Voice of Business: ​Exciting Visit By US Consul General to Peterborough

The City of Peterborough and the Chamber recently hosted Baxter Hunt, the US Consul General and his wife Deborah. The meeting occurred at the newly opened Canoe Museum, marking the US Consul General’s first trip outside the GTA.

Sarah Budd, CEO of the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, chaired the meeting. Mayor Jeff Leal, Warden Bonnie Clark and CAO Jasbir Raina attended. Several business owners and representatives from Trent University and Fleming College were also present.  

The meeting began with comments from Mayor Jeff Leal and Warden Bonnie Clark, who expressed gratitude to the Consul General for visiting Peterborough. Hunt reiterated the prosperous economic relationship between Canada and the US and stressed the need to continue strengthening business ties. Several businesses and organizations showcased their roles within the community throughout the meeting.

Common themes discussed included ways to strengthen our cross-border relationship. Some businesses mentioned wanting to expand into the US, while others noted their connections with US cities. Hunt added that 35 US states have Canada as their biggest trading partner, stressing the immense potential to strengthen our economic partnerships.

Leal highlighted Peterborough’s key water system as a valuable resource. Peterborough's geographical location, marked by rivers and lakes, offers abundant opportunities to explore in collaboration with our American neighbours. Trent and Fleming were also mentioned for their renowned water science programs that have attracted American students.

Hunt noted that businesses looking to expand into the US have a great reference point in Toronto. The American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (AmCham) serves as a valuable resource for connecting partners from the US and discovering advantages in different US states. This would be a great resource for companies in Peterborough County looking to tap into US markets.

Hunt further encouraged businesses or organizations with questions about US visas to reach out to the American Consulate General in Toronto. Moreover, he suggested that businesses or organizations looking to invest in the US market should consider SelectUSA, which hosts its annual summit in Washington, D.C., which attracts 4,500 attendees from around the world to promote investment in the US.
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To close the meeting, Hunt reciprocated the growing interest in strengthening the cross-border relationship, highlighting Peterborough's abundant opportunities and attractions. This meeting began a great opportunity to enhance our cross-border relationship, with Hunt remarking, “I’m already feeling bullish on Peterborough.”

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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