The City of Summerside unveiled its new Summerside Connection program today in partnership with Prince Edward Island Business Development. Designed to build closer links with former residents who are now living and/or operating businesses off-Island, the goal of the Summerside Connection program is to expand the city's network of contacts and ultimately attract new investment to the province.
"Summerside has a long history of entrepreneurship, but over the years we, unfortunately, have lost a lot of skilled residents to other economic centres," said Mayor Basil Stewart, City of Summerside.
"Through the Summerside Connection program, we hope to communicate to these people that our city's economic climate is much more diverse than ever before and that Summerside, and all of PEI for that matter, is a ripe investment location."
The city's Economic Development Office will be calling on residents to submit names of family and friends who are former residents of Summerside. Whether these contacts operate a business or just wish to receive regular updates on local events and employment opportunities, an information package will be sent to them courtesy of the Summerside Connection program.
"Prince Edward Island has a lot to offer companies that are starting up or expanding their operations. It is our job to actively recruit business and promote our Island advantages," said the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology.
"A key market for us to target are those who already have strong ties to PEI. This is what the Summerside Connection program will do, and the Province is pleased to partner with Summerside on this innovative effort."
Those signed up under the Summerside Connection program will receive regular communication from the province including a quarterly newsletter, e-mail and a dedicated web presence.
Anyone interested in further details on this program should contact Mike Thususka, City of Summerside, at 432-1255 or Michael MacInnis, PEI Business Development, at 368-6181.