TIANS…Who’s TIANS?

TIANS works on behalf of its members. Sometimes I am asked “who is it doing all of the work at TIANS?” The answer to that isn’t simple as it takes many industry partnerships and a lot of feedback to perform the job we do.  However, with TIANS Annual General Meeting just around the corner, all of the office staff will be in Cape Breton at Dundee Resort, hosting the membership as a thank you.  No better time to offer a glimpse into whom your hosts will be. 

TIANS is a membership driven organization made up of two combined entities; TIANS (Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia) and the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council (NSTHRC). A total of 11 dedicated employees with extensive backgrounds in the tourism industry carry out the mandates of both TIANS and NSTHRC. Operators are busy focusing on their businesses, and TIANS is busy focusing on the operators; raising the Provincial tourism climate so that we can all enjoy sustainable, long-term success.

The mission of the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council is to develop a skilled and professional workforce for the Nova Scotia Tourism Sector.  The Council offers a broad range of programs and resources to assist operators with attracting and retaining employees.

We’ve heard a running joke that employees of non-profit associations each take on the job of six people, but I don’t think we work any bit harder than our peers in the Tourism industry for whom we’re working alongside and for.  What I can say for certain is that everyone in the TIANS/NSTHRC office has a passion for the tourism industry, this province, and is committed to the people working and living here. Please let me introduce you to each of them now, beginning with me. 

Jennifer Falkenham, Membership Coordinator for TIANS

Joining the TIANS team in 2005, I manage all aspects of TIANS membership from recruitment to continual member care, and am the liaison and secretariat for TIANS Strategic Alliances: Nova Scotia Bed and Breakfast Association and Campground Owners Association of Nova Scotia. I source, secure, and market benefits for members and their employees at the direction of the membership to assist with lowering industry costs of doing business and am the continuing contact between suppliers and members.  I’m the Provincial Coordinator for both the Tourism Atlantic Visitor Satisfaction Program for accommodation operators and the Pineapple Pride in Service Awards for front line tourism operators. I manage the TIANS facebook page and Voice of Tourism Blog, facilitate courses offered through TIANS and NSTHRC, and organize and facilitate industry “Meet and Greets” throughout the Province. As membership coordinator, I’m a direct resource for operators in the Tourism Industry collecting your feedback, pursuing money-saving benefits on your behalf, and am the one to contact at (902) 496-7474 or Jennifer@tourism.ca with any questions about TIANS, the work we do, or ways we can assist you with your business. 

Linda Jones, Information Central for TIANS

Linda’s title is Information Central because she is the centre of information in the office. Linda is the first face you see when entering the office, and she is the first person who you will speak with when calling the TIANS/NSTHRC main line at (800) 948-4267. She has been with TIANS/NSTHRC for 4 years and assists staff with organization and implementation of work projects, can register you for various events and workshops, process your payments, and manages the general administration and day-to-day activities in the office. Linda is the front line service provider for TIANS and can help you with general inquiries and she can connect you with staff. You may reach her at Linda@tourism.ca.  

Kieu Lam, Conference Manager for TIANS

Kieu Lam started with TIANS in 2005 as the Conference Coordinator for the largest tourism conference of its kind in Canada, the Annual Tourism Summit, and has remained with TIANS working on projects such as Nova Scotia Approved – Quality First, Atlantic Canada Showcase 2010, and the TIANS Annual General Meeting. She works with the Conference Committee each year to develop a conference program that addresses industry’s issues and provides delegates with helpful tools that will assist them with their tourism businesses.  Kieu is your communications and marketing go-to person for TIANS.  If you have any questions on how your property can be a Nova Scotia Approved Accommodation, have information you’d like to communicate through the TIANS Voice of Tourism e-newsletter, or if there is a type of session you’d like to see at this year’s tourism summit, contact Kieu at (9902) 496-7477 or kieu@tourism.ca. 

Kathy Russell, Accounting for TIANS and NSTHRC

Kathy Russell has been TIANS/NSTHRC Accounting since 2007 and is anything but just a bean counter. Kathy handles all invoicing, follow up on outstanding receivables, payroll, completes monthly bank reconciliations and financials which are submitted to the TIANS Board, overseas the yearly accounting audit conducted by an outside party and is in essence, the whole accounting package.  She manages the finances on all projects and programs which include working with CTHRC, ACOA, and various Nova Scotia Government Departments. If you have any questions on invoices received or enquiries on payables owing to you, please give Kathy a call at (902) 496 -7473 or email her at Kathy@tourism.ca. 

Tanice Mundle, Executive Assistant for TIANS and NSTHRC

Tanice has been with the organization for 9 years and is the right hand person for the TIANS President and NSTHRC Executive Director. She is your contact for Tourism Talent, www.tourismtalent.com;  the Tourism specific recruitment website for jobs in Nova Scotia that can assist you in finding that perfect match. She manages the Tourism Scholarship programs and facilitates the silent action at the Tourism Summit in support of this venture. Tanice is the Provincial Coordinator for the Nova Scotia Communities in Bloom beautification program and by contacting her, your community can become involved in this rewarding and sustainable project.  Tanice supplies a wealth of industry information and wants to talk with you about how we can help. Reach her at Tanice@tourism.ca or (902) 422-5853. 

Joyce MacDonald, Administrative Coordinator for NSTHRC

Joyce coordinates our Service Excellence programs including the Serve Right – It’s Just Good Business Responsible Beverage program and our Ambassador program – SuperHost Atlantic.  Joyce has been with the Council for ten years and can assist you with your front line and supervisory training needs.  Get in contact with her at  joyce@tourism.ca or (902) 496-7482

Tanya Poulton, Project Coordinator for NSTHRC

Tanya has been with the team since 2009 and coordinates a number of key projects including the National Ready to Work program.  She provides support for Best Practice missions and enjoys working on tourism environmental initiatives.  Tanya can assist with your recruitment needs and connect you with a mentor through our Tourism 1 to 1 Mentorship program. She is available at (902) 423-4480 or tanya@tourism.ca. 

Jane Rozee, Project Coordinator for NSTHRC

Jane’s primary area of focus is working with Industry in achieving professional credentials through the national emerit certification program.  Jane has been with the Council for five years and enjoys her role in coordinating professional development programs for our Industry.  If you are looking for solutions to your retention challenges, contact Jane at jane@tourism.ca or (902) 496-7476 for information on national certification – available in 27 tourism occupations. 

Lisa Dahr, Service Training and Program Manager for NSTHRC

Lisa has been with the Council for 16 years.  As Manager of Industry Relations and Professional Development, Lisa oversees program and trainer development.  She also works on a number of initiatives linked to advancing the Industry such as business development, accessibility and sustainability.  Lisa can help you with HR needs analysis and identify the most effective strategies to meet your specific requirements.  Connect with her at (902) 422-5249 or lisa@tourism.ca. 

Lynn McDonagh Hughes, Career Development and Operations Manager NSTHRC

Lynn is Manager of Operations and has been with the organization since 1999.  Lynn oversees  provincial and national projects including work as an Industry liaison for tourism education programs.  Her Industry background and experience can assist you with your attraction and retention strategies.  Lynn’s relationship with support organizations can provide you with the people and resources you need to diversify your workforce.  Reach out to her at lynn@tourism.ca or (902) 496-7472.  

Darlene Grant Fiander, President, TIANS and Executive Director, NSTHRC

Darlene has been with TIANS and NSTHRC for over 20 years. Currently she is the President of TIANS and the Executive Director of NSTHRC.  Darlene is the team leader and oversees any and all projects and programs the associations undertake, spearheads new initiatives, and manages the overall vision and direction for the staff organization.  Darlene is the direct link to the TIANS Executive and Full board and the Nova Scotia Tourism Council which are the governing bodies of the organization compiled of industry stakeholders, elected by the membership at large.  She is also the link for the Industry Council that serves as an outlet where members can voice their issues of importance directly to TIANS and with industry peers. Darlene’s is the face you see when TIANS is in the media and is the person meeting regularly with all levels of Provincial industry stakeholders in the private and public tourism sector.  If you have concerns, feedback, suggestions, or comments, you are encouraged to contact Darlene directly at (902) 496-7479. 

I hope this snapshot of TIANS and NSTHRC has provided you with some insight into your association staff and how we can help your business. We welcome the chance to get to know you better and encourage you to contact us.  Come and let us host you at AGM!  It’s only when we meet and exceed the expectations of our members that we succeed. Don’t hesitate to let us know what’s on your mind. We want to hear from you!

First TIANS Meet & Greet of 2011

Thanks to technology, contacting someone else in today’s world is a finger touch away.  But let’s face it; the best way to really connect with someone is to spend time with them.  And that’s the main goal behind the TIANS Meet & Greets.  The most important function TIANS plays is in its service to our members and we take our role as the private sectors voice of tourism very seriously.  Meet & Greets don’t only allow us the important opportunity to bring people together and experience communities, but are also the best way for us to listen, learn and collect feedback directly.  In turn we get to share information first hand and communicate opportunities available to industry.  

In late December 2010 during a phone call with TIANS member David de Jong of Seawind Landing Inn I was asked a simple question: “When was the last time you visited Guysborough?” That’s how the first TIANS Meet & Greet of 2011 came to be held in Guysborough on March 31, 2011.

Guysborough is located on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia about three and a half hours drive from Halifax. I headed out the morning of March 30^th for Charlos Cove, Guysborough County to stay with Innkeepers David and Ann Marie at Seawind Landing.  Even a seasoned Nova Scotian such as me who is used to Nova Scotia customs couldn’t help but smile as everyone I passed along the entire Marine Drive waved to me.   

Seawind Landing is a lovely property located on a stunning ocean peninsula with a secluded beach and walking trails rounding out the exterior of the recently renovated inn and the separate guest building.

View from my room at Seawind Landing

The comfortable modern rooms are decorated with colours found from within pebbles on the beach to reflect the essence of the surroundings.  Innkeepers David and Ann Marie left successful corporate jobs in Ontario to come to Nova Scotia to run an Inn by the sea.  It’s not hard to see why they did; they’re natural hosts. There are three fury ambassadors on the property – Burmese mountain dogs named Beaufort, Copper, and Emmy Lou.

Beaufort at Seawind Landing

Usually guests don’t get to interact with the trio, but as an avid animal lover with some critters of my own at home I was pleased to be able to enjoy their company.

I spent the day with Ann Marie after she graciously offered to take me on a tour of the area. We explored the communities inside the triangle that begins with Larry’s River, we headed towards Guysborough, up to Canso, veered off to view Tour Bay, and back to Charlos Cove.

Tour bay

 The area is rich in picturesque views, natural parks, and Acadian, African, Scottish, and Nova Scotian culture and heritage.

African Heritage Centre

We got a chance to see some TIANS member properties which was a bonus; Queensport House B,  Osprey Shores Golf Resort, the site of the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Seabreeze Campground & Cottages , and the Guysborough County Regional Development Authority, just to name a few. The rest of my wonderful visit at Seawind was spent relaxing by the water, getting to know my hosts, and indulging in culinary excellence courtesy of David.

David's Blueberry Stuffed French Toast

The TIANS Meet & Greet was held the next afternoon from 3pm-5pm in Guysborough at the Desbarres Manor Inn. Desbarres is one of the three properties owned and managed by Authentic Seacoast Resorts – Osprey Shores Golf Course and Rare Bird Pub being the other two. Glynn Williams, CEO of Authentic Seacoast Resorts is originally from Montreal.  During a bike ride through the Province years ago he fell in love with the Guysborough area and the people who live there; investing in the sustainability of the community through tourism business followed soon after.

The combination of regal, elegant, and cozy makes Debarres Manor a unique property; the casual relaxed atmosphere a terrific atmosphere for the Meet & Greet.  Its rooms are complete with antique furniture, art work, historic Acadian maps, photographs of the area throughout the centuries, and more.  Whomever designed and decorated it must’ve been familiar with the adage ‘the devils in the details”, because no detail is left unattended. Debarres Manor is exquisite.  Innkeeper John, along with coworkers Greg, Bonnie, and Amelia brought food and service to match. 

My coworker, Tracey Beattie, Tourism Technology Project Coordinator and I were excited when people began arriving early. Over the course of the two-hour Meet & Greet approximately 40 people from along the Eastern Shore, directly and indirectly involved in the tourism industry, dropped by.  New and established private business operators, local government, public representatives both past and current got acquainted with each other. The ideas generated when the tourism industry gets together can sometimes be so positive that it’s easy to forget I’m working.  Quite a few of us stayed there chatting until 9pm when the Meet & Greet had officially ended at 5pm.  

As I left the community the next day after a good nights sleep I was filled with more than just a hearty breakfast. Ideas had been ignited, new issues were on my radar screen, but mostly I was filled up with pride.  I was leaving the Eastern Shore with what I can imagine is the same feeling our visitors get when being here with us; the same feeling owners David and Ann Marie, and Glynn felt when they wanted to move here, and the same feeling we as Nova Scotians have living here.  It feels like family.  I look forward to visiting with family again when industry comes together at the TIANS AGM happening at Dundee Resort on May 26^th and 27^th. Hope to see you there!

Written by: Jennifer Falkenham, TIANS Membership Coordinator