PKED Welcomes New Board Members, Releases Annual Report at AGM

[PETERBOROUGH, ON]: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) held the corporations annual general meeting (AGM) virtually Thursday morning, welcoming three new board members and released an annual report summarizing the key activities undertaken by the region’s lead economic development agency in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PKED Board of Directors welcomed three new board members; Jonathan Drew, Burton Lee and Ian Almond who will be replacing Karen Beamish, Tracey Randall and Dana Empey, who were thanked for their countless hours of service to the organization and their valuable contributions to the local community. Remaining board members include Sandra Dueck, Lori Neill, Sandra Clancy, Sheridan Graham, Asaf Zohar, Bob Gauvreau, Erin McLean, Maureen Adamson, Terry McCullough, and Nicole Stephenson.

In addition to regular business, Board Chair, Sandra Dueck provided a review of PKED’s key activities in 2020, captured in the corporation’s annual report which can be viewed at www.peterboroughed.ca/reports.

“As we look back on 2020, it is hard to believe that it was one year ago that we began to see the full impacts brought about by COVID-19. One year later there are many similarities, much of the same challenges and yet some positive momentum as well.” Sandra Dueck said.

“This has been a tough year. We acknowledge how difficult it has been and the toll that it is taking on small business owners, the hundreds of tough decisions made, the thousands of changes needed, the countless nights of worry. We are grateful for the passionate and ongoing commitment by this community to support local, it is a lifeline for local businesses.” she added.

President & CEO Rhonda Keenan presented a summary of key projects and initiatives identified in the 2021 business plan presented to councils earlier this year. Overall, the focus will remain on recovering and rebuilding the local economy which includes a 2nd Annual Business Count, execution of a newly developed Culinary Tourism Strategy and increased support for small businesses through the Business Advisory Centre as examples.

“Although we were looking forward to a fresh start in 2021, the pandemic continues to present ongoing challenges. Despite this, Peterborough & the Kawarthas remains a resilient community, led by resilient businesses. COVID-19 has certainly been a strong adversary, but Peterborough & the Kawarthas is up for the challenge.” said President & CEO Rhonda Keenan.

For media inquiries contact Kelly Jessup, Director of Marketing & Communications, 705.743.0777 Ext. 2130 or kjessup@peterboroughed.ca.

About PKED

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) is the lead regional economic development agency for the City and County of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1999, PKED is a not-for-profit organization that is funded to deliver economic development and tourism services through a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Peterborough and the County of Peterborough and is governed by a volunteer board of directors made of up to 13 members of the local community, including Chief Administrative Officers for the County and City of Peterborough.

PKED’s Mandate

To facilitate an environment which will contribute to the creation of wealth, the growth of new employment and the development of an improving quality of life for area residents. PKED will promote, facilitate, and develop a strong unified economic development presence for the Greater Peterborough area (being the entire geographic region consisting of the County of Peterborough and the City of Peterborough). PKED will work cooperatively with local municipalities and other organizations to ensure that investment opportunities throughout the region are effectively developed. PKED, in working to fulfill its general mandate, will be guided by the corporations’ strategic plan