Chatham-Kent Economic Development, in conjunction with local partners and government representatives, are seeking to learn more about the impact of steel, aluminum, and other tariffs on local business through an online survey.
The survey is an outcome of a special Tariff Talks meeting held recently with Chatham-Kent and area businesses, manufacturers, and agricultural businesses.
Through roundtable discussions at the Tariff Talks meeting, attendees shared their thoughts and concerns regarding imposed and pending US tariffs.
As a result of the meeting, Chatham-Kent businesses are invited to complete an online survey that show the impact these tariffs may be having, or are having, on them and on our region.
“The steel and metal fabrication industries have already been hit hard by U.S. tariffs and the threat of tariffs against the auto sector continues to linger,” stated Geoff Wright, Economic Development Officer with Chatham-Kent Economic Development, in a media release.
“The Tariff Talks meeting was one tool we are using to engage our business community on vital topics. The survey is another way we are working to reach even more people on this critical issue and how it may impact Chatham-Kent’s economy.”
“We have had a lot of interest in attending today’s meeting but this is a busy time of the year for the farming, agriculture industry, and all advanced manufacturing, so many of them could not make the discussion this morning,” said Kim Cooper, Economic Development Officer with Chatham-Kent Economic Development.
“Being able to get the agri-business voice is another reason why we are sending out the survey.”
Wright added: “I still firmly believe that Chatham-Kent is a business-competitive community. Chatham-Kent Economic Development wants to make sure that we are doing everything we can to maintain our leadership role and to help businesses keep that competitive advantage.”
The survey, which will be available until noon on Friday, September 28, 2018, can be found online at https://www.chatham-kent.ca/EconomicDevelopment.
The summary results will be aggregated and shared with government officials.
All results will be completely anonymous as to protect anyone who provides input and all individual responses are confidential and will not be shared.
