Janice Stairs appointed chair of NSBI Board

Nova Scotians will continue to benefit from experienced private-sector leadership focused on business development as Nova Scotia Business Inc. welcomes its newest board chair.

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris and Jim Eisenhauer, outgoing board chair of Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI), announced today, Oct. 5, Janice Stairs has been appointed chair of the crown corporation's private-sector-led board of directors.

An accomplished lawyer of more than 20 years, Ms. Stairs has been a director of the board since 2009 and most recently vice-chair. "Janice brings tremendous experience and is an excellent leader," said Mr. Paris. "Like Mr. Eisenhauer before her, Janice and the board will guide NSBI as it works towards building a strong and sustainable economy for the province of Nova Scotia."

Stairs is currently general counsel and corporate secretary to TSX listed Namibia Rare Earths Inc. She is also a director of TSX/NYSE listed NovaCopper Inc. and serves on several committees of the Board.

A former partner, Stairs continues to act as counsel to the Halifax office of McInnes Cooper, and is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society.

"I value Janice Stairs as a colleague and I look forward to her continuing contribution now as NSBI board chair," said Mr. Eisenhauer.

Mr. Eisenhauer has chaired the board since November 2010, and has been a director since 2005. He continues with the board as a director.

During the Oct. 3 board meeting, held in Membertou, Ray Ivany, a director on the board since December 2011, was appointed vice-chair to replace Ms. Stairs.

"NSBI is fortunate to attract high-calibre board members who volunteer their time and expertise to helping the important, beneficial work of driving a growing Nova Scotia economy," said Stephen Lund, president and CEO of NSBI. "I'm honoured to continue working with the board and with Janice, especially in her new role as chair."

NSBI's 13 board members may serve up to four years per term and cannot serve more than two consecutive terms.

Nova Scotia Business Inc. is the province's private-sector-led business development agency. Through trade development, investment attraction, business financing and venture capital, NSBI assists local companies and attracts international companies to Nova Scotia. For more information, visit www.nsbi.ca and follow online at www.nsbi.ca/connect.