The pursuit of growth and prosperity

As the chair of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Jeff Forbes is in close contact with the business community's interests. (Nick Pearce Photo)

Despite the recent economic downturn, or, in some cases, because of it, many leaders in the Halifax community remain steadfastly committed to pursuing strategies for growth and prosperity in the community and across the region.

Sitting down with Jeff Forbes (BCom’89), chair of the board at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, and vice-president, Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette, we’re overlooking the bustling Spring Garden shopping district from his office. Conversation focuses on plans for economic growth in the city and his view on how universities are supporting growth in the area.

He stresses the importance of collaboration among community leaders as a way to contribute in a meaningful way to further growth. Without it, he concedes, Halifax and the entire region will not live up to its full potential.

“Universities, governments, businesses and community leaders are starting to exercise their individual strengths, collaborate and co-operate, to help achieve and sustain real growth in this region,” says Mr. Forbes.

One of seven siblings to attend Dal over the years, Mr. Forbes was born in Antigonish and raised in the Halifax area. Together with his wife Sylvianne, they’ve recommitted to making Halifax home for their two daughters. 

Add to attractiveness

Even as many people contend with the economic realities of recent years, he isn’t shy about sharing his thoughts on what he thinks are the drivers of growth in this region. He’s in the unique position of being able to mingle with business and community leaders throughout the day and gauge their views on the economy.

“The people I speak with everyday tell me that Halifax’s well-educated workforce and overall talent pool help bring students, employees and businesses to this area,” says Mr. Forbes. “Dalhousie and the other universities in the region certainly add to our attractiveness as a place to work, live and enjoy life.”

Clearly, he’s a believer in growing infrastructure to provide the foundation for, and the acceleration of, new growth and development.

The proposed new Trade and Convention Centre, led by developer Joe Ramia; The Trillium on South Park (residential/retail condominium building) led by developer Wadih Fares; the Kings Wharf (residential/retail/commercial development) led by developer Frances Fares; and Dalhousie’s recently announced Campus Master Plan are indicative of opportunities that will undoubtedly be catalysts for positive change in the area in the near future, he says.

'Proud to endorse the Dal brand'

“Dal’s plan to invest in campus renewal over the next 10 years is invigorating,” says Mr. Forbes. “It’s this type of commitment that make students, alumni, business and community leaders in this region –  and all over the world – proud to endorse the Dal brand.”

Mr. Forbes also points to other organizations in the community like Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI), the Greater Halifax Partnership, Trade Centre Limited, the Port Authority, the Airport Authority and several government departments and leading private sector companies as integral drivers of prosperity now and in the coming years. He suggests that these organizations – individually and collectively – have the ability to spark real growth in the area.

Aligning thought-leaders across the region and getting them to agree on what’s best is often a significant challenge, Mr. Forbes concedes. Unfocused plans, the occasional political differences, and indifference, add to the already difficult job of moving the economy along. This is why, he says, everyone must agree on taking measured and calculated risks that will undoubtedly spur growth opportunities.

“We all need to harness our collective entrepreneurial energies, engage one another, and agree what to take a chance on,” says Mr. Forbes. “We need to make it easy for people and businesses to flourish, and fuel that growth by recruiting and retaining top talent in this region.”

Sharing a goal

Mr. Forbes acknowledges that we need to take small steps before the big ones, but, he says, let’s not forget that we all share one common goal – prosperity in the region. Job creation is an integral component of a prosperous community and, he predicts, many opportunities in the near future will be based in the finance sector.

“I think finance, accounting, banking and human resource jobs will be in high demand in the near term,” says Mr. Forbes. “And baby-boomers, I believe, will exit their full-time jobs, but return to work on short-term contracts in an effort to bolster retirement savings that may have been lost during the recent economic downturn.”

With the interview coming to a close, Mr. Forbes leans back in his chair, steals a glimpse of the shoppers along the streetscape below, and tactfully reinforces the fact that he wants to see a better, more vibrant and prosperous Halifax, not just for himself, but for future generations that study, work and play in our city.

Whether it’s small steps or big ones, one thing is clear; there is a concerted effort by Dalhousie and other leaders in the community to help stimulate the economy in the pursuit of prosperity now and in the days to come.