1. Connect
Hants RDA
Business Plan
2009 - 2010
Revised April 1, 2009

2. CONTENTS ACRONYMS
Executive Summary 3 ACOA Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency
ACSBE Acadia Centre of Social &
Vision 4 Business Entrepreneurship
Shared Vision 4 ADEDA Annapolis Digby Economic
Shared Values 5 Development Agency
Shared Purpose 5 BoFT Bay of Fundy Tourism
Partnership
Operational Environment 6 BR + E Business Retention & Expansion
CBDC Community Business
Regional Analysis 6
Development Corporation
Opportunities and Barriers 7 CED Community Economic
Development
Organizational Effectiveness 8 CNTA Central Nova Tourism
Focus & Performance 8 Association
Human Resources 8 CoRDA Colchester Regional
Partnerships 8 Development Agency
CWB Centre for Women in Business
DCS Department of Community
Strategic Initiatives 9 Services
Strategy 9 DFAIT Department of Foreign Affairs &
Evaluation Framework 9 International Trade
Regional Promotion 10 DSWNA Destination Southwest Nova
Business Development 12 Association
Community Development 13 DoHP Department of Health
Promotion
Advocacy 13
DoL & WD Department of Labour &
Workforce Development
Operating Budget 14 DoTCH Department of Tourism, Culture
& Heritage
Appendices 15 EHALA East Hants Adult Learning Assoc.
Organizational Overview 15 EHDCC East Hants & Districts Chamber
of Commerce
Communications Plan 15
GHP Greater Halifax Partnership
Highlights of 2008-2009 15 HABA Hantsport and Area Business
Financial Statement 15 Association
HLN Hants Learning Network
JRC Job Resource Centre
Kings CED Kings Community Economic
Development Agency
LQRDA Lunenburg Queens RDA
MEH Municipality of East Hants
MWH Municipality of the District of
West Hants
NSARDA Nova Scotia Association of
Regional Development
Authorities
NSBI Nova Scotia Business Inc.
NSCC Nova Scotia Community College
NSERD Nova Scotia Economic and Rural
Development
NSNP Nova Scotia Nominee Program
RDA Regional Development
Authority
SWSDA South West Shore Development
Authority
TIANS Tourism Industry Assoc. of NS
ToH Town of Hantsport
ToW Town of Windsor
VIC Visitor Information Centre
WHCC West Hants Chamber of
Commerce
2 | Hants RDA Business Plan 2009-2010

3. 1 EXECUTIVE SUM
MMARY
This i going to be a difficult yea for Hants Co
is ar ounty’s econo
omy, as it will b
be
aroun the world. However, the bottom of th economic c
nd e his cycle is a greatt
oppoortunity to foc invest and get aggressiv on econom development.
cus, d ve mic
The HHants RDA’s 2009-2010 bus siness plan has been design to create n
s ned new
value for its munic
e cipal investors This plan proposes an est
s. timated $607,000 in
value toward regio
e onal economic developmen in Hants Co
c nt ounty, includin
ng
partnnership resourrces. It is based upon a reneewed commitment to our in nvestors'
priorities, and an o
on-going commitment towa achieving sustainable p
ard prosperity
for Hants County.
This b
business plan covers the seecond year of t Hants RDA strategic p
the A’s plan,
“Connected. 2008- -2011.” The pa year has se changes that align our
ast een
organnization to the new strategy and help us achieve new levels of perfo
e ormance.
Unde the leadersh of our 12 volunteer dire
er hip v ectors, we hav ignited a ne
ve ew
purpose for the Ha ants RDA: as a connector su
upporting a we of partners and
eb s
client This purpose is expresse through alig
ts. ed gnment to fou core service
ur es:
Regioonal Promoti ion, Business Developmen Communit Development, and
nt, ty
Advo ocacy.
The c
coming fiscal y
year will see Hants County “get aggressiv on econom
H ve” mic
development. High hlights of the plan include:
− Engaging in an internationa marketing a
E n al alliance to attr
ract businesse and
es
im
mmigrants, in partnership with our neighboring RDAs
n w s.
− Beginning a ca
B ampaign to bu our workf
uild force through people attrac
h ction and
retention.
r
− Renewing our long-standing efforts to increase tourism in the count
R m ty.
− Increasing the number of businesses we support throu our business
e ugh
retention and expansion program, in resp
r ponse to the e
economic slow
wdown.
− Providing brie
P efings on the economy and local business trends to mu
e s unicipal
councils and o
c other key advoocates.
Over the coming yyear, the Hants RDA’s success will be driven by strategi
s ic
partn
nerships with a wide array of organization including g
o ns, government a other
and
RDAs With the sup
s. pport of these partners, we plan to make tangible
e e
contr
ributions towa Hants Cou
ard unty’s sustaina
able prosperitty.
Ryan MacNeil, BBA MAES
n A,
Execu
utive Director
r
Hants RDA Business Plan 2009-2010 | 3

4. 2 VISION
2.1 Shared Vision
Two years ago, we set out to find a Throughout our strategic planning
fresh focus for the Hants RDA. We consultations, we heard stories of
consulted our clients, neighbours people moving to Hants County to
and community leaders by “escape” urban life. People told us
travelling throughout Hants County. that they choose to live here to be
closer to nature and the ocean, to
Six community consultations maintain family ties, and to live at a
captured the public's vision for this sustainable pace. Over the coming
region. These sessions were held in years Hants County can become
Vision Statement Falmouth, Milford, Vaughan, Selma, even more of a haven from
Summerville, and Mount Uniacke. adrenalin soaked cities. It can be the
"Sustainable prosperity Forty individuals shared their place where people reconnect to
for Hants County." life.
perspective on the region's
challenges and opportunities.
At the same time, Hants County can
In September, we joined with the be a place where entrepreneurs
Hants Action Team (a federal / connect to a different kind of
provincial working group) to business climate. We can solidify
consult with key not-for-profit our appeal to larger companies that
organizations from across the seek transportation infrastructure,
county. We also began extensive proximity to the airport, and
consultations with key partners and talented workers. These will be
all four municipalities. These advanced manufacturing
consultations culminated in a companies that add value to our
"community leaders discussion abundant natural resources while
paper." Feedback on the discussion recycling one-another's waste (like
paper was received from councilors Shaw Resources and Minas Basin do
in all four municipalities. today). But we will also see the
Throughout these consultations, we emergence of the "lifestyle
worked diligently toward the entrepreneur". These individuals
completion of our "business will choose to live in Hants County
retention and expansion" pilot and establish knowledge-based,
project. By December 2007, we globally-competitive small
were able draw to upon the businesses.
opinions of nearly 50 CEOs and
business owners. Meanwhile, young people will be
succeeding baby boomers at the
The Hants RDA staff and board helm of Hants County's businesses
reviewed the results of these and farms. We will all make an effort
consultations. Staff held a number to buy local products, especially
of strategy discussions from August local food. And visitors will travel
2007 to January 2008. The board here from around the globe to
devoted time to strategic planning experience Nova Scotia's star
at each meeting from August 2007 attraction: the Bay of Fundy.
to March 2008. As a result, the
board approved the principles of a Local residents envision an
new strategy at its February 2008 economically prosperous and
meeting, and approved the plan socially vibrant Hants County. They
“Connected” in March 2008. focus, not on the quantity, but on
the quality of what we have.
4 | Hants RDA Business Plan 2009-2010

5. 2.2 Shared Values 2.3 Shared Purpose
The world is currently asking itself The Hants RDA is one of 13 Regional
what genuine progress looks like. Development Authorities in Nova
We know, for instance, that some of Scotia. It was incorporated in 1997
under the Regional Community
the “economic growth” we have
Development Act. Governed by a
experienced over the past decades volunteer board of directors, we
has been at the expense of society receive funding from the
and the environment. Economic municipalities of East Hants, West
“growth” has meant simply “more.” Hants, Windsor, and Hantsport; the Values Statement
However, economic "development” Atlantic Canada Opportunities "We value genuine progress that connects
implies that our economy can also Agency; and the provincial social/cultural diversity and environmental
departments of Economic stewardship with economic growth."
evolve in a qualitative way.
Development and Community
Services.
When RDAs were formed 10 years Mission Statement
ago, Nova Scotia adopted a new For ten years, the Hants RDA has "To make the connections that help Hants
definition of “development”: been facilitating community and County achieve sustainable prosperity."
business development in Hants
...economic, social and County. Our clients have built and
institutional change brought maintained facilities, celebrated our
about by a broadly representative culture and heritage, and employed
community process aimed at our neighbours. They have made
significant contributions to the
improving the community as a
social and economic development
better place to live and work of Hants County. And we have been
(Regional Community proud to help them move from
Development Act, Nova Scotia vision to reality.
Statutes, 1994).
Through meetings with our clients,
The concept of sustainable neighbours, and community
development had appeared on the leaders, we have now refreshed our
global stage long before RDAs were own vision for the future. We have
found a shared desire for
created. It has, however, only fully
connectedness. We were told that
made its way to Nova Scotia in the community connections make our
past few years. Sustainable rural lifestyle distinct, and business
development means more than connections make our economy
“environmentally friendly” strong and flexible.
development. According to the
United Nations, The Hants RDA is now focused on
making connections. We connect
new tourists, residents and
"Sustainable development is
entrepreneurs to Hants County
development that meets the needs through Regional Promotion. We
of the present without connect our clients to new skills and
compromising the ability of future resources through Community
generations to meet their own Development and Business
needs" (United Nations Development. And we connect
Brundtland Commission, 1987). Hants County to outside decision
makers through Advocacy.
Hants RDA Business Plan 2009-2010 | 5

6. 3 OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
HEADLINE INDICATORS
(FP Markets, 2008)
3.1 Regional Analysis
Population: 43,040 Hants County is located on the Bay needs, a range of skills and
Households: 16,756 of Fundy in the centre of mainland qualifications were identified, for
Avg. Household Inc: $57,422 Nova Scotia. With four example field workers for seasonal
Retail Sales: $377.6 m
municipalities (East Hants, West operations, technical workers like
Hants, and the Towns of Windsor those skilled in computer-assisted
and Hantsport) the county benefits design or diesel mechanics,
from a diversified economy and professional workers like chemists
slight population growth. Headline and engineers.
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION (2008)
economic indicators are reported in
the table and charts to the left. Shifting Economy
70 years +
65 to 69 years
60 to 64 years Population Hants County, like its neighbours,
55 to 59 years has traditionally been a resource-
50 to 54 years
The 2006 census shows a total based economy, particularly in
45 to 49 years
population of 41,182, up 1.7% from agriculture. Although agriculture
40 to 44 years
35 to 39 years the 2001 census. Projections for and agri-food processing remain
30 to 34 years 2008 (Financial Post) put the significant economic drivers, other
25 to 29 years county’s present population at industries have begun to take root.
20 to 24 years
43,040. As is the same for most While manufacturing still employs a
15 to 19 years
jurisdictions, Hants County’s significant number of people in
10 to 14 years
5 to 9 years population is aging, with a large Hants County, retail trade and
0 to 4 years proportion of its population construction are the two largest
between the ages of 40 – 54. sectors of employment.
-2000 -1000 0 1000 2000
Female Male The census shows that 5,335 people A shift-and-share analysis (provided
who lived elsewhere in 2001 moved by NSBI), indicates that Hants
Source: FP Markets 2008 to Hants County. Of these, the vast County’s largest shifts have been
majority (4,105 people) moved from toward professional services,
elsewhere in Nova Scotia. Attracting manufacturing, services, and retail
and retaining immigrants remains a trade. There has been a relative shift
challenge. The 2006 census shows away from employment in utilities,
1,540 immigrants. However, only information and cultural industries,
355 of these people would be real estate, and public
considered recent immigrants, administration.
having settled in Hants County
between 1991 – 2006. This Infrastructure
represents fewer than 25
immigrants per year. Both sides of the county continue to
have challenges surrounding the
Workforce imbalance in growth of the
commercial versus residential tax
There were 20,361 people in the bases. While municipalities are
labour force in Hants County in increasingly challenged to attract
2006. Hants County showed an new business, infrastructure
unemployment rate of 7.9%, and a limitations on the East side, and a
labour participation rate of 63.6%. lack of industrial lands on the West
This compared with a provincial side, are a continued weakness. As
unemployment rate of 9.1% and the demand for infrastructure –
labour participation rate of 62.9%. particularly water and sewer –
continues to grow in both rural and
Participants in the Hants County urban areas, municipalities are also
Business Retention and Expansion being challenged to address other
(BRE) initiative indicate a fair infrastructure needs, like the need
amount of satisfaction with the for public transportation, and public
workforce. In terms of workforce recreational facilities.

7. 3.2 Opportunities and Hants County
Social Fabric Barriers Population Estimates
2005 - 2008
Literacy concerns and the growing
The Hants RDA engages in a
inequity felt by the least wealthy
continuous assessment of the
members of the community also 2005 42500
opportunities and barriers to
have a negative impact on the
community economic development
social health of Hants County. The
in the county. On-going BR+E
rural-urban juxtaposition of services 2006 42600
efforts continue to highlight five
in the County also affects service
recurring trends: Understanding
provision – and it often hinders the
the Workforce; Employee 2007
County’s ability to bring together a 42700
Attraction; Investment Readiness;
unified voice on key issues.
Environmental Opportunities;
and Succession Planning. Over the 2008 43040
Economic Slowdown
past year, workforce challenges
(including hiring challenges and
Like other parts of Nova Scotia and
layoffs) held particular significance Source: FP Markets 2005 - 2008
Canada, the Hants County economy
in BR+E efforts.
is currently experiencing a
downturn. Leading employers have
Through strategic planning
been forced to lay-off workers, or Hants County
consultations in 2007-2008, the Avg. Household Income
temporarily shut down production
Hants RDA identified five key 2005 - 2008
in order to remain competitive.
external factors that are affecting
Sectors most at risk include primary
Hants County’s economic
resources, manufacturing and
prosperity: Population,
tourism. 2005
Environment, Globalization, $52,900
Urbanization, and Infrastructure.
Economists predict the effects of
Hants County residents see these
the global downturn will be
external pressures are as both
moderated in Nova Scotia. At 3.4%,
challenges and opportunities. 2006
$53,200
the inflation rate is roughly a third
Details can be found in the 2008-
of what it was during the 1980s.
2009 business plan.
Government finances continue to
be strong. According to the
2007
Conference Board of Canada, GDP $57,200
growth will be a 0.7% this year,
compared to 2.7% in 2007, and 3.1%
in 2006. Canada will see virtually no
job growth in 2009. 2008
$57,422
In spite of the global slowdown and
its significant local impacts, the Source: FP Markets 2005 - 2008
region is still experiencing
successes that deserve to be
celebrated. Companies such as
Cobham Tracking & Locating
(formerly Orion Electronics) and
Shaw Pipe have landed multi-
million dollar contracts. Calgary-
based Triangle Petroleum is
continuing its shale gas exploration
program in East Hants and pumping
millions into the local economy.
Major infrastructure improvements
such as the twinning of Highway
101 are poised to give Hants County
unprecedented access to Halifax
and the global gateway.
Hants RDA Business Plan 2009-2010 | 7

8. 4 ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
4.1 Focus & Performance 4.2 Human Resources
The Hants RDA’s 2008-2011 The Hants RDA derives its core
Strategic Plan (“Connected.”) strength from the work of talented
focuses the organization on four employees and volunteers. In 2008-
core services: Regional Promotion, 2009, the Hants RDA implemented a
Business Development, new approach to staff training and
Community Development, and development. For each position, we
STAFF Advocacy. The strategic plan brings identified the competencies and
this fresh operational focus while attributes we will need to deliver
Ryan MacNeil, BBA, MAES addressing funder expectations and our four core services. A particularly
Executive Director
mapping out a path to genuine effective approach to staff
Pat Gould-Thorpe, BSc, BEng progress for Hants County. development has been quarterly
Community Development Officer peer meetings with Kings CED and
In 2008-2009, the Hants RDA ADEDA. The Hants RDA has also
Wendy Aird, BA, MBA
Business Retention & Expansion Officer introduced a new internal structure begun to participate in NSARDA’s
in response to our strategic plan. peer development days. For 2009-
Viorica Sporea, BA, CITP Development Officer positions have 2010, six percent of staff time
Regional Promotion Officer been aligned to the new Regional (approximately 585 hours) has been
Chantelle Marshall, BA Promotion, Business Development targeted as an investment in
Operations Manager and Community Development learning and growth.
goals. The administrative portfolio
Jane Crosby, BA, FTT
Assistant Development Officer
was refined to an “Operations 4.3 Partnerships
Manager” handling the RDA’s
operations and logistics. Priorities The Hants RDA's strategic plan,
BOARD for Executive Director role have "Connected." recognizes the vital
been shifted from internal focus on role of partnership in achieving
Rick Gaudet, Chair projects to an external advocacy sustainable prosperity for our
and communications focus. region. The Hants RDA relies on
Jim Smith, Vice-Chair strong partnerships across the
During the past year, the Hants RDA county, and throughout the
Laurie Murley, Treasurer
also made a commitment to the province, to achieve our regional
Mike Bishop, Director NSARDA performance-based vision. To this end we have made
funding model and created a "partnership strength" one of the
John Bregante, Director balanced scorecard within its ISO key performance indicators in our
Margot Bureaux, Director 9001:2000 quality management balanced scorecard.
system. The scorecard has helped
Beth Caldwell, Director align the organization to its new In September 2008 we conducted
strategy, by examining the four our first annual survey to gauge the
Shannon Cunningham, Director
product areas and two strength of our partnerships and
Gordon Dickie, Director competencies (human resources identify ways to strengthen our
and partnerships) through the network of partners. The survey
Creelman MacArthur, Director standard five scorecard reached 18 of our closest
Beth McNeill, Director perspectives. community partners. The headline
result was 3.9 points out of 5.0 on
Brian Banks, Board Advisor The RDA Performance Review Team partnership strength. Through the
concluded that the Hants RDA “met survey, partners also reported that
Roger Gerrard, Board Advisor
expectations” at its annual their partnerships with the Hants
Wendy Keen, Board Advisor performance review in November RDA contribute to the region’s
2008. No recommendations for sustainable prosperity (33%
improvement were provided by the strongly agreed; 44% agreed; and
review team. 22% somewhat agreed).

9. 5 STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
5.1 Strategy
Business
The Hants RDA has adopted a four- In October 2008, the Hants RDA Development
part strategy to support community introduced its first quarterly
economic development in Hants “performance scorecard”. These
Regional
County (see the strategy model new quarterly reports build upon Promotion
Advocacy
diagram and goals to the right). the RDA’s ISO quality management
system to provide the board, Community
5.2 Evaluation Framework funders, and stakeholders with Development
reliable and balanced information
The Hants RDA is committed to on the organization’s performance.
transparency and accountability. A The Hants RDA is the only RDA in
variety of measures are taken to Nova Scotia using the balanced Strategic Goals
promote good governance and scorecard framework to report
provide accountability back to the performance on a quarterly basis. To attract tourists, residents and
entrepreneurs to Hants County.
RDA’s government investors.
Beginning April 1, 2009, these To help Hants County’s most-valuable and
The Hants RDA is an ISO 9001:2000 quarterly reports will be submitted most-growable businesses develop the
registered organization. This means to all seven government investors capacity to create and sustain quality
and released publicly as a new employment.
that we have adopted policies and
procedures that meet international means of accountability. The Hants To help Hants County’s communities
standards for continuous quality RDA's government investors will be develop the capacity to address their most
improvement. Our ISO registration able to monitor the RDA’s service pressing opportunities and challenges.
is maintained through an annual performance, and track the return
To help Hants County’s key advocates
external audit of the Hants RDA’s on their investment, through these influence policy changes that support the
operations. quarterly performance reports. region’s sustainable prosperity.
Scorecard targets for 2009-2010 are
outlined below.
PERFORMANCE SCORECARD TARGETS 2009-2010
MISSION PERSPECTIVE 2008-2009 (YTD) TARGETS (09-10)
Average Household Income ($) $57,422 $57,966
CUSTOMER PERSPECTIVE 2008-2009 (YTD) TARGETS (09-10)
Average Client Satisfaction (# out of 5) 4.8 4.0
Clients Reporting a Tangible Impact (%) 50% 1 75%
FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE 2008-2009 (YTD) TARGETS (09-10)
Funder evaluation score (# out of 12) 7–9 2 10
Return on Municipal Investment (per $1) $3.29 $3.63
Budget expenditures variance (%) -4.6% 0.0%
PROCESS PERSPECTIVE 2008-2009 (YTD) TARGETS (09-10)
Client Consultation Time (hours) no benchmark 2500
On-time Performance (% of targets complete) no benchmark 100%
Referrals to Partner Agencies (#) 251 90
Marketing Conversion (% of inquiries realized) no benchmark 5%
LEARNING & GROWTH PERSPECTIVE 2008-2009 (YTD) TARGETS (09-10)
Employee Development Time (hours) 482 3 585
Average Partnership Strength (# out of 5) 43.9 4.0
1.) The 2008-2009 benchmark is based on BR+E results only.
2.) The score is in the range of 7-9 points, but has not yet been provided.
3.) The 2008-2009 benchmark is an estimate.
Hants RDA Business Plan 2009-2010 | 9

10. 5.3 ACTIVITIES IN REGIONAL PROMOTION
GOAL: To attract tourists, residents and entrepreneurs to Hants County.
DIRECT COSTS / TIMELINE TARGET OUTCOMES (Short OUTCOMES (Long
ACTIVITY PARTNERS OUTPUTS
RESOURCES Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 GROUPS Term) Term)
− Regional − GHP Potential new
Promotion − CoRDA − Alliance MOU
Officer (20%) business
− Kings − International
investors and − Inquiries (#) for
− $5000 CED Marketing Alliance
immigrants in immigration to Hants Attraction of
International contribution communications
− LQ RDA sectors and County. immigrants (#) and
Marketing − $5000 extra collateral (web and
Alliance − DFAIT geographic − Inquiries (#) for businesses (#) to Hants
travel print)
− NSERD markets business investment County.
− Partnered identified − Participation in 4
− NSBI in Hants County.
resources through the international trade
estimated at − Municipal shows.
Partners partnership.
$157,000
− NSBI
− Property profile
− Hants − Web-based
− Regional information accessed Improved service on
West commercial
Commercial Promotion Potential by prospective investment inquiries,
Municipal property inventory.
Property Officer (5%) business investors (# hits). leading to attraction of
Partners − Protocol for updates
Inventory − $2500 investors. − Inquiries (#) for businesses (#) to Hants
− Realtors to database from County.
consulting fees business investment
− Property various partners.
in Hants County.
Owners
− DoTCH
− CNTA and
DSWNS
− CoRDA,
Kings
Key tourist
CED, − On-time completion − Partnership approach
− Regional populations Attraction of tourists
CREDA of milestones and to tourism marketing.
Tourism Promotion as defined in (measured in tourism
Marketing Officer (45%)
and
Tourism
deliverables based − Inquiries (#) for revenue $) to Hants
ADEDA. on the Tourism tourism information
− $5500 budget Action Plan County.
− Bay of (pending).
Strategy. on Hants County.
Fundy
Tourism
Part.
− Municipal
Partners

11. − Local
Business Key new
− Municipal resident − Inquiries (#) for
− Regional − On-time completion
Partners populations information on living Attraction of migrants
People Promotion of milestones and
− DoL&WD as defined in / working in Hants (#) & immigrants (#) to
Marketing Officer (25%) deliverables defined
− NSERD People County (including Hants County.
− $5500 budget Strategy
in People Strategy.
− JRC, immigration).
Future- (pending).
Worx
− Community
All target Target populations
Development
groups − Launch of − Increase in hits to have efficient access to
HantsCounty- Officer (5%) Not
defined in redesigned website information on information on Hants
.com Website − Regional applicable
other County and the Hants
in summer 2009. HantsCounty.com (#)
Promotion activities. RDA.
Officer (5%)
− Town of
Hantsport Hants West − Resolution of
Hants West Funded on a
− Town of Municipalities − Business Park investment readiness
Investment project basis at
Windsor feasibility study. deficits (# issues
Readiness $89,400,
− Municipal Prospective − Community Profiles resolved from NSBI’s Attraction of businesses
Project including an
-ity of business − MOU on joint checklist). (#) to Hants West.
“Investment
(special Readiness
West investors in business attraction − Inquiries (#) for
Hants key sectors (to activities. business investment
project) Officer”.
− NSERD be defined). in Hants West.
− NSBI
Hants RDA Business Plan 2009-2010 | 11

12. 5.4 ACTIVITIES IN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
GOAL: To help Hants County’s most-valuable and most-growable businesses develop the capacity to create and sustain quality employment.
DIRECT COSTS / TIMELINE TARGET OUTCOMES (Short OUTCOMES (Long
ACTIVITY PARTNERS OUTPUTS
RESOURCES Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 GROUPS Term) Term)
− Municipal
Partners Direct support to 48
− Business key businesses: Resolution of business
− NSBI “Most
Retention &
Valuable” and − Client Consult. opportunities and
Expansion − ACOA challenges: Creation and
Business “Most Time (hrs)
Officer (100%) − NSERD − Client satisfaction
maintenance of quality
Retention & Growable” − Partner Referrals
Expansion − $1500 for client − CBDC businesses in (score)
employment (#) and tax
(#) assessment ($).
recognition Hants- key − Client Impact (%
events and Kings industries.1 Partnership meetings significant)
projects. − LAT (#)
Members
− Hants
West − Business directory
− Operations Mgr Hants County − Upgraded web-
Municipal records updated (#).
Business (5%) businesses based business Increased local retail
Partners − Hits (#) to information
Directory − $4000 and directory, with sales ($).
− WHCC, consumers. on Hants County
consulting fees municipal portals.
EHDCC, businesses.
HABA
Financial/admin
support to: − Local businesses
Hants County profiled at shows (#).
− Operations Mgr − EHDCC − EH Business Expo,
Buy Local businesses − Show attendees (#) Increased local retail
(5%) − WHCC − HABA Trade Expo,
Events and exposed to sales ($).
− $500 − HABA consumers.
and
information on Hants
− WH Chamber
County businesses.
Christmas Show.
Indirect support &
knowledge transfer to
small business:
− Operations Mgr − Guides distributed or
(5%) − ACSBE − Six small business downloaded (#). Creation and
Small Business Hants County
Clinic & − $2500 budget − CBDC entrepreneurs
workshops.
− Workshop
maintenance of quality
Guides (includes $500 Hants- . − Updated small participants (#).
employment (#) and tax
in participant Kings business guidebook. assessment ($).
− Client satisfaction
fees)
(score).
− Client impact (%
significant).
1Key Industries (from the 2008-2011 strategic plan): Agriculture, Mining, Forestry, Life Sciences Mfg., Building Supplies Mfg., Technology Mfg., Environmental Products
Mfg., Tourism, and Professional Consulting.

13. 5.5 ACTIVITIES IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
GOAL: To help Hants County’s communities develop the capacity to address their most pressing opportunities and challenges.
DIRECT COSTS / TIMELINE TARGET OUTCOMES (Short OUTCOMES (Long
ACTIVITY PARTNERS OUTPUTS
RESOURCES Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 GROUPS Term) Term)
Resolution of
Community Direct support to 30
community group Resolution of Hants
− ACOA groups that key organizations /
Community opportunities and County’s most pressing
− Community − NSERD address most projects:
Development challenges: community
Development − DoTCH pressing − Client Consult.
Project/Client − Client satisfaction opportunities and
Officer (90%) − DoHP opportunities Time (hrs)
Support (score) challenges (# projects
− DCS and − Partner Referrals
challenges.2 − Client Impact (% closed).
(#)
significant)
− Updated volunteer / Indirect support &
not-for-profit knowledge transfer to
resource guide. not-for-profits:
− ACOA − Guides distributed or Increased Resolution of
− Updated not-for-
Community − Community Hants County Hants County’s most
− NSERD profit funding scan downloaded (#).
Development Development voluntary / pressing community
− DoTCH guide. − Workshop
Clinic & Officer (5%) not-for-profit opportunities and
− DoHP − Two free expert participants (#).
Guides − $1000 budget organizations. challenges (# projects
− DCS workshops (eg. − Client satisfaction closed).
fundraising, (score).
governance, legal, − Client impact (%
marketing). significant).
5.6 ACTIVITIES IN ADVOCACY
GOAL: To help Hants County’s key advocates influence policy changes that support the region’s sustainable prosperity.
DIRECT COSTS / TIMELINE TARGET OUTCOMES (Short OUTCOMES (Long
ACTIVITY PARTNERS OUTPUTS
RESOURCES Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 GROUPS Term) Term)
− Mining − Advocacy alliances
Key advocates receive
Industry with key partners.
critical information on Key advocates
Information Assoc. − “State of the Hants County’s policy influence policy
and Evidence − Executive Hants Region” report,
− Fed. of needs: changes that support
to Hants Director (10%) County’s Key based on BRE
Ag. − Client satisfaction the region’s sustainable
County’s key − $1000 budget Advocates.3 records and socio-
− TIANS (score) prosperity (# reporting
advocates. economic trends.
− EHALA − Client Impact (% action).
− Briefings (#) to key
− HLN significant)
advocates.
2 Most pressing opportunities and challenges (from the 2008-2011 strategic plan): Tourism, Culture & Heritage; Community Inclusion (newcomers and disadvantaged
groups); and Literacy.
3 Key advocates (from the 2008-2011 strategic plan): Hants RDA Staff & Board; Elected Politicians (Councilors, MLAs, MP); Chambers of Commerce and Business
Associations; and the NS Association of RDAs.
Hants RDA Business Plan 2009-2010 | 13

14. 6 OPERATING BUDGET
2008-2009 2008-2009 2009-2010
Budget Year to Date Budget
REVENUE
Government Contributions
Government of Nova Scotia 137,000 102,750 150,000
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 137,000 60,332 150,000
Municipality of East Hants 66,866 66,866 66,866
Municipality of the Dist. of West Hants (1) 51,836 51,836 77,308
Town of Hantsport (1) 4,448 4,448 9,378
Town of Windsor (1) 13,851 6,926 24,533
Total Government Contributions 411,000 293,157 478,084
Project Revenue
Human Resource Revenue 26,000 21,079 21,917
Special Projects Revenue (2) 100 - 100 41,083
Marketing Project Revenue 6,500 - -
Project Administration Revenue 400 231 500
Total Project Revenue 33,000 21,210 63,500
Cost Recovery Revenue
Enterprise Centre of Hants County 1,000 - 1,000
Shared Office Equipment & Facilities 1,200 635 2,500
Total Cost Recovery Revenue 2,200 635 3,500
TOTAL REVENUE 446,200 315,001 545,084
EXPENSES
Operating Expenses
Salaries, Benefits and Related Costs 285,000 216,065 297,800
Internet and Technical Support 7,500 6,279 7,380
Telephone 8,000 6,772 7,800
Cellular Telephone 6,000 2,440 4,000
Office Rental and Utilities 40,000 29,850 40,000
Office Supplies 5,000 5,457 5,000
Memberships 5,500 6,116 5,900
Staff Mileage & Travel 15,000 8,218 12,000
Staff Meals and Accommodations 2,500 1,338 5,000
Board Meals and Accommodations 2,000 1,770 2,000
Training and Conferences 6,000 4,391 6,000
Board Mileage 3,500 1,884 2,000
Advertising & Marketing 12,000 4,107 23,000
Accounting Administration Fee 21,000 21,886 21,867
Insurance 2,500 1,640 1,640
Professional Services 8,000 10,420 10,000
Equipment Lease Contracts 6,300 4,537 11,500
Capital Equipment Purchases 565 - 3 -
Total Operating Expenses 436,365 333,168 462,887
Project Expenses
Municipal Project Expenses (3) 14,836 10,000 -
Special Project Expenses (2) - - 82,166
Total Project Expenses 14,836 10,000 82,166
TOTAL EXPENSES 451,200 343,168 545,053
SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) - 5,000.00 - 28,166 - 31
Notes:
1.) Budgeted revenue from Windsor, Hantsport and West Hants includes their base contributions plus the incremental “Investment Readiness” project.
2.) Special project revenue and expenses relate to the “Hants West Investment Readiness Project” which will be fully funded by the three municipal
partners and others.
3.) Municipal leveraged projects were phased-out in the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

15. APPENDICES
A. Organizational B. Communications Plan C. Highlights of 2008-2009
Overview
GOAL Looking back on the preceding year,
The Hants Regional Development we take considerable pride in a
Authority is a forward-looking To demonstrate the Hants RDA’s number of highlights, including:
organization established to support results, build its brand, and drive its
and advance community economic resource engine. − A local business’ new joint
development in Hants County. From venture with a multinational
its offices in Windsor and Elsmdale, DIRECT COSTS / RESOURCES company;
the Hants RDA works with − Construction of the Sustainable
businesses, community groups and − Executive Director (10%) Fish Farming Canada
all three levels of government to − $5000 budget aquaculture facility;
champion the interests of Hants − Start-up of a new equestrian and
County locally, regionally and PARTNERS winery business by American
internationally. immigrants;
− NSARDA − Implementation of the Hants
The Hants RDA is one of 13 Regional − Neighbouring RDAs County Small Business Clinic;
Development Authorities in Nova − Local Newspapers − A visit by Premier MacDonald to
Scotia. It was duly incorporated businesses and communities in
pursuant to the Regional Community TARGET GROUPS East Hants;
Development Act (S.N.S., 1996, c.29) − An interpretive centre plan and
by Ministerial Order dated August 11, − Government Investors initial trail construction at the
1997. − Target clients & prospects Cheverie Salt Marsh Restoration
− Key Partners Site;
Governed by a volunteer board of − The 2nd Annual 84th Regiment
directors, the agency receives Homecoming;
OUTPUTS
funding from the municipalities of
− Start-up of the Planters 250th
East Hants, West Hants, Windsor, and
Hantsport; the Atlantic Canada − Annual General Meeting Anniversary Project;
Opportunities Agency; and the − Annual Report (plus subsequent − The 2nd Annual Hants County
provincial departments of Economic presentations and media Arts Council “Festival of Art”;
& Rural Development and relations). − $675,000 in funding for a major
Community Services. − Annual Performance Review expansion of the Windsor Day
report and presentations. Care;
The Hants RDA’s vision, mission and − Quarterly performance scorecard − A Downtown & Waterfront
values statement can be found on reports. Revitalization Session with key
pages 4-5 of this business plan. − Bi-weekly news pieces. stakeholders in the Town of
− Client success story advertising Windsor;
projects. − Establishment of the Halifax
International Marketing Alliance;
OUTCOME (Short Term) − Establishment of a peer
networking partnership with
Increased awareness of Hants RDA’s Kings CED and ADEDA;
impacts through earned media (# of − A People Strategy for Hants
articles). County; and
− A new Strategic Tourism Action
OUTCOME (Long Term) Plan for Hants County;
Continued commitment to Hants
RDA’s success (approval of funding D. In-House Financial
year-over-year, continued
engagement with Hants RDA).
Statements
See columns 1 & 2 on page 14.
Hants RDA Business Plan 2009-2010 | 15

16. 1-877-284-2687
www.hantscounty.com
East Hants Resource Centre
Suite 200-1, 15 Commerce Court
Elmsdale, NS B2S 3K5
Fax: (902) 883-3024
Enterprise Centre of Hants County
Box 2313, 80 Water Street
Windsor, NS B0N 2T0
Fax: (902) 798-3254