News Release Archive
ECONOMIC RENEWAL--MAKING THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS ------------------------------------------------------------ There's an old saying that claims curiosity killed the cat. But, for Mike MacEachern of Bridgewater curiosity may just land him a job. A graduate of the mechanical engineering program at the Technical University of Nova Scotia, MacEachern has been looking for work since March 1995. His search took him past the Bridgewater Access Nova Scotia office, in the new federal building on Dufferin Street, and it was curiosity that brought him through the doors. "I had no idea what to expect when I walked in the Access office," said Mr. MacEachern. "I just started talking with the staff and they offered to help." Through ANS, MacEachern posted his resume on the Internet and downloaded information on ISO-9000, a certified set of international export standards. "In the information age, information is what you need to empower yourself," he said. MacEachern received responses and even interviews from his resume posting, but even more important, it gave him the chance to make contacts and network. "By accessing the Internet, I am able to see what's out there beyond what was already available to me before entering the Access office." He believes this kind of access will lead to a job. The essence of ANS is its all-encompassing appeal. ANS provides information on all levels of government departments, programs and services and is designed to put clients in touch with the right contact as quickly as possible. "Our staff works in partnership with specialists in government and business to deliver useful information and make resources available to the public," said David Townsend, manager of the Bridgewater ANS office. Like many first-time entrepreneurs, Elizabeth Powers and business partner Laurel Widrig, both of Lunenburg, were unsure of the next step to develop their business idea further. "When you have four children, you don't have the opportunity to work full-time to do all the necessary research. Access Nova Scotia provided us with a number of manufacturing directories and helped us cut through a lot of red tape to get to where we are today," said Ms. Powers. Like the hundreds who have found their way to the Access office, she was surprised at the range of resources available. From business services and directories, on-line databases, consumer guides, permit and licence requirements to personal appointments with specialists, Mr. Townsend says the centre is a model for partnership. "Representatives from our partner organizations like the Acadia Centre for Small Business, Community Economic Development, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Department of Labour's occupational health and safety division can meet with clients at the centre by appointment," he said. The Bridgewater office has been open and assisting residents along the South Shore for the past five months. For Ms. Powers and Ms. Widrig, both are surprised at the direction they've been heading. "We're looking in directions we never thought we'd be going because we weren't fully aware of what was available," Ms. Powers said. -30- Contact: David Townsend 902-543-0660 trp Nov. 03, 1995