TIMBERPARTS LTD AND KINGS COUNTY MECHANICAL LTD SET TO EXPAND . . . FOR CANADIAN CHRISTMAS TREE EXPORTERS – ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY  . . . NEW WORKPLACE EDUCATION COURSE: SUPPLY CHAIN ESSENTIALS . . . INVEST A WEEK-END, LEARN ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND JUMP START AGRI-BUSINESS!  . . . ALMOND BISCOTTI . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

TIMBERPARTS LTD AND KINGS COUNTY MECHANICAL LTD SET TO EXPAND
Source: CBC.ca
Two Sussex, N.B. companies will be expanding and increasing their productivity and efficiency in the new year, Timberparts Ltd. will build a new 13,000 square foot facility and purchase a 10-ton crane with a $500,000 repayable contribution from ACOA. Kings County Mechanical Ltd. will acquire the building it currently leases, purchase equipment and construct a small adjoining building for its blast and paint shop with its $500,000 repayable contribution from ACOA. (read more)

FOR CANADIAN CHRISTMAS TREE EXPORTERS – ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY
Source: Export Development Canada
One province looking to further benefit from the Christmas tree industry is Nova Scotia. The maritime province is the second largest exporter of Christmas trees (behind Quebec), exporting 95 percent of their total annual production. “The Christmas tree industry provides jobs for about 4,000 people in rural Nova Scotia,” says Colette Wyllie, Industry Coordinator with the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia. “It’s a valuable industry for us. . . . (read more)

NEW WORKPLACE EDUCATION COURSE: SUPPLY CHAIN ESSENTIALS
Source: NSEF Would you like to optimize your skills to take advantage of supply chain opportunities? The NSFA in partnership with the Dept of Labour Workplace Development is pleased to offer free of charge this 40 hour customized Workplace Education program which will help you build the skills, knowledge and performance you require when dealing with supply chain opportunities. (read more)

INVEST A WEEK-END, LEARN ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND JUMP START AGRI-BUSINESS!
Source: ThinkFarm
Do you have an idea that may solve a problem for farmers or food consumers? Have you been chewing on a possible business opportunity that could grow your operation? Or, maybe you simply have skills you want to apply to help advance innovative ideas for the local agri-food industry? Save the date- January 16-18, 2015! (read more)

ALMOND BISCOTTI
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
pinch of salt
3/4 cup sliced almonds
Heat the oven to 325°F. In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl using a hand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the almond extract. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer running, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Add the sliced almonds and mix for a minute more. You will have a soft dough. Put the dough on a floured board and divide it into thirds. Roll into logs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 3 inches apart, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until slightly browned. Remove the logs and let them cool slightly. While the logs are still warm, cut them on the diagonal into slices about one-half-inch thick. Place the slices on two baking sheets and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until barely brown. Turn over the biscotti and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until barely brown. Cool on a rack. Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies. Biscotti will keep for weeks in an airtight container.