2017 Vital Award Winners
Vital Excellence – Employer Category
- Halifax Biomedical Inc.
- The Community of Membertou
- Inverness County Centre for the Arts
- Sampson McPhee Law Firm
- Cabot Physiotherapy
- Claire Turpin – New Dawn Enterprises
- Mark Inglis – Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation
- Yvette Rogers – Celtic Colours International Festival
- Kathleen Yurchesyn – Cape Breton University
- Rob MacQueen – 45 Drives
- Tyrone Levingston, Cape Breton Highlanders – Community Leadership & Volunteerism
- Justine Williamson & Greg Vardy, Magic Ranch Productions – Cape Breton Ambassadors
- Alwyn Jeddore –Language Instructor, Cultural Leader & Community Volunteer
- David Ogbuah – Basketball Cape Breton Volunteer & Community
- Cyril MacDonald – Outstanding Community Volunteer
Vital Excellence - Individual Category
David Ogbuah
Basketball Cape Breton Volunteer & Community Leader
David has been described as someone who we should all admire – selfless, caring and a genuine diamond in the rough. Although he is not originally from Cape Breton, many Cape Bretoners consider David more of a Cape Bretoner than most of us. His commitment and passion to serve the community has a deep positive impact that is impossible to measure. David tirelessly works with Basketball Cape Breton, in every aspect – as a member of the Board of Directors, as a coach, and even a referee – he is consistently assisting the sport organization to be more innovative, grow and develop the sport to its full potential. David was the assistant coach of the CBU Basketball team and currently coaches at the Riverview High School in Coxheath. Under David’s leadership, everyone is excited to see the sport reach new potentials in Cape Breton. But his passion for bettering the community doesn’t stop there. David also sits on the Board of Directors at Talbot House, a recovery centre for men suffering from drug and/or alcohol addiction. He is also spearheading an initiative to bring local motionball to Cape Breton in 2018.
To David, vital simply means living every day trying to have a positive influence on someone else’s life.
Basketball Cape Breton Volunteer & Community Leader
David has been described as someone who we should all admire – selfless, caring and a genuine diamond in the rough. Although he is not originally from Cape Breton, many Cape Bretoners consider David more of a Cape Bretoner than most of us. His commitment and passion to serve the community has a deep positive impact that is impossible to measure. David tirelessly works with Basketball Cape Breton, in every aspect – as a member of the Board of Directors, as a coach, and even a referee – he is consistently assisting the sport organization to be more innovative, grow and develop the sport to its full potential. David was the assistant coach of the CBU Basketball team and currently coaches at the Riverview High School in Coxheath. Under David’s leadership, everyone is excited to see the sport reach new potentials in Cape Breton. But his passion for bettering the community doesn’t stop there. David also sits on the Board of Directors at Talbot House, a recovery centre for men suffering from drug and/or alcohol addiction. He is also spearheading an initiative to bring local motionball to Cape Breton in 2018.
To David, vital simply means living every day trying to have a positive influence on someone else’s life.
Tyrone Levingston
Cape Breton Highlanders – Community Leadership & Volunteerism
When Tyrone came to Cape Breton, he had no networks and no friends or family. Tyrone’s dream was to launch a new franchise in the National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC). With teams in Charlottetown, Halifax, Moncton and Saint John, Tyrone thought Sydney seemed like an appropriate choice to round out the Atlantic Division of the NBLC. Having very few connections in Sydney made Tyrone’s journey difficult, but through his outstanding motivation, dedication and the same perseverance to never give up that he brings to the court, Tyrone brought together a core group of local business owners to get the “ball rolling” on the Highlanders. Finally in 2016, his dream became a reality when the Cape Breton Highlanders joined the NBLC. Tyrone now operates as the Highlanders President and General Manager as the team enters its second season.
On top of his accomplishments in establishing the Highlanders, Tyrone spends countless hours volunteering at local schools, non-profits, and volunteering to train young children at the YMCA. Tyrone feels giving back to the community is a priority for the team and makes sure his players give back to local children on school visits, community events, hospitals and more – a vital contributor to our community.
Cape Breton Highlanders – Community Leadership & Volunteerism
When Tyrone came to Cape Breton, he had no networks and no friends or family. Tyrone’s dream was to launch a new franchise in the National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC). With teams in Charlottetown, Halifax, Moncton and Saint John, Tyrone thought Sydney seemed like an appropriate choice to round out the Atlantic Division of the NBLC. Having very few connections in Sydney made Tyrone’s journey difficult, but through his outstanding motivation, dedication and the same perseverance to never give up that he brings to the court, Tyrone brought together a core group of local business owners to get the “ball rolling” on the Highlanders. Finally in 2016, his dream became a reality when the Cape Breton Highlanders joined the NBLC. Tyrone now operates as the Highlanders President and General Manager as the team enters its second season.
On top of his accomplishments in establishing the Highlanders, Tyrone spends countless hours volunteering at local schools, non-profits, and volunteering to train young children at the YMCA. Tyrone feels giving back to the community is a priority for the team and makes sure his players give back to local children on school visits, community events, hospitals and more – a vital contributor to our community.
Cyril MacDonald
Outstanding Community Volunteer
Cyril is a great example of a community-oriented, dedicated young Cape Bretoner. Born and raised on the island, Cyril is one of the Chief Organizers of the Cape Breton Dragon Boat Festival every year. He also gives his time to the Nova Scotia Special Olympics and has an interest in municipal council.
To Cyril, vital means an important piece of a puzzle; something that is needed to make a whole. But he says, vital in Cape Breton means so much more. It is something or someone in the community that keeps everything and everyone else running. From our small towns, bound by commonalities, intertwined with our neighbouring communities, Cape Breton has a culture of being warm. To Cyril, Cape Breton Island is the most amazing place on this planet – full with history, culture and potential – and it will always be home.
Outstanding Community Volunteer
Cyril is a great example of a community-oriented, dedicated young Cape Bretoner. Born and raised on the island, Cyril is one of the Chief Organizers of the Cape Breton Dragon Boat Festival every year. He also gives his time to the Nova Scotia Special Olympics and has an interest in municipal council.
To Cyril, vital means an important piece of a puzzle; something that is needed to make a whole. But he says, vital in Cape Breton means so much more. It is something or someone in the community that keeps everything and everyone else running. From our small towns, bound by commonalities, intertwined with our neighbouring communities, Cape Breton has a culture of being warm. To Cyril, Cape Breton Island is the most amazing place on this planet – full with history, culture and potential – and it will always be home.
Alwyn Jeddore
Language Instructor, Cultural Leader & Community Volunteer
Alwyn is a dedicated father, a humble teacher and an enthused student. Currently, Alwyn juggles studying linguistics at Cape Breton University, raising a family and instructing Mi’kmaw language classes at the Membertou School. With the Mi’kmaw past language history in schools, non-speaking community members can, at times, feel discouraged when struggling to learn the language – however in Alwyn’s classes this is not the case. Alwyn’s willingness, advice, patience and encouragement fosters a comfortable learning environment. Aside from teaching students, he also offers language lessons for Membertou employees and community members twice a week. Alwyn assisted with development and is the narrating voice on the language app, L’nuisuti, a learning resource for native speakers that hosts an impressive collection of words, history, alphabets, spellings and pronunciations. He also shares social media posts and audio recordings online for more advanced linguistic lessons on language structure, origins, and verb conjugations.
Alwyn’s efforts and example is inspiring a new style of language revival and a revitalization in the collective Mi’kmaq communities that we have never experienced before – which is what being vital is all about.
Language Instructor, Cultural Leader & Community Volunteer
Alwyn is a dedicated father, a humble teacher and an enthused student. Currently, Alwyn juggles studying linguistics at Cape Breton University, raising a family and instructing Mi’kmaw language classes at the Membertou School. With the Mi’kmaw past language history in schools, non-speaking community members can, at times, feel discouraged when struggling to learn the language – however in Alwyn’s classes this is not the case. Alwyn’s willingness, advice, patience and encouragement fosters a comfortable learning environment. Aside from teaching students, he also offers language lessons for Membertou employees and community members twice a week. Alwyn assisted with development and is the narrating voice on the language app, L’nuisuti, a learning resource for native speakers that hosts an impressive collection of words, history, alphabets, spellings and pronunciations. He also shares social media posts and audio recordings online for more advanced linguistic lessons on language structure, origins, and verb conjugations.
Alwyn’s efforts and example is inspiring a new style of language revival and a revitalization in the collective Mi’kmaq communities that we have never experienced before – which is what being vital is all about.
Justine Williamson & Greg Vardy
Magic Ranch Productions - Cape Breton Ambassadors Justine and Greg have been working hard to provide humorous content on YouTube, and newly on CBC Comedy, with their production of The Magic Ranch. Although edgy at times, they draw attention to not only Cape Breton Island but to our humour and vibrant culture. Through their recent work with CBC, they will provide an even greater positive focus on the island. Through The Magic Ranch, Justine and Greg inspire creativity and represent youth culture on the island. They want to show the youth of Cape Breton that you don’t have to always choose a conventional path and that young people can empower themselves to be self-reliant, creative and independent thinkers who create their own opportunities. For Justine and Greg, being recognized as vital means that their work is valued and important. They believe everyone should contribute to their communities one way or another and it just happens that humour is their medium of choice. |
Vital Excellence - Employee Category
Robert MacQueen
Technical Service Manager
45 Drives, Protocase Inc.
Growing up in Glace Bay, Robert says nothing means more to him than his roots and having the ability to give back to his community. In his position as Technical Service Manager for 45 Drives, a division of Protocase Inc., Robert brings his infectious enthusiasm and positive energy to the office with him every day. On a daily basis, Robert supports customers with installations, troubleshooting issues and developing customized solutions for each unique client. With his giving personality, knowledge of technology and his genuine sincerity, Robert always goes the extra mile to ensure each customer feels comfortable with solutions and enjoys their experience. In addition to his work with 45 Drives, Robert has written pieces to assist the broader community, including the popular “How to Achieve 20Gb and 30Gb Bandwidth through Network Bonding”. Robert’s friendly demeanor and innate ability to find solutions can be heard through every customer interaction at 45 Drives. Being a Cape Bretoner, Robert says, allows him to bring a different kind of approach to assisting people – and customers agree. Robert takes the time to have real conversations like “how’s your dog?”, “how’s the weather?”, and finally “how can I help you get your server up and running?” It is his personal touch on every case that makes Robert so approachable and helps 45 Drives develop longer customer relationships.
To Robert, the word vital means life – in keeping Cape Breton communities alive and thriving. He believes one of the most vital aspects of a community is achieving a respect, kindness and passion for Cape Breton Island and the people who live and work here. Robert believes that vital companies, like 45 Drives and Protocase, are essential to allowing Cape Bretoners to stay on the island and do what they love.
Technical Service Manager
45 Drives, Protocase Inc.
Growing up in Glace Bay, Robert says nothing means more to him than his roots and having the ability to give back to his community. In his position as Technical Service Manager for 45 Drives, a division of Protocase Inc., Robert brings his infectious enthusiasm and positive energy to the office with him every day. On a daily basis, Robert supports customers with installations, troubleshooting issues and developing customized solutions for each unique client. With his giving personality, knowledge of technology and his genuine sincerity, Robert always goes the extra mile to ensure each customer feels comfortable with solutions and enjoys their experience. In addition to his work with 45 Drives, Robert has written pieces to assist the broader community, including the popular “How to Achieve 20Gb and 30Gb Bandwidth through Network Bonding”. Robert’s friendly demeanor and innate ability to find solutions can be heard through every customer interaction at 45 Drives. Being a Cape Bretoner, Robert says, allows him to bring a different kind of approach to assisting people – and customers agree. Robert takes the time to have real conversations like “how’s your dog?”, “how’s the weather?”, and finally “how can I help you get your server up and running?” It is his personal touch on every case that makes Robert so approachable and helps 45 Drives develop longer customer relationships.
To Robert, the word vital means life – in keeping Cape Breton communities alive and thriving. He believes one of the most vital aspects of a community is achieving a respect, kindness and passion for Cape Breton Island and the people who live and work here. Robert believes that vital companies, like 45 Drives and Protocase, are essential to allowing Cape Bretoners to stay on the island and do what they love.
Kathleen Yurchesyn
Marketing Manager
Cape Breton University
Kathleen is described as a positive force of energy and business smarts. At just 25 years old, Kathleen started as the Marketing Manager at Cape Breton University. On a daily basis, Kathleen not only promotes the University, but works tirelessly to promote Cape Breton Island as a destination to study, live and work. She is an optimistic leader and a driver for change on the island. In her free time, Kathleen volunteers in the community with the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association and sits on the Board of Directors for the Transition House Foundation. She is an advocate for young talent living in Cape Breton and has been described as a bright light for the future of the island. Kathleen says Cape Breton’s biggest opportunity for future success is the people. To Kathleen, Cape Breton is a place to stand out, make connections, be a champion for community success and make an impact.
In Kathleen’s opinion, vital means being needed; being essential. More than that, she says, it is knowing that we are all needed and essential to the island is vital. She believes the more we are all dedicated to making real change, investing in the island and taking risks to move forward, the brighter Cape Breton’s future will be.
Marketing Manager
Cape Breton University
Kathleen is described as a positive force of energy and business smarts. At just 25 years old, Kathleen started as the Marketing Manager at Cape Breton University. On a daily basis, Kathleen not only promotes the University, but works tirelessly to promote Cape Breton Island as a destination to study, live and work. She is an optimistic leader and a driver for change on the island. In her free time, Kathleen volunteers in the community with the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association and sits on the Board of Directors for the Transition House Foundation. She is an advocate for young talent living in Cape Breton and has been described as a bright light for the future of the island. Kathleen says Cape Breton’s biggest opportunity for future success is the people. To Kathleen, Cape Breton is a place to stand out, make connections, be a champion for community success and make an impact.
In Kathleen’s opinion, vital means being needed; being essential. More than that, she says, it is knowing that we are all needed and essential to the island is vital. She believes the more we are all dedicated to making real change, investing in the island and taking risks to move forward, the brighter Cape Breton’s future will be.
Mark Inglis
Communications Officer
Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation
Growing up in Howie Centre, Mark says Cape Breton is the most unique place in the world – but not because of the beautiful rolling hills, rustic changing fall leaves, spectacular sunrises or picturesque landscapes – because of the people. He describes Cape Breton as a small island full of people who want to succeed. He describes the people, especially youth, as Cape Breton’s biggest asset, exclaiming when more people decide to stay here, we’ve won.
Mark is a changing force for the island. Only eight months into his role as Communications Officer at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, Mark led the execution of a record breaking Radio-day event, raising more than $1 million – almost doubling previous fund raising efforts. Mark makes necessary accomplishments while juggling multiple tasks and demonstrates great leadership and perseverance in making an impact on strengthening healthcare for Cape Bretoners.
When Mark thinks of the word vital, he thinks of something being essential – It means something is necessary for growth and important to prosperity. Vitality is a quality that enables strength and ensures impact. To Mark, when something or someone is vital, they sincerely enhance and strengthen everything they are a part of.
Communications Officer
Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation
Growing up in Howie Centre, Mark says Cape Breton is the most unique place in the world – but not because of the beautiful rolling hills, rustic changing fall leaves, spectacular sunrises or picturesque landscapes – because of the people. He describes Cape Breton as a small island full of people who want to succeed. He describes the people, especially youth, as Cape Breton’s biggest asset, exclaiming when more people decide to stay here, we’ve won.
Mark is a changing force for the island. Only eight months into his role as Communications Officer at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, Mark led the execution of a record breaking Radio-day event, raising more than $1 million – almost doubling previous fund raising efforts. Mark makes necessary accomplishments while juggling multiple tasks and demonstrates great leadership and perseverance in making an impact on strengthening healthcare for Cape Bretoners.
When Mark thinks of the word vital, he thinks of something being essential – It means something is necessary for growth and important to prosperity. Vitality is a quality that enables strength and ensures impact. To Mark, when something or someone is vital, they sincerely enhance and strengthen everything they are a part of.
Yvette Rogers
Outreach Coordinator
Celtic Colours International Festival
Yvette began with the Celtic Colours International Festival in the box office in 2007 and the very next year was moved into the position as Outreach Coordinator. In the subsequent years, Yvette has worked vigorously to develop a unique and outstanding set of programs that serve both locals and visitors to the festival. Yvette works with community groups in all corners of the island to help each community to create individualized, authentic and high quality events during the festival. These events are promoted, marketed and coordinated by Celtic Colours free of charge so that any generated profits go directly back into the community. This model allows communities to revitalize infrastructure – such as renovating a community hall or repairing a leaky church roof – develop new youth programs or anything in between. With close to 300 community events listed in the Celtic Colours programme, Yvette is dedicated to what she does, offering each individual group specialized event coordination and guidance. With her gentle, intelligent nature and creative approach to thinking, Yvette assists groups all over the island to turn their ideas into reality.
Yvette’s definition of vital is an energy or life force. Yvette says Cape Breton’s vibrant creative sector is the key to Cape Breton’s future success – with art, culture and innovation being the keys.
Outreach Coordinator
Celtic Colours International Festival
Yvette began with the Celtic Colours International Festival in the box office in 2007 and the very next year was moved into the position as Outreach Coordinator. In the subsequent years, Yvette has worked vigorously to develop a unique and outstanding set of programs that serve both locals and visitors to the festival. Yvette works with community groups in all corners of the island to help each community to create individualized, authentic and high quality events during the festival. These events are promoted, marketed and coordinated by Celtic Colours free of charge so that any generated profits go directly back into the community. This model allows communities to revitalize infrastructure – such as renovating a community hall or repairing a leaky church roof – develop new youth programs or anything in between. With close to 300 community events listed in the Celtic Colours programme, Yvette is dedicated to what she does, offering each individual group specialized event coordination and guidance. With her gentle, intelligent nature and creative approach to thinking, Yvette assists groups all over the island to turn their ideas into reality.
Yvette’s definition of vital is an energy or life force. Yvette says Cape Breton’s vibrant creative sector is the key to Cape Breton’s future success – with art, culture and innovation being the keys.
Claire Turpin
Manager, Meals on Wheels, Better Bite Café & Community Kitchen
New Dawn
Upon graduating from Applied Human Nutrition (BSc) at Mount Saint Vincent University, Claire joined New Dawn as the Meals on Wheels Coordinator – but she struggled with the program’s structure for out-sourcing meals from external providers. As a Registered Dietician, Claire had difficulty providing the proper nutrition clients needed through the lack of control over the menus. In 2016, Claire developed and implemented a 16-week project whereby she prepared healthy, colourful menus with fresh fruit and vegetables to deliver to clients. Following the wild success of the project, and improved health projections, Claire led the development of a three year strategic plan to open a Community Kitchen that would no longer out-source meals from external vendors. With the Meals on Wheels program as the kitchen’s priority, Claire envisioned a secondary function for the kitchen as a food hub and community resource which would allow residents across the island from all backgrounds to learn, volunteer, cook and eat together. The kitchen was made a reality in February 2017, when New Dawn opened its doors to the Better Bite Community Kitchen. The menu is said to rival any local restaurant, and as an added bonus Claire provides dietary advice and monitoring – especially important to people who do not have access to a family doctor. For the first time in the Meals on Wheels 30-year history, clients are exiting the program because the quality advice from Claire and their newly developed sense of confidence in understanding healthier eating habits.
Claire’s impact on so many local individuals – from children to families through to seniors and community members suffering from aliments – goes above and beyond to shape a healthier more vibrant culture in Cape Breton.
In May 2017, Claire was recognized as the provincial Dietician of the Month for her innovative programming and is currently participating in the Community Food Leader Certificate Program.
Manager, Meals on Wheels, Better Bite Café & Community Kitchen
New Dawn
Upon graduating from Applied Human Nutrition (BSc) at Mount Saint Vincent University, Claire joined New Dawn as the Meals on Wheels Coordinator – but she struggled with the program’s structure for out-sourcing meals from external providers. As a Registered Dietician, Claire had difficulty providing the proper nutrition clients needed through the lack of control over the menus. In 2016, Claire developed and implemented a 16-week project whereby she prepared healthy, colourful menus with fresh fruit and vegetables to deliver to clients. Following the wild success of the project, and improved health projections, Claire led the development of a three year strategic plan to open a Community Kitchen that would no longer out-source meals from external vendors. With the Meals on Wheels program as the kitchen’s priority, Claire envisioned a secondary function for the kitchen as a food hub and community resource which would allow residents across the island from all backgrounds to learn, volunteer, cook and eat together. The kitchen was made a reality in February 2017, when New Dawn opened its doors to the Better Bite Community Kitchen. The menu is said to rival any local restaurant, and as an added bonus Claire provides dietary advice and monitoring – especially important to people who do not have access to a family doctor. For the first time in the Meals on Wheels 30-year history, clients are exiting the program because the quality advice from Claire and their newly developed sense of confidence in understanding healthier eating habits.
Claire’s impact on so many local individuals – from children to families through to seniors and community members suffering from aliments – goes above and beyond to shape a healthier more vibrant culture in Cape Breton.
In May 2017, Claire was recognized as the provincial Dietician of the Month for her innovative programming and is currently participating in the Community Food Leader Certificate Program.
Vital Excellence - Employer Category
Halifax Biomedical Inc.
Chad Munro from New Glasgow has always considered himself “no big city guy”. After completing his MSc in 2004 at Dalhousie University, Munro established Halifax Biomedical Inc. (HBI), working as a solo biomedical engineering consultant. Since 2004, Munro relocated HBI to rural Cape Breton in hopes of attracting talent, expanding into new global markets and developing new technologies.
Today, Halifax Biomedical thrives as a world-leading innovative medical diagnostics company, anchored locally in the community of Mabou, Nova Scotia. It provides leading-edge imaging equipment and research services to orthopedic surgeons globally, including their proprietary Stereo Orthopaedic Radiography (SOR) imaging technology – a method which uses two x-ray images to make accurate 3D measurements.
HBI staff members hail from across the globe including Colorado, Holland and Switzerland, as well as New Brunswick and local homegrown Cape Breton talent, selling equipment and service to large academic hospitals in the United States and Europe.
HBI offers a range of opportunities for young engineers entering the workforce and is the only company worldwide currently providing a complete product and service solution for conducting SOR-based research.
Chad Munro from New Glasgow has always considered himself “no big city guy”. After completing his MSc in 2004 at Dalhousie University, Munro established Halifax Biomedical Inc. (HBI), working as a solo biomedical engineering consultant. Since 2004, Munro relocated HBI to rural Cape Breton in hopes of attracting talent, expanding into new global markets and developing new technologies.
Today, Halifax Biomedical thrives as a world-leading innovative medical diagnostics company, anchored locally in the community of Mabou, Nova Scotia. It provides leading-edge imaging equipment and research services to orthopedic surgeons globally, including their proprietary Stereo Orthopaedic Radiography (SOR) imaging technology – a method which uses two x-ray images to make accurate 3D measurements.
HBI staff members hail from across the globe including Colorado, Holland and Switzerland, as well as New Brunswick and local homegrown Cape Breton talent, selling equipment and service to large academic hospitals in the United States and Europe.
HBI offers a range of opportunities for young engineers entering the workforce and is the only company worldwide currently providing a complete product and service solution for conducting SOR-based research.
Membertou
Named after Grand Chief Membertou (1510-1611), Membertou is located in the heart of Sydney, Nova Scotia within the tribal district of Unama’ki (Cape Breton). Membertou belongs to the Mi’kmaw Nation tribal group, one of five Mi’kmaw communities in Cape Breton.
Membertou is often described as one of the most prosperous Indigenous communities in Canada, employing 550 residents with an annual operating budget of $112 million. But this wasn’t always the case. In 1995, Membertou operated with only 37 employees and a $4 million budget – It was then that Chief Terrance Paul decided Membertou needed a major change. With strict financial accountability in place, the Membertou band council established the Membertou Corporate Office in downtown Halifax to increase its profile with major private companies. It also took on a proactive initiative to education and career-related training for residents.
Today, Membertou enjoys economic prosperity through the continued success of its diverse revenue sources such as the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre, Entertainment Centre, Gaming Commission, Market/Chicken & Deli, Heritage Park, Business Centre, Professional Centre, and Hampton Inn by Hilton which Membertou is a partner. All of which have been developed in the last 15 years.
Membertou hosts several major community events, many of which encourage youth participation and celebrate Cape Breton's cultural value and diversity. Membertou is embracing it's community motto: "Welcoming the World," and continues to build through business development and community leadership.
Named after Grand Chief Membertou (1510-1611), Membertou is located in the heart of Sydney, Nova Scotia within the tribal district of Unama’ki (Cape Breton). Membertou belongs to the Mi’kmaw Nation tribal group, one of five Mi’kmaw communities in Cape Breton.
Membertou is often described as one of the most prosperous Indigenous communities in Canada, employing 550 residents with an annual operating budget of $112 million. But this wasn’t always the case. In 1995, Membertou operated with only 37 employees and a $4 million budget – It was then that Chief Terrance Paul decided Membertou needed a major change. With strict financial accountability in place, the Membertou band council established the Membertou Corporate Office in downtown Halifax to increase its profile with major private companies. It also took on a proactive initiative to education and career-related training for residents.
Today, Membertou enjoys economic prosperity through the continued success of its diverse revenue sources such as the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre, Entertainment Centre, Gaming Commission, Market/Chicken & Deli, Heritage Park, Business Centre, Professional Centre, and Hampton Inn by Hilton which Membertou is a partner. All of which have been developed in the last 15 years.
Membertou hosts several major community events, many of which encourage youth participation and celebrate Cape Breton's cultural value and diversity. Membertou is embracing it's community motto: "Welcoming the World," and continues to build through business development and community leadership.
The Inverness County Centre for the Arts
The Inverness County Centre for the Arts is a unique venue located on a hilltop in the small village of Inverness. The Centre was built in 2003 as a project of the Inverness County Council of the Arts (ICCA), offering a main gallery with an observation balcony, reception room with optional performance stage, outer gallery, naturally-lit studio spaces and inspiring ocean views.
The Centre hosts activities and workshops including stone carving with marble, silver work, quilting, audio technology, basket weaving, yoga, ballet and Cape Breton traditional step dancing.
The Centre’s Manager, Elizabeth Whalley, is known to encourage and celebrate youth creative talent and support young people aspiring to work in the arts. Whalley works through the Centre to offer an array of youth-directed programming including annual art and drama camps for youth and hosting a film festival produced by youth of the county.
The Inverness County Centre for the Arts is a unique venue located on a hilltop in the small village of Inverness. The Centre was built in 2003 as a project of the Inverness County Council of the Arts (ICCA), offering a main gallery with an observation balcony, reception room with optional performance stage, outer gallery, naturally-lit studio spaces and inspiring ocean views.
The Centre hosts activities and workshops including stone carving with marble, silver work, quilting, audio technology, basket weaving, yoga, ballet and Cape Breton traditional step dancing.
The Centre’s Manager, Elizabeth Whalley, is known to encourage and celebrate youth creative talent and support young people aspiring to work in the arts. Whalley works through the Centre to offer an array of youth-directed programming including annual art and drama camps for youth and hosting a film festival produced by youth of the county.
Sampson Mcphee
For more than 30 years, Sampson McPhee has provided innovative and practical solutions, timely and efficient services and in-depth knowledge in all areas of the law to satisfy diverse client needs.
Corporate culture and community involvement is the heart of Sampson McPhee. One of the top priorities at Sampson McPhee is to give back to the community through volunteering and supporting efforts in bringing young people home to start their careers and families. Their employees, lawyers and teams, volunteer in a wide variety of organizations throughout the island. The willingness to volunteer and sit on boards is a core component to their hiring process. This volunteer work stems from the top with their managing partners – all of whom spend time volunteering and serving on boards which they are passionate about in Cape Breton.
Sampson McPhee is considered the largest law firm in Cape Breton with more than 50 per cent of their employees under the age of 40.
For more than 30 years, Sampson McPhee has provided innovative and practical solutions, timely and efficient services and in-depth knowledge in all areas of the law to satisfy diverse client needs.
Corporate culture and community involvement is the heart of Sampson McPhee. One of the top priorities at Sampson McPhee is to give back to the community through volunteering and supporting efforts in bringing young people home to start their careers and families. Their employees, lawyers and teams, volunteer in a wide variety of organizations throughout the island. The willingness to volunteer and sit on boards is a core component to their hiring process. This volunteer work stems from the top with their managing partners – all of whom spend time volunteering and serving on boards which they are passionate about in Cape Breton.
Sampson McPhee is considered the largest law firm in Cape Breton with more than 50 per cent of their employees under the age of 40.
Cabot Physiotherapy
It all began in 2003 at Dalhousie University. Brian and Melissa were two motivated physiotherapy students excited to begin careers that would allow them to one-day return to their home – Cape Breton. With a shared goal of opening their own clinic to serve the communities where they were raised, Melissa and Brian returned to Cape Breton and married in 2007. In June of 2014 Melissa and Brian’s dream of owning their own physiotherapy practice became reality when they took over Cabot Physiotherapy, Sydney River’s first and only locally owned physiotherapy clinic.
Cabot Physiotherapy is an independent and locally owned multidisciplinary rehabilitation clinic. The clinic provides services in physiotherapy, massage therapy, women’s health physiotherapy, vestibular rehabilitation, concussion management, shockwave therapy, acupuncture and dry needling.
It all began in 2003 at Dalhousie University. Brian and Melissa were two motivated physiotherapy students excited to begin careers that would allow them to one-day return to their home – Cape Breton. With a shared goal of opening their own clinic to serve the communities where they were raised, Melissa and Brian returned to Cape Breton and married in 2007. In June of 2014 Melissa and Brian’s dream of owning their own physiotherapy practice became reality when they took over Cabot Physiotherapy, Sydney River’s first and only locally owned physiotherapy clinic.
Cabot Physiotherapy is an independent and locally owned multidisciplinary rehabilitation clinic. The clinic provides services in physiotherapy, massage therapy, women’s health physiotherapy, vestibular rehabilitation, concussion management, shockwave therapy, acupuncture and dry needling.