The County has created a one-year, $50,000 Service Agreement with the Chamber of Commerce to promote and support County businesses, services, manufacturers, and suppliers.

“The Chamber wants to work to advance the interests of all business in Prince Edward County,” said CEO Duarte da Silva. “This of course serves our members, but the work we do together with the County is to advance business and the economy here for everyone.”

“This service agreement represents a partnership between the Chamber and the County, one that advances at once the needs of business here as well as municipal objectives — now we are both rowing in the same direction.”

As part of the year-long project, the Chamber will host a pilot Prince Edward County Connect Trade Show, featuring regional vendors and suppliers and aimed at improving local supply chains and procurement.

The funds will also support workshops open to all, as well as workforce development to benefit all County businesses.

In her report, Director of Economic Development Karen Palmer noted, “The Chamber needs to raise its profile and perceived value amongst the business community,” at the same time as a shrinking membership base limits revenue. 

The Chamber represents 272 of the County’s 1079 small businesses — 90 percent of which are small, independent and local. Only 10 businesses in the County have 100 or more employees. About 60 percent serve the County’s tourist trade.

As part of the “exceptional trade partnership,” the Chamber will also undertake the promotion of transit services to County residents and visitors. “Better transportation services and use are a municipal priority and have been highlighted by businesses as a persistent challenge for both staff and customers,” said Ms. Palmer. “In an area noted for its wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries, well-publicized and well-used transportation options help ensure community safety.”

Impaired driving in PEC is one of the local OPP’s top priorities. Promoting transit options of every variety is one way the municipality can help. The Chamber will develop a comprehensive awareness campaign to promote every available option, from public transit to Uride to licensed taxis and limos, as well as active transportation, such as cycling and walking.

Local Support

The endgame is to develop the local economy.

Mr. Da Silva, like the rest of the County, is excited to start work on a comprehensive Shop Local campaign — the project has taken on new urgency in the face of what promises to be a crushing trade war and attack on Canadian sovereignty.

“We are going to be putting all of this money into the community to support local businesses,” vowed Mr. Da Silva.

“We will be using social media to get the word out, of course, but we will no longer be spending precious local dollars on Meta, never mind X.

“We will use what is free on Facebook and Instagram, while exploring alternatives like Bluesky, but when it comes to getting the word out, we are committed to supporting our community media.

“Radio, print, and digital: the County has it all and the Chamber is committed to supporting the important work that they do.”

The Chamber has also applied for $240,000 in FedDev Funding for Organizations that Support Business Growth to develop a Made in the County certification and branding program over three years.

If awarded, the County has committed half the amount, $120,000 in the form of a matching grant. Visit the County has also committed staffing and marketing support in what will be a County-wide outreach effort in support of the initiative. 

The funds for the $50,000 Service Agreement come from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve, which contained about $500,000 in unspent and uncommitted funds in December 2024.

The sum includes the costs of delivering campaigns, workshops and outreach. The Chamber will report on the impact and outcomes of the work it does this year ahead of 2026 budget talks.