Sunday morning sermons can be a little bit frustrating for people who actually pay attention. You will hear a steady stream of counter-intuitive axioms such as “the first shall be last”, “to live you first have to die”, “to be…
Continue ReadingWant a strong economy? Don’t mess with the Serengeti Plain
There has been a few stories in the media recently about business closures in New Brunswick. Does it portend doom? Is the economy about to collapse? Relax. Within two years of starting, 11.4% of all businesses across Canada go out…
Continue ReadingInsuring New Brunswick’s economic development
Statistics Canada surveys businesses to assess employment levels. Guess the fastest growing industry in New Brunswick in the past five years? No, you cynic, it is not funeral services business. In fact for some reason employment in the funeral services…
Continue ReadingOut of gas: Sable R.I.P.
A little over 20 years ago I was asked to a meeting at Moncton City Hall where Bud Bird and the gang at Gas NB were going to present on the exciting new opportunity that natural gas would present for…
Continue ReadingEnd of year miscellany: The Big Apple, incentives and the role of government grudge match
The big apple On relatively short notice I decided to take the family to the Big Apple between Christmas and New Years. I knew it would be busy but in fact it was downright crazy. Everything was teeming with mostly…
Continue ReadingNew Brunswick is (mostly) lit*, folks. Pass it on.
*Editor’s Note: The writer’s kids tell him that that the word ‘lit’ was previously used to define the state of a person who is mildly intoxicated. Now, it has evolved to generally mean something that is cool or amazing. The…
Continue ReadingIt’s time for economic development 201 or even 301
As you might expect, when I talk with people these days the main question I get is “how do we get the economy back on the rails?” Usually this is in response to my presentation where I show New Brunswick…
Continue ReadingIs there no social acceptability for oil in Quebec?
There must have been something lost in translation. The Premier of Quebec is quoted in the English media as saying “there is no social acceptability for oil in Quebec.” Hmmm. Let’s see: -There are more than six million light vehicles…
Continue ReadingNew Brunswick’s new 60/20 rule
You are familiar with the 80/20 rule which can be applied in many circumstances such as 20% of customers account for 80% of revenue or 20% of volunteers do 80% of the volunteer work, etc. In New Brunswick, I would…
Continue ReadingLiving in a Hallmark world – a competitive advantage?
I have a bit of a confession to make. I like cheesy Hallmark Channel movies (shown on the W channel here). I know, I know. You will mock me. Your opinion has tanked. I get it. But I still like…
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