Private sector strength continues: Richie Mann
Strait region chamber hosts annual business update
The annual State of the Strait Region Business Update attracted more than 100 business and community leaders to discuss the local economy on Wednesday.
Investments in aggregate and heavy materials supplier Martin Marietta, a cannabis production facility Headland Cultivation Company locating to Louisdale, and the impact of the highway twinning project through Paqtnkek First Nation in Antigonish County, were among the topics on the agenda.
“The State of the Strait Region Business Update event is an opportunity for businesses across the region to share successes of the past year, and to look to their future,” said Amanda Mombourquette, executive director of the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s part of the chamber’s efforts to ensure that these positive developments are communicated and showcased — changing the narrative and improving the attractiveness of the area to potential investors.”
The session, held at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, also looked into the untapped potential of the aquaculture industry and the innovative research and development happening with Michelle Theriault’s team at the Université Sainte-Anne Petit de Grat Campus’ Marine Research Centre.
Investments in transportation infrastructure emerged as a key theme with a keynote address from Joyce Carter, president and CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority.
Carter provided a high-level view of air transportation and its impact on the Strait area, and Nova Scotia’s economy overall.
Originally from L’Ardoise, Richmond County, her remarks highlighting connections between the Strait area and the Halifax Stanfield airport were well received by participants as development of the nearby Port Hawkesbury Airport continues to gain traction, Mombourquette said in a news release issued Thursday.
The event was hosted by Richie Mann, president of the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce.
He said private sector investment is continuing to drive the Strait area economy, demonstrating business confidence is high and opportunities do exist for development.
“Every presenter highlighted how cooperation and collaboration has been key to the success of their efforts, and that speaks volumes about the capacity of this region to work together and grow,” said Mann, who is also the vicepresident of marketing and government relations for the Melford International Terminal and Melford Atlantic Gateway.