Do you want business to succeed in Newfoundland and Labrador? The St. John’s Board of Trade does.
Last month I was sworn in as the 45th Chair of the St. John’s Board of Trade. With this responsibility, I recognize our ongoing sentiment that “we are all in this together” must be part of what drives our organization and business in this province, to help with Newfoundland and Labrador’s fiscal state. This sentiment, while remaining positive is key to business, and indeed our province’s success.
But admittedly, sentiments, much like thoughts, prayers, and tears, are not enough.
We all have a role to play. What does that truly mean?
It means more than offering criticisms that we often see when turning on the news, or surfing Twitter. It means offering solutions and tangible help.
The St. John’s Board of Trade is helping with solutions.
Over the last year, we have:
• Connected over 200 people seeking jobs with employers through our Connector NL program.
• Launched a project aimed at helping experienced workers transition back into the workforce.
• Provided testimony to the House of Commons Finance committee and a Senate committee on issues important to our membership.
• Provided assistance and guidance to business during the state of emergency and worked with municipal and federal officials to extend tax deadlines for HST and commercial property tax.
Over the next few months, we are continuing to work our solutions. Just this week, we met with Minister of Finance Tom Osbourne, in what can only be described as a very positive discussion. It was evident that the provincial government are also working on more solutions and are continuing to be open to our organization and others. The future is brighter than many may think.
But there’s more to this.
I am often (and rightly) asked by businesspeople why their company should be a member of the St. John’s Board of Trade. Similarly, members will sometimes ask me why their company should continue to be a member. Even I, as a partner in a member business, ask that question.
The reply is simple: You get out what you put in.
Being a member of the St. John’s Board of Trade is a lot like being a member at a gym. The membership is a key. But, we ask that businesses work the membership. To make gains, the member needs to engage, and engage often. We aren’t just talking about networking events either. When it comes to our advocacy to all levels of government, we need members’ input to guide and fuel us. Reach out and tell us what you want and need. We want members and sponsors alike to get what they are paying for: solutions, action, and more business.
And speaking of government, you’re invited too! Our members want to see their representatives at events, and not just the ones they might be asked to speak at. All MHA’s, municipal Councillors, and Newfoundland and Labrador MP’s just call me, I’ll make sure you’re on the list. We are always happy to have your attendance and input.
Not a businessperson? We ask that you do all you can to support business in Newfoundland and Labrador. If that support is limited to buying a coffee at a downtown shop, we very much appreciate it.
Are you a businessperson? We want, no, scratch that, we need your business to be a member of the St. John’s Board of Trade. We think you need it too. More than that, we need you to get actively involved. Are you already part of our 750-member strong group? Thank you. We need the same thing from you. We appreciate your membership, and we want to see and hear from you, all the time. The Board has 10 hardworking staff, 14 committed volunteer executive and directors, and 25 volunteer ambassadors, all here to help.
What can we do for you?
Everyone within our province has a role in helping Newfoundland and Labrador finally achieve its full potential while at the same time recognizing the challenges and difficult decisions that are ahead of us.
Our private sector drives and diversifies the Newfoundland and Labrador economy. The St. John’s Board of Trade means business. So do I.
Andrew Wadden is the 2020 Chair of the St. John’s Board of Trade, and a partner with Wadden Peddigrew Hogan Law. He can be reached via email at [email protected].
