Valley Connector Program

10/15/2026

Meet one of our newest Connectors!

We're happy to welcome Josh Baltzer, District Manager with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), to the Valley REN Connector Program!

Born and raised in the Annapolis Valley, Josh spent more than 20 years living elsewhere before returning home to raise his family and reconnect with his roots.

Through his work with CFIB, Josh connects with businesses across the region, giving him a broad perspective on our local business community and the people and opportunities that make it thrive.

As a Connector, Josh will share his knowledge, experience, and professional network to help others explore career possibilities, make meaningful connections, and discover opportunities here in the Valley.

Thanks, Josh, for volunteering your time and helping others build their networks in the community you call home!

Welcome to the Valley REN Connector community!

The Valley REN Connector Program is a member of the National Connector Program and funded by the Government of Nova Scotia.

09/03/2026

Are you working in tech, learning tech, building something, or simply curious about what’s happening in the Valley’s tech community?

Come connect with others from across the Annapolis Valley at this Valley Tech Meetup!

This will be a relaxed, welcoming evening with plenty of conversation, pizza, and lots of opportunity to meet people working, learning and creating in tech. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a student, a founder, new to the sector, or just interested in meeting others, you’re welcome.

Wednesday, September 23 | 6–8 PM
The Space & Company, Kentville
Free to attend

Come meet some great people, make a new connection, and see what’s being built right here in the Annapolis Valley.

RSVP using the link/QR code on the poster.

𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽: https://lnkd.in/gjv7VrZy

08/27/2026

Interested in a career in the skilled trades or curious about apprenticeship opportunities in Nova Scotia?

Join us in Coldbrook on September 23!

Skilled Trades & NS Apprenticeship Information Session

Are you considering a career in the skilled trades but unsure where to begin?

Join us for an in-person information session designed to help you understand apprenticeship pathways and explore career opportunities in the skilled trades.

📅 Wednesday, September 23, 2026
🕙 10:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 Nova Scotia Works Centre PeopleWorx
11 Opportunity Lane, Coldbrook

Who should attend?
• Job seekers interested in skilled trades
• Individuals exploring apprenticeship as a career option
• Anyone unsure where to start in the trades

Free to attend. All are welcome.

Registration is required:
📧 [email protected]
📞 1-866-609-9675

Please note: Our buildings and program spaces are scent free. We kindly ask that visitors refrain from wearing scented products when attending.

We look forward to welcoming you and helping you explore your next steps toward a career in the skilled trades.

08/25/2026

Nobody likes networking. 😬

Okay, maybe SOME people do. But for a lot of us, the word “networking” brings up images of crowded rooms, awkward introductions, name tags and trying to figure out what to say next.

Here’s the good news: building your network doesn’t have to look like that.

It can be one conversation with someone in your industry.

One introduction.

One person who tells you, “You should talk to…”

And then another conversation from there.

That’s really what a professional network is: people getting to know people.

The Valley REN Connector Program helps make that first conversation a little easier by introducing participants to established professionals who can share their knowledge, perspective and connections.

No working the room required. 😉

Interested in building your network in the Annapolis Valley?
Get in touch with us at [email protected] or by visiting valleyren.ca/connector-program/

08/14/2026

Meet Our Newest Connector!

We’re pleased to welcome Greg Wagner to the Valley REN Connector Program!

Greg brings more than 30 years of professional experience in the Annapolis Valley, including a career in engineering, production, and leadership. Now retired, he is looking forward to giving back by sharing what he has learned with local youth, young professionals, and emerging talent.

Throughout his career, Greg has seen the value of hard work, strong professional relationships, and finding balance between career and life. As a Connector, he’ll bring that experience to one-on-one conversations, offering practical advice, encouragement, and perspective to help Connectees navigate their own career journeys.

We’re grateful to Greg for volunteering his time and experience to support the next generation of talent in our region.

Welcome to the Valley REN Connector community, Greg!

The Valley Regional Enterprise Network Connector Program is a member of the National Connector Program and funded by the Government of Nova Scotia.

08/13/2026

What is the “hidden job market”?

Not every employment opportunity starts with a job posting.

Opportunities can also grow from conversations, referrals and professional relationships, which is why having a strong local network can be an important part of your job search.

This can be especially important if you’re new to the Annapolis Valley, a recent graduate, or returning after time away and don’t yet have an established local professional network.

In a rural region like the Annapolis Valley, getting to know people in your industry can help you learn more about local employers, career paths and opportunities that may not be widely advertised.

The Valley REN Connector Program helps job seekers build those connections by matching them with established local professionals who can share their experience, industry knowledge and networks.

Looking for work in the Annapolis Valley?

Learn more and complete the Connectee intake form atvalleyren.ca/connector-program

07/20/2026

🚫 Connector Myth: You have to be an employer to become a Connector.

False!

A Connector is anyone with a professional network and a willingness to help others build theirs.

You don't need to be hiring to make an impact. Whether you're an employee, entrepreneur, educator, retiree, or community leader, sharing your experience, making an introduction, or offering career advice can help someone take the next step in their career.

Sometimes, one conversation is all it takes to open a new door.

Interested in becoming a Connector and supporting talent in the Annapolis Valley?

📧 [email protected]
📞 902-670-0104

Learn more at: www.valleyren.ca/connector-program

The Valley REN Connector Program is a member of the National Connector Program and funded by the Government of Nova Scotia.

07/15/2026

🎉 Meet our newest volunteer Connector!

Please join us in welcoming Alex to the Valley REN Connector Program!

Alex is a Staff Security Engineer at Smile.io and has joined our growing network of volunteer Connectors who are helping connect talented individuals with professional networks, career insights, and opportunities throughout the Annapolis Valley.

Our Connectors generously volunteer their time to meet one-on-one with Connectees, share their experiences, answer questions about their industry, and help expand professional networks. These conversations can open doors, build confidence, and create meaningful career connections.

A big thank you to Alex for giving back to our community, we're excited to have you as part of the Connector network!

Interested in becoming a Connector or learning more about the Valley REN Connector Program? We'd love to hear from you.

Visit: www.valleyren.ca/connector-program/

The Valley REN Connector Program is a member of the National Connector Program and funded by the Government of Nova Scotia.

07/14/2026

Great opportunity to make a real impact in the Annapolis Valley business community!

The successful candidate will also join the collaborative environment at the Valley Business Hub.

Best of luck to everyone applying!

The Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce (AVCC) is seeking our next visionary leader!

Are you a strategic thinker, a natural relationship-builder, and a passionate advocate for local business? We are looking for an Executive Director to serve as the primary voice and champion for nearly 400 member businesses stretching from Kings County to Lawrencetown.

If you have a proven track record of leadership, strong financial literacy, and a love for the Annapolis Valley community, we want to hear from you!

👉 Read the full Opportunity Brief and apply here: www.annapolisvalleychamber.ca/careers

We have not set a formal deadline for this position; the posting will remain active until the successful candidate is found. We encourage early applications.

04/22/2026