A large number of business owners, entrepreneurs and interested individuals turned out for the annual general meeting of Enterprise South East (ESE), held on Tuesday, June 22 in Shediac.
In his welcoming remarks, Hon. Victor Boudreau, Minister of Business New Brunswick and minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation noted that it is the creative spirit and the get-it-done attitude that has put New Brunswick on the map for being ready, willing and open for business.
“We are working hard to support your efforts with our lower tax plan, our customized programs for entrepreneurs and our strategic investments in infrastructure. Together, we are building the best place in the world to do business,” he said.
James McKenna, president of the Board of Directors of ESE noted that southeastern New Brunswick has recently been witnessing some signs of economic recovery from the downturn of the past several years. However, in order for this recovery to continue, businesses much adapt to the new realities and continuously become more efficient.
“It is encouraging to see both the federal and provincial governments have continued to invest in our region. Local companies accessed over $9.5 million last year which, coupled with private investment, indicates the continued optimism of both entrepreneurs and government in the future of our economy,” he said.
In her annual report, ESE executive director Patsy Chamberlain noted that during the 2009-2010 fiscal year the staff of ESE conducted more than 750 counselling session and approximately 150 business on-site visits. In addition, more than 600 individuals benefited from training and youth directed information sessions, all of which confirms ESE’s commitment to the regions’ existing and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“We will continue to promote our service and play an active role in our region’s business community, offering professional counselling, training opportunities and promoting youth entrepreneurship development,” Chamberlain said.
Guest speaker for the event, Michelyne Paulin, Director and Senior Trade Commissioner Atlantic Region; Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada pointed out that there is more to international business development than engaging in exporting activities.
“The new 24/7 global digital universe is reshaping social, business and political interactions.” - – Michelyne Paulin
“In order to remain competitive in a fully globalized economy, Canadian companies need also to engage in smart procurement, in getting and using the world’s best technologies, in getting the best talent and in increasing their presence abroad,” Paulin said.
She noted that the world is just now coming to grips with the worst truly global financial crisis since the 1930s.
“This is the first synchronized global recession in generations…this is more than a typical economic cycle; there is no return to business-as-usual,” she said, adding that the public expectation is for the government to better prevent and protect Canadians from future crises.
The drivers of global changes are reshaping economics and business relationships, she said. The world today is interconnected, with technological change taking place at an astounding pace and changing the shape of innovation.
“The new 24/7 global digital universe is reshaping social, business and political interactions. We have an aging population in North America, but that is not the same in all countries; and there is a premium on skilled labour,” she explained.
Paulin stressed that the world has changed the way in which it does business.
“Today, governments are competing with governments; firms are competing with firms and there is much competition for markets, capital, technology and talent; and business opportunities are intensifying,” she said.
The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is located in more than 150 cities worldwide, with 17 offices across Canada. The organization promotes Canada’s economic interests in the global marketplace and is this countries’ most comprehensive network of international trade professionals.
“Our clients are small, medium and large companies who are established in Canada, do business abroad and have researched their markets. We help them export, invest abroad, seek technology and capital as well as to develop research and development partnerships,” Paulin noted.
