Advocacy
Proposed Policy Resolutions 2025
Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Policy Priorities 2025
Driving Growth and Resilience Across Atlantic Canada
As Atlantic Canada navigates a time of change and opportunity, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is championing the priorities that matter most to our region’s future. Rooted in feedback from our member businesses, our 2025-26 Policy Priorities focus on the key areas where action is urgently needed.
Together with our partners and policymakers, we’re working to ensure Atlantic Canada remains competitive, sustainable, and prosperous.
Events & Workshops
Business Awards 2025!
You’re Invited: 2025 Annapolis Valley Business Awards – Tickets Now Available
The Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for an inspiring evening at the 2025 Business Awards, taking place Wednesday, November 6th at Devour! Studios in Wolfville.
This annual event celebrates the exceptional achievements of businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations making a lasting impact in our region. Finalists have been selected across six award categories, with two special honours to be announced live at the event.
New Business of the Year
Sponsored by Scotiabank
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TACOcentric
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Dal’s Counter Take Away
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Raging Crow Distillery
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Nova Spray
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Saltair Nordic Spa & Wellness
Not-for-Profit of the Year
Sponsored by: Town of Kentville
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Valley Women’s Business Network
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Para PowerPlay Association
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Valley Regional Hospital Foundation
Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored by Southwest Nova Insurance
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Jordan Apostoleris
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Crystal Harrison
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Juli MacHattie
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Richard Gardner
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Brodie Sampson
Large Business of the Year
Sponsored by TD Bank
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Canning Village Meat Market Inc.
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Martell Mechanical Limited
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Annapolis Valley Home Care Ltd.
Small Business of the Year
Sponsored by CBDC Hants-Kings
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Co-operators | Full Circle Insurance & Investment Solutions Ltd.
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Noël & Co.
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Annapolis Pro Painters
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Wild Lily
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Space Creatorz Marketing Agency
Micro Business of the Year
Sponsored by Michelin
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Tir Na nOg Irish Dance Academy
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Where It’s At Tours
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Wholesum Refillery
Special Recognitions:
The Lifetime Achievement Award and the Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion (DEAI) Advancement Award
Sponsored by the Municipality of the County of Kings
will be announced during the event.
This event is more than an awards ceremony—it’s a celebration of the people and businesses that contribute to the vitality of the Annapolis Valley. Enjoy networking, local food and wine, and hear the stories behind this year’s standout nominees.
Tickets are now available!
Reserve your seat today and be part of this memorable evening.
Small Business Week: Networking at the Valley Business Hub
You’re Invited: Small Business Networking Morning
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Valley Business Hub, 448 Main Street, Kentville
In celebration of Small Business Week, the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce, CBDC Hants-Kings, and the Valley Regional Enterprise Network are pleased to host a special networking event for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
This is a great opportunity to:
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Connect with other local business owners and business support organizations
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Enjoy complimentary coffee and muffins
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Receive a free professional headshot, courtesy of Valley Credit Union
No registration required — just drop in on Thursday morning and join us for a relaxed and valuable morning of networking.
We look forward to seeing you there!
October 31, 2025
October 22, 2025
November 1, 2025
From Our Members
Across Mi’kma’ki, the Seven Sacred Teachings guide how we live, learn, and treat one another. Each teaching carries a lesson and is often symbolized by an animal, reminding us that all of creation has wisdom to share.
Love (Eagle) – The eagle carries love, soaring highest and closest to the Creator. It reminds us to love deeply and unconditionally, to see with a kind heart.
Courage (Bear) – The bear teaches us to stand strong in the face of fear. True courage means doing what is right, even when it is hard.
Humility (Wolf) – The wolf lives and hunts as part of a pack. It teaches us that no one is above or below another, and that we must respect the balance between giving and receiving.
Wisdom (Beaver) – The beaver uses its gifts to build, create, and care for others. It reminds us that wisdom comes from using our talents to benefit the whole community.
Respect (Buffalo) – The buffalo teaches respect by showing gratitude for all of creation. Everything on this earth provides for us, and we must honour that gift in return.
Honesty (Sabe) – The Sabe (Sasquatch) walks with honesty. This teaching reminds us to be truthful with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Honesty is not the same as truth. It is the act of living authentically, without excuses. The Sabe reminds us that survival, both physical and spiritual, depends on being honest with who we are and the environment that sustains us.
These Seven Sacred Teachings remind us that our spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental well-being are all connected. Each day, we can ask ourselves: Am I walking in balance with these teachings?
Deed Transfer Tax By-law Advancing to Second Reading
Municipal Council for the Municipality of the County of Kings gave First Reading to a proposed Deed Transfer Tax By-law on Oct. 7.
The First Reading stage allows Council to discuss a draft by-law and determine if the proposed regulation proceeds to a Second Reading. Council can decide if the draft by-law is passed as is, approved with minor changes, or voted down at Second Reading.
A minimum of 14 days’ notice must be provided before a Second Reading to give the public an opportunity to comment. The Second Reading for the proposed Deed Transfer Tax By-law will occur in Council Chambers Monday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m.
It was a beautiful afternoon spent at Glooscap First Nation’s Mawio’mi (Powwow). Honorable Kody Dwayne and Copeland have been busy getting the pumpkin patch set up for the season, and it’s looking better than ever. Two new varieties are available this year — cider pumpkins and popcorn pumpkins — adding something fresh and fun to the mix. The pumpkin u-pick is now open to visitors on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 11 AM to 5 PM. It’s a great time to stop by, pick out a pumpkin, and enjoy the festive fall atmosphere.
Local businesses are invited to take part in the Stockings Were Hung campaign, a heartfelt community initiative supporting youth from preschool through post-secondary who may be facing challenges this holiday season.
How Businesses Can Get Involved:
• Host a donation box at your business for customers to fill with stocking stuffers
• Feature specials on suggested stocking items to encourage purchases
• Join our “Pay It Forward” campaign running from October 15 to December 15 — customers will be encouraged to purchase stocking items at participating stores for donation and shop locally for their own needs
Get Involved:
If you’re a small business interested in participating, we’d love to feature you and share your involvement through our promotions. Our team — including staff, youth, and community volunteers — will be leading the campaign and helping spread the word.
Please reach out to stockingswerehungns@gmail.com if you’d like to get involved.
The Valley Regional Hospital Foundation is feeling incredibly grateful for the generosity of the community.
This fall, Hennigar’s Farm Market kindly opened their U-Pick Sunflower fields by donation, with proceeds supporting the Foundation — and the community showed up in a big way.
Hennigar’s recently presented a $4,000 donation to the Foundation, along with a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers from their farm. The Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the initiative, and to Hennigar’s for selecting Valley Regional Hospital Foundation as their charity of choice this year.
Funds raised through this initiative will go toward vital equipment purchases and patient support programs at Valley Regional Hospital, helping to keep quality healthcare close to home.
Pictured: Elaine (left) and Heather (right) from Hennigar’s Farm with Taylor (center), Events & Community Coordinator at the Foundation.
Job Opportunities
Part Time Registered Nurses (RN) – Wolfville Elms
Tractor-Trailer Driver, Long Haul – Eassons Transportation Group
Community and Social Services Worker – Portal Youth Outreach Association
Coffee Roaster – Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op
Paralegal – Nathanson Seaman Watts
Line Cook – Luckett Vineyards
Chair Sander – Wheaton’s
Front of House Manager – Paddy’s Pub Wolfville
Retail Supervisor – Scotian Gold Co-operative Ltd.
Part-time Hospitality & Café Attendant – Saltair Nordic Spa & Wellness
For Our Members
Workplace health and safety is not just a legal requirement; it’s also key to protecting your employees and your business. Every Canadian province has its own occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation and enforcement system, and employers are expected to comply. One way compliance is checked is through workplace health and safety inspections by your province or territory’s health and safety department.
Bottom Line for Business Owners
Health and safety inspections are not something to fear; they’re an opportunity to ensure your workplace is safe and compliant. By keeping proper records, training your employees, and maintaining a proactive safety culture, you’ll be prepared for both planned and surprise inspections.
A safe workplace not only avoids fines and penalties but also improves morale, productivity, and your reputation as an employer.
HR Covered Tip: Did you know our health and safety program doesn’t stop after your first OHS manual and virtual walkthrough? Each year, we provide a fresh manual and a follow-up virtual walkthrough to check in on your progress and support your health and safety goals. Contact us if it’s time for your refresher!
New Members
