New Year, Same Challenges?
The Chamber Network across Canada continues to be the largest, most influential business association in the country. The network is made up of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, and represents over 200,000 businesses just like yours. Members of the network are businesses of all sizes, in all sectors of the economy and are from all regions of the country. The Chamber Network helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada.
One of the biggest issues as we start 2014 is that businesses of all sizes in Canada are starting a brand new year still dealing with the systemic uncertainty that has plagued the Canadian Economy for the past few years. The Government along with every political party and many organizations continue to tell Canadian Businesses that they need to invest in more: training, equipment, R & D and innovation but the level of uncertainty makes it hard for businesses to commit to the kind of spending that is being asked of them.
How are Canadian businesses supposed to make the decisions that will develop long range plans and investment opportunities when they are inundated with conflicting opinions on what is going on in the economy? Here is a sample of this weeks’ business headlines.
Canada’s economic growth outlook too ‘rosy,’ says report – Financial Post
Ontario Confidence Adds to Evidence of 2014 Rebound for Canada- Bloomberg Business Week
Canadians heading into 2014 with rosier outlook on the economy- Financial Post
2013-14 Economic Outlook: Still Stuck in the Slow Lane- The Canadian Business Journal
Canada's Economy In 2014: The Biggest Risks – The Huffington Post
There are no easy solutions but by being a member of the Chamber Network through the Quinte West Chamber we are going to:
*send you the reports and articles from the Canadian and Ontario Chambers that will help you make informed decisions for your business.
*represent you and make sure your opinion counts and your concerns are heard through our surveys and lobbying efforts to the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
*hold events where speakers can break down information to give it a local perspective such as the BDC Economic Outlook on January 23 with Economist Pierre Cléroux
*offer benefits and services that will help your business and save you money.
Be seen. Be hear. Belong
Suzanne Andrews, manager
Quinte West Chamber of Commerce