Strong communities start with successful businesses.

Unfortunately, during the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 25th, Council failed to recognize the obstacles that prevent the creation of a sustainable business ecosystem in the County.

I am grateful for Councillor Braney’s support of our business community and for his understanding of the sacrifices business owners make as they pursue their goals. As the Chamber of Commerce CEO, however, I am very concerned about Councillor Maynard’s negative portrayal of the business and hospitality industry in PEC in comments that received no objections from her fellow councillors.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lesley Lavender.

Council seems to have little understanding or appreciation of the investment made by every single operator in our tourism and hospitality industry. Councillor Maynard’s statements only exemplify the many concerns raised by small business owners about overregulation. It is very concerning that so many small businesses in this community feel unwelcome here.

Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy; 98 per cent of all businesses in the County are small businesses. A 2022 survey showed women own 56 per cent of our businesses. Two-thirds of local businesses are directly involved in hospitality and tourism.

Tourism and hospitality play a huge role in creating vibrant communities in which to work and live. In the County, tourism is not only a key economic driver, but an indispensable component of broader economic development. The sector directly employs nearly 6,000 people and affects a range of sub-sectors, including the arts, culture and heritage, construction and trades, agriculture, and retail. In 2022, tourism contributed over $1 million in annual municipal accommodation tax (MAT) revenues to the County alone.

The culture at Shire Hall needs to change. It must recognize the importance of creating an environment that supports a vibrant business community. The benefits are clear to us all. A strong business community leads to economic growth, and enhanced infrastructure, schools, libraries, hospital.

Tourism and hospitality were the sectors hit hardest by COVID-19. They have been the last to fully recover and rebuild. Immediate action from Council is required to address soaring debt amid high interest rates. We need long-term strategic investments for our businesses to remain competitive.

The business ecosystem in the County is only successful when it creates more value collectively than its members can create individually. As we continue to look at economic recovery, we must listen to the needs of small businesses and hear from them directly about the supports and services that will help to diversify our economy.

So long as there exists a difference between what a community is, and what a community should be, there is a need for a Chamber of Commerce. Businesspeople pour their hopes, dreams, and personal finances into an investment in Prince Edward County. They live, work, and raise their families here. We acknowledge and respect this and are uniquely positioned to encourage growth and evolution by representing, advocating, and protecting business and the entrepreneurial spirit. Our work is not done.

Lesley Lavender

CEO

Chamber of Commerce