The huge success story of the Gift Gallery that was held last year, has prompted the committee of the Chamber of Commerce to hold another event. Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19 are dates scheduled for the “Artisan’s Theatre Gift Gallery”. This showcase of local artisans and craftspeople is an event you won’t want to miss. Over 25 tables featuring artwork, woodworking, jewellery, framed prints, quilts, so many quality unique works created by our very talented crafts people.

An added feature this year will be displays by some visiting International Theatre participants.

The location is the best spot available at 236 Main Street, next to Home Hardware/Furniture.

Don MacKenzie of Home Hardware has once again donated the use of his building. Hours open are Fri. 2pm to 7pm and Sat. 10am to 7pm.

Bring your family and friends for a great shopping experience and discover the multi talented people we have in Queens.

Susan MacLeod, Coordinator

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Economic and Rural Development and Tourism/Premier’s Office

April 23, 2012 1:05 PM

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The province has asked an expert panel to review existing studies on ferry
service between Yarmouth and the United States and meet with key groups to
evaluate the conditions required for a viable service.

The panel of tourism, ferry and business experts will provide arms-length,
independent advice to help the province formulate a definitive
recommendation on a ferry service.

“The communities in southwest Nova Scotia want to see a ferry service
return, as does the government,” said Premier Darrell Dexter. “I look
forward to hearing the panel’s advice on what needs to be an economically
viable solution for the long term.”

The panel includes Peter Nicholson, former president and CEO for the Council
of Canadian Academies as chair; Michele McKenzie, president and CEO of the
Canadian Tourism Commission; and Elizabeth Beale, president and CEO of the
Atlantic Provinces Economics Council. Mary Brooks, chair of commerce,
Dalhousie School of Business Administration, will lead a team from Dalhousie
University that will manage the review process.

“Working together with the province is an exciting step forward as we
explore a business case to support our efforts,” said Keith Condon, chair of
the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership Board. “This expert panel
will move us closer to a potential solution for a viable ferry service.”

“The province continues to make strategic investments in southwest Nova
Scotia, supporting a variety of valuable industries and jobs,” said Premier
Dexter. “Through jobsHere, we will continue to find long-term solutions for
a stable economy in southwest Nova Scotia.”

To read more about the panel members visit www.gov.ns.ca/econ .

 The Lunenburg Queens Regional Development Agency (LQRDA) is the South Shore’s source for the latest news and updates on the federal shipbuilding program. Businesses, organizations and individuals will be able to sign-up at www.lqrda.ca to receive automatic updates.

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NEW FERRY – YOUR INPUT IS REQUIRED – NOVA SCOTIA INT’L FERRY PARTNERSHIP

The loss of the Yarmouth Ferry in 2009 had a profound effect on all of us.  In 2011 the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership was formed to inform government, business and the general public about the essential need for an international ferry link between Nova Scotia and the United States.  The NSIFP has now developed a website where they hope to capture your stories of what the loss of the CAT has meant to you so as to better lobby decision makers in getting a new ferry.  They are looking for stories from ANYONE who has been affected, either directly or indirectly, is encouraged to fill out the feedback form on their website.  If you are an employee of a business that has had to reduce your hours or even close due to the Ferry loss, the NSIFP wants to hear from you as well.  How has your life been impacted?

We encourage you to share your thoughts, in the hope that the resulting collection of voices will help rectify this situation – the more voices the better.  The Region of Queens Municipality has offered its support to the NSIFP in the hopes that a viable ferry link will be re-established for the benefit of all.

 To share your story and learn more about the Ferry Partnership, visit www.nsusaferry.com.  They also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nova-Scotia-International-Ferry-Partnership/367516709948463