Company Profile

Talent Bank Communications was established in 1985 to promote rural Nova Scotia businesses in local, regional, and international markets. For over thirty-five years company president Eric Hustvedt and vice-president Phyllis Price — and other associates as required — have been involved in market studies, analysis of small business marketing/communications programs, publishing projects and the delivery of marketing/communications services.

Clients have been as diverse as Annapolis Ventures business development centre, LaHave Bakery, and the performing artists Razzmatazz for Kids. From 1993 through 2009, the company focused largely on the Nova Scotia boatbuilding sector, including marketing management services to custom yacht builder Covey Island Boatworks and a wide range of communications services to the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association.

Since its founding, TBC has delivered training programs and workshops on marketing and communications and assisted with writing projects.

The company reduced its level of activity during Eric's dozen years as a municipal councillor (2008-2020). However, the company continued to offer services to a limited number of clients. In 2017, recently retired from her main career in Public Health, Phyllis undertook a project with the Nova Scotia Health Authority to build the capacity of staff in framing effective advocacy messaging. Meanwhile Eric began to explore book publishing as editor and preparer of Zen Slaps of a Cancer Warrior by Jim Hockings, published by TBC the same year.

Recent Projects

In 2020, TBC prepared the poetry book Planning My Escape by Mary Homstad (Springwater Road Publishing) in print and eBook formats for sale through Amazon and bookstores. In 2021-2022 the company helped Cape Island Cruisers of East LaHave develop and implement a promotional plan to introduce their innovative Cape Sable motorboat design.

Volunteer organizations have benefitted from TBC skills. Phyllis recntly took the lead in securing funding for a major renovation of the Broad Cove Community Hall. Eric is currently (early 2023) doing communications work for the non-profit Lunenburg County Wheels Association as it makes its community transportation service available, by degrees, to all western Lunenburg County. And Phyllis and Eric each played a part in helping launch the online radio station CVCR (Coastal Villages Community Radio) from LaHave, NS.

Key Personnel

President Eric Hustvedt, B.A., Luther College, Iowa (1969) draws on his background in journalism, research, and marketing to help clients set and meet their communications goals.

Vice-President Phyllis Price, B.A., Queens (1973) has special expertise in community development, advocacy process, policy research and analysis, and creation of clear communication tools. She has built on her 35-year career in co-ordinating health promotion organizations to assess and improve the profiles of businesses and other organizations, such as Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association, Dagley’s Boatworks, Greater Petite Area Community Association and Broad Cove Community Association.

Grant-writing is one of Phyllis’ specialties. In 2021-2022, she spearheaded several successful applications to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; Nova Scotia Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage; Municipality of the District of Lunenburg; and Nova Scotia Business Inc. Export Development Program.

Phyllis continues to provide her proof-reading and editing skills to a variety of writing projects.