Bridgewater and Area

            CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                    

                 220 North Street, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, B4V 2V6

                       www.bridgewaterchamber.com    bacc@eastlink.ca

 

 

In this edition:

1. Member Profile

2. Earth Hour

3. Upcoming Events

4. Ask for your input

5. Office Hours

6. Contact Information

 

1.  Member Profile

The Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Shirley Oickle as a member of the Chamber.  Shirley is the owner/operator of a new business that provides professional organizing services throughout Lunenburg and Queens counties.

 

 

I think that anyone who has talked with me since I started my business in the summer of 2007 knows that I just love my work as a professional organizer and having my own business – Space To Thrive Organizing Transformations.

At space to thrive I have been able to merge two parallel passions into one exciting and personally fulfilling journey.  A journey that not only provides a much-needed and sought-after service, but it is interesting and fun too!

Merging my passion as a Registered Social Worker with that of a Professional Organizer enables me to help others who are experiencing life transitions and changes in their lives, and at the same time, help them to organize and simplify their lives.  Who hasn’t experienced a life transition and change, or struggled from time to time with an organizing challenge? I sure know that I have at various times in my life.

My business name, space to thrive, embodies exactly what I want, and endeavor to achieve, for my clients - space to thrive in their lives. Of course, that may mean something different for each of us. Therefore, I work closely with each client in their home or in their home-based/small business to develop appropriate and lasting solutions that reflect their unique needs and preferences. These solutions help bring order to their lives and environment, and are instrumental in enabling clients to create spaces that are more functional, efficient and organized – all of which can lead to reduced stress in their lives!

My interest in helping others, and my personal track record of embracing change and practicing life-long learning throughout my own life, has led me to work with people – perhaps just like you - who are ready to make a change in their life…and who want to live more in-line with what they prefer for themselves and their lives.

Although I am a new member of the Chamber of Commerce, I grew up along the South Shore of Lunenburg County and can’t imagine calling anywhere else ‘home’.  My partner Tom, adult children Amy and Matthew, and three (soon to be four!) grandchildren are constant sources of joy, learning and growth for me.

Professionally, I enjoy and gain much from my membership in the following associations:

  • Professional Organizers in Canada (POC)
  • Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers (NSASW)
  • Canadian Counselling Association (CCA)
  • Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Centre of Women in Business
  • South Shore Women in Business

I look forward to meeting Chamber members at the various meetings and events.  I invite you to check out my website at www.spacetothrive.com, and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss an organizing challenge that you are experiencing.

 

2.  Earth Hour   Earth Hour has been endorsed by the Towns of Bridgewater, Lunenburg and Mahone Bay as well as the Municipality of the District of Chester and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and is supported by Conserve Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power

Lunenburg County Supports Earth Hour

March 29, 2008   8:00 pm to 9:00 pm

 

At 8 p.m. (local time) on Saturday March 29, 2008, cities across the world will turn off their lights and all non-essential power for just one hour – Earth Hour™ – to show that it’s possible to take action on climate change. Switching off is a simple action that can make a difference and it sends a powerful message that the people of the world and Lunenburg County care about the future of the planet. We need you to help us make it happen.

 

Earth Hour has been endorsed by the Towns of Bridgewater, Lunenburg and Mahone Bay as well as the Municipality of the District of Chester and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and is supported by Conserve Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power

 

It is important that you register your support on the website, of you, your family, business, school, organization, Town or District. As each sign up is added to the world total, it provides the world event organizers with worldwide participation statistics. For example: X individuals, Y businesses and Z schools participated in Earth Hour from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada.

 

What you can do as an individual

 

What you can do as a business

              -    Register your business at www.southshorenow.ca

 

What you can do as a Hotel, Motel or B&B

          -  Register your business at www.southshorenow.ca

 

EARTH HOUR

Saturday March 29

8.00 pm to 9.00 pm

 

What you can do as a Restaurant

-             Register your business at www.southshorenow.ca

 

The Earth Hour Radio Hour

CKBW is offering a unique environmental perspective with a locally produced radio show called the “Earth Hour Radio Hour” this program will air on Saturday March 29 from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm and will feature environmental themed music and conversations with Lunenburg County residents who are doing interesting things in support of the local environment as well as providing specific ideas that you can do as an individual to save energy and money. We urge all residents to tune in - just make sure that you use a battery or crank powered radio to listen.

 

Thank you for supporting Earth Hour

in Lunenburg County

As participants in the world community, it is not only the responsibility of our elected officials and community leaders, but also the responsibility of us its citizens, to put in place and support projects and initiatives that will positively move the community forward.

 

Symbolic? Yes. But sometimes it is the littlest of efforts, when combined with the efforts of others that can make the most difference. Let us, as a diverse community show the world that the people and governments of Lunenburg County care.

 

What are the steps that would have to be taken to have this very small, yet positive initiative being adopted by all residents in Lunenburg County?

 

Simply say:  Yes, let’s do it. And do it we can.

 

It’s also important to note that although this event is only taking place during 1 hour for 1 day, people are encouraged to incorporate these energy savings measures into their everyday lives, as it will require a significant effort to truly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to more appropriate levels.

 

If you require additional information please e-mail Michael Graves at store219@mmms.ca.

 

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3.  Chamber Events

Tuesday, March 18th, 2008 7:30 a.m.

Breakfast with the Mayor of Bridgewater. Mayor Publicover will present an overview of the initiatives and projects currently underway in Bridgewater. He and a number of department heads will be available to answer your questions.

Where:  Kinsman Hall, Bridgewater

When:  Tuesday, March 18th at 7:30

Cost: $ 10.00 ( Includes Breakfast Sandwich)

Please register by emailing bacc@eastlink.ca or calling 543-4263

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Friday, March 28th, 2008 Noon

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend a presentation by The Honourable Cecil P. Clarke, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. He will be sharing details of his campaign to have the Youth Criminal Justice Act changed. He would also like to share Nova Scotia's new "Time to Fight Crime Together Crime Strategy". This event is a joint initiative of the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce, The Lunenburg Board of Trade and the Mahone Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Where:  Firehall in Lunenburg

When:  Friday, March 28th, 2008 

           11:30 registration for Noon

Cost:  $10.00 includes a chowder lunch catered by the

          Ladies Auxiliary of the Lunenburg Fire Department.

Please reserve your seat by contacting bacc@eastlink.ca or phoning 543-4263

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Thursday, April 3rd. 2008  Noon

Join the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce to hear a presentation by Hal Hilton, Developer of Ridgewood, a retirement living complex under construction in Bridgewater.

Where:  The Fairview Inn, Bridgewater Room

When: Thursday, April 3rd, 2008 11:30 registration for Noon

            lunch

Cost:  TBA

Ridgewood truly is a state of the art residence, built on a foundation of community, care and convenience. Nestled amongst a grove of mature pines, Ridgewood is structured to offer its residents an alternative living experience, close to amenities and services. This environment is ideal for those who value independent living and appreciate the benefits of personalized support and service. Hear from Mr. Hilton why the location was chosen, challenges encountered in building and hear about the planned opening date and what it will mean to Bridgewater and Area.

Please register by emailing bacc@eastlink.ca or calling 543-4263.

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Saturday, April 5th, 2008  Spring Into Business

The Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce and the South Shore Women In Business Association are pleased to present "Spring Into Business" an event showcasing women business owners of the South Shore.

Where: NSCC, High Street, Bridgewater, NS

When:  Saturday, April 5th, 2008

Cost:   Seminars and Lunch    $ 55.00

          Lunch Only                 $ 25.00

          Booth at the tradeshow $ 85.00

          Seminars, Lunch and Booth At Tradeshow   $ 145.00

          Tradeshow from 1:30 to 4:30 open to public free of

          charge

For additional information please contact  Sylvia Booth at 902-521-0657 or email wbisouthshore@ca.inter.net

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Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 

The Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host a lunch time presentation by Dana LaBlanc, Plant Manager of Michelin Bridgewater Plant. Dana will give us an update on the expansion projects that are currently underway at Michelin and share some insights into planned future developments.

Where:  TBA

When:  Tuesday, May 27th, 2008  Lunch Meeting

Cost:  TBA

Reserve your place by contacting bacc@eastlink.ca or calling 543-4263

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Tuesday, June 17th, 2008  Annual General Meeting, Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce    Breakfast meeting

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4. Your Input

     We need your announcements and comments. Please let us know about any awards, achievements and presentations made to you and or your employees. And we need your feedback and your comments on what we are doing right and what needs improvement.

If any of our new members would like to have a profile of their business included in our BACC BUZZ please send me all the details and we will be glad to highlight your business.

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5  Our office hours will be Monday, Tuesday, And Thursday 9:00 to 4:00 and Friday 9:00 to 2:00. Most Wednesdays the office will be closed. Sometimes meetings take me out of  the office during the listed hours. Please be patient, leave a voice message or send an email and I will respond as quickly as I can.

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6. Contact Information

Ann O'Connell, Executive Director

bacc@eastlink.ca

543-4263 Phone

543-1156 fax