TIANS RECOGNIZES IMPORTANCE OF SMALL BUSINESSES

Halifax, N.S. (October 15, 2012) – Once a year the country comes together to celebrate the contribution small and medium sized businesses make to our Canadian economy. This year the celebration will be held October 14 -20, 2012.

In Nova Scotia, over 80% of tourism businesses are considered small to medium sized. Tourism in Nova Scotia generates over $1.8 billion in revenue annually and employs over 40,000 Nova Scotians, contributing more than $230 million in tax revenue.

“Small to medium sized businesses are the backbone of the tourism industry,” says Scott MacAulay, Chairman of the Board for TIANS, “Tourism is a main street industry, made up of thousands of  small businesses throughout all regions of Nova Scotia and the economic impact and the role these businesses play in communities is significant”, says MacAulay.

“Small tourism businesses play a significant role in rural economies across the province,” said Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.  “Residents depend on the industry for good jobs and the revenue generated to keep their communities strong.  Through jobsHere, our plan to grow the economy, we are helping hundreds of Nova Scotia businesses to become more productive, innovative and globally competitive.”

Small business owners throughout the province are passionate about their products, customers and employees. While facing tough economic times small businesses continue to show their resilience and ability to adapt to a highly competitive global environment.

TIANS recognizes small business operators as leaders in the tourism industry found in communities throughout Nova Scotia.

TIANS is committed to representing the best interests of the Industry; enhancing and supporting the development of a competitive business environment; advocating on issues critical to the Industry's success; and most importantly, leading Nova Scotia's most promising economic sector.

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For more information contact:
Darlene Grant Fiander
President, TIANS
2089 Maitland Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 2Z8
Phone: 902.423.4480  
www.tians.org