FINDING JOY IN THE AVIATION JOURNEY Air Canada THE SKY’S THE LIMIT City of Salem, Massachusetts A SECTOR SPEAKS – A PROVINCE LISTENS Tourism Industry Association of Ontario BUSINESSINFOCUSMAGAZINE.COM M AY 2 02 3Start your expansion plan today. Your growth strategy in a new light We’re here to help. Deciding if and when to expand your business isn’t an easy task. Our team of trusted advisors can help you find the way forward. Start your expansion plan today. Your growth strategy in a new light We’re here to help. Deciding if and when to expand your business isn’t an easy task. Our team of trusted advisors can help you find the way forward.EDITOR’S CORNER Start your expansion plan today. Your growth strategy in a new light We’re here to help. Deciding if and when to expand your business isn’t an easy task. Our team of trusted advisors can help you find the way forward. Start your expansion plan today. Your growth strategy in a new light We’re here to help. Deciding if and when to expand your business isn’t an easy task. Our team of trusted advisors can help you find the way forward. 3 I have often thought that the words “human resource” together in a phrase is somewhat dystopian and uncaring, a big corpora- tion seeing humans simply in terms of their output. Under what conditions is that resource most productive? Strangely, as cold and inhuman as that question seems, the answer to that question is not as bad as one might expect from this context. More and more studies show that, in most modern work envi- ronments, people are most productive when they are happy, healthy, safe, respected, valued, encouraged, and given the opportunity to improve themselves. They are usually more productive in a positive social environment where fairness is present alongside diversity. This doesn’t sound like a dysto- pian situation after all! Yet, despite this knowledge of what makes a human most pro- ductive, job satisfaction has been declining fairly consistently over the past twenty years or more. I’m sure the problem is more complex than my simple musings here, but I think that putting some effort into improving our work environments would cer- tainly help the situation. Margaret Eaton takes a more in-depth look at this topic, and at what factors affect it, in her latest piece, Worth the Investment – Employee Wellness Pays Dividends. 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 Margaret Eaton | Allison Dempsey Pauline Müller | Robert Hoshowsky David Caldwell | William Young | Claire Suttles DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS James Corbett OPERATIONS MANAGER Severina Gachparova SENIOR CONTENT DEVELOPERS Scott Forbes | Aaron Ferguson CONTENT DEVELOPERS Wendy Hood-Morris | Scott Forbes | Erin McWhinney Jamal Francis-Anderson | Taylor Dunne | Dean Lucas SALES TEAM Pamela Taylor | Morgan Culpepper | Dean Lucas GRAPHIC DESIGN TEAM LEAD Laura Pratt GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ashley Dowling | Ebic Tristary | Yoana Ilcheva OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Julia MacQueen IT ADMINISTRATOR Rebecca Sanford CONTROLLER Jen Hamilton PUBLISHER Jeff Hocken “In most modern work environments, people are most productive when they are happy, healthy, safe, respected, valued, encouraged, and given the opportunity to improve themselves.”INSIDE MAY WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEDICAL DEVICES SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS 4 Employee Wellness Pays Dividends The business world has come a long way since 1843 when Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in which Scrooge’s clerk, Bob Cratchit, had to plead for coal to heat his office and a day to spend Christmas with his family. Instead of considering his employee’s health, Scrooge’s focus was on the bottom line, until he was visited by those ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, which set him on an altruistic path. SERVICES 5 BUSINESS IN FOCUS AMERICAPACK SUMMIT 18 – 19 May, Las Vegas, NV The AmericaPack Summit is an invitation-only, premium forum bringing together leading packaging executives and innovative suppliers and solution providers. The summit’s content is aligned with key packaging challenges and interests, relevant market developments, practical and progressive ideas, as well as strategies adopted by successful pioneers. Key topics include Driving Change Through Design, Digitization Of Packaging, Building A Greener Future, and more. For more information INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION, BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT (ICEBM 2023) 22 – 26 May, Calgary, AB Organized by Beyond Banking Group, the aim of this conference is to provide a platform for students, researchers and academicians to connect and share knowledge and ideas in the fields of Education, Business & Management, and to promote the exchange of scientific information, knowledge, ideas, and recent trends between researchers, developers, students, and practitioners working in and around the world. For more information H 2O: HOME TO OVERSEAS CONFERENCE 12 – 14 June, Halifax, NS The Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia in partnership with the Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia, and the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship is pleased to present the H 2O: Home to Overseas Conference at the Halifax Convention Centre. This conference is an ideal event to engage with the ocean technology industry, and will include international delegates, research, development and commercialisation presentations, and B2B meetings. This year’s conference will also feature on-water demos at the Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship (COVE). For more information IME EAST 13 – 15 June, New York, NY Uniting engineers, designers, and decision-makers to solve problems and move manufacturing forward, this six-in-one design and manufactur- ing expo is designed to give you a comprehensive view of the product lifecycle from prototype to production. Explore all six trade shows that share the expo floor: MD&M East, EastPack, ATX East, D&M East, Plastec East, and Quality Expo East. For more information STARTUPFEST 2023 12 – 14 July, Montreal, QC Startupfest is not only Canada’s original startup event, but widely regarded as one of the world’s must-attend startup conferences. This is the annual gathering at which entrepreneurs, investors, makers, large enterprises, industry veterans, and startup communities chart the course of technology entrepreneurship in a one-of-a-kind festival atmosphere. This year’s conference will see AI infused into the content and unique interactions to make your experience even more exciting, while doubling down on creating genuine, human connections—which is what Startupfest is all about. 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 ATLANTIC CANADA’S CRUISE INDUSTRY PREDICTS RECORD-BREAKING YEAR Atlantic Canada’s cruise industry anticipates almost one million cruise guest visits aboard more than 600 vessel calls across the region in 2023, according to the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA). “We’re thrilled to have such a promising cruise season ahead of us,” said ACCA Executive Director Sarah Rumley in a media release. “The number of ships and passengers expected this year is unprecedented, and it demonstrates the strength and resilience of the cruise industry in Atlantic Canada.” This year’s cruise season began on April 21 when Nova Scotia’s niche port of Lunenburg welcomed Viking Cruises’ Viking Octantis. A number of cruise ships will debut in the region this season, which started in late April and runs until early November. These vessels include Explora Journeys’ Explora 1, a new, privately owned luxury lifestyle brand of Switzerland- headquartered MSC Group. And according to the ACCA, “another ten ships are expected to call Atlantic Canada for the first time, highlighting the increasing popularity of the region as a cruise destination.” The arrival of cruises is welcome news for Atlantic Canada’s economy, which, prior to the pandemic, contributed $347 million to the economy and was responsible for more than 2,000 jobs. After more than two years of the pandemic, cruise operations started again in 2022, with ports welcoming 474 ships and 622,811 passengers. “ACOA is pleased to support the cruise industry as it showcases Atlantic Canada to the world during this anticipated record- breaking year,” said the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) in a state- ment. “The cruise industry plays a key role in tourism, drawing people to these special places, creating jobs and growing the economy for years ahead.” Added the ACCA: “With its stunning coastline, picturesque towns, and friendly locals, Atlantic Canada offers unique and memorable experiences for visitors; each port has something special to offer, from New Brunswick’s magnificent Bay of Fundy [to] Newfoundland and Labrador’s breathtaking scenery, Prince Edward Island’s vibrant culinary scene or Nova Scotia’s rich culture and historic sites. The cruise industry’s continued growth in the region provides local businesses with ample opportunities to grow and thrive, making 2023 an exciting year for the entire Atlantic Canada community.” Shutterstock.com/Simona Donkova 7INDUSTRY NEWS CELEBRATING CANADA’S INNOVATIVE ORGANIC LEADERS The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) recently hosted its 2023 Organic Leadership Awards and evening gala to recognize the trailblazers and innovators of the organic industry at the Listel Hotel in Vancouver. Guests cel- ebrated organic accomplishments and connected over local cuisine as champions in the organic space were recognized. This is the eighth year COTA has presented these awards to Canadian catalysts propelling the Canadian organic sector to new heights, shared COTA in a press release. “Each year we look forward to honouring organic leaders that have made great strides within the organic sector,” said Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director, COTA. “We are so proud to rec- ognize these organic leaders and are inspired by their incred- ible dedication to the advancement of organic. We celebrate their achievements.” This year’s awards and gala evening were graciously spon- sored by Nature’s Path Foods, Riverside Natural Foods, Pro-Cert Organic Systems Ltd., Horizon Grocery + Wellness, and Ecocert Canada, all members of COTA with a longstand- ing commitment to the growth of the organic industry. The engraved flame-shaped award represents an acknowledg- ment of the recipient’s hard work in the organic sector and points to the passion demonstrated by innovators who forge a path of distinction to ensure organic is protected and promoted, and that their work lights the way for future generations. Congratulations to the award recipients: • Organic Champion of the Year – Ian Walker • Organic Supplier of the Year – Discovery Organics • Outstanding Leadership in Organic Science – Myriam R. Fernandez, PhD • Organic Retailer of the Year – Canadian Natural Health Retailer Magazine, Bruce W. Cole & Alive Publishing Group, Ryan Benn • Organic Innovator of the Year – Mill Street Brewery • Organic Farming Award – St. Brigid’s Creamery • Distinguished Leader of the Year – MP Ryan Turnbull COTA’s Annual Organic Leadership Awards were established in 2016. Recipients of these awards are nominated by their peers and chosen by the COTA Governance Committee of the Board of Directors. To learn more about the awards, read all the recipi- ent’s bios, and view past recipients, AIR CANADA RELEASES 2022 ANNUAL REPORT, REFLECTS ON 85 YEARS Air Canada recently reported its fourth quarter and full year financial results for 2022—a year that marked the company’s 85th anniversary. Said President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Rousseau, “Air Canada marked its 85th anniversary in 2022, and there was much to celebrate despite the challenges the global airline industry faced. We can take great pride in our accomplishments of the last year, strengthening our business and our financial position after the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Highlights include record fourth quarter passenger revenues of $4.062 billion—doubled over fourth quarter 2021 and about two percent higher than fourth quarter 2019—and record fourth quarter operating revenues of $4.680 billion, 71 percent higher than fourth quarter 2021 and about six percent higher than fourth quarter 2019. “Our financial results from 2022 show we are growing stronger every day and position us to seize more opportunities, including through innovation, technological advancements and a customer-centric culture, to further our business,” said Rousseau. “We aim to provide the very best experience for our customers, as we navigate the unprecedented resurgence of travel after the near collapse early in the pandemic.” To read the full report, Shutterstock.com/Gertan 8INDUSTRY NEWS LAYOFFS AT BUZZFEED, INSIDER Initially known for its pop culture pieces, quizzes and ‘listicles,’ American Internet media company BuzzFeed, Inc. has seen its stock plummet, and recently announced it is scaling back operations. In an email to staff, the company’s Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Jonah Peretti stated BuzzFeed is reducing its staff by 15 percent and shuttering BuzzFeed News, which was launched in 2012. “While layoffs are occurring across nearly every division, we’ve determined that the company can no longer continue to fund BuzzFeed News as a standalone organization,” stated Peretti. In 2020, BuzzFeed acquired HuffPost, which will become the company’s only new brand. Following the announcement, shares in BuzzFeed plummeted 20 percent to $0.72 USD. At one point, BuzzFeed was valued at $1.6 billion USD, and is now down to about $100 million. News of BuzzFeed’s layoffs came at the same time as another American online media company, Insider Inc., stated it DISNEY LAYOFFS Founded almost a century ago by brothers Walt and Roy O. Disney, the Walt Disney Company has grown from a cartoon studio into a mass media and entertainment juggernaut. Once described as “The Happiest Place on Earth” and “Where Dreams Come True,” dreams are turning into nightmares for thousands of Disney staff. Recently, Disney announced the second round of layoffs, affecting 4,000 workers. A third wave of job eliminations is expected later this summer, bringing the total to 7,000. The affected divisions include Disney Parks, Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and some Experiences and Products workers. The total number of layoffs represents 3.2 percent of Disney’s global staff of approximately 220,000. “These are hard decisions and not ones we take lightly—but every decision has been made with considerable thought, and we are doing everything we can to make sure this process is conducted with respect and compassion,” Co-Chairs of Disney Entertainment Alan Bergman and Dana Walden said in a staff memo. “The senior leadership teams have been working diligently to define our future organization, and our biggest priority has been getting this right, rather than getting it done fast. We recognize that it has been a period of uncertainty and thank you all for your understanding and patience.” The once-mighty and seemingly unstoppable corporation has seen its market share slow in recent years, going back to about $100 USD per share—exactly where it was five years ago. Shutterstock.com/Koshiro K is laying off 10 percent of its staff. In a memo, Insider’s President, Barbara Peng, stated that the industry has been under “significant pressure for more than a year,” adding, “Unfortunately, to keep our company healthy and competitive, we need to reduce the size of our team.” The layoffs at BuzzFeed and Insider reflect a resetting of the media sector, which made significant hires during the pandemic. Other digital platforms cutting staff include Yahoo, Vimeo, Spotify and ESPN. 9Next >