More Organizations Sign 'Come to life' Charter

Seven new organizations have signed Nova Scotia's "Come to life" initiative charter, bringing to 12 the number of organizations that have pledged to promote Nova Scotia and its attributes wherever they do business.

Credit Union Central, EduNova, Atlantic Superstore, RCR Hospitality Group, Greater Halifax Partnership, Heritage Gas, and International Language Institute signed the charter recently, along with Premier John Hamm and Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage.

"As Nova Scotians, we all know this is a wonderful place to work, raise a family and enjoy life," said Premier Hamm. "We have to work together to bring Nova Scotia's unique attributes to the rest of the world. By co-operating with the private sector, groups and individuals across the province we will ensure that our story is told, and heard."

These organizations join High Liner Foods, Alexander Keith's, Halifax International Airport Authority, Scotia Slate, and the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association as charter members.

The charter formalizes the involvement of public- and private-sector organizations in telling Nova Scotia's story. As a charter member, each organization agrees to help develop and support the "Come to life" initiative.

"It's encouraging to have these groups, organizations, and businesses signing the charter. It reinforces our goal of bringing our story to the world," said Mr. Fage. "Every day we work to create a place where our young people can build homes, build futures, and fulfil dreams. These organizations share that vision and are now official champions of this wonderful province."

Nova Scotia's "Come to life" initiative uses eight simple words to describe the attributes that make this province and its people unique: coastal, accessible, safe, genuine, dependable, creative, innovative, and resourceful. Taken as a whole, these attributes help embody the variety and balance that give the province its unrivalled quality of life. "Come to life" markets Nova Scotia as an excellent place in which to live, work, invest, play, and visit.

"The 'Come to life' initiative certainly complements the philosophy and the values of credit unions in our province," said Bernie O'Neil, president and CEO, Credit Union Central. "We are very much committed to Nova Scotia, to providing service throughout the province, with a very strong commitment to rural areas and community economic development in all areas of our province."

Credit Union Central of Nova Scotia helps credit unions meet the needs of their members. There are 37 credit unions in Nova Scotia, with 84 locations. More than 168,000 people in Nova Scotia belong to credit unions, which are locally owned, managed and staffed, and which invest profits in Nova Scotia communities.

Atlantic Superstore is operated by Atlantic Wholesalers Ltd., which also operates the SuperValu and Save Easy chains. Distribution centres in Halifax and Moncton support the retail network, franchise group stores, large independent retailers, and cash and carry outlets. The company employs more than 11,000 people across Atlantic Canada.

"Atlantic Superstore is extremely pleased to be able to participate in this exciting new initiative with the province," said Dirk Romyn, vice-president, marketing, Atlantic Superstore. "The attributes of Nova Scotia, as described in the 'Come to life' campaign, will have a great deal of relevance for our many customers, suppliers and employees across Atlantic Canada."

Another supporter of the initiative is EduNova, a not-for-profit association of university and community colleges, school boards and private-sector training firms committed to developing Nova Scotia's economy through the export of education and training services. The global demand for education and training is an estimated $2 trillion industry. About 4,000 international students also contribute to the province's economy while studying in Nova Scotia.

"EduNova is proud to align our marketing efforts with the 'Come to life' initiative. The education sector is an important strength and there is tremendous value in collaborating with the province to jointly promote Nova Scotia as a knowledge-rich province," said Ava Czapalay, president and CEO, EduNova.

The Greater Halifax Partnership was established in 1996 and is now one of North America's most effective economic development groups. Its public-private partnership involves more than 130 private-sector companies, three levels of government and a staff of business professionals.

Established in 1974, RCR Hospitality Group is a Halifax-based restaurant and catering company. RCR has owned and operated more than a dozen restaurants and now operates the Waterfront Warehouse and Victory Arms Pub, as well as a full-service catering and event-planning company.

Heritage Gas Limited is a Nova Scotia-based company formed to obtain and operate a full, regulation-class natural gas distribution franchise for Nova Scotia. SaskEnergy Inc. is the majority shareholder with 50.1 per cent, while Scotia Investments Limited owns 25 per cent, and AltaGas Utility Holdings (Nova Scotia) Inc. owns 24.9 per cent of the company.

International Language Institute is Nova Scotia's oldest independent language school, an official language-training centre for the Canadian government, and a certified Cambridge teacher training centre. Since 1983, the institute has helped adults from all over the world learn English.