On October 20, 2020 we held a workshop for Cumberland retailers on how COVID-19 has changed our holiday shopping season and possible solutions to adapt to these new changes. Below is a video of the full workshop along with additional videos on each topic that was discussed, and a word document summarizing the key points that were discussed.

Full Workshop (Video)
Segment 1 - Customer Behaviour (Video)
Segment 2 - Promotional Differences (Video)
Segment 3 - Online Opportunities (Video)
Segment 4 - Logistics (Video)
Segment 5 - In-store (Video)

In coordination between the Cumberland Business Connector, the Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Tantramar COVID-19 Task Force we have sent a letter to the Premier's of NS and NB expressing appreciation for the implementation of the Atlantic Bubble, and addressing concerns around the current border situation. You can read the full letter here.

We've got you covered.

Our virtual Annual General Meeting has past, but you can catch up with great resources below:

Video Recording of the Presentations made by David Campbell (President, Jupia Consultants Inc.) and David Chaundy (President & CEO, APEC)

2019-2020 Annual Report

2020-2021 Strategic Priorities

CEO Report

As you may have already read there are three presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia as of March 15th.

Here at the Connector we will be sharing information to support businesses through these unprecedented times.

Please see the latest news release from the Province regarding COVID-19. Please remember to get your information from reliable government websites.

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NEWS RELEASE: HEALTH/WELLNESS--First Presumptive Cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia; New Prevention Measures
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Nova Scotia announced the province's first three presumptive cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), today, March 15. The province is also taking further measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
 
The cases are not connected and are travel related. The individuals followed all the proper procedures when they started to feel unwell.
 
"My thoughts are with the individuals affected and I wish them a speedy and thorough recovery. Now, more than ever, all Nova Scotians must follow public health direction - that's how we will reduce the spread of this virus in our province," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "We need to work together to protect our most vulnerable."
 
Two individuals are in the Halifax Regional Municipality and one is in Kings County. All three are managing their symptoms at home in self-isolation. Details include:
-- a female in her 60's, who returned to Halifax from Australia on March 8.
-- a male in his late 50's, who recently attended a conference in California and returned to Halifax on March 13.
-- a male in his 30's, who returned to Halifax on March 10 following travel throughout Europe.     
 
Public health has been in contact with these individuals and those who have come in close contact with them are also being directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.
 
Additional prevention measures for Nova Scotians are in effect immediately under the authority of the Health Protection Act and include:
--long-term care facilities closed to visitors effectively immediately
-- public schools closed for two weeks following March Break (weeks of March 23 and March 30) and then will be reassessed
-- regulated child care centres closed March 17 to April 3 and then will be reassessed
-- March break camps cancelled
-- casinos in Halifax and Sydney are closed as of 12 am March 16 and bar owners can no longer operating VLTs
-- anyone who travelled outside of Canada must self-isolate even if symptom-free
-- organizations and businesses must practice social distancing of two metres or six feet and keep gatherings below 150 or much smaller if possible. This applies to restaurants, bars, movie theatres and other gathering spots
 
Starting Monday, March 16, public health inspectors will be onsite at the Halifax International Airport and the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport. Work is ongoing with federal partners responsible for border security to strengthen the screening process. As well, both airports now have information on digital screens in all areas frequented by travellers.
 
Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus .
 
Quick Facts:
-- as of March 15, Nova Scotia has completed 418 tests for COVID-19, with 415 negative results and 3 presumptive positive cases. Testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
-- the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory asking Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
-- anyone who has travelled outside of Canada or has been in close contact with someone who has and are experiencing fever (above 38C) or cough should complete the online questionnaire to see whether you need to call 811. The online questionnaire can be found at: 811.novascotia.ca
-- Nova Scotia's Health Protection Act gives the chief medical officer of health the authority to give advice to protect public health and decrease risk to public health presented by communicable diseases such as COVID-19 --the public school system will be investigating virtual schools focused on essential curriculum to ensure Grade 12 students can graduate
 
Additional Resources:
The Public Health Agency of Canada maintains a list of affected areas: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/covid-19-affected-areas-list.html
 
Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus
 
Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397 Nova Scotia Public Health offices: http://www.nshealth.ca/public-health-offices

The Cumberland Business Challenge is for people who want to launch a new business, turn a hobby into a business, or grow a business that they own. There will be fourteen thousand dollars in cash awards and training that will be given out for a total of six awards for new businesses and existing businesses in Cumberland County. Poster, application, and other details can be found below. The Application deadline is November 19! Must be eighteen years old or older to apply.

Please see signed letter below sent by the Cumberland Business Connector to the Minister of Transport, along with other Provincial and Federal departments concerning the Oxford sinkholes.

Earlier this month the Business Connector held an event at the NSCC Springhill Campus on Export Opportunities.

We thank everyone who came out and joined us that day! For those who weren't able to join us, or for those who would like to review the materials, below you will find PDF copies of the presentations.

The Cumberland Business Connector Society, covering the region of Cumberland, NS is currently recruiting a new board member to serve on the Board of Directors. Board Members will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer to ensure the effective governance of the network.
 
Applicants should be driven by the belief that they can make a difference in our region with their diverse backgrounds and possess knowledge and skills in one or more of the following areas: leadership, business, law and audit, human resources, finance, governance, strategic planning, partnership development, government navigation, communications, economic development, entrepreneurship, & relationship networking.
 
Position: Volunteer
Length of Term:  One (1) Year to Three (3) Year Terms
Application Deadline:  April 12, 2019
 
To apply please view the attached PDF and return the completed forms to
contact@cumberlandbusinessconnector.ca .