Kelderman to receive chamber award
TRURO – If there’s one thing Dianne Kelderman holds close to her heart, it’s making a difference in someone’s life.
That philosophy has been a driving force in the 20-plus years she’s been with the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, and it’s something that continues to drive her forward as its president and CEO.
“Hard work, determination and drive give you the things you want in life,” she said. “The values of the co-operative and credit union sector very much align with my own values. Making a difference is key in everything I do.”
Kelderman said she has had the opportunity to work on some big initiatives during her 23 years with the co-operative council. She feels at the end of the day, she’s making a difference in communities and other people’s lives.
“That’s the fuel that keeps me going,” she said.
Kelderman's work will be recognized by the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce on April 21, when it presents her with the Lifetime Achievement Award during its dinner gala and awards.
It’s the first time the award has been presented since 2015 and Kelderman will be first woman recipient.
“I feel far too young to be receiving a lifetime achievement award; however, I have packed a lot into the years that I’ve had,” she said. “It’s very humbling to me. When you get an award like this from your peers and your community, it’s pretty special.”
Through her leadership at the council, Kelderman has spearheaded countless projects and initiatives to help businesses thrive while also supporting the diverse social needs of communities. She was also recently recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Business by Atlantic Business magazine.
“Dianne is an inspiration to so many with her can-do attitude and out-of-the-box solutions to overcome social and economic challenges,” said chamber president Matthew Mossman. “We are incredibly pleased to honour her, especially as a past-president of our chamber, for her many contributions to the local community and helping drive economic development in the province.”
Kelderman said the cooperative council has seen opportunity in challenging times. While many businesses struggled through the pandemic and its associated lockdowns and restrictions, Kellerman said the co-operative council did some of its best work by providing financial support and other resources to businesses.
“It’s been a busy couple of years,” she said.
The council is the economic development agency of the credit union and co-operative sector that operates like a trade association. Its mandate is to grow and support existing businesses and help foster the development of new ones while developing community economic opportunities and identifying challenges such as affordable housing and homelessness.
One of the initiatives she takes great pride in is the recent conversion of the Tara Inn in New Glasgow into 36 affordable housing units – something that could happen by the end of June. Being designated affordable-housing units, their cost will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
“This is a project that will help put heads on pillows in the coming months of people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless,” Kelderman said. “This should help make a difference in their lives and that’s important to me.”
Along with the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Patterson Law, two additional prestigious awards will be presented at the masquerade-themed evening gala.
Developer, entrepreneur and community volunteer Joe Pinto will be honoured with a Business Person of the Year award, sponsored by BDC, for his efforts to increase mixedhousing units, repurpose historic buildings in Great Village and support for the Food Bank.
Mastodon Ridge in Stewiacke has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Community Credit Union. Marking 25 years in operation in 2021, the popular attraction has been expanded and enhanced in the past year and offers countless spin-off benefits to several businesses as a key tourism destination.
The chamber is pleased to bring back an in-person event after hosting a virtual gala and awards in 2021. Ian Munro, chief economist with the Halifax Partnership, will be the guest speaker for the event discussing market trends.
The President’s Social will kick off the evening’s festivities at 6 p.m. at the Best Western Glengarry, followed by the gala dinner at 7 p.m.
Seats must be reserved in advance by April 15 and cost $65 plus HST for members and $75 plus HST for future members.
To book a seat, contact the chamber at 902-893-6328, email ec@tcchamber.ca or reserve online at www.trurocolchesterchamber.com by clicking on the event’s calendar.