Advocacy

Canada’s AI Moment: Building Productivity with Responsibility

Imagine a bank launching a new digital platform without security checks. Customers might enjoy faster service—but at the cost of trust and compliance. The same principle applies to generative AI. It promises efficiency and innovation, but without responsible adoption, the risks can outweigh the rewards. Just as trust is foundational in banking, it must be central to how we adopt generative AI—especially as we seek to unlock new levels of productivity.
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Statement from the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce: Budget 2025

“The Government of Canada has made investments in needed sectors and has made commitments to red tape reduction that will improve innovation. The amendments to the Red Tape Reduction Act represent a forward-thinking step toward unleashing innovation for businesses, particularly through the introduction of regulatory sandboxes that allow ministers to exempt pioneering projects from outdated rules. These sandboxes create safe, flexible spaces for SMEs and startups to test technologies, like AI-driven supply chains and green manufacturing, without the burden of excessive compliance, accelerating market entry by up to 30% and fostering a culture of experimentation that could drive billions in new economic activity while safeguarding consumer protections. While the ACC is pleased with investments in these areas, execution is where we will turn our attention.”
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Events & Workshops

Business Awards 2025!

Business Awards 2025 was a great success! Thank you to everyone who came out to support. We’re so happy to have had the opportunity to celebrate alongside so many amazing local businesses – the energy, connection, and community spirit were truly inspiring.

And the winners are…
Entrepreneur of the Year: Richard Gardner, Cinderella’s Caribbean Pot Jamaican Cuisine
New Business of the Year: Saltair Nordic Spa & Wellness
Micro Business of the Year: Where It’s At Tours
Large Business of the Year: Martell Mechanical
Not-For-Profit of the Year: Valley Regional Hospital Foundation
Small Business of the Year: Noël & Co.
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion Advancement Award: Grand Pre Wines
Lifetime Achievement Award: Darrell Wade, Wade Wade Enterprises, accepted on behalf of the Wade family.
A huge congratulations to all of the winners in each category – your hard work, creativity, and dedication are so well deserved! 
We also want to recognize all of the finalists – the competition was tough this year, and every nominee has made an outstanding impact in our local business community. We’re proud to be part of such a vibrant and passionate network. 
Teambuilding – Pizza, Puzzle & Pitcher Night!  December 3, 6-8 PM, at Boston Pizza, New Minas IT’S BACK!! Businesses, it’s time to gather your crew and bring your A-game for some puzzle, pizza, & pitcher action! Can your team outwit, out-puzzle, and out-eat the competition? How it works: Teams of 4 will battle it out – the first team to finish their puzzle and polish off a large pizza wins the glory, prizes, and of course, eternal bragging rights. Cost:

  • $20 per teammate for Chamber members
  • $25 per teammate for potential members (Pitcher is not required to be finished to win. Pizza, puzzle, and a pitcher of your choice included in ticket price!)

It’s a friendly competition, but don’t be fooled – when pizza and puzzles are involved, things get serious fast! Register your team here!

Wolfville Farmers Market: Holiday Night Market December 13, 2025
Kentville Business Community: Weekly Draw
November 3rd – December 14th
Oats Clothing Sale
November 14th & 15th

From Our Members

Cinderella’s Caribbean Pot is now taking orders for their annual Jamaican Christmas Rum Cakes and Pina Colada Cheesecakes.
Christmas looks a little different this year, especially for family and friends in Jamaica. Proceeds from these sales will be sent in mid-December to support them.
Please send a private message to place an order, or leave a comment and a team member will be in touch.

Support Our Jamaican Farm Workers Affected by Hurricane Melissa
TapRoot Farms, Noggins Corner Farm, and Spurr Brothers Farm have come together to support their Jamaican team members and their families, who have been devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Homes have been destroyed, crops washed away, and families displaced. Many are still waiting to hear from loved ones as they begin the long process of rebuilding their lives.
They are collecting donations to help our team members cover urgent needs such as food, clean water, medical care, and building supplies to repair and replace their homes.
Your support will go directly to those impacted. Every contribution no matter the size, will make a real difference in helping their farm communities recover and rebuild.
Visit their GoFundMe page to donate and share.

 

 

Rebrand Alert! Ocean Edge Media
We’re excited to introduce Annapolis Valley Chamber member Ocean Edge Media, formerly Maritime Social Solutions.
Based right here in Nova Scotia, Ocean Edge Media is your trusted digital partner, crafting stunning websites, memorable logos, and powerful social media campaigns designed to help your business stand out and thrive online.
Be sure to check out their new website!
Congratulations Joey Courchesne, and the Annapolis Cider Company Team

Big congratulations to our head cider maker, Joey Courchesne, and the entire Annapolis Cider Company team on taking home 5 awards at the Canada Beer Cup Awards on Monday night in Quebec City!

The Canada Beer Cup™ is a national competition celebrating independently owned and operated breweries across Canada. It showcases quality and innovation in craft beer from coast to coast to coast. Congratulations from the Chamber, Annapolis Valley Cider!

Rental Opportunities at Brigadoon Village
Brigadoon Village is a non-profit year-round outdoor recreation facility located on Aylesford Lake in the Annapolis Valley region of Nova Scotia. They primarily serve children, youth and families living with health conditions or other life-challenges through its summer camp programming.
However, outside of its peak summer camp season, Brigadoon opens its facilities for rental by other groups (corporate, community, school, and family retreats) which helps support the main mission with the option of  unique experiences tailored to your group. 

Bring your team together this holiday season, while giving back to your local community!

If you’re interested in booking the space, please contact: info@brigadoonvillage.org
 

For Our Members

Think Local for the Holidays 2025

The Annapolis Valley Chamber is excited to launch its annual Think Local for the Holidays Campaign, a community-wide initiative celebrating the incredible businesses that make the Annapolis Valley shine. This campaign invites Chamber members—including service-based providers—to showcase their products and services while encouraging local shoppers to support, gift, and celebrate within our community this holiday season.

Participating businesses will be featured in a holiday social media campaign and online digital catalog – a go-to shopping guide designed to help customers discover and support local businesses. Reach new audiences, and play an active role in inspiring others to shop local and strengthen our regional economy.

To take part, businesses are asked to submit three featured products (including photos, descriptions, and links if applicable) and an optional story or highlight about their business to coordinator@annapolisvalleychamber.ca

 

New Members

Valley Hearing Healthcare Ltd.
At Valley Hearing Healthcare, your hearing care comes first.
Ocean Edge Media
Your trusted digital partner in Nova Scotia.
Milkweed Creative 
Painting, Graphic Design & Illustration 
More In Store Marketing Solutions 
More focused marketing
Please note: The Annapolis Valley Chamber does NOT sell or distribute our membership list. Be aware of scammers offering to sell you the list. Check out these resources for spotting an online scammer.