Western Kings Board of Trade

                                          Spring Newsletter

                                                                         May 2008

 

Economic Development Coordinator Hired

The Western Kings Board of Trade, Town of Berwick and Kings CED Agency have partnered in the hiring of Mr. David Keddy
as the new Economic Development Coordinator.  Mr. Keddy’s key role will be to support the work of the Economic Development
Advisory Committee which was created by the three partners to identify initiatives, enhance opportunities and promote economic
growth and well being in the greater Berwick community. 

 

Mr. Keddy is a resident of Berwick and brings a solid background in community support initiatives and fund raising. He began his
new duties on April 28^th and his office is located at 222 Commercial Street across from Wilson’s Pharmasave.  Everyone is
encouraged to drop in and meet David.  For more information on the Economic Development Advisory Committee and its
Strategic Plan and Priorities for 2008 please contact the Economic Development Coordinator,
David Keddy at 538-5633 or e-mail at dkeddy@town.berwick.ns.ca.

Blossom Weekend in Berwick (May 30^th – June 1^st )

The Retail Merchants Committee of the Board has been busy over the past number of months planning a host of events for the
weekend of Apple Blossom.  Some of the events being lined up include the annual craft and artisan fair in the arena; merchants
sidewalk sales; BBQ hosted by Meadowbrook Meat Market and the 4H; an old fashioned ice cream party, car washes,
bounce promotions and much, much more.  Specific details of the weekend’s events will be published once all the planning has
been completed.  Stay tuned!

Retail Merchants “Shop Local” Ad Campaign Under Way

The Western Kings Board of Trade offers an attractive ad campaign for businesses through the Valley Register.  The Board
negotiates a discounted rate for advertising which appears on the back page of the Valley Register bi-weekly.  The first back
page ads appeared in the April 17^th and May 1^st editions.  For more information on the ad campaign, contact Bryan Abernethy
at babernethy@berwickregister.ca.

Quarterly General Meeting at the “Cider House” June 10^th

The next quarterly general meeting of the Board will be a “picnic” lunch at the Cider House in the Berwick Industrial Park on
June 10^th.  The Cider House is an off-shoot of Grand Pre Wineries, making the hard apple Stutz cider. Located in the former
Avon Foods plant, the Cider House is doing exactly what the plant was originally built to do – turn apple juice into an alcoholic
apple beverage.  Please come join us for lunch, a tour of the plant and an opportunity to network with other businesses.
  For tickets, contact either Sara Keddy at 681-2121, ext. 309 or Linda Ramsay at 538-0632.  Tickets are $15 for members
and $17.50 for non members.

First Lunch & Learn Session Held

As a new benefit to businesses in the greater Berwick community, the Board has begun a program to host special guest speakers
at “Lunch & Learn” sessions to speak on current and topical issues impacting businesses in our area.  The first session was held on
April 17^th with guest speaker Andrew Garret from Valley Resource Management speaking about the new “Clear Bags for Garbage”
program introduced on April 1 and how the program impacts businesses.  

2008 Membership Drive

Beginning in 2008 the Board of Directors has embarked on a number of new and exciting initiatives to provide more benefits and
services to its members.  The Board is “dedicated to excellence in business” and works to provide membership services that support
the business community.  For information on becoming a member check out our website at http://www.westernkingsboardoftrade.com/. 

 

This year the Board of Directors have engaged the services of Mr. Orlay Veno to assist in the recruitment of Board members.
  If you haven’t had a visit or call from Orlay, feel free to contact him at 847-9070 or call Board President Linda Ramsay at 538-0632.
  It is only through a strong membership that the resources to support and grow local businesses are possible. 

2008 Board of Directors Sworn In Annual Meeting

The new slate of Directors for the Western Kings Board of Trade was sworn in at the Board’s annual meeting on February 19^th
.   Linda Ramsay was elected President, serving her second of a two year term.  Other members of the Executive include
Hartt MacKinlay as Past President, Terri Gale as Vice President, Gavin Brewster as Treasurer and Sara Keddy as Treasurer.
  The following Directors were also elected ~ Greg Wilson, Charlie MacKenzie, Wally Jarvis, Randy Sanford, Howard Hall,
Polly Scott, Jenny McCoy,
Bryan Abernethy, Don Clarke and Steve Bezanson.

 

The annual meeting was hosted by the Berwick Mason’s who provided a “lumberjack” breakfast to a sold out crowd.  The featured
guest speaker was Ron Turner of Nova Verde Industries who spoke on the proposed “eco-sphere” development for the former apple
warehouse on Mill Street.   Mike Trinacty of the Economic Development Advisory Committee also gave a presentation on the
Committee’s strategic plan and priorities.



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