Every year is a big year for the Halifax Chamber with exciting plans for the coming year, but 2024 is an especially big year. The Halifax Chamber has just celebrated the 25th year of the Halifax Business Awards with 35 finalists, sponsors, judges, and the community. We’re so grateful to all of you who came out to support the event, who shared the finalists’ stories on social media, and who congratulated our fabulous finalists. Every entrepreneur and not for profit that was nominated this year deserves your congratulations and positive words.
We’re also refreshing our Strategic Plan this year, redefining our focus with our staff and our Board of Directors, and you will see more of this as the year unfolds. We based our plans on conversations with members and will be driving the most pressing issues facing businesses now and in the next five years with all levels of government moving forward.
One of these most pressing issues, which is the theme of our 2024 February/March issue of Business Voice, is the housing crisis. With a fast-growing population, Nova Scotia, along with most of the country, is experiencing massive shortages of housing units and affordable housing. In this issue, we talk to Minister Lohr about the provincial government’s five-year plan on addressing these shortages. We hear from the mayor on the city’s plans. We also hear from Chamber members who are supporting this issue in their industries, including tiny house construction, immigration settlement, and more.
February is also hosting our second annual Economic Forum, discussing key economic issues impacting our city and province. The Forum will feature a broad range of topics including big projects in sustainability, the Black economy, the business of politics, Indigenous business impact, and roundtables with Provincial Ministers.
February is African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia, featuring a full lineup of events, educational opportunities, concerts, and lots of culture. We encourage you to take part and patronize Black-owned businesses in your neighbourhood. Check out the Black Cultural Centre’s website for a calendar of events.
As always, we love to hear from our members. Please reach out if you have ideas for future magazine topics, concerns impacting your business, or just to say hi. I look forward to seeing you at the next Chamber event.
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