engage in the Annual General Meeting. This event serves as a valuable platform for networking, idea exchange, and collective vision-building for our organization. Your presence and active involvement in this significant event are eagerly anticipated and greatly valued.

For those members wishing to renew their membership for 2024, click on this membership renewal link and pay online with a credit card, or e-transfer or cheque at: https://www.digbytrade.ca/membership--renewal.html

11/16/2023

Hon. Pablo Rodriguez November 16, 2023
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada
K1A 0A6
[email protected]

Dear Minister Rodriguez,

The Digby and Area Board of Trade (DABT) wish to express our collective concern regarding the recent report indicating your consideration of re-deploying the Fundy Rose to service Souris and Îles-de-la-Madeleine route while their ferry undergoes maintenance procedures in dry-dock, during the early part of the new year in 2024. This consideration will cause potential impacts in both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

The potential economic impact highlighted by the DABT underscores the vital role the ferry plays in supporting local economies and the well-being of communities on both sides of the Bay of Fundy. There were over 4,000 commercial tractor-trailers using the ferry over the course of 2022. In addition, at least 600 commercial trailers are dropped off at one terminal and picked up at the other terminal. Non-commercial transits include at least 41,500 single crossings annually, with a 15-20% variance allowing for additional passengers (that is, some vehicles may have more than one individual crossing).

The Fundy Rose ferry has long been an essential link in connecting these two vibrant provinces, offering a convenient and scenic transportation option for passengers and cargo alike. With its uncertain future, the DABT aims to shed light on the economic implications of losing this vital connection.
Key areas impacted include:

1. Job Losses: The removal of the Fundy Rose ferry could result in the direct loss of hundreds of jobs across both provinces, not only within the ferry service itself but across various sectors, such as tourism, hospitality, and transportation, that rely on the influx of visitors brought by the ferry year round.

2. Tourism Decline: The ferry has played a pivotal role in promoting tourism in the region, making the beautiful landscapes and attractions of both provinces more accessible to tourists. Its absence would lead to a significant decline in visitor numbers, adversely impacting local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops.

3. Economic Contraction: Local businesses, including those in the tourism and hospitality sectors, would experience a drop in revenue, potentially leading to business closures. This, in turn, could reduce the tax base and negatively affect public services in the communities.

4. Supply Chain Disruption: The ferry is an essential component of the regional supply chain, providing a lifeline for the transportation of goods and sea food products between the two provinces. Its removal could disrupt the timely flow of goods, impacting businesses and consumers.

5. Reduced Investment Attractiveness: The uncertainty surrounding transportation infrastructure could affect the attractiveness of the region for potential investors, causing long-term economic implications.

The DABT strongly encourages all stakeholders, including governments, community leaders, and businesses, to collaborate on finding sustainable solutions to keep the Fundy Rose ferry service operational. The potential impacts underscores the critical importance of maintaining this vital link for the economic well-being of the region.

About Digby and Area Board of Trade (DABT): For over a century the DABT has served the business interests and aspirations of one of Nova Scotia’s most storied and successful seaports. Digby is positioned on the periphery of one of North America’s most sustainable and lucrative fisheries, which is and has been the main industry over the years. Lobster, scallop and groundfish are the foremost species fished at this time, as well as aquaculture farms of Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic char, Atlantic halibut and striped char. Other important industries in the area include forestry, farming, fur, and tourism.

Sincerely,
Kevin Ellis
President
Digby and Area Board of Trade (DABT)
URL: www.digbytrade.ca
cc
Chris d’Entremont ([email protected])
Jill Balser ([email protected])
Ben Cleveland ([email protected])
Linda Gregory ([email protected])

11/10/2023

Kevin Ellis, President of DABT, along with Andrew Beckett in Saint John, NB, speak about the impact of the possible re-deployment of the Fundy Rose to service the ferry route between PEI and Îles de la Madeleine from approximately the end of January 2024 to the end of February 2024. Listen to Kevin and Andrew speak about the impact on Maritime Noon with Bob Murphy.

To listen to the audio stream (given that meta does not share news streams of any kind in Canada), perform the following on your favourite browser:
1. search for the CBC home page
2. in the upper right, click on "Search" and type in "maritime noon" into the text box presented and hit your "Enter" key
3. Scroll down about one page to fine the November 8 episode which has in its description the text "Two representatives of the business community in Digby, NS...."

11/10/2023

Kevin Ellis, President of DABT, along with Andrew Beckett in Saint John, NB, speak about the impact of the possible re-deployment of the Fundy Rose to service the ferry route between PEI and Îles de la Madeleine from approximately the end of January 2024 to the end of February 2024. Listen to Kevin and Andrew speak about the impact on Maritime Noon with Bob Murphy using the link below.

Kevin Ellis in Digby, NS and Andrew Beckett in Saint John, NB, speak about the impact of the possible loss of the ferry route between the two locations. Transport Canada may possibly move the ferry next year. And on the phone-in: Chef Craig Flinn discusses his new cookbook and answers questions.

11/07/2023

The DABT invites you, your colleagues and interested community members to attend an information session called “What could Offshore Wind mean for Nova Scotia” scheduled at the Digby Public Library on November 29th from 6-7:30 pm.

Net Zero Atlantic is a not for profit working to support the energy transition through research and knowledge sharing.

The presentation prepared is introductory and intended to help citizens understand the resource, emission reduction opportunity, Offshore Wind technology and emerging regulations.

This event is also an opportunity for discussions about potential impacts of Offshore Wind development and to build awareness of opportunities for citizens to contribute to decisions about the resource.

The event invitation is below.

10/23/2023

Digby Area Board of Trade AGM Outcome

The old adage "making lemonade out of lemons" rings particularly true when reflecting on the outcome of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on October 19, 2023. Regrettably, we failed to muster the required quorum for an official AGM, and thus, the anticipated proceedings did not come to fruition. Instead, the event evolved into an impromptu exchange of valuable insights and updates among those in attendance.
After some of the initial participants departed, we took the initiative to convene an impromptu Executive Committee meeting, where the presence of a quorum allowed for some pivotal changes within the Board's leadership. These changes, now acting as interim positions until the next scheduled AGM with quorum, are outlined as follows:
• David Cvet resigned his role as Director-at-Large and volunteered to take up the mantle of First Vice-President.
• Brendan Enright stepped up to fulfill the role of Second Vice-President.
• Anne Carter will undertake the responsibilities of Treasurer.
• Kevin Ellis to continue his dedicated service as the DABT President.
• Karen Enright agreed to continue her tenure as the steadfast Past President.
• Linda Weir agreed to maintain her role as Secretary.
We are excited by the prospect of collaborating with these new members of the executive team. We believe that this infusion of fresh talent into the Digby Area Board of Trade will invigorate our mission, fostering growth and prosperity within our community. We wholeheartedly express our gratitude for their enthusiasm and the valuable contributions they bring to our shared cause.

07/21/2023

Call for Nominations. Visit the website for more information and the nomination form.

Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.