July to December 2022
PKED Strategic Plan Progress Report (Q3 + Q4)
Outlook on the second half of 2022
Much like the first half of 2022, the past 6 months continued to present uncertainty for the regional economy with many of the same adversaries, such as the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and workforce challenges staying in play. Further, the fears of a recession, coupled with increased lending rates and increased costs for materials and supplies, have really taken a toll on the business community.
While these challenges are the current reality, there are some indicators that there is room for optimism. The 2022 Business Count survey conducted by Peterborough & the Kawarthas (PKED) indicated that 54 businesses across the region are still considering an expansion in the next 12 months. In addition, Peterborough & the Kawarthas continues to be a desirable region with 26 investment inquiries received by PKED, and more than 1900 visitors served in the Visitor Centre since July.
There are still many difficulties and competing priorities facing the regional economy, and continued support for local businesses remains critical. While communities and businesses in Peterborough & the Kawarthas have always punched above their weight when it comes to making local purchases, more work is to be done in 2023 to assist local employers with finding local workers to help businesses prosper, which will, in turn, improve the health of the regional economy.
Rhonda Keenan,
President & CEO
July to December 2022
Economic Development Dashboard
July to December 2022
What has PKED been up to lately?
Local Business
- Sponsored Business Student Leadership Awards for Trent University and Fleming College recipients at Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
- Participated in Business Exchange: Apsley Hop Tour with Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
- Regular attendance at Chamber AM events
- Attended Regional Tourism Organization 8 AGM
- Sponsored and supported the Discover PTBO Bingo program with DBIA & Trent University
- Hosted TD Economic Outlook event
- Attended Green Economy Peterborough Networking Event at Cambium
- Attended various local business celebrations
Business Development
- Participated in Ontario Tech University’s Catalyst Challenge for entrepreneurs focussed on innovation to address climate change, presented to entrepreneurs, assisted with defining the problem to address, and acted in the role of judge for the competition
- Attended the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) Conference with Cleantech Commons – MaRS Discovery District
- Presented “Why Ptbo” to Innovation Cluster’s StartUP Visa Program to help attract new technology-based entrepreneurs to the region
- Attended Ontario East Municipal Conference
- Attended and supported Tri Association Manufacturing Conference
- Attended the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario Conference – won Ontario Tourism Resiliency Award for Sustainable DMO for O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge
- Participated in Trent Lakes Tourism & Recovery Economic Development Strategy Sessions
- Attended Labour Force Recovery meeting
Agriculture
- Participated in ONFARM Field Day through the Ontario Soil Network
- Attended Farm Management Canada-Agricultural Excellence Conference in November
- Sponsored and participated in a farm showcase tour organized by Peterborough Agricultural Round Table
- Co-hosted a 20th-anniversary celebration of Kawartha Choice Farm Fresh in Peterborough & City of Kawartha Lakes
- Attended the OMAFRA Agri-food Forum Conference in November
- Sent a staff member to Farmer Coach Train the Trainer Executive Agriculture Training Program
- Attended exploratory meetings regarding Sustainable Agriculture with Fleming College and Regenerative Farming with Trent University
- Hosted Kawartha Choice Farm Fresh Speed Dating Local Food & Business networking event
Investing in Training
In addition to attending various industry conferences each year, in an effort to better serve our stakeholders, PKED’s staff and board also undertake specialized training from time to time. In 2022:
- The staff and board at PKED underwent a two-day Indigenous Awareness training program delivered by Cambium Indigenous Professional Services
- PKED staff received training in mental distress recognition and response through the Canadian Mental Health Association
- PKED staff received cyber security awareness training through the City of Peterborough