This series is designed to introduce you to our current, future, and even some past board members. We have new members joining the board soon, and wanted you to have an opportunity to get to know them, as well as the folks who are currently serving. Meet Erin Gallagher, a long serving board member and co-chair of the board. Find out why she was inspired to join NextGen. *** I joined the NextGen Unama’ki board in 2014 because I believe in investing in Cape Breton youth and young professionals by providing them with a platform for community engagement. I was first introduced to NextGen in 2011, when I worked on a profile project, during a six-month term position with the Partnership. I found it so refreshing to meet and interview young professionals, in communities, all across Cape Breton Island, who were experiencing success in their career paths and made the decision to build their lives here. I think it’s important to continue to highlight and create dialogue around young professionals who experience real success here. NextGen Unama’ki and the Partnership host the Vital Awards every November and we continue to be pleasantly surprised by the number of stellar nominations we receive year after year. I look forward to celebrating young professionals, community leaders and organizations that are providing meaningful employment opportunities for youth, every year. I believe in exploring ways to engage young professionals and youth and providing them with the opportunity to have an active voice in helping to shape strong Cape Breton communities. Like many Cape Breton youth and young professionals, I lived away from Cape Breton for a bit. A few years after I returned home, I chose to apply for a position with United Way Cape Breton to allow myself the opportunity to help youth on a broader scale. United Way Cape Breton strives to improve lives and build community by engaging and mobilizing local community members and groups to work together on challenging community issues. We have prioritized helping local youth succeed in all aspects of their lives, from birth through the school years to the transition into adulthood. One of the reasons I love living here and being from Cape Breton is the pride we take in helping to make our local communities be the best they can be. I have the opportunity through my job, as well as, my role with NextGen Unama’ki to work with people who care so much about Cape Breton and strive to make our local communities vibrant. I’m not naïve to the challenges Cape Breton faces, but I work at United Way Cape Breton and volunteer with groups like NextGen Unama’ki because I want to be part of the conversations and actions that lead to fixing the issues and obstacles that face our local communities. There are many dedicated people working to make Cape Breton communities stronger, healthier and more vibrant. I feel fortunate I get to spend my life here, close to my family, my husband Craig and a small network of close friends and workmates who have become some of my closest friends and make going to work a pleasure; all the while, living on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. That said, sometimes, you need to go away and come back to realize what you have in your own backyard. The group of individuals I have the pleasure of sitting on the NextGen Unama’ki board with also care deeply about creating strong, vibrant communities in Cape Breton and want to make certain younger people are part of that process. With the support of the Partnership, and so many like-minded individuals who have a vested interest in engaging with young people, I believe we will be successful in creating strong, healthy, vibrant, local communities, where we can live happily, surrounded by family, friends and caring, passionate community members. *I’d like to take this opportunity to mention, I only have one year left with the NextGen Unama’ki board, as I will be turning 40 in July 2021. We will welcome new board members in September and help them transition into their roles as part of our succession plan. We are confident the new members will amplify our mission of engaging in youth and young professionals as they explore new and creative ways to do so. Keep an eye out for their blog posts come the Fall.
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This new series is designed to introduce you to our current, future, and even some past board members. We have new members joining the board soon, and wanted you to have an opportunity to get to know them, as well as the folks who are currently serving. Meet Allison MacDonald, a long serving board member and co-chair of the board. Find out why she was inspired to join NextGen. *** When my husband and I decided to attend a NextGen focus group for the Creating an Island of Choice: Young Talent Attraction Strategy project back in 2015, it was a decision pretty much made on a whim. Things were busy at our respective workplaces (in fact, I was only a month and a half into my new job in marketing at Protocase), and we had a young 18-month old at home who was keeping us plenty busy. I was vaguely familiar with NextGen Cape Breton, having done a brief, yet wonderful, stint working at the Cape Breton Partnership fresh off of my maternity leave, before landing at Protocase permanently. But the premise of NextGen's mission -- to engage, connect and inform young people in Cape Breton -- and the idea that these focus groups would gather feedback and opinions in order to develop clear, concrete strategies for making Cape Breton an island of choice for young professionals, were too intriguing to pass up, busy schedule be damned. NextGen Cape Breton seemed to be perfectly tailored to my interests and personal experiences. After all, I was one of the many young professionals flocking home after years away. Both born and raised in Cape Breton, my husband and I had attended university in Halifax, then spent four years in Calgary before making our way back to Halifax in 2011. Once our daughter was born in 2013, we made the decision to pursue employment in Cape Breton, seeing it as the perfect chance to put down roots and be close to our families. So the idea of being able to weigh in on my personal experience of being born and raised in Cape Breton, leaving for several years, and then moving back home, quite simply, was too good to pass up. Although the focus group was over five years ago, I remember there being several lively discussions around a series of topics. What did it mean to be successful in Cape Breton? What was Cape Breton missing for young people? Where did Cape Breton already excel for young professionals? Leaving the focus group, I felt satisfied that I had at least had my say on what I felt were the challenges and the opportunities for young people to thrive in Cape Breton. But it left me wanting more. More involvement, more chances to weigh in, more opportunities to meet young people in Cape Breton across a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. So when a staff member from the Cape Breton Partnership mentioned to me a year later that the NextGen board had a few openings, I took literally no time to consider applying for one of the spots. (I had just given birth to my second daughter the month prior, so I suspect I was still in the newborn haze period, and perhaps not thinking clearly!). It just seemed like an extension of a journey I had already started. The NextGen Cape Breton team was putting the finishing touches on its final report, Creating a Prosperous Future: Young Talent Strategy for Cape Breton Island. I was excited to find out what strategies and opportunities the report would determine would be best for Cape Breton's youth to move forward in a positive way. At the heart of it, I joined NextGen because I truly believe Cape Breton is stronger because of the young people who choose to remain here -- or return here after years away. Cape Breton's only way forward to prosperity is to have a healthy, active population of young people who are encouraged to pursue high-quality post-secondary education, try new business ventures, have leadership roles in the community and be able to express themselves. I'm not saying I have all of the answers on how we can move forward. Far from it, actually. But I do know the people who make up the NextGen board are dedicated individuals with passion, ideas and respect for one another. We are committed to trying new things, growing our current initiatives and reaching out beyond our own personal circles, with the ultimate goal of making Cape Breton stronger. With a year left in my tenure as co-chair with Erin Gallagher-Lynk, I’m excited to see what more we can do to engage and connect youth in Cape Breton Unama’ki --all over the island. This new series will introduce you to our current, future, and even some past board members. We have new members joining the board soon, and wanted you to have an opportunity to get to know them, as well as the folks who are currently serving. The first person we'd like to introduce you to, was a long serving member and although he's moved on to new endeavours we wanted to share this post he wrote before his departure from the board. Thank you Tyler, for your many contributions to NextGen Cape Breton. ***** Tyler SackI first learned about ‘brain drain’ during my 6th grade social studies class. The teacher explained to us that young people were leaving Nova Scotia for education or work and not returning home, but moving to more populated areas in order to work for organizations that offered better pay and opportunity. This trend was presented as an unfair practice and the class was assigned groups and asked how we would solve this problem. I remember feeling a sense of guilt or pressure during the class, looking back it was a strange activity for that age. I’m not sure that it was essential to that day’s lesson plan but more that the teacher wanted to inspire us to stay and build a life our hometown in the future. Overall many students were hopeful that we could find meaningful work locally, but in 6th grade those thoughts and considerations faded when the bell rang and we got to play soccer during lunch. Before finishing middle school I would move from Cape Breton, first to Shubenacadie, and later as a teen to Halifax and eventually to Guelph, Ontario for graduate school. My girlfriend and I agreed to return to Nova Scotia to start our careers following graduation and I could not help remembering my 6th grade social studies class on brain drain. My move back to Cape Breton wasn’t planned. Initially I planned to move back to Halifax but while visiting family in Membertou I decided to stay a bit longer and spend the summer not worrying about my career just yet. Needing money however, I took on a short-term position where I would meet an employer who convinced me to move back to Cape Breton and join her startup full-time once my contract ended. The move and career path were unplanned, but I decided to stay because of the collective attitude of the community. I met a lot of people who were starting their own businesses, and I found their confidence inspirational. These people wanted to see change and were willing to take action. I’ve talked to many people about future of Cape Breton, and the conversation tends to shift to wondering what sector or industry is going to revitalize the economy, what could come here that fills the void left by the fishing, mining, and steel? Personally, I don’t believe there is any one thing that will dominate innovation and growth, and it may not even be economic development that drives this change. I anticipate that the future of work will be more remote and people will be able to maintain careers anywhere in the world. We will have the freedom to choose both our job and our community and not lose out on one because of the geographic constraints. From this perspective, being the ideal community is about how we relate to one another and recognizing and integrating new people into the community in a meaningful and dignified way. My goal is to see Cape Breton as a place of social development, where the community is healthy independently from its economy. Growing up in Sydney, Joline Vassallo has called Cape Breton home her entire life. This sense of belonging and community pride is one of the many reasons she continues to dedicate her time to help improve the lives of many other people just like her across the Island. A Financial Service Officer at the Sydney Credit Union, Joline’s smiling face and bright personality are a fixture at the local institution. Joline enjoys and takes great pride in welcoming clients and ensuring no question is left unanswered. Her determination and drive to make Cape Breton a better place for people to live and settle down with their families are evident in commitment to her community through her ongoing involvement in numerous groups and clubs within the area including, the Special Olympics and the SPCA. In 2014, Joline was shocked and honoured upon finding out she had won a Vital Excellence Award at the inaugural celebration. Joline proudly displays her award on her desk at work, when asked what it represents she excitedly explains what the Vital Awards are and how important they are to the continued development of her community. To Joline, vital means, “necessary to have, and an ambassador to Cape Breton” characteristics she believes are present in all of the previous winners.” “Events like the Vital Excellence Awards strengthen our wonderful island,” says Joline. “It shows that we as a region are vital components of a bigger, grander community, like all of the other areas in Canada. The awards provide the opportunity to shine the light on the many successful people that have made a conscious choice to stay and make a better life in Cape Breton for themselves, while also making it better place for their peers.” Her advice to others is to, “not give up, strive to get what you want and build the life you deserve, wherever you chose to live.” 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 mark@novascotia.coop 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: greg@bretonlawgroup.com 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. Cape Breton’s up and coming music scene is on fire. But from center stage you might not see Andrew Mortimer; founder and talent manager at Next Big Thing Talent Co. Mortimer, in his early twenties has been interested in music management from a very young age. A Sydney native, Mortimer recalls his childhood goals, “While watching shows like American Idol, I never dreamed of being the entertainer on stage. I wanted to be one of the judges.” Before Mortimer turned twenty, he had already started his own business; scouting and encouraging young talent in Cape Breton. He created Cape Breton’s Next Big Thing High School Talent Search, which has grown in both participants and attendance each season. This past spring season five wrapped up with much success and anticipation for season six next year. From the talent search, Mortimer admits he is blown away by the talent of high school aged Cape Bretoners, “Honestly, each year I am shocked by the performances,” says Mortimer. The competition has accumulated quite a following and has produced some of the hottest upcoming acts in Cape Breton. Past winners of Cape Breton’s Next Big Thing Talent Search include Breagh MacKinnon, Brittany Coombs, Lena Murphy, Charlotte MacDonald and many well-known runners up like Kyle Mischiek and Johnathan MacInnis. Local hip hop artist Kyle Mischiek has been topping the Canadian charts with hits like “Something Bout Summertime” and Cape Breton’s youth anthem, “The Island.” Mortimer says that he saw great potential and enthusiasm in Mischiek early in season four, “Kyle is young, but is very mature about going after his dream. He is on the move, playing shows and events all the time.” Mortimer laughs that he sometimes feels like more of a chauffeur than a manager, accompanying artists to gigs all over the island. In the spirit of entrepreneurship, Mortimer agrees that he would not want to be doing anything else. “It isn’t always easy to start something new, especially being a young person,” he explains. However, Mortimer points to the support from both community and sponsors that have helped the talent search reach its success. This summer has been a busy one for Andrew Mortimer and the gang at Next Big Thing Talent Co. Performing at various shows, events and festivals, you can catch Kyle Mischiek at the International Celtic Colours Festival performing with Ashley MacIsaac and at Music Week Nova Scotia as one of the showcase artists. Johnathan MacInnis, who recently hosted his own show at the Savoy Theatre, will be taking part in a tribute to Cape Breton’s first lady of song, Rita MacNeil in the “Remembering Rita” show set to take place at Rita’s Tea Room. MacInnis’ debut album is coming out in September. Through Next Big Thing Talent Co., Andrew Mortimer is not only creating his dream job, but fostering the dreams of many talented young people in Cape Breton. From greeting customers at the local Burger King to welcoming guests at the new Hampton Inn by Hilton Sydney, Hotel General Manager, Glen Morrison, has enjoyed personal and professional growth in Cape Breton’s hospitality industry. A University College of Cape Breton graduate, Morrison was excited not only by the study of hospitality and tourism, but also the breadth of such opportunities innate to an island famed for its beauty. Recognizing everything that Cape Breton has to offer, he trained his career goals on continuing to live and work on the island he has always called home. Originally from Gardiner Mines, and now residing in Glace Bay with his wife and three children, Morrison was recently named the new manager at Membertou’s prized Hampton Inn. Attached by pedway to the prestigious Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, the hotel boasts 128 guest rooms, a 1,500 square foot meeting space, artfully rustic dining quarters, full gym facilities and a pool with a super-sized waterslide. “Having held many positions within hotels in the Sydney area, when I was presented with the opportunity to assume the role of General Manager - to build a new team in a new hotel – I embraced the excitement and the challenge, both,” Morrison explains. “In addition to enjoying working with a newly-formed team to build Hampton Inn’s business, I am floored by how quickly the team’s spirit and the culture of a successful hotel have become an integral part of both the Membertou community and the Sydney business network.” The future is bright for Morrison and the staff of the Hampton Inn. Hotel owner, DP Murphy, recently committed to opening 40 new hotels across the country by 2030. With sights set on the Membertou hotel positioning itself as a stand-out property among the total projects, Morrison speaks of the personal advantages, “Working with DP Murphy in the Sydney location allows me to do the job I love to do: work with fellow Cape Bretoners and stay close to family and friends.” Glen Morrison and his staff strive to accommodate guest needs, large or small, and to provide outstanding hospitality - a trait that comes naturally and for which Cape Bretoners are legendary. The cone-shaped cups alongside the water cooler have served thirsty office workers well for many years. This simple, yet perfect idea came from a man named G.H. Wood. From that idea, a national business was born. Almost a century later, Wood’s business, now known as Wood Wyant, continues to deliver innovative and essential products to clients.
This past September, Wood Wyant welcomed Darcy Squires as Account Manager for the Cape Breton metro area. A native of Big Bras d’Or, Squires and his Cape Breton born-and-raised wife settled their new family in Victoria Mines. Wood Wyant is a national company with a local approach. Working from home, Squires describes the flexibility and supportive culture of the company, saying, “I am able to meet with clients and still enjoy my family.” He finds great pleasure in Wood Wyant’s leadership in the eco-friendly service niche. Wood Wyant’s partnerships allow the company to provide green options for clients; for example, in developing paper for the company’s towel and tissue products, Wood Wyant uses 80% less water and up to70% recycled materials. Commitments such as these position Wood Wyant as an industry leader and bring a great source of personal and professional satisfaction to Squires. On track to fulfilling his career goals, Darcy feels that, “achieving [a] work and life balance is the key to a content life.” Working and living at home in Cape Breton plays a large role in Squires’ goals, “the future is looking brighter for young people on the Island, as well as for those looking to potentially move back.” Of Wood Wyant’s recent hires throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, 100% were under the age of 40, a strategy the company implements to encourage diversity and employee retention. Wood Wyant’s products can be found in use across Cape Breton and Mulgrave and include establishments such as hotels, nursing homes, the Mayflower Mall, the Cape Breton-Victoria School Board and multiples facilities within the Cape Breton District Health Authority. Meeting with clients is among Squires’ favorite work activities. The local flavor of personalities makes the social aspect of his job something that he truly looks forward to each day. Squires’ easy- going nature makes him a natural fit for managing Wood Wyant’s accounts. Finding a meaningful role within a company that has been providing exceptional service in Cape Breton for 35 years and being fortunate enough to enjoy living at home with family, life has been good for Squires. As for the water cooler cups, he jokes, “we don’t even make them anymore.” For information about placing Wood Wyant’s products in your business, contact Darcy Squires at darcy.squires@woodwyant.com. For more information on Wood Wyant’s various product offerings, please visit www.woodwyant.com. *Originally published in the NextGen Connect. |
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