This is part of a year-long ‘Love for Local’ series called NB365: portraits of New Brunswick entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations. Huddle is a media partner with Love for Local. Today, we hear from Tanya Chapman of the Chapman Group in Saint John.

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN BUILDING A COMPANY THAT SERVES SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES BY PROVIDING THEM WITH PROFESSIONAL HR SUPPORT. THESE BUSINESSES ARE THE BACKBONE OF ATLANTIC CANADA AND ARE OFTEN UNDERSERVED WITHIN THE WORLD OF MANAGEMENT CONSULTING.

I also wanted to create an environment that was inclusive and dynamic, with a team of business professionals committed to increasing the socio-economic conditions of the province. As part of this commitment, each of us gives 10 percent of our time to not-for-profit organizations for free, which was part of the original business plan!

Supporting local by shopping in our communities, investing our time here, using services that are available within the region and creating opportunities for employment are all critical to increasing our economic conditions.

Lifting one business at a time creates a wave that lifts the entire region through increased economic development and opportunity. Our focus for the next few years is to expand our reach and impact throughout the region.

We will continue to work with great clients to increase the capability and capacity of our people within Atlantic Canada. Supporting local businesses has a real impact because, by investing in local businesses, we are collectively investing in our region, its people, and our long-term success and sustainability.