Experts to Lead Panel Event for Businesses on Future-Proofing Your Business Against U.S. Tariffs
Experts to Lead Panel Event for Businesses on Future-Proofing Your Business Against U.S. Tariffs
Peterborough, ON – February 13, 2025 – Business owners across Peterborough City and County are invited to attend Bridging the Divide: Future-Proofing Your Business Against U.S. Tariffs, a free event designed to help local businesses navigate the challenges posed by shifting trade policies. Hosted by Community Futures Peterborough, the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Association, this event will provide expert insights into supply chain management, finance, and trade strategies.
On Tuesday, March 4, at Market Hall in Peterborough, the event will open its doors at 8:00 AM, allowing attendees to network over food and drinks before programming begins at 8:30 AM. The panel discussion will focus on the impact of U.S. tariffs, changes in consumer buying habits, and effective strategies for businesses to mitigate risks and adapt to new trade realities.
“The impact of U.S. tariffs is being felt across our region, and business owners are facing new challenges that require immediate attention,” says Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough, Devon Girard. “We recognized the urgency of this issue and felt it was essential to bring together experts in trade, supply chain management, and finance to provide actionable insights. This panel is a direct response to the concerns we’ve heard from local businesses, and we’re committed to equipping them with the knowledge and strategies they need to navigate these changes successfully.”
The event will begin with opening remarks from Devon Girard of Community Futures Peterborough, Joel Wiebe of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, and County of Peterborough Warden Bonnie Clark. A panel will feature industry experts including Bob Armstrong, President of Armstrong Trade and Logistics Advisory Services, Andrea Parkes, Professor of Supply Chain at Fleming College, and Sherry Hill, CFO of Peterboro Matboards and Secretary of the Kawartha Manufacturers Association.
Keynote speaker, Bob Armstrong, CITP, FCILT, President of Armstrong Trade and Logistics Advisory Services Inc. (ATLAS) brings unparalleled expertise to the region. He has more than 50 years of experience in Global Supply Chain, International Trade, Cross-Border Logistics, and Customs Regulations, and has led numerous global trade missions. He previously served as President of the Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Canada, President and CEO of the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters Inc., and President of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada (AIAMC). His extensive experience includes helping Canadian businesses find new suppliers and customers while ensuring cost-effective, efficient, and resilient supply chain operations in global markets.
“Canada’s supply chains are critical to our country’s economic success but are under constant upheaval due to the complexity of the supply chain, consumers changing purchasing habits, government interventions, wars and labour shortages,” says Armstrong. “Our largest trade flows are South-North-South with our largest trading partner the USA. Will we see a new, larger flow of goods across Canada east to west, west to east as Canadians trade more with each other? Will Canada increase its exports and imports with the Far East and the EU? That can change supply chain patterns too,” he added.
Throughout the discussion, panelists will explore key topics such as how tariffs are disrupting supply chains, strategies for diversifying suppliers, the impact of trade barriers on local businesses, and new market opportunities for Canadian exporters. Local business owners will also share firsthand experiences on how tariffs are affecting their operations and what steps they are taking to adapt in our rapidly changing environment.
“Our local economy is disrupted,” says Joel Wiebe, Vice President, Government Relations and Operations at the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. “Peterborough sells more than $580 million in goods to the US and businesses here rely on American companies for the goods and materials they produce and sell. This is an opportunity to address the risks in our supply chain.”
The conversation will examine how Canadian businesses can effectively engage with policymakers, the role of contract clauses in tariff agreements, and how to successfully build supplier relationships in today’s rapidly changing trade environment. Registration for the event can be found on www.cfpeterborough.ca
About Community Futures Peterborough
Community Futures Peterborough has a mission to support small businesses with flexible financing in the City and County of Peterborough. It has invested more than $42 million in 1,300+ small businesses since 1985, creating or maintaining more than 4,300 jobs in the City and the County. CFP is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), as part of the Community Futures Program. In 2024, Community Futures Peterborough began delivery of the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) program, funded by the Province of Ontario. The Business Advisory Centre also receives operational funding from the City of Peterborough and the County of Peterborough.
About Chamber:
Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is a member-funded organization representing 1,000 businesses in the City and County of Peterborough. The Chamber works to elevate the influence, profile, and knowledge of local businesses through advocating as the voice of business to all levels of government, showcasing its members online and in the community, and equipping them with the information they need to thrive.
Media Contact:
Devon Girard, Executive Director
devon@cfpeterborough.ca
Cell: 705-957-3641