Truro and District Chamber of Commerce
The town of Truro got the nickname ‘The Hub of Nova Scotia’ because of its position as a geographic and commercial centre in the province. It is also a tightly knit community and a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Historically, the area has been home to substantial agricultural and manufacturing industries, but as the economy has grown and changed, so have the types of businesses in and around Truro. From convention centres and catering companies to service professionals and specialty shops, the region is home to a vibrant, diverse business sector. And the heart of that sector is the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber was founded in 1890, and today represents over 400 member businesses in this steadily growing and prospering area. It also serves as the base for the Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce, which represents over 30 chambers and more than 6,700 businesses. On behalf of its membership, the Truro Chamber advocates on a variety of issues, and works collectively to promote the region and foster a positive environment for business and personal development within the community. Executive Director Tim Tucker says there are big benefits in Chamber membership. In addition to advocacy, special discounts, and group insurance plans, members also have many opportunities to raise the profile of their businesses, enhance their business skills, and connect with each other.
“The Chamber provides excellent networking events throughout the year, as well as ‘Lunch and Learns’ to provide businesses with the information they want and need to further their success,” Tucker says. “They are highly-motivated, self-made, go-getters who set goals and achieve them.”
He also says that the diversity of the Chamber’s membership is one of the keys to its success and longevity, as well as the success of the area as a whole. “Our membership is extremely diverse, from businesses that have been in operation for decades to those smaller companies that are just starting out. We have large factories, small computer stores, law firms, accountants, real estate agents, farm equipment wholesalers. The people behind those businesses are as diverse as the companies they run.”
While business, large and small, is obviously the region’s hard-working economic engine, it is undeniably the people who are the driving force behind central Nova Scotia’s burgeoning success. Jim Lorraine is President of the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce. He recognizes the crucial role the community plays in keeping both the Chamber and the economy running smoothly.
“We are nothing without our community.” he says. “We are fortunate to have a number of dedicated volunteers and motivated paid staff in our various organizations that genuinely want to get things done and improve our collective lot in life.” The Chamber is largely run by volunteers, who dedicate considerable time and talent to many events and activities, including the monthly publication of the Central Nova Business News, the annual “Fun-Raising” Golf Tournament, and the Dutch Mason Blues Festival, of which the Chamber has been a major sponsor since its move to the Truro area. The three-day celebration of “Blues, Bikes, and BBQ” has attracted significant crowds to the area to take in highlights such as music legend Bonnie Raitt, the Atlantic Motorcycle Lifestyle Show, and the Maritime Barbecue Competitions.
When it comes to pitching in with a spirit of creativity and resourcefulness in order to get things done, Tucker says, “No challenge is ever too big for the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce. Board members are more than willing to roll up their sleeves and put in extra work when needed.” By keeping in touch with the people who support it, and in turn, supporting events that are important to the area, the Chamber helps reinforce the bond between local business and the community.
In some places, business and community – or work and life, for that matter –are concepts that don’t fit together easily. But the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce, like Nova Scotia itself, proves that this does not have to be the case. The relationship between the Chamber and the community is deeply rooted in the Chamber’s mandate to help ensure that the Truro area is a great place to work, live, and raise a family.
“Issues that affect family life, such as crime, also affect business.” says Tucker. By working to find practical solutions to issues that arise, the Chamber contributes not only to the well-being of businesses, but to the well-being of the people living in the area as well. This atmosphere of community cooperation touches every aspect of working and living in Nova Scotia. Tucker credits the dedication and genuineness of the people with the Chamber’s positive influence and impact on the community, and says that this same dedicated and genuine nature is also one of Nova Scotia’s strongest features.
“There is a teamwork mentality that exists in Nova Scotia, where those with experience are willing to offer their expertise to those just starting out.” Whether in business or in life, being part of a community lets people achieve together what no individual could possibly do alone. In the province’s growing and thriving hub, the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce illustrates the many great things that can be accomplished when business and community come together.
