Greg Viva is a native of Sydney Mines who after changing jobs several times decided he wanted to open his own business in the town in which he was born and raised. Greg and a friend, Wayne MacIntyre, opened their business in June, 1997, at a time when most of Sydney Mines looked like a 'ghost' town and the economic outlook for the town was bleak. We interviewed Greg to discover what made him decide to open his business in Sydney Mines and to get his outlook on small town Cape Breton. The following excerpts are from the interview conducted on Friday, August 7,1998.

ER: Why did you decide to open a business in Sydney Mines?

GV Basically I live in Sydney Mines, I was working part time and I believed a hardware business could succeed in Sydney Mines. I didn't want to move away to get work.

ER How did you acquire the appropriate funding to open your own business?

GV I received funding from NEDAC and through personal funding,. our families believed we could make a go of it and helped. Also one of the local banking institutions supported us by giving us a loan.

ER How is your business doing since you opened in June 1997?

GV Business is going fairly well. The people of Sydney Mines and surrounding areas are supporting us and are pleased we are open. I think we would be even busier if more businesses would return to Sydney Mines.

ER What is your opinion of the Sydney Mines Economic Renewal Plan?

GV I think it is a great plan. I have faith it is going to work and look forward to the benefits of having more businesses on the Main Street of Sydney Mines. At this point, in the renewal, I think it's time for a person with business experience to take over the plan.