On the stories and connections that form during the Halifax Business Awards
January is often an exciting time of the year. For many of us, it creates the opportunity to use the lessons learnt from the past to positively move forward. It’s a moment to breathe hope, trust in oneself, and embrace new possibilities.
As I reflected on last year, I felt as though I had an army of supporters lifting me with words of encouragement and guiding me along the way, and for that, I am truly grateful. As a board, we are very supportive of each other; we look out for each other and build collaborative relationships. Our goal is to remain neutral and work with our partners, government, and communities that will bring prosperity to all Nova Scotians.
This January 2025 feels like a particularly important turning point for us in business. It’s a time to reflect and think about what lies ahead. What will we do over the next two, five, or even ten years? These are the kinds of questions that January encourages us all to consider.
January is also a very exciting time for the Chamber, as it will host the 2025 Halifax Chamber Business Awards. The annual awards are incredibly special and valuable. It is celebrating some of the best businesses. They provide a gateway for the Chamber to showcase our growing, diverse business community, and it generates enormous energy, which is palpable.
If you’re one of our finalists, you’ve already worked for many weeks alongside our amazing Chamber team, who take great pride in ensuring that every business is treated with the utmost respect and care. What many people don’t realize is the amount of preparation that happens behind the scenes. Finalists spend time together, socializing and forming connections. These interactions are opportunities to create lasting relationships, illustrating our best talents and perspectives in business and innovation. The camaraderie and excitement are just as significant as the awards themselves, leaving everyone with memories to cherish.
Someone once described the experience to me as being like a “rock or film star moment. It’s like the excitement leading up to a movie premiere or even the Oscars.” The journey is extraordinary, from the captivating videos to the memorable moments shared with the Chamber.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the awards is the Chamber’s decision to ensure complete independence in the selection process. The judging committee scores candidates individually, making it entirely unbiased. This independence ensures that when finalists and winners are announced, Chamber staff and board members are just as surprised as anyone else in the audience. It creates a genuine sense of fairness, anticipation and excitement for everyone involved, and I look forward to hearing the results of this selection process.
One of the most remarkable things about Halifax’s business landscape is how far we’ve come. We are no longer a “have-not” province—instead, we’ve become a province that is increasingly seen as a bright light in the Canadian business landscape.
The Halifax Business Awards are not just a celebration of individual achievements, but a testament to the Halifax region’s incredible progress.
I wish you all a great beginning to 2025 and look forward to seeing you on January 23 for the annual Halifax Business Awards gala.
