The sun dances through the window of the Cape Breton Fudge Company on Mark Sparrow’s coffee mug. Grasping his mug with both hands, Sparrow shares his plans to attend a community music festival in the coming days. In fact, Sparrow can be found at many different festivals, events and gatherings in Sydney. With a self-admitted love for community led initiatives, Sparrow is doing his part to contribute to a more vibrant culture in Cape Breton.

In his early thirties, Mark Sparrow is a resident of Sydney. He grew up in Glace Bay and didn’t venture too far from home, unless it was to part-take in cultured travel experiences. After attending Dalhousie University, Sparrow says that his decision to return from Halifax to Sydney for university was the perfect fit. It was in his time at Cape Breton University that he discovered a passion for business and community economic development.

Thriving on the instant impact that positive change can make in a small community like Sydney, Sparrow combined his appetite for social enterprise and civic service in his role at the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council.

 The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council along with participating Credit Unions across the province are offering a reliable and low-risk program to benefit new and small business owners. The Small Business Loan Guarantee Program provides assistance to start-ups and helps to expand small businesses. In providing programs like the Small Loan Guarantee, Nova Scotians are better able to create and maintain rewarding careers in their communities.

As a Business Development Officer with the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, Mark Sparrow stresses the need for programs such as these to move Cape Breton’s economy forward. “Over the course of ten years, this program has given out $62 million in loans to help foster strong business ideas. The loss rate is less than four percent,” Sparrow explains. The Small Business Loan Guarantee is a success starter for entrepreneurs and business people alike.

Sparrow admits that one of his favorite things about living in Cape Breton is the challenge that presents itself in finding opportunity in a small region. Through both work and play, Mark Sparrow is contributing to achieving a healthy community in Sydney.

For more information on the Small Business Loan Guarantee or the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council please email [email protected]  

Associate lawyer with Breton Law Group, Greg Rushton is not your typical law professional. A communicative and vibrant graduate of Dalhousie School of Law, Rushton is passionate about life.  Leading an active life in Cape Breton is one of the many reasons Rushton decided to make the move back to the island after finishing his education. “You can’t find anywhere else in the world like this,” he boasts. As a golfer, an avid squash player and involved community member, living in Cape Breton was a natural choice for Rushton to reach his goals.

Building his networks and clientele, learning from experienced professionals and satisfying the expectations of clients have been rewarding for Rushton since beginning his law career with Breton Law Group in June 2012. A new generation of law practice, Rushton says one of his priorities is to maintain thorough communication with his clients. In a very hands-on approach, answering his own calls and promptly responding to messages and emails, is Rushton’s policy.

As a new professional in Sydney, Rushton has committed to opening himself up to new networks in the community. He currently sits on the board of Access 808, a collective community initiative aimed at creating better opportunities for youth. Rushton’s long term view for Cape Breton is quite inspiring, as he aspires to build partnerships within in the community and give back through both his work and volunteering. Mentioning that Cape Breton is one of the most business-friendly municipality’s in the country, Rushton excitedly speaks of the upcoming opportunities for re-industrialization and development in Cape Breton.

With a contagious zest for life, Rushton’s perspective on both his role at Breton Law Group and the future of the community he grew up in is refreshing and realizable. This optimistic and passionate attitude is one that follows Rushton in his work as a lawyer as well. Working in Cape Breton gives Rushton the opportunity to have more in depth personal interactions with clients, as well as with his partners and co-workers. Rushton believes, “a firm like Breton Law Group ultimately is best for client’s satisfaction.”

Greg Rushton specializes in corporate commercial, real property and estate planning law. For more information or to contact him: [email protected]

A weathered baseball sits upon the desk of Chief Executive Officer of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, Brad Jacobs. Having started his career after graduate school as a Video Scouting Coordinator for the Montreal Expos his passion for teamwork and community make him a fitting leader for the hospital foundation. Born and raised in Sydney, Jacobs was lured to bigger cities to pursue education and new experiences. Moving back to Cape Breton was merely a pipe dream for Jacobs and his family; until hard work and being at the right place at the right time presented itself to Jacobs.

Starting his latest adventure at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation eight months ago, Jacobs is no stranger to fundraising. In his fourteen year career as a professional fundraiser, first with the IWK and now the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Jacobs has proven his dedication to the health care system; managing fundraising programs that have raised more than $100 million. Jacobs says among his greatest accomplishments is, “giving back to the community he knows and loves.”

Leading the team at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation is both rewarding and fulfilling for Jacobs. “The staff at the foundation is fantastic,” he brags of his team, “their dedication to their roles is inspiring. They always want to do more and are always raising the bar. They are up for any challenge.” Jacobs recognizes the value in helping others and the importance of being a good teammate in his position. Drawing on his passion for sport, Jacobs shares one of his favorite quotes saying, “Teamwork is the essence of life.”

In addition to his work with the foundation, Jacobs holds positions in several associations and boards including, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy and was the recipient of the Outstanding Professional Fundraiser Award in 2011. Jacobs is a lover of sport and a dedicated father of three.

 The Cape Breton Regional Hospital relies on the support of the community and if one thing is for sure, Jacobs ensures, “in Cape Breton we take care of our own.” Each year, the foundation continues to grow and develop new relationships to ensure world class healthcare in Cape Breton. As Jacobs continues the hard work needed to maintain our hospital facilities, he points out, “success is never final.” With all of his achievements to date including starting his new position with the foundation, Brad Jacobs is definitely knocking it out of the park.