Today within the Globe & Mail very exciting news was released by one of the worlds most established and well respected corporations. “Siemensis looking to Canada to boost growth“ read the headline. I couldn’t help but smile with a sense of validation and pride about this very positive news. 
It is exactly the right kind of news Canadian industry workers and professionals have been waiting to hear. I found this news especially exciting considering Siemens long established commitment to global clean energy commercialization to see what I mean click on this link here.
Author: Jerome
YMCA Strong Kids – Fundraiser Event
Why This Event?
This event is a private special event for socially conscious young professionals who are leaders of tomorrow and understand the importance of community. This will be a great opportunity for networking and meeting progressive like minded individuals in a warm engaging environment. With the purchase of a ticket guest will be treated to a free selection of great food and complimentary drinks.
Click here to get your ticket today.
The New Halifax Convention Center
I wish lots of success to this new project and look forward to seeing the hole in the middle of downtown replaced with this beautiful new Convention Center. However betting the future of the Nova Scotia’s economy on conventions, tourism, and other consumer discretionary sectors is simply irresponsible and new strategies should be developed very soon.
New Halifax Convention Center (Photo Credit: Hfx Chronicle Herald )
Facebook Response To The New Halifax Convention Center 07/12/12
We’re excited about today’s announcement!
Did you know? The average convention delegate can spend up to four times as much as the average visitor to Nova Scotia. Just one national or international convention of 1,000 delegates can result in over $1 million of new spending in our provincial economy – in shops, restaurants, hotels and on transportation. – NSBI
The Facebook Share Volume Decline
“Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods.” – Albert Einstein
Facebook’s share price on May 21st, 2012 was $34.03 however as of June 5th the price closed at $25.87. The question is what does the extremely sharp decline in Trade Volume say about Retail Investor confidence? And more importantly what did Sophisticated Investors know that they didn’t?
Also if interested see “Why Facebook Was More Valuable as a Private Company”. By Kevin Kellerher
Let’s Talk About What We Are Fighting For
“In a world darkened by ethnic conflicts that tear nations apart, Canada stands as a model of how people of different cultures can live and work together in peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.” – Bill Clinton
The Cause Is What Is Important
The story dominating headlines early this week in Canadian politics was Liberal MP Justin Trudeau’s victory in the boxing ring. Proving the odds makers wrong he beat up a younger perceived “stronger” opponent in Senator Patrick Brazeau. Justin had no need to rope-a-dope, as I had assumed might be his strategy. Instead the match was settled by a TKO in the 3rd round. Although the showmanship and games grabbed the headlines the cause it was for was very important.
Photo Curtousey: The National Post (Lockheed Martin)
The boxing match between Trudeau and Brazeau started to make me think about what we are fighting for as a country. As individuals we all have our own unique interest, motivations, influences, dreams and ambitions that we fight for. We work towards our dreams because we were taught by our parents, mentors and heroes that our dreams could and would come true and to not let anyone stand in our way. From a political observer’s position this logic is clearly something that has been a rallying point amongst the Conservative Party of Canada. In 2011, after several minority parliaments, Canadians decided to elect what they were told was going to be a “a strong, majority, conservative, government” that would lead us through the economic crisis. Continue reading
Top Documentary: Here Comes The Sun
“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” – Buddha
It has become self-evident in my inner circle and for those around me at work that I have become extremely passionate about the Clean Technology sector. My rational behind this is very simple; it represents a different way of thinking and seeing the world. It represents unity, balance, and sustainability. These are principles that I believe are fundamental to a healthy lifestyle. In my last Top Documentary Selection: There Is No Tomorrow there was a lot of fear and facts used to suggest that our future here on earth was very bleak. The quotes below from friends and family are a sample of first reactions after seeing the video.
The Demographic Shift
“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.”
– Joseph Campbell
A lot of people in my social networks have expressed concern over the fact that by the time they are of retirement age they might not have a pension to depend on. I see the governments moves yesterday more as a 25 to 35 year heads up to be prepared for significant changes in the future and to encourage us as a younger demographic to make our decisions and investments accordingly.
The government ride is over
I think its a shame when I hear some of my peers talk about getting a full-time federal government job and they get excited because they think they are “guaranteed” a pension, full-benefits and 6 weeks vacation instead of being excited about the actual work they will be doing. A lot of mid 80’s babies have shielded themselves from the workforce by going into professional fields of focus with a graduate degree. This has been a great strategy for most and has given a lot of people advance opportunities for success. However in the end experience is the best measure of accomplishment and a lot of young professionals entering into the “real world” will soon see the value in gaining experience over money when it comes to getting hired. Our parents created a system that allowed us to grow up in the most prosperous free and amazing country in the world. The attitude and culture of entitlement we have become accustomed to is not healthy nor deserved.
The 2012 Canadian Federal Budget
My Budget First Impression
It is good to be young right now!
Photo Credits: Courtesy Financial Post Staff
Looking at this budget at first glance my first response is… wow this is soft! The Conservative government really likes to spend money and as a young professional I am happy to see that they have indicated they are going to spend $2 Billion in innovation with a focus on commercialization. It is very straight forward, very basic and very logical. The most important part of this document for any entrepreneur, business or person between the ages of 18-45 is in Chapter 3. The following is a brief summary of some highlights that are indicated on the www.budget.gc.ca website.
Political Commentary
A Harsh Beat Down For Environmentalist
From a political policy standpoint there is a direct attack against environmental groups. I have not read for myself but according to sources who have dived deep into the document already Aboriginal Affairs is going to be giving up about 2.7 percent of its budget vs. the 8.9 percent that is suspected Environment Canada is going to have to give up. Clearly those who appose the “Tar Sands” I mean “Oil Sands” this has to be a big kick in the teeth! Continue reading
The Funding Portal & Weekly Highlights
“All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual.”
     – Albert EinsteinÂ
About The Funding Portal
The Funding Portal is an amazing Canadian resource and business that educates clients on funding opportunities and policy initiatives. I have had the pleasure of meeting the founder and CEO as well as working with several staff on potential projects. They offered very friendly service and more importantly possess the expertise and experience that helps Entrepreneurs navigate the sometimes cloudy world of government funding. The most important and impressive thing about The Funding Portal is how they are organized. The company has created a for profit sustainable business model that is built on value and education. The future of Canadian business growth and commercialization is in a prosperous and healthy place because of the creation of this portal and network.Â
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
“I was raised to believe that excellence is the best deterrent to racism or sexism.And that’s how I operate my life. “
– Oprah Winfrey
Ottawa, March 21, 2012 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued
the following statement recognizing the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:
“March 21st marks the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
“As Canadians join with people around the world in marking this day, we should be proud of our country’s success
in fostering a welcoming and peacefully pluralistic society in which citizens of many different backgrounds live together harmoniously.