Newsmakers

Taste of Nova Scotia members took gold in four of five categories at the annual Halifax Chamber of Commerce Business Awards on January 26.

"This recognition acknowledges the hard work our local food producers put into the industry," said Janice Ruddock, executive director of Taste of Nova Scotia. "And it proves that hard work pays off...that our local food producers can thrive and succeed in Nova Scotia."

The Halifax Business Awards are intended to recognize those businesses and business people in Halifax who exemplify the best that the city has to offer: innovators, who are willing to take chances, push the boundaries and stretch the limits for success.

"At the Chamber we have the unique privilege to meet new businesses and business people, hear about new ideas, follow industry trends, and experience the inspiring optimism, confidence, and resilience of Halifax's business community every day," said Valerie Payn, president and chief executive officer of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. "Our 2012 finalists and winners have very different businesses and come from different backgrounds, including many local food producers, which is great news for Halifax as we see more and more world-class products being made right here."

Taste of Nova Scotia members won awards in the following categories:

New Business of the Year
Gold: Schoolhouse Gluten-Free Gourmet Ltd.

Small Business of the Year
Gold: Cedar Bay Grilling Company

International Business of the Year
Gold: Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership
Silver: Acadian Seaplants Limited

Business Person of the Year
Gold: Jean-Paul Deveau, Acadian Seaplants Limited

For more information about Taste of Nova Scotia and its members, visit www.tasteofnovascotia.com. Additional information about the Halifax Chamber of Commerce Business Awards can be found by visiting www.halifaxchamber.com.

Halifax Stanfield rated among the best in the world

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (HSIA) has once again been rated by its passengers as one of the best airports in the world.

The 2011 global Airport Service Quality (ASQ) ratings show Halifax Stanfield as third best in the world for overall passenger satisfaction in its class (under five million passengers). Guayaquil (Latin America & Caribbean Region) came first and Ottawa was second.

Halifax Stanfield also placed third in North America behind Ottawa and Indianapolis.

The ratings are administered by Airports Council International (ACI). The ASQ survey measures 34 separate elements of passenger airport experience and how well each element satisfies passenger expectations.

"Customer service comes down to creating a positive experience during those one on one encounters with travellers and visitors," says Tom Ruth, Halifax International Airport Authority President & CEO. "The people who work at Halifax Stanfield understand this, and put it into practice every day. A friendly smile, a helping hand, a warm welcome - these kind gestures leave a lasting positive impression."

Through its years in this global airport ranking program, HSIA has earned a total of 28 awards - 16 first place, eight second place and four third place.

In addition to this recognition, HSIA has been inducted into Airports Council International's Director General's Roll of Excellence, honouring airports that have ranked among the top five airports in the world for five consecutive years in the Airport Service Quality ratings.

As well, HSIA has been re-certified as ASQ Assured - a distinction earned by only 14 airports world-wide.

For more information about the ASQ Awards visit www.airportservicequalityawards.com.

A Seafaring Maiden receives Travelers Choice Award for 2012

A Seafaring Maiden Bed and Breakfast in Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia has been named one of the top 25 bed and breakfasts in Canada by TripAdvisor.com.

The highly coveted award is based on reviews posted by the traveling public using a rating system that includes value, location, rooms, cleanliness, sleep quality and service, along with a brief narrative of the traveler's experience.

"It's a true honor to be selected for the Travelers Choice Award for 2012, and we thank our guests for their positive reviews," said owner, Bill Monk. "It is gratifying that our guests took the time to share their opinions and comments about our hospitality, accommodations, breakfasts and attention to the details here at A Seafaring Maiden."

One customer review stated: "We recently spent two nights at A Seafaring Maiden, and had we not planned other destinations in Nova Scotia and PEI, we would have been content to spend our entire holiday at this beautiful home...Bill and Ann Marie were gracious hosts, and provided many small details that added to the pleasure of our stay...We hope to return to Nova Scotia soon, and we will certainly plan to be in the Annapolis Royal area when there is room at this inn.

Bill and Ann Marie were recently awarded a Pineapple Award from the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia for their excellent customer services.

A Seafaring Maiden is a beautiful 1881 registered heritage property and a 4-star Canada Select bed and breakfast. It was originally home to sea captain, ship builder, and merchant, Captain Joseph Hall.

For a complete list of winners, please visit http://www.tripadvisor.ca/.

Cape Breton scores another win

Cape Breton has been named the most romantic place to visit in Canada by vacay.ca. The website's team of travel writers and experts placed the island ahead of destinations such as Lake Louise, Alberta and Quebec City.

From the website:

Possibly the most romantic aspect of vacationing on Cape Breton Island is the fact that things move slowly there...In Cape Breton it's all about you, your partner and breathtaking landscapes. Visiting Cape Breton takes relaxation to new levels, which means you have nothing but time to devote to the one you love the most.

To read more, visit vacay.ca.