Downtown Lowdown with Downtown Halifax Business Commission – Details, episodes & analysis

We are going to start this episode with an interview with Jenna Rideout. Jenna is the Manager of Marketing and Events at Develop Nova Scotia, and she is going to tell us all about the Evergreen Festival.

And Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission, is going to join me for a chat with Eric Jonsson. Eric is the Program Coordinator for the Navigator Street Outreach Program, and he is going to give us some suggestions on donating this holiday season.

And on Biz Buzz, we have a few business updates and milestones to share, we’ll tell you about some upcoming holidays events to look forward to, and we’ll give you some local gift ideas from our 2021 Downtown Halifax Holiday Gift Guide.

Producer: Allana MacDonald Mills

Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC)

104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7

(902) 423-6658

Host: Allana MacDonald Mills

Guests: Jenna Rideout - https://www.evergreenfestns.com/

Eric Jonsson - Navigator Street Outreach Program Phone: (902) 209-6517  https://navigatorstreetoutreach.ca/

Paul MacKinnon - CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission paul@downtownhalifax.ca

Bizz Buzz: Gabrielle Malone, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic

Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas

Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax

Email us at allana@downtownhalifax.ca

And this is a special holiday themed episode of Downtown Lowdown. With the holiday season upon us, we’re going to give you the ‘lowdown’ on what’s happening around Downtown Halifax over the coming weeks to get you in the festive spirit.

We are going to start this episode with 3 interviews we did with businesses in Downtown Halifax about how they are preparing for the holidays this year. They include Stephen MacDonald, the General Manager of Gahan House Nova Centre; Colleen Underwood, the President of Art 1274 Hollis; and Sarah Rector, Vendor Relations and Communications Coordinator of the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market.

And then Jonathan Goldson, Downtown Halifax Business Commission’s Placemaking Manager, and Kimberly Dossett, Downtown Halifax Business Commission’s Director of Operations, will give us an update on DELIGHTFUL DOWNTOWN, our new series of vivid light shows and installations taking place around the Downtown area over the holidays and into the new year.

And on Biz Buzz, we have a few business updates and milestones to share, we’ll tell you about some upcoming holidays events to look forward to, and we’ll tell you about our Deck the Downtown Grant and our Holiday Gift Guide.

Producer: Allana MacDonald Mills

Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC)

104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7

(902) 423-6658

Host: Allana MacDonald Mills

Guests: Stephen MacDonald, the General Manager of Gahan House Nova Centre https://halifax.gahan.ca/

Colleen Underwood, the President of Art 1274 Hollis https://www.art1274hollis.ca/  

Sarah Rector, Vendor Relations and Communications Coordinator of the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market https://www.halifaxfarmersmarket.com/

Jonathan Goldson, Downtown Halifax Business Commission’s Placemaking Manager jonathan@downtownhalifax.ca

Kimberly Dossett, Downtown Halifax Business Commission’s Director of Operations kimberly@downtownhalifax.ca 

Jessica Pettigrew Membership Engagement Manager jessica@downtownhalifax.ca 

Bizz Buzz: Gabrielle Malone, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic

Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas

Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax

Email us at allana@downtownhalifax.ca

Mike Savage was first elected Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality in 2012, with a mandate to make Halifax the most livable, entrepreneurial, and inclusive city in Canada. He’s going to talk to us about what it’s been like to run a municipality during the pandemic. He will also be joined by Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission.

Paul will update us on provincial advocacy efforts by 12 business improvement districts, including Downtown Halifax Business Commission.

On Biz Buzz, we have a few business milestones to share, we’ll talk about what’s open in Downtown Halifax and how you can continue to support our local businesses during this lockdown. We’ll also talk about Asian Heritage Month, Open City 2021, the Patio Lanterns Festival, and our special giveaway for our 50th Downtown Lowdown episode.

Producers: Ivy Ho and Allana MacDonald Mills

Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC)

104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7

(902) 423-6658

Hosts: Allana MacDonald Mills and Ivy Ho

Guests: Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission https://downtownhalifax.ca/

HRM Mayor Mike Savage @MikeSavageHFX

Bizz Buzz: Lauren Andrews, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic

Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas

Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax

Email us at: ivy@downtownhalifax.ca or allana@downtownhalifax.ca

We begin this episode with Joyce Liu, Founder and CEO of Lumi Studios, a media and production company in Downtown Halifax. They specialize in community storytelling, offering mix-media services to local businesses and corporations.

And Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission, is back. Paul is going tell us about the new developments with provincial economic relief programs, and the new video campaign that Downtown Halifax Business Commission, in partnership with 11 other business improvement districts across the province.

On Biz Buzz, we’ll talk about what’s open in Downtown Halifax and how you can continue to support our local businesses during this lockdown, and we’ll tell you about our new giveaway with The Coast for Asian Heritage Month and a giveaway that we will be doing for our 50th episode.

Producers: Ivy Ho and Allana MacDonald Mills

Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC)

104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7

(902) 423-6658

Hosts: Allana MacDonald Mills and Ivy Ho

Guests: Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission https://downtownhalifax.ca/

Joyce Liu, Founder and CEO of Lumi Studios https://www.lumistudios.ca/

Bizz Buzz: Lauren Andrews, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic

Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas

Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax

Email us at: ivy@downtownhalifax.ca or allana@downtownhalifax.ca

On today's episode, Ken Kelly, Project Manager with International Downtown Association, or IDA Canada. Ken is going to tell us about his role with IDA Canada and how he sees downtown and main street areas recovering from the pandemic. 

And Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission, is back. Paul is going tell us about the new developments with provincial economic relief programs, and the new communications campaign that Downtown Halifax Business Commission, in partnership with 11 other business improvement districts across the province, has launched in response to how the Government of Nova Scotia’s economic relief programs need to better target small business.

And on Biz Buzz, we have a few milestones to tell you about, we’ll remind you of how you can continue to support our local businesses during this lockdown, and we’ll chat quickly about What’s Open in Downtown Halifax and Asian Heritage Month.

Producers: Ivy Ho and Allana MacDonald Mills

Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC)

104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7

(902) 423-6658

Hosts: Allana MacDonald Mills and Ivy Ho

Guests: Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission  https://downtownhalifax.ca/

Ken Kelly, Project Manager with International Downtown Association 

Bizz Buzz: Lauren Andrews, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic

Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas

Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax

Email us at: ivy@downtownhalifax.ca or allana@downtownhalifax.ca

We are back with a special COVID-19 episode. Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission is going tell us about the new developments with provincial and federal economic relief programs as well as a couple of new DHBC grants.

We’ll also talk about what’s going on with businesses in Downtown Halifax since the province of Nova Scotia has declared another lockdown and everyone is encouraged to stay home. We’ll finish with a list of what Downtown Halifax businesses are open and what’s open online, and a few gift suggestions for Mother’s Day.

Producers: Ivy Ho and Allana MacDonald Mills

Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC)

104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7

(902) 423-6658

Hosts: Allana MacDonald Mills and Ivy Ho

Guests: Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission https://downtownhalifax.ca/

Bizz Buzz: Lauren Andrews, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic

Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas

Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax

Email us at: ivy@downtownhalifax.ca or allana@downtownhalifax.ca

Allana will be talking to Gordon Stewart, Executive Director of the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia. They will be discussing the new restrictions that were just announced and how the restrictions will affect the food and beverage industry, and the new dogs on patio rule that came into effect in late March. On Biz Buzz, we have business updates and milestones, how to best support local with the new restrictions, we’ll tell you about a few virtual events coming up, and more.  We’ll also talk about scheduled summer pedestrian-friendly street closures, waived patio fees, and a COVID-19 report on newly announced Public Health restrictions. Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission gives us updates on summer pedestrian-friendly street closures, waived patio fees, and small-business highlights from the federal budget. 

Producers: Ivy Ho and Allana MacDonald Mills

Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC)

104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7

(902) 423-6658

Hosts: Allana MacDonald Mills and Ivy Ho

Guests: Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission · https://downtownhalifax.ca/

Gordon Stewart, Executive Director of the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia https://www.rans.ca/

Bizz Buzz: Lauryn Andrews, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic

Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas

Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax

Email us at: ivy@downtownhalifax.ca or allana@downtownhalifax.ca

Ivy will be talking to Tareq Hadhad, Founder and CEO of Peace By Chocolate. Tareq will be sharing his story about his journey as a Syrian refugee and successful entrepreneur.  In Biz Buzz, we have business updates and milestones. We’ll also talk about EGGcellent window decorating for Easter and Easter gift ideas, Open City, Soli Productions’ The-Fabric-of-our-DNA, and picking up after your dog.

Producers: Ivy Ho and Allana MacDonald Mills

Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC)

104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7

(902) 423-6658

Hosts: Allana MacDonald Mills and Ivy Ho

Guests: Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission · https://downtownhalifax.ca/

Tareq Hadhad, Founder and CEO of Peace By Chocolate https://peacebychocolate.ca/

Bizz Buzz: Lauryn Landry, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic

Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas

Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax

Email us at: ivy@downtownhalifax.ca or allana@downtownhalifax.ca

Ivy will be talking to Ross Jefferson, President and CEO of Discover Halifax, and Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission. Ross will be telling us all about the Discover Halifax’s recently launched Integrated Tourism Master Plan. On this episode in Biz Buzz, we have business updates and milestones, we’ll talk about March Break and free parking during March Break, Around the World in 80 Plates International Food Festival, extended Dine Around, and Downtown Halifax Live. 

Producers: Ivy Ho and Allana MacDonald Mills

Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC)

104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7

(902) 423-6658

Hosts: Allana MacDonald Mills and Ivy Ho

Guests: Paul MacKinnon, CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission · https://downtownhalifax.ca/

Ross Jefferson, President and CEO of Discover Halifax https://discoverhalifaxns.com/

Bizz Buzz: Lauryn Landry, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic

Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas

Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax

Email us at: ivy@downtownhalifax.ca or allana@downtownhalifax.ca

Allana will be talking to Katie Conklin, Marketing & Communications Manager for Discover Halifax. Katie will be sharing with us some ideas of what to do in Downtown Halifax for March Break. On Biz Buzz, we have business updates and milestones, we’ll tell you about our featured member for March, THE TEN SPOT, and we’ll talk about March Break, Around the World in 80 Plates International Food Festival, and where to park in Downtown Halifax. And Ivy will give us an Covid Update.

Producers: Ivy Ho and Allana MacDonald Mills

Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC)

104-1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3X7

(902) 423-6658

Hosts: Allana MacDonald Mills and Ivy Ho

Guests: Katie Conklin, Marketing & Communications Manager for Discover Halifax  https://discoverhalifaxns.com/

Bizz Buzz: Lauryn Landry, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Michael Boyd, owner of Podcast Atlantic

Recorded & Edited by: Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Music: “Patching Holes (in a Sinking Ship)” by Bigideas

Visit us at: downtownhalifax.ca

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @DowntownHalifax

Email us at: ivy@downtownhalifax.ca or allana@downtownhalifax.ca