PORT HAWKESBURY — The importance of thinking Cape Breton first and supporting local businesses during the holiday shopping season are among the early messages to come from the new executive director of the Strait Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Misty MacDonald began the role on Nov. 23, bringing with her 25 years of experience with organizations in the Strait area, primarily in financial management.
Her past five years included a move into economic development and tourism as owner and operator of Cabot Discover Tours Inc., a tourism operation company.
She also owns some accommodations.
“I would say the mood in the business community is currently cautious,” she said about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Of course, it has been different for everyone. Some businesses have successfully pivoted their operations, while others have been in survival mode with our tourism industry being among the hardest hit.”
Some optimism was felt in the summer months when COVID cases remain low and people had mobility within Atlantic Canada but a spike in cases "has driven home the reality"’ that people are in a pandemic’ and this might be a long haul, she noted.
The chamber's role throughout the pandemic has been to get important information to members about supports available. Membership updates, partnering on webinars and connecting businesses directly with programs and services are among the methods of delivery of those updates.
Though she believes she is coming into the new role at a turning point for area business, she believes the chamber has excelled in leadership and has strong support throughout Cape Breton and northeastern Nova Scotia.
“The role of the Strait Area chamber remains the same, we want to support the Strait area as being a great place to live, work and invest, but the way we approach this will need to change,” she said.
Just as member businesses are facing transition, she said the chamber will also need to transition to support them in the best possible manner.
“I hope to bring a fresh set of eyes to the organization, to look at all the areas of the chamber that may have worked well prior to 2020, and to determine whether they will still be relevant to the future of the chamber.”
Susan Fox had been acting director of the chamber after Amanda Mombourquette served in that role for several years.
https://www.capebretonpost.com/business/local-business/macdonald-new-executive-director-of-strait-chamber-of-commerce-530582/
By Greg McNeil
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MacDonald new executive director of Strait Chamber of Commerce
Monday, December 14, 2020
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Business Truth & Reconciliation
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is taking proactive steps to promote reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights within the corporate sector. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92, the Chamber urges its members to embrace the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a guiding framework. This entails a commitment to meaningful consultation, fostering respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before embarking on economic projects. Moreover, the Chamber advocates for equitable access to employment, training, and educational opportunities for Indigenous communities, ensuring they reap sustainable benefits from economic development initiatives.
Recognizing the importance of education, the Chamber encourages businesses to provide comprehensive training for management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of residential schools, Indigenous rights, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. Emphasizing intercultural competency, conflict resolution, and anti-racism, these efforts aim to foster a more inclusive and harmonious corporate environment rooted in mutual understanding and respect.
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