Member News For January 2017, volume 10

President's Message

The start of a new year represents fresh starts and new optimism. The current labour dispute between the province and its teachers is a situation that is of utmost importance to us all and needs a dose of optimism.

While tension and frustrations on both sides are high it is incumbent on both parties to remember that the stakes, the education of our children, are even higher. I would encourage both parties to give the benefit of the doubt and know that the intentions of the other side are noble.

The teachers operate in a challenging environment in which they are hard pressed to deliver the quality of education they passionately believe their students deserve. The government is balancing two equally critical and noble challenges, quality of education and fiscal responsibility.

While the differences between the two parties are real and difficult, the things on which they agree are far more significant and should form the basis of a renewed commitment to finding a deal that is progressive and fiscally responsible.

The new year also brings new leadership to our neighbour to the south. President Elect Trump is controversial and his personal style and many of his positions are offensive to many of us however I do believe we can take note of how the business environment has responded to his election. His commitment to lowering and reforming business taxes and eliminating job killing regulation has sent the stock market soaring. Furthermore Gallup reports that small business confidence is at the highest level since 1980.

With a new city council and heading into a provincial election our leaders should take note. A consistent and full throated commitment to improving the business climate can have a tangible impact even before policy is implemented.

If our leaders are unwavering in their commitment to making Halifax and Nova Scotia a global competitive business environment we will attract new investment, new immigrants and our existing businesses will invest and hire.

Leadership matters and optimism is warranted.

Happy new year and I wish the very best for you, your family, our city and our province in 2017.

Norman Nahas
President
Lebanese Chamber of Commerce

SAVE THE DATE: 2017 AGM

Tuesday, February 28th, 5:30 pm at McInnes Cooper Boardroom. We are currently accepting nominations for board members, please send inquiry or apply to norman@lebanesechamber.ca.

SAVE THE DATE: Cedar & Maple Gala

Thursday, May 18th, (details to follow). The Chamber proudly presents this years annual gala, hosting its 10th year, in an effort to celebrate the successes of our Lebanese community.

Requesting Your Nominations!

Lebanese Business Person of the Year

Lebanese Owned/Operated Business of the Year

Outstanding Lebanese Professional of the Year

Canadian Owned/Operated Business of the Year

<< ONLINE NOMINATIONS HERE >>

Sell Halifax and YOU

As a native Haligonian, my experience of building and growing businesses globally has led me to deeply appreciate the opportunity I have to promote one of the finest products in the world: Halifax.

Halifax’s ocean advantage, our proximity to the US and Europe for trade and business, the Halifax Gateway, our educated and innovative community and our rural-urban lifestyle are examples of how the city easily holds its own on the international level. Where else can you go from a boardroom to a beach in just 30 minutes?

Yet I can also tell you from experience that the world, frankly, does not know we exist.

That’s where you come in.

Click Here To Learn How You Can Help

Annual Christmas Party

The Lebanese Chamber of Commerce hosted it’s annual Christmas Party on December 6th at Bitter End in Halifax. Our members gathered to celebrate their successes and perseverance through 2016. Thank you to all who attended, wishing you all peace and happiness at Christmas and throughout the New Year.

Member Spotlight: Patricia Arab

Walking into an MLA office in the heart of Halifax and feeling welcomed and assured someone is willing to listen is exactly what the Fairview-Clayton Park district has. Patricia Arab is the first elected female member to serve this constituency, and has been doing so since 2013. For Patricia, this seems nothing more fitting as she grew up and flourished in the same streets she now represents.

Patricia graduated from Dalhousie University/University of Kings College with a Bachelor of Arts, followed by completing a Bachelor of Education at Mount St. Vincent University. She then proudly worked with Halifax Regional School Board as a teacher for many years, then South Shore Regional School Board once she completed her Masters of Education in counseling which was her lead to facilitate the implementation of a preventative mental health program called PATHS (promoting alternate thinking strategies). As her resume reveals, Patricia proactively involved herself with numerous initiatives focused on promoting the well-being of others.

Read Full Spotlight Here

Respecting traditions, embracing progress.

The Lebanese Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization committed to the development and growth of economic and commercial relations between Canada and Lebanon.

The Chamber provides a platform for businesses and professional people to come together for the common good of our community. We believe the future is created, and in order to shape that future we work as advocates for our members with government departments; promote the projects and achievements of our members to the public; and create avenues for members to interact with centers of influence from both government and business.

We’re planning our growth with enthusiasm, and we invite new members who believe in our mission and share our values of Integrity, Progressive Thinking, Expertise and Boldness. Please join us to enjoy the benefits of fostering ties to the Lebanese business community in Nova Scotia, and become an active participant in a vibrant and dynamic network working together to achieve more

Sign Up Online Today

Consulate Magazine

The Honorary Consulate of Lebanon recently published their annual magazine. It features an article by The Lebanese Chamber of Commerce and many other associations and achievements of 2016.

Read Online