 By Dan White, Treasurer, and Advocacy Chair
There are many advantages to becoming a member of the Digby Board of Trade. Besides the following benefits, stay tuned for more good things to come!
 By Dan White, Chair of the Advocacy Committee, Digby Area Board of Trade.
The Digby Area Board of Trade (DABT) is taking on a number of focused initiatives, especially community building. Community is everything; without all of us working together to enrich our lives, we just stagnate. In unity, there is strength, and together we stand and work for the betterment of us all. DABT is stepping up to take a bigger role in our community, and you will see a lot more activity from your board of trade. That starts with the board advocating for things that improve our community and help to solve challenges. Our community has a lot of newcomers, and they usually want to fit in and contribute to the community. They want to share their pride in picking the best darn area in Nova Scotia to live and work. People from far away, or as they are sometimes called "Blowins," either embrace what makes them a true Blue Noser, or they just don’t fit in and move away. My own experience is that by reaching out and being nice, there is no place on earth more welcoming than Nova Scotians. BUT... you have to initiate this yourself. Don't wait for your neighbors to reach out to you. Some will, some won't, but everyone is nice when you reach out. If you reach out to say "How can I help?" you will find that helping is greatly appreciated. It is called being a volunteer community builder. Just as you could join DABT, where we need members and volunteers to accomplish our goals. We have positions to fill on our Board of Trade, and if you would like to join us, let us know. We will be delighted to discuss the opportunities. Together we can make a big difference. Digby's community needs many volunteers for many things. If you have the skills and know-how, then step up, and you will be welcomed with open arms. Community plays a crucial role in any community, as it creates a sense of belonging and togetherness among the residents. From the smallest to the largest communities, everyone relies on the power of social connections to thrive and develop. Let’s discuss why community is important in Digby, NS, and how it benefits the residents. Firstly, community promotes a sense of identity and belonging. Residents of Digby often identify with their community and are proud of its unique features. By having a strong community, residents can share and celebrate their local heritage and traditions, creating a sense of pride in their community's identity. This sense of belonging fosters a stronger sense of community, and residents are more likely to work together to make their community a better place. Secondly, the community encourages social connections and networking. In Digby, residents are more likely to interact and connect with each other when they share a common bond or interest. The community acts as a hub where residents can come together, socialize, and meet new people. DABT is going to play an even bigger role in community events and activities, where businesses and residents can develop meaningful relationships, whether it be with neighbors or business owners, and support each other in various ways. Thirdly, community enhances quality of life. A strong community can provide essential resources and services that are beneficial to residents' well-being. For instance, community-based initiatives can provide increased access to healthcare, education, and support services. Additionally, a strong community can contribute to a better environment, improved infrastructure, and enhanced safety and security, all of which improve residents' quality of life. Fourthly, the community creates opportunities for collaboration and cooperation. In Digby, a strong community promotes collaboration and cooperation among individuals, businesses, and organizations. By working together, community members can achieve collective goals that benefit the community as a whole. Such initiatives can include community beautification, infrastructure development, or economic growth. The community's collaborative efforts are instrumental in achieving positive outcomes that enhance the overall quality of life for residents. Finally, the community is essential for social and economic development. The economic growth of a community is closely tied to its social development. A strong community is more likely to attract businesses, investors, and visitors. In turn, this creates more job opportunities, enhances the local economy, and promotes growth and development. In conclusion, the community is vital in Digby, Nova Scotia, as it provides a sense of belonging, encourages social connections and networking, enhances the quality of life, creates opportunities for collaboration and cooperation, and is essential for social and economic development. A strong community that values its residents and promotes their well-being will ultimately foster a thriving and prosperous community. In summary, by joining the Digby Area Board of Trade, either as a member or a part of the executive Board of Directors, you can have a positive impact on your community. We, at the Board, are committed to doing our part and more.  The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is a union that represents more than 155,000 federal government employees across Canada. The union has announced a strike due to unresolved contract negotiations with the federal government.
Here is what we know at this time: Canada Revenue Agency Approximately 39,000 workers at Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) are on strike. While there are no plans to extend tax filing deadlines, CRA will continue to accept all tax returns. Some programs such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) will continue to operate as well without interruption. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada There is expected to be significant delays for processing applications, in-person appointments and citizenship ceremonies, passport services and contacting the department. This could be impactful on the labour market as businesses are already facing labour shortages across Atlantic Canada Supply Chains and the Border Border services are expected to be maintained for the time being as the majority of Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) workers will not be going on strike. CBSA expects that there will not be any interruptions. Supply chains may experience interruptions in some specific sectors, such as agriculture. There is a potential that food security may be impacted by the strike. Passport Services Passport services are currently considered non-essential, resulting in a suspension of application processing and renewal services. Exceptions are made for individuals facing emergency or humanitarian circumstances. For more information on services potentially impacted by the strike, click here (CTV News information).  Our board of trade is committed to supporting local small businesses. The Digby Area Board of Trade has an official number for members or potential members to reach the board directly to answer any questions or concerns. We strive to be a valuable resource for our members and a trusted partner in the local business community.
 Dr. Prince Dan-Jumbo and Dr. Rachel Abel have recently joined the Digby & Area Family Health Centre as family medicine physicians in Digby. We are thrilled to have them join our community.
 As part of their ongoing efforts to explore business opportunities in the Digby area, a group of key stakeholders gathered at the municipal office on Wednesday morning, April 12. The attendees included Mike Branchflower, Vice President of Invest Nova Scotia; Heather Hennigar, Investment Attraction Executive of Invest Nova Scotia; Terry Thibodeau, Renewable Energy Program Coordinator of the Municipality of Digby; Jeff Sunderland, Chief Administrative Officer of the Municipality of Digby; Tyler Pulley, Manager of Municipal Services; and David M. Cvet, Director of the Digby Area Board of Trade.
The meeting followed a previous session where the Invest NS team had met with representatives of the ABCC and reviewed the property and assets at that location. After the meeting at the municipal office, David took the Invest NS team on a tour of the business park in Seabrook, followed by a highly informative tour of the Digby Municipal Airport to review its assets that could be leveraged or enhanced for potential business interests. The morning concluded with a productive business lunch at Soo Good restaurant on the #303. During the discussions, there was a strong focus on sustainable energy and reducing the carbon footprint in the fishing industry. One of the key ideas explored was the possibility of leveraging hydrogen as an additive to diesel fuel consumed by fishing vessels, which could potentially lower costs and reduce the carbon emissions associated with diesel engines. Other points raised included the potential production and market of hydrogen to serve Nova Southwest, as well as the valley from a fertilizer perspective. It is clear that there will be continued discussions regarding opportunities in the Digby area in the coming weeks, and these discussions will take time to refine and develop into a strategic plan that outlines a vision for the Digby area's future over the next five years. ************************** David Cvet Director of the Digby Area Board of Trade A personal message from your Chair of the Advocacy Committee.
I am often asked; Why did I move to Digby. With me being a blow in from away, that is a great question and I will share my reasons about why I am so happy as a Bluenoser in my happy home overlooking St. Mary's Bay. About why move to Digby, the answer my friends is blowing in the wind. The winds of Nova Scotia stir deep emotions, that connect the heart with the soil, the sea, and the ocean breezes. Sure there are lots of logical reasons of which I have indicated some below. Logic is not really how the world works. People are driven by emotions but they explain reasons with logic. Therefore, I will share both my emotional and my logical reasons for moving to Digby, Nova Scotia. Emotionally... Digby has been voted the second most friendly place in Canada. It is also noted as one of the most romantic place. My childhood was living in the country, and although all my adult years have been in big towns and cities, I am still a country boy at heart. To me Digby has the heart of the country. It is a place where there are still wide open spaces, but is not remote. About shopping in Digby; I can't always get what I want, but I can always get what I need. I love doing business in Digby, it is small enough that you can trust business to do right by you, because everyone knows everyone and your reputation dictates how successful your own business will be. When you go in a store people are happy to see you and love to chat, especially if you have some juicy tidbits to talk about. If someone asks me where I live, the easy answer is to say the name of my next door neighbor. Everyone knows Eddie. I had made friends online, even before my wife and I moved here. Our new neighbors welcomed us to the neighborhood and helped us get settled. Here I know a little bit about everyone around me. That human connection does not happen in heavily populated areas. I love seafood and this is the place to be, and seafood is plentiful. Digby is the Scallop Capital of world and the Lobster Capital of Canada. So for me, that makes Digby the place to be. I love flowers and chirping things. Digby has the warmest climate zone in Nova Scotia. Here we are, it is not officially spring and yet spring has sprung, with all the joy of life that surrounds us. There are bunnies, foxes, hawks and eagles... the forests are teaming with wildlife. It is a place where Hollyhocks grow wild and the owls give a hoot. Anyone who says there is nothing to do in Digby either has never been to Digby or may be too shy to talk to anyone. The only problem that I have is that I don't have enough time to do everything that there is to do here. If you love East Coast music, this is music heaven. I hear music in the air, everywhere. OH, yeah, I said I would state some logical reasons to move to Digby; There are lots. Housing prices in Nova Scotia are very affordable, especially compared to other cities in Canada, of which have become increasingly more expensive. Digby is an area that the rest of Canada has not woken up to know that Digby has the best value homes in NS. Nova Scotia is surrounded by water, so you are never more than 64 km from the ocean and never far from a river, beach or lake. Nova Scotia has a thriving craft beer and wine scene, with many breweries and wineries throughout the province. It has the best cider I have ever tasted. Nova Scotia has four distinct seasons, all of which are pretty mild, which means you can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities throughout the year. Digby is half way between Halifax and Yarmouth. That is great for business and for taking Day Trips of which there are many day trips you can take from Digby to anywhere in Nova Scotia. Or even take a ferry to St. John and or Maine. There are so many places to see; Such as the balancing Rock, down the neck to whale watching and a freshwater Mid Lake in next to the sea on the Digby neck. There are just too many places for me to mention herein. Nova Scotia is known for its welcoming and inclusive culture, which allows for all people to feel free and safe. My only regret is that I did not move here sooner. Dan White Chair of the Advocacy Committee Article written by Mayor Ben Cleveland
"Town Council and staff have been hearing rumors' that we're planning to turn Digby into a 15-minute city and we just wanted to clear things up. First, the 15- minute city is a real urban planning idea where, if a new suburb is designed, the necessary services i.e. banks, schools, hospitals are within 15 minutes of where you live. It is NOT to control your movements, as some folks are suggesting. Besides it only takes 5 minutes to walk from one end of town to the other! I love travelling with my camera and once I post my photos on the various social media platforms, you know where I’ve been! We are trying to encourage everyone to enjoy the scenic routes about town, and maybe even stop to smell the fish (it is Digby, after all) We're committed to making our town more livable and sustainable. This means improving our trails, sidewalks and streets to make the Town accessible for all. Not everyone can afford an automobile and there are those that wish to ride bicycles, those with mobility issues, and of course, those that simply want to walk. So to all the concerned citizens out there, rest assured that we're not trying to control your every move or limit your freedom to explore the town. We just want to make it easier for you to get to the bank, the school, the hospital, or any other important destination with whatever means of transportation you desire. And hey, if you happen to stumble upon some great photo opportunities along the way, we won't complain! So let's all enjoy the benefits of a more accessible and sustainable town, and keep exploring everything that Digby has to offer - even if it takes more than 15 minutes to get there." Digby Famers & Artisans Market is coming back to the Admirals Walk in beautiful downtown Digby , this June. Vendor application's will be available via email only in a couple weeks. Find out more information on their facebook page www.facebook.com/digbyfarmersandartisansmarket or visit their website at digbyfarmersandartisansmarket.wordpress.com   Jaynes Funeral Home has served Digby County since 1955. They specialize in "at need" services as well as "pre-need" services. Pre-planning lets you pay today's prices for future services. Learn more about the benefits from an expert, Erica Phillips will be speaking on at our general meeting on April 4, 2023.
The funeral home and chapel are warm and welcoming, and the staff is experienced and compassionate. Losing a loved one is hard, and they are there to guide you through planning a funeral or memorial every step of the way. PERSONALIZED FUNERALS Jaynes Funeral Home help families create personalized funerals and memorials. This approach keeps them open to traditional religious rites as well as contemporary gatherings that deeply reflect a person's life. That means that whether you want a basic cremation with cremated remains scattered in a personally meaningful place, a funeral in the chapel with cemetery burial nearby, or a modern celebration of life with live music, favorite foods and a send-off that expresses the passions of yourself or your loved one, they deliver. They also offer a public servants program if you are or your loved was a police officer, firefighter or EMT. CREMATION SERVICES Not everyone knows that there are many cremation options. If you are interested in cremation, the funeral home team can explain the process and different options. From a direct cremation without a memorial service or a witness cremation to a full funeral service before or after the cremation and more, they will help you understand this increasingly common choice—and handle all of the cremation arrangements. HISTORY Since 1955, Jaynes Funeral Home has provided the families of Digby, Weymouth and beyond with the very best funeral and cremation services available anywhere. They are also a member of the Dignity Memorial® network, the largest group of licensed funeral service providers in North America. Phone: (902) 245-2525 Location: 15 Birch Street, Digby, NS, Canada, B0V1A0 WWW.DIGNITYMEMORIAL.COM |
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