‘It’s part of community’
Chernin’s philanthropy earns him second induction into hall of fame
This is the final installment in a four-part series highlighting this year’s inductees to the Cape Breton Business and Philanthropy Hall of Fame.
Business leader Martin Chernin will join the Cape Breton Business and Philanthropy Hall of Fame for the second time later this month when the 74-year-old is celebrated for a lifetime of philanthropy.
He first entered the hall in 2015 when his extensive business history that covers the areas of communications, real estate and other areas was recognized.
“I think they run together,” he said. “Philanthropy is not just giving money, it’s giving your time to different organizations in the community.”
Chernin was born in Sydney, and studied at Sydney Academy before his interest in learning more about commerce took him to St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish and then Dalhousie University in halifax.
His life in business began in the wholesale retail grocery industry when his family ran supermarkets in Cape Breton and Western Newfoundland and Labrador.
It was through this experience, taking the lead from his family, that he first learned the importance of giving back to the community.
The late Hugh Tweedie, his friend since high school and a business partner later in life, was also an influence in the areas of both philanthropy and commerce.
“He was always helpful … in quiet ways,” he said of Tweedie.
“He was more than helpful to many people in business who were starting out.”
Chernin’s best known business interests include Cape Breton Cablevision, Joe’s Warehouse, and many aspects of real estate development.
Not always as well known is the time he has given in various capacities as a board member for organizations like the United Way and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.
“Some things people know more about because they are more public … but there’s lots of ways you can give back.”
National organization such as the Canadian Jewish Public Affairs Committee and the United Israel Appeal have also received his attention and benefitted from his experience.
“That’s also giving of time and energy and probably a few dollars too.”
2018 Cape Breton Business and Philanthropy Hall of Fame
Host: Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce
When: June 7 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: Membertou Trade and Convention Centre
Tickets: $100
To buy online: eventbrite.ca
To buy by phone: 902-564-6453
Community causes and organizations, the Sydney Airport Authority and Cape Breton University fundraising campaigns and events have been benefactors of his time and experience, as well.
“I try to entice the younger entrepreneurs in Cape Breton and tell them that it’s part of community,” he said about philanthropy.
“The community has been good to us, so we have to be good to the community in any way we can help, whether that is the university or the hospital foundation or whatever. It is important because all of those things are important to the community. I am fortunate enough to have done alright in business. There’s ups and downs like everyone else, so I believe in giving back.”
The local chapter of the AFP Group nominated Chernin for this hall of fame induction. It’s an organization that promotes philanthropy and fundraising professions. Group member Rick McCarthy said Chernin’s track record of giving his time and money made him a “no brainer” as an inductee.
“It takes a lot for someone like that to get to a position that he is in,” McCarthy said. “To get there and then to have that sense of duty and have that sense of community to want to make sure he is giving back is a special quality to have.”
Though philanthropy is not something he does for accolades, Chernin says he’s pleased and honoured to enter the hall in the category that also includes inductees like Joe Shannon, Albert Maroun and others.