We love where we live

Who we are and What we do

Established in December of 2017, the Truro and Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity drives economic development in the Colchester region of Nova Scotia.

We are a group of business and community leaders who want to grow our region through small business support and community development. 

We are a partnership of the local business community (through the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce), the Towns of Truro and Stewiacke, The Municipality of the County of Colchester, Millbrook First Nation and the Nova Scotia Government.

OUR PURPOSE

SUPPORTING BUSINESS GROWTH
We exist to help businesses start, grow, overcome challenges and create opportunities. By helping businesses grow, we make our economy and our communities stronger.  

PROMOTING THE REGION
We promote the region to attract and retain talent.

OUR CUSTOMERS

We serve aspiring entrepreneurs & existing businesses. Helping these customers/beneficiaries prosper makes our community better and benefits the stakeholders.

Our Team

J. David Phillips
Chief Executive Officer

David leads the TCPEP effort to grow the economic prosperity of the Truro Colchester region. Working with his amazing team and collaborating with stakeholders across the region, David is deeply engaged in designing, executing, and supporting initiatives to drive business growth, attract people to our region, and remove barriers to the success of our communities.

Cell: (902) 222 8839

Email: david@trurocolchester.ca

Linkedin

Karen Putnam
Community & Business Liaison

Whether recruiting physicians or other skilled professionals, Karen helps local businesses promote our region to prospective talent, provides community tours and leads a team of committed Truro Colchester Ambassadors.

Cell: (902) 997 1658

Email: karen@trurocolchester.ca

Linkedin

AJ Bhatt
Regional Manager
Northern Connector Program

AJ connects community and business leaders in the Truro Colchester region with newcomers and recent international and local graduates in their industry.

Cell: (902) 957 6532

Email: aj@northnsconnector.ca

Linkedin

John Leurdyke
Economic Development Director

John not only leads TCPEP's regional economic development initiatives, he also provides one on one business advice and navigation to resources and supports.

Cell: (902) 957 7827

Email: john@trurocolchester.ca

Our Board

Raelee Rath, Chairperson

Raelee is a member of the TCPEP Board of Directors and was born and raised in Truro. Raelee is a dealer-owner of a group of 3 Home Hardware Building Centres. She also serves as Chair of the Truro Pride Society board of directors. She has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Acadia University and an MBA from Dalhousie University. Raelee has a passion for learning and educating about how we can make communities and workplaces more welcoming and inclusive.

All Board Members Ex-Officio Members
Stephanie Jones - Immediate Past Chair
Owner / Operator, McDonald's Inc.
Dr. Ernest Korankye - Vice Chair
President & CEO, Asante Group
Kevin Rau - Treasurer
Senior Manager and Team Lead - CIBC
Lech Krzywonos - Director
Principal, NSCC Truro Campus
Jane Gourley-Davis - Director
Partner-Property/Estate Planning, Patterson Law
Arnold Hagan - Director
President, High Tide Building Centres Ltd
Michelle McCann - Director
Owner - Bold & Italic Social Communications
Renae Verboom - Director
Co-owner - Big River Café
James Stevens
Director of Commercial Development, Millbrook First Nation
Cheslea Weatherbee
Acting Executive Director, Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
Dan Troke
CAO, Municipality of the County of Colchester
Mike Dolter
CAO, Town of Truro
Marc Seguin
CAO, Town of Stewiacke

Our Business Supporters

Local businesses and individuals support the Truro and Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity. Their financial support is coordinated through the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce. These organizations are committed to investing in Colchester’s future economic growth.

Ambassadors

Partners