SheepDogInc.ca Lands Deal

Nova Scotia based SheepDogInc.ca has landed another major client.

The Renewable Corporation (TRC) announced last week, that SheepDogInc.ca joined with E3 Corporation, a subsidiary of TRC, in the development of a proprietary web-based technology platform. For the past two years, SheepDogInc.ca has been the top-ranked service provider for Google enterprise applications.

The highly scalable cloud computing based technology platform will provide E3 certified agents single users access that combines sales and marketing, products and services, training and certification, order fulfillment, and customer service. The E3 agent portal integrates all of the Google Enterprise application and productivity tools such as Google mobile, maps, contacts, calendar, voice, video, Google docs, G-mail,  and blogger as well as enabling the use of leading social media tools such as YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and many others.

"We are very pleased with SheepDog's expertise and capabilities, said Andy Badolato,” CEO of TRC. “The E3 business model enables small businesses to participate in the alternative energy and clean technology economic boom now taking place.”

“Our company has always been committed to the development and use of renewable products and sustainability,” said Julia Rivard, vice-president Communications at SheepDogInc.ca. “We look forward to the successful launch of E3."

SheepDogInc. has offices in Santa Monica, California and Halifax and are a charter member of Nova Scotia Come to life.

Royal Couple Thrill Crowds

Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh had a successful three-day tour to Nova Scotia.

Highlights of the Royal Tour in Nova Scotia included the International Fleet Review as part of the Canadian Naval Centennial, and a tour of a Mi'kmaq Cultural Village to mark Membertou 400 anniversary celebrations.

"It was an absolute honour and a pleasure to welcome the Royal Couple during their visit to Nova Scotia, and I know that everyone who came out to greet them feels the same way," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "For many people, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness up close and in person. Such events inspire a sense of pride and foster a greater understanding and appreciation of uniquely Canadian institutions, and the values and symbols that unite us all."

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh also unveiled plaques commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the Navy and attended a Celebration of Nova Scotia reception in honour of Nova Scotians from all walks of life who were recognized for contributions to their communities.

Enthusiastic Royal watchers came out in force in Nova Scotia. You can find images of the Royal Tour in Nova Scotia online.

Membertou 400 draws nearly 100,000

Membertou 400 was the largest, most colourful and joyful celebration of Mi’kmaq culture Atlantic Canada has ever seen.

“This event was an opportunity for people of all races and religions to gather to build bridges of understanding,” said Deborah Ginnish, executive director of Grand Chief Membertou 400. “It was a life-long dream come true -- a celebration of Mi’kmaq culture for everyone.”

Festivities began on June 24 at the Port-Royal National Historic Site with the moving re-enactment of the 1610 baptism of the legendary Mi’kmaq Chief.

Celebrations moved from Port-Royal to the Halifax Common, June 25 to 27, for the first national Pow-wow or Mawio'mi (Mow-ee-OH-mee) ever held east of Montreal.

Thousands crowded around the pow-wow grounds on a converted baseball diamond to see competitive dancers in spectacular regalia and hear drummers from across North America.

A traditional Mi'kmaw Cultural Village featured 16 wigwams with various demonstrations inside including traditional ways to prepare moose hide and weave baskets.

Free concerts throughout the weekend featured Buffy Sainte-Marie, Shane Yellowbird, the Relatives, and a tribute to the Mi’kmaq Nation by Brookes Diamond Productions.

As vendors packed trucks and volunteers finished shifts, there was one question on everyone’s lips: When can we hold a Mi’kmaw event like this again? If you missed the event, relive some of the excitement in this short video.

Innovacorp launches Entrepreneur in Residence program

Innovacorp, a provincial Crown corporation in Nova Scotia, focused on emerging high potential technology companies, has launched an Entrepreneur in Residence program.

Jevon MacDonald was welcomed to the Innovacorp team as the first entrepreneur-in-residence. MacDonald is originally from PEI and is the founder and business developer of several software and services companies.

"The launch of our Entrepreneur in Residence program will take Innovacorp's business model to the next level, creating good jobs and growing the economy," said Stephen Hartlen, interim president and CEO of Innovacorp. "Jevon is an accomplished entrepreneur, and his experience and knowledge will allow us to offer increased insight and value to our clients."

Although new to Innovacorp, the Entrepreneur in Residence model is not a new concept to the venture capital industry. MacDonald will work with select Innovacorp companies to get them market- and investment-ready, by providing mentoring and advice.

Based in Halifax, Innovacorp's venture capital fund invests in seed and early stage, high-growth companies. Investments range from $100,000 to $3 million. Key industries include clean technology, information technology, and life sciences.

Innovacorp's High Performance Incubation (HPi) business model recently won an international award for its best practice approach to technology commercialization.

For more information on Innovacorp and their portfolio of companies, visit http://innovacorp.ca/

Tax Break for Families

The Nova Scotia government is working to balance the impact of the HST restoration in the province by offering new rebates and credits.

In addition to the Affordable Living Tax Credit, government is also offering other rebates and credits including:

• Point-of-sale rebates on certain essential items including children's clothing, footwear, and diapers, and feminine hygiene products
• A tax reduction for low-income seniors
• A tax credit for Nova Scotians living in poverty

For more information on the HST restoration and on the rebates and credits, visit the Department of Finance website at www.gov.ns.ca/finance/en/home/taxation/default.aspx .

For more information on the tax increases and government’s plan to get Nova Scotia back to balance, read an editorial by Finance Minister Graham Steele. (http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20100702003)

LaHave Christening

The province is officially welcoming the latest of its network of car ferries that stretches from Cape Breton (see photo) to Digby Neck. The new LaHave ferry is being named in honour of Brady E. Himmelman who operated a ferry at this crossing for more than 30 years. Mr. Himmelman's involvement with the ferry is the continuation of a family tradition dating back to the early 1900's when the ferry was operated by Mr. Himmelman's father and uncle.

The $3.5-million ferry was built in Nova Scotia by A.F. Theriault and Son Ltd. of Meteghan River, a charter member of Nova Scotia Come to life. The new ferry will be able to carry 14 full size passenger cars.

The LaHave Ferry christening will take place July 29, 2010 at 11 a.m. on Route 331 in LaHave, Lunenburg County.

Nova Scotia Events – Top Ranked

We’re number one! Let’s keep it that way.

The top events in Canada are being ranked by YOU in WestJet’s interactive online competition. So far, two Nova Scotia events are in the top five.

Among those featured is the Pictou Lobster Carnival and it had the number one spot on the list! This three day festival wrapped up yesterday. Also on the list is Yarmouth’s Seafest at number three. This annual celebration kicks off July 14th. Visit www.seafest.ca for more information.

Love the sea? You may want to attend the 4th Annual Nova Scotia In-Water Boat Show. It happens on the Halifax waterfront July 23rd to 25th. You’ll have the opportunity to step aboard 18 large and small Nova Scotia-built boats, and meet the builders and see the unveiling of the 53 foot luxury motor yacht Passage of Time built by Dartmouth boatbuilder YachtSmiths International.

To vote for your favourite Nova Scotia event visit www.westjetfestivals.com.

Destination – Nova Scotia

And speaking of events, what are your plans this summer? Hopefully it includes a trip to Nova Scotia! With hundreds of festivals and events, there is truly something for everyone!

If you’d like to come join the fun in Halifax this summer, plan your perfect trip using Destination Halifax’s itinerary builder to find festivals, attractions, dining, entertainment options and Halifax vacation packages at Halifax hotels. For more information about Halifax festivals and events, visit www.destinationhalifax.com.

Interested in hosting an event in Nova Scotia? Events Nova Scotia is a joint initiative of Nova Scotia's Department of Tourism, Culture & Heritage and Canada's Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to attract and secure major events in Nova Scotia. For more information visit their website: http://eventsnovascotia.com