Happy June! It has been an incredibly busy and impactful month as we continue working to ensure our members have a strong voice in our region’s growth. A major milestone on that front is our active representation on the newly launched Kings County Homelessness Advisory Committee—you can read more about their new digital resource hub and specialized subcommittees further down in this newsletter.
Looking ahead, we have a packed calendar and some fantastic milestones to celebrate across our network. Here is what is on our radar this month:
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State of the Province: Mark your calendars for July 15th for this premier event.
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Valley Views Content Development Program: Time is running out—there is only one more day to register and secure your spot for summer content.
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Business Awards Nominations: Nominations are open! Take a moment to nominate a deserving peer or showcase your own team’s hard work.
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Celebrating the Valley’s Best: A massive congratulations to all of this year’s Valley’s Best winners! Your dedication keeps our community vibrant.
As we head into the summer months, we remain deeply committed to advocating for a thriving, supportive, and economically vibrant region for all of our members. Thank you for your continued engagement, and please enjoy this month’s updates!
The AVCC Team
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
STATE OF THE PROVINCE WITH PREMIER HOUSTON
Nova Scotia is entering an exciting era of growth. With unprecedented federal defence investments strengthening our region and unlocking innovation, alongside a renewed focus on natural resource development to position Nova Scotia as an energy superpower, the province is a hub of opportunity.
Join us for a luncheon with the Honourable Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, as he explores how these emerging opportunities are shaping our economy, creating jobs, and opening doors for businesses and communities. This is your opportunity to learn more about the government’s plans for the future of our province.
Event Details
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When: Wednesday, July 15th, 2026
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Where: Acadia University – Fountain Commons
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Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Application Deadline: June 30th, 2026
VALLEY VIEWS CONTENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Capture the Magic of the Valley This Summer
We know that great marketing starts with great visuals. That’s why we are thrilled to offer eligible members the Valley Views Content Development Program. This AVCC-funded initiative pairs local tourism businesses with digital media producers to create compelling content that puts our region on the map.
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Custom Content: Apply for up to $2,500 in professional services.
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Instant Assets: Access our new digital content library for free.
Whether you need a fresh set of photos for your website or b-roll for your social media, we’ve got you covered.
VALLEY’S BEST
What an incredible night! The energy was electric as we formally announced the winners of this year’s Valley’s Best Awards and handed out those well-deserved trophies.
Our community turned out in droves to vote for their favourites, and the results are officially in. From the best local eats to top-tier services, your 2026 champions have been crowned!
Massive congratulations to all the winners and nominees who make our Valley such a vibrant place to live, and a huge thank you to everyone who voted!
BUSINESS AWARDS: NOMINATIONS OPEN
Do you know a business that goes above and beyond?
The Annapolis Valley Business Awards are the region’s premier honours, designed to recognize the visionaries, innovators, and pillars of our local economy. While success is often measured in numbers, these awards celebrate the heart of the business: leadership, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
Ready to shine a light on a deserving business? Submit your nomination at the link below and help us celebrate the excellence that drives our community forward.
ADVOCACY
ADVOCACY IN ACTION: OUR BUDGET DISCUSSION WITH MINISTER LOHR
The Annapolis Valley Chamber recently sat down with Nova Scotia Finance Minister John Lohr to bring your toughest business questions directly to the province
While Minister Lohr defended the budget’s focus on healthcare and major housing investments, he acknowledged the strain on our communities and formally committed to more robust business and community consultations ahead of the next budget cycle
ADVOCATING FOR OUR MEMBERS ON THE KINGS COUNTY HOMELESSNESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
We are pleased to share that we are actively representing our membership as a partner on the Kings County Homelessness Advisory Committee. Chaired by Minister John Lohr, this collaborative table brings together municipal, provincial, and community leaders to build a coordinated, regional response to housing insecurity in our communities. The committee has officially launched its digital platform and public resource hub at
New Members
Annapolis Valley Dance Company
Plum Living
Valley Alarms Limited
Maritime Express Cider
RBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities
FROM OUR MEMBERS
MEET THE NEW OWNER OF HIGH TIDE WELLNESS
“When my former boss asked me one day after work if I would be interested in purchasing High Tide, I knew there was really only one answer—and here we are.
High Tide has already earned a trusted and valued place in our community, and my goal as the new owner is to continue building on that foundation. I want High Tide to remain the first place people think of when they need care, support, and a moment to reconnect with themselves.
What makes me most proud is our team. Every practitioner brings not only exceptional skill and professionalism, but also genuine compassion and a deep commitment to the well-being of every client who walks through our doors. We are also celebrating an important milestone for our naturopathic doctor and the profession as a whole. With naturopathic doctors becoming a regulated health profession in Nova Scotia on May 27, our clinic is proud to have one of the region’s newly regulated NDs on our team—an exciting step forward for both practitioners and patients seeking integrated healthcare options.
As a queer practitioner and now clinic owner, I believe there is a real need for wellness spaces that are deeply and authentically inclusive. I am proud that High Tide is a place where people from all backgrounds can feel welcomed, respected, and cared for. When I look around our clinic, I can honestly say that is what we strive to offer every day—and that is something worth celebrating.”
FROM: NS ASSOCIATION OF CBDCs
Curious about expanding your sales outside of your province and Canada but not sure how to begin?
The Launch Export Atlantic Incubator is an export readiness program that builds the export capacity of small & medium businesses in Atlantic Canada with the goal of enabling long-term economic growth in the region. This program will help you find the answers you need and support you as you learn along the way.
With the support of the provincial and federal governments, each participating company will gain access to an estimated $15,000 of valuable export training, coaching and consultation.
FROM: MORE IN STORE MARKETING
Discover the power of visual thinking with bikablo® Basics, a hands-on two-day training coming to Kentville on July 29 & 30. Whether you’re a facilitator, trainer, consultant, leader, educator, or simply someone who wants to communicate ideas more clearly, you’ll learn the globally recognized bikablo® method for turning conversations, meetings, and concepts into engaging visuals—no artistic talent required. Join Melanie Taljaard, Canada’s bikablo® trainer, for an interactive learning experience that will transform the way you capture and share ideas.
MEMBER NEWS: P&H FOODS AND ATLANTIC POULTRY INC. FORM ATLANTIC CANADA JOINT VENTURE
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from within our network! Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited (P&H), through its subsidiary P&H Foods Inc., has announced a new joint venture with Atlantic Poultry Incorporated (API) to establish a new company, P&H Foods Atlantic
FOR OUR MEMBERS
MEET YOUR MEMBERSHIP & OPERATIONS MANAGER: JEN HARTNETT-ORSER
A few months ago, we were thrilled to welcome Jen Hartnett-Orser to the AVCC team as our new Membership & Operations Manager. Since hitting the ground running, Jen has been hard at work behind the scenes developing fresh onboarding processes and exciting new benefits to elevate your member experience.
Jen brings a rich background in leadership development and relationship building, and she is officially on a mission to connect with you! Whether you are a newer member finding your footing, stepping into a new role within your organization, or a long-time member wanting to ensure you’re maximizing your investment, Jen wants to chat.
She is eager to learn more about your business, explore how the Chamber can best support your success, or simply say a warm hello.
📞 Ready to connect?
Click here to book a quick call with Jen!
Have news to share?
Are you looking to share news with the Chamber membership? The deadline to be featured in our July Newsletter is July 20th. Please connect with executivedirector@annpolisvalleychamber.ca with your content!