PKED WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS, LAUNCHES NEW INVESTPTBO.CA WEBSITE, AND RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT CARD AT AGM
[PETERBOROUGH, ON]: The region’s lead economic development agency, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED), held its annual general meeting (AGM) Thursday morning. Highlights of the event included welcoming two new board members, the release of PKED’s Future Ready Report Card, and the official launch of a new investor-focused InvestPTBO.ca website.
The PKED Board of Directors welcomed two new board members; Tania Joy-Bartlett and Matt Strano, replacing Lori Neill and Dr. Asaf Zohar, who were thanked for their countless hours of service to the organization and their valuable contributions to the local community. The remaining board members include Sandra Dueck (past Chair), Terry McCullough (incoming Chair), Sheridan Graham, Sandra Clancy, Bob Gauvreau, Erin McLean, Maureen Adamson, Burton Lee, Jon Drew, Ian Almond, and Nicole Stephenson.
In addition to regular business, outgoing Board Chair Sandra Dueck provided a reflection of the past two years in her role as Chair. “As we look back, it has been a tough time for all industries moving away from lockdowns and closures toward restarting and recovery. The Board revisited the Future Ready Regional Economic Development Plan, acknowledging that it stood the test of time by addressing challenges the region faces in growing the economy and responding to the ongoing issues presented by Covid-19. Today, we are pleased to share the progress PKED has made to advance the Future Ready Plan – even during a pandemic. We still recognize that the road to full recovery will be a long process, but we feel confident that this plan will help grow the regional economy into the future.” Said Dueck.
President & CEO Rhonda Keenan presented an overview of the key activities undertaken during 2020 and 2021 through the Future Ready Plan captured in the corporation’s Future Ready Report Card found at www.investptbo.ca/reports.
Director of Marketing & Communications Kelly Jessup provided an overview of the new InvestPTBO.ca website, which was revamped to address changes in economic development and intended to more effectively showcase the advantages of Peterborough & the Kawarthas to attract new businesses and investment opportunities to the region. The site also offers improved resources for local companies.
“Although we were all looking forward to a fresh start in 2022, the pandemic presents ongoing challenges. Despite this, PKED will continue to focus on recovering and rebuilding the local economy, including our third Annual Business Count and a sharper focus on workforce needs. We will complete the development of a new tourism strategy to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by Covid-19 and strengthen the development of new and innovative tourism products. The Business Advisory Centre will increase support for start-ups and small businesses and offer more support to existing businesses than ever before. PKED’s plans for 2022 and beyond seek to address the needs of local businesses to help them thrive and grow sustainably.” said Rhonda Keenan
-30-
For media inquiries, contact Kelly Jessup, Director of Marketing & Communications, 705-749-7747 or kjessup@investptbo.ca