Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Safety First in Cape Breton Network is excited to announce that Early Bird Registration is now open for the 2024 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium, set to take place Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Membertou Trade & Convention Centre from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium is made possible thanks to network sponsors and partners, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI), Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB Nova Scotia), the Cape Breton Partnership, and the Safety First Planning committee. The Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s signature safety event, bringing together a wide variety of employers and workers from all sectors across the Island, united in their pursuit of making Unama’ki – Cape Breton the safest place to work.
“The Cape Breton Partnership is honoured to once again work alongside all partners, sponsors, and volunteers to continue empowering leadership in health and safety, and drive change in continuously improving our workplace cultures so that everyone goes home safely at the end of the day,” said Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership.
This year’s Symposium plans to deliver a full-day of learning, keynote presentations, a panel discussion, and interactive networking opportunities for attendees.
“This year’s Symposium is going to be an insightful and engaging day,” said Blaise MacNeil, Co-Chair of the Safety First in Cape Breton Network, and a member of the Safety Branch Awareness & Outreach team at LSI. “We have two terrific keynote speakers this year, a great panel, and more opportunities for the audience to engage, as we’ve changed the format from previous years.”
The Symposium format, which has always consisted of concurrent breakout sessions with a variety of topics is shifting this year.
“We’ve heard from a lot of attendees in the past that while breakouts were valuable, they missed out on the other topics they were interested in,” said Kelly Johnston-Noseworthy, Co-Chair, and Relationship Manager with WCB Nova Scotia. “By holding everything in one room, attendees will get the opportunity to engage in all of the content of the day, while networking with their peers. We have also added a new component called the Have Your Say Soap Box, which will give attendees an opportunity to sign-up to share a learning or challenge they are facing in their workplace in regards to workplace health and safety to share with the audience or brainstorm.”
Joining the symposium as the Keynote Speakers this year are Jeff Ward, General Manager of Membertou Heritage Park, who will deliver Safety Since time immemorial – Indigenous teachings with a modern day purpose – a Two-Eyed approach to safety, and Impactful Speaker and Leadership Disrupter, Phil Jewell, who will deliver Serve to Lead – a fresh perspective for fostering psychological safety.
The day will also feature a panel discussion about resiliency, and activities and presentations on other relevant topics, such as: Supervisor Training, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, Return to Work, and Gradual On-set Stress.
Don’t miss out on your chance to take advantage of the Early Bird price of $129.99 + tax. This price is only available until April 5, 2024, when prices go up to $159.99 + tax.
As part of the Symposium, the 2024 Safety First in Cape Breton Awards, proudly sponsored by Protocase will be handed out to individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to improve their workplace safety culture. If you know of a deserving individual or organization, please consider nominating them for a Safety First in Cape Breton Award. To learn more about the award categories, or to submit a nomination, please visit http://www.safetyfirstcapebreton.com/about-safetyfirstawards. The deadline to submit a nomination is noon on April 26, 2024.
To learn more about the 2024 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium, to register for early bird, or to participate as a sponsor, trade show exhibitor, or in the Have Your Say Soap Box, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2024-safety-first-in-cape-breton-symposium-tickets-865440705447
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Media Contact:
Carly Appleton
Cape Breton Partnership
Carly@capebretonpartnership.com
902-562-0122
About the Cape Breton Partnership:
The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our Island as a great place to live, work, and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed.
(Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS) Nominations are now open for the 2024 Safety First in Cape Breton Awards, which celebrate individuals and businesses who are committed to the advancement of workplace health and safety across Unama’ki – Cape Breton.
The awards are a recognition program that was created by the Safety First in Cape Breton Network, in collaboration with the Cape Breton Partnership, WCB Nova Scotia and the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI). The award categories include recognitions for Young Advocate, Engagement Ally and Safety Champion, Outstanding Health & Safety Committee, Small Business Trailblazer, and Innovation Expert.
The awards will be presented on May 8, 2024 at Membertou Trade & Convention Centre as part of the 2024 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium. The symposium will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and an industry trade show. Details regarding registration and speakers will be shared in the weeks to come.
“The Safety First in Cape Breton Network is thrilled to continue working alongside our partners at the Cape Breton Partnership, LSI, WCB Nova Scotia,” said Kelly Johnston-Noseworthy, Co-Chair of the Safety First in Cape Breton Network. “The Safety First Awards program works to recognize individuals and organizations who make health and safety a top priority and continuously work to improve upon their workplace health and safety culture.”
This year’s award categories have changed slightly to better reflect the incredible impact that employees and employers make across the Island to make it the safest place to do business.
“As safety leaders, employers, and employees we all have a responsibility to ensure every individual returns home safely at the end of the day to their loved ones,” added Blaise MacNeil, also Co-Chair of the network. “By recognizing the outstanding contributions employees and employers make each day, we are fostering a collaborative safety culture here in Unama’ki – Cape Breton.”
To nominate an individual or organization, and to learn more about the categories, please visit http://www.safetyfirstcapebreton.com/about-safetyfirstawards.
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Media Contact:
Carly Appleton
Cape Breton Partnership
Carly@capebretonpartnership.com
902-562-0122
About the Cape Breton Partnership:
The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our Island as a great place to live, work, and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed.
Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership, YMCA of Cape Breton Nova Scotia Works Employment Services Centre, Northside Employment & Resource Centre Nova Scotia Works, and Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ) are partnering to host the Unama’ki – Cape Breton Job Fair Series beginning on March 26 to April 9, 2024.
The Unama’ki – Cape Breton Job Fair Series will give local employers a chance to meet local jobseekers in person and fill available positions quickly, and will offer jobseekers a chance to explore different career options, meet local employers, and move forward in their careers.
“The Cape Breton Partnership is committed to fostering connections and empowering individuals to find fulfilling careers, and we recognize the importance of providing opportunities for meaningful employment within our communities,” says Jessica MacDonald, Human Resources Advisor with the Cape Breton Partnership. “Our focus through the job fairs is to facilitate impactful face-to-face engagements between employers and prospective candidates. By doing so, we and our partners hope to play a role in enhancing the prosperity of our local economy, one job match at a time.”
“Facilitating direct connections between employers and jobseekers offers significant benefits by creating a streamlined platform for efficient networking,” shares Valarie Dolhanty, Executive Director of YMCA of Cape Breton Nova Scotia Works Employment Services Centre. “This collaborative effort showcases our shared commitment to addressing regional unemployment challenges. By combining resources and expertise with our partners in planning this series, we aim to deliver a more comprehensive and impactful event, reaching a wider audience of job-seekers and offering enhanced opportunities for employers to connect with the right talent.”
Unama’ki – Cape Breton Job Fair Series locations will include:
- March 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Inverness Fire Hall, 15795 Central Ave, Inverness, NS, B0E 1N0 - April 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, Bear Head Room, 606 Reeves St, Port Hawkesbury, NS, B9A 2R7 - April 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion, Pitman Hall, 74 Esplanade, Sydney, NS, B1P 1A1
To learn more, or to register and attend a Job Fair as a jobseeker or employer, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com/JobFairSeries.
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Media Contact:
Michaela Epifano, Communications and Investor Relations Coordinator
Cape Breton Partnership
Michaela@capebretonpartnership.com
902-562-0122
About the Cape Breton Partnership:
The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our Island as a great place to live, work, and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed.
About YMCA of Cape Breton Nova Scotia Works Employment Services Centre:
Since 2016, employment service centres are known under the umbrella of Nova Scotia Works, funded through the Employment Nova Scotia division of the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI). We offer a common menu of services including case management, job development, employment maintenance/support and career counselling supported by a staff of dedicated career practitioners.
About Northside Employment & Resource Centre Nova Scotia Works:
The Northside Employment & Resource Centre Nova Scotia Works supports and empower Nova Scotians; to foster resiliency in individuals, businesses and communities to build a stronger province. It is our mission to ensure that all persons are supported in achieving their full potential through personal growth, skills development, and employment.
About Le Conseil de developpement economique de la Nouvelle-Ecosse (CDÉNÉ):
The Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the economic advancement of the Acadian and Francophone community in Nova Scotia. Founded in 1999, it is the only provincial Francophone economic development organization in Nova Scotia.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – Individuals interested in contributing to the future of Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s economy are invited to submit a nomination for the Cape Breton Partnership’s Board of Directors for 2023-2024.
Individuals approved by the Board of Directors will be announced at the annual Investor Summit, being held October 26 at the Inverary Resort on Baddeck Bay. Members of the Board of Directors serve a minimum three-year term.
“As Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization, the Cape Breton Partnership is fortunate to be able to work with a variety of community leaders from both the private and public sectors,” says Tyler Mattheis, Cape Breton Partnership President & CEO. “The valuable guidance and experiences of our Board of Directors enables our team to actively participate in activities, programs, and projects that have a positive impact on our local communities and economy.”
Nominations for the Board of Directors will only be accepted from investors of the Cape Breton Partnership until Friday, September 29, 2023. For more information or to make a nomination, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com/board-nominations/.
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Media Contact:
Jeremy Martell, Director of Communications
Cape Breton Partnership
Jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com
(902) 631-5442
About the Cape Breton Partnership:
The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our island as a great place to live, work, and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com.
If you’re passing through the bustling village of Inverness, N.S., you may have noticed a new shop in town – The Corner Store by missbrenna, located on the corner of Central Avenue and Broad Cove Banks Road.
For Brenna MacNeil, her dream shop at 15645 Central Ave. is the culmination of her creativity and the nostalgia of generations of her family growing up close to the corner that is now home to her new brick-and-mortar store. From apparel with MacNeil’s own Cape Breton-style designs, to cards with beautiful photography, Italian goods, and so much more, there is something for everyone at the carefully curated Corner Store by missbrenna.
When MacNeil began designing apparel nine-and-a-half years ago as a way to keep her creativity flowing during her maternity leave, she never imagined that one day she would be cutting the ribbon to open her own shop in her hometown of Inverness.
“I just have to look at my daughter Lucinda to know when this really all began,” says MacNeil, who owns and operates The Corner Store by missbrenna with her husband, Brandon.
“I was on maternity leave from my role at Dalhousie University as a graphic designer and had created cards for a long time,” she continues. “I used to take photos of scenery and glue them onto cards and sell them at a local shop, and then I went on to self-publish a book called ‘twentythree’ in February of 2011.”
The book, ‘twentythree,’ was created as a coffee table book and included question-and-answer style cards, along with MacNeil’s own photography that was sold at both the Farmers’ Market in Halifax and Inverness.
“When I was selling the book, it became clear that the Cape Breton photography that I had included was really well received and popular, so I thought I would design a Cape Breton calendar for people to enjoy the beautiful scenery here,” adds MacNeil.
It was after the success of her first calendar that MacNeil began designing her first pieces of apparel.
“I developed a colour palette of gray, green, and black and then took my designs to the Mabou Farmers’ Market, and every time I ordered t-shirts with the ‘I Love Cape Breton’ design, they sold out,” says MacNeil.
A corner store is born
So how did The Corner Store by missbrenna end up on Central Avenue? It’s quite the story, which MacNeil shares with a smile.
“It seemed like the ideal location, but it wasn’t for sale at the time,” says MacNeil. “I found out who the owner was, and I went to visit him at his home in town, and shared with him my brand and plans of what I wanted to do.”
The owner was willing to listen to MacNeil’s story, her passion for the community and her dream for the building and was quickly on board to sell her the place that is now home to her shop.
Before she opened the doors to her new shop, The Corner Store by missbrenna saw a spike in popularity during the pandemic when Chef Mary Janet MacDonald launched her Facebook Live cooking show, ‘Tunes and Wooden Spoons,’ wearing a “Cape Breton Crew” apron designed by MacNeil.
“I had gifted her an apron because she purchased some Christmas gifts from me for her grandkids,” says MacNeil. “I honestly thought when the pandemic hit, business would slow down considerably, but once Mary Janet wore it on her show, I was flooded with orders. People from all over with a connection to the Island were buying them.”
While she has had the support of the entire community behind her and her family’s new venture, it hasn’t come without its challenges.
“The most difficult part has been navigating owning a business in its first year. The ebbs and flows of what is popular and when it is trending, introducing new products, knowing when and how much to order, as well as determining how we can support our community and give back,” says MacNeil.
Thankfully, MacNeil was able to get some support through the Micro-loan Program for Female Entrepreneurs, offered by the Sydney Credit Union and the Cape Breton Partnership. The team at the Cape Breton Partnership and Sydney Credit Union worked with MacNeil one-on-one to approve her application and loan to help put The Corner Store by missbrenna on the map.
“The Micro-Loan Program allowed me to take a chance on a couple of new products that I was interested in carrying but didn’t have all of the funds for,” says MacNeil. “It allowed me to take a calculated risk and enhance our offerings. The payoff was so worth the time investment, and the application process afforded me the opportunity to look at my own business with a more critical eye than I had before. That, in itself, was a factor in a more successful launch.”
Supporting women in business
Under the Micro-Loan Program, female entrepreneurs in Unama’ki – Cape Breton will be eligible to apply for a loan of up to $10,000; offered at a low-interest rate and with zero per cent interest for the first six months by applying to one of the two participating Credit Unions: East Coast Credit Union or the Sydney Credit Union.
Participants in the program also receive a one-year membership with either the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce or the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and a one-year membership with the Centre for Women in Business.
“We were so happy to be able to launch the third round in January 2023, which is still accepting applications until all of the funds are allocated,” says Lan Zheng, economic development officer at the Cape Breton Partnership and lead contact for the Micro-Loan Program for Female Entrepreneurs.
“Seeing women entrepreneurs get the support they need to build businesses across Unama’ki – Cape Breton is why this program is so important and we are proud to have The Corner Store by missbrenna be part of it,” says Zheng.
The Micro-Loan Program for Female Entrepreneurs was not the only help MacNeil had along the way. Business development services, InRich and Savvy Lemon, worked one-on-one with MacNeil to build her business plan and take her through the necessary steps to prepare her application for funding.
“Everyone that supported us along this journey has been terrific,” says MacNeil. “The Cape Breton team at Invest Nova Scotia was also a great support by providing advice and directed us to the Credit Union.”
The Corner Store by missbrenna is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday from noon – 4 p.m.
MacNeil describes owning her store as a dream come true and can’t wait to see what the years ahead has in store for her.
“For me the best is yet to come. I have my dream shop in my hometown, and there is nothing more rewarding than interacting with our customers and being a welcoming place for the community,” says MacNeil.
To learn more about The Corner Store by missbrenna, visit www.missbrenna.com, and to learn more about the Micro-Loan Program for Female Entrepreneurs, please visit https://capebretonpartnership.com/initiative/micro-lending-program-female-entrepreneurs/.
Elevate is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s business-focused publication brought to you by the Cape Breton Partnership. To evolve with our business audience, the publication has now moved from a print publication to fully online. Starting in 2022, our readers can expect to see Elevate articles appearing on both our website and on Saltwire.com.
About the Cape Breton Partnership
The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our Island as a great place to live and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed.
To learn more about how we can help you and your business and the FREE services we provide, please visit capebretonpartnership.com.