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

Karen helps recruit physicians and other skilled professionals to Truro & Colchester, promotes our region to prospective talent, and works with local employers to support them in navigating economic immigration pathways.

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

Our Board

Dr. Heather Bruce, Chairperson

Dr. Heather Bruce is Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Campus Principal of Dalhousie’s Agricultural Campus. 

Prior to joining Dalhousie in 2024, she was chair of the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta. and Scientific Lead for Agri-Food Discovery Place. Other past roles include External Research Manager at Maple Leaf Foods Agresearch farm in Burford, Ontario, and Senior Scientist and Muscle Food Quality Section Leader at CSIRO Australia. She holds a PhD from the University of Alberta and an MSc and BSc (honours Agriculture) from the University of Guelph.

All Board Members Ex-Officio Members
Raelee Rath - Immediate Past Chair
Kevin Rau - Treasurer
Senior Manager and Team Lead - CIBC
Anne-Marie Campbell - Vice Chair
Lawyer, Patterson Law
Michelle McCann - Director
Owner - Bold & Italic
Dr. Ernest Korankye - Director
President & CEO, Asante Group
Sam Cripps - Director
Owner - Cripps & Sons Woodworking
Dwayne Boudreau - Director
Owner & President - Maritime Good Food
Derek Bent - Director
General Manager - MacKay's Truck & Trailer Centre
Kenny MacInnes - Director
Investment Advisor - CIBC Wood Gundy
James Stevens
Director of Commercial Development, Millbrook First Nation
Lexie Jasiewicz
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