Presentation to City of Summerside Mayor and Council Monday, January 19, 2015

We represent and advocate for business Member of national and provincial federations of Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade Bottom-up, grass roots, community-based – our defining quality 380 member companies in Summerside and surrounding area Annually elected board represent membership; develop policy, determine priorities and connect with municipal, provincial and federal government. 2

Changing marketplace Other traditional Chamber offerings: networking events, member benefits such as affordable health insurance, discounts on merchant services and shipping and “buy local” program (ours is called M2M) Our goal is to evolve with our membership, providing relevant programs and services as their needs change Initiated “The Way Forward” conference in 2014 to engage the community in conversation about economic development issues. Planning a follow-up this Spring. 3

Why we’re here Longstanding and positive relationship with the City Regular communication enhances opportunities to provide relevant support for the business community Excited at the prospect of working with new council and with many of the positions you stated in answer to our October Q & A. We are here to help you help our business community 4

Last meeting May 27, 2014 Highlights from preparatory member phone calls “Extremely important to get resolved” 2-way tie: Delayed release of official plan & economic leadership Barriers to development Public/private competition Open for business? Mixed, about 50/50 How should City be measured re support for business? Openness/transparency Red tape reduction/process, timing & communication New business openings/ size, sector, # employees Aggressiveness in promoting Summerside 5

Red Tape Red Tape Awareness Week in Prince Edward Island A discussion point at May meeting Additional conversations with members Lack of up front communication of the process, timing and expectation behind many of the stories Will provide further detail and recommendations 6

Member input In preparation for this meeting, asked our members: “What is the biggest obstacle/challenge to growing your business in 2015?” 1.Lack of a people strategy 2.Costs of running a business in Summerside 3.Lack of business support 7

Next Steps Budget roundtable Wednesday, January 21 Scorecard development Spring conference Next meeting 8

Thank you for your time GSCC Policy Committee Jonathan Greenan, Key Murray Law Mark O’Keefe, Vector Aerospace Engine Services - Atlantic Dan Kutcher, Cox & Palmer Georgia Ellis, ScotiaBank Jane Sharpe, GSCC 9