Business Bulletin s 2011 came to an end it gave us pause to reflect upon the year. Saint John, on the whole, has weathered the global economic storm better than most. Unemployment rates are significantly lower than the provincial and national rates (6.5% in Saint John compared to 8.7% in NB and 7.5% nationally) in large part due to our diversified economy. Progress was made in the Health & Life Sciences Cluster at Tucker Park where key partners came together to develop branding and a sector growth strategy. ICT received two important boosts: The Think City was launched and Saint John was named one of the world’s Smart21 high tech hot spots. Mining also received good news with the announcement of further investment in potash exploration. As we look to 2012 and beyond we will continue to develop strong value proposi- tions for leads that flow directly from our local businesses and entrepreneurs. Attracting new investment | Atlantic Potash Corp. Shaping tomorrow’s TEAMS On December 7th, Enterprise Saint John hosted a half-day workforce summit for over 70 key stakehold- ers from the energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. Called “Shaping Tomorrow’s TEAMS,” for The Energy & Advanced Manufacturing Sector, the summit was designed to form a proactive, collective approach to addressing workforce challenges and opportunities. Dr. Linda Druxbury, a professor of business and expert on aging workforce issues from Carlton University was the highly informed and equally entertaining keynote speaker (pictured right). David Campbell, a leading New Brunswick economic development consultant, also presented a regional workforce outlook. During the months of November and December, Enterprise Saint John hosted 3 domestic and interna- tional investment clients. One of these was Saint John-based Atlantic Potash Corp. who recently announced $4.5 million in further exploration of the Millstream deposit. Since September 2010, Enterprise Saint John has: provided executive briefings, hosted site visits and familiarization tours, helped navigate jurisdictional and regulatory approvals, and connected senior Atlantic Potash Corp. executives with key New Brunswick government officials and decision makers. Very positive discussions also continue regarding the downstream manufacturing opportunities that this will present, and we look forward to a second announcement on these in 2012. Our inspired entrepreneurs: Paula & Ehab Radwan Paula and Ehab Radan first approached Enterprise Saint John in the summer of 2011. Over the course of a very busy 6 months, we assisted them in the development of their business plan, finding real estate and navigating the regulatory process. We also offered general counselling and business advice. We are pleased to announce that Paula and Ehab successfully launched their new café, Taste of Egypt, located at 87 King Street. This is another initiative contributing to Saint John’s thriving urban renaissance. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 ACTIVITY UPDATE Inspiring people, ideas & investment “If the Millstream mine goes ahead, the Chinese financial investment could jump to more than $4 billion.” Keith Attoe, co-chief executive officer, Atlantic Potash Corp. Inspiring potential immigrant investors In November and December, Enterprise Saint John hosted 46 potential business immigrants from China, Korea, Vietnam and Bangladesh. That brings the total number to 244 in 2011. Immigrant investors are required to bring at least $125,000 to the community they select. That represents a minimum potential investment of $28,000,000 for the year. L to R: Premier David Alward with Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup and Keith Attoe, co-chief executive officer, Atlantic Potash Corp. “We appreciate all of the guidance and support that Hemant Kumar and Enterprise Saint John have given to us to get Taste Of Egypt open. Saint John is very fortunate to have such a fantastic resource to rely on for business advice. We recommend that anyone who has the drive and dedication to open their own business, to consult with Enterprise Saint John prior to opening. They will help make your dream a reality." Ehab & Paula Radwan, inspired entrepreneurs and owners of Taste of Egypt Enterprise Saint John receives the Chair’s Award Enterprise Saint John was honoured to receive the Saint John Board of Trade’s Chair’s Award at the 27th Annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards on November 30, 2011. John Warrington, Chairman of the Saint John Board of Trade credited Enterprise Saint John for playing a pivotal role in fostering economic development in our Community from supporting a culture of entrepreneurship which leads to more new business starts ups and increased business investment, to supporting our existing businesses through workforce development and expansion initiatives. Grand Bay-Westfield Quispamsis Rothesay St. Martins Saint John “It was a great launch to a very important challenge we all face – together we will be able to make a difference! Your enthusiasm is infectious and it truly came through in the delivery of an excellent event – thanks again.” Colleen Baxter, J.D. Irving Ltd.