Initiatives
NHCC has long recognized that this region has the best opportunity to succeed at becoming Nova Scotia's premier year round tourism destination. There is a great deal of work to be done, but this goal will be realized. The primary objective for now is getting planning and capabilities in order.
Marketing
In addition to the master plan, the NHCC commissioned a marketing plan, which was completed by the reputable firm of McArthur, Thompson and Law (MTL) from Halifax in April 2001. The work was undertaken with the assistance of Human Resources Development Canada, Enterprise Cape Breton and the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development. The focus of the marketing plan was is the better positioning of this region as a four-season destination area.
Internet
In the spring of 2003, the Chamber established its web page. It has the dual purpose of acting as a tourism promotion tool and community portal. In time, with the help of many dedicated volunteers, www.northeasthighlands.com will become the choice of communities and tourists seeking information on the local area.
Broadband
The Municipality of Victoria County was one of the five BRAND applicants approved for Nova Scotia. To find out more about the county's Broadband Project, visit www.connectedcommunities.ca.
Product Development and Marketing
The NHCC has hired a Product Development and Marketing Coordinator in accordance with recommendations from the MTL Marketing Study. This person will play a key role in strengthening the Chamber's vision and enhancing tourism capability, while taking strain off of limited volunteers. The Marketing Coordinator will work closely with community-based economic development organizations to promote the Northeast Highlands as a four season tourism destination.
Human Resource Planning and Employee Support
The economy of Northern Cape Breton relies a great deal on tourism and hospitality revenues. The sector has been experiencing tremendous growth in recent years and area operators are encountering difficulties meeting their human resource requirements. Several factors contribute to this, such as low paying jobs and the lack of year round opportunities. These factors force people to move away and for those who remain there is very little employee support. Basic childcare is not available and a lack of accommodations makes it difficult to attract migrant works.
These problems have been permitted to fester because the region has no human resource capability in place. Employee recruitment and retention has become a serious problem. After working on these issues for over a year, it is now being addressed. The Chamber, with the help of a consultant, has produced a report entitled, "Pathway to a Sustainable Workforce: A Human Resource Planning Study for North-Eastern Cape Breton Island"; see Publications for the executive summary. The full report is available to Northeast Highlands Chamber of Commerce members in the Member section.