Central Valley group marks 10 years of local advocacy, development

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

The Central Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrated 10 years of advocacy for the business community at its annual general meeting June 5 in Kingston.

Outgoing chamber president Byron McDonald reported the organization has outlived predictions made when it was established in 1998.

“Ten years ago, Bryan Nelson, Don Rawding and I went around to the community and signed up businesses to start this chamber. We were told then that we would probably only last six months. Now we are starting our eleventh year.”

McDonald admitted there have been - and continue to be - many challenges to local economic development. Ten years ago, the original chamber charter members felt the Central Valley area had been “orphaned” by the Kings CED and the former Western Valley Development Agency.

“Having CAVCC straddling the county line enabled us to be a force for change in both Kings and Annapolis counties,” said McDonald.

As the chamber heads into its next fiscal year, the future of the Digby ferry looms as an important issue.

“Losing that ferry would be a huge problem for Nova Scotia,” said McDonald, “and we need to press government and private interests to make that service an experience, not just a crossing.”

Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer Bill Denyar attended the meeting and shared McDonald’s view. He encouraged chamber members to network with other business development agencies to secure a future for the ferry link between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Guest speaker was Arlene Dickinson, a 20-year veteran in marketing communications and CEP of Venture Communications Limited. She cautioned CAVCC members not to “get too caught in policy,” but encouraged them to capitalize on the region’s strengths.

“It is critical that this chamber steps up and not let policy dictate what does or doesn’t get done,” said Dickinson, as she shared her high regard for the province with an audience that numbered 100.

“The rest of the world has nothing on you here; the values you have are meaningful to our country.”

Dickinson made a case for improved marketing of the province: “hiding your light under a bushel is not going to help.

“Marketing is about taking simple truths and turning them into opportunities. The simple truth here is there are great people doing great things in this region, filled with love, vision and values.”

Since October 2007, Dickinson has appeared as one of the “dragons” on CBC’s “Dragons’ Den,” a national television series which invites people to pitch business ideas to panel members in an effort to persuade them to invest.

“The show is as close to a reality program as you can get. Sometimes it is harsh and truthful but, in business, people need to hear the truth.”

She said her association with the program has introduced her to “people with dreams, aspirations, innovative ideas and supportive families – everything you need to grow a successful business.”