A BUS COMPANY AND A FAMILY WITH A PURPOSE Coach Atlantic – Maritime Bus – T3 Transit Company WELCOME TO THE HEART OF LABRADOR Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador A NOD TO THE PAST AND A FOCUS ON THE FUTURE The Illinois State Fair BUSINESSINFOCUSMAGAZINE.COM D EC 2 02 3 - JA N 2 02 4EDITOR’S CORNER 3 We often hear about how difficult it is to staff our businesses as of late. From fast-food service to skilled trades, from the tech industry to hospitality, worker shortage has been a major hurdle to growth for so many enterprises. In recent issues, we’ve discussed inclusiv- ity as a means to widen the possibilities for recruiting, especially with regard to minority groups and gender gaps. However, there is another angle that is some- times less obvious. The International Labour Organization estimates that there are around one billion people globally who fit the definition of ‘disabled’ when it comes to the workforce. Whether this is a visible disability or an invisible one, our society has been steadily moving away from the notion that ‘disabled’ equates to ‘unemployed.’ This certainly represents valuable human resources for companies who can be flexible with certain aspects of accessibility. Of course, it would be an oversimplification to simply state that there is a pool of a billion potential workers to draw from, but there is a measurable advantage for companies who put effort into including this portion of the population. Claire Suttles looks into this in detail in her latest piece, Inclusive Workplaces – Accommodating People with Disabilities. Tim Hocken Editor Suite 300, 7071 Bayers Rd. | Halifax, NS | B3L 2C2 | Canada P: 1-647-479-2163 | E: EDITOR Tim Hocken DEPUTY EDITOR Jaime McKee COPY EDITORS Thora Smith | Allister Havercroft CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alan Tughan | Allison Dempsey | Claire Suttles Jessica Ferlaino | Karen Hawthorne | Margaret Eaton Pauline Müller | Robert Hoshowsky | William Young DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS James Corbett OPERATIONS MANAGER Severina Gachparova OPERATIONS ASSISTANT Marc Arsenault CONTENT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Scott Forbes SENIOR CONTENT DEVELOPER Wendy Hood-Morris CONTENT DEVELOPERS Dean Lucas | Erin McWhinney | Faye Hiscock Taylor Dunne | Erin Grant | Jamal Francis-Anderson SALES TEAM LEAD Pamela Taylor SALES TEAM Morgan Culpepper | Dean Lucas GRAPHIC DESIGN TEAM LEAD Laura Pratt GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ashley Dowling | Ebic Tristary Isaac McWhinnie | Yoana Ilcheva SENIOR STAFF ACCOUNTANT Christi Lingard OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Julia MacQueen BUSINESS COORDINATOR Abigail Potter IT ADMINISTRATOR Rebecca Sanford PUBLISHER Jeff Hocken “The International Labour Organization estimates that there are around one billion people globally who fit the definition of ‘disabled’ when it comes to the workforce.”INSIDE DEC - JAN FOCUS ON: ATLANTIC MOMENTUM FAIRS AND EXPOS MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS 4 Accommodating People With Disabilities What first comes to mind when you hear the word disabil- ity? For many people, it is an image of a wheelchair. But the reality is far more encompassing. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines disability as “a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person’s ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions.” CONSTRUCTION SERVICES 5 BUSINESS IN FOCUS CARBON CAPTURE UTILIZATION AND STORAGE INDUSTRY MEETING 17 – 18 January, Houston, TX This conference will provide attendees with all the vital carbon capture insights needed to navigate permitting and regulatory hurdles, suc- cessfully gain financing, and mitigate storage and transportation risks for the seamless integration of innovative Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology that minimally impacts plants’ bottom lines. For more information IME WEST 2024 6 – 8 February, Anaheim, CA Advancing manufacturing excellence through five connected expos, this event brings together MD&M West, WestPack, ATX West, D&M West, and Plastec West under one roof. From packaging to plastics to robotics, this five-in-one design and manufacturing event connects you across multiple industries. View hundreds of products and solutions and see what innovations you can expect for 2024. For more information CROSS SECTOR SUPPLY CHAIN AND OPERATIONAL RESILIENCE 12 – 14 February, Houston, TX This GFMI conference will provide attendees with practical solutions and rich perspectives to better adapt their supply chain and operations to improve their resilience, account for the impact of current complexities and global instability, and minimize exposure to threats. Key chal- lenges to be addressed include geopolitical concerns and interdependencies, monitoring different links of the supply chain, IT and cyber resilience, and more. For more information MAGIC LAS VEGAS 13 – 15 February, Las Vegas, NV MAGIC Las Vegas is an entire fashion experience. The largest go-to market event offers a must-attend, high-energy, all-encompassing fashion experience for brands and retailers alike. Find must-have trends, exclusive collection launches, thought-provoking education panels, engaging networking opportunities, non-stop entertainment, countless happy hours, and more. Co-located with SOURCING at MAGIC, where you will find the latest in apparel and footwear supply chain services, materials, and technologies. For more information BETTER WORKPLACE CONFERENCE 26 – 28 February, online At the 27th annual Better Workplace Conference, Human Resources professionals will discover impactful, research-based solutions to a variety of issues in the workplace. This virtual event from the Conference Board of Canada offers three days of captivating keynote speakers, panel discus- sions, and best practice showcases, with the aim of shining a light on improving workplace culture and responding to employees’ changing needs. Topics include the future of mental health in the workplace, integrating psychological safety, wellbeing and inclusion, and more. For more information INDUSTRY EVENTS 6 Are you planning an event relating to North America’s growing Business Industry? To get your event listed in Business in Focus, please contact us at least six to eight weeks before the event takes place at or call 1-647-479-2163INDUSTRY NEWS BCE CUTS SPENDING AFTER ORDER FROM REGULATOR, APPEALS DECISION Canada’s largest telecommunications company, BCE Inc., will cut capital spending by $1 billion after an order came down from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the country’s telecommunications regula- tor, for major phone providers to open up broadband networks to smaller rivals in Ontario and Quebec, where more than 60 percent of the population resides. Bell and Telus have been ordered to open their broadband networks to smaller market players at prescribed rates to improve competition in the home internet services market to bring costs down for customers. An interim rate will be estab- lished by the regulator, which all major telecommunications providers will be subject to when selling wholesale access to their high-speed networks. This decision is set to constrict growth in BCE’s major business segment. BCE has invested heavily in its fibre optic networks country-wide, spending more than $18 billion since 2020, to boast a quality fibre to home offering that improves the quality of internet and television performance—a differentiator in the market that will no longer be an advantage. This will slow the company’s investment and stunt the pace at which it completes its network. While the CRTC believes that it will strengthen competition in the market to the advantage of the consumer, some customers will have to wait for those benefits, as 700,000 fewer locations will be served by the end of 2025 due to these cuts. More public hearings were set to take place after the decision was handed down. BCE has appealed the decision, citing the risk of irreparable harm if the decision goes through. The company filed docu- ments with the Federal Court of Appeal requesting permission to appeal the regulator’s temporary ruling, as well as for a stay of the decision pending the outcome of the court proceedings. From BCE’s perspective, the decision is unfair as it does not apply to all carriers that build networks, such as Rogers Communications Inc.’s cable network, which was unaffected by the decision. The claim also highlights the disproportionality of the decision to focus on areas where only it has invested and constructed its fibre network. The company argues that the regulator erred in law because it did not use the correct test to arrive at its decision, nor did it inform stakeholders of the test being used. EXPERIENCE ONTARIO 2024 OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS The Ontario Government is launching the Experience Ontario 2024 program, allocating $19.5 million in funding for eligible in- person festivals scheduled between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. This funding opportunity allows event organizers to apply for financial support from the provincial government. The application period is currently open and will be close on January 11, 2024, at 5 p.m. EST. Take advantage of this chance to secure assistance for your event and contribute to the success of festivals in the upcoming year. For more information visit Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com 7INDUSTRY NEWS The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) has sold its 20 percent stake in Canadian Tire’s financial services unit back to the retailer for $895 million, relinquishing non-core assets to strengthen the lender’s capital position as the economy prepares for a tough period marked by high interest rates. The stake was originally purchased in 2014 for $500 million and the sale will improve Scotiabank’s CET1 ratio, which is a key indicator of a bank’s financial strength. Scotiabank will continue to provide CTFS with a credit facility of $1.1 billion for the next 18 months. Alternately, the retailer plans to evaluate strategic alternatives to its Canadian Tire Financial Services (CTFS), efforts that will be supported by Goldman Sachs as the company’s financial advisor for 2024. CEO Greg Hicks stated Canadian Tire will gain “greater control and flexibility in building our loyalty program,” as full owners of CTFS. STARBUCKS TRIPLE SHOT REINVENTION ROLLS OUT Starbucks Coffee Company announced a long-term growth strategy that includes plans to elevate its brand, strengthen and scale the company’s digital capabilities, and further global- ize its operations through what is being called the Triple Shot Reinvention with Two Pumps. The plan is “customized with ‘two pumps’ unlocking efficiency and reinvigorating partner culture,” through better, purpose- defined stores, accelerated renovations, a growth portfolio, and product innovation. The goal is to generate $3 billion in savings over the next three years to deliver returns to share- holders through margin expansion and earnings growth. The coffeehouse chain and roastery plans to double its global Starbucks Rewards Members within five years through expanded digital and technology collaborations that it hopes will elevate the customer and partner experience. The goal is to grow its rewards with another 75 million members over the next five years. Through its enhanced digital and tech architecture, it will build on its Deep Brew platform capabilities. It will do this through collaboration and partnership with Microsoft, Apple, Amazon One, and Just Walk Out technology. The plans also include accelerated expansion to 55,000 stores globally by 2030, or an average of eight new stores a day, with the U.S. store count to reach more than 16,300. The goal is to expand its portfolio with more defined stores with pick-up, drive-thru and delivery-only options, greater product innova- tion through expanded core menu items, customization, and personalized marketing. SCOTIABANK SELLS STAKE IN CANADIAN TIRE’S FINANCIAL ARM LEGENDS TO ACQUIRE ASM GLOBAL IN $2.4B DEAL Legends, an experiential services specialist that is majority owned by Sixth Street, with Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones as minority owners, has acquired venue and events management agency ASM Global, along with the 300-plus arenas and stadiums under its control. According to VenuesNow, Legends will purchase the agency from equity holders AEG and Onyx for $2.4 billion. Included in the portfolio are Houston’s NRG Stadium, London’s OVO Arena Wembley, and Sydney’s Accor Stadium. ASM will continue to run existing and in-development venues with AEG while benefitting from Legends’ innovation, technology, and global partnerships to provide more tailored fan experiences and improved venue owner outcomes. Legends clients include Real Madrid, the Ryder Cup, and LA’s SoFi Stadium. 8INDUSTRY NEWS TOURISM INDUSTRY CELEBRATES VALUE OF OLDER WORKERS The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) is marking the achievement of 20 businesses across the province earning a Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFÉ) designation from the Age Friendly Institute. The program, delivered in partnership with Ageing proActive- ly, supports employers in leveraging the mature workforce and was developed using a team of analysts and profession- als who specialize in human resources, compensation, and benefits. Employers receive feedback on current and best practices in recruitment and retention of the demographic and in managing a multi-generational workforce. CAFÉ also provide older workers with a trusted mark of quality when seeking employment. “TIANS believes the mature workforce holds tremendous value and potential for the industry,” said Darlene Grant Fiander, TIANS President. “Tourism employment can provide meaning- ful connections to the community, generate additional income, and provide mentoring opportunities for individuals to share experience and knowledge. TIANS is proud to be leading the inaugural designations in Canada for the CAFÉ program with Aging Proactively,” added Grant Fiander. NOVA SCOTIA EYES TWO BAYS UNDER PROVINCIAL JURISDICTION FOR WIND FARMS The Nova Scotia government has identified two bays under provincial jurisdiction as potential sites for marine wind farms: Chedabucto Bay, at the Atlantic entrance to the Strait of Canso; and St. Georges Bay, in the Northumberland Strait. But the government insists nothing will proceed until fishermen are consulted. “We know that there are major winds there and something could happen there,” said Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton. “But I want to be very clear. There is nothing going into work until the regulations are all put in place, until the proper consultation is done with the fishers.” The proposed scenarios would see an initial capacity of 400 megawatts and ultimately up to one gigawatt of electricity production—the equivalent of 310 large-scale wind turbines, which would represent 20 percent of the province’s stated goal of issuing leases for five gigawatts of electricity from offshore wind by 2030. 9Next >