Antigonish Chamber of Commerce Highlights Area's Stengths
by Renee Hartleib
The list of reasons to live and and do business in Antigonish is a lengthy one, from the idyllic setting, to living close to the beach to the family-friendly way of life.
But talk to almost any business owner in the community and it's the residents themselves that top the list.
The slower pace and balanced lifestyle are just two of the reasons James Smeaton decided to open a web-design business in the town.
"I like quality of life," says James Smeaton, 27, who has lived in Antigonish since he graduated from St. Francis Xavier University and formed Highland Multimedia, a web-design business, five years ago.
"My drive to work is two minutes. There are places to walk my dogs and I'm close to the ocean. But the people are what make the place for me."
Smeaton, whose design work is prominently displayed in this year's Doer's and Dreamer's Guide to Nova Scotia, is originally from Gander, N.L. But being "from away" has never been a problem for him. The people of Antigonish have welcomed Smeaton with open arms.
"I've had support from so many people here, and it's made me want to put my energy into the town and really make a go of things. I plan on staying and raising a family."
This sentiment is no surprise to Daniel Ross, president of the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce. He's owned and operated Ross Screenprint in Antigonish for the last 14 years. "Antigonish is a great place to do business largely because of its people," says Ross, noting the volume of entrepreneurs in a wide variety of sectors -- service, manufacturing, and education -- who have become chamber members.
"We are a chamber stacked with successful people already driving Nova Scotia's competitiveness in the new global economy."
Although the chamber exists to serve its 200 business members, it also gives information about the area to new residents and tourists, and takes part in special events. Small Business Week Expo, which takes place each fall, is one such event. A week of workshops and guest speakers culminate in a trade show that showcases local businesses and an evening gala to recognize companies that have won chamber-sponsored awards.
An scholarship program, for budding entrepreneurs at local high schools, is another chamber initiative. And for the newly self-employed, the organization offers information sessions, networking opportunities and basic business-skill training.
That was what Yvonne Lynch was looking for when she moved from Calgary 18 years ago and opened Lyncharm Pottery. She learned to balance her books through a chamber course and was quickly brought into the Antigonish fold.
"When we first came here, there was just one other potter in the area, and he was friendly and helpful to me from the get-go," Lynch said.
Lynch, whose pottery was recently given to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, says there has never been a sense of competition.
"That's just the way it is here. There's no animosity between business people. It's a very good place to do business."
Although tourists are the mainstay of her business, Lynch has found the people of Antigonish understand the difficulties of trying to make a living in craft.
"They don't ever think why would I pay you $24 for a mug when I can get two for a dollar at Walmart".
Lynch's mugs have recently been purchased by the local Credit Union in an effort to become more environmentally friendly.
"They could have ordered cheap mugs online," she says. "But they wanted to buy them from us, because they're made here, and it supports a local business. You can't beat that kind of stuff."
Frank Gallant agrees. The owner of Peak Experiences, an innovative company that provides team building and leadership training to organizations, has noticed that the "open, inviting, positive" people and businesses of Antigonish are consistently concerned with more than just their own success.
"In Antigonish, I'm able to engage in the components of what I think make a healthy business -- meaningful impact on community, making a difference socially, and responsibility for how we're impacting the environment."
The fact that Gallant has never had to invest in a marketing budget would shock people living in other parts of Canada and the world. Relying on word-of-mouth alone, he's worked with upwards of 750 Nova Scotian companies.
"When you do a good job with an organization, they tell others," says Gallant, who's been in business for the last 16 years. "And that's the pleasure of Nova Scotia right there. You're connected with people, and you're in relationships that last a lifetime."
This unique community is home to more than 18,000 residents, plus an additional 5,000 students who attend Canada's top ranked undergraduate university, St. Francis Xavier, and the world-renowned Coady Institute.
Dubbed the "Highland Heart of Nova Scotia," the town is the primary service, retail, government, education, and health-care centre for northeastern Nova Scotia. It is also close to the ocean and hiking trails and is rich in the arts, including professional dance classes, and annual events like Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre and Evolve Music Festival.
Festival Antigonish is just one of the activities that acclaimed Chef Mark Gabrieau supports.
"I've always been fond of theatre," says the owner of Gabrieau's Bistro, who studied his craft in New York where he frequented many Broadway productions. "When I first came here I was very impressed with the quality of the productions."
Gabrieau decided to become a Main Stage supporter in 1998, his first year of business, and considers his annual $6,000 donation money well spent.
"It's one of tourism's main draws, but it also significantly contributes to our own quality of life."
Originally from Ontario, Gabrieau has lived in many parts of the world, but always knew he would make Nova Scotia his home.
"I fell in love with Antigonish and decided I wanted to live here. Then I had to figure out how to employ myself."
His family lives on a large piece of land within walking distance of downtown, and he often gets up in the wee hours for a round of golf before starting work at 9 a.m.
He loves that his town is a place where deer graze in his backyard, people look each other in the eye, and business owners let you pay later if you forgot your wallet.
"I wouldn't give that up for the world."
